Things to Do Alone in Paris

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason. With a wealth of culture, history, art and cuisine, Paris is a city that deserves to be explored and enjoyed in its entirety. It is a city that caters to all tastes and interests, whether you are a culture vulture, a foodie or simply a lover of beauty. And while there are plenty of things to do with friends or family, there are also lots of activities that can be enjoyed alone. Here, we look at some of the top things to do alone in Paris.

Explore the City’s Iconic Landmarks

Paris is a city renowned for its iconic landmarks, and exploring them alone can be a great way to get to know the city’s rich history and culture. From the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral, the city is brimming with attractions that inspire awe and wonder. You can take your own self-guided tour of the city and visit some of the most popular landmarks, or take a leisurely stroll through the streets and discover hidden gems that are only known to locals.

Enjoy a Relaxing Cruise Along the Seine

One of the best ways to experience Paris is from the comfort of a boat on the Seine river. A cruise along the river will give you a unique perspective of some of the city’s most famous monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Pont Neuf bridge. You can choose from a range of cruises, from dinner cruises to sightseeing cruises, all of which offer a chance to relax, take in the scenery and learn more about Paris’s history.

Experience the City’s Cafes

The cafes of Paris are renowned throughout the world for their atmosphere and charm. Sitting in one of the city’s street-side cafes is an experience that every visitor should enjoy at least once. Whether you’re looking for a lively spot to people watch or simply want a quiet spot to relax and enjoy a coffee, there are plenty of cafes around Paris that are ideal for solo visitors.

Take a Walk Through the Jardin des Tuileries

The Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most beautiful parks in Paris and a great place to explore on your own. Here, you can soak up the tranquil atmosphere as you wander through the lush gardens and admire the decorative sculptures. There’s also plenty of street art to discover as you make your way through the park.

Visit the Museums

Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou. Exploring them alone allows you to take your time and really absorb all that each museum has to offer. You can even take advantage of audio tours or guided tours if you want to learn more about the artwork and other exhibits.

Experience Nightlife at a Jazz Club

The city’s nightlife scene is one of its greatest attractions, and there are plenty of jazz clubs where you can explore it alone. From classic jazz clubs like Caveau de la Huchette and Sunset-Sunside to more modern venues like Baiser Salé and Le Petit Journal Montparnasse, Paris is home to some of the best jazz clubs in Europe.

Take a Food Tour

Food lovers will be spoilt for choice in Paris, with an array of traditional French restaurants, bistros, street food stalls and markets offering everything from gourmet cuisine to classic French dishes. Taking a food tour is one of the best ways to experience the city’s culinary offerings and discover some hidden gems along the way. You can book a food tour with Viator or GetYourGuide, which will take you around some of the city’s best restaurants, bistros and markets. You can sample traditional French dishes, learn about local ingredients and gain insights into French culture through food.

Take a Walking Tour

Exploring Paris on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to get to know the city, and there are plenty of walking tours that cater to solo travelers. You can choose from themed tours such as food tours, art tours or even ghost tours depending on your interests. Taking a walking tour is also an ideal way to meet like-minded people and explore some of Paris’s lesser-known attractions.

Visit Montmartre

Montmartre is one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods and home to iconic attractions such as Sacré-Coeur Basilica and Place du Tertre. Exploring it alone allows you to take your time strolling up its cobbled streets and admiring its old-world charm. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife scene too, so it’s worth checking out one of the many bars or clubs if you’re looking for an evening activity.

Discover Paris’s Shopping Scene

Paris is known for its chic boutiques, vintage stores and designer labels, so it’s no surprise that shopping is one of the city’s favorite pastimes. Whether you’re looking for high-end designer pieces or bargain buys, there’s something for everyone in Paris. Exploring its shopping scene alone gives you time to browse stores at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore Local Markets

Paris is home to some vibrant markets where you can pick up local produce, handmade goods, antiques and more. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just want to soak up some local atmosphere, exploring Paris’s markets alone can be an enjoyable experience. Some popular markets include Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market, Marché aux Fleurs flower market and Marché Bastille food market.

Take a Cooking Class

If you’re looking for an activity that combines fun with learning, then taking a cooking class in Paris is a great option. You can learn how to make traditional French dishes such as pastries, soufflés or macarons from experienced chefs who will walk you through every step of the process. You can also take classes in more specialized areas such as wine tasting or cheese making if you prefer.

Conclusion

Paris is a city that is full of activities for solo travelers – whether you’re looking for cultural experiences or culinary delights, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Exploring Paris alone offers you time to explore its attractions at your own pace and discover some hidden gems along the way. Whether you choose to take a walking tour or take a cooking class, there’s something for everyone in Paris – so why not make it your next solo destination?