Ah, Paris. There is nowhere else on earth with the charm, romanticism, and elegance! Whether it’s your first or tenth trip to the City of Light, it really never gets old. While Paris is known as the City of Love, what better way to show the love you have for yourself by taking a solo trip? Treat yourself to strolls along beautiful streets, taking in the culture, and stuffing your face with fresh croissants. Here are my top tips for solo female travel in Paris!
1. Invest in secure bags
When traveling solo, the thing that gives me the most peace of mind is traveling with theft-proof bags. Petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing are things you always need to be aware of, especially in large cities like Paris. Years ago, I purchased this bag to use for my “out and about” day bag. While there are many different theft-proof bags on the market and you can find one that works for you, nothing relaxes me more than knowing my belongings are safe. Theft-proof backpacks are often made of slash-proof material, have locking zippers, and are RFID-blocking. I feel more safe carrying my passport and wallet around with me all day, than leaving them in my hotel room!
2. Familiarize yourself with common scams
Another way to keep your belongings safe is to familiarize yourself with common scams. It’s best to always ignore panhandlers or anyone asking you for money. It may feel rude to not even acknowledge, but you’re not alone and it’s for the best. Don’t look them in the eye, walk right past them, or pretend like you do not speak English.
One common scam is you may find a group walking around with beaded friendship bracelets (some are even dressed as Buddhist monks so you feel extra empathy for them- don’t be fooled!). You may even find that they are aggressive and will put them right onto your wrist, and then demand money in return. For an added kick, while you’re going back and forth with them about how you don’t want it and will not pay for it, one of their accomplices will be simultaneously robbing you. If not a bracelet, some may try to give you flowers or locks for the bridges and then demand payment. Don’t accept anything!
Another common scam that I personally encountered at the Sacré-Cœur was the fake petition scam. People will approach you with clipboards asking you sign their petition – which they play up to be for a very good cause! Once you sign, they will aggressively demand a donation or again, use this as a distraction while another pickpockets you. Don’t engage with or approach them!
Finally, never ever get in a taxi where the meter is broken. Chances are incredibly high that you are about to get massively ripped off. Even if you agree to a rate with the driver ahead of time, it’s typically much higher than the normal fare. Stick to Uber or metered taxis- and watch to see when it is switched on and off!
The common theme is that scammers love to create distractions! Remain vigilant at all times and keep your valuables in a very safe spot!
3. Learn the exchange rate
While this is a good tip anywhere you’re traveling, it’s also true for solo female travel in Paris! The exchange rates are always fluctuating, and even though it’s never more than a cent or two at a time, it’s important to keep up with it so you know exactly how much you’re paying for things. Especially true in markets where haggling is common, know about how much things should cost with the exchange rate to avoid getting ripped off.
One personal anecdote is that a few weeks prior to my recent trip to Paris, I looked up the exchange rate and took note of what it was approximately. Then, when I arrived I decided to look up the Euro-Dollar rate again. Turns out it was very different than a few weeks prior, and the US Dollar was much stronger! Make a note to check regularly, if not daily, while on your trip!
4. Learn basic expressions in French
It’s widely known that the French have a reputation of being rude, especially to tourists (but even more so to American tourists). And while that can be true, I’ve always found that their coldness comes from a place of frustration. Americans would come into their city, speak English everywhere, and make no effort to communicate in the native language. In my experience, so long as you make an effort to communicate in French first, Parisians are very kind and appreciate the effort. Even if you can’t say anything more than “Bonjour, un croissant, s’il vous plaît”, they will definitely appreciate that more than “one croissant please!”. Prior to your trip, take some time to learn basic expressions.
“Bonjour/Bonsoir/Bonne journée” – Hello/Good evening/Have a nice day
“Merci/merci boucoup” – Thank you/thank you very much
“S’il vous plaît” – Please
“Au revoir/à bientôt” – Goodbye/see you soon
“Où se trouvent les toilettes” – Where are the toilets?
“Désolé, mais je ne parle pas français” – Sorry, but I do not speak French
5. Book your tickets ahead of time
If you’re looking to save both time and money on your solo trip to Paris, booking your tickets ahead of time is critical! Booking ahead is often cheaper than purchasing tickets at the door, and usually you can skip the lines at major attractions. The Louvre, going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Catacombs, and river cruises on the River Seine all are wise to book in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the peak summer months.
6. Still have that old student ID card? Bring it!
Another tip that isn’t exclusive to solo female travel in Paris! If you still have that old college ID card buried in a drawer somewhere, this is the time to dig it out. Even if it’s like mine – over 10 years old and so worn you can barely make out any of the writing – make sure you pack it! You’ll find that many tourist attractions will have a student rate- and there are no restrictions such as age or year. When you purchase your ticket, just ask for a student rate and show them your student ID. If they ask any questions, you just explain that it is an American university. If they continue to press (chances are low), just let them know you enrolled in online classes. Works like a charm and will save some cash!
7. Visit in the shoulder season
Visiting in the shoulder season is the best time to travel anywhere, in my opinion! When traveling solo, one of the things that makes me the most uneasy are big crowds. Something about them can often make me feel extra alone and vulnerable. While this is certainly personal, traveling in the shoulder season is always my favorite time to visit new places. “Shoulder season” is defined as the months that bookend peak tourist season. So for Paris, that would be the early spring or late fall (think March/April and October/November). In addition to less crowds, you’ll also find cheaper rates on everything from airfare, to hotels, to food, to activities!
8. For the best views of the city…
If you’re looking for killer views of the city and Eiffel Tower, this secret spot is going to be your new favorite. Make your way to the department store Printemps Haussmann. It is a short walk from the Champs-Élysées and the Place de la Concorde and right off the 3 and 9 metro lines. Not only is this department store beautiful and full of Paris’ best shopping, but make your way up to the 9th floor for killer city views. While you can take an elevator directly up, I’d recommend walking through the store and taking the escalators while you take it all in. Once you arrive on the 9th floor, follow signs for the terrace. You may need to walk through a restaurant like I did- but I think I just got lost and missed a sign. Lol!
Once on the terrace, you can get 360 degree views of the city! You’ll see iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Opéra Garnier, La Défense, and if you look carefully, you can see the top of the Arc de Triomphe. While the secret on this spot may be out, arrive early for the most secluded times (for the shameless selfies, of course!).
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