Of all the cities I return to, Paris always feels like a conversation I pick up exactly where I left off. I’ve taken my 11th trip here—three of them solo, eight with my husband—and I can tell you this: being alone in Paris isn’t lonely. It’s liberating.

There’s a certain magic that comes from wandering at your own pace, without needing to explain or rush. Paris rewards those who wander slowly. You notice more. You feel more. You belong more.

If you’re searching for things to do alone in Paris, what you really might be asking is—will I enjoy it? Will I feel safe? Will I find beauty, even on my own? Yes, yes, and yes.

Because in Paris, you’re never really alone. The city keeps you company. A glance from a stranger, a shared laugh in a café, a quiet walk along the Seine—these are the kinds of moments that stay with you.

And they’re even better when they’re yours alone.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read my Affiliate Disclosure.

Top Things to Do Alone in Paris

girl with bike alone in Paris with eiffel tower in the background

When I travel alone, I rely on rituals. They ground me. They give purpose to days that would otherwise be wide open. They’re familiar, but never boring—always layered with new detail.

These are the things I do every time I return to Paris. My quiet traditions that make every trip feel like coming home.

I hope they become part of your Paris love story too.

Walk Along the Seine (My Favourite Ritual)

seine river with buildings, yellow trees in paris

Every solo trip begins with a walk along the Seine. It’s how I greet the city (not to mention it helps me fight jet lag).

On the right bank, I always start at or near Pont de Sully in the 4th and walk west to Pont de Bir Hakeim in the 16th arrondissement. It’s a long walk—but the kind that clears your head and fills it at the same time. It also introduces you to the views of the Eiffel Tower as you walk towards it, getting closer and closer.

On the left bank, I begin at the Pont de la Tournelle on Île Saint-Louis and wander toward Pont d’Iéna by the Eiffel Tower.

And sometimes I like to crisscross over the bridges and walk on both sides of the left and right banks.

I stop at the bouquinistes, the green stalls selling old books. I’ve never walked past them without lingering. I’ve picked up a couple of vintage books and posters that I keep with me as reminders of the city I love dearly.

Visit a Small Museum (My Favourite Ones I Return To)

pillars and mansion with person sitting alone on paris solo trip

Small museums are where I find stillness. They’re never overwhelming. They’re human-sized, and always beautiful.

I always return to:

  • Musée de l’Orangerie – Monet’s beautiful waterlilies, say no more.
  • Musée Rodin – Both the sculpture garden and the house are elegant and calming, and that’s enough for me.
  • Carnavalet Museum – Free, quiet, and deeply Parisian.
  • Musée Cognacq-Jay – A hidden gem in Le Marais with 18th-century charm.
  • National Archives Museum – Hôtel de Soubise – The architecture alone is worth it, and again free.

Sit in a Garden (My Favourites Where I Do Nothing)

in a garden showing a man alone in paris leaning on his bike

One of the best things to do alone in Paris is… nothing. Gardens are the perfect place for that. Surround yourself with beauty. Watch how Parisians move throughout their day.

My favourites:

  • Jardin Tuileries – I love sitting beside the round fountain.
  • Jardin du Luxembourg – For the statues, the soft gravel, the sense of order.
  • Parc Monceau – Where Parisians read and children play.
  • Palais Royal – Elegant, tucked away, and ideal for people-watching.

I bring a book. Or just sit. Either is enough.

Squares (My Favourite Places to Pause and Stay Awhile)

girl on bench alone in paris on a solo trip sketching in her notebook

Paris squares aren’t just intersections—they’re invitations to linger. I often make a detour just to sit for a moment in one I love.

Here are the ones I return to:

  • Place des Vosges – Classical, harmonious, always lively.
  • Place Dauphine – A quiet triangle surrounded by gorgeous architecture near the Seine.
  • Square Georges-Cain – Small, floral, and never crowded, unless you count the dogs.
  • Square Gabriel-Pierné – Tucked behind the Institut de France, with a lovely book bench and a statue of Caroline.
  • Square René Viviani – Across from Notre-Dame, with the oldest tree in Paris.

Neighbourhoods I Return To (And Why I Go Alone)

antique shop with woman at window on a paris solo trip

Some neighbourhoods make it easier to be alone. You don’t stand out. You blend in. You belong.

I love nothing more than letting my feet be my guide. I’ve been known to duck into open doorways when locals are leaving. Little surprises bring me so much joy.

I return to:

I stroll. I get lost on purpose. I find myself again.

Covered Passages & Bookstores (For When I Want to Wander Indoors)

girl standing at window in bookstore alone in Paris

On quiet afternoons, or when it rains, I retreat to the secret passages and bookstores.

My essentials:

  • Shakespeare and Company – Not just a bookstore, a moment in time.
  • The Abbey Bookshop – Canadian-owned and packed to the ceiling.
  • Passage des Panoramas – Dimly lit, charming, and full of surprises and some great eateries.
  • Passage Vivienne – My favourite for light, colour, and old-world beauty.

