Solo Paris Itinerary: Visit Without a Man, Map, or Breakdown

I get it, traveling alone sounds like the kind of shit only bold women with bottomless bank accounts and European boyfriends can pull off. But here’s the fucking tea: you don’t need a man, a map, or even a clue to take on ANY trip by yourself.

Paris, especially, has been romanticized to hell and back. From croissants on cobblestone streets to bitch ass Belly from TSITP pretending she can actually afford that apartment with her shitty paycheck, it’s a huge cliche. But on a serious note, it’s also one of the most wonderful cities in the world. It’s perfect for wandering, eating, people-watching, and shameless self-discovery. 

So, if you’ve been hot and heavy flirting with the idea of a solo trip to Paris, consider this your ultimate how-to guide. I’ve put together a totally doable solo Paris itinerary that’ll take you everywhere without needing a sugar daddy. Whether you’re here for the museums or staring at strangers like a creep (people watching is literally a sanctioned activity here), I’ve got you!

Get ready, because this is less “refined travel guide” and more “your bestie ranting about Paris after a few homemade martinis”. Come on, bitch!

Solo Paris Itinerary: Visit Without a Man, Map, or Breakdown

This is NOT one of those sterile “10 ThInGs tO Do In PaRiS” lists that bore the fuck out of you. This is chaotic, deeply honest, and occasionally unhinged (but totally useful). In this post, you can expect all the good and usual Bitch Bible Shit:

• The real tea on Paris as a solo traveler (including safety and the whole will I be kidnapped? convo).

• Practical hacks on how to travel alone without ugly crying in front of everyone.

• The Instagram spots that actually deliver and the ones that are just “hot girl in a beret pretending not to smell piss.”

• Where to stay so you don’t end up in a 12th-floor walk-up with no AC and a haunted bidet.

• A no bullshit list of what to do in Paris alone without looking like you’re boring or super fucking creepy.

• A downloadable guide you can pin, print, or flex to your fugly ex and high school bullies on Instagram to make them jealous.

Is Paris Good for Solo Female Travelers?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Also yes, but with layers of caution. Paris brings in millions of tourists every year, and solo female travelers make up a huge chunk of this number. Sooo, you either go here to find yourself, or this is where single losers go. The choice is yours. 

Anyway, this city is basically built for wandering alone. It’s mostly safe, and only somewhat gives off a weird Hunger Games vibe. You might get pickpocketed while admiring the Eiffel Tower at night, but you probably won’t get kidnapped into a white van. There’s CCTV, tourist police, and people EVERYWHERE, so disappearing would be a logistical nightmare.

When in Paris, it’s a good idea to keep a few safety tips in mind. Here are some to consider:

• Getting travel insurance, because nothing kills a solo trip like spraining your ankle in front of famous artwork.

• Sticking to lit streets at night. Paris is lovely at night, but don’t wander into alleys pretending you’re in a Taken audition, dumbass.

• Don’t accept “free” roses from rando men near the Arc de Triomphe unless you want to pay €20 for a shitty flower and a sob story.

• Keep your bag cross-body zipped whenever you’re walking around.

Basically, think of it like this: Paris as a solo female traveler isn’t a death trap. You just need to not be a total fucking idiot and use your common sense. 

What to Do in Paris Alone

Galeries Lafayette Shopping Spree

Even if you don’t buy a single thing, the Galeries Lafayette dome ceiling alone will give you a spiritual bitch slap. It’s where fashion and architecture have a demon seed (baby), and that baby is fancy as hell. If you do buy something, prepare to explain to your bank why you thought a €700 scarf was a "necessary souvenir”. Either way, it’s also a solo-friendly activity because nobody is there to judge how long you’ve been staring at the shoes you can’t afford.

Paris at Night Food Crawl

Forget fine dining with white tablecloths and seven different forks you have no idea what to do with. A solo Paris at night food crawl is the only way to try the cuisine. Hunt down delicacies like escargot, croque monsieur, and cheap (but fucking delicious) house wine. The neon glow, the chatter in a different language, and the freedom of eating alone will make you feel like a new bitch.

