13 Tips From My First Solo Trip to Paris
Shared by Either-Carry3557 – lightly edited and published here with permission.
I recently took my first solo trip to Paris and wanted to share what helped me. If you’re planning a trip – solo or not – hopefully some of this is useful.
1. Speak a little French
Even just “bonjour,” “bonsoir,” “merci,” and “au revoir” made a difference. Locals could tell I wasn’t French, but the effort was appreciated. Everyone I interacted with was polite and friendly.
How to instantly annoy a French person
2. Dining alone is fine
I brought a book, took my time, and enjoyed every meal. No one stared. It never felt awkward.
3. Book early – especially the big stuff
If something is on your must-do list, get your tickets in advance. I aimed for the first time slots when I could, or arrived right when places opened – or 1 to 2 hours before closing. Lines for entry are long if you don’t plan ahead.
4. The Paris Museum Pass was worth it
If you like museums and plan to visit at least one a day, this pass pays off fast. I bought the 6-day version and used it twice a day most days. Once it activates at your first site, the countdown starts.
I grouped places that were near each other to make the most of it (e.g. Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, Notre-Dame).
When is the Museum Pass worth it
5. Escape the crowds in Paris’s parks
I took lots of breaks in green spaces. The Tuileries and Luxembourg are popular, and for good reason, they’re beautiful. But smaller spots like Jardin des Plantes were just as nice and peaceful.
6. Don’t miss the free museums
The Carnavalet, the Petit Palais, and even the gardens of the Rodin Museum were all free. That made it easier to pop in for just a short visit without pressure.
7. Use Apple Wallet for metro tickets
No need for a physical Navigo card. I added the transit pass to my Apple Wallet and bought single tickets as needed. I didn’t bother with weekly passes since I walked most places.
8. Pickpockets: be aware, not paranoid
I didn’t run into any, but I stayed alert. I noticed people loitering near major sites like the Louvre or Sacré-Cœur, often alone, watching tourists.
I was approached a few times with made-up stories asking for money – even inside CDG. I just said “no, sorry” and kept walking. Having a good RBF (resting b-face) helped.
9. Get an eSIM before you go
I used Airalo and it worked great. Having data at all times helped with maps and safety. I didn’t want to depend on Wi-Fi, especially since I was alone.
10. I loved staying in the Latin Quarter
I stayed in the 5th arrondissement, in the Latin Quarter. I was close to two metro lines, and I could walk to Le Marais, Île de la Cité, the Luxembourg Gardens, and the Panthéon in under 15 minutes.
It was quieter, full of good food, and I always felt safe, even walking at night.
7 beautiful streets in the Quartier Latin
11. Favorite visits
The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Versailles were highlights. For Versailles, I downloaded the free app that includes audio guides for every part of the estate (château, gardens, Trianons). Yes, they were crowded, but still worth it.
12. Be respectful in religious spaces
I shared more thoughts on this here: link to Reddit post
13. Don’t skip rest
I walked 17k – 21k steps a day. But I also took breaks, sat in parks, grabbed a coffee, or returned to my hotel for a nap. It’s okay to slow down. Paris isn’t going anywhere. Don’t let FOMO ruin your trip.