A solo female traveler's guide to Paris

Solo female travel in Paris

Paris is always a good idea. But famed for being one of the most romantic destinations in the world, why take a solo trip to Paris? This city might be known for its bérets and baguettes, but there’s far more to discover than just the clichés. Fall head over heels for the City of Love as we uncover must-visit places, things to do, and advice on weather, accommodation, and getting around, to make your experience of solo female travel in Paris one for the books. 

Best time to visit Paris

Most people don’t visit Paris for the weather, which means it enjoys a steady stream of tourists throughout the year. The summer months of June to September are generally the busiest and most expensive, temperatures can rise up to 86°F (30°C), and the humidity can make sightseeing a bit of a chore. The winter months are the cheapest (but also the coldest and wettest) and Christmas markets and ice rinks make the city sparkle as shoppers enjoy the January sales. If you want to make the most of the city though, fair temperatures and fewer tourists are almost guaranteed throughout spring and autumn, and the months of April, May, October, and November usually offer the best of both worlds. 

Must-see places in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Is there anything more iconic than the Eiffel Tower? Views of the landmark can be enjoyed from all over the city, but some of the most popular spots to see it from are the Place du Trocadéro, the River Seine, and the Champ de Mars, directly beneath the tower. It’s not just the exterior that’s impressive though, either take the glass-walled lift or climb the 674 stairs to the top of the tower (at least, of what is open to the public) which will reward you with views of the city and its landmarks. 

Notre Dame 

While the interior of the cathedral remains closed due to the devastating fire of 2019, the Notre Dame is still well worth a visit to see the Gothic exterior of the building, which is complete with gargoyles and flying buttresses. 

Louvre 

Even if you’ve already been a number of times, there’s always something new to see at the Louvre. Despite being home to some of the most famous artworks in the world, most tourists head straight for the Mona Lisa - don’t miss out on Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People”, Géricault’s “The Raft of the Medusa,” and the “Venus de Milo”. 

Musée d’Orsay

The Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection is housed in this old Art Nouveau train station, which is almost as impressive as the artworks themselves. Marvel at paintings by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Whistler, Cézanne, and Van Gogh under the same roof as sculptures by the likes of Rodin and Degas. 

Arc de Triomphe

A historical gateway to the city, a celebration of French military achievements, and a symbol of French identity, the Arc de Triomphe is another must-see landmark. Enjoy the view from the Champs Élysées, or climb to the top of the Arc to see the city laid out in front of you. 

Centre Pompidou 

Head to the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe to see works by Warhol, Pollock, and Rothko, just to name a few. It might seem like the building is inside out, and that’s the point here - the pipes and cables adorning the exterior of the building free up more space on the inside for art. Oh, and there’s an excellent view from the rooftop!

Musée de l’Orangerie 

Highly recommended whether you’re a Monet fan or not, immerse yourself in the artist’s famous Water Lilies and enjoy a number of works by other artists such as Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. 

The Catacombs 

If you want to do something a little bit different, visit the Catacombs of Paris. Not for the faint-hearted, this series of underground tunnels was created to house human remains and prevent the spread of infection. Spooky…

Things to do in Paris

Explore the neighborhoods 

The great thing about Paris is that there’s something to see and do on almost every street corner. Walk in the footsteps of artists like Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Picasso as you explore the cobblestone streets of Montmartre. Wander to the top of La Butte Montmartre to find the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur and enjoy the pretty Louise Michel Square. On the other side of the Seine, the neighborhood of Saint Germain des Prés also has an arty vibe, and is filled with cafes frequented by 20th century writers, artists, and musicians. The Latin Quarter, the oldest district in Paris, has lots of historic monuments and classic architecture to explore, and Le Marais is the spot to go shopping for vintage goodies. 

Visit the museums

You can’t take a solo female travel trip to Paris without visiting at least one of the world-famous museums and galleries. Plus, it’s the perfect activity to do on your own - museums aren’t places for catch-ups with friends anyway.

Go for long walks

Walk through the 110 acre Père Lachaise Cemetery to see the graves of Jim Morrison, Chopin, and Oscar Wilde, follow the Coulée verte Renè-Dumont pathway to enjoy blossoming Cherry Trees in the spring, or stroll along the “most beautiful avenue in the world”, the Champs Élysées, all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. 

Discover secret covered passages

Another iconic piece of Parisian architecture, the covered passages, or passages couverts were built in the 19th century to elevate the shopping experience for wealthy Parisians. Walkways like Passage Choiseul, Passage Verdeau, and Passage Jouffroy are still filled with cafes and shops that feel oh-so-French! 

Go shopping

Speaking of…from flea markets to designer shops, there’s always an opportunity to splash a bit of cash in Paris. Visit the impressive department stores known as Les Grands Magasins, and if you’re in the mood for food, pick up fresh berries and local cheeses at Marché Maubert or grab a bite to eat at Marché des Enfants Rouges. 

Dig into the cuisine

Start the day with warm pain au chocolate that will melt in your mouth, stop off for crêpes as you wander around the city, and indulge in a plate of steak frites paired with wine recommended by the waiter for dinner. Round off your meal with a crème brûlée or nibble on macarons from Laduree, and the next day, do it all again. 

See the Seine

Take a river cruise and enjoy some of the most impressive feats of Parisian architecture along the river Seine, better yet, have dinner at the same time! If being on the water doesn’t float your boat, take a walk along the banks of the river, or even a guided tour. 

People watch over a coffee

Grab a book, order a coffee, and sink into a wicker chair on the terrace of a quaint cafe (if the weather permits). Don’t worry, there will still be lots to see if you do have to sit inside. 

Chill out in a park

If you’ve got good weather, pack a picnic of fresh baguette and cheese and head to the Jardin du Luxembourg (Paris’ second largest park), the Champ de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower, or the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Belleville. 

