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London Paris Itinerary: The Ultimate List You Should Steal

March 25, 2024 //  by  Linda Malys Yore //   1 Comment

Looking for a London-Paris itinerary?

If you want to visit London, England, and Paris, France, on the same trip, you are in for a real treat! I’ve taken a trip from London to Paris and loved it!

These are two of my favorite cities and I have visited them both multiple times. They are fun, lively cities full to the brim with iconic sights!

I’ll share tips for the best tips for your London-Paris trip including how to travel between the cities, things to do, and where to stay.

I am giving equal time to both cities. However, how many days in London and Paris you spend is up to you.

Now, let’s dive into this epic London and Paris itinerary!

London, England, United Kingdom

Day one:  visit london’s iconic sites, stop 1: trafalgar square.

World-famous Trafalgar Square is in Central London. It is a great place to begin your London-Paris itinerary.

Named after a British naval victory, there is quite a bit to see around here. There is a large statue honoring Admiral Nelson, guarded by four lions.

If you have a longer amount of time to spend in London read my 5 days in London itinerary .

Where To Stay Near Trafalgar Square :

Mid-Range: The Z Hotel Piccadilly . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: The Trafalgar St. James . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2 : Discover The Warped Window

Located adjacent to Trafalgar Square is St. Martin in the Fields Church .

The window over the main altar was destroyed by the World War II bombings in London. The replacement is a unique display of contemporary art with an important message.

The simple glass and metal windows look so different compared to the opulent Baroque interior of the church.

The vertical and horizontal lines in the glass window form a cross with an opening in the center that permits light to enter the church.

Stop 3: Visit The National Gallery

A great number of museums in London do not charge admission fees. Take advantage of this during your London trip by treating yourself to the fabulous exhibits at the National Gallery .

Located on the north end of Trafalgar Square, this museum houses some of the most impressive collections of artwork in the world. They are presented in chronological order.

There are free guided tours or you can rent an audio guide for a small fee.

I would advise you to get a map as there are many exhibits and multiple floors. This way you will be assured you will find what you are interested in.

If this is your first time in London , try to check out other free museums in the city!

Stop 4 : Visit The Smallest Police Station In The UK

This decommissioned police station is located in the southeast corner of Trafalgar Square. It has quite an interesting history!

Trafalgar Square has long been a gathering space for Londonites to gather to protest. This light post-turned-police station has narrow slits in it so a policeman could keep an eye out on the crowds.

This interesting historical gem should be on your London-Paris itinerary!

Stop 5: Walk Down Whitehall Street

Head south from Trafalgar Square and you will find Whitehall Street . It is considered London’s “political” street. Be on the lookout as you meander because there will be several iconic sights to see.

You will see Downing Street , where the Prime Minister lives. You cannot visit it. However, you can head to 10 Adams Street which looks similar. Snap a souvenir picture here.

You will soon come to the Cenotaph Memorial. It is a monument honoring the fallen from WWI and WWII.

Soon Whitehall Street merges with Parliament Street and you will be at Bridge Street.

If you gaze straight ahead, you will see the Houses of Parliament. To your right is Westminster Abby. To your left is Westminster Bridge and the Thames River.

Truly all iconic London gems you do not want to miss seeing on your London and Paris trip!

Stop 6: Find History at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is where royalty is crowned where Prince William married Kate Middleton.

The church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Within the abbey are monuments and memorials given to British citizens throughout history.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is inside Henry VII’s Chapel. It is dedicated to the British soldiers killed during World War II.

Viewing Westminster Abbey from the outside or touring the inside is a must on your London-Paris itinerary!

Book Here: London: Westminster Abbey Ticket with Audio Guide

Book Here: London: Westminster Abbey Guided Tour

Stop 7 : See the Parliament Building and Big Ben

Not surprisingly, the Parliament Building with Big Ben is the most iconic, well-known, and most frequently visited site in London.

The Houses of Parliament Building is also called Westminster Palace . Tours are offered or you can rent an audio guide and take a self-tour.

The vertical tower where the huge bell we call Big Ben is housed is named Elizabeth Tower . It chimes on the hour and has rarely missed. It was however interrupted during the world wars.

These iconic attractions should not be missed during your London vacation!

Book Here:  London: Guided Tour of Houses of Parliament & Westminster

Stop 8: Ride the London Eye

Riding the Coca-Cola London Eye is an unforgettable experience! Nothing quite compares to seeing London from the massive Ferris wheel.

Located within walking distance from the Parliament Building, it is on the banks of the Thames River.

The ride stands an impressive 443 feet high and was built in 1999 to welcome the new millennium. That is why you may hear it referred to as the Millenium Wheel.

One full slow rotation of the London Eye takes around 30 minutes. The aerial views of the River Thames and London are outstanding.

This is easily one of the most popular things to do in London !

Book Here: London: The London Eye Entry Ticket

Book Here: The London Eye Champagne Experience

Day Two: Explore London’s Castles and Parks

Stop 1: visit buckingham palace on your london paris itinerary.

Most everyone who visits London plans to visit Buckingham Palace , where the British Royal Family lives. The administrative office of the king along with manicured gardens are located at the palace.

Long a symbol for the British citizens, the palace is important to London during celebrations or sorrows.

You may be interested in watching the solemn changing of the guard ceremony. It is an iconic experience!

Be sure to check the dates and times of the ceremony on the palace website if you add it to your London-Paris itinerary.

Book Here: Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket

Book Here: London: The Changing of the Guard Experience

Stop 2: Kensington Gardens

Located adjacent to Hyde Park’s western border (the largest royal park in London) are Kensington Gardens . They are 250 acres of wonderfully landscaped green space.

There are a few monuments worth seeking out at Kensington Gardens. One is the Prince Albert Memorial . Commissioned by Queen Victoria, it honors her husband upon his death.

The Diana Memorial Playground is a very popular monument in London.

Honoring the late Princess Diana it is located near Kensington Palace where her apartment was. The whimsical playground attracts lots of children to it. there is even an accessible area so everyone can play.

Book Here: London: Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Royal High Tea

Where To Stay Near Kensington Gardens:

Mid-Range: The Columbia . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Hotel 63 . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Royal Garden Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3 : Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is where young royals have resided for over three hundred years.

At Kensington Palace, you can see the room where Queen Victoria was born and raised until she ascended to the British throne.

Located next to Kensington Gardens, you will have the feeling of stepping back in time. The State Rooms are available to tour. The private residences and offices are not.

There is also a Princess Diana exhibit and you can tour elegant royal apartments from the past where one is more exquisite than the next.

A visit to Kensington Palace is a must on your London-Paris itinerary. This is one of the top things to do in Kensington !

Consider This: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

Stop 4: Visit Kyoto Gardens On Your London Paris Itinerary

Located about a mile from Kensington Palace you will find Holland Park . It is a 54-acre park, and here you will discover the Japanese-inspired Kyoto Gardens .

Established in the 1990s, the gardens were a gift to the people of Great Britain from the people of Japan. You will find rippling waterfalls spilling into ponds full of koi and peacocks meandering about.

Depending on the time of year of your London-Paris itinerary, you may also see blooming cherry blossoms. The park is free and open from dawn until right before dusk.

Book Here: Secret Gardens of London Full-Day Tour

Stop 5: Take A Stroll In London’s Little Venice

Yes, London has its own Little Venice ! It is lively, quirky, and a great place to add to your London-Paris itinerary!

It is located where the Regent and Grand Union Canals meet, a smidge more than two miles from Holland Park. Where the two canals cross a small network of waterways is formed.

This area is called Little Venice . Known to the local Londonites, it is not widely known to most tourists, making it one of the top hidden gems in London !

Along with loads of restaurants and pubs, you can take a boat ride down the canals from April to November. You can also stroll the waterways to discover Regent’s Park or the London Zoo.

Take a rest at Rembrandt Gardens on benches among beautiful landscaping and look out onto Little Venice’s waterways.

Day Three: Explore More of London

Stop 1: learn history at the tower of london.

Another of London’s most popular attractions is the Tower of London . Famous and not-so-famous executions took place here. I suggest adding this attraction to your London-Paris itinerary.

It is usually very crowded, and a popular welcome tour is led by the Yeoman Warders (the “Beefeaters”).

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, there is an admission fee. It is best to purchase tickets online and in advance.

Certainly one of the more unusual places to visit in London , this historic building is a must-see!

Make sure you visit the Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels and the Medieval Palace. Also, look for the execution site where many killings took place.

Book Here: London: Tower of London Early Access Tour with Beefeater

Book Here: London: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Stop 2: Explore The Tower Bridge

Over 40,000 people cross the Thames River using the Tower Bridge every day.

You will learn the history of this mechanical masterpiece inside the Tower Bridge Rooms.

You will learn the stories of the unsung heroes who built and ran the original bridge.

Do not miss the panoramic views of London by walking the Glass Floor Walkway! It is 140 feet above the River Thames, 36 feet long, and almost 6 feet wide.

The Tower Bridge rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Book Here: London: Tower Bridge Entry Ticket

Where To Stay Near the Tower Bridge:

Mid-Range: citizenM Tower of London . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: London Bridge Central Apartments . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: The Dixon, Tower Bridge . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Find Views at Sky Garden

Less than one mile away from the Tower Bridge is Sky Garden ! It is a unique public space that is three stories tall. It offers uninterrupted 360* views of London! And best of all, it is FREE!

However, you must sign up for tickets online in advance. The number of people admitted is timed and regulated.

A limited number of tickets are issued each day, so please make sure you sign up early.

You will find impeccably manicured botanical-style gardens on every level.

But it is the panoramic view that will wow you! There are a few upscale restaurants and two bars for cocktails.

Stop 4: Head To The Shard

Head south across the River Thames to the building that looks like a large piece of glass. The Shard is one of the most unique buildings in London and is the tallest building in Europe.

There is a robust discussion about which place has the better London views, the Shard or Sky Garden! You should visit both during your London-Paris itinerary and decide for yourself!

Inside the Shard are offices, businesses, a five-star hotel, and the View From The Shard observation towers.

There is an admission fee charged for such an extravagant experience. However, nothing compares to seeing the London skyline from 800+ feet in the air.

Get your tickets online beforehand if you are able. Do not be late as tickets are dated and timed. Security is strict, but once you are inside, you can remain as long as you want.

Book Here: London: The Shard Entry Ticket

Stop 5: Check Out Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus

Leicester Square is a pedestrian-friendly square located in London’s stylish West End. You will find shops to fit every budget from swanky to simple. The same thing applies to restaurants, bars, and clubs.

If you are a Broadway lover and like musicals or dramatic performances then London’s West End is the place to be for live theatre performances.

You want to research what is playing at the theatres on your London and Paris trip, as shows sell out frequently.

Check out the nearby Piccadilly Circus , similar to Times Square in NYC with bright lights and screens on the buildings.

Stop 6: Fashionable Covent Garden

Less than one mile from Leicester Square is Covent Garden . It is also in London’s fashionable West End and offers a more upscale shopping experience.

Once a fruit and vegetable garden, it is a must-see destination on your London trip. There is live entertainment by street performers, mostly on the weekends, and shops, restaurants, and pubs.

On the weekends, stalls are set up and locals display their authentic handmade wares. Support local!

You will love shopping at one of the best markets in London !

Book Here: London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

Stop 7: Shopping at Neal’s Yard

Neal’s Yard is an interesting little street adjacent to Covent Garden.

The colorful buildings are so bright and attractive. If you travel from London to Paris at the right time of the year, you may see decorative flowering plants adorning the buildings.

A sanctuary for garbage not long ago, Neal’s Yard has been cleaned up and renovated into one of London’s beautiful places !

The iconic Neal’s Yard Remedies is a flagship shop offering organic skin and body care products. You will also find independent shops and upscale boutiques.

There are several restaurants to select from as well!

Day 4: London’s Interesting and Iconic Sites

Stop 1: wander leadenhall market.

Located in London’s Financial District is the charming Leadenhall Market . This covered market has a lovely green, maroon, cream-painted roof, and cobblestone streets.

You will want to add this alluring covered market to your London-Paris Itinerary.

It is a popular tourist destination and can be busy. Leadenhall Market has been used in many movies, and most Harry Potter fans will recognize it.

The market sells fresh flowers and foods to tempt you. This may be the perfect place for breakfast as you begin your day.

Book Here: Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

Stop 2:  The Royal Exchange Is Full Of History

The Royal Exchange is also located in London’s Financial District and steps away from Leadenhall Market.

The current building was designed in the 1840s and before that, it was twice ruined by fires. Today the Royal Exchange is a dining and shopping destination.

Offering boutique shops and upscale dining, this historic location should be a consideration when planning your London-Paris itinerary.

Stop 3: Stand at the Same Place But Different Times

I am referring to the Greenwich Meridian at the Royal Conservatory in Greenwich.

The Greenwich Meridian is the actual line of the earth that separates east from west. This is the same way the equator differentiates north from the south.

It is an imaginary line in London that marks zero degrees longitude.

This is important as the Greenwich Meridian is the starting point of every time zone in the world.

This is one of the coolest things to do in Greenwich !

Book Here: London: Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket

Stop 4: Grab an Instagram Pic On The Tulip Stairs

Also in Greenwich, only a few miles from the Greenwich Meridian, you will find the Queen’s Palace . There is no admission fee, and you will feel like you have stepped back in time.

Look for the stunningly blue Tulip Stairs for your picture. They are an architectural masterpiece from the seventeenth century.

It was the first self-supporting spiral staircase built in Great Britain.

Stop 5: Head To Harrods For A Signature Souvenir

Most everyone has heard of the most famous department store in the world: Harrods . Visiting Harrod’s is a top tourist pick when in London.

Harrods is the largest department store in Europe. It is well known for its signature service and luxurious shopping experience. You do not need to buy anything expensive!

The main London store has 330 departments and 23 restaurants. This is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in London !

You can grab a bite or a drink and rest awhile from your busy travel days.

TRAVEL DAY – How To Get From London To Paris

I have not scheduled anything for this travel day. This way you can schedule your travels to spend more or less time in either London or Paris.

Even though you will remain in the European Union, have your travel documents ready and available for customs and immigration officials.

There are several ways to travel from London to Paris. You can select between a train, ferry, bus, or car.

My family and I used the Eurostar , a high-speed train. It travels quickly through the Channel Tunnel (or Chunnel) from one country to another. It takes just over two hours.

I think this is the best way to get from London to Paris since it is efficient and a unique experience!

Select the best option for you and those traveling with you based on your schedule and budget.

However you travel, trips to Paris from London are easy and do not take long. You can also do this itinerary in reverse and travel from Paris to London instead.

Paris, France

Day one: begin with classic paris, stop 1 : visit the eiffel tower.

Begin your Paris and London trip at arguably the most visited and well-known attraction in Paris: the Eiffel Tower !

The Eiffel Tower is over 1,000 feet tall and is one of the highest structures in Paris. Gustav Eiffel was the head engineer and it was the gateway to the 1889 World’s Fair held in Paris.

Today, it is recognized the world over as the symbol of Paris! You will certainly want to explore the Eiffel Tower so set aside plenty of time.

If seeing the most fantastic panoramic views of Paris interests you, head inside the Eiffel Tower! You may climb the steps, or use the elevators.

Please know that purchasing tickets online well in advance is prudent for such a busy place. Some tickets add a “skip the line” perk. And of course, visiting in the offseason will mean fewer crowds.

If you are celebrating a special occasion during your London and Paris trip, there are lovely restaurants and bars within the Eiffel Tower on several levels.

Book Here:   Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Priority Access

Book Here: Paris: Eiffel Tower Access & Seine River Cruise

Where To Stay Near The Eiffel Tower:

Affordable: Hôtel de la Tour Eiffel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Grand Hôtel Lévêque. Check Rates: Booking.com

Eiffel Tower Views: Hotel Relais Bosquet Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Marvel At Artwork At Musee d’Orsay

Just a few minutes from the Eiffel Tower is the Musee d’Orsay . I admit it is possibly my favorite museum in Paris!

It opened in 1986 in Gare d’Orsay, an old railway station. It is a lovely location to add to your Paris and London itinerary.

You are certain to find some form of art that delights you here. Whether you prefer paintings, sculpture, architecture, or design, the museum offers extensive collections of most.

Most of the art is from 1948 until 1914. The most popular offerings at this museum are its Impressionist and Postimpressionist collections.

If you are searching for an Insta-worthy picture, seek the see-through glass clock on the third floor. Lots of visitors clamor for a picture at one with unobstructed views!

There is another within a restaurant that you may have access to only if you purchase something.

Book Here: Paris: Musée d’Orsay Masterpieces Guided Tour

Stop 3: Explore The River Seine

Because the Eiffel Tower and Musee d’Orsay are both located on the Left Bank of the River Seine , it is good to set aside some time to explore the river.

You can walk and meander along lovely walkways. Mingle with other Parisians and tourists alike. You can admire the architecture of the amazing bridges in Paris .

It is fun to discover more about Paris on a Seine River cruise. Most of the cruises often are narrated. This is like having a private tour guide!

Depending on the weather, you can sit atop the ship for unobstructed views of the sights.

Most scenic ships have large windows below in their air-conditioned or heated interiors (depending on the weather).

Most cruise tours last an hour, and there are lunch, dinner, and champagne options.

A river cruise is one of my favorite things to do in Paris !

Book Here: Paris: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise

Book Here: Paris: Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

Stop 4: Stroll the Jardin des Tuileries

The Jardin des Tuileries is located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concord. Established in the 1500s, the Tuilleries Gardens are where locals and tourists meet, stroll, and relax.

On one end, you will find the Palais de Louvre which houses the Louvre Art Museum, which will be featured in tomorrow’s portion of this 4 days in Paris itinerary .

At the other end of these magnificent gardens, you will find the beginning of the most well-known avenue in the world, the Champs-Elysees.

Stroll through tree-lined promenades and see lovely fountains as you travel through one of the most spectacular parks in Paris !

Day 2: See Iconic Sights in Paris

Stop 1: be amazed at the louvre.

No trip to the City of Lights would be complete without visiting the famous Louvre Art Museum . Located within the Palais de Louvre, this world-class museum houses the most impressive artifacts on earth.

Even if you only have 2 days in Paris , you must visit the Louvre!

When you approach, you will be greeted by the iconic glass pyramids. The largest pyramid is also the entrance to the museum.

The Louvre Museum is divided into 8 areas of exhibits, including paintings, prints, sculptures, and drawings. Some collections include Oriental, Roman, Greek, and Egyptian artifacts.

Once inside, secure a map to guide you to the specific collections that interest you. There is also an interpretive phone app to download that contains a map and loads of information.

Not surprisingly, most visitors head to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, Mona Lisa . She is housed in the Denon Wing.

A second highlight is the classical sculpture, Venus de Milo . From the fourth century B.C., this statue is of the goddess Aphrodite.

The Louvre is the largest and most visited museum in the world! I recommend you budget a few hours to a half day here. Lines for admission tickets can be long, so purchase tickets online beforehand.

Book Here: Paris: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket

Book Here: Paris: 2-Hour Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Ticket

Best Hotels Near The Louvre:

Mid-Range:  Hôtel Odyssey  Check Rates:  Booking.com

Upscale:  Hôtel Regina Louvre  Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 2: Photogragh Le Deux Plateaux Art Installation

The controversial outdoor art exhibit Le Deux Plateaux is within walking distance from the Louvre.

More commonly referred to as Colonnes de Buren after the French artist who created it, Daniel Burren, it caused some controversy when initially installed.

It is situated within the inner courtyard of the Palais Royal , a former 17th-century Neoclassical royal palace adjacent to the Louvre.

Rows of columns of different sizes extending out of the former parking lot were thought unsuitable for such a historical landmark.

Today, this outdoor exhibit is a popular location! Tourists and locals alike wander through and it is a great place to snap an Insta-worthy picture with the black and white striped columns.

Stop 3: Stop At Jardin du Palais Royal

Just a short walk north of the art installation you will find the palace gardens Jardin du Palais Royal . This is a splendid spot to take a respite.

You will enjoy the beautifully manicured grounds, a large fountain, statues, and tree-lined walkways.

Depending on the season you visit, you will be rewarded with lovely blooming flowers!

Stop 4: Shop Like The Locals

Located steps away, take a few moments to shop like the Parisians do! What a great thing to add to your London-Paris Itinerary!

Head to the iconic covered passage Galerie Vivienne and its Neoclassical architecture. The beautiful mosaic floors and lovely canopy ceiling make this a location you do not want to miss.

Its popularity did diminish for a while due to the arrival of the Champs Elysees. But it is now making a comeback due to its cultural and historical importance.

There are a ton of epic covered passages in Paris to check out on your trip!

Day 3 : The Finest Paris Has To Offer

Stop 1: the world famous champs elysees.

Head out to the ultra-fashionable Avenue des Champs-Elysees to visit one of the most well-recognized avenues on the planet. It has some of the richest real estate in the world!

The Champs Elysees extends from the Plaza de la Concord to the Arc de Triomphe.

Upscale and not-so-upscale shops, cafes, and restaurants can be found on both sides of the street.

Book Here: Best of Paris Bike Tour

Stop 2: Climb the Arc De Triomphe For Epic Views

The Arc de Triomphe is found at Place Charles de Gaulle at the western terminus of the Champs Elysees. It is the center of 12 radiating avenues that help define Paris.

The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is here with an eternal flame commemorating those who died but were never identified.

Did you know you can walk up inside the Arc de Triomphe? There is an observation deck on the top level with beautiful city views.

The climb to the top is fairly difficult. Unfortunately, there is no elevator. Sadly, this is not the monument to bring the wheelchair-bound or anyone who cannot climb stairs.

There are multiple exhibits of French military history to stop and read.

This is such an interesting experience I suggest you add it to your London-Paris itinerary.

Book Here: Paris: Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets

Stop 3 : Be Wowed At The Paris Opera House

Also known as Opera Garnier , the Paris Opera House is so opulent it is often called the Palais Garnier. It is about 2 miles from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris’ Financial District.

This beautiful theatre has seats for almost 2,000 patrons. These days, the theatre is used mainly for ballet performances. It has been designated a French historical monument since the 1900s.

Arguably one of the most famous opera houses in the world, the Palais Garnier is also recognized as one of the major symbols of Paris.

Once inside, you can see the treasures of 19th-century theatre art. Guided tours are available or you can walk about on your own.

The Grand Staircase and the Gold Room are as opulent as can be!

Book Here: Opera Garnier Entry Ticket

Stop 4: Visit Galleries Lafayette

Located behind the Opera Garnier is the legendary Galleries Lafayette . It is a set of fancy buildings connected by a series of bridges.

