How to thrive as a solo traveler in Paris
Based on my recent 1-week trip.
I recently returned from a weeklong trip in Paris by myself, and it was wonderful. However, even though I looked at tons of blogs/articles/newsletters about being a tourist in Paris before heading on my trip, there were still things that surprised me. That’s what this post is for. Please learn from my experience!
This post is geared towards people traveling by themselves from North America, but it will be helpful to those traveling in groups as well.
Table of Contents
French vs. English
Jet lag
Your feet will hurt
When you need wheels
Eat what you want and don’t tip
Staying cute and cozy
My guide to the Louvre
Accessibility
Miscellaneous tips
Souvenir ideas
Packing list
French vs. English
It’s okay if you don’t speak French – I don’t. Your key phrase will be “bonjour, parlez-vous anglais?” Asking this with a smile got me a response in English 90% of the time. Most Parisians, especially in the service or tourist industry, speak great English and will be happy to assist you. If someone responds “non” to your request, just say “merci” and ask someone else. If you’re in a boulangerie (bakery) or restaurant where they don’t speak English, just point to the stuff you want. It will work out!
Greetings and farewells are really important. You should make good use of “bonjour,” “bon soir,” and “au revoir.” Greetings are essential in the following situations: any place of commerce, in taxis, striking up a conversation with a stranger, asking for assistance, and even when you happen to lock eyes with someone walking on the street. French people might have a reputation for being brusque, but I noticed the bonjour/bon soir thing was universal and part of the culture. If it’s dark, say “bon soir” instead of “bonjour.” Say “au revoir” when you leave an establishment, a taxi, or a conversation. Now you are a polite and respectful tourist :)
Jet lag
It sucks and is evil. Try to get an overnight flight, pop a Tylenol PM and sleep on the plane. Once you land and it is daytime in Paris, DO NOT SLEEP. Unpack and do some gentle sightseeing around your neighborhood. Get some food. Keep yourself tired so you can sleep at night.
Sleep hack: The week before your trip, spray your pillow with a nice perfume or essential oil before you sleep each night. Bring it with you, and spray your Parisian pillow. Trick your brain into bedtime!
Your feet will hurt
Europeans walk about 100000% more than North Americans and blisters are a matter of when, not if. Stave them off by wearing the comfiest athletic sock/shoe combination you have, as often as you can. Take Compeed blister products with you, or buy them at any French Pharmacie in Paris. I got a bad blister on my second day and it slowed me down for the whole week. Don’t be like me!!
If you’re traveling from North America, you won’t be used to the sheer amount of walking that is normal in Europe. It’s fantastic, and scenic, but it’s also painful. Try to build up your stamina before the trip, and don’t feel too bad if you need to take an unplanned rest day. This is why I like to get an Airbnb that I can really spend some time in, if necessary.
When you need wheels
Don’t be scared of the metro! I regret not using it more. It was safe, affordable, and convenient. It is often the fastest way to get somewhere, since traffic can be really rough in Paris. Walk down into any station, buy tickets using the electronic ticket dispensers, and hop on the train. “Pardon” and “excusez-moi” will help you out here.
Ubers are expensive, but cheaper than taxis since you can see the exact price of your trip before you get in the car. Use the same common sense and safety precautions you would use anywhere else. Sidenote: I highly recommend getting a taxi, NOT an Uber or bus, to and from CDG airport. Taxis will be 55 - 65 Euros, but they are quick and easy to find at the airport and just hop in. You will be tired after your flight, and messing with public transit will be long and exhausting.
Eat what you want and don’t tip
There is no tip culture in Paris. I tipped my Uber drivers and taxi drivers a couple Euros, and sometimes I left Euro coins on the table at restaurants for the server, but it’s not necessary. Nobody will notice if you don’t leave a tip.
Dinner service starts to pick up around 7pm in restaurants, so get there before 7 if you want a quieter experience. Substitutions and special orders aren’t really a thing, so make sure the restaurant has something you can order as-is. You can check their menu online. I am pescatarian and had no problem finding places to eat; keep an open mind to various cuisines, not just classic French food. Everything I ate in Paris was delicious, and often I just walked into a restaurant with no forethought or research.
The raw milk cheese from France is famous. If you’re lactose-sensitive like me, don’t go near it. You and your tummy will be very upset. Get some chocolate instead!
Try a different boulangerie or creperie every morning. They are all special and beautiful in their own way <3
You don’t have to go to a place just because it’s popular and highly-recommended. Seriously, all the food is so good there. I stood in a 20-minute line for a famous falafel and it was a very good falafel, but so was the one with no lineup. Just follow your nose.
Staying cute and cozy
Parisians all look so cool and fashionable! If you don’t dress kind of nice you might feel out of place, but nobody will be rude to you or anything. I opted for comfort and warmth since I was travelling in mid-March, but I regret not bringing anything cute at all, especially for the Louvre since it is warm inside and there are free lockers for coats.
Long, black, wool trench coats are super popular with Parisians and they always look good. You’ll feel cute and warm if you take one, especially with a scarf and boots.
See the bottom of this post for my revised Paris packing list, based on what I learned on this trip.
