Digital Nomad Diaries: Paris Day 1
Montmartre, the Phantom's Box, and Eating My Way Through a Jet-Lagged Haze
There's something about returning to a city you already love that takes all the pressure off. No frantic must-see lists, no fear of missing out. Just the freedom to wander and let the day unfold.
This was my third time in Paris, and I was here for a week. Day one had one rule: take it easy. (Jump down to see today’s quick itinerary.)
First things first: sleep
I landed after a redeye from NYC and fully expected to spend my first few hours sitting in a hotel lobby waiting for my room. Instead, my room Hotel 29 Lepic in Montmartre was ready at 10am, which felt like a small miracle. I took a quick nap, reset, and headed out to explore.
A slow morning in Montmartre
Since I was staying in Montmartre, it felt like the natural place to start. I wandered the cobblestone streets with no real agenda, wandered onto the famous Rue de l'Abreuvoir (arguably the most photographed street in Paris), grabbed a crêpe from a street vendor (obviously), and made my way up to the monumental Parisian landmkar, Basilique due Sacre Coeur.
If you aren’t familiar, Sacre Coeur sits at the top of a hill overlooking the whole city and the views are genuinely worth the trek. I also spotted the famous sinking house nearby, which is an optical illusion of a tilted building (turn your camera).
From there I found the Wall of "I Love You," a mosaic wall covered in the phrase "I love you" written in 250 languages. It's partially under scaffolding right now, which was a little anticlimactic, but still charming enough to be worth seeing.
The highlight: Palais Garnier opera house
The one activity I did book for today was an evening tour of the Palais Garnier opera house. This was my first time inside the Palais Garnier, and I genuinely was not prepared for how magnificent it is. The grand staircase, the gilded interiors, the painted ceiling above the main theater. It's one of those places that really invokes the awe of the unbelievable architecture of the Beaux Arts era.
We got to visit the Phantom of the Opera's legendary theater box, which was a full fangirl moment (it’s my all-time favorite musical). We almost didn't get to see the main theater itself because they were rehearsing an opera directed by, of all people, Ralph Fiennes. Yes, Voldemort. Apparently he directs operas. Who knew?
Practical info:Guided tours run regularly and do sell out, so make sure to book in advance.
Rooftop views and a very French dinner
After the opera house I took a quick detour to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette department store, which has a free access to their roof deck with epic views of the Eiffel Tower. It's one of those Paris secrets that isn't really a secret but still feels like one.
Then it was back to Montmartre for dinner at Café Des Deux Moulins, the café made famous by the movie Amélie. I went full French: French onion soup, boeuf bourguignon, and a crème brûlée that I'm still thinking about.
By the time I got back to the hotel I could barely keep my eyes open. Day one: complete!
The quick itinerary
For anyone who wants to replicate a low-key but packed first day in Montmartre:
Wander the streets and grab a crêpe
Sacre Coeur and the sinking house
Evening tour of Palais Garnier
Rooftop of Galeries Lafayette for Eiffel Tower views
Dinner at Café Des Deux Moulins
