10 Hipster Things to Do in Paris for Solo Travelers

10 Hipster Things to Do in Paris

1. Sip a coffee at Le Pure Cafe

Le Pure Cafe is a traditional-looking, authentic Parisian cafe that was used in one of the scenes in Before Sunset, and it has that romantic vibe that you don't get from new, modern cafes.

The cafe is located right on a split road in the center of the Sainte Marguerite district of Paris, and the exterior is all painted in this rustic ember red with a beautiful large name sign above its entrance. There is no way you can miss it.

The café still retains its Parisian vibe with old wooden tables and chairs, as well as an old-school wooden bar where you can order coffees and pastries.

You can grab a nice book from one of the many secondhand bookstores in Paris and spend a quiet evening here with a cup of coffee while enjoying people-watching. It is one of my favorite cafes in Paris, and if you are looking for a nice cafe to enjoy, be sure to check out Le Pure Cafe.

2. Stroll Around the Coulée verte René-Dumont Park

Coulée verte René-Dumont is an idyllic elevated park, full of trees, built on top of an unused railway infrastructure located on the eastern side of Paris.

Again, this is another location from the movie Before Sunset, and what is so awesome about this place is its 5 km strip of nature right above the bustling city of Paris that you can escape to.

This park is the opposite of what you would expect from an overcrowded city like Paris. Along the walking path, you will find yourself surrounded by all kinds of trees and people exercising, and enjoying the solitude that the park offers.

There are also several benches along the walking path where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful summer sun of Paris at your own leisure. I almost had the entire place to myself when I was there; it was awesome.

If you are looking for a nice, quiet place to spend the evening in Paris, be sure to check out Coulée verte René-Dumont Park. I grabbed a book, went up there, found a perfect spot, sat, and enjoyed the book while people-watching. This is as idyllic as it gets.

Getting to the park is a little challenging as you will first have to find the stairs to go up the elevated park. First of all, take the metro to Paris Gare de Lyon station and walk east toward Avenue Daumesnil street. Along this road, you should find a set of stairs going up the park every few blocks. One of the stairs is shown in the Google Street View below.

3. Buy Some Books From Secondhand Bookstores

Paris has always been the center of art and literature for many centuries, with many awesome writers basing themselves out of this creative city throughout history.

Because of that, you will find tons of awesome antique bookstores all across Paris selling both new and secondhand books that you can buy for cheap.

Many of the bookstores in Paris have an old secondhand collection that you can browse through. Sometimes, you might stumble upon some of the long-forgotten books and literature that you may not be able to find elsewhere.

Going through these old collections of books was like playing a scavenger hunt. You never know when you might strike gold in these dusty piles of books.

The city is filled with amazing independent bookstores, including one of the oldest ones of all, Shakespeare and Company. If you love old books, you are going to love this iconic bookstore that every hipster and their grandmothers know about.

I spent hours combing through its collection of books, both new and secondhand, and I grabbed a few classic books for myself while I was there. The interior of the place is also well decorated with wooden bookshelves and decor that gives you that old rustic bohemian vibe that I really like.

There are also many other bookstores that aren't as crowded as Shakespeare and Company, like San Francisco Book Co. which holds many awesome secondhand collections, such as old copies of Asimov's sci-fi novels that I had been tracking down for a while.

If you love reading and books as much as I do, make sure to spend some time in Paris and explore its vibrant secondhand book market, and simply enjoy the idyllic vibes of these lovely stores.

4. Be creeped out by the Catacombs

I made a promise to myself that when I get to Paris, I would do everything I can to visit the eerie Catacombs of Paris, a massive underground cemetery filled with skulls and skeletons that stretch across much of Paris' underground.

This massive labyrinth of underground tunnels was dug up to mine the ancient stone quarries that lay beneath the city. As time goes by and the stone quarries are emptied, the tunnels are converted into an ossuary to deal with the city's overflowing cemeteries.

It is said that the Catacombs stretch over 2,000 acres across the city and hold the remains of over six million people, with many of the sections still unexplored.

This one section of the Catacomb that we will be visiting is well-mapped, and you can visit it as part of a tour or on your own. Unfortunately, the queue to enter can be extremely long as they only limit the number of people inside at a time to prevent overcrowding, and I had to wait 2 hours to get in.

If you are short on time, I highly recommend you go with a skip-the-line ticket which will allow you to get instant access to the Catacombs without having to wait. Additionally, you will also get private access to the restricted area that you won't be able to see if you were to visit the place alone.

The Catacomb opens from Tuesday to Saturday every week. The gate opens at 10 AM and closes at 8 PM. Go as early as possible to avoid the long queue because the line will only get longer the more you wait. If you can go there around an hour before the gate opens, that would be ideal.

5. Go Up the Arc de Triomphe for the best view of Paris

If you want to get the best view of Paris from above, don't go up the Eiffel Tower! The cityscape of Paris is nothing without the iconic Eiffel Tower, and how would you see it if you are on top of it, right? For the best view of the city, I highly recommend you go up the Arc de Triomphe instead.

Yes, the Arc de Triomphe isn't exactly a hidden gem, but due to its spacious lookout area and the view it offers, it is definitely one of the best places to see Paris from above without having to wait in line for too long.

In order to get up there, you are going to have to climb 284 steps, so be sure you are wearing proper shoes before visiting. Despite the effort, the 360° panoramic view you get up there is unmatched, and you are definitely getting your money's worth.

If you want a guide to take you up there while explaining the significance of this important landmark in Paris, you can also book a tour guide from here.

6. Visit the Louvre on Tuesday

Why Tuesday, you asked? Well, it's because the Louvre is closed that day. Yes, the best day to visit this museum is when it is closed. If you are like me, who enjoys the architecture but not so much the queuing and the waiting to get into museums, then Tuesday is the best day to visit the Louvre.