Visiting Galleries Lafayette is worth it to see the stunning Art Nouveau architecture and seasonal decorations. The Christmas tree in the main foyer is a must-see in Paris if you visit in December.

Do not miss out on taking a walk out on the Glasswalk.  It can be found on the third floor.

Walk out onto its 29-foot glass runway elevated 53 feet above the main floor for unequaled views of the main foyer space with its stunning stained glass dome.

Stop 5: Do Not Miss The Rooftop Terrace For Killer Views

One of the more spectacular things to add to your London-Paris itinerary is seeing Paris from the rooftop terrace of the Galleries Layafette.

Most tourists do not know about this unique opportunity!

It is one of the best locations for spectacular views that is free and open to the public! It is a fab place to take Insta-worthy photographs.

You can also end your night at one of the best rooftop bars in Paris !

Day 4: Churches and Montmartre

Stop 1: stop by notre dame.

Arguably, the most famous cathedral in the world is Notre Dame de Paris . This church is recognized worldwide as a great example of French Gothic architecture.

She comes with an interesting history. The church took hundreds of years to construct.

UPDATE: Due to the fire in the spring of 2019, Notre Dame de Paris is closed. Please research updated information.  

Even though you cannot go inside, you will still want to visit Notre Dame when in Paris. She still draws large crowds and will still take your breath away.

Stop 2: Do Not Miss The Spectacular Sainte-Chapelle

Within walking distance of Notre Dame is the unbelievably beautiful Sainte-Chapelle . This is another must-see during your Paris-London travels.

The bottom rooms are ordinary, even plain-looking. That is because it was for the staff and servants of the French King who lived there.

Sainte-Chapelle’s upper level has over 1,000 dazzling gleaming stained glass windows.

They tell the story of the Bible. Fifteen main stained glass windows show over 1,000 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

You will find brochures in several languages explaining the sumptuous windows in the main panels.

Also, you will find a beautiful rose window that describes the Book of Revelation through its stained glass panels.

Book Here: Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, Notre Dame Guided Tour

Look Here Too: Notre Dame Island Tour & Sainte-Chapelle Ticket

Stop 3 : Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur

The place to explore the bohemian and artistic district of Paris is Montmartre .

At the top of Montmartre, is the highest point of Paris Sacre-Coeur , the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Its architecture is much plainer than some, nor does this basilica display as much ornateness as other churches in Paris. Admission is free. Be respectful of the worship space when you visit.

Because of its location, there are MANY steps to climb to the summit. If climbing does not interest you, there is an incline railway to catch instead.

Outside, the church, you will find exceptional views of Paris, its surrounding communities, and its famous monuments.

Book Here: Montmartre Highlights Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Book Here: Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry Guided Walking Tour

Stop 5: Visit Montmartre’s Famous Artists Square On Your London Paris itinerary

Around the right side of the front of the church, take a short walk to Artists Square , or Place du Tertre.

This lovely square is tree-lined with local artists selling and practicing their trades. You will also be able to purchase hand-made souvenirs here.

Also, you will find a lot of street cafes and lovely restaurants.

Stop 6: Take A Peek At A Working Vineyard In Montmartre

Yes, there is a working vineyard in the heart of Paris. It is Vignes du Clos Montmartre , located not far from the artist’s square.

It is located on Rue des Saules on the way down the steep slope on the backside of the basilica.

Many tourists are not even aware of this vineyard, and it is a nice place to stop for a look-see during your London and Paris trip.

Stop 7: Look For Inexpensive Souvenirs At The Bottom Of Montmartre

At the bottom of the hill in front of Sacre Coeur, you will find the streets busy with people, both tourists and locals alike.

A great number of shops sell the cheapest souvenirs in all of Paris. When I travel to Paris, I usually get my souvenirs in this area.

There are numerous and reasonably priced restaurants and cafes in this area as well.

Where To Stay In Montmartre:

Affordable:  Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Mid-Range:  Timhotel Montmartre . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 8: Make Time To Visit The Legendary Moulin Rouge On Your London Paris Itinerary

Also located at the bottom of the hill in Montmartre, you will find the world-famous cabaret, the Moulin Rouge .

Legendary performers such as Elton John and Frank Sinatra loved this venue. It has been in many movies throughout history as well.

There is Broadway-style entertainment, which demands a proper dress code. Purchasing tickets for this popular venue is always prudent. Dinner options are also available.

If you have more time in Paris, check out my 5 days in Paris itinerary !

L ook Here: Evening Sightseeing Tour and Moulin Rouge Ticket

Book Here: Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show Ticket with Champagne

How To Get Around Paris

I suggest walking . Paris is a visually beautiful city. There’s much to see and absorb, which you could miss if you are not walking.

Leave ample time to arrive at your destination and wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

The metro train system is extensive in Paris. It’s fast and cheap, arriving and departing frequently. You can purchase tickets at every station. The metro is easy to use even if it is your first time in Paris .

The metro is not an option for the wheelchair-bound or for those unable to walk long distances or climb up and down stairs frequently.

There are also city buses and trains to consider during your time in Paris. You always have the option to get a taxi or hire an Uber driver.

I do not recommend driving in Paris for visitors because of the traffic and difficulty finding parking. That is an option, however.

Renting a bicycle or e-scooter in Paris is an amazing way to explore the city. You have amazing mobility, yet the convenience of stopping whenever you like for a picture during your Paris trip.

Packing Tips For Your London Paris Itinerary

Read my advice on how to pack light using only a carry-on.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring with you. This  unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors.

These  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft.

This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips .

My daughter gifted me this  FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod  for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.

These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones I use whenever I travel . I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!

Travel Locks  are an important consideration. I always travel with locks for my luggage. I lock my luggage in my hotel room or Air BnB if there is no room safe for me to use.

This  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time.

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble   filtration bottle .  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

You can find   filter replacements here. 

This  foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great to store snacks, water, or an extra sweater.

I highly recommend these  Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

This  cotton unisex lightweight   scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.

this   lightweight sunscreen shawl scarf  would do double duty to protect you from the British sun should you visit London in the warmer seasons as well as being a fashion accessory layering piece.

These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of   aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

As an Amazon Assoxciate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.

Quick Tips For Your London And Paris Itinerary

Here are some  quick tips  and  tricks to keep in mind when planning a trip to London and Paris.

Stay vigilant! Pickpocketers are common in crowded areas of the city so be aware of your surroundings and belongings.

Call your credit card company  and verify if your credit card  does or does   not have foreign transaction fees.

When you visit an ATM in Paris , be sure it is in the  same network  as your bank so you are not charged transaction fees every time you withdraw cash.

Also, consider withdrawing larger amounts of cash more frequently, to limit the transaction fees.

Buy advanced tickets to must-do Paris attractions whenever possible. First off, usually, tickets purchased in advance online are less expensive.

Secondly, They usually come with skip-the-line options!

Do not worry about the language barrier when traveling to Paris. I understand a few basic French words and had NO difficulties when I visited.

The French people in Paris know a few English words and you will be able to communicate enough to make your wishes known.

You can even use a translator app on your phone to assist with your communications. My family and I use Google Translate. This is one of my top travel tips for Paris!

If you travel from far away, check out my tips for surviving long international flights . I also have tips for how to avoid getting sick on a plane .

I hope these suggestions will maximize your planning making your travel from London to Paris as effortless as possible.

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11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks

Europe is going to be very busy in the summer of 2024 as the world is back to normal and travel demand is higher than ever. One other key factor is that most European currencies are still hovering at lower levels historically compared to the US dollar, which means that Europe will feel somewhat cheap again this year. In fact, according to our World Backpacker Index , European cities like Lisbon, Madrid, and Munich are about 30% cheaper to visit than Boston, Chicago, and New York City. In other words, flying to Europe might seem expensive, but most things will be cheaper once you get there compared to the costs of visiting a large US city.

Below you’ll find 11 of the most popular and best itineraries for a first visit to Europe. Your first visit is not really the time to be different or creative, and the famous destinations tend to be popular for a reason. In other words, it’s kind of silly to visit, say, Bulgaria, if you’ve not yet been to France or Italy. I lay out the best options along with how long to stay in each place as a general guide. I also discuss Mediterranean cruises, which can actually be an amazing way to see a lot of Europe on your first visit, especially if you don’t like going back and forth to train stations and airports every 2 or 3 days.

For a bit of fun you might be interested in the cheapest 5-star hotels in Europe , which start at US$80 per night for really nice hotels. It helps show that if you choose some of the cheaper cities, you can treat yourself to some luxury that you can’t afford in most other places.

This article was last updated in March, 2024.

There are 11 starter itineraries described in detail below

• Classic London and Paris
• England and Scotland
• Paris and Italy
• Mediterranean cruise
• France, Belgium, and Netherlands
• Paris and elsewhere in France
• Switzerland
• Best of cheap eastern Europe

For each itinerary there are suggestions of other destinations that are easy to add on to the main cities.

Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2024

Building the best itinerary for your first trip to Europe

Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. If you’ve only got a week then choose one of them and assume you’ll return again to conquer more of this amazing part of the world. If you’ve got more time then you can choose from some of the top add-on suggestions for each one.

Start in the most famous cities

Your first visit to Europe is no time to try to be different or edgy. I recommend that you  focus on these 5 great cities  before you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places.

Keep your travel days to a minimum

Spend 3 (or 4) nights in almost every major city

So many first-time visitors are initially planning on spending only 1 or 2 nights in major cities that I wrote a detailed explanation of why  3 nights is ideal for almost all European cities , even if you want to see as much as possible.

3 (or 4) nights will be enough for any city on your first trip

Most first-time visitors are tempted to move too quickly, but it can also be a mistake to move too slowly. It’s really amazing how much you can see in two full sightseeing days. If you spend too long in one city you’ll end up seeing things that are way down your list, while you could be in another city seeing things at the top of your list there.

Choose cities that are easy to reach from each other

For your first trip it’s best to visit cities that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart.

Choose cities that are connected by reasonable train rides rather than flights

To build on the point above, finding cheap flights within Europe is easy, but train travel is about a million times more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll enjoy the train rides almost as much as the cities, so focus on places that are within 5 hours of each other by train.

Start with one of the classic itineraries below, and then add to it if you have more time

If you only have 7 days then you’ll find a list below of classic itineraries that are well-suited to a first visit to Europe. Hopefully you have more than 7 days though, and if you do you can add in one or more of the suggested add-on cities to build an itinerary that appeals most to you.

Best 1-week itineraries for the first time in Europe

Itinerary 1: classic london and paris.

• London  (3 or 4 nights)
• Paris  (3 or 4 nights)

Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them

London highlights

• Big Ben and Parliament
• Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• West End shows (Broadway equivalent) and classic pubs
• Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

Paris is actually far more beautiful than London and the food is famously much better as well. Since Paris gets so many tourists from non-French speaking countries, it’s easy to get by on just English, and the Metro system makes it fast and easy to get around. The architecture of both cities is amazing from the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. These cities each pack a huge punch and they are very different from each other as well. Actually, England is arguably the best choice for your first trip to Europe .

Paris highlights

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum and Museum de Orsay
• Arc de Triomphe and other monuments
• Montmartre neighborhood and Sacré Coeur Cathedral
• Probably the world’s best affordable restaurants and wine

Best add-ons to London and Paris

• Edinburgh  (2 or 3 nights, from London)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights, from Paris)
• Bruges  and  Brussels  (2 nights, from Paris)

>>> Best one-week London and Paris itinerary in detail >>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Paris hotel deals

Itinerary 2: England and Scotland

• York (1 night)
• Edinburgh, Scotland  (2 or 3 nights)
• Inverness, Scotland (2 or 3 nights)

York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland, but it’s easily the second most interesting city in all of Britain. If your time is short, skip York and spend more time in Edinburgh.

If you prefer to focus on the south of England on your first trip then the best option is to go to Bath or nearby Bristol after London. Bath is another of England’s top destinations and it’s a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries. It’s also reasonably close to Stonehenge. You can also easily get to Cornwall in England’s southwest corner from Bath, and that’s a whole different and fascinating experience (with nicer weather than up north).

If you’ve got more than a week and want to spend more time in Scotland, especially in the summer months, the place to head to is Inverness. It’s a small town that is considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, but it’s an interesting and charming place on its own. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Between you and me, it’s better to minimize time in Loch Ness or skip it altogether because it’s not one of the more photogenic parts of Scotland and the monster has always been a hoax.

Travel times between the recommended places

• London to York by train: 2 hours
• York to Edinburgh by train: 2.5 hours
• London to Edinburgh by train: 4 hours
• Edinburgh to Inverness by train: 3.5 hours
• London to Bath by train: 85 minutes

Best add-ons to England and Scotland

• Paris  (3 or 4 nights from London)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights from Paris)

If you think you want to spend your whole trip in Britain you should have a look at our article on the  best itineraries in England, Scotland, and Wales .

>>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Edinburgh hotel deals

Itinerary 3: Paris and Italy

• Paris (3 or 4 nights)
• Venice (1 night)
• Florence (2 or 3 nights)
• Rome (3 nights)

From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. Venice is small enough to see in a full day, and so crowded that most people are satisfied to leave after that day. The key is to stay in the main part of the main island so you can enjoy Venice before the cruise passengers and day-trippers arrive, and also after they leave for the day. Two nights in Venice would not be wasted time, and it’s possibly the most gorgeous city in the entire world, but you can see the best of it in a bit over 24 hours.

Rome also lives up to the hype and spending a day in the Vatican City will be a highlight even for non-Catholics, but it’s also a crowded and busy city so three days is usually enough for most people. Similar to Paris, Rome is an unusually beautiful city from almost any angle when you are in the historical center. You’ll walk through a stunning piazza (town square) and then turn a corner and you’ll see gorgeous buildings or public statues that are as nice as anything in the museums. Seriously, it’s worth a visit.

Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes Venice to Florence by train: 1 hour 53 minutes Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes

You can of course instead fly from Paris to Rome and then go north to Florence and then to Venice and fly home (or back to Paris) from there, and it would be just as enjoyable.

Best add-ons to Paris and Italy

• Nice/Cannes/Monaco  (2 or 3 nights)
• Avignon (2 nights)
• Bourges (2 nights)
• Bordeaux (2 nights)
• Aix-en-Provence (2 nights)
• Reims (2 nights)
• Dijon/Burgundy (2 nights)
• Milan  (1 or 2 nights)
• Lake Como (2 nights)
• Siena (2 nights)
• Cinque Terre (1 night)
• Naples / Sorrento /Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri (3 to 5 nights)
• Sicily (3 to 4 nights)

>>>Much more information in this article about the best France and Italy itineraries >>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Rome hotel deals

Itinerary 4: Mediterranean cruise

In spite of the reputation of cruises to be floating buffets, they can actually be an excellent way to visit a great number of amazing European cities in a short time. The ship typically is in port from the early morning until mid evening, often giving you the opportunity to have dinner in the city (unlike Caribbean cruises). Better still, the cruise ports are often near the center of town, so you can just walk off the ship and do sightseeing on foot or by public transportation.

Mediterranean cruises usually start at 7 nights but can go up to 3 weeks, which can provide an amazing tour of the entire region without having to pack and repack your bags more than once. They also can provide excellent value, especially compared to the price of taking trains or flights and finding new hotels in every destination.

Most popular Mediterranean departure ports

Barcelona, Spain – It’s an easy port to reach. Ships generally go from Barcelona with stops in France and then Italy.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – The port isn’t very close to Rome, but it’s easy to get back and forth. Ships go west to France and Spain as well as south around the tip of Italy and then on to Croatia, Venice, and to Greece.

Venice, Italy – The cruise ships no longer dock close to the best tourist areas, but it’s easy enough to visit Venice for a day or two before boarding a ship. Ships starting in Venice go south and then head west and to Rome and then to France, or they go south to Croatia and then head east to Greece.

Athens, Greece – The cruise port of Piraeus is just south of Athens and easy to reach. Ships from Athens usually head west towards Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain, but there are also ships that visit Greek islands and Turkey.

>>> Check for deals on Mediterranean cruises

Alternative to consider: a river cruise

Amsterdam ,  Budapest , and  Prague  are some of the most popular river cruise ports, but there are dozens of others including many smaller towns in France where few other tourists will be when you stroll off the ship. There is little or no entertainment on the river cruise ships, but passengers don’t miss it because the entire day and into the evening is spent just steps from local cultural offerings and restaurants.

>>> Check for Europe and river cruise deals

Itinerary 5: France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Paris  (3 nights)
• Brussels  and  Bruges  (1 or 2 nights)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights)

Paris to Brussels: 1 hour 22 minutes Brussels to Bruge: 58 minutes Bruges to Amsterdam: 2 hours 45 minutes Amsterdam to Paris: 3 hours 17 minutes

Spending 4 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam would be a great trip, but if you want to see something else you’ve got a couple options in between. My advice is to spend an afternoon looking around the Grand Place (main square) in Brussels and then hop a 58-minute train ride to Bruges for a night or two. Brussels isn’t a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so it’s a better option for most people. Whatever you choose out of this group, you can be back in Paris on another high-speed train for your flight home.

Best add-ons to France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Luxembourg City  (1 or 2 nights)
• Cologne, Germany (1 or 2 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Bruges hotel deals >>> Check Amsterdam hotel deals

Itinerary 6: Paris and elsewhere in France

And a choice of:

• Normandy (2 nights)

While Nice is a wonderful tourist city for a look at the French Riviera, the other larger cities of Lyon and Marseilles are probably better saved for a future trip because they are light on key sights compared to many smaller towns. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. Since you can get between most of these towns by train in 2 hours or less, spending only 2 nights in each one is a reasonable option if you want to see a lot in a short time.

Normandy is an interesting choice and easy to reach in only about two hours by train from Paris. Some visitors like to see the famous WWII beaches and memorials, while others (especially in summer) like to check out one or more of the beach-resort towns. Deauville is one of the more famous of those, and it’s also famous for its horse race track and as one of the epicenters of the industry in Europe.

Best add-ons to Paris and elsewhere

• More France, of course

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Nice hotel deals

Itinerary 7: Italy

• Rome  (3 nights)
• Florence  (2 or 3 nights)
• Venice  (1 or 2 nights)

Rome to Florence: 1 hour 16 minutes Florence to Venice: 1 hour 53 minutes

Venice is small enough that you can see the main sights in about 24 hours, and it’s so insanely crowded that many people tire of it after about a day as well. It’s better to pay more for a hotel to be on the main island and visit quickly than to save money with a hotel on the mainland where you’ll be in crowds going back and forth as well. Florence is the most relaxing of the 3, and also a great base for side trips to Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre, just to name a few.

Going to Italy? Here are the  best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks  (in much greater detail)

Best add-ons to Italy

>>> Check Rome hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals

Itinerary 8: Spain

• Madrid  (4 nights) (including day trip to Toledo)
• Barcelona  (3 nights)

Madrid to Barcelona: 2 hours 30 minutes

A huge part of Spain’s tourism industry is built around its southern beaches and islands such as Ibiza, Mallorca, and Tenerife (in the Canary Islands). For most people it’s best to ignore those places on your first trip because none of the beaches are special enough to spend days on them compared to the culture of the cities.

Best add-ons to Spain

• Valencia  (2 nights)
• Seville  (2 or 3 nights)
• Granada  (2 or 3 nights)
• Lisbon  (3 nights)

By popular demand, I’ve added a full article on where to go in Spain with itineraries from 7 to 10 days up to two weeks .

>>> Check Madrid hotel deals >>> Check Barcelona hotel deals >>> Check Lisbon hotel deals

Itinerary 9: Germany

• Berlin  (3 nights)
• Munich  (2 or 3 nights)
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1 night)
• Füssen (1 night)

Berlin to Munich: 6 hours 2 minutes Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hours 56 minutes Munich to Füssen: 2 hours 4 minutes

Those two cities are the keys to a Germany visit, and after that you’ve got a wide variety of choices. I cover most of the popular choices in my article on  where to go in Germany , which covers several smaller towns that are major highlights.

Best add-ons to Germany

• Cologne (1 or 2 nights)
• Hamburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights)
• Prague  (3 nights)
• Salzburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Vienna  (3 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (3 nights)
• Lucerne, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Berlin hotel deals >>> Check Munich hotel deals

Itinerary 10: Switzerland

• Interlaken  (3 nights)
• Bern (1 night)
• Lucerne  (3 nights)

Zurich Airport to Interlaken: 2 hours 10 minutes Interlaken to Bern: 53 minutes Bern to Lucerne: 1 hour 50 minutes Lucerne to Zurich Airport: 1 hour 3 minutes

Interlaken is the best hub for the most dramatic Alps views and experiences. The one-hour cable car ride up to the Schilthorn observation deck is something you’ll never forget, and the only thing that might be more dramatic is the train ride up to the Jungfraujoch station, which is the highest in Europe. Lucerne is almost as beautiful with a scenic lake at its heart and also great mountaintop views nearby. If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. Read more about  where to go in Switzerland  for even more ideas.

Best add-ons to Switzerland

• Munich  (3 nights)
• Italy (as long as you’ve got)

>>> Check Interlaken hotel deals >>> Check Lucerne hotel deals

Itinerary 11: Eastern Europe’s best cheap cities

• Budapest  (3 nights) and/or
• Krakow  (3 nights)

Each of these cities is beautiful and historic, but English is less widely spoken so they can also be quite a bit more challenging for a first-time visitor. Another difficulty is that the trains between them are still quite slow compared to the high-speed rail in the West, so it takes most of a day from one to another, and a bus is often a better choice. I cover this best cheap Europe itinerary more fully in the linked article.

Prague to Budapest: 6 hours 41 minutes Budapest to Krakow: 9 hours 54 minutes (flying might be better)

Best add-ons to cheap Eastern Europe

• Cesky Krumlov, Czechia  (2 nights)
• Ljubljana, Slovenia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Split, Croatia  (3 nights)
• Belgrade, Serbia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sofia, Bulgaria  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Prague hotel deals >>> Check Budapest hotel deals >>> Check Krakow hotel deals

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11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks " --> All Comments

Hi Roger, was reading your article and reply to various questions and its actually too good and kind from you. if you pls,help me out a route plan for 15days. but my catch is, i have to start from Stockholm.i like to end in rome to head back home. in between what should be my plan?thanks

I’m happy to help. Stockholm to Rome could be done in 15 days, but it would require skipping quite a few great places along the way. My recommendation would be to choose 5 or maybe 6 cities total and spend 3 days in each. If Stockholm is one of your cities you’d only have 12 days left but even if Stockholm didn’t count on the 15 days I think it’s probably best to fly from Stockholm to a city closer to Italy and then do the rest of it on shorter train rides. You could do Stockholm to Copenhagen by train, but those are pretty long train rides and honestly those two cities are pretty similar to each other.

