I promise it's not as depressing as it sounds, okay?
As a 20-something living in Paris, solo, I'd be lying if I said I've never felt out of place.
Especially this time of year, walking past the Eiffel Tower on my way to and from work and having to dodge around so many couples makes me feel like I'm sticking out. But that hasn't stopped my from enjoying myself!
Flashback to a couple months ago: I was scrolling through instagram stories and a mutual friend was asking for advice on places he should travel to while on his solo trip through Europe. Of course I mentioned Paris. But apparently, not everyone is super keen on the idea of coming to Paris solo, and I was like, that's weird.
The guy responded to my suggestion by saying, "thanks, but maybe when I actually have a partner to visit with LOL!"
WHAT?! You're gonna put off PARIS because you don't have a PARTNER?!
Paris has long been coined as the City of Love,
and is known as probably THE most romantic city in the world.
The Eiffel Tower, cobbled streets, plein air cafes, the Pont des Arts lock bridge, and the French language itself is associated with the epitome of romance and seduction.
Even Valentine's Day in Paris is different from how one might celebrate in the United States -- in Paris, the special day is definitely more for couples, rather than being extended to family, friends, teachers, etc.
And don't get me started on how many proposals I've seen on the champs de mars in front of the Eiffel Tower. It's cute after the first or second time, but when you start seeing them back to back, you gotta wonder if people need to get a bit more creative.
And it can feel a little strange to travel to a place that is so well known as a hot spot for lovers. It's like that feeling you get when you eat alone at the lunch table and everyone else eats with their friends. But embracing solo travel is all about mindset, and attitude is everything! There's nothing wrong with taking up space in a place that is meant for everyone -- tell that couple blocking the entire sidewalk while holding hands to move it.
Here’s how to treat yourself during a solo trip to Paris.
The Eiffel Tower - A Romantic Solo Weekend Must!
First things first, a trip to Paris would not be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower!
But make sure to stop for some brunch first. I recommend grabbing an escargot au chocolat et pistache (no, that's not a chocolate-pistachio snail -- it's a pastry!) or un pain au chocolat aux amandes from Du Pain et des Idées. It's a terrific boulongerie! If you're looking for something a little more filling, check out Immersion for a classic and delicious American-style brunch!
Try to get to the Tower around sunset, and pick up a bottle of wine and head to the lawn. It's a perfect way to spend the evening and people-watch.
Macarons at Ladurée Paris
Ladurée is the quintessential French bakery and arguably the world’s best-known seller of macarons. Over 15,000 are sold everyday! The colorful treats always put me in a Parisian mood.
Enjoy them in one of Laudrée's many cafes or grab a few to go and stroll along the streets — either way it’s a great treat! I love pairing them with un chocolat chaud or an espresso.
Ladurée has several different locations in Paris so there's no excuse not to check them out!
Flâner (wander) A Little
Explore Village Life
There's two sides to Paris: the capital city and the small village atmosphere. Paris is huge and can get overwhelming, but dive into the neighborhoods that used to be small villages, sit at a corner café and watch how the community interacts to get your bearings again.
The perfect place for this is Montmartre. Get lost on the cobbled streets and discover corners of Paris once walked by famous artists like Picasso and Renoir! And be sure to pay a visit to Little Africa.
Walk The Seine
The perfect way to distance yourself from the tourist mindset is to take a long stroll alongside the Seine. Traveling to Paris alone is the perfect opportunity for such a walk. You encounter the city from another angle, and might spot museums and other highlights across the water you'd like to pay a visit to! It's like your own personal walking tour.
I love watching the boats go by, people dancing along the river, the artists selling their wares.
You may see a lot of joggers here as well, and being in the midst of such a local atmosphere is really a treat in this often tourist-heavy city!
Visit the Musee du Louvre
The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum, so of course, it's a must-see on a romantic solo weekend in Paris! Over 10 million people visit each year, so be sure to book tickets online in advance.
If you decide not to visit the Louvre Museum, you can still walk around and explore the surrounding Jardin des Tuileries and the nearby Luxembourg Gardens free of charge!
And of course be sure to take a photo with the famous glass pyramid.
Dine at a Romantic Paris Sidewalk Cafe
No romantic weekend in Paris would be complete without at least one meal at a Parisian sidewalk cafe!
You'll actually see a lot of solo-diners at these plein air cafes -- working on laptops, reading books, or people-watching while sipping a coffee or wine. For food tips on dining in Paris, check out this blog post!
Walk to the Arc de Triomphe
Another one of Paris' famous landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of Champs-Élysées in the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle. It honors all those who fought and died during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
If you wish, you can pay to go to the top of the Arc, but the view from beneath the structure is just as amazing. We love Parisian architecture!
When you're done admiring the view, take the street from the Arc and head down Champs-Élysées and oggle the high-end stores and restaurants. There's also an H&M and a ZARA in case you can't just help yourself from joining in the shopping frenzy (without breaking the bank).
Window-shop in the Fashion Capital of the World
You can’t visit the fashion capital of the world and not at least do a little window shopping! Some other neighborhoods and streets famous for shoppers in Paris:
Boulevard Saint Germain
Rue Du Commerce
Les Halles
Le Marais
Triangle D’or
Rue De Rivoli
Saint-Ouen Flea Market
Boulevard Haussmann
Avenue Des Champs Elysées
Avenue Des Ternes
Admire the Palais Garnier - Paris Opera House
Arguably the most famous Opera house in the world, Palais Garnier is yet another classic symbol of Paris. It opened in 1875 and seats almost 2,000 people!
You can arrange to see a show, and be that mysterious individual watching the Opera solo in the dark. See? The perfect vibes to give you something to work with for your before-bed fantasies later.
You can also just stick to the views -- inside or outside, you're in for a treat.
Go For A Drink
End the day by treating yourself to a fancy beverage -- cocktails usually range from 7 to 15 euros, while beers go anywhere from 3 to 12. Whatever your fancy, make sure to bring a good book and feel free to dress up for your little solo outing.
One place I love for solo drinks is Sir Winston Restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe. It's an indoor setting with earthy vibes, comfortable chairs, and secluded alcoves where you can sit to yourself without being surrounded by other customers.
If you're looking for more of an outdoor vibe, especially during warmer weather, check out Le Perchoir du Marais beer garden in La Marais! The neighborhood itself is a terrific area.
There's no shame in feeling uneasy about traveling solo, whether that be personal safety concerns or just plain self-doubt! Both are equally human.
But just make sure you don't miss out on great opportunities because of your fear of what others will think!
