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Paris: 10 Safety Tips for Female Solo Travelers in Paris

top safety tips for female solo travelers

Solo Travel Paris Safety Tips

Solo travel is one of the best things I have done to grow as a person. I love having the opportunity to discover a new city and culture. My first solo trip to Paris was in my late twenties and on a minimal budget. Safety is top of mind for me when traveling solo. It is always a good idea to check in with family or friends and let them know your itinerary before you travel so someone knows your location, including your hotel and flight information. Overall, I feel Paris is safe, and I travel to the city multiple times yearly. Like any major big city, you must keep your eyes and ears open and be aware of your surroundings, especially for solo travelers.

This post was written when I first started the blog and is now updated with many trips under my belt with solo female travelers in mind to help you have the best trip. I wanted to give a few tips that I would give to my best girlfriends and family to stay safe and have a fantastic trip in the city of light.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Being aware of your surroundings is a good idea when traveling outside your comfort zone. Limit your alcohol intake. France is the perfect place to enhance your knowledge of wine and enjoy a glass of wine or two with a meal or on a Parisian terrace. Keep in mind your tolerance and know your limits. I know the wine is good and less expensive than in the US, but it lowers your inhibitions. You can drop/lose your cell phone and keys or your wallet.

Apartment Rental Safety Tips for Paris

If you rent an apartment, there will be a keypad upon entering the building with a passcode. Please remember this passcode as quickly as possible. Do not pull out your keys alone or in groups until you are safely inside! Once you get inside, push the door securely behind you. You don’t want anyone to move the door and enter without access. In Paris, the entries in the old buildings close slowly and sometimes don’t latch immediately. Without being aware of your surroundings, this would be the perfect opportunity for someone to enter behind you.

10 safety tips for solo female travelers in paris everyday parisian

Is Paris Safe for Female Travelers?

Beware of the pickpockets, which are most common at the major tourist attractions in the city. Keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings. You may be approached to sign a paper, and they ask if you speak English. Please be polite and move away as quickly as possible. It’s a scam, and they may try to distract you or the people you are with to steal your belongings. The scam may also happen when you are dining at a restaurant. If your cell phone is on the table, they will place the clipboard or paper on top of it, and when you ask them to leave, they will take your phone simultaneously. One of the best ways to keep your belongings safe includes your cell phone and wallet close to you or in your zipped bag—a bag like this one by Cuyana. I have taken this around the world and LOVE it.

Pickpockets can also happen on the train, in the local market, or busy areas with tight spaces. It is easy for someone to brush up against you and grab a wallet or phone out of a pocket that isn’t secure.

10 safety tips for solo female travelers in paris everyday parisian

Paris Hotel Safety Tips

Use your hotel room safe to store your passport, credit card, computer, and valuables. This one is debatable, and I know friends who don’t use the hotel safe. It is best to put your valuables away safely somewhere and not leave anything you would miss, including your passport and electronics. When I am at a hotel for a short time, I ask the maid staff not to enter by keeping up the do not disturb sign on the door. For additional towels or anything else, you can always call the front desk and have it delivered when you are in the room.

Paris Metro Safety Tips

Public transportation is a great way to get around the city, especially if traveling solo or as a couple. It is more challenging in larger groups to stay together as the metro and bus can be crowded during peak times. Do not purchase tickets from anyone other than an authorized ticket vendor or machine. Do not smile or make eye contact with men on the metro when riding the metro. If you smile, they will take it as an invitation. I have been followed off enough times to know this is not a good move. Read a book, look out the window, and stay off your phone if possible. Keep your belongings zipped up in your bag. I always keep extra metro tickets in my wallet. When I pay for dinner, I grab one and stick it in my jean pocket, so I don’t have to open my wallet in the metro.

Pro tip: Make sure you know your metro stop and route in advance, so you don’t need to track your progress on your phone. Scrolling through social media or checking mail is a great distraction.

paris Metro 10 Safety Tips For Female Solo Travelers in Paris

Paris Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

When traveling in Paris, I keep my belongings safe at the apartment or hotel. On a day out, I bring only what is necessary with me. Cash is still essential, so I carry some euros in a small wallet and one credit card. If for some reason, my purse is taken, I don’t lose everything. I like these wallets from Cuyana, or any small wallet will do. They have one and two euro coins, so you might have much more change than you are used to.

