The Solo Explorer’s Guide to Paris
✨ Intro
Paris is one of those places that lives in your imagination long before you ever see it in person — and somehow, it still exceeds expectations.
Like many Canadians and Americans, I had that dreamy vision of Paris: café terraces, twinkling lights, fresh baguettes, and effortless style. And for me? It totally lived up to the fantasy. From the moment I arrived, I honestly felt like I was dreaming — I had a lot of “pinch me” moments.
My trip began in the most unexpected way: protesting outside a local women’s hospital with my Parisian friend. The government was planning to shut down the maternity ward, and the community was standing up for it. Sadly, the ward did close, but being part of that moment gave me a completely different connection to the city.
One of my favorite memories was visiting the Eiffel Tower — a dream come true. We had lunch nearby, and the staff happened to be celebrating a co-worker’s birthday. As they sang “Happy Birthday,” I just smiled and pretended it was for me too.
From protests to picnics, carousels to galleries, Paris was everything I hoped it would be — and more. This guide blends my real experience with practical advice for solo female travelers who want to make the most of their own Parisian adventure.
Pinch me — I’m really in Paris.
💁♀️ Why Paris Is Great for Solo Female Travelers
Safe and easy to navigate (especially by metro or foot)
You can dine alone without judgment — people-watching is practically a sport
Endless things to do, even solo: museums, gardens, cafés, markets
Paris embraces individuality — you’ll blend in, not stand out
It’s a place that makes you feel romantic about life, even by yourself
JD had a local friend showing her around — but says she still would’ve felt confident doing it all solo.
Paris is better with friends — but also perfect for a solo adventure (I’d have rocked this jump either way!).
🧳 Entry Requirements (for Canadians & most tourists)
Tourists from Canada, the U.S., U.K., and most EU countries can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date.
No special vaccines or tourist visa needed for short visits.
Beginning mid-2025, travelers will need to register with ETIAS (a simple online pre-authorization similar to the U.S. ESTA).
⚠️ Disclaimer: Entry requirements may change by country and over time. Always check with official government sites or your airline before departure.
A passport full of possibilities, waiting for the next stamp.
☀️ Best Time to Visit Paris
JD visited in June and found Paris in full bloom — long days, buzzing streets, and street music drifting through the air. She had several “pinch me” moments, especially under the Eiffel Tower.
🪻 Spring (Mar–May) — Mild weather, flowers blooming, fewer tourists
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Warm, lively, lots of events, but also busy & pricey
🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov) — Crisp air, arts festivals, fewer crowds
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Cold, cozy cafés, ideal for museums & holiday lights
Paris at my feet, blue skies above, and a whole city of wine waiting for me.
💶 Money & Currency: How to Pay in Paris
💶 Local Currency: Euro (€)
💱 Exchange Rate: 1 EUR ≈ 1.09 USD (as of August 2025)
💳 Cards: Credit cards (especially Visa & Mastercard) are widely accepted. Contactless payment (tap) is common.
💵 Cash: Handy for small bakeries, markets, and metro tickets.
🏧 ATMs: Easy to find — but avoid airport kiosks with poor exchange rates.
💡 JD’s Tip: You can use your credit card without issues, but always keep a bit of cash for snacks and small purchases.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates are approximate and can change. Check current rates before you travel.
🏨 Where to Stay
Paris has accommodations for every kind of traveler — from budget hostels to boutique guesthouses and romantic balcony-view hotels. As a solo female traveler, here’s what I recommend:
🏙️ Best Areas to Stay:
Le Marais – Trendy, walkable, full of cafés and independent shops
Latin Quarter – Student vibe, close to Notre Dame, safe and affordable
Montmartre – Quirky, artsy, and full of charm (plus those city views!)
🛏️ How I Find My Stays:
I use Booking.com and Hostelworld to filter for:
Female-only dorms or private rooms
High guest ratings (8.0+)
Central locations close to metro lines
💡 JD’s Tip: Book early — Paris fills up fast, especially in spring and summer. If you’re not sure, book a flexible rate you can change later.
A stunning view from the Eiffel Tower, showing the city’s charming districts — each with its own vibe and story.
🥐 What to Eat (Even If You Can’t Pronounce It)
Paris is a food lover’s dream — and solo travelers are more than welcome at cafés, bakeries, and markets. Whether you're splurging on a meal or grabbing a picnic to-go, the food is chef’s kiss.
🧀 My Favorite Paris Eats:
Chicken baguette — My Eiffel Tower lunch and still one of my favorite memories
Croissants and pain au chocolat in the morning (trust the bakeries with long lines)
Cheese, bread, and wine — the ultimate DIY picnic in a park
Street rotisserie chicken with roasted potatoes — simple but delicious
Crepes from street stalls (sweet or savory — I recommend Nutella & banana!)
French onion soup and quiche Lorraine in cozy cafés
💡 JD’s Tip: Don’t worry about eating alone. In Paris, it’s totally normal — even elegant — to sit at a café solo, sip wine, and people-watch like it’s your job.
When in Paris… devour the baguette.
