Top Things Solo Female Backpackers Should Know When Travelling to Paris  

I travelled to Paris, France, and then to Belgium by Eurostar in August of 2024; I visited Paris and all its districts during the Olympics, and in Belgium, I visited Bruges, Ghent, Brussels and Liege.

Can I travel to Paris alone as a woman?

Absolutely! At least 30,000 tourists visited Paris in 2023. If you love travelling the world and planning new adventures, don’t let money or a lack of a travel partner hold you back. Paris is tourist-friendly, can be planned on a limited budget and is the ideal backpacking destination. When visiting Europe, Paris is a must-do on your bucket list. Paris is the global center for beautiful historical architecture. Listed below are things the female adventurer should know:

How Do You Meet Travellers in Paris

Paris is a safe place for females to stay in hotels in the heart of Paris. Female backpackers love the hostels in Paris; you can book your own room, and the rooms are inexpensive. There are common areas where travellers can mingle and meet other solo travellers.

The Marriot chain Moxy Paris Bastille has common areas. Hotel guests are provided coupons for free drinks at the bar at check-in. The hotel has a games room and an outdoor patio so guests can socialize. Both accommodation choices are great for walkers who want to be near the tourist attractions. Many women have indicated what they dislike about solo female travel is eating alone. Walking tours and food tours provide you with the opportunity to eat with others and meet other people.

Where are the women’s washrooms in Paris?

Safety Precautions When Travelling Alone

I found many of the washrooms in the restaurants to be unisex. Both men and women walk into the washroom and wait for a washroom stall. The washroom stalls have closed locked doors, and you cannot see in but have to share a sink and wash your hands with the guys. I would have preferred a female-only washroom. When you arrive at a restaurant, visit the restaurant beforehand and ensure the washrooms are located in an area with high visibility and foot traffic.

There are lots of pickpockets located at the metro stations so travellers need to take precautions. Keep your valuables hidden under your clothing or purchase a small purse that has pockets that lock. I used an Apple Smartwatch as a GPS eliminating the need to take out my phone. I have seen police patrolling at the metro stations and there is a number you can phone or text (17 or 112) when you are in trouble. I found the Eurostar train to be very safe and frequently monitored. I recommend taking a train that goes to your destination with no stops.

There are taxi scams in Paris. Don’t be afraid to ask your hotel to call you a taxi. The hotel can also arrange your transfer from the airport. Paris cabs have a taxi fare meter and a badge with the driver’s license number in their car. The meter should always be running. At the Eurostation, there is a designated lane for taxis, with security monitoring the line.

Some things to consider when packing

1. I like to have my hands free when I travel, so I carry the  Allpa 42 L Travel Pack. The backpack fits easily in my overhead bin on the plane.
2. Another way to create space in your overhead bag is to not pack highhill shoes. Paris streets are full of uneven narrow cobblestone sidewalks. Paris sidewalks make, it hard to wear shoes with heels. Instead, buy dressy sneakers that you can use climbing the steep stairs of the metro station and for long walks.
3. Safety pins are a great accessory, they hold bandages or close pant pockets in your clothing. They are sharp and are also great for protection.
4. Paris is known for its culinary excellence, delicious crepes and Michelin-star restaurants bring one nice outfit just in case.
5. The global center for fashion is Paris, the home of fashion designers and fashion shows. Whether you decide to purchase a brand name or a knock-off anything not packed can be bought.
6. Bring medicine for emergencies like seasickness, headaches, cuts and scrapes.

 

How to save money while in Paris

If you love backpacker travel and like to save money, you will love that free Wiifii is everywhere in Paris. You do not need to buy a cellular plan, there is free access to Wiifii in hotels, restaurants, cafes, trains and lounges.

Not expensive bakeries and small cafes are commonplace in Paris and are visited frequently by solo travellers who hate eating alone. You can sit in group seating or a two-seater.

The Paris metro connects to the outskirts of Paris, allowing visitors who use the Navigo pass card a cheap way to see the districts in Paris by bus or train. The pass includes Disneyland and the airport; the pass can be downloaded onto your phone. You can buy the “Navigo Jour” Day Pass at the Paris metro, ticket office airports, and major train stations.

French is the official language, so it is respectful to know some French. The Eurostar and the Metro have English signage, and most announcements on the bus and trains are in English.  

Finally! What to consider when choosing restaurants and activities.

The best restaurants in Paris require reservations. Walk-ins will have a long wait to be seated. The menu includes the total price with tips and tax. Many of the restaurants are family-owned, open late and closed for lunch. Solo female travellers to Europe will be pleased to find out there are free walking tours that cover different districts in Paris.

Some top sights you can visit that are inexpensive or free are Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre (free), Eiffel Tower (in-expensive), Tuileries Garden (free), Montmartre (free), Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris (free)