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Safety Tips for Using the ATM in Paris

When visiting the ATM in Paris, beware of your surroundings and, if possible, bring a friend to watch while you do your transaction. You can enter an ATM in a more secure bank if you are alone. There will be security guards at the entrance during business hours. You can use the ATM here for the safest transaction. I highly recommend doing this during the daytime when it is light out. Keep most of your cash safe at your hotel or apartment. Money is great for the markets, bakeries, and tipping, but you don’t need much to get around Paris. Credit cards are taken at most places, and many Paris restaurants, shops, and coffee shops accept tap-to-pay with a card or Apple pay.

The Best Bags for Traveling Around Paris

Travel with a bag that has a zip. I chose this top zipper bag from Cuyana that I love, and it fits everything when I travel. I also have used a Longchamp, and it works well too. You always want to keep your bag zipped and close to you. I will put the zipper closest to my underarm to keep an eye on it facing out at all times. It seems simple, but it works!

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Metro and Train Safety Tips for Paris

When riding the RER/Train from the airport, keep an eye on your luggage and keep it with you. You are sleep deprived, and it makes you a little groggy. I have seen things taken quickly when people aren’t paying attention. You wouldn’t want to start your trip off on the wrong note. Keep belongings safe and secure away. This means keeping your phone away when riding the train. Do not put valuables in your back pocket or coat pocket; it is easy to steal your phone from your hands or bag if you are unaware of your surroundings.

Taking A Taxi or Uber in Paris

When in doubt, grab an Uber or Taxi home. My dad always told me to be smart when making my way home. A 10 euro Uber/Taxi ride is peace of mind to getting home safely at night. I prefer to take an Uber home since I can share my location with a loved one. My husband and I have gotten into the habit of sharing our rides when traveling. If you don’t feel comfortable walking back to your apartment or hotel alone, stay at the restaurant or bar with someone and call a ride home. I carry all my camera equipment with me during the day, and if I end the night having drinks on a terrace or past dark and it is late, I will always call for a ride home.

solo travel to Paris safety tips

More Safety Tips for Solo Paris Travel

Less is more when it comes to jewelry and valuables. Keep the more expensive jewelry and bags at home if traveling solo. I prefer to be more discreet and keep unwanted attention away from me.

Make a copy of your passport and other valuable documents. Share a copy with family members or friends before you travel, and keep a copy in your email. If your passport is lost or stolen, you will have a paper copy handy.

Avoid Certain Areas or, if traveling, is cautious of these tourist areas, including Gare du Nord and popular protest areas such as République. I am often asked about Paris’s safety, especially during protests. Avoid these areas, which are relatively easy to do unless you have an apartment or hotel. Gare du Nord is the train station where the RER B arrives and departs if you take the train to the airport.

Choose your accommodation Locations Wisely.

The city’s center has various hotels and Airbnb with different price points. Metro stations are available throughout the city to take you to all the major tourist attractions quickly and efficiently. The city is laid out so that everything is within walking distance if you are in the city’s heart. . Do your research ahead of time with the location on Google maps and where you are staying in the city along with reading reviews. If there are any red flags in terms of safety or location, skip them and try something different. Most importantly, trust your gut when it comes to safety.

Embrace the French culture and learn a few keywords to navigate the city and interact with the locals. A little goes a long way and opens the door to friendly and helpful locals.

Be Open to Meeting Other Solo Travelers

For a great place to meet new people in a safe environment, sign up for a walking tour or a cooking class. I love La Cuisine Paris, which has a variety of fun cooking classes and market and food tours of the city. You will meet like-minded travelers.

Solo Safety Tips for Paris

Paris is a very safe city. You have to be mindful and pay attention. I highly recommend traveling solo. In 2010 it changed my life, and I launched a business. Keep your belongings safe, and your mind opens to the world around you. Solo travel is one of the best experiences you can give yourself. You can meet new people and do what you want on your agenda.

P.S. For more travel tips, sign up for my newsletter here.

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off items purchased from my links at no cost to you.

10 safety tips for solo female travelers in paris everyday parisian

P.S. Don’t miss 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Paris and My First Timer Guide to Paris

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  1. Great tips about Paris 🙂 I am going to work this fall for two months at CDG airport and was wondering about the best area to look for an appartment with an easy access by public transport…

  2. Loved your info on traveling solo, I have been traveling solo since 2017, but Covid came, and my hubby got sick with cancer, so I haven’t travelled for a few years, but hopefully planning to travel alone again this spring. Next i will find your info on what to pack for spring traveling. Like to be prepared as I haven’t traveled since 2019. Thank you again for all your very great info. Love the picture with your puppy. Happy Valentine’s Day.