Watch a show

Last but not least, you’ve got to see a show in Paris. From the infamous cabaret shows at the Moulin Rouge to opera at the spectacular Palais Garnier, there’s something for every solo traveler in Paris. 

Getting around Paris

Walking is by far the best way to see Paris, and often, the most interesting places are the ones you stumble across without even meaning to. That being said, Paris is a big city and your legs will thank you for taking public transportation when necessary. The metro is cheap, quick, and easy to use; navigate your way using the map at the metro station or an app like Citymapper. If you decide to take a taxi, always check the meter is on and follow your route using an app like Google Maps.

Weather in Paris

The weather in Paris can be unpredictable - one minute the sun’s shining and the next, it’s raining. Winter temperatures range from 35-50°F (2-10°C), but summers can be as hot as 86°F (30°C). Interestingly, the months with the heaviest rainfall are July and December, but it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella no matter which season you are visiting Paris. 

Accommodation for solo female travelers in Paris

Wondering where to stay alone in Paris as a solo female traveler? Like most destinations, hostels are great if you want to meet other people who are also traveling alone. Your hosts will typically organize group trips and guided tours, with many hostels also providing private rooms and dorms exclusively for women. Hotels are also popular with solo female travelers, and can offer an added touch of luxury and a sense of privacy. Along with hostels and hotels there are a variety of B&Bs and house sitting opportunities in Paris, allowing you to choose your accommodation based on your needs and preferences. 

No matter which type of accommodation you choose, it’s important to do your research on the neighborhood. Staying close to a metro stop can make it a lot easier to get around, and likewise, staying somewhere central will ensure you don’t have to travel too far to see the sights.

Is Paris safe for solo female travelers?

Paris might be known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, but don’t be blinded by its charm. Like many major cities, it has a relatively high crime rate, it’s dirty and polluted, and there is a stark difference between the haves and the have nots. This means while most Paris solo female travel trips will go ahead without a hitch, it can be a tricky place for first-timers to navigate. However, if you’re used to big cities, speak French, or you’ve done your fair share of traveling alone, Paris can be a great place to explore solo. So is solo female travel in Paris safe? The answer is sometimes yes, sometimes no, so it’s important to take some extra precautions as a female traveling solo in Paris, France. 

• Watch out for pickpockets and stay extra vigilant on the metro and in busy tourist areas, including galleries and restaurants. 
• Never leave your belongings unattended, even just to pop to the toilet.
• Scam artists are clever - familiarize yourself with the typical scams involving jewelry, cups, and “gifts” on the street.
• Do your best to blend in - looking like a resident should garner you less attention.
• Remember, you don’t have to be nice or polite. A number of solo female travelers have reported feeling harassed in the city, and if a person or situation is making you feel uncomfortable, prioritize your safety over their ego. 
• If you’re wondering “Is Paris safe for solo female travelers at night?”, the risk increases in most cities after dark. Find out when the sun goes down and plan your day accordingly - you may need to avoid entire neighborhoods at night. 
  

Meeting people and connecting with locals

Solo female travelers report having to work a little harder to meet people in Paris than in other popular tourist destinations. House sitting is a great way to connect with locals and get a real feel for what it’s like to live there. Meetup is another popular platform, where you can join in with a variety of activities, from creative writing clubs to vinyasa yoga classes, and get to know locals and travelers alike. Joining in with group tours and activities organized by hostels also opens the door to new friendships, and who wouldn’t want to learn to bake typical French croissants or go to a hidden speakeasy with a new group of mates?!

Tips from a local

• Learn some basic French - this will help you when ordering in restaurants and making connections with locals.  
• Speaking of… say hello! Greeting shop owners, waiters, and bar staff with a friendly “bonjour” can spark conversation.
• Dress the part and avoid tourist attire (that means leaving the red béret in the suitcase). Who knows, you may even be offered a better table at a restaurant! 
• Leave your valuables at home and only take what you need for the day out with you.
• Stay in the right area - you don’t want to be the only one navigating dark, quiet alleyways in the middle of the night.

Paris for solo female pet sitters

What screams local more than trotting along the Champs Élysées with a perfectly pampered Poodle?! House sitting in Paris opens up a world of lofty penthouses and chic homes with cute pet pals for company, and who wouldn’t want to live like a local in Paris? Take your time to get to know the city as you visit the secret spots only Parisian locals know about.

Things to do with dogs in Paris 

You don’t have to leave your four-pawed pal at home to enjoy Paris. While dogs aren’t usually allowed inside tourist attractions, there’s still plenty to see and do with a furry friend in tow. 

• Visit dog-friendly parks and gardens like Bois de Vincennes, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and Jardin du Luxembourg.
• Marvel at the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars.
• Tour around various landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre Dame.
• Explore neighborhoods like Montmartre and Saint Germain des Prés.
• Walk around the grounds of the Louvre (although your furry friend won’t be able to accompany you inside). 
• Go to a dog-friendly cafe or restaurant.  

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Paris

Dogs are welcome on the terraces of many cafes, bars, and restaurants. Here are some of our favorites:

• Jozi Cafe
  Address: 3 Rue Valette, 75005 Paris
  
• Le Petit Prince de Paris
  Address: 12 Rue de Lanneau, 75005 Paris
  
• Bar du Central
  Address: 99 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
  
• Baguett’s Cafe
  Address: 33 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris
  
• Les Demoiselles Restaurants Café Paris 17
  Address: 23 Rue Léon Jost, 75017 Paris
  

House and pet sits

From Parisian pups to city kitties, there are lots of fabulous pet pals waiting to share their homes with you! Check out house and pet sitting assignments in Paris today. Bon voyage!