10 Things to Do in Paris: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide
Jet Setting with Jen contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
When I started planning my spring trip to Paris, and even though I had done Paris before, it was one of my first international trips, and I was just starting out as a traveler, and I feel like I didn’t do it right. As an experienced traveler, I know this trip would be different. It would be better. And now that I was a confident solo traveler, I knew how to do my research to ensure I experienced all of the best things to do in Paris.
Planning a trip to Paris, though, isn’t about checking iconic landmarks off the list. It’s about experiencing everything that Paris has to offer. Even though Paris is filled with iconic things to do, some of my favorite things to do, especially during the spring, are to find a great cafe (and Paris is filled with them), enjoy a coffee and croissant, and just enjoy the Parisian atmosphere, and of course, people watching.
In this guide, I will be diving into all of my favorite things to do in Paris, so that it can help you plan your ideal Paris itinerary, so that you can fall in love with this city, just as I have.
Introduction: Things to do in Paris
If you are thinking about a trip to Paris or are in the middle of planning your trip, deciding what you want to experience can be a bit overwhelming. Paris is a huge city, and there are tons of things to do in Paris, as well as amazing day trips from Paris.
Between visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe, there are also charming neighborhoods like Montmartre with lots of fun cafes that you will also want to experience.
Honestly, in my opinion, visiting Paris isn’t a checklist of things to see and do; it’s a city to experience, and more than once, I might add. In this guide, I will be diving into some of my favorite things to do in Paris. But this is not everything. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to visiting Paris.
Now, grab your coffee, your croissant, and a pen and paper, and let’s jump into some of my favorites, so that you can plan your ideal Paris itinerary.
1. Eiffel Tower: Day and Night
No matter how many times I visit Paris, seeing the Eiffel Tower, both during the day and at night, will always feel special. There is just something about seeing it in the city, and just taking a deep breath and realizing, “I am really in Paris.”
For me personally, my favorite views of the Eiffel Tower are at night, on a Seine River cruise. There are several cruises that you can take in the evening, so that you can pass the Eiffel Tower when it sparkles (it sparkles starting at 9 pm until 11 pm every hour for 5 minutes only).
It’s super special to see the tower sparkle, and it just feels incredibly magical, whether it’s your first time seeing it or tenth. I feel like every time I visit, I take more photos of the Eiffel Tower than I take of anything on my entire trip, with every angle feeling just a little bit better than the last.
If you want city views from the Eiffell Tower, make sure you purchase tickets to go to the summit well in advance. The views are amazing, and summit tickets also allow you to experience the second floor as well. If you are feeling adventurous, take the stairs down from the second floor.
Pro Tips: The Eiffel Tower is a pickpocket spot, so keep your cross-body close to you, nothing in your pockets, and stay aware.
Also, don’t eat at any restaurants or cafes near the tower. They are tourist traps, and you will pay more for your food, and it will be mediocre at best.
2. The Louvre Museum
I remember my first visit to the Louvre Museum over 10 years ago, and my main purpose for the visit was to see the Mona Lisa, grab a picture, and get out. I missed out on the entire museum on that visit, so this most recent visit, I planned my visit ahead of time, and made sure to spend more time seeing other pieces, saving the Mona Lisa for last.
Visiting this museum can be extremely overwhelming, but by mapping out what you want to see, you can make your visit less stressful and much more efficient. I was able to actually slow down and enjoy each of the pieces I wanted to see, versus running through the museum like a madwoman.
Find some of your favorite pieces, and sit and take it in. There is no need to run through the museum and miss all of the amazing pieces that this museum has to offer. The Louvre houses tons of amazing history and art, so take your time and make the visit meaningful and enjoyable.
Pro Tip: The museum is closed on Mondays, so make sure you plan accordingly.
3. Notre-Dame
One of my first times visiting Nore-Dame, I really didn’t know that it was a major tourist attraction. It looks like a large piece of history, in the middle of Paris, that really makes you stand in awe.
There is something about standing outside of it and just taking it all in. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to do in Paris. It feels like more of an experience than checking an iconic attraction off the list.
There’s something about Notre-Dame Cathedral that naturally makes you pause, even before you realize you’re doing it.
If you have the chance to go in, please do. While it’s free to enter, you should get a designated time slot; otherwise, you could wait nearly 3 hours to get in. Also, if you love history and want to learn more, guided tours are also available, which I also highly recommend.
Pro Tip: If you just want to enter the Notre-Dame, book the free time slot the moment they release tickets, which is usually midnight Paris time.
4. Montmartre Paris
If there is one neighborhood in Paris that encourages you to slow down and take it all in, it’s wandering the streets of Montmartre.
From the windy streets to the artistic vibe, the fun energy in this area really makes you feel alive. I spent several hours just wandering around, with no plans, and just admiring the artists on the streets, and getting lost on the streets.
Between the little cafes and the street vendors, you really don’t feel the need to move on, but you more have the urge to stay longer and just enjoy the experience and vibe that this unique neighborhood has to offer.
