Planning A Trip to London and Paris: Details, Itinerary, + Videos

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here.
London and Paris. Two of Europe’s mighty metropolises and packed to the brim with fascinating history, architecture, and great food. If you’re considering combining both destinations into one, epic European vacation, we’re here to help!
A quick ride on the Eurostar makes it easier than ever to connect these capital cities and you’ll arrive fresh and ready to explore. From digging into a traditional pub meal and strolling the streets of the jolly city of London to witnessing Impressionist paintings and walking beneath the Eiffel Tower in just four hours.
We’ll help you design the perfect trip to London and Paris, highlighting the most famous sights and off-the-beaten-path nooks and crannies along the way.
Here’s your ultimate guide for planning a trip to London and Paris!
Don’t miss our best resources for your trip!
See how we book our travel for our tried and true planning methods, no matter where we go.
Get acquainted with these cities through our London Travel Guide and Paris Travel Guide.
Switch up the itinerary below with some of London’s Hidden Gems
Find a great place to stay on your trip: where to stay in London and where to stay in Paris.
Get your packing list together. We’re going to help you have a great trip!
Planning a Trip to London and Paris: Quick FAQs
How many days are required for London and Paris?
Although you could do a whirlwind trip in just a few days, we think that 9 days is the sweet spot for seeing both London and Paris.
Spend at least 3 full days in each city along with one day for transfer, one for arrival, and one for departure. This gives you plenty of wiggle room to overcome jet lag and truly enjoy your experiences without feeling like you’re rushing around.
Can you do Paris and London in one trip?
Yes! It’s entirely possible to do Paris and London in one trip. Many would say it’s even easy to combine the two into one vacation.
We recommend planning for at least a week (7 days), although 9 days is optimal so that you can slow down a bit and really get the full experience of each individual city.
When visiting multiple cities, it’s a great idea to take a tour in the beginning to get a feel for the area and see famous sites in one go. It’s a nice addition to a vacation, but we know you’ll have a great time either way! If a tour strikes your fancy, we have an Activities Database of the best tours we’ve found in Europe so far!

What’s the best time of year to go to London and Paris?
Our favorite time of year to visit London and Paris is late spring through the fall.
Keep in mind that the weather can be a bit unpredictable and somewhat chilly in April (and even into May sometimes). On the other hand, this time of year is gorgeous with blooming flowers and trees and has minimal crowds for the most part. Seeing these cities come to life after a long winter is just magical.
June to August is also a wonderful time to visit, but it can be extremely crowded and hot. In Paris, many restaurants and shops close down for the entire month of August as Parisians flock to their summer vacations. You’ll also run into higher prices and long lines in both cities.
September and October are lovely in terms of both crowds and weather, although you can expect more rain in October. Read more on the best time to visit London.
Is it better to go to London or Paris first?
Either route works! Go from Paris to London or vice versa. What it ultimately comes down to is whatever works best for your flight schedule. Cheaper flights into Paris? Start there! Schedule looking better with a flight into London? That’s great too!
You might find better flight deals round trip from the same city. Weigh your options between the extra cost and time it will take to travel back to the city you started in and see if it’s worth it to book a flight out of the city you’ll finish your trip in.

How long does it take to go from London to Paris?
If you’re planning to take the Eurostar from London to Paris or vice versa (and you should!), it will take about 3.5 hours to reach either city. Plan for an extra 90 minutes before the Eurostar leaves for boarding and passport checks.
The other fastest way to get from London to Paris is flying. This option can easily take more time than the train because you’ll end up spending a good chunk of your day commuting back and forth from the airport.
One of the best perks about taking the Eurostar is that it departs and arrives right in the center of London and Paris!
Trip to London and Paris: Example Itinerary
Have we sold you yet that a trip to both London and Paris isn’t just possible, it’s easy to do? We’ve lined up the best way to combine London and Paris from personal experience in both cities (we lived in England for six years!).
Here’s our perfect, 9-day itinerary for planning a trip to London and Paris!
Day 1: Land in London
Welcome to London! It’s time to kick off your trip in the “Big Smoke” and the United Kingdom’s cultural and political capital. While you’re probably itching to see the major sights like Big Ben and the Tower of London, there’s one thing to overcome first. Jetlag.
Unfortunately, you’ll probably spend most of your first moments in London trying to beat said jet lag. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be a tricky part of your first day abroad. Try to spend some time outdoors in one of London’s beautiful parks, like Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park, and ease into your first foodie experience with a good pub meal.