So maybe Stockholm and then a flight to Paris and then trains to Venice, Florence and Rome? That sort of thing. Stockholm is just so remote that it would require at least 3 or 4 longer train journeys but if you flew from Stockholm to Paris (or Berlin or Prague or Budapest or wherever) the remaining train rides would be relatively short. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the article and itineraries; they are very helpful.

My wife and I are planning a 3 to 4-month trip around the EU (Western Europe). Before I delve into the specifics of our itinerary, I am wondering if the same 3 to 5-day in each-city principle applies for cases where travellers will spend more time travelling around?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Raf

Wow. That sounds amazing! Even when traveling for longer periods like that I’d recommend a minimum of 3 nights in almost any place you go. The main reason is your travel days tend to be kind of long when you factor in everything from checking out of one hotel to getting to the train station and waiting and then the journey time and then getting to your next hotel and getting situated. All of that usually takes 4 to 6 hours even when the train journey is only an hour or two, so you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those days. So if you only stay 2 nights in each city it means every other day is a travel day and that just takes up too much time.

That said, I think 3 or 4 days is enough time in most places as well. If you really want to get to know Paris, for example, you might stay a week there. But for most cities there are diminishing marginal returns starting on day 3 or 4. In other words, you’ll be able to see the 10 things that most interest you in 3 days or so, and at that point you might be ready to see the Top 10 things in the next city instead of the #11 through #20 things in the first city.

Another thing that is important with longer trips like that is to plan some down time at least every few weeks. If you try to do sightseeing 7 days per week for weeks at a time it starts to feel like a job. What I like to do is every two or three weeks find a smaller town or cheaper place where I can rent a little apartment or some place larger and more comfortable than a typical small European hotel room. And I like to stop in places without many sights otherwise it’s too tempting to keep sightseeing every day.

I’ve actually done quite a few long trips like this and I’m happy to help with any other advice if you like. -Roger

Comment*We are planning on Athens to Amsterdam from June 4, 2024 to Amsterdam June 24th.

We are thinking trains to major cities inbetween Athens and Amsterdam. We are open to anything and everything.

Priorities: Parthenon in Athens, Art Museums in Amsterdam (3-5 days in Amsterdam) Can you help us?

That is a tricky one. Both Athens and Amsterdam are great and very worthwhile, but once you go north of Athens to Thessaloniki in northern Greece, the train service is spotty and very slow all the way until you reach Budapest. Strangely enough, buses tend to be faster and much more frequent in those “eastern” countries like Bulgaria and Romania. Also, being perfectly honest, most of those in-between cities such as Sofia and Belgrade are kind of dull by European standards, although they are quite cheap.

If you really want to visit Athens I’d definitely start there and then after a few days fly to Budapest or some other city in that area that interests you and then carry on from there by train. In fact, Athens to Budapest and then trains to Prague then Berlin and then Amsterdam could be perfect. You could even add in a couple of days in Cesky Krumlov near Prague if you want to include a gorgeous smaller town among the big cities.

Those are all first-class cities and several of them are quite affordable as well. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, my wife and I would like to visit Rome, Florence, Italy, Venice, Prague, Berlin and maybe Switzerland. This will be the first time travelling to Europe and I would appreciate your help in planning where to start, where to stay, how to get there and where to go. We will be coming from Trinidad and Tobago for 2 weeks. If possible, i would like a day-to-day plan.

Unfortunately I don’t have time to do a day-by-day plan for you, but I can help get you started. If you’ve got 14 nights I would keep the list to 5 total cities. If you tried to include Switzerland on this trip it would mean spending only 1 or 2 days in some cities and that means spending every other day on trains.

I think the best thing to do would be to fly into Berlin or Prague and then spend 3 days there and then take a train to the other one and spend 3 days there and then fly to Venice. Spend 1 or 2 days in Venice and then take a short train ride to Florence for 2 days or so and then a train ride down to Rome for your final 3 days and then a flight home or back to your starting city if that is cheaper. I’m happy to help if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. My wife and I (56 and 63) want to do our first trip to Europe from Canada and would like to start by visiting Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada y Sevilla with day trips to close small cities in between). What it would be your suggestion for: 1. Stay in each city for a 15/17 days trip? 2. any additions/modifications? 3. Train over flights internally? 4. If we travel with one suitcase of 50 Lbs would it work to take public transit when required? 5. Instead of this plan, would it be better to visit 1/2 famous city in different countries? Would appreciate your inputs. Than you Roger

If you’ve only got about 16 days I’d recommend choosing 5 or maybe 6 cities in total. I strongly believe that 3 nights is the best amount of time to stay in each city so you have two full sightseeing days in each one, although some smaller cities can be done a bit quicker. I go over the reasons in detail on this other article about how long to stay in each European city , but the main point is that if you stay only two nights it means literally spending every other day on trains or in airports and such and you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those travel days with all of the packing and unpacking and checking in and out of hotels.

I’d definitely include Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona. You could add a 2-day visit to Porto and 2 or 3 days each in Sevilla and Granada. I’d save Valencia for a future trip. It’s nice, but aside from the new buildings clustered in one area, it’s more generic than any of the others on your list.

The only train between Portugal and Madrid goes over night and I’m not a fan of those so I’d fly on that leg. But from there I’d definitely take the high-speed trains, which are fast and comfortable. Buy your tickets at least a couple months in advance for the best fares.

There will be room for a 50 lb suitcase on the flights (of course) and on the trains as well. On older trains they have you put them on racks above the seats, but on most of the more modern ones (like the high-speed trains) they also have room for larger bags at each end of the carriage. If you can lift them, there will definitely be room for them.

I think your plan sounds really good and those are all great cities. That said, for most first-time visitors to Europe I’d recommend Paris and Italy as those are really more dramatic and interesting, although also more crowded and somewhat more expensive as well. I think once you do the Iberia trip you’ll be hooked and you’ll start planning a trip to France and Italy for the coming years. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. Thank you for your comments and recommendations and also for your prompt response. I have modified my plan as I have now 22 days. My Itinerary is Porto(3), Lisbon(3), Seville(2), Malaga(2), Madrid(3),Barcelona(3), Zaragoza(2) and Bilbao(3). What do you think? is this a good plan? Any suggestions? I am still debating between Malaga and Granada though. I included Bilbao to visit friends. The question on the luggage was more related to the comfort to pull a large back in public transit than the allowance in the planes or trains. I will appreciate your inputs. Thank you again, Roger

Those six more days will help a lot. I think your new plan looks really good. You can probably enjoy Porto in 2 days and add an extra day somewhere else, but you might also be dealing with jet-lag so 3 days might be better. Your itinerary looks efficient and logical.

I really like Granada and Malaga, but I think if I were to choose between the two I would go with Granada. Malaga is (in my opinion) an underrated city that is close to some extremely popular beach towns and it’s got a lot going for it, but if you aren’t also going to be staying by the beach I think I’d save it for another trip. Granada has got the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens and those are unlike anything else in Spain or the world for that matter. Granada is small enough to enjoy in two days and I think seeing the Alhambra will be more memorable than anything in Malaga.

Buy your train tickets as early as possible for the best times and fares, and the flight for Lisbon to Seville (or you could take a bus).

And again, your 50 lb suitcase will fit on city to city trains (although not as well on buses or trams within a city), but still (as the saying goes) no one ever went on a trip around Europe like this and swore they would pack more stuff the next time. In other words, 40 lbs is much easier than 50 lbs and getting laundry done cheaply in a country like Spain is quite easy. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Comment*Hi travelling first time to europe next year we are 55 years age group any suggestions for 10-12 days itenary with guided tour would be nice if any suggestion are there also april or may better time to visit there anil

Actually, all of my best suggestions for first-time visits to Europe are in the article above. If you specifically want a guided tour you’ll obviously just be choosing from the ones that are available from the companies you look it, although many of those should resemble the itineraries in my article. Planning your own trip to Europe is actually quite easy, and especially if you are going to the classic and most popular cities. I’ve got lots of articles that could help you.

I’m not sure how many guided tours you’ve done, but one thing to consider is that they always move at the speed of the slowest person in the group. If YOU are the slowest person in the group then it’s fine, but if you are 55 then you should be much faster than most other people on a guided tour. For example, if you have a coach/bus tour for a day with 5 or 6 stops, you always have to wait for the slowest people to get on an off the bus. I’ve done countless day tours this way and it can be frustrating waiting 10 extra minutes many times each day as slow people are trying their best.

I think my top two best suggestions are London and maybe another stop or two in England and then Paris and other stop or two in France, OR, Paris then another stop in France and then Venice, Florence, and Rome. It obviously depends whether England or Italy sounds more interesting. Let me know if I can be of any other help. -Roger

Planning a family trip with a adult and nearly adult children. Hoping to be able to do 18 to 20 days. Must sees are Paris, Venice, England, and Prague but would adore seeing more! What route would you suggest and should we rent a car, fly, train, river cruise? There are so many options and I’m completely overwhelmed! A suggested itinerary would be amazing!! Thank you!

That sounds like a great start to a plan. As far as “England” is concerned it’s probably best to just think of it as 3 or probably 4 nights in London. With 4 nights you’d have enough time for a good day trip to Bath/Stonehenge and Windsor or to Oxford or even York, but London is big enough to keep you busy and it’s probably best to just stay there and then take the Eurostar train to Paris for 3 or 4 nights.

Prague is a bit out of the way, but you can fly there cheaply enough if you want and then after 3 nights fly to Venice. After 2 nights in Venice I’d take a train down to Florence for 2 nights and then another train to Rome for 3 nights. That would be just about a perfect 18 to 20 day trip including Prague. I definitely wouldn’t rent a car as they tend to be counter productive when visiting a string of large cities that have bad traffic and expensive parking. Your itinerary doesn’t really work with a river cruise at all, but hopefully you can plan one in the future.

It would probably be cheapest to fly from Rome back to London for your flight home (being careful of which of London’s 5 airports you fly into because your flight home will almost certainly go out of Heathrow), but if you can get a flight home straight from Rome for a good price, that would be even better. Getting around by train in Europe is by far the best way wherever it’s close and fast enough, so I’d focus on trains in the places I mentioned. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Yes, I meant London. Thank you for picking up on that. After reading though your site and many, many of these informative comments, I think I have figured out a basic itinerary and would love your feedback and suggestions!

-Fly into London London(3 days) -Eurostar Train to Paris Paris (3 days) -Train to Switzerland – unsure which train company Switzerland (3 days) -Train to Venice?? Venice (2 days) -Train to Florence – which train company? Is there a pass? Florence (2 days) -Train to Rome Rome (2 days) -Fly to Prague Prague (3 days) -Fly home out of Prague

Very interested to hear your feedback. I know you suggest 3 nights but I am ok with missing out on some things in Rome/Florence if needed. Would love train suggestions and if passes are best. NO idea on how the trains operate in Europe.

Thank you so much for your time!

This itinerary looks amazing. My only real suggestion would be to spend only one day in Venice and three days in Rome, or at least a day and a half in Venice rather than two, but you’ll enjoy it no matter what. The thing is that Venice is about the size of a theme park like Disneyland and from 9 AM until 5 PM it feels even more crowded than Disneyland. It’s absolutely amazing, but also easy to get tired of the crowds and you’ll do your best sightseeing in the mornings before the day-trippers come and in the evenings after they’ve left. And Rome is huge with a long list of really cool sights so with only one full sightseeing day you’ll miss quite a few of them. But again, you’ll enjoy it no matter how you divide your time.

In most of Europe including between France and Switzerland and Italy, there is just one rail company per country so just book whatever comes up. From Paris to Basel, Switzerland you’ll take the France national service and then change trains to a Swiss train for your ride to Interlaken or Lucern. Then from Switzerland you’ll take (probably) a Swiss train to Spiez or Brig and then change there for an Italian train to Venice. You’ll buy it just as one ticket and it’ll include all the legs required to get from one city to your final city, and usually come with seat reservations as well (except in Switzerland).

My favorite site for checking schedules all over Europe is the Trainline . But you can also check the official rail sites of each country involved and I’d definitely check those prices before booking anything. My article on buying European train tickets in advance is still pretty much up to date and it has links to the various national train companies.

It will be cheapest if you lock in your dates and buy all of your train tickets as early as possible, which will be around 3 months out in most cases. The tickets start off really cheap and go up in price as more seats are sold on each train, so earlier is always better. There are no rail passes that would be helpful on a trip like this, but that’s mostly because the tickets will be pretty cheap already, especially the ones within Italy.

Trains in Europe are really fun and shockingly easy once you get started. All the important signs will be in English as well as a local language. For most of them you can literally walk aboard just before it leaves and you are fine as long as you have a reserved seat, but the Eurostar works more like a flight with security and such so you have to be checked in at least 30 minutes in advance. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I won’t have time to update that other older article about trains vs planes vs buses, partly because these days there is a clear choice depending on which two cities you are going between. There are places in eastern Europe where there are advantages to each mode, but for the cities you’ll be doing the train is going to be the fastest, by far the most enjoyable, and probably the cheapest as well, at least once you factor in airport transportation costs. It’s going to be a great trip! -Roger

Thank you SO much for all of your help. Your in-depth website is an amazing resource! I get so lost in it and spend hours scouring your resources and links – it has everything anyone could need! And, the fact that you are also personally answering comments and offering personalized advice is mind blowing! Thank you for all that you do to inform us!

If you could suggest on a 14-15 day iterinary covering Athens, rome Milan paris London and Finland from New Delhi / Mumbai.

If you have 14 to 15 days I’d suggest choosing about 5 cities in total to visit. So your list should work out fairly well, although it depends on how much of Finland you’d hope to see. I’m guessing you must have a specific reason for wanting to go there? Finland normally isn’t very popular and honestly there isn’t much to see. Helsinki is, in my opinion, the least interesting of the Nordic capitals, although it’s pleasant enough and the country has some nice forests. If you are visiting relatives or something, that requires different planning of course.

It might be easiest to fly from Mumbai to London and then use that as a base. You could spend a few nights there and then fly to Helsinki and back after that or Helsinki to Paris for a few days. After Paris you could fly to Milan or Rome and then take a train to the other and then fly to Athens to finish your trip.

Milan actually isn’t a popular tourist city. It’s the home of most of Italy’s big banks and fashion brands, but neither of those are accessible to most tourists. Italy has amazing fashion shopping in Rome as well as Florence. Venice is also more popular. I hope this helps and I’m happy to help more if you have questions. -Roger

Comment* Planning first trip to Europe Want to do tour of England, Scotland, Wales and then to Paris for sites and Monet Gardens. Might take train to Brussels and Bruge. Then to Switzerland and home. Any suggestions what tour group to contact. Want slower pace trip…at least 3 weeks. Thank you.

I enjoy helping people plan independent trips, and I honestly don’t know much about booking all-inclusive tours like you are after. I’d imagine you’d have to do at least a few different tours to cover all the places you have in mind. The one outfit that I am familiar with is Rick Steves, who I am a huge fan of for his Europe travel guides and I know he has a big tour organization. I’d start with them and see if they have anything that fits what you are looking for. Best of luck. -Roger

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Perfect One Week London and Paris Itinerary

By Helene Sula

No two cities in the world inspire such wonder as London and Paris. Can you name two greater cities in the world? And the fact that they're a train ride away means easy access to some of the top sights in the whole world.

A one week London and Paris itinerary is one of the best you can have. You'll see Tower Bridge, the iconic red telephone booths, and incredible skyscrapers in London along with the glittering Eiffel Tower, the grand architecture of Hausmann, and the long boulevards of Paris. Really, you can't go wrong in either city, which is why this itinerary is so fantastic.

Because I know there is so much to do and see in each city, you can't possibly see it all in 7 days. So I've put the highlights, as well, as additional options and ideas to make your trip your own. This guide will help you plan your perfect trip to London and Paris.

• London and Paris Itinerary in 7 Days

Day 1 Arrive in London, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden & See a Play in the West End

Day 2 tower of london, tower bridge, the shard, borough market, globe theater, st. paul's cathedral, guided tour, london eye, day 3 buckingham palace, parliament, trafalgar square, national gallery, regent & oxford street, churchill war rooms, day 4 hyde park, kensington palace, head to paris, paris tour, how to get from london to paris, day 5 river cruise, notre dame, saint chappelle, pont neuf, lourve, tuileries garden petit and grand palais, pont alexandre iii, eiffel tower, day 6 versailles, galeries lafayette, palais garnier, champs-élysées, arc de triompe, day 7 monmarte, moulin rouge, sacré-couer, head home, how to get around london and paris, best time to visit london and paris.

This 7 day London, Paris itinerary will ensure you make the most out of your time. These are two of my favorite cities in Europe because they offer such beauty, have an in-depth history, and every time I go I learn something new.

You'll land in London, and hit the ground running to see the top sights. Then you'll take a train to Paris to get to know this wonderful city. I traveled with Globus on this excursion to immerse myself in everything these cities had to offer. Because Globus handles things like hotels, transportation, tickets to see a play, and more, I was able to get my fill of travel experiences. It's independent travel with ease.

Below you'll find a detailed guide to 7 days in London and Paris. You'll see we have a bit more time in London since it's a bigger city. I've mapped out (literally) each day so you can make sure you don't miss anything along the way!

You'll arrive in one of London's major airports like London Gatwick, London Heathrow or the smaller London Stansted or London Luton. These are about an hour form the city center, but I suggest you take a high speed train from the airport to your hotel. If you've booked with Globus , there will be transport provided for you (one of my FAVORITE perks of booking with them!).

You'll first want to get your bearings, but then I suggest you hit the town! I always recommend seeing a play in the West End . I've been to London dozens of times, and I never miss my chance on seeing a play.

For the evening, stroll around the busy and bustling Piccadilly Circus . This is similar to New York's Times Square (but cleaner) and is a flashy hub. From here, head to the lovely Covent Garden and grab a bite to eat , then head over to your play for the night.

I recommend getting theater tickets at TodayTix.com or in person at Leicester Square. You'll see plenty of signs for discounted tickets. You really can't go wrong, all the shows are incredible. I even dragged my husband to Mamma Mia and he LOVED it.

If you're up for it, your can head to Oxford Street for some fun pubs and clubs.

It's time to hit the ground running and see some of London's top spots! You'll start off at the Tower of London . It's not cheap, but I recommend that you take a guided tour, led by the tower guards who stay in character, of the Tower and make sure to leave time to see the crown jewels. This is London's most famous spot: it's where Ann Boleyn, among others, lost her head.

Next up, walk across Tower Bridge , the most beautiful bridge (and contrary to popular belief is not London Bridge). You can also go up the bridge if you want a more in depth history. In my Save or Splurge London post , I give you a full breakdown.

If you want the best view of the city head up to the Shard , London's tallest building. I actually recommend instead of paying just for an elevator ride to the top, going to the Shangri-La Hotel (inside the Shard) and having a drink near the top. The views are unmatched!

For a bite to eat and some famous filming locations check out Borough Market . Make sure to eat the sausage roll at Ginger Pig or grab some fish and chips at Fish! Kitchen.

From here, we're walking to Shakespeare's Globe theater , but make sure to check out the incredible architecture along the way like the “Walkie Talkie,” “Gherkin” and the odd looking “Lloyd's” building.

From here, walk across the Millennium Bridge (also a scene from Harry Potter!) to the masterpiece by Christopher Wren, St. Paul's Cathedral . You have to pay to go in, but if you go in the evening for “Even Song” a short mass, you can go for free. It's worth it to go inside for one of the largest domes in the world.

I always suggest going on a guided tour , especially in a place like London, with such rich history. You'll have to pick one area to concentrate on, so I suggest either the area with Westminister and Houses of Parliament, or near the Tower of London. I've done both and love each one!

Lastly, take a ride on the London Eye at night for some beautiful views. Located on the River Thames the third largest Ferris Wheel in the world circles slowly and offers 360-degree views.

Optional: British Museum, Head to Notting Hill, Somerset House, Harry Potter Tour (see my review of the Harry Potter experience here ).

Today you'll get to see the quintessential British treasures. Kicking off with Buckingham Palace . The seat of royalty and home of Queen Elizabeth II is best to see as early in the morning as possible. If you want to watch the changing of the guard you can see that at 11am, every day of the week.

Now you'll go to Parliament Square and Westminster Palace and see the iconic Big Ben (currently under constriction) and take a tour of Westminster Abbey , one of the most famous burial places in the world. The architecture of this building is some of my favorite.

From here, head to Trafalgar Square flanked by the massive stone lions. This busy square commemorated Admiral Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Next, head to the National Gallery . The museum is free (many museums in the UK are) and offers paintings from the 13-19th century. Another one of my favorite museums is the Natural History Museum nearby and it's also an incredibly beautiful building.

If you're up for one more museum, check out the underground Churchill War rooms . Preserved from Churchill's actual war rooms this interactive museum walks you though where the British Prime Minister and staff waged war against the Nazis.

Stroll up the shopping streets of Regent and Oxford for some pretty window displays and great photo opportunities. This is also a great spot for tea .

Optional: Tate Modern, or Victoria and Albert Museum, Regent Park

It's your last day in London! Make your way over to Hyde Park to see the swans at Serpentine Lake, the German Christmas Market (if you're there during December) or just enjoy a picnic.

At the edge of the park is Kensington Palace and Gardens , the birthplace of Queen Victoria and a lovely place to walk or take a tour. After, if you need a drink, head to the pub the Churchill Arms for some world class decor, both inside and out.

Optional: Camden Market, Portobello Road Market, Greenwich

The fastest and easiest way to get from London to Paris is via train . There are flight options too (it takes about an hour), but by the time you go through security and wait to board, you might as well take the train.

The train is super fast, it only takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. There are about 16 trains a day that go from London to Paris so you'll definitely find one that's works for your schedule. Find the best times and prices here.

The way I have the schedule set is that you'll still have half a day in London so you can maximize your sightseeing.

Arrive in Paris Day: Guided Tour

Now that you're in Paris, I suggest you do a tour. Last time I was in Paris I did a Paris Ghost Tour and it was one of the coolest I've ever been on! I couldn't get over the detailed, interesting, and even crazy history from Paris' past.

Now, I know today seems like a lot, and that's only because it is. But many of these sights we'll be walking by, so don't worry too much! Paris is extremely walk-able, or you can easily hop on a nearby metro station.

First, take a short one hour river cruise , to get your bearings, see the many bridges by water and an easy way to take in the city.