If you are looking for a relaxing afternoon that just allows you to wander the streets and get lost, then you will want to make sure to add Montmartre to your next Paris itinerary, as it is absolutely one of my favorite free things to do in Paris.
5. Palace of Versailles
While Paris has tons of things to see and do, one of my favorite things to do in Paris is take a Paris day trip from Paris. And one of my absolute favorites is visiting Versailles. This was actually one of my most memorable day trips, and I could visit every time I am in Paris.
Getting to the Palace of Versailles is super easy. You can either take a tour, which frequently includes transportation, or you can take the RER train and buy skip-the-line tickets.
The grounds themselves can feel large and overwhelming, but I just had the feeling of peace, even with all of the people. As a solo female traveler, this day trip from Paris was the perfect break from the city, and to enjoy Paris, outside of Paris.
Pro Tips: Make sure you get Palace, gardens, and estate tickets if it’s your first time visiting. The gardens are amazing, and you don’t want to miss them.
Arrive at 8 am and avoid visiting on the weekends if you can. They are closed on Mondays, so make sure you plan accordingly.
6. Seine River Cruise
Prior to this trip, I had done a Seine River Cruise during the day, which, don’t get me wrong, was wonderful. It offered such a great perspective of the city and saw some of the iconic attractions and neighborhoods from the water.
On this most recent trip, I decided to take the Seine River Cruise in the evening, specifically so I could see this city lit up and hopefully see the Eiffel Tower twinkle. It was more than I could even imagine. The river cruise at night was incredibly magical, and when they passed the Eiffel Tower, right as the tower was twinkling, I just stood in awe.
There are two evening cruises that I highly recommend, one that offers dinner and the one that doesn’t. Both options are great, and it 100% depends on the type of experience that you want to have.
Whether you do a dinner cruise or not, you will have an iconic experience and enjoy one of my favorite things to do in Paris in such a peaceful and relaxing manner.
7. Paris Cafe
Now, sitting and enjoying a Paris cafe may seem like the simplest thing to do in Paris. But honestly, it was my favorite thing to do in Paris. Finding a new cafe every day has become one of the highlights of my trip. There is something about being able to sit outside, enjoy my coffee and croissant, and watch the Persian life go by that was such a great experience.
My two favorite Paris cafes that I loved were Cafe de Flore in the 6th arrondissement, which is in one of my favorite neighborhoods of Saint Germain, and Carette, which is in the 16th arrondissement.
As a solo female traveler who likes to pack her itinerary to the max, sitting in a Paris cafe made me really slow down, take in the Paris life, and enjoy doing nothing except relaxing, enjoying the amazing Parisian food, and just people-watching.
Pro Tip: Order the iconic hot chocolate and whipped cream at Carette; you won’t regret it. Also, go early, as it gets very busy by mid-morning.
8. Champs-Élysées
There is something fun and exciting about walking down the very busy street of Champs-Élysées. Even though the street is busy and full of energy, there is something about taking your time, strolling the streets, looking in the shops, and sitting in a cafe that makes you feel immersed in the Parsaian culture.
While I walked along the street, I caught nice glimpses of the Arc de Triomphe, which was always a nice surprise. Walking along the Champs-Élysées was such an experience, and it will always be something I do every time I come to Paris.
9. Arc de Triomphe
There was something majestic about standing across the street from the Arc de Triomphe with the constant traffic circling around, which felt impressive and iconic. There is something even more majestic about deciding to climb to the top, as it has some of the best views in Paris.
Walking up the spiral staircase is an experience all in its own, but when you finally reach the top, you will be so glad that you did! The views of Paris from here look completely different than the views in the Eiffel Tower, as you can see the traffic stretching out, looking perfectly symmetrical.
The views were so incredible, I stayed up at the top longer than I had planned, but I wasn’t ready to leave the views and enjoy my little escape from the city, to the top of the city.
If you are looking for one of the best things to do in Paris, with some of the best views in Paris, then add climbing the Arc de Triomphe to your next Paris itinerary.
Pro Tip: If you want to get closer to the Arc de Triomphe or climb it, get tickets ahead of time, and the entrance is underground. Please do not try to cross the traffic to get a closer look.
10. Musée d’Orsay
Now, while the Louvre Museum attracts most of the visitors, probably due to the Mona Lisa, the Musée d’Orsay feels like a hidden gem. There are a lot fewer people compared to the Louvre, and honestly, I enjoyed the experience more.
With fewer people, you can actually enjoy your time in the museum; you don’t have to rush, and you can actually take the time to soak in and enjoy the pieces that you are drawn to.
Pro Tip: The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly, and make sure to purchase a skip-the-line ticket.
Conclusion: Things to do in Paris
One of the best things about visiting Paris is that there are so many things to see and do, regardless of your interests. If you are doing a Google search like most, it’s very easy to get the famous iconic attractions, but what Google doesn’t always tell you is about the hidden gems, like enjoying the cafes, getting lost in the streets, and just the expereinces that will make your trip absolutely unforgettable.
I hope this guide has given you some outside-of-the-box ideas on things to do in Paris, so that your trip is as unforgettable as mine always is.