Solo Traveler's Guide to Paris - Things To Do Alone

31 July 2020

Are you traveling around France, and seeking things to do alone in Paris? When planning solo travel in Paris, it’s important to see everything you want to see and make the most of your visit, which should be easy enough since you don’t have to wait around or rely on anyone else when you’re making important plans! For me, this city is a woman; it’s so beautiful and elegant, so stylish, romantic, and unique. A great city to wander through alone, the pretty boulevards, distinct Parisian architecture, and differences in each district will keep you engaged. So whether you’re taking the leap with your first-ever independent trip and visiting Paris on your own or are already a keen solo traveler, discover the best of things to do alone in Paris with my ultimate solo travel France ideas that encompass the ideal mix of the city’s quirky neighborhoods, historic attractions, great food spots and some of the best things to do in Paris alone!

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Saint Germain

Photo credit:Olivier Bruchez, Flickr

If you had to choose the most classically Parisian neighborhood, Saint Germain would be it. St-Germain-des-Prés has it all: elegant blocks lined with luxurious art galleries, atmospheric cafés, designer boutiques, celebrated restaurants, and a solid selection of museums. This quartier is full of curiosities and is named after the oldest church in Paris: St-Germain-des-Prés, which has become a cherished address for Parisians and visitors alike. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden frescoed ceilings when wandering the vibrant district, which is located in the heart of Paris. Best known for its high-end shopping, Saint Germain also offers historical monuments, old streets and is an all-around beautiful spot. The spot is bourgeois and looks very elitist, but don’t let that put you off. A Parisian fairytale, it’s nice to start the day at a local bistro with a croissant and jus d’orange. It really puts you in a good mood and kick starts your trip of exploring Paris alone.

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Institut du Monde Arabe

Photo credit: Sheila Thomson, Flickr

As a bridge between the Middle Eastern and Western worlds that opened in 1987, the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris or Arab World Institute is a conclave dedicated to Arabic arts, culture, and history. In a beautiful modern building co-designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris hosts frequent exhibits, festivals and evenings which elevate important artists, writers, filmmakers, and other cultural figures from around the Arab speaking world. One of the top things to do alone in Paris, head up to the lovely rooftop café and see panoramic views of the city. Eat and drink like a local at the Lebanese restaurant and teahouse where you can sip a tea in the North African-style tea room. Dining in Paris alone? Grab some food and soak up the beautiful panoramic views over Paris from the 9th floor of the building, which is perched on the left bank of the Seine River.

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Grand Palais

Perfect for solo travel in Paris, The Grand Palais or Great Palace exhibition hall and museum complex was built between the Champs-Élysées and the Seine River in Paris for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. A masterpiece of Classicism and Art Nouveau, the Beaux Arts structure built between 1897 and 1900 has impressive large stone colonnades and a huge conservatory-style glass roof. A major attraction and Parisian landmark, the majestic nave hosts a wide variety of major national and international events such as horse riding, contemporary art and even a fairground. The national galleries see large-scale exhibitions on artists that have marked the history of art; such as Picasso, Hopper and Renoir. The cultural site is not to be missed for a solo travel France adventure of culture, art and history.

L’éclair de Génie

With over 100 artistically perfected éclairs, L’éclair de Génie is a must-visit when visiting Paris on your own. One of my favorite spots in the city, L’éclair de Génie provides a true Paris foodie experience with ‘genius éclair’s that have been prepared so meticulously that they really are works of art. Pastry chef Christophe Adam has reinvented a dessert favored by the French, not to mention his work with chocolate truffles. L’éclair de Génie’s fabulous collection of diverse and varied creations are as beautiful as they are delicious; and Adam fills them with everything from vanilla pecans, coffee, salted butter caramel and Rose bonbon with a scent of rose and marshmallows, amongst others. The most popular are the year-round passion fruit and strawberry. Don’t miss the delicious L’éclair de Génie when searching for sweet places to eat in Paris alone.

Latin District

My ideal day in Paris is a romantic one spent wandering the streets in the Latin district. With beautiful architecture and green flowers, the 5th Arrondissement, the Latin Quarter, is home to the Sorbonne University and atmospheric cafes. It's also famed for its bookshops, including the landmark Shakespeare & Company. Wander through the peaceful Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens or the National Museum of Natural History; which are some of the best things to do in Paris. The stately Panthéon building holds the remains of notables like Voltaire and Marie Curie; these are great Paris attractions that you won’t find in a scripted guidebook. There’s a certain peace and logic to the pastel colors of the architecture of one of the best Paris districts where you can also find good food, a revalitised 70s vibe, artsy places and the LGBTQ village of the capital. I enjoy the place with friends, but it is equally as great when exploring Paris alone.