Going to Paris alone doesn’t have to be boring. Even though Paris can be quite a romantic destination, there are plenty of things to do on your own! Here are my top ideas for solo travelers in Paris that shouldn’t break the bank!
My first ever solo trip was to Europe. I was 20 years old and I started my journey in Paris in a crappy hostel. This is also where I met my first Australian.
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Wondering how long you should stay? Read our post to find out how many days are needed in Paris. You could also learn from the common mistakes and check out what not to do in Paris.
Best Things to Do in Paris for Solo Travelers
Visiting Paris alone doesn’t mean you’ll have to be constantly alone (unless you want to). Hostels tend to organize walking tours or happy hours to help travelers make friends. You could also join tours or day trips if you want to.
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in France – so let’s see how you can make the most of your time there.
The Eiffel Tower
Every time I got to Paris I always end up going back to the Eiffel Tower. I grab a quick lunch on the go and I sit while admiring the view. I just love the spot!
Of course, many travelers also want to get on to the Eiffel Tower, so you might want to consider that too!
Montmartre
Montmartre is my second favorite spot in Paris. The views at night time are great but it’s also a cool spot to hang out during the day or in the evening. There’s always something going on around there.
Museum Hopping in Paris
There are many cool museums in Paris. If you’re into museums you will likely be pleased by the options available. The two most popular ones would be The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.
Join a Tour in Paris
Visiting Paris Alone | Let’s Talk Safety in Paris
I’ve been to Paris almost 10 times if not more. I always felt safe when I was there but Paris has quite a reputation when it comes to safety. Most people I know that are from Paris and the suburbs always talk about how unsafe it is. The biggest problem you could face could be the pickpocketing or scams.
To avoid being in such situations you might want to make sure you keep your valuables locked or unseen, and you should avoid talking to strangers or beggars on the street.
Also, keep in mind that some neighborhoods can be safer than others. I never had any problems while in Paris but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
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How Much Does a Trip to Paris Cost?
Traveling to Paris on a budget is possible (it’s not the easiest, but it’s not impossible either). If you’ve been to Europe before, let’s put everything into perspective: Brussels is more expensive than Paris. Amsterdam is more expensive than Brussels. This being said, Paris isn’t the most expensive destination in Europe!
Let’s see how we can help you plan a budget trip to Paris!
Getting to Paris on a Budget
Depending on your current location, getting to Paris without breaking the bank can be more or less expensive.
If you’re thinking of flying to Paris your best bet is to take a look at Skyscanner.
If you’re already in Europe you could also check out the train and the bus options. I often use buses as it’s affordable and you can stay connected on Wi-Fi. I’m a big fan of Busbud (which is like Skyscanner but for buses).
Best Way to Travel Around Paris
The best way to get around Paris is via public transport. During the summertime, you can walk a lot to visit Paris, but as most attractions are scattered around the city you can’t walk everywhere! Public transport in Paris can add up very quickly. You might want to consider buying a Paris transport travel card or the Paris Passlib’.
The Paris transport travel card is a good option if you’re around for 1 to 5 days. You can also pick the number of zones needed. It’s a great budget option to consider! Check the options here.
The Paris Passlib’ also offers options up to 5 days covering transport, museums and a cruise. You can check out the different options here.
Meals in Paris that Won’t Cost an Arm
Ideally, meals in Paris shouldn’t be too expensive, but it seems we don’t live in the ideal world! You can always find cheap croissants and coffees around the city or get a baguette at the bakery shop. The best way to respect your budget while in Paris is to go to the grocery store and cook your own food.
As it’s not always possible, you can also find cheaper options on the street involving sandwiches. You will simply have to avoid the touristy streets to find them.
My usual go-to is simple. When in Paris I can survive on bread and cheese because that’s what I love about France. Of course, that’s super affordable, but maybe it isn’t the best option for your diet.
Stay in Paris on a Budget
The past few times I went to Paris I stayed in St-Christopher’s Inn. They have several top hostels across Europe and they have two of them in Paris. One of them is located at Gare du Nord and the other one at Canal St-Martin. I normally stay in the second one as the area is a bit quieter.
St-Christopher’s Inn offers dorms as well as private rooms. The hostel is clean, the staff is lovely and they know how to keep a great ambiance with their happy hours, bar and restaurant directly on site.
As I said at the beginning of this article, during my first time in Paris I ended up staying in a crappy hostel. There are many of them in Paris, so don’t risk ending up in one of them. St-Christopher’s Inn is definitely a great option!
Disclaimer: This trip to Paris was made possible with the collaboration of ParisInfo and St-Christopher’s Inn.
