Wanderlust in Paris: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide

Book a Charming and Welcoming Hotel

The first thing you’ll want to do when planning your trip is to find the perfect place to stay. In Paris, like many European cities, hotels often offer single rooms, which is a great way to splurge for a gorgeous hotel that might be too pricey when traveling as a couple or family. I like to look for a stylish, yet warm boutique hotel in a neighborhood where I know I’ll feel safe walking alone. I want my stay to feel special, so I prefer a hotel that offers extra perks. On my last trip, I stayed at the Hotel Keppler Paris in the 16th arrondissement. It's discreetly tucked away on a quiet street near the Champs Élysées. It's just a short walk from the tourist heart of Paris.

The Keppler is a jewel box of small, chic living rooms and 48 guest rooms, both elegant and cozy. The hotel has a lovely breakfast room, a champagne bar and a small hammam, with a sauna, steam room and hot and cold plunge pools to relax in after a day of sightseeing and shopping.

In the Latin Quarter, on the Left Bank of Paris, I’m eyeing the Relais Christine for my next solo trip to Paris. Set in a 17th-century mansion, surrounding a flower-filled cobblestone courtyard and tucked away in a quiet street, this hotel is a favorite with Fashion Week insiders. It’s a bit more splurgy compared to my other choices, but in addition to double rooms and suites, they offer small rooms perfect for single travelers.

Another Parisian neighborhood I love to stay in when traveling solo to Paris is St. Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement. One of my favorite places to stay there is at the cozy Hotel Verneuil. This recently updated 26-room hotel, with its exposed wooden beams and stone vaulted ceilings, sits on a charming street opposite Serge Gainsbourg's iconic house. It is just two blocks from the Seine, and close to the Musée D’Orsay, the Café de Flore and other must-see sites in Paris.

Savor the Charm of Parisian Cafés

One of the greatest pleasures in Paris is simply sitting in a café, sipping a café latte or a glass of wine and watching the world go by. The Parisian café culture is legendary and offers a perfect opportunity for solo travelers to relax and soak in the local atmosphere. Iconic spots like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots in St. Germain-des-Prés are not just historical landmarks, but also perfect places to people-watch and perhaps strike up a conversation. Make sure you see the Maître d’ before grabbing an open table, though!

Wander Through Iconic Landmarks

No visit to Paris is complete without experiencing its renowned landmarks. Start with the Eiffel Tower, perhaps the most iconic Parisian site. You can buy a ticket to ride up to the top, or simply walk over, pick up a butter and sugar crêpe (the best!) from one of the food carts nearby and admire the view from the bottom. It’s always busy here, so you’ll feel safe even after dark.

An advantage of traveling solo is that it’s much easier to get a single ticket to any of the popular tourist spots, and you can take them at your own pace. The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are two must-see sites, especially if you are into art. If your art history is a little rusty, booking a small, guided tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the masterpiece before you. It's also an easy way to meet other travelers. I’ve found amazing guides through Airbnb Experiences, including a historian/former stand-up comic who had us laughing our way through the museum!

Also, don't miss the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, now in restoration but still a testament to gothic grandeur and in a pretty area of Paris, which is perfect for strolling and souvenir shopping.

Experience French High Fashion

Travelling without my husband or kids in tow, means I get to see some sites that they would not be especially interested in visiting. On my last trip, I visited the stunning Dior Museum, with its display of iconic New Look dresses and a very Instagammable staircase, featuring colorful miniatures of all of the fashion house’s major looks. I had just finished watching The New Look TV series, which covers the WWII years of French couture and the rivalry between Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, which made this exhibit even more interesting. Next door, you can browse the latest fashions from Dior, and definitely book a lunch at the Monsieur Dior restaurant!

The Rue Montaigne, where the Dior Museum and flagship store are located, is also home to many other French fashion icons, such as Louis Vuitton. And unlike flagship stores on the Champs Élysées, they aren’t as touristy, so you likely won’t have to line up to get inside.

Do Some Shopping

Paris has great shopping at every price point. You can lose a whole afternoon browsing at the Galeries Lafayette or Bonne Marche. These are two amazing (and gorgeous!) department stores that sell everything from international luxury brands to local designers. They aren't just for clothing and accessories, but home décor and an entire floor in each of gourmet foods. Buy yourself a chic pair of shoes or a special outfit, and bring home some fleur de sel, specialty mustard, Mariage Frères tea and a sleeve of macarons for your friends or family, all in one stop!

Some of my favorite mid-priced independent stores to shop for great French fashion include Sézane, Claudie Pierlot and Sandro. All have several locations around Paris and offer the cool, French girl look.

On the very affordable side, there's Monoprix, the French answer to Target. This is an amazing place to pick up everything from gourmet cheese and wine, to French drugstore beauty products, housewares and cute clothes. Their reusable shopping bags with the Eiffel Tower design have become something of a cult item recently.

Remember to bring your passport with you when shopping if you're a non-EU resident, as you’re entitled to a refund of the VAT tax upon departure from France, but only with the right paperwork. The department stores and many independent retailers are set up to help you get your documents in order, and the airports all have kiosks where you can file.

Explore Quaint Neighborhoods

Paris is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Montmartre, with its bohemian past, offers winding streets, artistic vibes, and breathtaking views from the Sacré-Cœur. Le Marais is known for its trendy boutiques, historic architecture and vibrant café culture. It's perfect for shopping or a leisurely stroll. Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with its intellectual heritage, is great for art and literature lovers and those looking to experience classic Parisian elegance. And don’t miss the beautiful parks, including the 60 acre Jardin du Luxembourg and the Jardin de Tuileries. Go for a run, stop by a café for a glass of Sancerre and some people watching or grab one of the iconic green chairs and read a book in the sunshine. But just don’t sit on the grass, other than in specially designated spots!

Indulge in Some Amazing Food!

All that sightseeing and shopping will leave you hungry, and Paris has almost too many choices for where to eat! You can find a great boulangerie for a quick coffee and croissant or a bistro for a relaxed lunch almost anywhere you go. For dinner, don’t miss out on booking a great restaurant. And don’t be afraid to dine alone; Parisian restaurants are used to solo diners.

One restaurant I recently discovered and love is Georgette, a fabulous small French restaurant not far from Jardin du Luxembourg, serving beautifully-plated, fresh takes on classic dishes.