{"id":20486,"date":"2023-01-20T03:55:46","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T10:55:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/midlifeglobetrotter.com\/?p=20486"},"modified":"2025-12-22T14:53:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T21:53:16","slug":"solo-trip-paris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/midlifeglobetrotter.com\/solo-trip-paris\/","title":{"rendered":"A Solo Trip to Paris – Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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PARIS<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Paris may be the world’s most romantic city, but it’s also my favorite place for a solo trip\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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There may be affiliate links within this post which provide me with a small commission, at no cost to you. More information at: Privacy & Disclosure<\/a><\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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I spent 10 magical days on a solo trip to Paris and it was one of my favorite vacations – anywhere, ever. As someone so wisely pointed out, you are never really alone in Paris, the city is your companion. If you are considering traveling to Paris alone, this guide will help you plan a solo Parisian adventure so marvelous, you won’t mind being on your own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Paris was already one of my favorite cities and I fell in love with it in a whole new way on my solo trip. Being there solo felt like a secret adventure; I had Paris all to myself. I think it’s because Paris has such a special and unique personality, there\u2019s so much to immerse yourself in: wonderful smells, delicious foods and beauty all around. I was alone in Paris but never felt lonely.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Plan a Solo Trip to Paris\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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That said, I know it might feel daunting if you’ve never been to\u00a0Paris, or have never traveled alone. Even though I had visited Paris previously, I was still nervous about my first 10-day solo trip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This guide will help put your mind at ease with tips for planning, Paris safety information, advice on where to stay, and suggestions for things to do in Paris solo. At the bottom of this article, you will find a list of more posts about Paris that may be helpful, such as my recommendations for affordable Paris hotels<\/span>, my favorite <\/a>Paris Croissants<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>a<\/span><\/span>nd Where to Get the Best View of the Eiffel Tower.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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When to Go to Paris\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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There is never a bad day in Paris, as the saying goes. But Paris is best enjoyed on foot, so the heat of summer is the least desirable time to go, in my opinion. Spring or fall are the best times to go to Paris and mid September through mid October is my favorite. <\/span><\/p>\n

I’ve visited Paris in the autumn many times. October stays quite warm and receives just slightly more rain than September which can see very hot days, or be cool and rainy. By the end of October, the clocks are set back so you lose an hour of daylight for exploring.  <\/p>\n

Spring in Paris is lovely; blossom season begins in March so while it may still be winter elsewhere, you can enjoy the early spring in Paris. April and May have pleasant weather with moderate temperatures. June can be pleasant or very hot. I wouldn’t go in June if you dislike the heat.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Place des Vosges on a warm day in September<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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How Many Days Do you Need in Paris<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Paris is best explored at a leisurely pace. In order to savor your time alone in Paris, I would suggest a trip of five days, and seven is even better. Of course, if you only have three, they will be three marvelous days. However long your trip, resist the urge to schedule every minute. The city of light is best explored with open time to just wander, admire the architecture and cute flower shops, relax in a caf\u00e9 people watching, and make your own discoveries.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Where to Stay on a Solo Trip to Paris <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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I have rented a Paris holiday apartment<\/span><\/a> several times, which I enjoyed as it allowed me to live like a Parisian. But on a solo trip to Paris, I think a hotel offers an extra feeling of security, and assistance with practical things like calling a taxi or making a dining reservation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\u00a0As for where in Paris to stay, the city is divided into 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods).\u00a0 Staying in one of the more central ones will allow you to walk almost everywhere you want to go because the most popular attractions and monuments are concentrated in a fairly compact area of the city. That said the Metro is very efficient and user-friendly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

On the map above, I’ve labeled arrondissements 1 through 8, the most central areas where I suggest you stay. If your budget is tight and you are comfortable taking the Paris Metro (more on this below) you can get more for your money further out. The 9th is also lovely; I spent time there on my Paris trip with friends. And last year I stayed in the 11th, a dynamic area with a non-touristy vibe. And I’ve also stayed in the 16th and loved it. It’s tr\u00e9s chic.<\/p>

So really, any area can work. I think being centrally located is most important on a very short trip so you can maximize your time exploring.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Recommended Paris Hotels for Solo Travel<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais is an affordable hotel in Le Marais<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Budget-Friendly Paris Hotels<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Beginning with my most budget-friendly pick, if you wish to spend less than $200 a night. I stayed at Hotel Diana<\/span><\/a><\/span> in October of 2023. The lobby and rooms are small and basic, but comfortable. The updated bathroom is nice and the location is fantastic. It’s in the Latin Quarter near my favorite Paris garden, the Luxembourg Garden.<\/p>\n

They seem to keep their rates fairly constant as well, around 155 euros. Note they only take bookings three months ahead. For example, October bookings opened up at the end of July. <\/p>\n

