9 of the best things to do alone in Paris

With a rich culture and history, Paris is the perfect destination for the solo traveler. With countless museums, sprawling gardens, a thriving food scene, charming neighborhoods, and many famous landmarks and attractions to discover in Paris, visiting the French capital on your own is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Parisian culture.

From exploring iconic neighborhoods like Le Marais and the Latin Quarter to indulging in Parisian delicacies in Montmartre, experiencing the grandeur of Palais Garnier to discovering the tranquil parks and hidden enclaves to relax, you’ll find it all in this list of the best things to do in Paris when traveling alone. So read up on all the insider tips for Paris and get ready for a fun solo adventure.

1. Enjoy a dinner Show at Moulin Rouge

Feeling uncomfortable about having dinner alone in the “City of Love”? Make it a dinner and a show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge. Paris solo doesn’t feel lonely when all the focus is on the stage! Surround yourself with singing, dancing, and delicious French cooking and champagne.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:

The show is so captivating that it will not matter if you're alone or not, and no one will be judging or even notice as all eyes will be focused elsewhere.

Address and opening hours:

82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France. Dinner 7 PM; Show 9PM daily.

2. Explore Paris' iconic neighborhoods

Exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods is one of the best activities in Paris when traveling alone. Uncover each arrondissement’s unique, charming characteristics as you walk through the winding streets.

Go to Île de la Cité, with its amazing views of Notre-Dame and the Seine. Spend a day at Le Marais' fashionable boutiques and stunning architecture. Walk through Paris' oldest district, the eclectic Latin Quarter. Discover the famous Artists' Quarter in Montmartre, where Picasso and Van Gogh once painted. Explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés, formerly home to intellectuals like Sartre and de Beauvoir.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:

A tour of Paris' iconic neighborhoods is not only a great way to get the lay of the land, but it gives you an opportunity to uncover the history and culture of the area and maybe even do some people watching.

3. Indulge in Parisian delicacies

With no shortage of pâtisseries, wine bars, cafes, and cheese shops, there are a lot of delicious flavors to discover during your solo travel in Paris. Indulge your tastebuds as you sip on some wine at a bar and meet some locals, or sit at a cafe and enjoy a slow day with a pastry and coffee.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:

Dining alone is culturally acceptable for Parisians, so feel comfortable exploring the local food scene on your solo travels.

4. Admire the beauty of Sainte-Chapelle

While Notre Dame might be Paris' most famous church, the nearby Sainte-Chapelle is not to be missed while in Paris. Adorned with 15 49-foot tall stained glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle is genuinely awe-inspiring. With 1,113 individual panels to admire, visiting Sainte-Chapelle is the perfect thing to do alone in Paris.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:

Sainte-Chapelle is a tranquil space making it the perfect spot to explore solo. Take your time meandering past the stained glass windows and go on a visual journey through biblical stories.

Address and opening hours:

Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

Open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM October to March and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM April to September. Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month, but it can be extremely busy.

5. Visit the marvelous Palais Garnier

If you are looking for a taste of Parisian opulence, look no further than Palais Garnier. This famous opera house has been a staple in Paris' cultural legacy since its construction in 1875, and a fantastic way to treat yourself while traveling solo in Paris is to attend a performance there. Fully immerse yourself in the luxurious atmosphere and experience a stunning show.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:

Embrace the freedom to explore with a visit to the opulent Palais Garnier. If you love the thrill of spontaneity solo travel provides, you can always get a last-minute ticket and enjoy a performance at the famous opera house.

Address and opening hours:

Palais Garnier, Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris, France

Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day for tours except for days when there is a daytime performance or exceptional closures. The last entry is 45 minutes before closure for ticketholders. Please be aware that the security check may cause delays.

6. Pick up a souvenir at a bookshop

Perusing the shelves of a bookshop is a fantastic thing to do alone in Paris. You may find a book to take home as a souvenir of your trip.

With a rich literary culture, Paris has many fantastic bookshops. A visit to the famous Shakespeare and Company bookshop is a must, but if you want to escape the crowds, La Librairie du Passage and Librairie Jousseaume are two picturesque bookstores worth checking out. Explore the vast bookshelves and find a hidden gem in their rare book collections.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:

Escape the chaos of cit life at a bookshop and find solitude in the pages of a book. Let the books keep you company on your travels and act as a souvenir of your time in Paris.

