Entering 2025 while watching fireworks launch from the Eiffel Tower – that was our dream when we made arrangements for our Paris visit in November 2024. But as John Lennon once said:

“Life is what happens while you are making other plans.”

Our visit to Paris was a short one. Maybe in the future, I’ll add another link here with more details, but in this post, I’ll be sharing only our experiences during New Year’s Eve and the celebrations.

Day 1 (Dec 30) – Train from Netherlands

We were a group of six, including two kids, and we didn’t want to drive. The next best option was taking the train. I love the convenience of train travel – boarding is so much easier compared to flying. So, I booked our tickets for the morning train on Dec 30 via NS International.

Our train ride to Paris was smooth except for three small issues:

Check Your Seats – When I booked the tickets, I didn’t select seats, so the system assigned them automatically. Somehow, the kids were seated far from us, and these seats weren’t visible on the layout. I assumed we could seat them next to us, but I was wrong. Seat numbers matter—if you see any issues with your seat assignments, request a correction immediately.

Print Your Tickets – The mobile barcode tickets didn’t work properly at station gates. You need to hold them at a very specific angle with maximum screen brightness. After struggling for 15 minutes, a staff member finally let me in. Printing your tickets is the best way to avoid this hassle.

Prepare for Bad Internet – The train’s internet is terrible. Normally, I avoid public Wi-Fi, but since mobile networks were spotty due to the route’s remote locations, I had no choice. Even when connected, speeds were painfully slow. If you want to watch or listen to something, download it beforehand. I prepared a Spotify playlist for sleep, and it worked out well.

Arrival at Gare du Nord

When we arrived in Paris, we still had three hours before check-in. First thing we have found ticket machines and bought three-day metro passes. Paris has one of the best metro networks—it’s the only transportation you’ll need. We really enjoyed using it, except for two issues:

Keep Tickets Away from Phones – Metro tickets have magnetic strips, and ours stopped working after the first ride. Always keep your ticket away from magnetic fields like phones.

Accessibility Issues – Many metro stations lack elevators or escalators, making them difficult for those with mobility challenges or heavy luggage. If you have trouble climbing stairs, plan accordingly.

Galeries Lafayette

After getting our metro tickets, we decided to visit Galeries Lafayette, a beautiful shopping mall featuring high-end brands and a distant Eiffel Tower view from its rooftop. Our plan was to enjoy drinks on the rooftop, but the Eiffel Tower was shrouded in mist, and the rooftop was closed due to wind and crowd control.

The mall itself was stunning, with gorgeous decorations and an amazing variety of shops. However, the timing of our visit was terrible – it was overcrowded, with people bumping into each other on staircases and long restroom lines. If you plan to visit, check Google Maps for crowd levels. An overcrowded mall is a frustrating experience.

Accommodation – Our Stay in Paris

We chose Airbnb for two reasons: hotels were expensive for a group of six, and we wanted a home-like atmosphere for New Year’s Eve.

Paris has many accommodation options, most near metro stations, allowing easy access to the city. I picked a place near the Eiffel Tower, considering we might need to walk home after the celebrations.

Our stay had a great location, with a metro station and all necessary shops nearby. The apartment had two bedrooms, a spacious living room, a small kitchen with essential appliances, and a compact fridge.

Day 2 (Dec 31) – Morning: Eiffel Tower

After breakfast, we took the metro to the Eiffel Tower. Seeing it on December 31 was like looking in the mirror first thing in the morning—not the best sight. The gardens were surrounded by metal barriers, likely for crowd control during the celebrations. The gloomy, cloudy weather didn’t help either.

Despite all this, the Eiffel Tower was amazing. The queue to go up was too long, so we didn’t attempt it, but I could imagine the spectacular 360-degree city view from the top.

We took some photos in the gardens and found a market area with shops and food stalls.

After the market, we crossed Pont d’Iéna to Jardins du Trocadéro, the best spot for Eiffel Tower photos. We took another hundred pictures and then warmed up at a nearby food market with hot chocolate and heaters. While the location was great, I expected more attractions and liveliness.

Day 2 (Dec 31) – Afternoon: Champs-Élysées

Next, we visited the Arc de Triomphe and then walked down Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Hunger hit hard – finding food for a large group is never easy, but we settled on Brasserie L’Alsace. It was pricey but had excellent food and service. We ordered steak, salmon, and mussels.

A quick tip: If you like your steak well-done, you definitely need to specify it in Paris. The French standard is medium-rare, which might be too pink or red for some tastes.

After our meal, we started heading back to our stay as police began setting up barriers and clearing the avenue for the celebrations. Just after passing the barricades, I realized I had left my backpack at the restaurant. Due to the roadblocks, I had to take a long detour, adding another 30 minutes to my trip to retrieve it, while the others continued straight to our stay.

Day 2 (Dec 31) – Night: New Year’s Eve at the Eiffel Tower

At 9 PM, we left for the Eiffel Tower, expecting a spectacular New Year’s Eve. We took more night photos and returned to Jardins du Trocadéro for the best view.

It was freezing, and unfortunately, there was no official entertainment – just background music from a small market area. The crowd was massive, but there was no countdown, no fireworks, nothing.

Early minutes of 2025

After waiting a bit longer, we decided to head back, but all roads were blocked, and the metro wasn’t running. Our only option was to walk – a tiring 35-minute walk back home.

Day 3 (Jan 1) – Checkout and Departure

On our last day, we checked out at 11 AM and did some quick sightseeing around the Louvre Museum. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to go inside, so we just took some photos in the gardens before heading to Gare du Nord for our return train.

Final Thoughts

Paris was beautiful, but our experience didn’t match our expectations. The crowds, cold weather, and lack of planned entertainment at the Eiffel Tower were disappointing. However, the city itself, with its stunning landmarks and great food, still made the trip worthwhile.

Would I do it again for New Year’s Eve? Probably not – but I’d love to return in a warmer season to experience Paris in a different light.

Final Takeaways

  • Plan your transport carefully – Book train seats in advance, print tickets, and be prepared for poor internet.
  • Metro tips – Keep tickets away from phones, and be aware of accessibility issues.
  • Crowds can be overwhelming – Check crowd levels before visiting major attractions.
  • New Year’s Eve at the Eiffel Tower is underwhelming – No official fireworks or countdown, just large crowds in the cold.
  • Paris is still magical – Despite the challenges, the beauty of the city makes it worth the visit.

If you are planning a New Year’s trip to Paris, consider these factors and plan accordingly.

Bon voyage!