Solo Female Travel in Paris: Tips for Exploring Paris Alone

This is a guest post by Martha.

Paris is known for its iconic landmarks, grand architecture, priceless art, and indulgent cuisine. And it is popular: it’s the most-visited city in the world, attracting 44 million visitors in 2022.

But what is solo female travel there like?

Personally, I love traveling to Paris as a solo female — and I’ve done it many times over the last few years. I find it easy to get around, generally safe (if you take the usual precautions), and a real delight to explore.

That said, there are some important things to know, which will help you have the best possible trip in the French capital.

7 Tips For Solo Female Travel in Paris

1. Don’t rule out the “couple-y” or romantic things.

Some people call Paris the City of Love, and it has a strong cultural association with romance. It’s easy to conjure up the idea of spending time there as a couple: taking romantic walks on quaint lanes or along the river and sharing kisses in quaint cafés as accordion music plays.

I’ve been to Paris with a partner and had some wonderfully romantic experiences. But, having explored the city extensively as a solo female traveler, I’ve also had so much joy doing things alone, including those that might traditionally be categorized as “for couples.”

Despite its romantic reputation, there are so many great things to do in Paris solo!

For example, go to the viewpoints alone: the top of the Eiffel Tower is amazing; the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is wonderful. And the Arc de Triomphe rooftop terrace is the perfect place from which to witness the sunset and see the city lights come on, including the sparkly display the Eiffel Tower puts on each hour. I did this on my own on my first solo trip there, and it was a wonderful treat.

Also, take a walk around the pretty neighborhoods on your own. Le Marais is chic and arty, with some architectural gems, like the 17th-century Place des Vosges. Cozy Montmartre is popular for a reason, but you don’t need anyone holding your hand to enjoy its charming, cobbled streets and bohemian cafés. I’ve strolled this neighborhood alone many times, and it never fails to delight me.

Enjoy world-class art by yourself. After all, our response to art is deeply personal anyway. My two favorite galleries in Paris, which I’ve visited as a solo female traveler, are Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie. 

Musée d’Orsay has an extensive collection of sculpture and paintings, including a large…