It’s all about little victories on your first day. As a general rule of thumb, if you can get through your first day and go to bed at a reasonable hour (say 9:00 pm), you’re well on your way to getting over jet lag!
Read about taking the tube in London to get around efficiently!
Day 2: Tour Westminster, the National Gallery, and Covent Garden
Hit the ground running on your second day in London with a tour of Westminster Palace. Book either a self-guided audio tour or a 90-minute guided tour for a look inside the UK parliament and to provide a base for understanding more of London’s history going forward.
If you’re starting to feel hungry walking around the palace, head over to Regency Cafe to try a classic – the full English breakfast! This is greasy spoon delight at its finest, but you’ll need the fuel for the rest of your day exploring London.

Just a 15-minute walk away from Westminster Palace, the National Gallery should be your next stop. As one of the most impressive art museums in the world, it’s incredible that you can visit for free! You’ll find famous works of art like “The Arnolfini Portrait” by Jan van Eyck and art from Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh.
Round out the day at Covent Garden, known for its luxury fashion, entertainment, and yummy places to eat and drink (unlike its name might suggest!). Grab a pint and some traditional English grub at the Lamb and Flag for a small celebration of your first full day in Europe!
Day 3: See London’s Biggest and Best Sights
By day three you should be over jet lag and ready for a big day of sightseeing in London! See today in action with this video:
Make a beeline for the Tower of London first thing in the morning to avoid the midday crowds. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is at the core of all things historic London. You’ll have the chance to see the Crown Jewels, suits of armor, and other artifacts. We highly recommend that you hop on a Yeoman Warders tour, too, as they’re free and a great way to learn more about the Tower and its history.
With the Tower of London done and dusted, take a stroll across Tower Bridge. Just a 7-minute walk away, you have the option to cross the lower section of the bridge for free or pay a small fee to experience the higher walkways. These walkways have glass floors which give you a bird’s eye view of the River Thames, boats, and cars down below.

You’re probably starting to get a bit hungry, and a wander through Borough Market is up next. You’ll find everything from pubs to street stalls and produce vendors so there’s something for everyone! Head west along the South Bank towards Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. You can even grab tickets to a performance inside the playhouse if you plan ahead.
Harry Potter fans might recognize your next stop of the day. The Millenium Bridge played a key role in the opening scenes of the movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Admire St. Paul’s Cathedral on the opposite side of the river as you make the crossing.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and has been the site of royal weddings and state funerals. If you decide to go inside, an entrance ticket gets you access to the crypt and the galleries, although you’ll need to climb hundreds of stairs to reach them!
If you want a more in-depth 1-day London itinerary, take a peek at our guide. If you’re ready to go, grab our free download!

Free Download!
CHEAT SHEETS: LONDON, PARIS, LISBON, & ROME
Use one or use them all! Sign up & we’ll send you our cheat sheets for all 4 cities.
Get a jumpstart on your planning with an overview of each city: when to go, where to stay, can’t miss activities, and how to get around.
Day 4: Head Out on a Day Trip to Greenwich
Head out of central London today on a day trip to Greenwich!
Grab the Thames Clipper from Embankment Pier first thing, heading towards Greenwich Pier. You can use either the Oyster card or a contactless debit or credit card to pay for your tickets. Once aboard, enjoy crossing beneath both the Millenium Bridge and Tower Bridge along with beautiful views of London from the river.
As soon as you arrive in Greenwich, pop in to Gail’s for coffee and pastries. They open early making it the perfect stop before continuing on your adventures.
Continue up the hill to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich, about a 14-minute walk from the pier. The exhibits are fun and interactive highlighting antique telescopes, the prime meridian line, and the time ball. You’ll also get panoramic views of the city in the distance from your precipice. While you’re up here, you could also stop by the Planetarium for astronomer-led programs.
About 9-minutes back downhill is the National Maritime Museum. Pop in for a quick visit as it’s free and teaches about the East India Trading Company and both Polar and Pacific expeditions, alongside other fascinating exhibits. If you’re excited for the museums, check out our favorite museums in London (there are a LOT).

