Would you please provide some advice for a solo trip to Paris?

Question

God willing, I hope to travel to Paris in the summer. This will be my 5th visit (I just luv the place) but I'll be travelling alone. My travel partner had the nerve to up and get married. Imagine?! So anyway, I need some advice on safety, and on dining alone. It might be a bit awkward. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks. :-)

Answer 1

I actually find it less awkward to dine alone in Paris than in NYC.  In Paris you can stop by some brasserie or creperie for a bite to eat alone and it's so natural. I have not done fine dining alone, though. And who knows, you might find another friend to take along by summertime.

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry too much about going alone - especially if you've been there so many times already, and you know the city pretty well.  I'm sure you already know which parts are safer for visiting and for hotels, and which parts are best to only see during the day.

The last time I spent a long time (6 months) in Paris was over 10 years ago, so I don't know if it's as safe as it was then, but I never had any problems at all, and I was on my own as a student the whole time.

Probably the main thing is to watch out for petty crime, like in any big city - pickpockets and people grabbing you handbag.  When you're out it's a good idea to keep your things (wallet, passport, camera, etc.) in a backpack, that's well-closed and can't just be grabbed off your shoulder.  Another idea, though you probably know this already, is to not look too touristy - don't walk around with a big map and looking lost, or with 2 huge cameras hanging on you :-)

Make sure you look at the hotel or other place you want to stay before you check in, so you know it'll be OK, and don't leave valuable things in your room while you're out during the day.

Dining alone should be OK, but sometimes, depending on where you're eating, you might have strange men coming up and chatting, wanting to join you, etc - if you want them to go away you can always try to pretend you don't understand French at all - but sometimes they're pretty persistent!  Don't be surprised if they try then to struggle on in English....

I'm sure you'll be just fine - hope you have a great time there!

Answer 3

Paris is pretty safe in the touristy areas.  The metros are usually fine.  If it is late at night and you feel unsafe, just take a cab.  I'd get in the habit of asking the people in your hotel how much a cab is and if a place is safe or not if you are not sure.

Invest in one of those pouches that hangs off your neck and that you wear under your shirt.  Keep some important stuff there.

Don't carry all your money in one place (some in your sock, some in your pockets, some in wallet, some in the pouch).  Have travelers checks on hand.

Single women may be hit on a bit in Paris.  Develop a purposeful stride and serious expression on your face like you know where you are going and have a definate purpose.  My friend calls it her French B... look.  She says it saves her a lot of time.  

If you are hungry just go eat.  Don't worry if you are alone or not.  Many people travel alone.

Maybe you could stay at a bed and breakfast where you will have meals with the other residents?

If you stay at or hang out in youth hostels you can often meet all kinds of people in common rooms.  

Post an add in the strictly platonic section the paris page on craigslist.