Traveling Truly

Before I say anything else, let me just say this:

YES.

If you’re a solo female traveler anywhere from complete novice to seasoned expert, and you’re wondering “Should I go visit the City of Love Lights on my own?” the answer is a resounding YES.

If you enjoy history, architecture, food, wine, art, fashion, shows, picnics, or walking, then this city will give you more than you could ever ask for. Each of these things are celebrated in abundance in Paris, and you will find yourself falling in love with the City before you even finish off that first croissant. Here are my answers to some of the questions you may be considering while planning your trip (AKA- the questions running through my head as I prepared for my own trip).

Is it Safe?

Yes! As long as you keep to reasonable safety precautions (don’t walk in sketchy neighborhoods in the dark, stay alert, be mindful of your surroundings, etc.) there is no need to be scared of this city! Paris has a reputation for pick-pocketers, but as long as you keep a close eye on your things, you’ll be okay.

Won’t it be depressing to be alone in Paris?

I kept running across this idea on blogs before I took my trip, but unless you are already upset about your relationship status, there is no reason to think that Paris will make you suddenly feel a gaping hole in your life for a significant other. Sure, it may be known as the “City of Love”, and maybe one day I will go back to the city with my own love and discover its romantic qualities, but in the meantime,  I never felt like I was missing the “Paris experience” because I was traveling solo. As a matter of fact, I think I got to see way more of Paris and have a much fuller experience BECAUSE I was on my own!

Is the Eiffel Tower overrated?

Well, this depends on what your expectations for seeing the Eiffel Tower are. If you are expecting it to be some huge, massively impressive skyscraper with a magical ability to bewitch you upon first sight of it, then yes, it will disappoint. However, if you are looking forward to seeing the Eiffel Tower simply because it will cement the fact that you are in PARIS and/or to appreciate its historical importance (it was very ground-breaking at the time Gustav Eiffel designed it, even if it’s not quite so impressive now), then you might just find yourself grinning like a child looking up at the tower and saying to yourself “oh my gosh, I’m literally standing here looking at the Eiffel Tower right now”. (Not that I would do something so silly like that…).

I also highly recommend finding a place that is NOT Trocadero (the main subway stop near the tower where EVERY tourist goes) to get the prettiest views of the tower. I like the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, just a short walk from Trocadero, or right off of the metro line 6.

(Pro-tip: I don’t actually see the need for climbing up the steps or riding the elevator up, since the view of the Paris without the Eiffel Tower is not nearly as exciting. Instead get your views of the city from a nearby rooftop bar, Printemps, Montparnesse, the Arc de Triomphe, etc. )

How will I get around?

Lots of blogs will tell you that Paris is very walkable and you can do it almost all on foot. This is… not really true. You theoretically could do that, but who has the time to walk EVERYWHERE? Also, if you have done city travel at all, then you know how rough long touring days can be on your feet, even if you are using public transportation.

The good news is that there is no reason to try to walk everywhere! Paris has one of the most efficient, simple subway systems that is super user-friendly. If you will be in Paris for even just a couple of days, I would recommend get a carnet of 10 one-way tickets, which you can buy at the automated kiosks in each station. This will save you money and time as you use the metro.

In my time in Paris, I was armed with a trusty subway map and the Google Maps for the area downloaded on my phone. These were my absolute best friends throughout my stay, and because I was able to get around efficiently, I was able to do and see SO MUCH and still have time for strolling along the Seine or down the winding streets of Le Marais. (Yes, I still walked, like, a LOT. My feet were crying by the end of my short stay. I would not have survived without the metro system!)

Is it as picture-perfect as the movies make it seem?

Yes and no. Paris is still a big city and has plenty of the typical big city things like litter and vandalism. Be prepared for some spaces to make you think you have stepped into the construction and smells of New York. However, the beauty that this metropolis has to offer is seemingly endless. From the manicured gardens, to the architecture of centuries-old buildings and palaces, to the peaceful bridges over the Seine, Paris will continually astound you with her grandeur. (Especially if you are coming from America and huge, old, historical buildings and grounds are still a novelty to you). When I first walked down near the Louvre area and sat along the Seine taking in the views, the moment felt so surreal; I had never known that a bustling city could hold so much beauty and grace.

Is it expensive?

Yes, but you can still have a full-on Paris experience on a budget (especially if you are like me and can fully subsist on nothing but croissants, pain au chocolat, crepes, and baguette sandwiches for a few days). Many museums and historical sites offer very cheap or free entry, and some more expensive museums (like the Louvre) offer free entry the first Sunday of each month. Figure out your priorities for what you are most interested in experiencing and plan your budget accordingly!

SUMMARY:

Paris is magical. The people, the food, the buildings, the culture, and the history will sweep you off your feet if you let it. Be careful, though, because a visit to the City of Lights may result in a compulsion to return over and over, and over…

Merci, a bientot!