Next, head over to the Île de la Cité area for my two favorite churches: Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle . Notre Dame is under construction because of a terrible fire. But it's worth it to go see the outside and see the iconic twin buttresses. Then, head to nearby Gothic Sainte-Chapelle for the most incredible stained glass.

The ornate stained glass of Sainte Chapelle:

Pass by the Pont Neuf bridge on your way to the Louvre. If you have time, I definitely recommend spending time inside the museum. It's gigantic, but contains some of the most important art relics in the world including the Mona Lisa. The outside of the Lourve is beautiful, with detailed architecture and glass pyramids in the middle.

Take a stroll through the pretty and neatly laid Tuileries Garden . Great for a quick photo opp.

Then pass by the Petit and Grand Palais .

Next, walk across my favorite bridge in the world, Pont Alexandre III. From here you can admire the Eiffel Tower from afar.

Now stroll the Seine over to the Eiffel Tower for a picnic and to watch it light up and glitter at night.

Optional: Luxembourg Garden, Pantheon, Visit the Catacombs, Trocadéro Garden, and St. Germain

Today will definitely involve some driving or public transportation, so keep that in mind. I highly recommend a half day trip to Versailles if you've never been. It's incredible and one of the most ornate places to visit in the world. You literally step back in King Louis 14th and Marie Antoinette's foot prints. The hall of mirrors alone is worth the trip.

You MUST get there early to avoid the crowds. I also suggest buying tickets ahead of time. If you've been and want a day trip I suggest Monet's Gardens . They are so beautiful, especially in the Spring.

After that, head back to Paris. We'll spend some time at the exquisite Galeries Lafayette . You don't have to go shopping to admire the glittering interior building. Pro tip: instead of waiting hours in line for the viewing platform, head to Starbucks and get just as good of a view! I also love this area for a good representation of Hausmann architecture.

Then you'll walk a short distance to Palais Garnier , the opera house in Paris. There are also plenty of shops here. From here, I suggest taking a cab or public transportation to Champs-Élysées . This is a grand boulevard lined with shops and one of my favorite hotels, the Peninsula . Stop in for tea or a drink with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

From here it's a straight shot to the Arc de Triopmhe , Napoleon's epic arch. Make sure to take a look at the soldier's eternal flame and the detailed carvings in stone around the arch.

Optional: Monet's Garden (half day trip), Museum Orsay, Tuileries Garden, Le Train Bleu

Monmarte refers to an area of Paris and it contains one of the greatest relics of Paris, Sacré-Couer. This was also the “artists hub” of Paris so it looks a bit different from the Hausmann Architecture of Paris.

Start at the Moulin Rouge , and then head up, that's right, you'll be walking up quite a lot today. You can pass by the Instagram famous La Maison Rose while stopping for a pastry.

Then continue to Sacré-Couer . Save some time for this, as it's a great spot to watch street performers and get an incredible view of Paris.

If you have time, you can stop by Place du Tertre and pick up some art for a souvenir. Watch your stuff, Monmarte is known for pickpockets.

If flying out of Paris, you'll fly most likely out of Charles De Gaulle Aiport but there is also Beauvais-Tillé or Otly airport. You can take public transport directly here or, again with Monograms , you'll have a private stress-free transfer from your hotel directly to the airport.

Most of the time I recommend that you drive, but not for this trip. I recommend that you use public transportation since it's so easy to use and takes you wherever you need to go.

To me, there's never really a bad time to go. But if you want to avoid the crowds (Christmas and Summer are high season) then I suggest early Fall: September and October or early spring: April and May.

Where to Eat in London:

• Borough Market – great for fish and chips as well as a sausage roll at the Ginger Pig, I also love the fudge from Whirl
• Gymkhana for Indian (England's national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala after all).
• Sketch Cafe for Brunch
• One Aldwych for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
• Sushi Tetsu – hard to get a reservation so book in advance.
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese for pub food, also a place where Charles Dickens wrote.
• Crown & Anchor , Churchill Arms , Mr. Fogg's Gin Parlor for more pub food.
• Esters Cafe for breakfast.
• Savoy Hotel for something fancy.
• Head to Tesco for a meal deal and have a picnic in Hyde or Regent's Park.
• Circolo Popolare for an Instagram worthy spot. Or Peggy Porschen for the most instagrammy spot, serving cakes.

Where to Eat in Paris:

The best part about Paris cuisine? You can't go wrong.

• Cafe Julien , a cool Art Deco building with divine food
• Peninsula Paris for afternoon tea or a drink overlooking the Eiffel tower
• Refuge des Fondus for fondue and drinking wine out of a baby bottles!
• Ladurée  – I have to say.. I'm not a big fan of macarons but this is the place to go if you want some of the best.
• Cafe Kitsuné  – Arguably one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris. The coffee is tasty and pretty.
• Comptoir de La Gastronomie  – one of the best meals I've ever had. The Foie Gras Ravioli was out of this world.
• La Stube  – This is the perfect lunch spot for a savory tart or Salmon Strudel. Also try their cakes, divine!
• La Drouguerie for crepes
• Le Train Bleu , near the colorful streets of Rue Crémieux is in the train station and ornate place to stop to eat.
• Cafe de la Poste is a good spot for lunch.
• Angelina's for hot chocolate – get it to go so you don't have to wait in line.
• For pastries there's almost too many places to name! But try Du Pain et des Idées , it's divine!

Some helpful posts about London/England:

Save or Splurge London

London at Christmas

Southern England Road Trip

Some helpful Paris/France posts:

Essential Paris Guide

Midnight in Paris Film Locations

Northern France Road Trip

It's often said that London is the whole world in one place. I disagree. Add in the art, culture, and brilliance of Paris and then, you might just have the whole world.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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London - Paris and Zurich

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This 8 night sample itinerary includes:.

• Hotel for 3 nights in London
• Eurostar Train from London to Paris
• Hotel for 3 nights in Paris
• Flight from Paris to Zurich
• Hotel for 2 nights in Zurich
• The Eurostar does not have guaranteed availability at Christmas, we suggest selecting air between Paris and London during this time

A popular package through Europe, visiting England , France and Switzerland . Start in London (Royal Palaces, arts, culture and nightlife) and then, take the train to Paris (known as an endearing, romantic city with unmatched atmosphere). After that, fly to Zurich (set on a stunning lake, luxurious lifestyles, high-end shopping). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Flexible Itinerary

American travelers cannot get enough of England, and to this day it consistently ranks in the three most popular European countries in terms of visitors per year. Nearly everyone visits London, one of the world`s most important cities and the epicenter of what was once a vast world empire, but England should definitely be explored in-depth, from the charm of the Cotswolds to the seaside resorts on the English Channel and the Irish Sea to the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Westcountry. England is a country where the present day and over a millennia of history routinely intersect.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a pristine country of lakes, mountains and forests. The best known of the continent`s mountain ranges, the Alpine chain, runs through most of Switzerland and provides the majority of the country`s magnificent natural sights. In the summer, towns such as Interlaken become green mountain centers for walking and mountaineering, and there are few places more naturally beautiful in the whole of Europe. Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Lucerne are models of Swiss efficiency, offering a wealth of perfectly serene history. Less busy are the lakeside resorts, including fashionable Montreux on Lake Geneva.

France remains one of the worlds most talked-about and written-about destinations. Whether the romance of Paris sweeps you off your feet or you fall gently for the relaxed life of Provence, France is a place for lovers, and will leave you spellbound. Paris is undoubtedly one of the world's great cities, with enough monuments, museums, restaurants, theatres and shows to last a lifetime. The northern provinces of Normandy and Brittany are steeped in history while the Loire Valley is world famous for its châteaux. And there is more to explore.

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Trip Summary

London offers everything! Iconic landmarks, centuries of history, world-class shopping and achingly cool fashion, arts and food scenes. A 40-minute walk along the South Bank will take you past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge. There are eight Royal Parks to explore, and over 300 museums and galleries. It is home to 60 Michelin starred restaurants and fantastic street food. The evenings offer from high-end nightclubs of Chelsea and Mayfair to cool clubs in Soho and Camden. As for theatre, London's legendary West End boasts over 40 world-class theatres. Visit Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, the British Museum, Piccadilly Circus and so much more!

Paris is regarded as one of the most dynamic cities in Europe, and for good reason: the city assaults the senses; demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted, and smelled. Gaze at impressive monuments and savor its gourmet cheeses, chocolates, wines, and seafood. Paris is relatively small as capitals go, with many of its major sights and museums within walking distance of each other. A world of discovery awaits in every hidden corner and at all the famous sites, there is so much to explore. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Jardin des Tuileries, Latin Quarter, Avenue des Champs Elysees, Musee d'Orsay, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe and so much more!

Zurich is a stunningly gorgeous with a beautifully-preserved old town, endless greenery, wondrous snow-capped mountains, fresh air, and crystal clear lake views. The city`s extraordinary museums, churches and galleries, confirm the city`s position as Switzerland's spiritual, if not political, capital. There is also a hip, less conventional side to Zurich. Zuri West, once the industrial section, has become the in spot over the last decade, with loft living, galleries, museums, experimental theater and clubs. Explore Lake Zurich, Old Town (Altstadt), Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich), Uetliberg Mountain, Zoo Zurich, Lindenhofplatz, Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmunster, Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster), Rietberg Museum and so much more!

Related Itineraries:

• Paris and Zurich by Train from $784
• London - Paris - Lucerne - Zurich - Munich by Train from $1,371
• Zurich - Lucerne - Geneva by Train from $589
• Amsterdam and Venice - Geneva - Paris from $1,047
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Switzerland and Paris / London 14-15 days - Switzerland Forum

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Switzerland and Paris / London 14-15 days

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hello! i am planning a trip in September and will greatly appreciate advice as i am the only one planning for family of 5 - all adults! hope

the weather is good as parents wanted to avoid summer / june- july period

day 1 - fly in to geneve, stay 1 night

day 2,3 - travel to zermatt by train, stay 2 nights - skiing

day 4 - glacier express to st moritz ( or is it advise to do st moritz - zermatt direction? - stay 1 night

day 5 - travel to lucerne by train - stay 1 night

day 6 - travel to zurich by train stay 1 or 2 night

day 7 - train to paris by train

then we’ll look to spend 5 days in Paris - usual museums shopping etc - haven’t planned in details yet

parents keen to go london but i think it will be too rushed? otherwise then we can spend another 2 days in either Switzerland or Paris..

i saw eurorail and swiss travel pass can cover train rides in both paris and switzerland respectively. are there any other considerations?

TIA! I am also researching more along the way…

26 replies to this topic

Reduce the waste of precious time/money due to unnecessary traveling and changing bases. Stay 3/4 nights in each destination and enjoy them more!

For me, the GEX is not an absolute must, as you have the possibility, in the mountain resorts, to go even higher, with better views, by cable cars and cogwheel trains.

To Paris I would then go by train, to London by plane . But honestly, if it would me, I would skip Paris/London this time and add those second week to Switzerland to explore all mentioned destinations (only, switch Geneva with Montreux and keep Zurich to a minimum stay).

This post has been removed at the author's request.

thanks much for response and advice - i am noting these destinations down for more googling and research!

my parents do ski but the other 3 of us dont - was thinking of visiting the glacier at least get a feel of snow in sept! (we were debating to travel in autumn or winter). alternatively we can visit zermatt but not ski…assuming then it will just be a touch and go?

i am dropping london off now after your advice but fam is keen for paris given first time in europe- so i will keep 5days in paris, 10 for switzerland and we can extend trip by 1-2 days additionally if required…

they are also super keen on GEX!

day 1 arrive Zurich morning travel straight to lucerne for 2 nights >

day 3 travel to st moritz 1 night

day 4 GEX to Zermatt stay 3 nights >

day 8 back to Zurich stay 1 night >

day 9 train out to Paris >

arrive Paris mid day spend 4 nights

day 15 fly out Paris

Arrive Zurich spend 1 night

day 2 travel to St Moritz spend 3 nights

day 6 travel to Zermatt spend 3 nights

day 10 travel to Zurich spend 1 night

day 11 out to Paris arrive mid day spend 4 nights

Thanks Terra2014

Skiing in Sept is not great but would a visit to zermatt glacier be still worth it?

You can have very leisurely walks in the Engadine, Pontresina to the Val Roseg is more or less flat, from Muottas Muragl to Alp Languard is very easy, my mother in her 80s complained that this is "an old people's walk" and so on and so on.

Arrive Zurich, go straight to Engadine for 4-5 nights, go Zermatt for 3 nights, then Paris for 4-5 nights.

I forgot about skiing but yes, I agree with Terre: play with snow on the glacier when in Zermatt but skip skiing. A snowballs-fight will be more fun (and cheaper, more convenient, less weather, snow-condition and apparel dependent)

Seems there are many more voters for Engadine! Apologies I have been out of action due to a bad flu.

with 15 days now confirmed, was thinking of perhaps 3 nights in lucerne and 2 nights in st moritz, 3 in zermatt, 1 in zurich before heading to paris for 5 days…i will do more research in the meantime ..

wanted to ask in the meantime if any train pass is recommended? thanks in advance!

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London and paris trip itinerary.

Paris and London are some of the most amazing cities in the world. Follow this London Paris trip itinerary for an amazing experience!

10 Days in Paris and London Vacation Itinerary

When you’re trying to decide between London vs Paris, it can be a tough choice! Both cities offer so much fun, food, history, culture, and class. And to be honest, you really can’t go wrong! But the good thing is, you don’t have to choose! You can take a London and Paris trip in just a few short days.

Here's a Short Cut

How Long Should I spend in London and Paris?

Where should i start my trip, how do i get between london and paris, 1. purchase a london pass, 2. purchase a paris pass, 3. learn about london transportation, 4. learn about paris transportation, welcome to london, 1. check into your hotel or airbnb, 2. enjoy a full english breakfast at regency cafe, 3. ride the hoho bus, 4. be inspired at westminster abbey, 5. take a picture with big ben, 6. take a ride on the coca cola london eye, 7. take afternoon tea at the library lounge, 8. take and evening stroll down southbank, 1. grab breakfast at simply tasty cafe & kitchen, 2. turn back time at the tower of london, 3. walk across tower bridge, 4. try all the food at borough market, 5. embrace your inner thespian at shakespeare’s globe theater, 6. explore the ancient st. paul’s cathedral, 7. dine at rules, 1. harry potter breakfast, afternoon tea, or magical cocktails, 2. take a harry potter walking tour, 3. end the day shopping at platform 9 3/4, 3. warner brothers harry potter studios, 4. dinner at cora pearl, 4. drinks at the cauldron, 1. breakfast at daylesford organic, 2. wander the iconic streets of notting hill, 4. dinner at a local pub or the park, 1. grab a quick breakfast at pret a manger, 2. go back in time at kensington palace, 3. eat at wagamama for lunch, 4. say hello to the queen at buckingham palace and horseguards, 5. wander the victoria & albert museum, 6. window shop at harrods, 7. wander through hyde park, 8. dine at cinnamon bazaar for great indian food, take the eurostar from london to paris, welcome to paris, 1. catch a bird’s eye view from the eiffel tower, 2. take a paris dinner cruise, 1. take a paris walking tour, 2. have the best dinner of your life, 1. visit paris museums, 2. have the tastiest crepes ever, day 4- take a day trip, 1. climb the steps for a great view or paris on top of the arc de triomphe, 2. take a paris food tour or a cooking class, 3. explore the paris catacombs.

I’ve taken this Paris and London trip multiple times over the last few years. I’ve done it with my husband, as a girls trip, with my kids, and solo! London and Paris are two of my very favorite cities in the world so I just keep coming back to visit like they’re my old friends.

It’s not often that I return to places I’ve gone, but there is just something special about these two cities that contain so much history, both separately and together. They’re both worth a visit, even if you only have a few days in each. You can even take a day trip to Paris from London or a day trip to France London from Paris if you’re really short on time.

While London and Paris are doable in a day or so each, you could definitely spend years and years exploring them! Every time I visit it’s like taking an entirely new trip.

This itinerary will give you a suggestion on how to layout your days. For more detailed information you can read my Paris guide and my detailed London Itinerary.

This post contains affiliate links

If you’ve got enough time, I think the ideal trip is 10 days in Paris and London. This will give you 5 days to explore each city without being in too much of a rush. Obviously, the longer you can spend in each place the better. I do think it’s best to divide your time equally between cities. There’s just so much to see and do in both of them!

You can start your trip to London and Paris in either city. Honestly, I have done it both ways and they have both been great. If you’re more excited about one city, maybe save that for last! It’s just a personal preference.

London and Paris are about 250 miles apart, but divided by the English Channel. You can get between cities by flying, driving your onto the Chunnel Train, taking a ferry, or by taking the train. By far, the fastest and most efficient method is the Eurostar train. The Eurostar goes under the English Channel through the Channel Tunnel, lovingly referred to as the “Chunnel.”

Before Going on your London and Paris Vacation

There are a few things you should do before leaving for London and Paris.

Before you go to London, you may want to consider purchasing the  London Pass.  This will save you  tons  of money! It includes entry to over 80 attractions, including:

• Tower of London • Hop on Hop off Bus Tour • Thames River Cruise • Windsor Castle • Westminster Abbey • London Bridge Experience and London Tombs • Tower Bridge Exhibition • London Zoo • Kensington Palace & The Orangery • Hampton Court Palace • ArcelorMittal Orbit • Arsenal FC Stadium (Emirates Stadium) • Apsley House • Banqueting House • Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour • Benjamin Franklin House • Best LDN Walks tour around Royal London • Cartoon Museum • Chelsea Cinema • Chelsea FC Stadium Tour • Chelsea Physic Garden • Chislehurst Caves • Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms • City Cruises • The Courtauld Gallery • Curzon Mayfair Cinema • Curzon Soho Cinema • Eltham Palace • Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art • Eton College • Fan Museum • Foundling Museum • Guards Museum • Handel House Museum • Household Cavalry Museum • HMS Belfast • Imperial War Museum London • Jason’s Canal Boat Trip • Jewel Tower • Kew Gardens • KIA Oval • London Bicycle Tour Company • London Canal Museum • London Motor Museum • London Museum of Water and Steam • London Legends Walk • London Transport Museum • London Wetland Centre • Lord’s Cricket Ground • Monument • Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising • Museum of London Docklands (with guidebook) • Museum of Rugby • National Gallery • National Theatre Backstage Tours • Old Operating Theatre Museum • Pollocks Toy Museum • Queen’s Gallery • Queen’s Ice & Bowl • Renoir Cinema • Royal Albert Hall • Royal Mews • Royal Observatory Greenwich • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre • The British Museum (entry to one exhibition)  • The Postal Museum • Tour & Exhibition • Southwark Cathedral • Tate Britain • Tate Modern • Wellington Arch • Wembley Stadium Tours • Wernher Collection at Ranger’s House • Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum • Wimbledon Tour Experience

Get London Pass

Just like the London Pass, the Paris Pass will allow you access to over 60 attractions and you’ll also get a Paris Visite Travelcard that offers free, unlimited travel on the Paris metro, buses, and RER trains in zone 1-3. The Paris Pass includes entry to:

• Hop On Hop Off Bus
• The Louvre Museum
• Arc de Triomphe
• Palace of Versailles
• Notre Dame Cathedral (closed now for reconstruction)
• Rodin Museum
• Picasso Museum
• Paris Aquarium
• Bateaux Parisian River Cruise
• Centre Pompidou
• Montmartre Walking Tour
• Musee d’Orsay
• Les Caves du Louvre Wine Tasting
• Sainte-Chapelle
• Grevin Wax Museum
• Opera Garnier Guided Tour
• The Paris Story Museum
• Rex Studios
• Petit Train de Montmartre
• La Conciergerie
• Paris Science Museum
• Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis
• Gustave Moreau Museum
• Villa Savoye
• Chateau de Compiegne
• Palace of Malmaison
• Maurice Denis Museum
• and more…

Get Paris Pass

London is an amazing city and it’s a breeze to get around on public transport if you plan ahead and know how to use it. Be sure to read up about how to get around London before you leave.

Paris is another city with a decent public transportation system, but not nearly as efficient as London. The Paris Metro workers are known to go on strike, seemingly, once a year, so do think of backup options like UBER if you’re not able to use the trains or buses. Honestly, Paris is a very walkable city and the Paris bike shares are a great option as well. This guide to getting around Paris will help.

And finally, on to our London and Paris itinerary…

Welcome to the first leg of your Paris and London vacation! You’re going to fall in love with London! I can’t wait to show you all of my favorite sites and eats in this enchanting city!

Day 1 – Arrive in London

Welcome to London! You’re probably arriving in the morning after a red-eye flight. You’ll need about an hour to go through passport control and gather your luggage. Head into the city by taking the Heathrow Express , which will get you there in about 15 minutes. It’s cheapest to book several months beforehand and you don’t need to know your exact time.

Book Heathrow Express

You’re probably exhausted so, if you can, go straight to your accommodations and drop your luggage and freshen up. It’s going to be tempting to take a nap, but don’t! You’ve got to beat that jetlag! If it’s too early to check in to your place, use this luggage storage service that I love!

Day 1 of this London itinerary will show you around London’s main sites so that you can be sure you see all the important things from the beginning! You may be tired and jet-lagged today, but it’s important to push through!

It’s your first day in London, so if you have time, be sure to start it off right with a full English breakfast. What’s that you may ask? Well, besides a walking heart attack, it’s usually bacon, sausage, eggs, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast, and no one dishes out a great no-frills full English like the Regency Cafe.

Once you’ve dropped your bags, hop on the HOHO Bus (Hop On Hop Off Bus). There are several Hop on Hop off Bus tours in London, but I like using this company.

I know this activity may seem a little cliche, but there’s a reason I recommend doing this on your first day in London: While taking the tube and public transportation can be great, and London has one of the best public transit systems in the world, it can also be a little disorientating to walk underground and come back out in a completely different place in the city.

Taking the HOHO Bus on your first day in London allows you to get the lay of the land and to get an idea of how close or far things really are from each other. You’d be surprised at how walkable London can be. `

The bus tour offers several different routes, but I recommend staying on the red route which will lead you around all of London’s most iconic sites.

You don’t need to ride the bus for hours, but get off at stops on your list along the way.

Book HOHO Bus

Be sure to hit Westminster Abbey. If you are interested in British history, religion, or literature at all, you will love this! I recommend booking your ticket in advance.

Walk around the corner just one block away. There’s not a more iconic sight in London than Big Ben! “Big Ben” is actually the name of the bell inside the tower and the tower is called the Elizabeth Tower.

But everyone lovingly refers to this part of the houses of parliament as “Big Ben” and it’s one of those iconic pieces of architecture that does not disappoint in real life. The best views are found on Westminster Bridge. Watch out for selfie sticks!

