Ah, Paris. The City of Light, Love, and... Lost Wallets. Our Parisian adventure was everything you’d expect: romantic, magical, painfully chic—and slightly traumatic. But let’s rewind.

We arrived armed with dreams of croissants, berets, and kissing under the Eiffel Tower. Instead, we were greeted by one of the city’s most infamous traditions: scammers. Before we even made it to our hotel, someone tried the old “sign this petition” trick. Top tip: if someone approaches you near a tourist hotspot with a clipboard and the enthusiasm of a French musical number—run.

The Wallet Saga happened near the Louvre, because of course it did. One second we were marveling at the glass pyramid, the next we were frantically searching every pocket, bag, and imaginary dimension for the wallet that had decided to experience Paris solo. PSA: Keep your valuables zipped, buttoned, locked, and maybe blessed by a priest.

But we didn’t let that stop us—because Paris waits for no one. We drowned our sorrows in pain au chocolat from a corner boulangerie (approx. €1.50) and suddenly, all was right in the world again.

Let’s talk Eiffel Tower. We did the thing. Not just the stare-from-the-bottom thing—we went all the way up. And let me tell you, the views? Stunning. The wind? Disrespectful. But standing at the top of that iron beauty at sunset, Paris glowing below, couples snuggling in scarves, and the occasional teen taking a dramatic TikTok—pure magic. Tickets to the summit via elevator are about €29.40, and if you're brave enough for the stairs, it's cheaper and great for the glutes.

At night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour for five minutes. If that doesn't give you chills (or at least an overwhelming urge to propose to someone), check your soul.

We wandered through Champs-Élysées, window shopping with the confidence of someone who could actually afford Louis Vuitton, and climbed the Arc de Triomphe (entry: €13, free for EU residents under 26—so bring your fake ID if you're bold). From the top, you can see all twelve avenues spinning out like a starburst. It’s also the best view of Eiffel Tower light shows without risking vertigo.

Montmartre was our artsy escape. We hiked up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free entry), explored cobbled streets filled with painters, accordion music, and cafés straight out of Emily in Paris (but with 30% less cringe). We had crepes at a tiny shop called Crêperie Brocéliande—€6 for a Nutella-banana masterpiece that healed emotional wounds.

Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a museum crawl. The Louvre is massive. Like, "you could get lost and become a Da Vinci Code side character" massive. Entry is €17, and yes, we saw the Mona Lisa. She’s small, protected by glass, and surrounded by more cameras than a red carpet. The crowd made it feel like she was performing a Beyoncé concert.

Then there’s Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning former train station. Entry: €16, or free on the first Sunday of the month. We saw Monet, Renoir, and the prettiest gift shop known to mankind. If you’re into impressionist art, this place is a dream.

One of our most unexpected highlights? A Seine River cruise. At €15–20, you glide past Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and under historic bridges while someone narrates romantic trivia in six languages. It’s cheesy in the best way possible.

Food-wise? We went full cliché and had escargot, which was surprisingly garlicky and not at all like eating garden intruders. Meals at mid-range restaurants averaged €20–€30 per person, but bakeries and street food (crepes, falafel, baguette sandwiches) were delicious and budget-friendly. We once had a €3 jambon-beurre sandwich that was so good, we almost cried in the street. Paris does not play when it comes to bread.

We spent a rainy afternoon in Shakespeare and Company, the famous English-language bookstore near Notre Dame. It smells like books and dreams and also serves great coffee next door. Totally free to browse, but good luck leaving without buying a book or notebook with a quote from Hemingway.

At night, Rue Cler became our go-to for wine, cheese, and people-watching. We stopped at a neighborhood bistro, ordered duck confit and crème brûlée, and toasted to surviving scammers and scaling towers. Total for two: €50, and worth every last buttery calorie.

Transport? The Paris Métro is cheap, fast, and confusing until you get the hang of it. A carnet of 10 tickets costs about €16.90. Keep an eye on your stuff though—scammers love a distracted tourist on the 1 line.

In Summary:

Paris is a fever dream of beauty, history, and the occasional existential crisis in a bakery. Yes, my wallet got kidnapped, but I also ate the best croissant of my life and watched the Eiffel Tower shimmer while holding hot wine and hope.

It’s a city that asks nothing of you except to feel everything—the romance, the chaos, the joy of eating cheese under a 300-year-old tree. Just keep your wallet close, your heart open, and your belly ready.

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS IN PARIS (a love-hate letter)

Paris is romantic, beautiful, and dripping in charm—but let’s not sugarcoat it: scammers love it here more than tourists do. If you look vaguely happy, foreign, or like you’re trying to find the Eiffel Tower on Google Maps, you're a walking target. And guess what? We got got.

Here’s how it went down: Somewhere between admiring the Louvre and trying to figure out if we were in the Da Vinci Code or just dehydrated, a very sweet-looking young woman approached with a clipboard. She asked us to sign a petition “for the deaf and mute,” all the while smiling and nodding like we were long-lost friends. We signed. Then she demanded a “donation” and suddenly had backup. Surprise! The only thing muted in that moment was my common sense.

Red flags to look out for:

The clipboard crew – Usually young girls with petitions. Once you sign, they ask for money and might surround you.

The ring scam – Someone “finds” a gold ring on the ground near you and pretends to gift it, then asks for cash.

The bracelet guys at Sacré-Cœur – They'll grab your wrist, start braiding a bracelet “for free,” then demand payment once it’s tied on like a curse.

Metro pickpockets – Especially on busy lines like 1 or 4. If someone bumps into you or makes a scene, check your pockets immediately.

Tips to stay safe (and smug):

Keep your bag zipped and in front of you—like it's your firstborn child.

Use a crossbody bag with anti-theft features or a money belt under your clothes (fashionable? No. Effective? Yes.)

Ignore anyone trying to engage you near tourist attractions—trust me, if it’s legit, they’ll have a booth or a uniform.

Don’t sign anything unless it’s a credit card receipt or an autograph request (and if it’s the latter—go off, celeb!)

Paris is stunning, but it’s also a playground for small-time cons. Be alert, but don’t be afraid. With a little caution and a lot of sass, you’ll navigate like a pro—and hopefully keep your wallet from going on its own Parisian adventure.