    • I am so sorry about your loss, Mona. I hope you enjoy your travels to Paris this spring and you find a way to honor your husband as your heart heals. Lots of love to you.

  3. Great advice to not be afraid to travel alone. I meet older couples who have retired and the spouse doesn’t want to travel. I advise them not to wait for someone else to allow them to live their dream! Vive la France!

  4. Hello,
    I noticed that your list of boutique hotels does not include the Hotel Luxembourg Parc. My husband and I stayed there in 2017 and absolutely loved it!! The hotel staff was more than patient with me as I practiced my French on them, they graciously made dinner reservations, the decor was old world marvelous, huge bathroom, in room safe….need I say more.

  5. That’s the great advice you provide for solo female traveler. My family had a great time in Paris. We had a wonderful time there and enjoyed the culture of the region. The nightlife was fantastic, and the city’s elegance is indescribable. We are in love with the place and explore so many places like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Cruise on the Seine, etc. After reading your blog I would like to revisit there.

  6. I really wish I’d read this before my solo trip to Paris. That note about not making eye contact on the metro would’ve been really helpful, but I still had a blast! Do you have any tips for Nantes, since I have a trip there coming up soon?
    Also, I’ve just started my own blog about studying in California and Sweden (nerdycalifornian.com) if anybody wants to check it out. 🙂

    • Hi Casey,

      I am so happy to hear you had a blast! I have not been to Nantes so I can’t give you advice. Have a great trip and safe travels xo

  7. Where do you keep your passport while travelling? I heard they should always be on you to make sure you don’t lose them or have them stolen. A moneybelt would be safest, but uncomfortable and unattractive under a shirt. Do you feel comfortable keeping them in the hotel safe?

    • Hi Amanda,

      I keep it in the hotel safe, if not in the apartment I am staying in. I wouldn’t keep it with me from day to day unless I needed it. It is a good idea to have a copy in your email for safekeeping and send a copy to your family just in case. There is always a way to recover it if something happens. I hope this helps!

      Rebecca

  8. Wow, the tips you discuss and give are very interesting and very useful for me, a woman. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge about holidays. VillaKubu.com

  9. hi, Thank you for your article. I’m leaving for my first trip abroad solo Tuesday. I particularly like the example s of how I might be scammed. I’m staying in the Latin Quarter and have one excursion trip by bike at night the 2nd day. I’m a bit nervous about returning to the hotel after the boat ride? Any suggestions? I also will be riding and I hear Shorts are a no no should I wear skirts on bikes?
    I did down load Uber..which would also be a first for me. The hotel has already been helpful and told me about the "fake" taxis and to make sure they know there is a flat rate of E35. I’m taking a anti Theft Travelon cross body bag so I feel good about that.

  10. Hi – am traveling to Paris shortly to spend time there with my camera. I am a passionate street photographer. Are there any areas where you feel it would be especially good for me to visit? I will go to parks, the booksellers along the banks of the Seine, sometimes coffee shops. But am wondering where would be helpful to go early in the morning, as well as throughout the day. Crowds are not especially good for street, but there does need to be people around.

    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    By the way, I really enjoyed seeing the post on your Chicago apartment. It looks stunning!

    Sandy

    • Hi Sandy,

      Thank you so much!

      It just depends what you want to see. I let my eye lead me and do the best when getting lost. I think you need to see what catches your eye and follow that. The Seine is always great. Early morning to avoid crowds and people. Just be careful and keep your camera around your neck and your bag zipped!

      xo

  11. Hi, I am traveling alone like most people here. This is also my kind of my first solo trip. I wanted to know a safe neighbourhood I can stay in with reasonable hotel or hostel.