Time to walk across the Westminster Bridge to the London Eye. You’ll get a fantastic view of the city from the top of this 443-foot tall Ferris wheel on London’s Southbank. If you want to ride the London Eye, it’s essential to book tickets in advance . The lines can get very long. The ride itself takes about 30 minutes for the entire revolution and you’ll get the best views of London from the top.

You’ve probably had a late breakfast, so a late lunch, or afternoon tea, might be just the ticket. Directly under the London Eye you’ll find the Library Lounge in the beautiful Marriott County Hall, one of my favorite hotels in London! Enjoy a filling afternoon tea with fantastic views of the London Eye and Houses of Parliament.

Southbank is a really fun and quirky area that’s just a short walk from the London Eye and along the Thames River with a roller rink called BUMP, a skate park (as seen on Sherlock), and a hot chocolate stand called Beltane & Pop (they offer “adult” hot chocolates too). You also get the dreamy view of the London Eye and Big Ben across Westminster Bridge all lit up at night!

Try and get to bed early tonight and ready to wake up early to another beautiful day in London!

Day 2 – Ancient London History

Now that you’ve seen the major sites in London, it’s time to take in some of this city’s rich and extremely long history! The City of London dates back to Roman times and it has a fascinating past full of many stories. There’s never an end to the history you can learn in London, but these highlights will give you a taste today.

It might be time for another full English breakfast, or try something new. This traditional shop serves breakfast all day, so don’t worry if you get up late.

The Tower of London is not to be missed. See the crown jewels and hang out with the beefeaters! They’re not just tour guides, but decorated veterans and all-around awesome people!

This is one of the best views of Tower Bridge so be sure to get a picture when you’re done at the tower. You can also go to the top of Tower Bridge, which is really amazing. There is a glass floor where you can look down at the River Thames. My kids love this! 

Cross over the river either on Tower Bridge or London Bridge next door and wander on over to Borough Market to grab some lunch! There are so many options here, you may have a hard time not trying them all! If you have time, take a market tour with a local and learn about all the amazing food in London! 

If you’re really into food, you can take a Private British Food Tour and explore all the food that London has to offer.

After filling up on goodies from Borough Market, waddle on over to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. You’ll need to take a tour to see the inside of the Globe, or, even better, see a show if you’re there from April-October.

If you are really into Shakespeare and want to learn more, you can take this 3-hour tour of Shakespeare’s London .

There has been a St. Paul’s church at this site since 300 AD. The church has been burned and rebuilt 3 different times. The current St. Paul’s was the tallest building in London for over 200 years. You can pay to go inside or just walk around the outside, either choice is impressive!

After a one-mile walk, treat yourself to a fine meal at London’s oldest restaurant, Rule’s, established in 1798 and frequented by the likes of Charles Dickens and Charlie Chaplin. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance. BOOK HERE

Day 3: All About Harry Potter 

Day three of this London itinerary is ALL about Harry Potter!

If you’re really into Harry Potter, you may want to add an extra Harry Potter day to your London itinerary. Definitely read my guide to Harry Potter London! 

If you want to start the day off and really get in a magical mood, I recommend having breakfast at the Georgian House Hotel. If you don’t have time for breakfast, they do a really fun and tasty Wizard Afternoon Tea and a magical Wizard cocktail experience later in the day! All of the Georgian House Hote experiences should be booked ahead of time. You can read more about our stay in the Wizard Chambers at this enchanting hotel .

A Harry Potter Walking tour is a MUST for any fan! You’ll learn so much, not only about the books and the movies but also about the history and mystery of London! The guides are so fun and knowledgeable!

You can also do the Harry Potter walking tour on your own if you like. I recommend doing the tour as the guides know so much and it’s a lot of fun, especially if you have kids. If you do go it alone, be sure to stop at these sites:

• Westminster Tube (Closest tube to the Ministry of Magic as seen in The Order of the Phoenix)
• Downing Street (Muggle Prime Minister’s Office and location of communication between the Muggle PM and the wizarding world)
• Horseguards Avenue (Ministry of Magic Staff Entrance as seen in Deathly Hallows Part 1)
• Scotland Yard Place/Horse Guards Avenue (Ministry of Magic Visitors entrance as seen in the Order of the Phoenix and Deathly Hallows Part 1)
• Trafalgar Square (Location of the final Harry Potter film premiere)
• Cecil’s Court (aka Diagon Alley)
• Godwin’s Court (aka Knockturn Alley)
• The Palace Theatre (home to the ‘The Cursed Child’ – the 8th story in the Harry Potter franchise)
• St. Paul’s ( Geometrical Staircase as seen in the Prisoner of Azkaban)
• Millennium Bridge (Rebuilt after the attack by the Death Eaters! (then a walk past Shakespeare’s globe)
• Leadenhall Market
• The House of Mina Lima, the company that did all the graphic design work for the movies (think Daily Prophet, Harry’s acceptance letter to Hogwarts, candy wrappers, etc)

Finish your day off at King’s Cross Station for Platform 9 3/4 and the Harry Potter Shop . If you want to take pictures pushing your trolley through Platform 9 3/4, I HIGHLY recommend buying the VIP photo pass, which will mean you can skip the long photo lines while also pre-paying for your photos. I think it’s so much fun and totally worth a stop on your London itinerary. 

Alternatively, you can also take a visit just outside London to the Harry Potter Studios where you’ll be treated to Butterbeer and be able to see some amazing things from the set of the movies! It’s a special place for sure! Keep in mind that this is a half to full day experience, so you may need to pick and choose which activity takes priority.

Head to Covent Garden to dine at this delicious and exclusive little restaurant. Advanced reservations will be required. Their menu is almost as small as the restaurant, but you know that anything you order will be delicious. Don’t leave without having the milk and cookies. It’s not what you’d expect!

Spend the evening making your own potions at The Cauldron . This fun cocktail-making experience is sure to end the day on a fun note! Make a reservation.

Day 4- Notting Hill

Notting Hill is a charming and iconic neighborhood in London that you’ve probably seen on many films like Paddington, Paddington 2, Bed knobs and Broomsticks, and, of course, Notting Hill. It’s a bit of a jaunt outside the city center, but worth spending some time there. Try and hit the neighborhood on a Friday or Saturday if you’re interested in shopping at Portobello Road.

If you’re looking for a healthy, organic breakfast, this place is fantastic! SEE MENU HERE

This affluent West London district will make you wish you could move into one of the adorable pastel terraced victorian houses and never leave. Wander the streets and take the perfect Instagram picture until you get hungry again. I recommend taking a fun photo tour that will show you all the most beautiful places in Notting Hill! 

Notting Hill is also a great place for a photoshoot. We did our family Christmas pictures here last year with Flytographer. If you’re traveling and need a great photographer, this is a fantastic way to go. Click here or use my code VANESSAHUNT for a big discount on your first shoot.

There are great pubs all over London. Grab a meat pie or some fish and chips and a pint. But if you’re too full or you’ve bought too many goodies at Portobello Road, I recommend getting your steps in and taking a stroll to Hyde Park and having a picnic. If you have kids, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground is a great place to let the kids run around after a day of shopping. It’s our favorite playground in the world, no joke!

Day 5- Palaces and Parks

Today is all about the palaces and parks of London, of which there are plenty! This will be a great day of history and nature combined.

Start your day off at Pret A Manger, which you can find all over the city and offer juices, smoothies, sandwiches, and prepackaged healthy food.

Immerse yourself in British history with this interactive Palace turned museum. You can try on Victoria era clothing and play a game of cards!

This modern Japanese-inspired food will be a nice change to all the meat pies and fish and chips you’ll be eating this week. CHECK THE MENU HERE

Walk off your delicious lunch to visit the queen at Buckingham Palace. If you time it right you can catch the changing of the guard. You can check the times here . If you’re lucky enough to be in London during the months of August or September, you can tour the staterooms of the palace. 

Walk down the road to the world’s largest mueum of decorative arts and design. The best part? It’s free! If that’s not for you, try out the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum across the street.

Take a little shopping break at this luxury department store. Be sure to head downstairs to the grocery section for snacks. If you go at Christmas time this place is an expensive wonderland.

Wander through Hyde Park and work up an appetite on your way to dinner on the other side of the park.

Indian food is a staple in London. End the day with a great meal at Cinnamon Bazaar for some beautiful and authentic Indian food that comes with a special dining experience.

Taking the Eurostar from London to Paris takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance of your trip. The earlier you buy them, the cheaper they will be. And they do tend to sell out.

The Eurostar leaves from London St. Pancras station and you need to be there about an hour before your train leaves. You are leaving the UK and going to the EU, so you will need to go through passport control before boarding. So have your Eurostar Ticket and Passport available.

Once you go through passport control, you will wait in the boarding area, where there are shops and restaurants, until your track number is called, then everyone will file onto the train and find their assigned seats.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to Paris, the City of Light! You’re in for a real treat as you explore all this amazing destination has to offer. Get your walking shoes and your appetite ready to go!

A note about breakfast in Paris. I have yet to have a sit down breakfast in Paris. There are patisseries on every corner where you can go for a pain au chocolat et cafe (chocolate croissant and coffee). So I recommend stopping in the one closest to your hotel and maybe even trying a new patisserie every morning. You honestly cannot beat a fresh baked croissant on a Parisian morning!

Day 1- Arrive on the Eurostar & See the Sites

You’ll arrive at the Paris Gare du Nord train station. Get ready to hit the ground running! Check into your Paris hotel or vacation rental , or if it’s too early, you can store your bags. We use this great site to find luggage storage options all over the world. You can use my code: WANDERLUSTCREW for a special discount.

Start your visit to Paris off right with the world famous iconic site in the city, the Eiffel Tower! Originally built for the World’s Fair and despised by Parisians, this iron structure, over a thousand feet tall, is worth a visit to the top! You must book tickets to enter the tower, and to go to the top is an extra charge. I highly recommend booking these tickets in advance that provide you with both a guide who can skip the line and also take you to the summit.

You’ve had a long travel day. Take a few hours to relax on the water, enjoy a delicious dinner, and take in the views of Paris as you float down the Seine on this 3-course dinner cruise .

If you want to combine your Eiffel Tower tour ticket and your Dinner Cruise ticket, you can look into booking a combo tour to save some money. This is a fun farewell dinner at the end of your tour that allows you to take in the sights of Paris one last time as you enjoy the delicious food.

Day 2- Walk Paris

Spend your second day in Paris exploring all the city has to offer. You can follow my Paris Walking Guide or take a guided walking tour with Take Walks. Some sites you won’t want to miss in Paris are:

• Notre Dame de Paris
• Sacre Coeur
• Il de la Cite
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Tuileries Gardens
• The Trocadero
• Champs Elysees
• Place De La Concorde

For more tips, you can check out my Best Day Trips from Paris blog to see some amazing landmarks to explore in your guided walking tour.

After a long day of walking around Paris, you’ll be ready for a good meal! While there are many incredible restaurants and bistros in Paris, absolute favorite restaurant is Les Papilles . I’ve sent hundreds of people to this tiny place, and have not heard from one disappointed person.

At Les Papilles, you show up and get what you get. It’s a fixed menu every night, but you will never be disappointed. They use high-quality ingredients and cook them to perfection. It’s a large, several course, meal. So come hungry! Be sure to make your reservations ASAP!

Day 3- Explore Paris Museums

There’s one thing you’ll never have a shortage of in Paris, and that’s art museums! You may not have time to visit them all, but be sure to hit at least one or two during your stay. Here are some of my favorite art museums in Paris:

• Musée d’Orsay
• Musée du Luxembourg
• Petit Palais
• Musée Rodin
• Musée de l’Orangerie

If you purchase a Paris Pass, many of these museums will be covered. If you’re only interested in using the passes for museums, it will be cheaper to purchase the Paris Museum Pass instead.

Dine on delicious crepes for lunch at Breizh Café Montorgeuil. This is a delicious and popular place, so be sure to make reservations .

The great thing about Paris is that there are so many great sites just a day trip away. Here are a few options:

• The Palace of Versailles
• Disneyland Paris
• Mont-Saint-Michel
• The Loire Valley
• More Day Trips from Paris

Day 5- Arc de Triomphe & Catacombs

As much as I enjoy the view from the Eiffel Tower, I think the best view of Paris is from the Arc de Triomphe. It allows you to have a view of Paris that actually includes the tower.

The arc also has a fascinating history and is older than the Eiffel Tower. It’s very interesting to learn it all. Be sure to get to the Arc through the underground tunnels and don’t even try to cross the street. It’s one of the busiest roundabouts in the world!

You don’t want to leave this city, which is so famous for its culinary perfection, without taking either a food tour or a cooking class . This food tour will take you through the streets of Paris on an edible adventure. Your guide will share the Parisian passion for French history and gastronomy. Try wine, cheese, beef stew, crêpes, oysters, and cider.

If you really want to dive into the food culture of Paris and try your hand at creating your own masterpiece, take this cooking class which will teach you how to cook like a true Parisian chef.

If you’re more interested in learning to bake bread the French way, this hands-on bread-making class is great too.

There are seriously so many great cooking classes and food tours to take in Paris. I’ve done so many, I’ve lost track, and they have all been unique and fantastic! Just check reviews before you book and come hungry!

This is a Paris activity I prefer doing at night or else in the heat of the day depending on what time of year you go to Paris. I usually don’t want to waste daylight hours, but if it’s really hot it’s a great chance to go underground and get cool.

People have mixed feelings about the Paris Catacombs . Some say it is disrespectful to the dead, some say that it is a unique experience. Whatever your take on this, I think it’s worth a visit. Referred to as “the world’s largest grave,” the Paris Catacombs hold the remains of over 6 million people!

They were created to solve two major problems that Paris faced in the late 1700s: Cave-ins from the mines underneath Paris and overflowing cemeteries! For two years the bones were carried from the cemeteries down into the tunnels to reinforce the walls of the mines.

Many of the bones have been laid in patterns making this macabre art museum worth a visit, at least for history’s sake! But this activity is not for the squeamish, you have been warned! From the Catacombs website: The Catacombs are open for limited days and hours so be sure to check before visiting.

The End of Your London Paris Trip

And this concludes your trip to London and Paris. You can either plan to fly home from Paris, or you can take the Eurostar back up to London if you have a roundtrip flight booked. I hope you have a wonderful time in two of my very favorite cities! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected] Bon Voyage!

Wanderlust Crew

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Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

7 DAYS IN PARIS AND LONDIN – ITINERARY

Epic 7-Day Paris and London Itinerary

Table of Contents

Are you ready for the ultimate European vacation? Why not combine a trip to two of the world’s most iconic cities: Paris and London!

This Paris and London itinerary will show you how to combine a trip to these beautiful European cities (which are some of my favorite cities in the world). From sipping coffee in a Parisian café to taking in the sights of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace—there’s something for everyone. 

I totally get why Europe is so intriguing for many Americans – actually for people from all over the world. Europeans love to travel within Europe, and if you have never been to Europe before, you will quickly understand why it is so popular.

I mean, we all know about the world-famous cities like Vienna , or Barcelona ; about the stunning islands like Santorini and Mallorca ; and let’s not forget about the breathtaking scenery of Central Europe .   Paris and London, however, are some of the most special destinations on the continent.

So, if you plan to visit the two main cities in Europe, London, and Paris, this one-week itinerary will help you figure out how to organize your trip. Whether you want to stay seven days or even longer, there are lots of things to do and see.

DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE (AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU). MORE ABOUT IT  HERE .

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR LONDON AND PARIS ITINERARY

Here are some tips that will help you plan your trip before discussing your actual Paris and London itinerary.

Booking Accommodation

For hotels, I mostly use booking.com because I am a very spontaneous person and want to be flexible. Most of the time, you can – often-  cancel accommodations without any cost up to 24 hours before your stay. The rates are also most often the best.

Keep in mind, that London and Paris are both extremely expensive when it comes to accommodation. If you stay outside the city center. you can find better deals. Also, public transportation in both cities is pretty good. If you rely on public transportation, make sure a metro/underground station is close by.

Booking Tours

When I book my tours, I mostly use GetYourGuide because of their generous cancellation policy. And in case something comes up, I know they have my back (like the day I was not picked up for a tour even though the tour operator confirmed the trip. I got my money back from GetYourGuide after the tour operator did not return my messages). I will mention tours whenever I feel it is suitable for you guys!

Airports in London and Paris

For this London and Paris itinerary, you can start either in London or Paris. Both cities are well connected to airports from all over the world. If you come from abroad, you will most likely fly into London or Paris

• Airports in London:  These airports include London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, and London Stansted. Some are quite far from the city center, but all airports are well-connected to the city center of London and have regular shuttle buses.
• Airports in Paris:  There are three main airports in Paris for visitors: Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, and Beauvais-Tillé Airport. The first two airports are well-served by public transport. The latter one is a lot farther from the city and getting to the city requires a longer and more expensive transfer.

However, if you are from European countries like Germany , Belgium , or the Netherlands (or any other country close by), then getting to London or Paris by train would probably be a good or even better choice.

Best Time to Visit London and Paris

I have visited both cities many times, and while I almost always had great weather in Paris, the weather in London was… grayish.

Both cities are great to visit in December  – for all the Christmas lights and shopping. But Christmas lights, markets, and shopping is not your main priority and if you can freely book your trip, I suggest visiting in May, June, or September. 

I normally never recommend visiting a place during the high season, which for Europe is most often in July and August. Both cities also host many events, like the Tour de France and Fashion Weeks, which make prices for accommodation go up significantly at that time. 

So, if you aren’t visiting for one of those events, try avoiding those times.

How to Get From London to Paris or From Paris to London

You can, of course, fly from one city to the other. There are quite a number of flights between these two capitals each day.

However, the easiest way to get from Paris to London is by train.   The journey from Paris to London takes around 2,5 hours on board Eurostar’s high-speed trains. You can book tickets online .

Normally, the earlier you book, the cheaper it gets.

Make sure to have your ID with you – since the UK is not part of the EU anymore, your passports will be checked. 

HOW TO SPEND 7 DAYS IN PARIS – LONDON ITINERARY

For your itinerary, you can start your trip with London or Paris – it’s up to you. I do not see any particular benefit to starting in one city.

3,5 DAYS IN PARIS

Paris… there are not many cities in the world that are as popular, famous, and appealing as this quite small European city. While I did not fall in love with Paris immediately, after about 8 trips or so, I can say that the city has grown on me. Now, I do feel that Paris is rightfully on people´s bucket lists! 

Paris is not only a great destination for love birds : it is a heaven for shopping addicts , for architect lovers , for people who enjoy outdoor time and nice strolls, for history nerds … to make it short: Paris is great!

It is pretty. Pretty, pretty, pretty!

Best Places to Stay in Paris

You can find all kinds of accommodations in Paris. However, the standard of accommodation is not very high (a 3-star hotel can be quite shabby), so I would probably pay a few $ more to avoid ending up in a very shady place.

To check out accommodation rates for different hotels just click on each link:

• Luxury Hotels in Paris – the luxurious hotels in Paris come with a big price tag but are probably worth the money:  Four Seasons Hotel George V is one of the most iconic hotels in Paris – find out more about the hotel and the rates here.
• Hotel Wo –  this 3-star hotel has great reviews and is centrally located– Click here to find the best rates for this hotel in Paris
• I sometimes book budget hotels – but actually, I cannot recommend budget hotels in Paris (if you know a great budget hotel let me know though).

You should know what to expect – while it is often called the most romantic city in the world, the truth is that it can be a bit disappointing at first. It is dirty, and there are a lot of tourist scams but it is also extremely beautiful and special. While I am often in my hotel after sunset, I try to experience Paris at night.

Because Paris is the City of Lights – and the illuminated Eiffel Tower is just one fantastic sight to see after sunset – and it wears its best dress at night.

• Paris is best explored on foot .   The city is geographically small, and many tourist attractions are quite close to one another. However, once in a while, you will need public transportation.
• Public transportation is also pretty great . So, hop on the metro or bus to get around, if needed. It is easy, fast, and affordable.  There is no Oyster Card in Paris  (unlike in London) so you could either buy single tickets or plan in advance and buy multi-tickets to save a bit of money.
• Hop-on and hop-off buses are also great options, and you get a discount on several popular tourist attractions in Paris.
• I hate to say it, but Parisians are not the nicest people – and they do not even bother to speak English . So, you really should pick up some French words. However, I also realized that people were becoming nicer day by day, but still… Download a translation app, if needed.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for a second visit, you won’t be disappointed by what Paris has in store. Paris, the City of Lights, is a romantic destination that offers something for everyone. With three days in Paris, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this charming city.

Spend your day getting to know the city with a relaxing stroll through the cobbled streets of Montmartre. Stop by the Sacré Coeur for epic views of Paris, and don’t miss out on famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Indulge in some retail therapy at Galeries Lafayette and Le Marais, then explore the Latin Quarter or take a romantic boat ride along the Seine River. Explore stunning Versaille and learn about France´s history.

End your trip with a visit to the Louvre and some well-deserved rest and relaxation in one of the city’s many parks. With so much to do, your 3,5 days in Paris will be unforgettable!

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT IN PARIS IN 3,5 DAYS

• Visit the Eiffel Tower (during day and night – it is really magical in the dark)
• Stroll the Seine
• Admire the Bridges
• Picnic by the Seine
• See Notre Dame
• Explore the Louvre
• Rest at Jardin des Tuileries
• Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
• Rest at Jardin du Luxembourg
• Visit Versailles

3,5 DAYS IN LONDON

London is another fun capital in Europe. It is a bit hipper and I think younger people (especially if you travel with teenagers) will enjoy London more than Paris. However, this does not mean I suggest skipping Paris. Like Paris, I have visited London numerous times, and I always find new cute places and great spots.

Since the UK has left the European Union, things have changed a bit and this might also be true for crossing borders. I haven’t been to England since then. So, I cannot say how much you will be controlled when crossing borders. 

Where to Stay in London

Here are some of the best-rated hotels for each budget:

• Luxury Hotels in London –  London is home to numerous luxury hotels – if you find something easily it is luxury accommodation in London.
• Ritz-Carlton is one of the top hotels – it is also conveniently located in the city center and quite close to Buckingham Palace. Click here for the best rates and more info.
• Draycott  Hotel is a small luxury boutique hotel I actually stayed at one night. It is definitely, a good choice if you prefer smaller and more unique places. Click here for more info and the best rates.
• Mid-Range Hotels in London –  If you are looking for nice but more budget-friendly hotels that are located in the center of London, then check out the following hotels:
• 3-star hotel Hampton by Hilton Waterloo – find out more about this hotel and get the best rates here.
• Budget Hotels in London – London is expensive but you might find a good deal
• This hostel is well-rated, and conveniently located and if you book a bed in a dorm you can actually get a bargain. Click here to get the best rates for YHA London Central.

