Next, it was time for the quintessential experience for every tourist that visit Paris - the Eiffel Tower. But first, I sought out the perfect photo op. Based on social media recommendations, I headed to Rue de l’Universite. To get there, take Metro Line 8 to Ecole Militaire station, then walk west on Rue de l’Universite. About halfway between Champ de Mars and Avenue de la Bourdannais, you’ll find the iconic view of the Eiffel Tower framed by Haussmannian buildings. However, do get there early because I reached at noon and it was packed with people.

I then took the scenic route via Metro Line 6. This line runs partially above ground, and the stretch between Bir-Hakeim and Passy stations offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower as the train crosses the Seine on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Face the right side if you are heading towards Charles de Gaulle Etoile; left side if you are heading towards Nation

​Inspired by the metro journey, I embarked on a tour of Paris’ most beautiful metro stations - Arts et Metiers, Concorde and Abbessess. Arts et Metiers is a steampunk dream, designed to resemble a submarine in homage to Jules Verne. Concorde features a tiled word puzzle of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Abbessess, one of the deepest stations in Paris, is known for its Art Nouveau entrance and spiral staircase adorned with murals.

As my Parisian adventure comes to an end, I headed back to the hostel to prepare for my early flight to Porto. I’m taking Ryanair from Paris Beauvais Airport in the wee hours of the morning, and it’s very far from the city centre. To get there, I took a shuttle bus from Porte Maillot (Metro Line 1). These buses are timed to coincide with flight departures and take about 75 minutes, and cost €16.90.

​Next, I ventured into the iconic Louvre Museum. Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in itself.

​The afternoon took me to the trendy Marais district for some window shopping. This neighbourhood is a fashion lover’s paradise, boasting a mix of high-end boutiques, vintage shops, and cool indie stores. Some of my favourite stores were Merci, a concept store known for its eclectic mix of fashion and home goods, and A.P.C., a French ready-to-wear brand famous for its minimalist designs.

​As evening approached, I made my way to Montmartre to catch the beautiful sunset at Sacre-Coeur Basilica. The funicular at Montmartre takes you from the bottom of the hill up to Sacre-Coeur in 90 seconds and cost €1.90. The white-domed church, perched atop the highest hill in Paris, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. I climbed the steps to the basilica, taking in the beautiful cityscape below. The famous Sinking House of Paris, a quirky building that seems to defy gravity with its slanted structure, except it’s due to the angle of how the photo is taken, is also located besides Sacre-Coeur.

My Parisian adventure began as I touched down at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). From CDG, I made my way to my accommodation, The People Hostel - Bercy. To get there, I took the Roissybus service, a cost-effective and scenic option that connects CDG to the city centre. A one-way ticket cost €13.50, with frequency every 15-20 minute, stopping at Opera Garnier. From there, I took the metro to Bercy station, just a short walk to the hostel.

​Stopping at Opera Garnier, I caught glimpse of some of Paris’ iconic sights. The opulent Opera Garnier, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece houses the Paris Opera and the Paris Opera Ballet. I also passed by the grand Printemps store, with its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.

Eager to dive into Parisian life, I headed straight to Marché Bastille, a farmers market that opens from 7am-3pm every Thursday and Sunday. The vibrant market offers a feast for the senses with stalls overflowed with fresh produce, fragrant flowers, bric-a-brac and array of local delicacies. I couldn’t resist trying some classic French fare - crispy crepes, fresh seafood and hearty Choucroute (a traditional Alsatian dish of sauerkraut and various meats).

​After the market, I took a leisure stroll along the Seine River. The banks of the Seine are a UNESCO World Heritage site, lined with historic buildings and crossed by beautiful bridges. Along the way, I stumbled upon many charming little bookstores, also known as Les Bouquinistes.

​A trip to Paris would not be complete without a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece has been a symbol of Paris for centuries. Unfortunately, it’s currently undergoing extensive restoration following a devastating fire in April 2019 that destroyed its roof and spire. Despite the scaffolding, the cathedral’s grandeur is still evident, and it was moving to see this historic landmark in the process of being reborn.

​My first day concluded with a visit to City Pharma. This famous pharmacy located in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres area, is a hidden gem for beauty and skincare enthusiasts. City Pharma is renowned for its extensive selection of French beauty and skincare brands at discounted prices. It’s often crowded with locals and tourists alike.

Despite the sometimes chaotic atmosphere, City Pharma is a must-visit for anyone looking to stock up on French beauty secrets. From cult favourites like Biafine and A313 retinol to Bioderma, Nuxe and La Roche Posay, the shelves are often stocked with products that are often much pricier outside of France. Check out my TikTok account to see my highly raved products!

With my arms full of skincare treasures, I concluded my first day in Paris. The City of Light had already begun to work its magic, and I couldn’t wait to see what the next few days would bring.