Address and opening hours:

Shakespeare and Company, 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Open 10: 00 AM-8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

La Librairie du Passage, 48 Pass. Jouffroy, 75009 Paris, France
Open every day, 10:30 AM-7:00 PM.

Librairie Jousseaume, 45-46-47 Gal Vivienne, 75002 Paris, France
Open Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.

7. Relax in a beautiful jardin

Whether you want to find a little green oasis in the midst of the city or just like to people-watch, visiting one of Paris' parks and gardens is a great solo activity and a wonderful way to relax.

There are large parks in the city center, like Jardin du Luxembourg, with sprawling lawns, lots of paths to stroll along, benches to people-watch, and tennis courts to catch a match. But if you're looking for more seclusion, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a perfect getaway with a charming lake, striking city views, and lounges to enjoy a drink. Otherwise, a day trip to the Palace Gardens in Versailles is a great option too.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:

Parks are a great place to take a break, soak in your surroundings, and reflect on your experiences in Paris.

Address and opening hours:

Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris, France
Open every day at varying times according to the season and hours of daylight. During the winter, the park is open from around 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM and from around 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM in summer.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 75019 Paris, France
Open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM from May to August, with earlier closing times between September and April.

Palais of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Open every day from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM from April to October. From November to March, it's open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

8. Explore Paris' lesser-known museums

Visiting museums is one of the best activities in Paris when traveling alone, as it is a fantastic way to uncover various parts of Paris' history, art, and culture. Escape the crowds and check out a few of Paris' lesser-known museums, each offering a unique glimpse into French culture. Explore the minting process at the Musée de la Monnaie de Paris, immerse yourself in French cinema at La Cinémathèque Française, or head underground at the Musée des Égouts de Paris.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:

When you are a solo traveler, you are on your own schedule. Embrace the luxury of time to dive deep into Paris' culture at some of the city's lesser-known museums.

Address and opening hours:

Musée de la Monnaie de Paris, 11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France
Open Thursday-Sunday and Tuesdays, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM, and 11:00 AM-9:00 PM on Wednesdays. Closed on Mondays.

Cinémathèque Française, 51 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
Open 12:00 PM-8:00 PM on Mondays; 12:00 PM-9:00 PM Wednesday-Sunday. Closed on Tuesdays.

Musée des Égouts de Paris, Esplanade Habib Bourguiba, Pont de l'Alma, 75007 Paris, France
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

9. Discover the hidden treasure of Butte Bergeyre

As one of the most-visited cities in the world, Paris can feel overwhelming when it's busy, and sometimes, you just need to find a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. That is where a visit to one of Paris's best-kept secrets, Butte Bergeyre, comes in. Get off the beaten path and explore this quaint enclave perched on a hillside, with cobblestone streets, a rare Parisian vineyard, and sweeping views over the city. At times, you'll feel like the only person in Paris.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:

Find your own nearly private retreat amidst the bustle of the city with a visit to Butte Bergeyre. As you stroll through the quaint neighborhood, get a glimpse at local life away from tourist crowds.

FAQ:

Is it safe to travel alone in Paris?

Paris is considered a safe city for solo travelers. To ensure your safety, it's always good to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in busy areas. Keep any valuables secure and out of sight.

What are some other great things to do alone in Paris?

Stroll along the Seine and find the perfect spot to read the book you picked up. Visit the oldest food market in the city Marché des Enfants Rouges and pick up supplies for a solo picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg. Get lost in the crowds and views from iconic landmarks like the Arc du Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Catch an indie film in the Latin Quarter. Unearth vintage treasures at Le Marais district's quirky boutiques. Paris is your playground when flying solo.

How do I meet people in Paris?

Joining a walking or food tour is an easy way to meet people with similar interests. You can also go to a lounge or bar to strike up conversations with some locals.

What's the best way to get around on your own in Paris?

Paris is best explored by foot, but the metro is also a quick and easy way to get from A to B, your best option is to take the metro. Try to avoid traveling by road or public transport during the morning and evening rush hours. Download the Citymapper or RATP app for metro, RER, and bus line maps.