London is a must on any England itinerary but since it is quite easy to get from London to Paris, this Paris/London itinerary is also fun.

London is as rainy as rumors say and so, don’t forget your umbrella – with this in the back of your head, be ready to explore one of the most exciting and diverse cities in Europe.

There is so much history – so many historic and important buildings, so many new and modern buildings, so many great Instagrammable spots, so many artists…Do not forget all the pubs and friendly people…

Before discussing the main things to do in London, here is some information for your days in London.

LONDON TRAVEL TIPS 

• Though many sights are within walking distance , you might need to take the bus or underground once in a while. 
• The underground in London works fine (I still prefer taking buses though). It gets extremely busy, especially at rush hour. So, I really recommend not taking the underground or bus at those times. It works fine and is quite cheap and fast.
• Some of the red double-decker buses are actually regular buses and not sightseeing buses, which is pretty cool and I recommend using them at least once.
• Oyster Card :   Buying an Oyster Card makes sense if you use public transportation often. You can load it up with credit and just swipe it in/out at every bus and underground station. In the end, it finds the best rates and calculates the cheapest tickets (handy, right?). You can now also use your credit card and pay contactless.
• Hop-on and hop-off buses are also popular and great for seeing London from a different perspective.
• You can rent bikes for free at many bike stations. The first 30 minutes are free, then you would have to pay. I normally just ride around for 30 minutes and then bring it back to a rental station. There are quite a few rental stations in the city center.
• While the black cabs are very popular and iconic, I have never used them and don’t think you really need a cap if you book your hotel in a central location.

London is an iconic European destination full of culture, history, and entertainment. With three days in the city, you’ll be able to experience all that it has to offer. Begin your journey with a tour of some of London’s most famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.

Once you’ve seen the sights, explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Camden Market, and Shoreditch. Make sure to sample some of the local cuisines in one of London’s many restaurants and pubs. Of course, you can’t miss a traditional afternoon tea at one of London’s historic hotels.

Finish your trip with a show at the West End theatre district or by exploring more of this vibrant city at night!

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT IN LONDON

• Hyde Park and Speaker´s Corner
• Buckingham Palace
• St. James´ Park
• Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)
• Tower of London
• St. Paul‘s Cathedral
• Nottinghill
• Oxford Street or Regent´s Street
• If you visit in winter check out my London winter travel guide.
• For more tips and more detailed info on all of the places to see, head to my detailed London 4-day itinerary.
• Check out my England itinerary if you want to stay a bit longer in England – click here to find out more.
• If you are on a budget, then take out my London budget guide .

As you can see, my more detailed posts have much more info for your trip. 

FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING PARIS AND LONDON FOR A WEEK

Visiting Paris and London in 7 days is the perfect combination of culture, sightseeing, and entertainment. With iconic monuments, historic landmarks, delicious food, vibrant nightlife, and much more – there’s something for everyone in these two stunning cities. From Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower and everything in between, you’ll have a vacation of a lifetime.

By combining a London and Paris trip, you can experience the best of both worlds.

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The Ultimate Paris to London Day Trip Itinerary (+ London Travel Tips)

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: June 9, 2023

Categories Day trips from Paris , France , Paris , Travel Guides , UK

Home » The Ultimate Paris to London Day Trip Itinerary (+ London Travel Tips)

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Paris is beautiful, but have you ever wanted to take a day trip away from the French capital and explore London?

Most people visiting Paris choose to spend the day away at Monet’s Gardens in nearby Giverny or on a day trip to the beautiful champagne region of France .

These are both great options, don’t get me wrong.

But if you’re looking for something a bit different, why not take a day trip to London? It’s the perfect way to explore two of Europe’s most iconic cities in one day.

Taking a day trip to London from Paris is possible (and relatively easy) with the right planning.

It’s definitely one of the best things you can do if you want to maximize your time in Europe! A trip to London is my top choice when it comes to the best day trip to take from Paris to other countries in Europe .

In this post, we’ll take a look at all the transportation options available to you, as well as provide some helpful tips on how to navigate each one.

We’ll also dig into the best places to go and things to see in London , as well as provide an itinerary that allows you to make the most of your day trip from Paris .

This 10-page Paris travel guide includes all the best foods to eat in Paris, where to eat, the top things to do and see in Paris, including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more. Find out the best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area. Links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!

In this post, you'll find...

How far is London from Paris?

London is located about 280 miles away from Paris, just across the English channel.

This might seem like a long way to travel in one day, but it’s actually quite doable with the right transportation option!

Can you visit Paris and London in one trip?

The answer is yes – with some careful planning and the right transportation options, you can have an incredible day trip from Paris to London!

Depending on your travel dates, you can get there and back with time to spare for exploring both cities. The high-speed Eurostar train service makes it easy to get from Paris Gare du Nord station to London’s St. Pancras Station in just a few hours.

P.S. You can find all my Paris travel articles, resources, and recommendations here 👈

Is a day trip from Paris to London worth it?

There is so much to see in London and it really deserves more than just one day. But if you have limited time and are looking for a great way to experience both cities, a day trip from Paris to London can be an incredible experience!

With the right itinerary and transportation options, you can make the most of your day in this iconic city.

The Best Things to See in London on a Day Trip

When it comes to sightseeing, there’s no shortage of things to see in London!

Here are some of the must-see London attractions:

• Windsor Castle – one of the official residences of The Queen

• Tower Bridge – one of the most iconic bridges over the Thames

• Big Ben – a clock tower housing one of the world’s largest bells

• The London Eye – a giant Ferris wheel offering unparalleled views of the city skyline

• Buckingham Palace – the official residence of former Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family

• Trafalgar Square – one of London’s most recognizable public spaces.

• Tower of London – a medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site

• St. Paul’s Cathedral – one of the largest churches in England, with an impressive dome

• British Museum – one of the world’s oldest museums, housing over 8 million artifacts from around the world

Of course, there is so much more where this came from! London is home to world-class museums, galleries, parks, and monuments. There are over 1,000 activities and attractions that you can see here!

I recommend checking out some of the most popular London attractions and activities and planning out in advance what you want to see.

Best way to get to London from Paris for a one-day trip

For a day trip to London from Paris, the best way is to take the Eurostar high-speed train. A train ride on the Eurostar from Paris will typically last around 2 hours and 15 minutes. You’ll be dropped off in the center of London’s city center, at St. Pancras Station.

Eurostar tickets from Paris Gare du Nord station to London St Pancras station start at €60 (one way). You can book tickets for the Eurostar on Omio .

Note : Eurostar is best when booked in advance. It is possible to buy tickets on the day of your visit, but you may find yourself paying more for tickets, or not being able to get a seat on the day you choose to travel.

The next best option for getting to London from Paris is by plane. Flights from Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport in Paris will get you to Heathrow airport, London’s major international airport, in just under one hour.

Flights on budget airlines such as EasyJet can be found as low as €20 one way if booked in advance. However, flight times are limited to a few hours a day and you have to factor in the time it takes for getting to/from the airports, security queues, and baggage collection.

I typically use WayAway to find the best deals on flights and get cashback. You can search for flights on WayAway here 👇

For those looking for an even cheaper option than taking Eurostar, there is also the option of traveling by train. Regional trains run from Gare du Nord train station in Paris to London St Pancras station twice a day, with an approximate travel time of 7-8 hours.

Prices for these tickets start at €19 one way if booked in advance. Train tickets can be booked online with Omio .

Driving to London from Paris is also an option, though it’s not ideal only for a day trip. London is about 280 miles from Paris, or a 6-hour drive. It’s technically feasible if you get an early start, but it’s really not worth it with such limited time to spend in London.

If you decide to drive, remember that you will need to pay for gasoline and tolls for crossing the English Channel tunnel.

There is also the option of taking a bus from Paris to London. Buses are generally slower than trains or planes and take around 11 hours to get from one city to the other. Prices are cheaper than Eurostar and flights, with tickets starting at around €25 one way if booked in advance.

Obviously, an 11-hour bus ride is less than ideal with only one day to spend in London. But it is an affordable option if you don’t mind the long ride. I always use FlixBus to book my bus tickets.

Finally, if you really want to make the most of your one day in London, there are also special day trips available that include a guided tour and transport. Usually, these will pick up from central locations in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower or Sacré Coeur. Prices for these tours vary depending on what’s included but usually start around €100.

How to spend one day in London: One-day Itinerary

Once you’ve arrived in London, there is a lot that can be done! Ideally, you’ll have a full day here to really maximize the time you have to visit London.

Depending on what time you arrive, here is a suggested itinerary of how to spend one day in London :

• 9:00 am – Arrive in London and get breakfast at Borough Market. After breakfast, start your day with a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Next, head over to Tower Bridge and take some time to admire the view of Thames River.

• 10:30 am – Explore Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Nearby, you’ll also find Big Ben and the London Eye.

I recommend taking a ride on the London Eye for a bird’s eye view of the city! It’s kinda like the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, but so much better.

This area is also home to Buckingham Palace, one of the iconic symbols of London. Wrap up the morning with a stroll in St James’ Park or check out the historic Trafalgar Square.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiana • Where Tiana Travels (@tianabaaaby)

• 12:30 pm – Have lunch in one of the many pubs or cafes in Soho. Afterward, take a walk through China Town and visit Carnaby Street for some shopping. You can even take a walk along the Southbank, stopping at art galleries such as Tate Modern or the National Gallery.

• 2:00 pm – Visit Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These two parks are great for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day in London. If the weather is bad, take a quick tour of the Natural History Museum or Victoria & Albert Museum .

Entrance to the Victoria & Albert museum is free, and you don’t need to book in advance. This makes it a great option for those on a day trip, especially if you’re visiting London on a budget.

• 3:00 pm – Spend some time exploring the British Museum , one of London’s top attractions. Afterward, take a stroll around Covent Garden and soak up some of the local culture. You can even join a Secrets of London walking tour with a professional guide who can give you some secret history of the area.

Or hop on a 3-hour Secret British food tour of London !

• 4:00 pm – As the day draws to an end, head over to Notting Hill and explore its bohemian streets and colorful houses. Finish your day with some afternoon tea at one of London’s famous cafes like The Goring Hotel or Claridge’s .

• 5:00 pm – End your day with dinner in one of Shoreditch’s trendy restaurants and pubs. Dishoom and Blacklock Shoreditch are two of my favorites here!

• 6:00 pm – Head back to the train station or airport for your journey back to Paris.

If you don’t want to stick to an itinerary while in London and prefer to just go with the flow, I’d recommend getting on a hop-on hop-off Big Bus sightseeing tour of London . It’s a great way to explore the city and get a feel for the different neighborhoods. You can easily hop off at each stop and explore the attractions you want to see!

Getting Around in London

Navigating London can seem daunting even to native English speakers, so if it’s your first time in the city it’s a good idea to plan ahead on how to get around most efficiently.

The best way to get around London is by using public transport such as the Tube (London Underground). London’s public transportation system is widely considered one of the best in Europe, and it’s very easy to use.

The best way to save money is by getting an Oyster card, which allows you to pay per ride and get discounts on longer journeys. You can buy one from any Tube station or online.

Without the Oyster card, you can just pay with cash or credit card at the station, but you will be charged a higher fare. Ticket fares are typically around £6 each way when you pay with cash or card.

The Tube runs from 5 am until midnight, but there are also buses and night buses that run after midnight if you miss the last train.

You can also get around London by bus, which is a great way to see the city’s sights as you travel from one place to another. Bus fares are £1.50 per journey when you use an Oyster card and £2.40 without it.

Walking in London is also a great option as most of the major attractions are located close to each other. However, London is a lot bigger than Paris and can be quite tiring, so make sure to plan your walking route ahead of time.

You can also use Uber or a black cab for shorter distances, but it’s usually more expensive than the Tube.

Where to stay in London – Best areas & Hotels

London is way cool and definitely deserves more than just a day trip. If you plan on staying overnight ( which you absolutely should ), there are a few areas I recommend checking out.

Central London is my favorite area and the best place to stay if it’s your first time in town. It’s home to some of the city’s main attractions like Buckingham Palace and The Shard, but also some of its coolest neighborhoods like Soho, Marylebone, and Covent Garden.

Hotels like St Pancras Renaissance Hotel , The Montcalm Royal London House-City of London , or The Langham are all great options for a luxurious stay in Central London.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out the East End neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Hackney, and Whitechapel. The area is full of cool bars and restaurants as well as some really nice budget hotels like Generator London or CitizenM London Shoreditch .

No matter where you decide to stay in London, make sure to book in advance as accommodations fill up quickly!

Search through over 1000 hotels and apartment rentals in London here 👇

Essential Travel Tips for London & the UK

Now that we’ve got transportation, activities, and accommodations sorted, it’s time to talk about a few last travel tips.

• Make sure to check the weather forecast before your trip – London weather can be unpredictable. And don’t forget to bring an umbrella! London is a very rainy city and you’ll want to be prepared.
• The currency in London is the British Pound (GBP). You can easily exchange your Euros at any bank or exchange office.
• Tipping is not a big part of the culture in the UK, so don’t feel obligated to tip unless you’re really impressed with someone’s service.
• London is a lot more expensive than Paris so budget accordingly!
• Carry cash with you in case your card doesn’t work in some places.
• Most public restrooms in London require a payment of £0.30 – you can use coins or a contactless card.
• Download Google Maps for offline navigation and make sure to turn on mobile data roaming before you arrive.
• The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. Drinking in public places is illegal so make sure to stick to bars and pubs.
• Don’t forget to bring your passport with you! Since the UK is no longer in the EU, you’ll have to present your passport at customs when crossing the border from France. This applies even if you’re only taking a day trip.

Thanks for reading!

And that’s it! Visiting London for one day on a day trip from Paris is totally doable.

Of course, there is much more to London than what can be done in just one day, but with careful planning and an itinerary like the one I suggested above it’s definitely worth it.

By the end of your day trip from Paris to London, you’ll have seen some of the most iconic sites in two of Europe’s most amazing cities!

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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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10D Switzerland and Paris

This was my itinerary for a 10-day family vacation in Switzerland and Paris.   Our Switzerland adventures  include visits to Berne , Montreux , Jungfrau , Interlaken , and Zermatt’s  Matterhorn . Our Paris adventures include visits to the Eiffel Tower , Louvre , Arc de Triomphe , Disneyland and more. Click on the links for more details.

Arrive in Zurich and take a train to Berne. After checking in to the hotel, stroll around the city of Berne .

Day 2: BERNE – ZERMATT

Depart Berne for Zermatt.  Spend the rest of the day eating and shopping in Zermatt .

Day 3: ZERMATT – INTERLAKEN

Head up to the Matterhorn in the morning before taking the train to Interlaken.

Day 4: INTERLAKEN – JUNGFRAU – INTERLAKEN

Take trains up Jungfrau Mountain and experience the “Top of the World” feeling and ice castle.

Day 5: INTERLAKEN – MONTREUX – INTERLAKEN

Take the Golden pass Panoramic train  to M ontreux and visit the Chillon castle .

Day 6: INTERLAKEN – MURREN – INTERLAKEN

Take trains up the mountain again and enjoy breathtaking sceneries in  Murren , and  Lauterbrunnen .

Day 7: INTERLAKEN – PARIS

Depart Switzerland early in the morning on a bullet train from Berne to Paris.  See the famous Eiffel tower .  In the evening, take a cruise  on river Seine followed by a Paris illumination tour .

Day 8: PARIS

Spend the day touring Paris, visiting famous sights like the  Notre Dame,  Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees.

Day 9: DISNEYLAND PARIS

Spend the day in Disneyland Paris .

Day 10: PARIS – HOME

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Planning for a family vacation to Switzerland and Paris

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27 Comments

While is Switzerland, which city you guys stayed (the night)? I am planning a trip and couldn’t decide if Bern is in the center or thinking of Lucerne?

I stayed in Berne for 1 night, then headed to Zermatt, and then base myself in Interlaken for the next couple of days. I would say that Interlaken and Lucerne make a good base to go around Switzerland.

How much did u spend on transfer and accomodation in Switzerland per pax? I am planning to spend 5 days in Swiss and 5 days in Paris.

Hi, sorry, I didn’t keep the details. I used the Swiss family pass, so kids under a certain age travel free on trains and boats.

Thank you, I am planning just 4 days in Switzerland, do you think taking Glacier express and Golden Pass are similar experiences or different? And I think I will buy the 4 days swiss pass, or do you think the half price works better.

The Glacier express and Golden Pass brings you to different places with different sceneries. Personally I like the sceneries on Glacier express better.

Saw a day u left Zermatt to Matterhorn before heading to interlaken. Wish to check how long u take up and down Matterhorn and to interlaken. Do you know how long will it take from Zurich airport to zermatt? Thanks!

Hi Elaine, I spent about 3 hours in total going up and down Matterhorn from Zermatt, and then another 2 hour 20 mins to get to Interlaken West. I reached Interlaken around 6-7pm. It takes around 3.5 hours to get from Zurich airport to Zermatt. I used http://www.sbb.com.ch/en to find out exact traveling time.

I have 10 days to travel (exclusive of flight days) and both my flights land/depart from Zurich. Any suggestions?

Hi there Arya, You could do the same trip as I did i.e. Switzerland and Paris, but you have to sacrifice one day to return back from Paris to Zurich. Alternatively, spend all your time in Switzerland. You can consider adding Lucerne and Mt Titlis in your itinerary. Hope you have fun.

Hi, on which time of the year did you travel? Thank you.

Hi Ainsyah, we went on our Switzerland and Paris trip in June. Even though it was close to summer, we experienced snowfall in Zermatt. It was beautiful!

We are looking for 5–7N Tour to Swiss & 3 N to paris We were planning for 2 N at Lucern for (Basically for Mt Titlis), 2 N at Interlaken and want to add 2 nights more. can you suggest ??

We may skip lucern if require…but tell me how will I visit Mt Tilis in that case.

Hi Anand, For the additional night, I would really recommend going to Zermatt. I love the town, and the scenic train ride there and up to the mountain. Going up to Mt Titlis is a good plan. Usually, visitors on a short trip will have time for one mountain i.e. either Mt Titlis or Jungfrau. Even if you skip Lucerne, you can still go to Mt Titlis from Interlaken. Lucerne is just one hour away from Interlaken. Hope you have fun in Switzerland.

Hi Anand, Not sure whether you have planned your trip for Swiss and Paris, is it possible for you to share the itinerary and other budget cost?

We planned to go to Switzerland from 21st Dec to 24th Dec…about 4 days 3 nights, with 2 kids n 1 infant, it is possible to travel day trip from bern to zermat?can you suggest a iternary for us?

Hi Ira, with 2 kids and an infant, I wouldn’t recommend doing a day trip from Bern to Zermatt. It will be an extremely long day and you have to rush throughout the day. It won’t be enjoyable and quite stressful because you have to watch the time so that you don’t miss your train back to Bern. What you can do is leave your big luggage in Bern, that is if you intend to return to Bern, stay one night in Zermatt, then return to Bern the next day. You will love Zermatt and exploring its town.

Hi, can i know your total budget including food and shopping.

Hi Pooja, unfortunately, I didn’t keep a record of my expenses for the Switzerland and Paris trip. What I have are some details of the tickets and hotels that we stayed on this post. https://www.adventureswithfamily.com/travel/planning/switzerland/ . Hope this helps.

Hi I want to travel Paris and Switzerland in November for 10 to 12 days . So can u give me idea for better planning to go through most of cities of both. And what will be the best plan to travel?

Hi, You can refer to my other post on Planning a trip to Switzerland and Paris for details.

Hi, Me and y friend wants to visit pairs and Switzerland. 7days trip we planned.So please let us know , what are the places will be good to visit in switzerland and in paris.what kind of transport and accommodation will be good.I stucked in finding transportation and accomadtion.please help me.

Hi, please refer to this link https://www.adventureswithfamily.com/travel/planning/switzerland/ for more details on transportation and hotels.

Hi, please send detailed itinerary for Switzerland Paris 10 days with the cost for 2 adult 1 child

Hi, You can refer to this link for more details https://www.adventureswithfamily.com/travel/planning/switzerland/

Hii i want to vist paris and Switzerland in 7day want suggestion on iternary please help.. I have cousin staying in paris so will be going to paris first..

Hi, You can use my 10 Day Switzerland and Paris itinerary but cut down 3 days. If you are not keen on Disneyland, then you could consider skipping that. You might also consider skipping Montreux or do a day trip to Zermatt instead of staying overnight.

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London, Paris, and Rome

London, Paris, and Rome: the perfect trifecta of magical European destinations. The trip begins in London, with a ride to the top of the London Eye to get some perspective before a dive into the local pubs or an excursion to catch sight of Big Ben. Tour Buckingham Palace, wander past the Parliament Building, or enjoy afternoon tea with the friendly locals. In Paris, pick up a baguette from a neighborhood boulangerie and head to Luxembourg Gardens for a picnic. Don’t forget to take the requisite picture of the Eiffel Tower before departing for the magnetic Eternal City. In Rome, tour the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought for glory, or visit the Vatican City to marvel at the breathtaking artwork of Michelangelo and Botticelli inside the Sistine Chapel. The opportunities are endless!

London Eye - Fast-Track Ticket

Eiffel Tower Dinner and Seine River Cruise

Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour

Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter's Basilica Tour

Itinerary Details

International Arrival

Private Transfer to Hotel

Included activities

DAY 1: Arrive in London

Meet the driver for an escort to the hotel. Oyster Cards have already been activated, so feel free to start exploring London via the Tube! This is the perfect day to ease into sightseeing with a trip to the London Eye.

LONDON OYSTER CARD

The Visitor Oyster Card is an electronic card that allows travelers to store credit for pay-as-you-go travel on transport for London services. The card automatically calculates the cheapest fare possible and stops deducting credit when a daily amount is reached. Travelers' £20 card can be topped-up with additional credit at Tube stations, Oyster Ticket Stops, and London Travel Information Centers. Travelers' Oyster cards have been pre-activated so they can start using it as soon as they arrive in London.

LONDON EYE FAST-TRACK

At 440 feet high, the London Eye is the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the capital and its famous landmarks. The gradual rotation in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules takes approximately 30 minutes and provides an ever-changing perspective of London. A trip to the top will lift visitors high enough to see up to 25 miles on a clear day. Fast-track tickets for the London Eye allow guests to bypass part of the queue and get their tickets just 15 minutes before their experience.

Explore the rustic British charm of the Cotswolds!

