Ever wondered if there's a right, wrong or perfect way to explore Paris? Well, let me tell you, there isn't. The most important part? Just enjoy it. Whether you're walking around, biking through the streets, cruising on the river, hitting all the major sights—or trying a little bit of everything—it's all about soaking in the experience.
And here's a piece of advice: don't get hung up trying to check every box in your itinerary. There's no rule saying you have only one opportunity to be in Paris. you can always come back again.
So, with that mindset, I'm sharing my solo travel in Paris experience.
I was in the city for 11 days, but I had 5 days to explore as I was attending a conference for the first half of my stay.
Day 1: Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise
Starting with the iconic Eiffel Tower on a cold, rainy day wasn't exactly the best experience. My recommendation? Skip the group tour. Grab a "skip the line" ticket, climb at your own pace, and maybe get an audio guide which is cheaper.
The Rue Cler market was on my list, but the weather had other plans.
But the Seine River Cruise at sunset? Absolute magic. Paris at night, with its lights, is something you've got to see.
Day 2: Walking Through History
Had a late start, recovering from my conference hustle, I joined a free walking tour I found on Guruwalk. Having a history of Paris while walking through the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle—was an amazing experience. It gave we so much background knowledge I needed to enjoy the rest of my time in Paris.
Sharing dinner with new friends from the tour was the perfect wrap-up.
Day 3: Biking Tour of Paris
Booked a guided tour of the Louvre but unfortunately I missed it. This almost ruined my day, but thankfully I got over it after talking to a friend and I jumped on a biking tour instead, covering more parts of the city and meeting some more fantastic folks along the way.
Finished up the evening walking through the streets of Champs Élysées and climbing the Arc de Triomphe to see the beautiful city of Paris from the top at night.
Day 4: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Started with a souvenir shopping before heading to Montmartre for a walking tour. Discovering the rich history and distinct vibe of this artistic part of the city was a great experience. Finished up the tour with a visit to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The view from Sacré-Cœur? Breathtaking.
Another tip? there are awesome and affordable gift shops, close to the Sacré-Cœur
Ended the day with a wonderful dinner with some newly found friends in Paris.
Day 5: Versailles
The full-day biking tour of Versailles was the crown jewel of my trip. Beyond the crowded château, I discovered the city's rich history and stunning landscapes. Bonding with fellow travelers and soaking in the history made it more than just a visit—it was an experience.
As you can tell already, I didn't have the best itinerary, I didn't visit the amazing museums and attractions but honestly, I absolutely enjoyed my time at Paris.
And I actually must confess, Paris is the perfect place to try out a solo journey. Whether it's the glittering lights, the cobblestone streets, or the layers of history, there's something in the city for everyone.
So, here's to not waiting for the perfect plan or company—just go, explore, and let Paris work its magic. 🥂
