Sounds
wonderful, don't they? Cobblestone streets, romantic cafés, and the Eiffel
Tower sparkling at night? When I planned my own vacation to Paris, I pictured
myself drinking coffee by the Seine and exploring galleries packed with artwork
like a movie character.
And while I
had a lot of those fantasies, I also encountered some unexpected reality.
Let me tell you what I wish someone had informed me before I got on that plane if you're considering going to Paris solo.
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| What I Wish I Knew Before Traveling Solo in Paris |
Before Traveling Solo in Paris - The City of Light
1. Not Everyone Speaks English and That’s Okay
I assumed
that since Paris is such a popular travel destination, there would be a large
population of English-speaking people.
It's not, to
give you a hint. Since many Parisians are fluent in English, they like it when
you attempt to speak a little French first.
A simple "Merci" (thank you) and "Bonjour" (hello) made a big impact. When I began using French welcomes to start discussions, I saw a noticeable change in how people reacted to me: they became nicer, more helpful, and even smiled!
Lesson: It makes a big difference to download Google Translate, learn a few essential phrases, and put in effort.
2. Solo Dining Can Feel Weird (at First)
I sat by
myself at a quaint Montmartre café on my second night there. The view was breathtaking;
the meal was amazing, but nonetheless... I was uncomfortable.
The fact is, though, that no one gave a damn that I was eating by myself. Actually, I began to enjoy the independence of eating by myself. I could read, write in my diary, people-watch, and take in the atmosphere of Paris without being interrupted.
Advice: Bring a notebook, your favorite music selection, or a book. Take your time.
3. Paris Is Walkable But Be Prepared
I was
surprised at how much walking I did. I walked 20,000 steps a day on average.
Paris is a place to stroll, but if you're not ready, you'll end yourself with
tired feet.
Wish I packed:
- Comfortable shoes (stylish but supportive)
- A lightweight water bottle
- Band-aids (because blisters are real)
Bonus: Some of my favorite discovery came from exploring the city on foot, including a small art show hidden behind a café, a jazz band performing by the river, and a hidden bookshop.
4. Pickpocketing Is Real
This is
supposed to get you ready, not to frighten you. Like most large cities, Paris
suffers petty crime despite its beauty.
I kept my bag
in front of me and stayed alert when I was on the metro and at popular tourist
destinations like Sacré-Coeur or the Eiffel Tower.
I once saw
someone trying to open a traveler's backpack directly in front of me. I could
have been that person.
What I did right:
- Used a crossbody bag with zippers
- Left my passport in the hotel safe
- Avoided showing valuables in public
5. Parisians Aren’t Rude - They’re Just… Parisians
I heard all the stereotypes, "They’re cold, they’re rude, they hate tourists." To be honest? I didn't have that experience.
Yes, I did initially feel a bit
uncomfortable. However, it soon became clear to me that etiquette plays a role
in this situation.
It made all the difference to say "Bonjour" when you walk into a store or "Excusez-moi" before you ask an inquiry.
When approached with the
same mindset, Parisians are extremely polite despite their lack of chattiness.
6. Give Yourself Time to Just Be
I filled my
schedule with trips, sites, and museums. But the unplanned ones, like eating a
croissant while sitting by the Canal Saint-Martin, getting lost in Le Marais,
or drawing the skyline from a park bench, were my favorites.
I learned
that it's acceptable to take your time when traveling alone in Paris. It's
actually required.
Final Thoughts - Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely.
In the best
manner possible, traveling solo in Paris allowed me to step outside of my
comfort zone.
I gained
greater self-confidence, learned to welcome the unexpected, and discovered how
much I love being by myself.
Would I act
differently? Yes.
Would I still
go by myself? Definitely.
Do it if you're thinking about traveling to Paris solo. And maybe bring this list with you if you do.
Read: A
Week in Thailand as a Solo Female Traveler - What I Learned
