The Perfect Getaway to Paris: Coffee, Croissants & Main Character Moments 🇫🇷✨

Paris. The city of love, art, fashion, and... food. After completing my Dissertation last Easter the stress of balancing deadlines and part-time work had worn me down and being able to escape to Paris with my best friend for a few days felt like stepping straight into a movie. Between the aesthetic cafes, dreamy architecture, and getting lost in the little side streets, this trip was exactly what I needed to reset and romanticise life again.

If you're planning your own budget-friendly Paris getaway, or just want to live vicariously through my trip, I got you. Here is a rundown of everything I did, ate, packed, and loved int the city of lights ✨ 

Day 1: A Perfect Day in Paris: Arc de Triomphe, Art, and Dinner by the Eiffel Tower ☕️🥐

Stepping of the train, I immediately felt that Parisian energy. Stylish people, the smell of fresh pastries, and a level of effortless cool that made me want to throw on a beret instantly. 

We had a plan for our first day in Paris see as many iconic monuments around the city as possible. First stop? Le Café Paris, with typical French cuisine and a terrace with views of the Arc de Triomphe. We ordered café crème and croissants and sat outside, people-watching and soaking up the "I'm in Paris" moment. There's something about Parisian cafés that just hits different. No rush, no takeaway culture- just sitting, sipping and enjoying life and the views it has to offer.

After that, we walked across the street to the Arc de Triomphe and paid 16 euros to climb to the top and let me just say- those 284 steps are so worth it. The panoramic view of Paris's rooftops, the Champs-Élysées, and the distant Eiffel Tower is absolutely breathtaking. It's the kind of view that reminds you why Paris is called the City of Lights- even in the morning, the city has a magical glow.

✨ Tip: Get there early to avoid the crowds! Entry is free if you're under 26 and an EU citizen. 

After soaking in the views, we took a leisurely walk through the Jardin des Champs-Élysées, which is basically a garden oasis in the middle of the city. The tree-lined paths, cute fountains, and people strolling with their morning coffees felt like something straight out of a French romance movie.

A short walk led us to the Petit Palais, a hidden gem that feels like you've stepped into a royal palace. The museum inside is free to visit, and it is filled with stunning artwork, intricate sculptures, and even a dreamy courtyard that feels like a peaceful escape from the city buzz. Right across the road is the Grand Palais, another jaw-dropping spot which hosts rotating exhibitions- whether you're into classical art or modern installations, there's always something fascinating happening here. 

✨ Must-see: The interior architecture is absolutely breathtaking- marble staircases and grand ceilings.

After soaking all that up, we followed the Seine River- a walk that felt like pure magic. There's something about watching the boats glide by, the bustling sound of street musicians, and the warm Parisian sun which makes everything feel slower, softer, and magical. 

Our next stop? The Louvre, because no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Mona Lisa. Yes, she's smaller than you'd expect- but standing there in one of the world's most famous museums, surrounded by centuries of art, is an experience like no other.

✨ Tip: Buy your tickets online to skip the line, and use the underground entrance to avoid standing out in the sun too long waiting. And trust me- there's so much more the Louvre than just the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory are stunning, as well as the architecture.

On our way to dinner, we made a quick detour to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Although at the time it was closed for repairs, walking past this iconic landmark still gave me chills. Seeing it up close- especially knowing its history and the incredible efforts to restore it- was a moving reminder of how much beauty and and resilience this city holds.

We ended our perfect day in Paris with the dreamiest dinner at Bistrot De La Tour Eiffel, a cozy Parisian spot with a front-row view of the Eiffel Tower. As the sun set and the tower started to sparkle, I couldn't help but sit there in awe- because is there anything more magical than watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle while enjoying a delicious meal? (The answer: NO).

This day in Paris felt like the perfect mix of history, beauty, and indulgence- a reminder that sometimes, you just have to slow down and soak up life's most magical moments. From climbing the Arc de Triomphe to dinner by the Eiffel Tower, every step of this day felt like a scene from a dream I didn't want to wake up from. If you're ever in Paris, add these stops to your itinerary- trust me, it's a day you'll remember forever.

