Paris has always been my dream destination, and last year, I finally made it happen. The city lived up to every one of my expectations—elegant, romantic, and brimming with history…and omg the shopping! Four days flew by, but each moment felt magical. If you’re ready to plan your own Parisian adventure, here’s how I spent four unforgettable days in the City of Light.

Day One: Icons and Architectural Wonders I started my trip with a dose of history and jaw-dropping architecture in Île de la Cité: The Heart of Paris. Nestled in the middle of the Seine, Île de la Cité is the historic heart of Paris and a must-visit destination. This small island is home to architectural treasures like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, making it a haven for history and art lovers. Walking its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time, with charming cafés and flower markets adding to its timeless appeal. It’s the perfect spot to pause, soak in the views of the river, and imagine the centuries of history that unfolded here. First stop—Sainte-Chapelle. The stained-glass windows were even more breathtaking in person, glowing like jewels in the morning light. I made sure to book the very first time slot so that I could enjoy it without all of the crowds. From there, I walked to Notre Dame. Even with the ongoing restoration (and still closed at the time of visit), its gothic beauty is captivating. I grabbed a delicious crepe from the street shop and sat on the steps to take in the view.

Next, I headed back to the Eighth Arrondissement to climb the Arc de Triomphe for a panoramic view of Paris. The climb to the top is not for the faint of heart. There are 284 stairs in a spiral staircase to reach the top terrace, but it was totally worth it as this was one of my favorite views of the entire trip. The terrace at the top of the Arc de Triomphe offers a view of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, the Place de la Concorde, and the La Défense area. You can also use the map at the observation deck to spot other monuments in the city. Afterward, I strolled down the Champs-Élysées, soaking in the energy of the bustling avenue. There is shopping galore and I made sure to stop at the famous Laduree to get a box of macarons. The day wouldn’t be complete without admiring the grandeur of the Grand Palais and the charm of the Petit Palais. It is one of the most beautiful architectural designs. 

Crossing the ornate Pont Alexandre III, I made my way to The Louvre. Seeing the Mona Lisa up close was a surreal moment, but the museum itself felt like a masterpiece. It is so vast and maze-like, that the next time I will hire a private tour to learn more about the museum. I feel like I would have gotten so much more (and saved a ton of time) by getting a personalized experience. After a full day, I ended with a glass of wine overlooking the Seine at Cafe Marly.

Day Two: Art, Royalty, and Iconic Views Day two started at the Musée d’Orsay—a dream for any art lover. Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh’s works felt even more vibrant in person. It is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. It is the most unique museum I have ever visited and I finally got a photo in front of the iconic clock. Afterward, I took a train to The Palace of Versailles where I pre-booked a private group tour. I highly recommend a guided tour because not only do you learn so much more about the palace, but as an extra bonus you get to skip the incredibly long entrance lines. Versailles was a dream and has to be experienced in person to understand the beauty and opulence.

Back in Paris, I headed straight for the Eiffel Tower. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for its towering beauty. From there, I walked to the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, which offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and the best spots for pictures. I made my way to Trocadéro for more Eiffel views and a stop at Carette for the best hot chocolate in Paris. I was able to snag a table outside which allowed for the best people watching. I ended the night with a romantic Seine River Cruise under twinkling lights. There are many river cruise operations on the Seine but I highly recommend using Bateaux Mouches.

Day Three: Elegance and Charm My third day started with the grandeur of Palais Garnier, the stunning opera house that feels straight out of a fairytale. This was another timed ticket where I booked the very first slot of the day to avoid large crowds. I highly recommend when you enter to immediately go up the stairs to the Grand Foyer. Everyone else will stop to take pictures on the marble staircase. This will allow you to be one of the first inside THE most beautiful rooms in all of Paris. It will literally take your breath away! This is the best opportunity to get pictures without crowds obstructing. Next, I indulged in retail therapy at Galeries Lafayette, marveling at its stained-glass dome before heading to Pigalle.

I couldn’t wait to explore Montmartre, the artistic heart of Paris and the oldest part of the city. Wandering its cobblestone streets, I soaked up the bohemian vibe and checked out all of the street artists. The day ended at Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched high above the city. I bought a pastry from a local shop and headed for the big staircase that looks over the city. Watching the sunset from the steps was one of the most magical moments of the trip.

Day Four: Hidden Gems and Historic Sites I started the final day with an eerie yet fascinating visit to the Catacombs. The endless tunnels lined with bones gave me chills—but in the best way. Afterward, I lightened the mood at the Medici Fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens, which felt like stepping into a fairytale. This is a great place to grab a sandwich and rest in the park, picnic-style. 

Next, I visited the Pantheon, an architectural marvel and resting place for some of France’s greatest minds, including Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. I wrapped up the day exploring the chic streets of Le Marais, enjoying boutique shopping and people-watching at sidewalk cafés.

Falling in Love with Paris Paris is more than just a city—it’s an experience. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, every corner tells a story. Whether you’re wandering through historic cathedrals, admiring art, or simply sipping coffee by the Seine, or in my case SHOPPING, Paris has a way of capturing your heart.

Four days flew by, but the memories will last a lifetime. If you’ve been dreaming of Paris, let this be your sign to book the trip. Trust me—you’ll fall in love with the City of Light, just like I did.

xo, Christie