LUNCH IN THE COTSWOLDS

The Cotswolds are seemingly unchanged with the passage of time. Undulating hills, yellow limestone buildings, and tea shops perched along sparkling streams are just some the attractions unique to this extraordinary area. The full day tour begins in Burford, where the magnificent High Street holds every variety of Cotswold stone. Next is a visit to Bibury, described as the prettiest village in England. Lunch beckons with a fabulous two-course lunch in the Swan Hotel. This 17th-century coaching inn restaurant boasts a spectacular oak-beamed ceiling, a stone fireplace bearing witches marks, and fabulous traditional cuisine. After lunch, take a leisurely tour of Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water, followed by a visit to the village of Stow-on-the-Wold.

Embark on a Victoria Coach Station London tour and enjoy a full afternoon tea experience.

MAGIC OF LONDON INCLUDING AFTERNOON TEA

This tour will be the first group inside St Paul's Cathedral, so travelers can appreciate the experience without the crowds. On Sundays, when viewing is restricted, guests have the opportunity to sit in on a service. After a photo stop outside Westminster Abbey, view the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to availability). After lunch (not included), there will be a tour of the Tower of London, where visitors can see the Crown Jewels and the White Tower. Next, enjoy a boat cruise on the River Thames before heading to Harrods for an authentic English afternoon tea experience, complete with homemade scones with preserves and clotted cream, plus a glass of Harrods prosecco. The tour ends here, where guests are free to explore the world-famous department store on their own.

After Breakfast, Head to St. Pancras Train Station

Eurostar Ride from St. Pancras Train Station to Paris

Upon Arrival, Head to Hotel

DAY 4: Arrive in Paris

Head to St. Pancras Train Station for their Eurostar to Paris. Travelers can take in the splendor of the landscape as they enjoy their complimentary first-class meal delivered right to their seat. When they arrive in Paris, travelers should drop off their bags at their hotel before heading to the Big Bus Ticket Shop to pick up their 2-day Paris Pass. From here, spend the afternoon discovering the magic of the City of Light, then make sure to be dressed appropriately for an Eiffel Tower dinner and Seine River cruise.

2-DAY PARIS PASS

The Paris Pass allows travelers free or fast-track entry to over 60 museums, art galleries, monuments, and other attractions around the city. It is only valid for use on consecutive days.

EIFFEL TOWER DINNER AND SEINE RIVER CRUISE

At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, take the elevator to Le 58 Tour Eiffel. A reserved table will be waiting upon arrival! Guests will savor a delicious Parisian meal, which comes with a glass of wine and spectacular views of the city, before embarking on a one-hour cruise along the Seine. Pass beneath glowing bridges and discover the magic of the city when the sun goes down.

Start off the morning with a lesson in French baking at a Parisian boulangerie. Afterward, there will be a bit of time for lunch and independent exploration before heading to the meeting point for a guided tour of the Louvre. When the tour ends, the entire evening lies ahead! Use the Paris Pass for a visit to the Arc de Triomphe or discover the delectable history of chocolate with a stop at the Gourmet Chocolate Museum.

BAKING CLASS IN A FRENCH BAKERY IN PARIS

Travelers will be hard-pressed to find anything more French than baguettes and flaky croissants, and this cooking class reveals all the secrets needed to bake like the Parisians do. Master the art of shaping croissants and learn the tricks to achieving the baguette's soft interior and crispy golden crust!

GUIDED VISIT OF THE LOUVRE MUSEUM WITH PRIORITY ACCESS

The guided tour of the Louvre begins with a stroll through the commercial area outside the museum. Once inside, a guide will walk visitors through various exhibits, from the medieval fortresses to the modern pyramids - and, of course, masterpieces like da Vinci's "Mona Lisa."

This last day in France will be a long one. Head out bright and early to meet the motorcoach that will take travelers on an all-day tour of historic Mont Saint Michel.

MONT SAINT MICHEL TOUR BY MOTORCOACH

On this full-day tour, learn about the history of Normandy, passing along its sheer grass-covered cliffs and long, sandy beaches, before arriving at Mont Saint Michel. Encircled by the sea and linked to the mainland via a seawall, this western marvel is one of the most emblematic and recognizable communes in the world. For lunch travelers will be treated to a famous Mont Saint Michel omelet in a restaurant overlooking the island. Afterwards, head out for a guided tour of the Abbey. Built on a rocky islet, it was a great cultural center and a pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages. Wander through the gothic buildings, notably the cloister and the monks' refectory, that were built in succession over the centuries. There will be some free time to explore the steep paths and gaze out upon the bay before returning to Paris.

Transfer to Airport

Flight to Rome

DAY 7: Arrive in Rome

Meet the transfer representative in the hotel lobby for an escort to the airport for a flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, meet another transfer representative for transportation to the hotel. Enjoy free time the rest of the day to explore Rome! Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, savor a plate of spaghetti alla carbonara, or grab some gelato and people watch in bustling Piazza Navona.

The morning starts off with an informative guided walking tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. There will be time for a quick lunch (try a piece of the famous pizza bianca!) before meeting a guide for a tour of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter's Basilica. Explore at leisure the remainder of the afternoon and evening!

COLOSSEUM, ROMAN FORUM, AND PALATINE HILL MORNING WALKING TOUR

Enjoy a guided walk through some of the most important archaeological sites in the world. With a skip-the-line ticket in hand, breeze through the entrances and avoid the hassle and frustration of a long wait. Explore the largest amphitheater in the world and climb Palatine Hill for humbling views of Rome's ancient ruins. A walk along the Via Sacra will reveal the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Antonino and Faustina, and the Basilica of Julia and Aemilia.

SISTINE CHAPEL, VATICAN MUSEUMS, AND ST. PETER'S BASILICA ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE SMALL GROUP TOUR WITH SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRANCE AND GUIDE

Discover the history and exquisite artistry of these sites in one of the holiest places in Christendom. Enjoy a guided tour under the Sistine Chapel's vaulted ceiling, which holds such masterpieces as Michelangelo's "The Last Judgment" and frescoes by Raphael. Next up on the itinerary is priority entry to St. Peter's Basilica, where artifacts like St. Peter's Tomb, Michelangelo's "Pieta," and Bernini's altar have accumulated over the course of nearly 2,000 years.

Bring sunscreen and a sense of adventure for an all-day tour of the Isle of Capri and the otherworldly Blue Grotto!

CAPRI TOUR WITH THE BLUE GROTTO AND LUNCH

Sun and sea await in this stunning tour of Capri, one of the world's most beautiful islands. This Mediterranean treasure boasts colorful artisans' shops and luxury boutiques, not to mention astounding sea views. After exploring the island, hop aboard a wooden rowboat for a float through the glowing, ethereal Blue Grotto. Lunch is included.

Enjoy one final stroll through Rome's cobbled piazzas before meeting the transfer representative and heading to the airport for a flight home.

Transfer from Hotel to Airport

International Departure

• Accommodations: London 3 nights, Paris 3 nights, Rome 3 nights
• Breakfast daily except where noted otherwise
• Private Arrival Transfers
• London Oyster Card
• Lunch in the Cotswolds
• Magic of London Tour with Afternoon Tea
• 2-Day Paris Pass
• Baking Class in a French Bakery
• Guided Louvre Tour
• Mont Saint Michel Tour
• Capri Tour with Blue Grotto and Lunch
• Private departure transfers

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London & Paris with Kids – The Perfect Family Itinerary

A perfect family vacation starts with a well-thought-out plan.  Winging it is not the way to go no matter where you’re visiting.

Before planing a vacation anywhere spend a  little time researching your must-see places and activities that you don’t want to miss.  With those things in mind, it’s easy to pull together the perfect vacation itinerary for your family vacation.

This inspiring itinerary for London and Paris is a great start to pulling all of your plans together.  It’s perfect for adults and families alike, complete with luxury accommodations or something a little more budget-friendly if desired.

The Perfect London & Paris Vacation Itinerary for Families

Table of Contents

Spend your family vacation exploring London and Paris with ease.  On this inspiring itinerary, you’ll spend 11 days exploring two great European cities and connect the two with a short 3-hour ride on the chunnel.

No family travels the same way or has the same needs and desires. Each destination you’d like to visit can be customized to your wants and needs.  Below I’m sharing a sample inspiring itinerary to help you discover just how fantastic your next luxury family vacation can be!  Let’s dive in!

Arrive in London, England to explore all this family-friendly destination has to offer. 

• Enjoy lunch and explore the area onboard one of London’s famous double-decker buses before settling in for a delicious dinner and a great night’s sleep to kick off a week of discovering 2 truly magical countries!  

Welcome to the Tower of London where you’ll be greeted by one of the famous Beefeater guards. Also referred to as “Yeomen Warders,” the Beefeater guards were originally formed in 1485 by Henry VII.

• Enjoy a private viewing of the Royal Crown Jewels. Experience this early access, once-in-a-lifetime, private viewing of the Royal Crown Jewels at the Tower of London led by the Tower of London’s Jewel House Warden.

• Hop onboard a high-speed private boat ride on the River Thames.  Speed along the River Thames and see historical sites and iconic scenery on this special tour of Central London.
• For lunch don’t miss the opportunity to eat at a local British Pub

After lunch, enjoy Westminster Abbey, the beautiful cathedral that has been the site of coronations, royal weddings, and countless historical events.  This is a must for any lover of the Royal family.

• Take in this “Instagramable moment” and enjoy a walk from St. James Park to Buckingham Palace where you can snap a pic in front of the historic residence of England’s royal family. If you’re lucky you might even witness the royal guards on horseback at Whitehall.

Today you’ll travel to a beautiful estate located minutes from historic Windsor.

• Grab a bow and arrow and put your marksmanship to the test as you take in the idyllic pastoral setting.
• Enjoy lunch and experience the quaint town of Windsor. 

The Royal Borough of Windsor is home to the historic Windsor Castle—the Queen of England’s favorite weekend getaway—and is filled with excellent shops, boutiques, and pubs.

• Don’t miss Windsor Castle and see how Kings and Queens live as you walk the grounds of Windsor Castle, home to the British royal family since the 11th century.
• A local guide will accompany you to provide commentary on the history of the castle and its stunning grounds. Still used as a royal residence, Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world. 

Day Four:  

Wake up in London and fall asleep in Paris! 

Enjoy a delicious British breakfast and lunch before being whisked away to Paris.  Today you’ll board the Eurostar train bound for “The City of Light”—Paris!

• After arriving in Paris ascend to the top of Montmartre to explore this charming Parisian district that was once the epicenter of Bohemian life.
• Visit the Place du Tertre square, made famous during the Belle Époque era at the beginning of last century when great artists worked here in their studios, including Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Dali, and Van Gogh, among others.

Finally, it’s time for one of Paris’s infamous wine tastings at La Bonne Franquette.  Taste 3 spectacular wines followed up with a romantic Parisian dinner. 

Day Five:  

Day five is an adventure-filled day in Paris. 

• Enjoy lunch on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower while enjoying an unforgettable 360-degree panoramic view.
• After lunch, take the 341 steps to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower.
• Next, you will discover the rich history of chocolate complete with an interactive demonstration by a professional chocolatier, and try your hand at creating your own chocolate!

The City of Light is at your disposal to explore. Work up an appetite and find a new favorite restaurant to complete the perfect Paris day. 

Today you’ll visit the Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame, and the Louvre Museum.   Add dream-worthy destinations packed with experiences your kids will remember for a lifetime.

• Explore this Gothic-style chapel built during the second half of the 13th century for King Louis IX before viewing the Notre Dame Cathedral.  
• Pose for a keepsake photo in front of historic Notre Dame Cathedral.  Another “Instagramable moment” when you snap the family picture with this iconic building in the background.
• Wander the quaint cobblestone streets of the historic Latin Quarter enjoying coffee and lunch along the way. 
• In the afternoon visit the Louvre Museum and discover the vast collection of artistic treasures housed in this illustrious museum.  A private guide and art expert is the perfect way to see the world’s greatest masterpieces, including Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Visiting Paris wouldn’t be complete without dinner on the Seine.  A personal favorite dining option.  Everything tastes better while on a river cruise.

Includes a privately guided tour of the Château de Versailles.  

Travel to Versailles to see how King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette lived in extravagant luxury before the French Revolution. With a private guide, tour the royal apartments and explore the grandeur of this fairy tale palace that dazzles your senses with its gilt ceilings, crystal chandeliers, ornate furniture, and famous Hall of Mirrors.

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Flottille, overlooking the Grand Canal in the parc of Versailles. This casual restaurant lies in the heart of the dramatic Formal Gardens, with its famous fountains of Neptune and Apollo.
• Lunch is followed by a casual bike ride in the Gardens of Versailles.
• Hop on your bicycle and explore the winding paths of the palace’s immense estate. Discover sweeping vistas, twinkling fountains, elaborate hedges, and trees pruned into immaculate sculptures.

Enjoy your last evening in Paris at a local Parisian restaurant before departing for Disneyland Paris in the morning. 

Day Eight to Eleven:

Disneyland Paris!  A MUST for all Disney lovers!

Enjoy one of Disneyland Paris luxury resorts

• The majestic, Victorian-inspired Disneyland Hotel
• Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, a modern Marvel superhero art gallery in the form of a hotel
• The 1900s coastal mansion-style of Disney’s Newport Bay Club.

All 3 Resort hotels are just a short stroll from the gates of Disneyland Paris.

Spend your days enjoying all that Disneyland Paris has to offer with admission to both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, VIP FASTPASS for the length of your stay that reduces your wait time so you can squeeze as much magic as possible into your stay.

Are London and Paris on your travel bucket list?  We’d love to help get you there!

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15-Day London, Paris, Rome Itinerary

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

When my mom and sister revealed their zealous plans for their 15-day London, Paris, Rome Itinerary, I was curious how they planned their European trip (and, to be honest, I was skeptical that they would be able to pull it off). Creating a 15 Days in Europe Itinerary to these top three cities is no easy feat. 

Although we have visited all three destinations over multiple trips, we have never been to all three in a short two weeks. Intrigued by their ambitiously planned London, Paris, Rome tour, I wanted to know exactly how they devised their route and the details of their day-by-day itinerary. 

Why Plan a London, Paris Rome Trip? 

A London, Paris, Rome vacation is a bucket list trip. These cities rank as top worldwide destinations – alongside places like New York City , San Francisco and Bangkok . The difference is that London, Paris and Rome are relatively close together, which allows travelers to see all three in a short amount of time…but only with a solid trip plan. 

Unlike me, who wants to travel to eternity, my family approached their trip as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit these cities. It would be Tracy’s (my sister) first trip to Europe and Dianne’s (my mom) second trip (although, it would be her first time to London and Rome). They packed their 15-Day London, Paris, Rome Itinerary to the brim…and then heaped on a bit more for good measure.

How To Plan a Trip from London to Paris to Rome

I was fascinated, not only by the sightseeing they were able to accomplish with their 15-day London, Paris, Rome Itinerary, but also by how efficiently they were able to do so. For the first-time traveler to Europe or for the traveler who only anticipates ever going once, it’s an ideal itinerary that succinctly hits all the major sights and then some.

Breaking from our typical style of travel tips, we are presenting a Q&A regarding their diligent planning and execution of their trip abroad. Because they had detailed documentation, they are sharing their pre-trip preparation, experiences abroad, post-trip thoughts and a detailed account of their 15-Day London, Paris, Rome Itinerary Day-by-Day (including links!).

Fellow travelers planning self guided tours of London, Paris, Rome can use the tips from their experience to help plan their own perfect European trip. We also recommend using Travel Planning Printables to help you stay organized and reading our guide to plan your European Vacation !

Are There London, Paris, Rome Tours?

Absolutely! While it is possible to plan your own 2-Week London, Paris, Rome vacation (and my family is proof!), it does take an enormous amount of time and effort to create a seamless trip plan. 

Travelers can opt to tour London, Paris, Rome with a professional sightseeing tour group. The London, Paris, Italy vacation packages are planned by professionals – so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the sights! 

Young travelers – aged 18-35 – can start by searching Contiki . The company specializes in travel for young adults and offers fun and affordable London, Paris, Rome tour packages. 

Travelers of any age can find a Rome, London Paris vacation package with a reliable company – like Trafalgar Tours . 

Before scoffing at a tour for being too expensive, we recommend pricing out the London, Paris, Rome vacation packages versus the cost of planning your own 15 Days Europe Tour Itinerary to see the cost difference. 

If you do decide to plan your Rome, Paris, London trip on your own, read on for detailed trip planning tips! 

London, Paris, Rome Itinerary: Pre-Trip Preparation

Pre-trip preparation is key to planning a trip to London, Paris and Italy – and they shared some of the steps they took to ensure their trip went off without a hitch.

How did you decide where to go and how much time to spend in each place?

Our European vacation was nearly three years in the making. A year and a half prior to the trip, we started checking out travel books from the library. Tracy read them cover-to-cover. Eight months out, we began researching flights. Five months prior to departure, we were booking accommodations.

We discussed our itinerary at length. We were constrained by Tracy’s limited time off work, but were determined to fit as much as we possibly could into our trip. We focused on the must-see cities and their best-known sights.

We originally created a London, Paris Italy Itinerary that included Florence and Venice. However, in the planning stages, we felt the time we would have to spend actually traveling between the cities was too much. We settled on Europe’s Big Three: London, Paris and Rome – with five nights in each city.

What luggage did you carry? Were you happy with what you packed?

We debated whether a backpack or suitcase would be better to tour London, Paris, Rome. Although I have traveled through Europe with a backpack before, we decided to use roller suitcases for this trip. We each had one large checked roller bag and a carry-on backpack. Our carry-on backpacks served as a daypack as we explored the cities.

We knew our 15-Day London, Paris, Rome Itinerary was ambitious and wanted to make sure we were as prepared as possible, so we ended up bringing things that we didn’t use. In our packing list , we packed too many shirts and warmer clothes (as we traveled in the autumn) and a lot of just-in-case medications. However, we are still glad we had them with us and wouldn’t have left anything behind.

Did you buy or use any specific travel gadgets or guides?

We purchased adapters and a converter. The adapters were essential, but the converter did not work properly and it turned out we didn’t really need one.

We always used our money belts and bra stashes and were glad we purchased them for our trip. Since we are not seasoned travelers, it made us feel more safe to have our money and important documents with us at all times and concealed beneath our clothing.

The guide book we used was Rick Steves’ Best of Europe . We tore out and carried only the information we needed for the cities we were visiting.

Of the entire trip, what were you most looking forward to?

We were really intent on checking off all the sights on our list. It might end up being my (Dianne’s) last trip and Tracy’s only trip to Europe. We didn’t want to miss a single sight that appealed to us.

London, Paris, Rome: Experiences By City

Travelers who plan a 2-Week London, Paris, Rome Itinerary will want to consider what they want to experience in each city. 

What London sights did you see?

The British Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London, The Monument, Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, Thames River Cruise, Greenwich (Royal Observatory and Maritime Museum), Big Ben, Westminster Bridge, London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament (and viewed sessions), 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Covent Garden, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park (including the Princess Diana Memorial), Wellington Arch, Westminster Cathedral and the National Library.

We did not see the Natural History Museum or walk Abbey Road. We could not Visit The Sky Garden because, while it is free to enter, prior reservations are required and we hadn’t made them.

What was the food like in London?

We ate a variety of food in London , from high tea to street food. We most enjoyed the food in Chinatown. Our high tea experience (which included sandwiches, sweets and a prosecco finish) was one of our most memorable dining experiences.

Where did you stay in London?

We stayed at the European Hotel for its close proximity to King’s Cross Station (which provided access to the entire city and even the Chunnel to Paris). The hotel offered a complimentary traditional English breakfast that included a lot of protein, which was a nice way to start the day. The rooms were much smaller than we had anticipated…and the bathroom was shockingly small, but sufficient. Also, the electricity and wifi were sometimes unreliable.

Any other recommendations for London?

The best way to see a lot of the city in an economical way is to purchase a weekly National Train paper pass. It allows visitors to use 2-for-1 vouchers for all the major sights – as well as transportation on the Tube and buses.

What were your highlights of London?

The Tower of London (with the Beefeater’s Tour), Kensington Palace and high tea.

Find more tips for sightseeing in our complete London Itinerary !

Paris, France

What sights did you see in Paris?

Musee du Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Musee d’Orsay, Musee de l’Orangerie, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles Chateau and Gardens (including the Grand and Petit Trianons of Marie-Antoinette’s Estate), Moulin Rouge (including a show), Notre Dame Cathedral and Tower, Sainte Chapelle, Conciergerie, The Latin Quarter, The Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, St. Sulpice Church, Seine River Tour, Trocadero Gardens, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Parc du Champs de Mars, Hotel des Invalides (Tomb of Napoleon), Musee Rodin, Montmartre, Sacre-Coeur, Pigalle (red light district) and Saint-Martin Canal.

What was the food like in Paris?

We ate quick food on-the-go a lot in Paris. Our favorite place to grab breakfast and lunch was at Paul, a bakery which has multiple locations. We had street crepes a few times and especially liked the Nutella crepes at Montmartre.

The Saint-Martin Canal neighborhood offered a wide variety of quaint cafes and restaurants. Our two favorite meals in the area were a savory buckwheat crepe at Lulu’s Creperies and a wild boar and chestnut stew at La Patache.

Where did you stay in Paris?

We stayed in a charming flat in an old building on the Saint-Martin Canal, which we found through Airbnb . It was nice to have the extra space and a washer/dryer (as we needed to do laundry by then!). It was well-situated in a residential neighborhood, but close to Gare de l’Est where we could access the Metro.

Any other recommendations for Paris?

We highly recommend the Paris Museum Pass (not to be confused with the Paris Pass). It offers entry into all the major sights in and around Paris at a reasonable cost. With the pass, we could enter certain sights to see just the highlights and not feel like we had to stay to get our money’s worth.

The best value for transportation around Paris is the weekly (calendar week only Monday through Sunday) Navigo Pass, which was good for the Metro, buses and trains (even the train to Versailles and the airport!).

What were your highlights of Paris?

Sainte Chappelle, Conciergerie, Musee Rodin, and the Tower of Notre Dame.

Read about our tips for sightseeing in this Paris Itinerary !

Rome, Italy

What sights did you see in Rome?

Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese Gardens, Villa Medici, Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Victor Emmanuel and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica and Square, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. John Lateran, Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), Capitoline Museum, Bocca della Verita, Trastevere neighborhood, Piazza Santa Maria, Basilica di Santa Maria, Tiber Island, the Old Jewish neighborhood, Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona.

We did not make it to Ostia Antica nor Ostia di Lido (the beach on the Mediterranean).