🌅 3-Day Paris Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1:
Moulin Rouge + Montmartre
City views from Sacré-Cœur
Happy hour
🗓️ Day 2:
Eiffel Tower (with lunch inside!)
Carousel ride + Notre Dame
Accordion music and charming side streets
🗓️ Day 3:
Morning picnic: cheese, bread, wine
Afternoon at the Louvre
Shopped for souvenirs somewhere along the way
Evening stroll along the Seine
JD on the steps of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, kicking off her Paris adventure with one of the best views in the city.
🚇 Getting Around Paris
Paris is wonderfully connected and super walkable. You can get just about anywhere by metro, bus, or your own two feet — just bring comfy shoes!
🚍 Metro — Everywhere inside the city
💡 JD’s Tip: Get a carnet (bundle of 10 tickets) to save money.
🚶♀️ Walking — Best for exploring neighborhoods and discovering hidden gems
💡 JD’s Tip: The sidewalks are cobbled and uneven — wear good walking shoes!
🚆 RER Trains — Longer distances like Versailles or airport connections
💡 JD’s Tip: Make sure you validate your ticket before boarding.
🚌 Buses — Scenic, slow but easy
💡 JD’s Tip: Great if you want to see the city without walking too much.
🎵 Bonus: You’ll often hear accordion music drifting through the streets or subway — don’t be surprised if your commute feels like a movie scene.
JD navigating the Paris Metro — because half the journey is just figuring out where you’re going.
💸 Budget Breakdown / Day (in $USD)
Accommodation
Low: $30–60 — Hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels
Mid: $80–140 — Boutique hotels, private Airbnb rooms
High: $200+ — Luxury hotels, central apartments
Food
Low: $12–20 — Street food, bakeries, casual cafés
Mid: $25–45 — Mix of casual and sit-down restaurants
High: $70+ — Fine dining, wine pairings
Transport
Low: $8–15 — Metro, buses, walking
Mid: $18–25 — Metro + occasional taxi
High: $40+ — Taxis, private transfers
Sites & Entry
Low: $4–15 — Free attractions, discounted museum tickets
Mid: $20–35 — Multiple paid entries per day
High: $60+ — Guided tours, skip-the-line passes
👉 Total/Day
Low: $54–110
Mid: $145–245
High: $370+
💡 JD’s Tip: Skip the overpriced restaurants near landmarks. Walk 5–10 minutes away and you’ll find cheaper, more authentic options with better service and less crowd.
Our Eiffel Tower tickets with a priceless view — because some experiences are worth the splurge.
🛍️ Souvenirs to Buy
Mini Eiffel Tower statues
French cheese or wine (check customs before bringing home)
Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé
A classic French beret
Art prints from Montmartre street artists
Perfume from a Parisian boutique
Vintage treasures from flea markets like Marché aux Puces
💡JD doesn’t remember where she shopped — she just wandered and explored.
Sometimes the best souvenirs aren’t planned — they’re stumbled upon while you’re lost in Paris streets.
🧘♀️ Solo Safety
Paris is generally safe, but like any major city, it’s good to stay aware — especially in tourist-heavy areas.
✅ Safety Tips for Solo Women:
Watch your bag in busy spots like the Metro, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre
Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas or empty side streets
Don’t keep your phone out constantly — pickpockets target distracted tourists
Trust your instincts — if something feels off, walk away
Spotted near a major tourist site — always keep your belongings close and your bag zipped!
🥖Cultural Tips
Say “bonjour” when entering shops — it’s considered polite and expected
Servers may seem abrupt — it’s cultural, not rude
Dining is slow-paced — don’t expect your bill until you ask for it
Modest dress is appreciated in churches and sacred places
It’s okay to be alone — people will leave you be unless you engage
JD in Montmartre, where painters capture the Eiffel Tower and the magic of the moment.
💡 JD’s Personal Tips for Paris
Buy bread, cheese, and wine from corner shops — then picnic in a park
Ride the carousel near the Eiffel Tower — you’re never too old
Look up! The real beauty of Paris is often above eye level
Don’t try to see everything at the Louvre — pick 1–2 sections
Take breaks. Sit, sip, and soak it in — Paris rewards the unhurried
Find the magic in the small moments.
🗣️ Speak a Little French
Even a few phrases can make a huge difference. Locals will appreciate your effort, and you’ll get better service and warmer smiles.
French Phrase — Meaning — Pronunciation
Oui — Yes — wee
Non — No — nohn
Bonjour — Hello — bon-zhoor
Merci — Thank you — mehr-see
Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? — com-bee-en sa coot?
Où sont les toilettes ? — Where’s the bathroom? — oo son lay twa-let?
Je suis perdue (female speaker) — I’m lost — zhuh swee pair-doo
Parlez-vous anglais ? — Do you speak English? — par-lay voo ahn-glay?
💡 JD’s Tip: Even if you don’t get the pronunciation perfect, just trying makes a big difference. And hey — the Parisian accent sounds great on everyone.
JD outside the Musée du Louvre — a little French goes a long way in Paris (and looks great in photos too).
