Traveling Solo? Check Out This Fab European City

What I discovered by making a few wrong turns.

By

Stephanie Vozza

 
Published July 17, 2025
Getty Images

It’s said Paris is for lovers, but it’s also perfect for the most intimate of rendezvous — being alone with your thoughts.

I’m dating myself. I don’t mean I’m giving clues to my age (I’m 60, if you must know). I’m treating myself as if I were my own love interest. Since becoming a widow in 2023, I’ve dipped my toe into the dating pool exactly twice, quickly returning it to dry land each time. Instead, I’ve decided to focus on self-love, and because I’m head over heels, I took myself on a month-long trip to Paris.

I’ve wanted to visit the City of Lights since my mom introduced me to Funny Face when I was nine. I imagined myself visiting its epic landmarks just like Audrey Hepburn. It took decades, but I finally made good on that dream.

When I told my friends I was headed to Paris solo, every single one swooned and said they’d love to do the same. One friend told me she got engaged in her early 30s to a man she’d only known for a couple of months because he was about to spend the summer in his Paris pied-à-terre. The idea sounded so glamorous that it overshadowed the fact that she was already having doubts about whether he was The One. He wasn’t, and she left him to stay with a girlfriend who was based there as a journalist.

“I ended up having the most romantic time of my life — with myself,” she confessed.

I was a little nervous Paris wouldn’t live up to its hype, but it was quite the opposite, overdelivering on beauty and allure.

The Scenery

Culture. History. Art. It’s everywhere you look. You could stay for months and never be at a loss for something to do. I went to the Louvre, Rodin Museum, Notre Dame, Montmartre and Le Marais. I attended the ballet at the Opéra National de Paris and took a day trip to Versailles. I learned to make croissants at a French bakery and had a water massage at a spa.

Some of my favorite experiences, though, were found by accident. On the way to the Champs-Élysées, I made (at least) one wrong turn and discovered a secluded park with an enchanting bridge. Another day and another wrong turn took me down a hidden stairwell between apartment buildings dotted with fragrant window boxes. In Paris, you never know what magic is waiting around the next corner.

The Seine

Paris is very walkable, and I logged at least 20,000 steps every day. One of my favorite strolls was along the Seine River. I made this journey at least a dozen times; it’s as relaxing as it is romantic. The view is amazing, which is why you’ll find plenty of locals sitting on its banks, enjoying a bottle of wine and conversation with friends.

A word of caution: most of the pathways in Paris are cobblestone, so forego fashion and pack good shoes. And if walking isn’t your thing, the Metro is an easy and affordable way to get around.

The Parks

Paris is a big city, but it preserves lots of green space. The abundance of green chairs in the parks beckons you to sit and soak up the beauty. The largest and most well-known is Jardin du Luxembourg, and its fountains and statues are a must-see. The Tuileries Garden, between the Louvre and the Palace de la Concorde, is also renowned and holds the Royal Garden.

Make time for lesser-known places, too. My favorite was Parc Monceau, which features a carousel. It became my favorite lunch spot with a jambon-beurre — ham and butter on a French baguette — picked up at a bakery and enjoyed outdoors.

The Food

The food in Paris is extraordinary. My diet consisted of beef bourgeon and coq au vin on repeat, plus (at least) one daily croissant. You simply must indulge in the hot chocolate, which is an experience in decadence. And order the quiche. And the pastries. And the cheese.

Then there’s the wine! To be honest, one of the best parts of Paris is sitting alone in a little cafe with a glass of red while people watching. Don’t forget, the house wine is French!

The Shopping

I’m not big into retail therapy, but Paris has some of the best shopping in the world. Virtually every luxury designer has a store in the city, with a doorman who welcomes you inside. They don’t seem to mind browsers, so don’t be intimidated. You can also find one-of-a-kind treasures at small boutiques located down covered passages and side streets, or one of several street markets.

I came home with handmade Lily of the Valley-scented soap, a lush Navy mohair cardigan, French Breakfast Tea in cotton sachets, lipstick from Chanel, chic pink sunglasses and four silk scarves. There’s something for every budget, so make sure you have spare room in your luggage.

The Memories

One of the downsides of traveling alone is that your photos don’t usually include you. Since I’m selfie-challenged, I indulged and hired a photographer to snap shots of me in front of the Eiffel Tower, walking along the Seine, in front of beautiful doorways and at a café.

The photos are a souvenir I’ll cherish forever. You can book a photographer through a site like Get Your Guide or Viator, or use one of the many street photographers who hang out around tourist attractions.

One Important Tip

Before you go, do some prep work. The French can be snobby if you don’t try to use a bit of their language. Practice your “Bonjour” and “Merci” with feeling. Parisians put passion into everything they do, including how they speak. Most servers understand English, so ordering meals isn’t usually a problem. But put Google Translate on your phone if you find yourself lost.

As Audrey Hepburn once said, “Paris is always a good idea.” No need to wait for a companion. Just go!

Also, check this out. Everything you need to know about the latest travel scams.

How many of you have been to Paris? What did you love about it? Let us know in the comments below.

Stephanie Vozza is a Nashville-based writer who covers work/life topics for Fast Company. After losing her husband David to pancreatic cancer just four months after his diagnosis, Stephanie is on a mission to put more wow moments into her life and blogs about her adventures at wow-moments.com. With honesty, grace, and a touch of humor, she shares her journey of grief, resilience, and rediscovery. Stephanie invites readers to walk alongside her as she looks for beauty in the unexpected and joy in the everyday—one chapter at a time.