7 min read…

To be honest, our expectations for Paris weren’t sky-high. This was our eighth trip of the year, booked months in advance, so by the time it came around, it felt more routine than exciting. We grabbed last-minute tickets for the Louvre and Eiffel Tower and decided to just go with the flow. Plus, every review we’d read about Paris was either pure hype or total letdown—people either adored it or warned about crowds, dirt, and pickpockets. So, we arrived a bit skeptical.

But, boy, were we wrong. Paris turned out to be magical and romantic, and honestly, it’s worth all the buzz. Yes, the crowds are real and we did have a close call with a pickpocket, but the city’s charm more than makes up for it. We’ll show you how to soak up the best of Paris in just two days—no stress, no overwhelm, just the highlights and a few honest tips from our experience.

WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS?

I’m not going to confuse you with endless debates about which arrondissement is the absolute best. Honestly, Paris has an amazing public transportation system, so you’ll be fine as long as you’re somewhere convenient for getting around.

If you can easily hop on a metro to the Arc de Triomphe (our starting point for Day 1), Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower, you’re set. We stayed near the Miromesnil & Saint-Lazare metro lines and had zero trouble reaching any of the major sights. So, don’t overthink it—just find a spot that keeps you connected, and you’ll be ready to explore.

HOW TO TRAVEL IN PARIS?

Paris’s public transport is fantastic—especially the metro, which we used for everything. Just grab a Navigo card when you arrive and top it up with the Bonjour RATP app. Oddly, Google Maps didn’t show us metro routes, so we tried ChatGPT (helpful, but not always accurate).

Our best tip? Download a metro map to stay on track. That said, don’t forget to wander on foot—some of our favorite Paris moments were the ones we found just by strolling: a hidden bakery here, a street musician there. In Paris, getting a little lost is half the fun.

DAY 1 IN PARIS

Arc De Triomphe, Grand Palais, Place de la Concorde, Jardin Tuileries, Musee de l'Orangerie, Louvre museum, Seine River Cruise...

We kicked off our first day bright and early at the Arc de Triomphe, soaking in its grand architecture and the stories it holds. After that, our stomachs led the way to Ladurée—where their croissants, pistachio pastries, and a Spanish latte with oat milk set us up perfectly for a day of exploring (seriously, don’t skip this stop).

From there, we strolled towards Place de la Concorde, passing the elegant Grand Palais and pausing often to admire gardens and striking architecture. Place de la Concorde itself was breathtaking—so vast and full of history. We wandered into the Jardin des Tuileries next, amazed by how Parisians simply sit by the pond and let time slow down. For a moment, the world felt paused.

A quick walk brought us to Musée de l’Orangerie to marvel at Monet’s water lilies—a gem of a museum that deserves way more credit. When hunger struck, Happy Caffe lived up to its name with the happiest staff and delicious crepes and sandwiches—a perfect pit stop before our next adventure.

Then, we rushed to the Louvre for our 4 pm slot. Two hours in Europe’s largest museum isn’t nearly enough, so we hit the highlights: the Mona Lisa (yes, it’s crowded), the stunning Wedding at Cana, and plenty of Da Vinci Code nostalgia at the glass pyramid. You don’t need to be an art expert to feel the magic here.

We ended our day with a Seine River Cruise at golden hour, resting our feet and watching Paris glow as the sun set. Dinner at Le Musset wrapped things up, and their desserts were the final treat after a day that tallied up 25,000 happy steps.

DAY 2 IN PARIS

Opera Garnier, Notre Dame cathedral, Saint Chapelle, Champ de Mars picnic, Eiffel tower, Jardins du Trocadéro...

Our second day in Paris revolved around one thing: the Eiffel Tower at 6 pm. But first, we kicked things off with brunch at La Petit Bleue. There’s a line out the door, so arrive early—their pancakes are worth waiting for.

Next, we explored the opulent Opera Garnier, a 1,979-seat masterpiece that’s part palace, part performance hall. The €15 ticket might seem steep, but the interiors are jaw-dropping. On the way out, we made sure to stop at Amorino for some of the best ice cream we’ve ever had.

Next on our route were two Paris icons: Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle—the lines were wild and tickets sold out, so we stuck to soaking up the exteriors.

For lunch, we headed to the Champ de Mars with picnic supplies in hand. There’s no better spot to lounge than on the grass, Eiffel Tower looming overhead. The atmosphere was almost surreal—thousands of people spread out on the lawns, picnicking, laughing, and just soaking up life, all worries forgotten for a while.

At 6 pm sharp, our Eiffel Tower adventure began—and we took the stairs! Is it worth the hype? Absolutely. In fact, it’s even better than you’d expect. The whole experience is so well organized and surprisingly affordable. Don’t forget to scan the QR codes as you climb; reading the tower’s story as you ascend makes the journey even more rewarding.

After a few hours on top of the world, we satisfied our hunger with a hearty meal at Mayfair Garden Indian restaurant (do not miss the biriyani!) and returned to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle in the dark from Jardins du Trocadéro this time—it felt straight out of a movie. Seeing the Eiffel Tower in person really is as awe-inspiring as everyone says. Some landmarks are famous for a reason, and this one truly lives up to its legend.

SPECIAL MENTION FOR HOT-CHOCOLATE LOVERS

Before we wrapped up our Paris adventure, we treated ourselves to brunch at Angelina on our third day—and it’s an absolute must for anyone with a sweet tooth. Famous for its rich, velvety hot chocolate (honestly, it’s more like drinking warm chocolate velvet), this place also serves up a fantastic brunch and the freshest juices. The ambiance is wonderfully elegant—think Belle Époque charm and a royal, old-world feel. Whether you’re looking to indulge or just want to soak in a bit of Parisian glamour, Angelina is a spot you shouldn’t miss.

SOME USEFUL INFORMATION

• We missed iconic spots like Musée d’Orsay because tickets were sold out—book your must-sees well in advance! Also visit Montmartre if time permits.
• Pickpockets are common in crowded areas. Leave valuables at your hotel and hold onto your phone—trust us, we narrowly avoided a close call.
• Public transportation, especially the metro, is the best way to get around central Paris. Get familiar with the lines ahead of time.
• Learning a few French greetings (“Bonjour,” “Merci”) goes a long way— the language sounds beautiful.
• Paris gets hot in the summer. Pack sunscreen and carry water to stay comfortable while exploring.

We came to Paris with low expectations, but the city completely swept us off our feet. Paris is vast—both in size and in spirit—welcoming visitors from all over the world with open arms. Wherever our travels take us next, we know we’ll be carrying these Paris memories with us and comparing every new adventure to the magic we found here.