Day 2: Stairway to Sacré-Cœur & the Best Steak in the City 🇫🇷✨

After an incredible first day in Paris filled with monuments, museums, and a magical Eiffel Tower dinner, we were ready for round two. This time, the plan was to explore Montmatre, soak in the Parisian charm, and end the day with the best steak dinner in the city. Spoiler Alert: It was perfection.

We started the day bright and early, fuelled by a buttery croissant (obviously) and a strong coffee. The first stop? Sacré-Cœur. But instead of taking the easy way up, we climbed the stairs— all 300+ of them. Yes, my legs were burning, but the view? So. Worth. It. From the top, Paris stretched out before us, it was so peaceful, taking in the city, and just feeling so small yet so alive at the same time. 

We took a moment to step inside Sacré-Cœur, where the silence and stunning mosaics made the world outside feel miles away. It was one of those breathe-it-all-in moments that made me realise just how lucky I was to be here.

Paris is massive, and while walking is the best way to explore, sometimes you need to sit back and take it all in (it was raining). So, we hopped onto a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour to make sure we didn't miss a single iconic sight. Sometimes, you don't need to be rushing from landmark to landmark- just soaking in the city from a different perspective is enough.

🚍 We drove past and got an audio tour of, and were able to hop off and look round:

✅ The Opéra Garnier (aka the inspiration for Phantom of the Opera)

✅ The Pantheon (so grand & underrated!)

✅ The Luxembourg Gardens (major Emily in Paris vibes)

✅ The Musée d’Orsay (another art-lover’s dream)

✅ The Invalides (where Napoleon is buried)

 

After a long day of stair climbing, wandering, and bus touring, it was finally time for dinner- and we were going all out. Enter Relais de l’Entrecôte, aka the best steak restaurant in Paris.

The concept? Simple. They serve one thing and one thing only: Steak Frites. No menu, no choices- just perfectly cooked steak, thin crispy fries, and their famous secret sauce that is life-changing. And when you think you're done? They bring you a second portion. (Unreal!) 

From climbing to the highest point in the city, to watching the streets go by from a bus, to ending the night with the best food of my life, it was another magical Parisian day.

Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat.

 

🎒Packing for Paris

Packing for Paris is all about effortless style and practicality. You want to look cute (because hello, Paris) but also be comfortable for long days of walking. Here’s my ultimate packing list for a Paris trip:

✨ A chic but comfy coat or blazer – Parisian weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key!

✨ Comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking a lot, so ditch the heels and opt for cute trainers.

✨ A crossbody bag with a zipper – Paris is safe, but pickpockets exist, so keep your essentials secure!

✨ A few classic outfits – Think neutral tones, simple silhouettes, and timeless pieces (aka Parisian chic).

✨ A reusable water bottle – Staying hydrated = staying energised for all those adventures.

✨ A European plug adapter – Paris uses different outlets, so make sure you can charge your phone.

✨ Lip balm & hand cream – Travel + Paris weather can be drying, so keep these handy!

🚫 What to Leave Behind:

❌ High heels (your feet will hate you)

❌ Heavy luggage (pack light & leave room for souvenirs!)

❌ Too many outfit options (stick to mix-and-match essentials)

Final Thoughts 💭

Paris is one of those places that just makes you feel something. The cafés, the history, the effortless chic vibe—it’s no wonder people romanticise this city so much. Whether you go for a weekend getaway or a full adventure, Paris has a way of making you fall in love with life again.

So if you’re ever feeling stuck in the uni-work-stress cycle, I highly recommend a little Paris escape (even if it’s just planning for the future). ✨

Have you been to Paris before? What’s on your must-do list? Let me know in the comments

Until next time—stay stylish, stay adventurous, and never say no to a croissant. 🥐✨