    • Hi Kruthi,

      What is your budget? I don’t know much about hostels just hotels and apartments. The center of the city is pretty safe. Feel free to email me with specific areas and I will do my best to help [email protected]

  12. thank you for this very informative post 🙂 !! I’m traveling alone to Paris on May 2nd I’m only nervous about the pick-picketers. and I know this might sound funny but I wish I had a companion to take pictures of me in this magical city hehe. okay back to business, so my question is, I’m considering hiring a car with a private driver to take me around Paris and possibly to Strasbourg, I thought it could be a good idea it’s like hitting two birds with one stone, someone to accompany me to avoid being triggered by thieves and someone to drive me around and "take pictures of me :P". could you recommend companies that offer such service? I googled and found some but the price was pretty steep ( talking about 1500 USD per day :/ )

  13. Hi Rebecca, thank you for this very informative post. I have a question that would be very much appreciated if you could help to answer. I’ll be arriving at Paris CDG airport alone (female) before meeting up with a friend in the city. I am currently considering between taking the share PariShuttle or an Uber as it is cheaper compared to the normal taxis. Which would you recommend or what do you think of the level of safety for both?

    • Hi Bel,

      I am writing a post on this soon! I typically take the shuttle as I can’t connect with Uber at the airport for some reason. Uber is safe and reliable in Paris so if you can connect that will be the easier more expensive option. The shuttle is safe and I have never had a problem. I prefer it much better over the train. You don’t have to lift your luggage 🙂

      Safe travels and bon voyage! xo
      Rebecca

  14. I visited Paris for the first time alone. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Yes, I struggled a bit trying to figure out how to buy train tickets, how to get around, etc, but ultimately, because I had no one to rely on, I learned fast. I saw and experienced Paris through my own eyes. These tips are great. I was cautious, but also found Paris to be safe and friendly. The only time I felt somewhat unsafe was in Sacre Cœur with the guys who were "selling" bracelets. But I heard about them and managed to brush them off.

  15. Great tips. Have you used the Cuyana travel wallet for passport and cards? I have been considering it. But also like a zipped wallet. Which do you prefer? Wanting a new wallet for trip. I do use a Longchamp bad as well as a Lancel crossbody purse. Thanks Kelly

  16. I love this. I spend time in Paris and I am very cautious. I feel safe most of the time; however, I have heightened awareness around the Metro and ATMs. Thank you for great advice for women travelers!

  17. I have spent a lot of time in Paris and I know the city well. Your tips are very good, thank you for sharing them! I travel extensively nationally and internationally, mostly for business and mostly alone. The two things I would add about Paris is the pickpocket issue is real, as in most major cities. I keep my wallet in an inside zipped pouch of my zipped bag and am always diligent. Except for one time when I was on a crowded Metro in the winter, had on a big coat and hadn’t put my wallet in the inside compartment. It was easy for someone to reach in and take it. And no matter where I am in the world I never hang my purse on the back of my chair or set it on a chair, especially near the sidewalk while in an outdoor cafe.
    The latest scam I’ve seen in Paris is on the Metro. I’ve ridden the Metro hundreds of times and have never been asked for my ticket when exiting the station. There were three people, one a uniformed RATP – real or posing as real. The one in uniform asked me for my ticket. I had thrown it in the trash at the last stop as it was no longer valid. When I couldn’t produce it they accused me of riding without a ticket and demanded 200 Euro. I asked if there were security cameras that would show me using my ticket when I got on, I asked to see a supervisor, all to no avail. It started to seem fishy, plus I didn’t want to lose 200 Euro, so I said I thought I knew which trash can it was in and went back toward the train. They had looked at my companion’s ticket and I thought I could pick up any ticket – there are always some that don’t make the trash can. That didn’t work, so I became really suspicious. I said I was going back to look again. We got on the next train and went a couple of stops away. When telling this story to a local the next day she said it was definitely a scam. I’ve always had my used ticket with me since then. BTW, both of these issues happened while traveling with someone else.

    • Did you find it unsafe at night? I have often walked the Seine late and I have never had a problem. But it all depends on the area.

  18. Hi, I’m also traveling alone, and abroad for the first time in November. Could you recommend a good, safe neighborhood with decently priced hotels? So far, I have a plane ticket and nothing else!

  19. Thank you for this post. I’m traveling to Paris in May – my first solo trip and my first trip abroad. I’m super excited, but nervous about what type of bag to carry around all day. I received a nice leather Madewell backpack for Christmas and it’s perfect for my camera. It has a drawstring and a flap to close it. Do you think this will be okay?

    • LaToya,

      You are going to love it! Congratulations on your first solo trip. Paris is a perfect place to start. I would stay away from backpacks. When it’s on your back you never know who is behind you and I would be paranoid when getting bumped into or riding the metro. There is no way to really keep things safe. I would recommend a bag that sits on your shoulder or even a cross body bag that can stay right by you and a zippered one would be best.