Solo Travel Guide: How to Spend a Peaceful Week in Paris

Arriving

I always recommend timing your flights to land at your destination late-morning. Usually hotel check in is between 2:00-4:00pm, but you can likely store your luggage at the hotel until your room is ready. If you haven’t been to Paris before, the main airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, is at least 40-45 min from the city - so plan accordingly!

Normally, I like to take free walking tours when I visit a new place. I didn’t do one this time in Paris, but I highly recommend a walking tour on your first or second day – to help you get oriented and learn a bit of history around the city. This way, you’ll be better prepared to focus on the spots you’re most interested in visiting during your stay. (Just remember to bring cash for tips.)

Where to stay, explore and eat

Budget-boutique and coxy local flare: Le Planque Hotel (Personal Recommendation)

Le Planque Hotel, located between the 10th and 11th arrondissements near Canal St. Martin. If you’re looking for a quiet local street, french music, cozy breakfast, 24/7 coffee and a private garden, Le Planque is a budget friendly option that makes you feel at home. This is also the spot with throbbing with younger energy in the summertime, enjoy evenings sitting by the Canals with wine and your choice of snacks next to the locals; let the laughter and stimulating conversation energize you before your next day – and maybe make a new friend or two! Staying at Le Planque made this one of my favorite visits to Paris because it offered a sense of local charm and high-quality comfort and service without frills or complexity.

Things to do near the 11th arrondissement

Le Comptoir Géneral: On summer nights, the Canal St. Martin is surrounded by locals meeting up to hang out with friends. After stopping by to embrace the energy, walk over to Le Comptoir Géneral. Enter the building to discover antique armchairs, vintage posters and lamps and all sorts of knick knacks. Walk towards the back and you’ll find a bustling cocktail bar and a courtyard nestled away between lush trees and dim lights. Get inspired at this globally-inspired gem.

Soya Comptoir Bio: For my vegan friends, this one’s for you. For my non-vegan friends, this one is still for you. Soya Comptoir Bio is one of my all-time favorite vegan places I’ve stumbled upon. Grab a seat outside and people watch for an early solo dinner. Whatever you choose to order, be sure to top it off with the carrot cake!

Luxury + cocktails galore: The Hoxton

If you prefer something upscale or with an air of luxury, check out The Hoxton. The Hoxton is a grand century residence located in the 2nd arrondissement with original staircases, charming accents and is photo-ready at every corner. The hotel offers three different bars and restaurants, including a brasserie with rich cocktails and modern meals, a casual courtyard wine bar and an intimate cocktail bar accessible via a spiral staircase.

Things to do near the 2nd arrondissement

The Shakespeare Company & Cafe: Near the Latin Quarter, the 2nd arrondissement has so much to offer. One of my personal favorite stops is The Shakespeare Company–an iconic English bookstore located at Kilometer Zero, the point at which all French roads begin. If you buy a book, be sure to ask for a stamp as a souvenir! Be sure to check out the cafe next door for a perfectly curated cappuccino.

Passage des Panoramas: As one of the oldest covered passages in Paris, this arcade is a haven for collectors and vintage enthusiasts. You can explore unique shops, antique stores and charming cafes as you stroll through its glass-ceilinged walkways.

Opéra Comique: If you have a love for the performing arts, consider catching a show at the Opéra Comique. While on solo trips, I always enjoy dressing up to watch a show. This historic theater hosts a variety of opera and musical productions throughout the year.

Blend between grand palace + contemporary: Hôtel Royal Madeleine

Sometimes a grand palace hotel is too much and an aggressively edgy little boutique hotel is not enough. Hôtel Royal Madeleine offers the perfect balance between luxury and boutique. Located in the 8th arrondissement, so you’ll have the Champs-Élysées right at your doorstep. With a Nespresso machine in every room, a spa, rooms with private terraces and a full-service contemporary restaurant, you’ll have everything you need to experience Paris at its finest.

Things to do near the 8th arrondissement

Champs-Élysées: The famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées runs through the heart of the 8th arrondissement. Stroll along this tree-lined avenue to admire high-end boutiques, theaters and cafes. At the western end, you'll find the monumental Arc de Triomphe. Window shop along the many luxury stores for brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior.

The Seine, Louvre and Musée de l'Orangerie: Staying in the 8th arrondissement means you can easily walk over to the Seine River and stroll through the Jardin du Carrousel to reach the Louvre. During the busier tourist months, plan to wait in line for the Louvre – even with a reservation! If you’re not keen to wait in a long line, check out the Musée de l'Orangerie that’s just a short walk away and features an impressive permanent collection from artists like Van Gogh and Monet.

Getting around

The trick to seeing the most of Paris in a week is to avoid Ubers. With congested traffic, especially near the city center, you’ll be quicker on foot, by bike or using the metro – all very simple and convenient options.

Biking

You’ll find plenty of bike options, including Lime, which are pedal assist and available through the Uber app and Vélib, which is the Paris version of a City bike. With stations scattered all throughout the city, I was able to easily get around with a Vélib bike throughout my week in Paris. See this comprehensive guide on how to use the Vélib bikes for the first time, which you can start using with just three euros, one way, but you can also buy a pass for the full day or week.

Paris has great bike lanes, but it can get a bit hectic during traffic hours. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings.

Metro

The Paris Metro is an extensive subway system with over 300 metro stations and 14 different lines. The Metro can be daunting for a first-time visitor, but once you get oriented, you’ll be able to get to anywhere you need while riding with the locals. Every station has free maps available, but I found it helpful to download the app–which you can also use to buy your tickets. You can buy a full-day ticket or travel pass for €6.75 a day, or a one-way ticket for about €2.50. The Metro trains operate from 5:30am until 1:00am (after midnight) on the weekdays, and until 2:00am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Now it’s your turn to explore the City of Lights! Go on and discover.