My guide to the Louvre
Ah, my favorite place in the world. A majestic building full of gorgeous art and artifacts. It’s also busy, confusing, and overwhelming. If you’re interested, try to set aside two mornings for your Louvre excursion.
Entry: Buy tickets on the museum’s website 4-5 weeks before your trip, and choose the earliest timeslot, which is 9am. Aim to get to the Louvre by 8am – this gives you enough time to mill about the gorgeous courtyards, take pictures, and hold back tears because of how beautiful everything is. Get in line in front of the big pyramid, go through a security check (water bottles are fine, food is not), and you’re inside, bright and early! You’re going to beat the crowds to the Mona Lisa!
First, grab a map from the information desk. The maps are pretty much useless since the layout of the Louvre is so confusing, but they make nice souvenirs. Then, speedwalk to the locker room (look for “Vestiaires”). If you don’t get a morning timeslot, you probably won’t get a locker. They are free to use and fill up fast. Grab one and throw all your stuff inside, including coats and sweaters. You will walk A LOT in the museum, and there are some difficult flights of stairs. Take a water bottle with you if you can, and something to take pictures with. Also, use the bathroom before you start exploring.
Audio guides: Every “guide to the Louvre” article I read online insists on purchasing an audio guide because “none of the plaques are in English.” I vehemently disagree. Don’t spend the extra money unless you need to know extensive historical background for each piece of art, OR you primarily speak a language other than French or English. The audio guides are clunky, cumbersome, and take your attention away from all the incredible art in front of you. Also, about 50% of the plaques do have an English translation on the plaque. For the ones that don’t, use Google Translate. Honestly, you should be using Google Translate regularly on this trip.
Plan of attack: The Louvre is gigantic and labyrinthine and you probably won’t last more than 3-4 hours. What do you want to see? Prioritize those rooms, and go after them. The most famous pieces, such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Nike of Samothrace etc. are clearly marked on the maps and on multiple signposts throughout the museum. I recommend seeing the Mona Lisa first so you can speak disparagingly of how small she is to everyone back at home. After that, you’re free to see everything that calls to you. Pace yourself.
Angelina cafe: The Louvre branch of Angelina is a quiet oasis in the Richelieu wing, up two escalators and not clearly marked. It’s hard to find, but worth it. Try to be there around 10am for a late breakfast. Sit down at any open table, and wait for the server to come to you. Order anything, it’s all delicious, but make sure to get the hot chocolate!
A note on accessibility
Paris is surprisingly inaccessible to anyone who isn’t fully abled. The streets are unevenly cobbled, the metro has no escalators/elevators, and public restrooms cost money to use and are often closed. If you have accessibility needs, I don’t recommend traveling to Paris by yourself. Here is a great free collection of resources for accessibility while traveling.
Miscellaneous tips:
A portable charger for your phone is a requirement, not a luxury!
Same with a travel adapter for the outlets in your hotel/AirBnB.
Make sure your liquids are in clear bags at the CDG airport, they are touchier about it than American TSA.
Keep your wallet and phone in front of you – basic tourist tip.
People with clipboards will approach you and try to talk to you at the big tourist destinations. Just smile, say “sorry,” and keep walking. They will quickly move to the next sucker.
Order Euros from your bank before you travel, it’s easier than buying them in France. Take a healthy amount of cash with you for each day and make sure your credit/debit card will work ahead of time.
Get Your Guide is a very useful company for buying last-minute tickets or planning excursions ahead of time. You do have to download an app, but it’s free.
Don’t try to get by on free Wi-Fi in the city. Buy an e-sim ahead of time, they’re not expensive and it will add a ton of convenience to your trip. I used an Orange e-sim and was happy with it.
Souvenir ideas:
herbs/spices or French soap from any grocery
cashmere scarf (trinket shops have them cheap)
art prints or postcards from sellers along the Seine (cash-only)
books from Shakespeare & Co bookstore
chocolates from a chocolatier
vintage store finds (The Marais is a good place to look)
magnets from the Carrousel du Louvre
if you take any excellent photos of landmarks or city life, print them out and frame them when you get home
Mid-March Paris Packing List
(1 week, carry-on only, based on my 2023 trip)
3 t-shirts (black, white, and pink)
mix of cropped + long
1 long-sleeved neutral shirt, fitted
Black cropped layering tank
Black pair of comfy high-rise pants (slightly fitted + nice fabric, deep pockets for wallet/phone)
Pair of sweatpants + bed shirt for sleep and plane
Comfiest black sneakers
Dressier but still comfy neutral shoes
House slippers for hotel/Airbnb
Black or neutral cardigan (hip length)
Long black trench or warm neutral raincoat
Umbrella
Collapsible water bottle w/ strap
Grey scarf
Black thermal leggings
Coin purse
Blister cushions / sticks
Ibuprofen, vitamins, medications
Black or grey skirt that works with leggings and sneakers (fitted is better)
Dressier top for skirt outfit
Mini neutral backpack
Neutral tote for shopping
1 set of necklace, earrings, rings
Athletic ankle socks
Grey legwarmers for leggings