For a little more money, I would recommend the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais<\/span><\/a> in Le Marais (pictured above) which I stayed at solo, on my recent trip. It is a charming gem with an excellent location, and is well-priced, often around 200 euros a night. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Hotel Muguet, an affordable hotel with some rooms with Eiffel Tower views<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you would like a hotel close to the Eiffel Tower, I enjoyed my solo stay at the Hotel Muguet, a 3-star hotel in the 7th arrondissement. Hotel Muguet<\/span><\/a> <\/span>has air conditioning, which I appreciated in early September when we had some hot weather and lovely rooms with very comfortable beds. Some rooms have Eiffel Tower views, at higher rates. I thought Hotel Muguet was terrific and recommend it. Note, their rates can vary a lot by time of year and demand.\u00a0<\/p>

A little further out in the 9th\u00a0arrondissement: I enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Bienvenue<\/a>.<\/span> It’s about a 15-minute walk of the Palais Garnier Opera House and French department stores,\u00a0 Le Printemps Haussmann<\/span><\/a> and Galeries Lafayette Haussmann<\/span><\/a>. The latter has a fantastic gourmet food hall where you can get dinner to go: ideal when you are too tired after a day of Paris fun, to go out to dinner.\u00a0<\/p>

I also enjoyed a short stay at CitizenM Champs Elysees<\/span><\/a>, with its striking modern design \u2014 note they only offer king rooms. Although this area feels a little touristy, it is very central.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Explore more of my suggestions for budget-friendly hotels in this post: Affordable Paris Hotels. <\/span><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Paris Hotel Ratings  \u2014 What They Mean<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Paris hotels are rated on a star system, with a maximum of five stars for luxury properties. You will often see the stars on a hotel website and usually also on a sign on the exterior of the hotel.<\/p>

Lower-rated hotels can simply mean they don’t have extra amenities like a concierge. I’ve found most Paris hotels, even the basic ones, have at least a small breakfast area. Typically rates are offered both with and without breakfast. One thing to be aware of if you are looking at 2-star hotels is that some of them don’t have air conditioning. I would want AC between June and September, just in case.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Hoxton, a lovely 4-star hotel in Paris<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Paris Hotels, 4-star & 5-Star<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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I also adore the Saint Germain area of Paris and with a larger budget I would choose the Hotel Dame Des Arts<\/span><\/a>(<\/span>4*); it’s on my bucket list for a future trip. I’ve also heard great things about Hotel Therese<\/span><\/a>,<\/span><\/span> a 4* hotel on the right bank in the 1st arrondissement. The location is ideal within a short walk of Paris’s most popular museums.<\/p>

I\u2019ve also stayed at Le Dokhan\u2019s <\/span><\/a><\/span>a wonderful Belle Epoque property in the 16th, you aren\u2019t quite as central, but it is a wonderful neighborhood, residential and a little less touristy. Le Dokhan\u2019s (<\/span><\/a>4*) is a pricier hotel in a beautiful Haussmann building with a charming Louis Vuitton elevator, gorgeous rooms, and a cute breakfast room\/champagne bar.\u00a0<\/p>

If you want to splurge, I visited the Hoxton Paris<\/span><\/a> on my last trip and was impressed with the elegant building, service and location. It’s now on my wishlist.\u00a0<\/p>

I will be adding more Paris hotels to this section as I try out new properties.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Susan Heinrich enjoys a cup of tea in her holiday apartment in Paris<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Paris Apartment Rentals<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you prefer to rent a Paris apartment I’ve enjoyed my experiences living like a Parisian. On my solo trip to Paris, I spent the first five days in an apartment and another five days in a hotel. My apartment was in the 6th arrondissement; it was rented through Paris Perfect<\/span><\/a> and I loved the experience. Their apartments are on the pricier side (I was able to take advantage of a discount) but there are many other rental options which I outline in <\/span>this post: <\/span>Find & Book a Holiday Apartment in Paris.<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Having an apartment allowed me to live like a Parisian: I visited the farmers’ market, shopped at local fromageries (cheese shops), and bought crusty baguettes on my way home. Not having to dine out three meals a day saved me money and created a more relaxed pace. And it gave me a little taste (pun intended) of life as a local. Someone asked me if I felt like Emily in Paris, referencing the popular Netflix show. I said: \u201cNo, but I did feel like Susan in Paris.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Napoleon Apartments at the Louvre Museum. Book the Louvre Ahead<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A Paris Itinerary - What to Plan and Book Ahead<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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I found that much of what I wanted to see and do in Paris did not require advance planning<\/strong>. So you can either plan every detail ahead, or show up with only your hotel booked and still have a marvelous time.\u00a0<\/p>

The exception to this would be some of Paris’s most popular attractions and monuments. Either because reservations are now required or to save time waiting in line.\u00a0<\/p>

Another thing top book ahead are reservations at very popular restaurants which you should<\/i> book ahead.\u00a0Most French restaurants are not on OpenTable but some are on an app called\u00a0The Fork<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Check restaurant websites as more and more are offering online booking. A list of my favorite Paris affordable restaurants is coming soon.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>

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