Paris

On my first day, I woke up in my friend’s apartment, since I didn’t stay in a hotel. I was lucky to have a friend living in the city and stayed at her place. I started early in the morning at Le Cordon Bleu, where I took an éclair-making class. It was an incredible experience, and I met other people who were also traveling solo. At the end of the class, I was able to take my pastries with me, so I went for a walk in a nearby park and sat down to enjoy them.

After that, I kept walking until I reached the Eiffel Tower, which is just as beautiful during the day as it is at night. I spent the rest of the day wandering around without using Google Maps, simply exploring and discovering hidden corners of this beautiful city

On my second day, I visited the Louvre Museum and walked around the area. I didn’t go inside because I was traveling on a budget, but it was still completely worth it. The surroundings are beautiful, with plenty of spots to walk, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere. There’s also a lovely park nearby, the Jardin des Tuileries, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll.

In the afternoon, I went to Galeries Lafayette. It’s a large shopping gallery full of stores, but the best part is the rooftop. It’s a free option to enjoy an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower. I stayed there to watch the sunset, and it was absolutely beautiful.

On the third day, I spent most of the time walking around Montmartre, one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods in Paris. The streets there are full of artists painting in the open air, little shops selling souvenirs, and beautiful corners around every turn.

I visited the iconic Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and took my time soaking in the views over the city. Just below Sacré‑Cœur, I found the “I Love You” Wall in Square Jehan Rictus, a lovely mosaic where the phrase “I love you” is written in hundreds of language.

Around lunchtime, I went to Bouillon Pigalle, a classic Parisian bouillon known for traditional French dishes at very affordable prices. I tried a warm, comforting French onion soup, which was perfect after all the walking and exploring. The whole experience of eating there felt like stepping into a slice of local Parisian life, with hearty food and a lively atmosphere.

On my last day in Paris, I met up with a friend who happened to be in the city at the same time. We had brunch together and then walked around the area near the Eiffel Tower. In the afternoon, I strolled through the square where Emily in Paris was filmed. I saw Emily’s house, the restaurant where Gabriel works, and sat down in the square to enjoy a delicious pain au chocolat.

I wrapped up the day by heading back to my friend’s apartment to pack, since I had to leave early the next morning. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable trip, full of pastries, beautiful streets, and the magic of Paris.