Three Days in Paris: A Dream Revisited with Open Eyes: A three-day stay in Paris exploring the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame—fulfilling a childhood dream while discovering the reality behind the romance.
Three Days in Paris: A Dream Revisited with Open Eyes
Paris was a dream I carried with me since childhood. Growing up in the Philippines, I imagined this city through movies, postcards, and stories—romantic, slow, and beautiful. Spending three days here felt like stepping into a dream I had held onto for decades, curious to see how it would meet reality.
One of the most emotional moments of our stay was seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. I had imagined it for so many years, and suddenly there it was—tall, familiar, and surreal. Standing beneath it, I felt a mix of gratitude and disbelief. It wasn’t just a landmark; it was proof that dreams planted long ago can still come true, no matter where life takes you.
We also visited the Louvre Museum, a place so vast it’s almost overwhelming. Walking through its halls, surrounded by centuries of art and history, felt humbling. You could spend days there and still not see everything. Even if you’re not an art expert, there’s something powerful about being in a space that holds so much human creativity.
Another meaningful stop was Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even in its current state of restoration, there’s a quiet strength and beauty in it. Seeing it in person was a reminder of resilience, faith, and the deep history woven into this city.
That said, Paris was not exactly what I expected. As beautiful and historic as it is, parts of it felt surprisingly similar to New York City—busy streets, heavy crowds, fast-paced energy, and the occasional grit. It wasn’t the slow, romantic city I had imagined in my head. In some ways, it felt overhyped, and that was a little disappointing.
Day 1: Arrival & the Eiffel Tower
Our first day was about orientation and walking. Paris is best explored on foot, and wandering the streets helped us get a feel for the city.
Seeing the Eiffel Tower up close was emotional. It was crowded and busy, but still meaningful. Some dreams don’t look exactly the way we imagine them—but the fact that we’re finally there matters.
Tip:
Visit early in the morning or after sunset to avoid the largest crowds.
Cost (estimate):
- Eiffel Tower ground viewing: Free
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The entrance fees for the Eiffel Tower in 2025 are as follows:
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Adults: €36.10 for elevator access to the summit, €27.50 for stairs to the second floor and lift to the top.
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Youth (ages 12-24): €18.10 for elevator access to the summit, €13.80 for stairs to the second floor and lift to the top.
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Children (ages 4-11): €9.10 for elevator access to the summit, €6.90 for stairs to the second floor and lift to the top.
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The entrance fee for disabled visitors at the Eiffel Tower is as follows:
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€4 for elevator access to the second floor.
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€11.60 for access to the summit (top level) by elevator.
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€36.10 for access to the summit by stairs.
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€23.10 for elevator access to the second floor.
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Day 2: The Louvre & Historic Paris
The Louvre truly deserves an entire day. It’s massive, filled with history and world-class art. Instead of trying to see everything, we focused on a few highlights, which made the experience more enjoyable.
Tip:
Buy tickets online in advance and go early. Wear very comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking a lot.
Buy tickets online in advance and go early. Wear very comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking a lot.
Cost (estimate):
- Adult is 22 Franc
- Lunch nearby: $15–$25
Day 3: Notre-Dame & a Reality Check
Seeing Notre-Dame Cathedral, even during restoration, was powerful. There’s a quiet presence there—a reminder that beauty and strength can exist even after damage.
By this day, I realized something important: Paris is beautiful, but it’s also loud, crowded, and fast-moving. Much like New York, it can feel overwhelming and tourist-heavy. It wasn’t quite what I imagined growing up, and that was a little hard to accept.
But travel isn’t always about falling in love with a place. Sometimes it’s about seeing it clearly.
Tip:
Slow down. Sit at a café, people-watch, and don’t overpack your itinerary.
Slow down. Sit at a café, people-watch, and don’t overpack your itinerary.
Cost (estimate):
- Notre-Dame exterior visit: Free
- Café stop: $8–$15
- Souvenirs: $10–$30
Final Thoughts
Paris gave me something deeper than fantasy—it gave me perspective. I fulfilled a childhood dream, adjusted my expectations, and learned that places, like people, can be both beautiful and imperfect.
I’m grateful I came. Grateful I saw it with my own eyes. And grateful for the reminder that dreams don’t expire—they simply evolve.
Quick Paris Tips
- Expect crowds, especially in major tourist areas.
- Walk whenever possible—it’s the best way to experience the city.
- Paris is expensive, budget extra for food and transportation.
- Don’t rush—Paris is better felt than checked off.
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