According to a hopeless romantic

The Must Sees in Paris

Paris is everything you’ve heard—and more. From the first moment I saw the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky to stumbling across a quiet café tucked away from the bustling streets, I quickly realized there’s so much more to this city than the pictures suggest. If you’re headed to Paris (or just dreaming of it), here are a few absolute must-sees that left me completely captivated.

The Eiffel Tower – The Star of Paris

Let’s start with the icon herself. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen it in photos or movies; there’s just nothing like seeing the Eiffel Tower in person. I’d recommend checking it out from the Trocadéro Gardens for the best view.

And then there’s that nighttime sparkle. Every hour after sunset, the Eiffel Tower lights up, twinkling for five whole minutes. You know the phrase “stop and smell the roses?” Well, in Paris, it’s “stop and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle.” I promise it’s a moment that’ll stay with you.

Even if I didn’t go up, the Eiffel Tower was everything I’d dreamed of—iconic and awe-inspiring. Each night, the rain only added to the magic, and watching the tower sparkle from below felt like my own private light show. Sure, my bucket list picnic was rained out, but sitting with an umbrella in hand, croissant in the other, gazing up at the tower felt like pure Parisian bliss. Guess I’ll just have to go back for that picnic next time!

The Louvre – A Masterpiece Maze

The Louvre is everything you’ve been told: stunning, massive, and full of the world’s most famous art. I’ll be honest; it’s huge—so, unless you plan to spend all day (or several days) here, pick out a few highlights you want to see. Yes, the Mona Lisa is a must, but there’s so much more here that will leave you in awe, from ancient sculptures to sprawling French paintings.

The building itself is a masterpiece, too. That glass pyramid entrance is iconic, and wandering through the galleries feels like stepping back in time. If you’re a fan of getting a little lost (or accidentally lost), the Louvre is perfect. There’s something surreal about wandering from room to room, discovering sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from every corner of the world.

Pro tip: Buy your ticket online ahead of time to avoid the lines—and try going early or late in the day when it’s less crowded. Trust me, a quieter Louvre is a magical Louvre.

Arc de Triomphe – A Legendary Viewpoint

Located at the top of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is an absolute Parisian must. Built to honor French soldiers, the arc has this kind of quiet dignity about it. Climbing to the top offers a breathtaking view, with the Eiffel Tower on one side and the Champs-Élysées stretching out below. The traffic circle surrounding it is wild, so it’s worth just watching the flow of cars for a moment or two—there are no lanes, and the chaos is oddly mesmerizing.

The Paris Metro – A Laughable Mention

Oh, the Metro. On my first attempt at navigating it, I managed to get on the wrong train, got stuck, and somehow rode the entire line back and forth before finding my way off! It was one of those “am I even in the right country?” moments that now makes me laugh. Paris wouldn’t be the same without those minor mishaps, and honestly, getting a bit lost only added to the adventure.

A Few Other Parisian Gems

Rain or shine, Paris is full of experiences waiting to be uncovered:

Cafés and Pastries – When in Paris, embrace the rain with a croissant and a café au lait. There’s nothing like cozying up at a café watching people stroll by, umbrellas in hand.
Montmartre – Even under the drizzle, the charm of Montmartre is hard to resist. The artists, winding streets, and Sacré-Cœur make it feel like a little village within Paris.
A Seine Boat Tour – Takek a night cruise on the Seine, and see how Paris from the water is truly breathtaking.

Why Paris Stole My Heart

Paris isn’t just about landmarks or picture-perfect moments; it’s the little experiences in between. Like grabbing a croissant from a bakery that’s been there since forever, sipping a café au lait at a sidewalk café, and hearing French chatter all around. It’s a city that truly feels alive, with a vibe that’s both sophisticated and unpretentiously welcoming.

There’s this magic in Paris that just makes you want to wander, to get lost, and to discover new things around every corner. So whether you’re here for the first time or coming back for another dose, soak it all in. After all, Paris is always a good idea.