Quick: what’s the most romantic city in the world?
If you said Paris, you may be right. With its dreamy spires, pretty streets and postcard-perfect views, Paris scores high on the smooch-o-meter.
So why would I go there alone? On a group trip to France, I realized I’d only be passing through Paris on my way home and decided I didn’t want my experience of the City of Light to be limited to an airport lounge. So I booked a four-day stay and experienced Paris as Juliet… sans Romeo. And you know what? It was just fine. I took the usual safety precautions (cross-body bag under my jacket, zippered pockets) and never once felt unsafe.
Finding your bearings
Montmartre’s winding cobblestone streets, vibrant cafés, and artistic flair make it one of Paris’s most charming arrondissements — and a must for every traveller’s itinerary. Photo: Joana Guarda
It’s worth knowing that Paris is big – some 11 million people, in a sprawling metropolis divided into 20 numbered neighbourhoods called arrondissements, which are referred to by their number. I stayed in “the 10th”. While not as chic as the ones near the heart of central Paris, for me it was ideal as my hotel was within walking distance of the epic Gare du Nord (“northern railway station”) with its train, subway and airport connections.
Related: Hotel de Sers – the Paris address you’ll want to bookmark
Getting around and Tours worth taking
Speaking of getting around, I found the subway, or métro, clean and easy to navigate – all 300 whopping stations of it. However, it can be a bit complicated: in a single station I encountered escalators, moving sidewalks and a lot of stairs. But signage is excellent and there are a number of convenient tickets and multi-day passes available.
To get oriented in Paris, or any other city, I warmly recommend hop-on-hop-off bus tours. Usually sold with 24 or 48 hour durations, double-decker buses pause at famous landmarks – complete with audio soundtrack – and you can get on and off as many times as you wish.
Group walking tours are also a great way to get a feel for a city. I very much enjoyed my two-hour Latin Quarter tour with Sandeman’s. Their tours are free (plus a €10 suggested tip – worth every cent). Our genial guide told us about the jazz age in Paris, the majesty of Notre Dame Cathedral and the history of the Sorbonne University. (Fun fact: the city has 170 museums, including one dedicated entirely to the sewage system. Oh là là… ew!)
Must-sees
Exploring the Louvre solo means setting your own pace — from the glass pyramid to masterpieces waiting inside, Paris’s art scene is yours to savour. Photo: @jormtz9
A word to the wise: you’ll probably want to visit some of the must-sees such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre Museum. Even if there is no admission fee, as is the case with Notre Dame, I strongly recommend you book your admission time even before you leave home. During my off-season visit (March, 2025), the queues to get into Notre Dame were massive – but those who had booked their entrance time were admitted without wait.
Evenings in Paris, Dining and cafés
Cruising the Seine River — a timeless Paris experience, even when exploring solo. Photo: Getty Images
Evenings can feel a little unmoored when travelling solo, but a Seine River cruise is a perfect solution. With or without dinner, the sight of the illuminated Eiffel Tower never disappoints.
And yes, the famously snooty Parisian waiter still exists, but I found service efficient everywhere I dined. (Good to know: tipping is not expected in France.) Like most hotels, mine included a continental breakfast: coffee, pastries, fruit and cold cuts.
When not sightseeing, don’t miss café culture. There’s no better people-watching: I saw a 70-something couple kiss tenderly goodbye in a metro station and found myself seated beside a gentleman in a purple smoking jacket and cravat, straight out of central casting. Fabuleux.
Final tips
For more inspiration, check out Paris Je T’aime, a wonderful resource packed with sightseeing, shopping and touring suggestions — perfect for solo travellers.