Day Trip from Charles de Gaulle Airport Recovery Mode

Hear me out: if you had to book the red eye into Charles de Gaulle Airport, lean into the chaos. Just fucking do it. Drop your bags at your hotel, grab a strong coffee that could fuel a small army, and start wandering. Exploring while jetlagged makes your first day in Paris feel like a fever dream. 

People Watching

Find a café, order an espresso that tastes like jet fuel, and settle in for the sport of champions: judging strangers. That guy? Definitely an art thief. That woman? 100% running from her husband in Marseille. You’ll feel like you’re living in a French spy movie, minus the budget and good lighting. 

Parisians are basically walking editorials in clean lines and effortless chic, while you’re over here in sneakers you swore wouldn’t scream “tourist”. Still, nothing beats the thrill of pretending you’re writing a novel when really you’re just eavesdropping on snobby people arguing about cheese.

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for views that remind you that maybe cardio isn’t always evil. From the top, you can see Paris stretching out in every direction, with the Eiffel Tower taking center stage. Once you’ve caught your breath, mosey on down Champs-Ékysées with the kind of confidence only an insufferable solo traveler has.

Eiffel Tower at Sunset

Yes, it’s basic as fuck. Yes, it’s crowded, and you can feel people's breath on the back of your neck. But the Eiffel Tower is a total non-negotiable, even if you’ve seen it on Instagram a million times. Going at sunset is peak main-character energy. You get pink skies, the golden glow on the tower, and city light flickering like a disco ball. Aaaand bonus tip: you usually skip all the stupid people trying to get photos.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Even after the fire, Notre Dame Cathedral is worth visiting. The gothic architecture just has this heavy, holy energy, and the bells ringing through the city will make you want to re-read The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Victor Hugo essentially wrote an entire novel about a dude who just started at this building, so you know it’s worth your time. 

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur 

Montmartre is where you go to cosplay as a tortured artist who’s been drinking absinthe since noon. The climb up to Sacré-Cœur will test your will to live, but the view is absolutely worth it. Bonus: you can sit on the steps, eat a crêpe, and pretend you’re like the mysterious muse of some broke painter who just got dumped.

Louvre and Paris Museums Tour

Museums are peak basic bitch in Paris vibes. Of course, the Louvre is an absolute must, but don’t sleep on Musée d’Orsay with its dreamy impressionists. And obviously you can’t forget about Centre Pompidou with its futuristic madness. Smaller museums are also where you’ll escape the annoying tourists and actually get to breathe. The best part? You can take as long as you want in each room without anyone whining, “Can we go now?”

Père Lachaise Cemetery

People visit the graves of icons like Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf all the time when visiting Paris. Then they spiral about how little they’ve accomplished in life—blah blah whatever. It’s artsy, dramatic, and the ultimate solo activity because who else is going to tolerate you crying over dead rock stars for two hours?

The River Seine

The River Seine is the backbone of Paris, and walking along it is like pressing play on a sloppy, corny rom-com. Nothing screams solo traveler like gripping that rail and pretending Seine is personally validating all your questionable life choices. Bonus points if you sigh dramatically so strangers wonder if you’ve just been dumped or are auditioning for a French arthouse film.

Catacombs of Paris

If you’re sick of sunshine and pastries, head underground to the Catacombs. This is where six million skeletons are piled like a morbid Costco. It’s dark, creepy, and the ultimate reminder that your ex’s text at 2 am isn’t the end of the world. Plus, the dead don’t judge, so nobody is side-eyeing you for being alone here.

Luxembourg Gardens

Grab a baguette, a wedge of cheese, and whatever cheap bottle of wine doesn’t require a corkscrew PhD. Then plop yourself down in Luxembourg Gardens like you own the place. Couples will be whispering sweet nothings, but you? You’re sprawled out, shoes off, living your best do not disturb life. Nothing screams bad bitch like drinking straight from the bottle at noon.

Seine River Cruise

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you’ll probably sit next to a family arguing about selfies. And yes this is my second time mentioning this location, but who fucking cares. Gliding past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and all the cool bridges while the wind wrecks your hair? Worth it. Bring your own bottle of wine and pretend you’re starring in Emily in Paris, only way less annoying.