You don’t need to buy anything. Just wander. That’s enough.

Food Market Streets (My Favourites for Feeling Local)

restaurant with blue awning and diners at table and chairs

Food market streets are where Paris feels alive. Even if you don’t buy anything, watch as Parisian life unfolds here.

I love these three:

  • Rue des Martyrs – In the 9th to the 18th, full of food, flowers, and energy.
  • Rue Mouffetard – Lively, layered, and a little wild in the best way found in the Latin Quarter.
  • Rue Cler – Clean, elegant, and near the Eiffel Tower, but still local (even though it is touristy).

I pick up fruit, cheese, maybe a pastry. I sit on a bench. I eat slowly and watch.

What to Do Alone in Paris When You Want Connection

painter painting a scene in paris and girl on bench alone in paris

Solitude is beautiful—but some days, we crave a little connection.

Even when I’m travelling alone, I make space for conversation. A shared laugh. A small exchange. These moments keep the day from folding entirely inward. They remind me I’m part of something larger—without giving up the peace I came for.

Here’s what I do when I want to feel connected in Paris:

  • Join a guided walk through a neighbourhood or a food tour. Walking beside others opens the door to quiet conversation.
  • Take a photography tour—especially one focused on street scenes or markets. But for those looking to document their trip, it’s a great way to get professional photos of you in the city.
  • Book a wine tasting or dinner in a local Parisian’s home. I once joined an evening with EatWith that felt more like a dinner with a friend than a tour.

I also talk to people.
The waiter. The bookstore owner. Someone in line at the boulangerie.

And I always sit on the far end of a park bench. That subtle openness has led to the best tips—when I ask the local beside me what to do next—the boulangerie, the walk, the café—not found in any guidebook.

Locals often mistake me for one of them. Maybe it’s how I dress. Maybe it’s the quiet confidence I carry.

But mostly, I think it’s because I listen.
And I always find a way to speak—even if it’s just once a day.

Dining Alone in Paris (And Why It’s One of My Favourite Things to Do)

restaurant with tables and chairs and man alone in paris

Dining alone in Paris isn’t awkward. It’s admired.

This is not one of those destinations where asking for a table for one is met with a sigh or a raised brow. Parisians are just as known for enjoying a solo meal as they are for long conversations with friends. It’s cultural. It’s normal. And more importantly—it’s pleasurable. Embrace it.

Over the years, I’ve come to love it. I feel at ease slipping into a small bistro, ordering what I love, and not needing to say much more than bonjour and merci.

My Tips for Dining Alone in Paris

  • Bring a book or journal. This is very Parisian. People read. They write. It’s not about being distracted (i.e. being on your phone), it’s about being present—but unbothered.
  • Enjoy a long lunch. I often make lunch my main meal of the day. There’s more energy in the restaurants, prices are usually better, and the light is lovely.
  • Keep dinner simple. I like to enjoy apéritif hour—a glass of wine and something small. Then, I return to my apartment and have bread, cheese, and something fresh. It feels indulgent without being heavy, and that way, I don’t have to feel uncomfortable dining alone at night.
  • Choose smaller, more relaxed places. Skip the formal white-tablecloth establishments. Go where locals go. Look for bistros with a blackboard menu and people talking quietly over glasses of wine.
  • Eat near where you’re staying. Especially if you’re feeling uneasy about walking after dark.
  • Sit at the bar or facing the street. You’ll blend right in, and often end up chatting with the bartender or server if you’re open to it.
  • Learn a few phrases. A simple je voudrais une table pour une personne, s’il vous plaît goes a long way.
  • Don’t rush. In Paris, meals are meant to be savoured. Whether you’re alone or not.

Final Thoughts

girl in garden with pink flowers in planters when travelling solo to paris
That’s me, and I hope you enjoyed all of the great ideas of what to do alone in Paris!

You don’t need company to enjoy Paris.

You need curiosity. A willingness to wander. And trust—in yourself, in the city, and in the beauty of being present.

You’ll find joy here. Reflection. Freedom.

Don’t try to see everything. See deeply, not widely.
Let go of the checklist. Give yourself unscheduled time.
Say yes to moments, not just itineraries.

You’ll be surprised by how much the city gives you when you slow down long enough to receive it.

If you’re planning a solo trip and want to make the most of your time in Paris, I offer customized daily itineraries based on your interests and your travel style. No overwhelm. No overplanning. Just the Paris you’re meant to experience.

Let me help you create your perfect solo day in Paris.

statue in paris garden with flowers and text that reads things to do alone in paris
street with bike leaning against wall with text that reads alone in paris

Founder, Creator of Dream Plan Experience

Renee Hannes is a European travel specialist with over 35 years of experience exploring France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Having lived in Germany twice, she combines her deep knowledge and passion for slow travel to craft tailored itineraries and destination guides that uncover hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences. She also offers personalized trip planning services and hosts retreats, helping travellers savour the art of slow, immersive European travel.