What was the food like in Rome?

Hello Gelato! We ate gelato every day, because when in Rome… We also ate a lot of pizza, both at sidewalk cafes and where they scissor-cut the slices and sell them by weight.

Our best meal was at a little family-run restaurant in the Trastevere neighborhood. The chef used family recipes that had been handed-down through several generations.

Where did you stay in Rome?

We stayed in a small B&B in a very safe neighborhood, Salario, on the north side of the city. It was recently renovated and spacious. However, due to our delayed flight and unclear directions to the B&B, our late arrival (after midnight) resulted in a deplorable welcome from the host. Unfortunately, encounters like that are carried throughout the rest of the stay and sadly gave us a negative impression of Romans in general.

Any other recommendations for Rome?

What we would NOT recommend is the OMNIA Pass. We thought it would speed up our sightseeing by eliminating standing in long lines, but it never worked out that way. It was expensive ($109), included things we didn’t use and although it promised front-of-line entry, required longer waiting times than those with regular entry tickets.

Alternatively, we could have purchased the combo pass to the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill (Cost: $13.50) from the shortest ticket lines at the Palatine Hill entrance on Via di San Gregorio and then we could skip the ticket line at the Colosseum.

In addition, we could have bought our ticket to the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, online (Cost: $22) and skipped the lines there, too. (The OMNIA Pass could possibly be to an advantage in the high season, though).

What were your highlights of Rome?

St. Peter’s Basilica and the many ruins throughout the city, although the most impressive were those at the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. We really enjoyed the time we spent walking through the Rome neighborhoods and piazzas.

Find more tips for sightseeing in our Rome Itinerary !

European Trip Thoughts

Before planning your London, Paris, Rome tour, these are a few things you might want to consider. 

How much did you spend on your European Trip? Did you have a budget? Did you stick to it?

The total cost of our trip was $2550 each, just $50 more than we had budgeted. That amount includes everything we spent during our vacation – the flight and all transportation abroad, accommodations, food, drink, tours, passes, entertainment, souvenirs…everything!

We researched and carefully determined how to do our trip on a budget without missing any of the sights we wanted to see. For hardcore sightseers, like us, we found the city passes to the sights and public transportation passes to be quite beneficial financially.

We also were able to find entertainment deals on major websites (like Viator  and Get Your Guide ). We weren’t on a mission to spend as little as possible, but we were budget conscious and feel that the price we paid was well-worth the trip.

It should be noted that we found majorly discounted airline tickets from Toronto rather than from our home city in the United States. Therefore, we tacked on a mini-vacation to Canada on each end of our European trip, which is also included in the total cost of the trip (which, all-inclusive, was still less than if we had paid the more expensive airfare from our home city).

What about your European Trip exceeded your expectations?

We were pleasantly surprised that everything went pretty much according to plan, but perhaps that is because we were so diligent in our planning. The specific sights that exceeded our expectations (although, not necessarily top-of-the-list things to do) are:

London – The British Library, the National Gallery, House of Commons session, afternoon tea

Paris – Sainte Chapelle, Musee Rodin, Conciergerie

Rome – Palatine Hill, Capitoline Museum

What were your biggest disappointments on your European Trip?

London – Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. We spent too much time there and even though we arrived an hour and half before the event, we were unable to get close enough to really see. While standing in the sea of people, we felt like prime targets for pickpockets!

Paris – The interior of Versailles Chateau. It was over-crowded with a lot of people elbowing their way through. The rooms everyone was pushing to see were pretty, but not all that impressive to us for the hassle involved in seeing them. However, the Mesdames section, the gardens and the Trianons were worth seeing.

Rome – The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. After spending several hours in the Vatican Museum, we were underwhelmed by the time we got to the Sistine Chapel. The small area was packed and a booming voice coming from speakers reminded guests that pictures were not allowed (although many blatantly disregarded the message and took photos anyway, which we thought was quite rude). We were expecting to be wowed, but instead felt like cattle being corralled. It wasn’t the experience we were anticipating.

What did you find difficult about traveling in Europe?

The language barrier in Paris and Rome made communication in those cities trying, especially as we were there for such a short time and had a full itinerary planned.

Rome was also an extremely difficult city to get around in using public transportation. The buses were always crowded and the Metro stations were few and far between. It would have been better if we had stayed closer to the sights or near a Metro station.

What was easier than you thought it would be?

The lines to get into the sights were not as long as we had anticipated. Of course, it helped that we were traveling in the shoulder season (mid-October).

What would you have done differently on your Trip To Europe?

We would have planned our travel between cities for early morning as it would have made getting acquainted with the new city much easier. More specifically, we would not again plan to arrive to a city after dark.

Also, it would have been extremely beneficial to have been able to use our mobile phones. We should have purchased an international data plan or purchased a WiFi pocket device for our time abroad so that we could have used them when we really needed to.

Additionally, we wish we had planned more time to simply walk the neighborhoods, relax in the parks and piazzas and enjoy people-watching from the cafes.

15-Day London, Paris, Rome Itinerary Day-by-Day

Prices indicated are in U.S. dollars and were accurate at time of trip; entry fees and tickets indicate the cost per person, accommodations indicate the total cost of the lodging. If cost is not listed, it is a public, outdoor space or a sight viewed only from the outside.

Day 1 – Arrive in London

Arrive in London mid-morning.

• Purchase public transportation passes ( National Rail Paper Tickets , weekly pass, $46, passport picture required – 2-for-1 vouchers printed prior to travel) and check in to the European Hotel ($620 for 5 nights)
• Late Lunch on the go
• The British Museum ( Free )– Highlights: Rosetta Stone, mummies, pill display
• St. Paul’s Cathedral ( Entry Fee: $26, used 2-for-1 pass| Time: 3-4 hours ) – Highlights: whispering wall on balcony, tower, Princess Diana’s wedding, Florence Nightingale
• Lunch on the go
• Tower of London ( Entry Fee: $35.25, used 2-for-1 pass | Time: 3 hours ) – Highlights: crown jewels, torture chamber
• The Monument to the Great Fire of London 1666 ( did not enter )
• Self Guided London Pub Crawl and Dinner 
• Shakespeare Globe ( did not enter, Entry Fee: $19.50 ). 

Day 3 

• Changing of the Guard ( Free ) – Tip: Arrive by 10 a.m., expect crowds
• Thames River Walk (especially lively during summer and over Christmastime in London !)
• Cruise with City Cruises from Westminster to Greenwich ( Ticket: $23 roundtrip, used 2-for-1 pass )
• Lunch: Street vendors on Greenwich Dock
• Royal Observatory and Astronomy Center ( only entered the free portion )
• National Maritime Museum ( Free )
• Return cruise to Westminster
• Big Ben and walking tour of Westminster sights
• Walk Westminster Bridge
• London Eye ( Entry Fee: $31, used 2-for-1 pass )
• Piccadilly Circus
• Dinner: Lido Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown (crispy seaweed and crispy duck)

Day 4 

• Westminster Abbey ( Entry Fee: $29 regular, senior discount $24.50 | Time: 1-2 hours )
• Tower Bridge ( Entry Fee: $13, used 2-for-1 pass )
• Potters Fields Park
• Houses of Parliament ( in-session, Free ) – Highlights: House of Lords ornate room, quite entertaining session in House of Commons
• Number 10 Downing Street
• Trafalgar Square
• National Gallery ( Free, accepts donations ) – Highlights: Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh
• Covent Garden
• Dinner: Nags Head Pub (beef pie and chicken pie)
• Royal Opera House ( did not enter )
• Kensington Palace ( Entry Fee: $25.25, used 2-for-1 pass | Time: 1-1.5 hours ) – Highlights: Stories of royal family – especially Queen Victoria, king’s and queen’s apartments, fashions of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana
• Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens – Highlight: Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
• High Tea with prosecco finish  ( Cost: $120 | Time: 3 hours )
• Wellington Arch ( did not enter, but walked under arch – which, at one time, only royalty could do! )
• Westminster Cathedral ( Free )
• The British Library (also known as National Library) ( Free ) – Highlights: Magna Carta, bibles, Beatles, sheet music of Bach, Beethoven, Handel
• Dinner on the go

Day 6 – Travel from London to Paris

Mid-morning Chunnel to Paris ($60); arrive mid-afternoon, purchase public transportation pass ( Navigo Decouverte weekly pass : $29, includes activation fee, 3cm x 2.5cm passport-type photo required), purchase Paris Museum Pass (4-day pass, $90) and check into Airbnb apartment ($462 for 5 nights) in the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood.

• Walk the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood
• Dinner: Lulu la nantaise – Creperie (buckwheat crepes)
• Musee du Louvre ( Entry to the Louvre Museum included with Paris Museum Pass ) – Highlights: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Napoleon’s Apartments
• Tuileries Garden
• Walk  Pont des Arts Bridge (also known as Love Locks Bridge)
• Musee d’Orsay ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass ) – Highlights: Impressionists
• Musee de l’Orangerie ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass ) – Highlights: Monet murals
• Place de la Concorde
• Grand Palais ( did not enter )
• Walk the length of Champs-Elysees (eat crepes along the way!)
• Arc de Triomphe ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass )
• Dinner: La Patache in the Canal Saint-Martin area (bison stew and wild boar stew)
• Palace of Versailles ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass ) and Gardens  ( Free ) – Highlights: chapel, hall of mirrors, Mesdames quarters
• Lunch in the gardens (baguettes from a vendor)
• Marie-Antoinette Estate  and Grand Trianon ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass )
• Dinner on the go: Paul Bakery at Gare de l’Est
• Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne ( Ticket: $127 ) – Highlights: comedy skits, stunts, dancing
• Notre Dame Cathedral ( Free )
• Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie  ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass )
• Walk The Latin Quarter (on a guided tour or self guided walk )
• The Pantheon ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass )
• Luxembourg Gardens
• St. Sulpice Church ( Free )
• Boat trip on River Seine with  Vedettes du Pont Neuf (Ticket : $16 ) Tip: food in waiting area for the boat not recommended, poor tour guide, but lovely night cruise
• Tower of Notre Dame Cathedral ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass | Time: 1.5 hours ) – Highlights: gargoyles, bell tower
• Trocadero Gardens
• Food on the go
• Eiffel Tower ( did not climb )
• Parc du Champs de Mars
• Musee de l’Armee (also known as Hotel des Invalides) ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass ) – Highlights: Tomb of Napoleon and Napoleon’s horse
• Musee Rodin ( Entry included with Paris Museum Pass ) – Highlights: The Thinker, Gates of Hell
• Walk Montmartre neighborhood
• Sacre-Coeur ( Free ) – Highlights: St. Peter’s side chapel
• Pigalle  (also known as the Red Light District)
• Dinner: La Patache

Day 11 – Travel from Paris to Rome

• Say au revoir to Paris with a walk along the Canal Saint-Martin – Highlights: boats traveling through the locks
• Train to airport; flight to Rome ($79); check in to B&B Espresso ($343 for 5 nights) in the Salario neighborhood.
• Walk the Salario neighborhood
• Metro to Vatican  to obtain OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card ($109)
• Piazza del Popolo
• Villa Borghese Gardens ($50)– Highlights: view from Villa Medici
• Dinner at a sidewalk cafe for pizza
• Circus Maximus
• Palatine Hill ( Entry included with the OMNIA Pass ) – Highlights: many interesting ruins and history
• Roman Forum ( Entry included with the OMNIA Pass ) – Highlights: Rome’s oldest road, the place where Caesar was killed, Temple of Vesta
• Colosseum ( Entry included with the OMNIA Pass ) – Highlight: standing inside the Colosseum
• Arch of Constantine
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus from Colosseum to Piazza Venezia ( Included with the OMNIA Pass )
• Victor Emmanuel Monument (also known as Altare della Patria) and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ( did not enter )
• Lunch (and gelato!) on the go
• Ruins at Largo Argentina
• Pantheon  ( Free )
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• St. Peter’s Basilica ( Free, audio guide included with the OMNIA Pass, did not climb the cupola ) – Highlights: high altar, hidden relics, La Pieta
• St. Peter’s Square – Highlights: 140 statues of saints that line the square
• Vatican Museums ( Entry included with the OMNIA Pass ) – Highlights: Egyptian artifacts, art by the masters
• Sistine Chapel – ( Entry included with the OMNIA Pass )
• Lunch at a sidewalk café
• St. John Lateran Church (San Giovanni in Laterano) ( Free, cloister admission included with OMNIA Pass ) – Highlights: Bishop Seat of Rome presided over by the Pope, cloister garden
• Holy Stairs (also known as Scala Sancta) ( Free ) – Highlights: climbing the same stairs (relocated from Jerusalem) that Jesus climbed (on our knees)
• Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli ( Free ) – Highlights: Ornate interior
• Capitoline Museums ( Entry included with the OMNIA Pass ) – Highlights: She-Wolf with Romulus and Remus, Marcus Aurelius, The Fortune Teller, Capitoline Venus, The Dying Gaul, Bust of Medusa, view of the Forum
• Capitoline Hill – Highlights: mayor’s office, drinking fountain, Michelangelo’s steps
• Bocca della Verita ( Free, but long line )
• Walk the Trastevere neighborhood
• Lunch: Polpetta (traditional Italian dishes)
• Fontana dell’Acqua Paola
• Fountain in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere
• Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere ( Free )
• Tiber Island
• Gelato on the go
• Walk the Jewish neighborhood
• Campo dei Fiori
• Piazza Navona
• Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
• Dinner on the go: Pizza by weight!

Day 16 

Bus to Airport, Flight to back to the USA!

Top Tips For Your London, Paris, Rome Trip

Planning a 15 Day Europe Itinerary to London, Paris and Rome is not an easy task. Although we have outlined a detailed trip plan, we have a few more tips that will help make planning your trip to Europe just a little bit easier. 

City Sightseeing Passes

City sightseeing passes can offer substantial savings for travelers who want to visit the top ticketed attractions. London, Paris and Rome all offer a variety of sightseeing pass options (and some are better than others).

London Sightseeing Passes

The National Rail 2-for-1 vouchers are a fabulous way to see London sights on a budget …unless you are traveling solo (or with an odd number of people) and not using public transportation. The London Pass is another city pass that might save you money.

In lieu of using public transportation, consider getting around London using Big Bus Tours , which makes stops at all the top London attractions. 

Paris Museum Pass

We highly recommend buying the Paris Museum Pass while sightseeing in Paris , as we think it is well worth the money and added bonus of skipping the line. 

Alternatively, look at the Paris Pass , which includes the Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and free public transportation, and might provide savings for your Paris trip . 

Rome Sightseeing Tips

We have yet to find a Rome sightseeing pass that we can recommend, as they don’t seem to offer the convenience and savings promised. Instead of spending money on a pass like OMNIA , organize your Rome sightseeing on your own.

Use the money you saved from buying a city pass and join a guided tour of the sights that are of most interest to you, like St. Peter’s Basilica , the  Vatican Museum , or the Colosseum . To get around the city, use the Rome Big Bus , public transportation or walk. 

As stated before, save time and money by purchasing the combo pass to the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill (Cost: $13.50) from the shortest ticket lines at the Palatine Hill entrance on Via di San Gregorio and then use your combo ticket to skip the ticket line at the Colosseum. Additionally, buy your ticket to the Vatican Museums , including the Sistine Chapel, online and skip the lines there, too.

Where To Stay in Europe

Choosing the type of accommodations and where to stay for a 2-week, multicity European trip can feel overwhelming. With 5 days in each city, travelers can opt to stay in a hotel, but a short-term apartment might be a better option. 

The main factors to consider when making your decision are location, cost, ease of check in, cleanliness and comfort. For any short stay in a city, location is key. It is optimal to be either in the city center or close to a public transit line. 

Airbnb in Europe

In general, we have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive than hotel rooms – but that is not always true with short stays where fees can add up in a hurry. However, it may be worth it for the added benefit of a kitchen and, usually, more space. Airbnb is our go-to site for finding the best Europe holiday apartments.

Europe Hotels

That said, we would not discount staying in hotels. At most hotels in Europe, the front desk staff speaks English and – with long days of sightseeing – a kitchen may not be necessary. When looking for hotels in London , Paris and Rome , we always start our search on Booking.com . Budget travelers can search for Hostels in London , Paris and Rome .

Pro Tip: Before you get started, read our top tips for Booking the Best Hotels .

Getting To Europe

All three cities – London, Paris, Rome – are easily accessible via plane, train, bus or car. 

Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSetting Fools, after all!) and when we do need to purchase plane tickets, we start our search for the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner .

Pro Tip: Read all our Tips for Cheaper Airfare .

Getting Around Europe

To get from city to city when flights are not possible, we usually rely on public transportation and take trains or buses. In Europe, we use Rail Europe to find train tickets and our preferred bus company is FlixBus – as it is economical, clean and comfortable (sometimes with on-board wifi, seat-back entertainment, refreshments and a toilet).

Renting a Car in Europe

For this Rome, Paris, London Itinerary, it is not necessary to rent a car. In fact, when bouncing between any big cities in Europe, it is best to use public transit. However, for travelers interested in seeing sights outside the city center,  renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people).

Top Tip: We share tips for getting the Best Car Rental here . 

Before You Go To Europe: What You Will Need

We have a few final tips on what you will need for your London, Paris and Rome trip! You can find our Packing Hacks and other advice on our dedicated Travel Packing blog page. 

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Anyone planning a 2-Week Trip to London, Paris and Rome will need a good pair of walking shoes to most comfortably see the sights. The best travel shoes are lightweight and comfortable. I like wearing versatile sneakers , while Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes . 

Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip. Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual travel camera for higher quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos and is a great budget camera for beginners!) – and use an everyday 18-135mm lens .  

Maps and Guidebooks

It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign city! Make sure to have a good city map for London , Paris and Rome . Additionally, some travelers (like my mom and sister) like to use a trusted guidebook – like Rick Steves’ Europe .

European Trip Insurance

Travel insurance may cover lost luggage and trip delays, as well as illness or injured abroad . If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip to Europe, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Looking for more travel planning tips? Check out our detailed Guide to Planning a European Vacation and then head over to our Travel Planning page for our complete packing tips and other travel resources !

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10 Best Cities For Solo Backpackers In Western Europe

T ravelers planning a backpacking trip through Western Europe this year will be pleasantly surprised to learn how many cities cater to solo travelers. With cheap hostels that offer community events, theme nights, and group tours, there are lots of opportunities to meet like-minded globetrotters in these beautiful cities across the continent.

Find out where solo jet-setters can expect to have the most enriching, exciting, and comfortable experiences in Western Europe.

London, England

London is one of the easiest cities in Western Europe for first-time solo travelers to navigate, primarily because there is no language barrier here for English speakers.

This means that getting around is a breeze. London is also extremely well-connected to other major backpacking destinations like Paris and Amsterdam.

• Best Month To Visit: May or September
• Who It’s Best For: First-time Solo Travelers
• Top Attraction: Tower Bridge

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a little bit more isolated from other popular cities in Western Europe (it’s often easiest to fly here rather than take a train) but for travelers prioritizing their budget, this is a great choice.

Lisbon is more affordable than many other cities in Western Europe, so solo travelers can splurge a little more on great food and accommodation without breaking the bank.

• Best Month To Visit: March to May or September to October
• Who It’s Best For: Budget travelers
• Top Attraction: Belém Tower

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a backpacker's paradise with tons of hostels to choose from, bicycle tours and walking tours of the city, and easy day trips to other parts of the Netherlands.

Travelers who want to meet other solo backpackers in Europe can be certain they’ll make connections in Amsterdam because so many people stop here on their adventures across the continent.

• Best Month To Visit: March to April
• Who It’s Best For: Travelers seeking community
• Top Attraction: Rijksmuseum

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich has a reputation for being expensive, but the Swiss city is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who have the extra funds to stay there.

Surrounded by gorgeous scenery, attractions nearby like Rhine Falls are bucket-list-worthy stops on a Western Europe backpacking adventure.

• Best Month To Visit: June to August
• Who It’s Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts
• Top Attraction: Rhine Falls

Rather than eating at restaurants in Zurich, stay on budget by doing a grocery shopping trip upon arrival. Hostels often have kitchen spaces where travelers can store their food and cook their own meals to save money.

Venice, Italy

Venice operates at a slower pace than many major cities in Western Europe, but for some travelers, this makes it more desirable.

Meandering through the pedestrian streets of Venice and dining alongside the canals is a dreamy experience. Venice can be explored easily in a day or two, but be sure to book a tour to Murano and colorful Burano , nearby.

• Who It’s Best For: Travelers who prefer a slower pace
• Top Attraction: St. Mark’s Square

Save money in Venice by eating and booking hotels far away from tourist areas like St. Mark’s Square. The best area to stay in on a budget is Dorsoduro .

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a convenient stop on an overland route from Western Europe to Eastern Europe. Be sure to spend at least a night or two exploring Vienna and enjoying the incredible cuisine, architecture, and culture.

Vienna is a fantastic city, especially for solo female travelers, to explore because of its low crime rate .

• Best Month To Visit: September or October
• Who It’s Best For: Solo female travelers
• Top Attraction: Schönbrunn Palace

Munich, Germany

Munich is perhaps best known for being the host city of the famous German festival called Oktoberfest. Naturally, Oktoberfest is the best time of the year to visit the city.

The event typically takes place in late September to early October and offers a fun experience for all.

• Best Month To Visit: September to October
• Who It’s Best For: Beer lovers
• Top Attraction: Nymphenburg Palace

Paris, France

Visiting Paris is a rite of passage for backpackers exploring Western Europe. The City of Love has many well-known attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to admire.

But there are also many hidden gems in Paris from the Catacombs to lesser-known cafés.

• Who It’s Best For: Art lovers
• Top Attraction: The Eiffel Tower

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is an ideal city for solo travelers to explore when they’re on a budget but still want access to great beaches and food.

The food scene in Spain and specifically Barcelona is lively, and tapas bars are open late into the night, contributing to the fun social scene in the city as well.

• Who It’s Best For: Foodies
• Top Attraction: La Sagrada Família

Brussels, Belgium

Belgium doesn’t get as much attention as the Netherlands and France (its neighbors) but it has its own distinct charm, and that is evident when visiting Brussels.

The quaint buildings, cobblestone streets, and easy access to other European cities make Brussels a convenient stop on a backpacking adventure.

• Best Month To Visit: March to May
• Who It’s Best For: Travelers on a Europe rail trip
• Top Attraction: Grote Markt (Central Square)

Be sure to take a Belgian chocolate-making class and try seafood from Moules Frites.

No matter which Western European country solo backpackers choose to visit, there is an adventure to be had.