How to Travel Alone in Paris

Learn the Metro

The Paris Metro looks confusing at first glance. It’s like 14 lines, endless stops, and maps that resemble a toddler’s scribble art. But once you get the hang of it, it’s honestly easier than dealing with Uber drivers who “don’t know where that is.” Get yourself a Navigo Easy card (cheap, refillable, and less annoying than paper tickets) and you’ll be flying through the city like a local. 

Pro tip: Going to the Metro stations also doubles as free people-watching, so enjoy judging outfits between stops.

Pick the Right Area to Stay

Paris is sliced into arrondissements (basically fancy zip codes), and picking where to stay is half the game. The Marais is all hip cafés and people in tiny glasses pretending to read important things. Saint-Germain oozes classic French romance like you accidentally fell into a Chanel ad. And the Latin Quarter? Full of students, cheap wine, and a high chance you’ll get talked into stupid fucking debates you didn’t sign up for. 

Stay central so you’re not stranded at midnight trying to decode a bus schedule that looks like hieroglyphics. Because nothing screams “rookie” like wasting your Paris trip commuting from the equivalent of a suburban cul-de-sac. Nobody wants that, trust me.

Make Friends (Without Getting Kidnapped)

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you need to eat your baguette in total silence like a sad film extra from Les Misérables. Join a walking tour, sign up for a cooking class, or chat someone up in a café (it’s not a crime, I swear). Other travelers are usually desperate for a wine buddy, and honestly, so are you. Just keep your wits about you.Just keep your wits about you. The goal is to swap your Instagram @, not star in the next Taken reboot. Liam Neeson is not coming for you, girl.

Dress the Part

Parisians have this rep for looking like they just rolled out of bed into Vogue. Reality check: half of them are in sneakers and black coats. You don’t need to pack a runway. Just aim for “pulled together enough that nobody mistakes you for a lost backpacker.” A good jacket, comfy shoes, and sunglasses that you can dramatically remove when judging people will take you far.

Use Travel Insurance

Nothing murders your main character energy faster than realizing someone just lifted your wallet in Galeries Lafayette. Travel insurance is not sexy, but it’s the backbone of a stress-free trip. It swoops in for lost luggage, medical drama, or flights delayed longer than your last situationship. Consider it your best Paris accessory. It’s not chic, not photogenic, but absolutely essential.

Embrace Your Solo Era

Paris as a solo isn’t tragic; it’s honestly iconic. You get to decide when to eat, where to wander, and how long you stand staring at the Arc de Triomphe before moving on. Nobody’s whining, nobody’s rushing, and nobody’s shaming you for inhaling three croissants before noon. Once you surrender to the solo energy, you realize being alone in Paris isn’t lonely, it’s a fucking flex! Independence tastes better than any overpriced macaron.

Solo Trip to Paris Itinerary

Planning a trip to Paris? Do it fucking right!

Pack your bags, bitch! You’re going to Paris! Prepare to eat too much, get lost, cry over your ex while eating a croissant, and leave feeling as fly as Belly from TSITP with her new fuck ass bob (IYKYK). And if at any point you doubt yourself? Enjoy my words of wisdom: people travel to Paris alone every day and survive, you’re not special. You’ll either come back enlightened or a new credit card bill that could fuel the GDP of a small country. a small country’s GDP.

Here’s the thing: Paris will humble you and hype you up at the exact same time. One minute you’re strutting across Pont Alexandre III thinking you’re the main character in a Dior ad. The next, you’re sweating through your Zara blazer, and paying €12 for a coffee that tastes like shit. And honestly? That’s the point. If you don’t experience a public breakdown in a Paris café while journaling about your “journey,” did you even go?

P.S.: If you’re booking your ticket, just remember your in-flight entertainment is just as important as what clothes you bring! Embrace the chaos of Paris by listening to my podcast episode Munchausen By Proxy. It’s the perfect vibe to get you in the mood for your solo Paris misadventures. Because I, too, had a mental breakdown and WENT TO PARIS (not solo, tho). And once you’re hooked, don’t stop just yet, there’s plenty more episodes where that came from…