5 Ways to Enjoy Paris Solo — Destination Dreamer Diaries

Ah… Paris. The city of lights, the city of love, the city of… where it’s impossible to enjoy unless you have a boyfriend/girlfriend/partner/significant other/whatever the heck they’re calling it these days – right?

Haha… no.

Having been to Paris three times, and two of those being completely alone – you could say I’m the expert on things to do in Paris that don’t include having an overpriced romantic dinner or spending your precious time perfecting your couple photos for Instagram.

(Seriously. Please don’t waste your time in Paris doing that even if you are solo travelling).

Paris is romantic; don’t get me wrong. But it’s also a city, and while it’s not that big in size, it has more to offer than you could ever imagine – many of which won’t even cost you a dime (or since we’re in Paris, a ten-cent euro coin) or a lover to enjoy it any less.

Of course, there are all of the cliché sights which you should see while in Paris, but if you’re looking for some non-touristy things to do alone, here are just a few:

1. Enjoy a view of the city

When you’re sightseeing Paris with friends, you can’t sit and soak up the beauty of this city in the silence that it deserves. So, take advantage of your solo time in the city and see how stunning it is from the top by yourself! There’s no better time than to do this now when you don’t have to deal with your girlfriend nagging you to go get a crepe.

Everyone’s always talking about going up the Eiffel Tower, but guess what – in my three visits, I have never gone up the iconic beauty.

Why?

Because I believe (and would hope that you do, too) that the view of Paris is better when the Eiffel Tower is actually in it.

Two great places I can recommend are the Montparnasse Tower in the 14th arrondissement, and Centre Pompidou in the 2nd arrondissement.

This is one of the most underrated things to do in Paris, and in my opinion; a MUST if it’s your first time.

While it’s expensive (when I was there last, the price was €14) the view is breathtaking and the epitome of the word ‘panoramic’.

There’s also a sky deck bar up there that you can enjoy while you sink into the scenery.

View from the Centre Pompidou picture; May of 2019

If you’re looking for something cheaper, I HIGHLY recommend the Centre Pompidou. It’s only €5, very centrally located, and a perfect if you’re looking to see those Parisian rooftops.

2. Pick a park. Any Park.

Of course, there’s Trocadero Gardens, where the beautiful Eiffel Tower resides, but Paris has so many more parks to sit in.

Places des Voges in Le Marais, Les Palais Royal near the Louvre, Jardin des Tulieres, Jardin de Luxembourg… the list goes on. Grab a croissant, a journal, people watch, or make conversation with the Pigeons as I do when in I’m in Paris.

3. People Watch.

If you’ve been to Paris before, I’m sure you’ve noticed how the cafes are set up purposefully to people watch. If you’re in Paris by yourself… take advantage.

Sit down, have a cup of coffee, and watch them pass you on the streets. Listen to that magical foreign tongue, watch how they greet one another with air kisses…people watching with friends, family, or your significant other could get awkward.

But as a solo traveler, what else are you supposed to do?

Stare at the really cute French waiter for several seconds hoping he’ll notice you?

Okay, maybe do that for a little while…

4. Go to a Museum or Chapel

Whether it be the Louvre, Petit Palais, or Musée d'Orsay… you can enjoy any of them on your own clock without having to worry if your travel-buddy-in-crime is getting bored. The same goes for Chapels in Paris. An underrated one that I can’t recommend highly enough is Sainte Chapelle right near Point Saint Michael. It’s stained glass windows are really a sight to be seen… solo.

5. Go exploring on the Metro

Paris has one of the best metro systems I’ve ever seen around the world; so even if you do get lost – it won’t be too difficult to re-reroute yourself.

One trip, I was at the Arc de Triomph and decided I wanted to go to a Biomarket to buy treats to take with me to the Eiffel Tower. It was in the 15th arrondissement (which is relatively residential), and going on the green line from the Arc de Triomph, I discovered this view…

View of Eiffel Tower on metro from Charles V to Dupleix

Just make sure in the midst of your metro mayhem, that you stay away from anything East (and west will always be your safest bet).

And there you have it! How to enjoy Paris Solo. If you’re looking for more things to do in Paris, check out recommendations for short trip and The Perfect 3 Days in Paris.