On other days, you will often find a long line of people queuing up to get inside the Louvre and get a tiny glimpse of the famous Mona Lisa painting. It is hard to truly appreciate the magnificent and intricate glass pyramid of the Louvre when there are crowds of people blocking the view.

I went there on a Tuesday (by accident, I'm not gonna lie), and voilà, I almost had the entire place to myself. As a photographer, this is much better than seeing the Mona Lisa.

That said, if you insist on getting inside the Louvre, I would recommend you get yourself a skip-the-line ticket and spare yourself from the pain of waiting 2 hours to see a tiny portrait of the Mona Lisa in an overcrowded room.

7. Marvel at the interior of the National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History in Paris is another fun museum to visit if you are interested in learning more about the natural history of the world.

Many of the interactive exhibitions in this museum are designed to educate both kids and adults on the concept of evolution, while providing you with a chance to see the remains of many of the extinct animals you might not have seen before.

The museum is also located inside this large, high-ceiling structure with exhibitions spread out across its multi-level floors. There is a large hallway in the middle, featuring an exhibition that shows how evolution works for animals and humans.

It is a fun place to visit, whether you are there with your family or you are just interested in the natural history of the world. Be sure to drop by this museum while you are in Paris.

8. Walk the Pont Alexandre III Bridge

If you want a great view of the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower, the Pont Alexandre III bridge is a great spot to stop by while you explore Paris. This 19th-century arched bridge is designed in an extravagant Beaux-Arts style with intricate golden sculptures on both ends, all lined up with elaborately designed lamps.

Many regard the Pont Alexandre III bridge to be one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, and I have to agree with them. The view, the sculptures, the ornaments, and the sheer size and scale of the bridge will blow your mind.

Be aware of scammers trying to ask you to donate money to the mute and blind here. There are a lot of scams in Paris, and this bridge is one of the places they often prey on clueless tourists and ask for "donations." They are not legally registered to conduct such practices, so just ignore them when they approach and walk away.

9. Visit the Notre Dame

Of course, you can't visit Paris without visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Although much of the main hall is under renovation due to fire, causing its ceiling to collapse, much of the facade and its towers remain standing, and you can still admire the beauty of this iconic landmark.

With its picturesque surroundings surrounded by the pristine water of the Seine and the liveliness of the people hanging out in this area, the surroundings of Notre Dame are as much of a tourist attraction as the cathedral itself. So, even if you can't enter inside at the moment, there are still many things you can enjoy here.

For those of you who are looking to explore this area in detail and discover the hidden gems around Notre Dame, I highly recommend you go on a walking tour where you will be guided by a local guide and visit all the best attractions this area has to offer, all in one go.

10. Explore the Tasty Gastronomy of French Cuisines

Last but not least, it would be a shame to visit Paris and not try out some of the unique and delicious cuisines the French are known for. In order to discover the delicious foods and desserts of Paris, the best way is to go with a local on a Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food Tour and they will take you to some of the best hidden food places in the city.

From gourmet cheeses to delicate pastries, you will be exploring Montmartre, the city's cobblestoned art district of Paris, and meeting some of the most talented food artisans in the capital while enjoying all kinds of delicious food along the way.

Food tours are a great way to explore a city like Paris, and if you have a day to spare, I highly recommend you go on one of them and see why French gastronomy is one of the best in the world.

How to Get to Paris?

The best way to get here is to fly directly to Paris. I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find all the cheap flights from where you live to France and compare them so that you can find the one that best fits your itinerary.

If you are coming from nearby cities, such as Rennes, buses might be the easiest option. I took a bus operated by Ouibus from the Rennes bus station to the Central Paris-Bercy station. The whole trip took 4.5 hours. From the Paris Bercy train station, you can take the train to the hostel from the Bercy Metro station. You can also never go wrong with Flixbus as they run widely throughout Europe.

The train is also a viable option if you are short on time but not money. You can book the train from the Voyage SNCF website. Paris has many train stations, so be sure to get the train that drops you off near a metro station or your hostel if you can.

How to Get Around Paris?

Many of the places that I went to are pretty far apart from each other, so I would suggest you buy a one- or multi-day Metro pass. You can get the pass from the ticket machine in most metro stations, including the "Barbès - Rochechouart" one.

Walking is also my preferred way of transportation, especially in an area highly concentrated with beautiful attractions. For example, if you take a metro to Hôtel de Ville station, you can walk to almost all the famous attractions in that area, such as the Louvre and Notre Dame, in one go.

What to Pack for Paris, France?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Paris, France:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
• Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
• Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
• Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Europe? Check out:What to Pack For Europe: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for France

I hope you found this guide helpful in your trip planning. If you want to read more about France, I have written a few more travel guides, all listed here:

• Looking for a comprehensive travel guide to France? Check out my 2 Weeks in France.
• Are you traveling to France as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
• Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe can be extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to assist you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
• Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
• Bordeaux is a city known for its wine, laid-back vibe, and beautiful architecture. Here’s a 8 Best Things to Do in Bordeaux.
• Avignon, the city of antiquity, is hard to miss when you are planning a trip to France. Here’s a complete guide on 8 Best Things to Do in Avignon.
• Looking to go hike in the French Alps? Do not go without seeing this guide: The Ultimate Day Hiking Guide to the French Alps.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• You can also watch my France travel video here: "Dear France" travel video.
• To view all articles about France, visit the France Travel Guide page.
• Looking for a place to go after France? How about Spain, Germany, or Switzerland? Visit our Spain travel guide page, Germany travel guide page, and Switzerland travel guide page for more.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Western Europe Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.