On the docket for lunch is Greenwich Market, just 5 minutes from the pier and with delicious food stalls. They have tables in the market that you can eat at or you can walk over to the park that’s just across the street from the Cutty Sark for a makeshift picnic.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a day in Greenwich without visiting the fastest tea clipper ever built – the Cutty Sark. You can actually tour through the boat for an inside view at its expert craftsmanship and what it was like to live on board. Afterwards, walk along the Thames Footpath and beneath the river, through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.
Round out the day with a visit to Mudchute Park and Farm. This is especially great for kids as you can walk over to the farm and feed the goats and alpacas. There are DLR stops both before and after the Greenwich Foot Tunnel for easy access back to central London.

Day 5: Ride the Eurostar from London to Paris
Get an early start today, taking the Eurostar from London to Paris. (And guess what? We have a video on that, too. You’re welcome.)
The Eurostar generally leaves London once an hour from 6:01 am to 8:01 pm, arriving in Paris 3 hours and 20 minutes later. Plan to arrive at the train station 90 minutes early with your passport and keep in mind that Paris is one hour ahead!
You’ll arrive at Paris’ Gare du Nord station. From here it’s easy to hop on the Paris metro and go anywhere in the city. Head over to your accommodation, drop off your bags, and go out in search of your first meal in Paris. We highly recommend grabbing a sandwich from a local boulangerie!
Spend the rest of the afternoon getting to know the City of Lights at your own pace. Stroll along the Seine, with views of the Louvre and other famous monuments, walking east toward Notre Dame and the Île de la Cite on the Left Bank. Plan for dinner in the Latin Quarter, a neighborhood steeped in history and known for its winding alleyways and vibrant student life.

Day 6: Luxembourg Gardens, Île de la Cité, and a Boat Ride on the Seine
On your first full day in Paris, there’s only one thing to do. Head straight for breakfast at Cafe de Flore! People-watching is a rite of passage in Paris, and there might be no better place to do it than Cafe de Flore, where famous artists and writers have gathered for well over 100 years. Tucked in the Saint-Germain-de-Prés neighborhood, order a simple breakfast and cafe au lait and watch the world go by.
Alternatively, you could also grab fresh pastries from a local patisserie or boulangerie. If you’re looking for croissants, go to a boulangerie as patisseries specialize in pastries and other desserts.
Walk off breakfast at the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens with its stately palace, once the home of Marie de Medici, and pretty fountains, before stopping by Cook n Saj for a Lebanese lunch.

Afterwards, head to Angelina at the Musee du Luxembourg. Their hot cocoa is legendary and made from cocoa sourced in Niger, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. Although there are a few locations throughout the city, this one tends to have shorter lines. If you’re up for a treck, you can head to their Rivoli location, as it’s the original and has a stunning tea room to enjoy your sweet treats in. Don’t forget to order their famous Mont Blanc pastry too!
In the afternoon or early evening, hop on a relaxing Seine boat tour to rest your feet while getting unprecedented views of the City of Light, including the Eiffel Tower. You’ll disembark near the Île de la Cité which is well worth exploring by night when Notre Dame takes on an ethereal glow.
Kick the class up a notch with this Seine dinner cruise instead.

Day 7: Le Marais & the Latin Quarter
Kick off your third day in Paris at the core of Le Marais, Place des Voges. In the heart of Paris’ Jewish Quarter, this tree-lined square was once the home of Victor Hugo, the famous French author, and you can still tour his home today. Go on a walking tour if you want to get a better perspective of this magical neighborhood’s rich history!
Next, you can’t miss a visit to Marché des Enfants Rouges to see Paris’ famous covered markets. Dating back to 1615, these are the oldest markets in Paris and still hide a treasure trove of flower shops and food stalls.
While you might be tempted by the intoxicating smells coming from the market, grab lunch at Le Trumilou for an authentic Parisian bistro experience instead! You’ll find traditional French dishes, like French onion soup, tartare de boeuf, steak frites, and classic desserts.

Pay the impressionists a visit this afternoon at Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a grand, Beaux-Arts train station that sits along the Seine, this is one of Paris’ most impressive art museums. Seek out famous paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet, and don’t skip out on going to the fifth floor for views of Sacre Coeur through the iconic clock.
Grab a cheeky glass of wine in the Odéon neighborhood before walking over to see the Pantheon, where Victor Hugo and other famous Parisians are buried. Afterwards, head over to Rue Mouffetard for a fondue dinner. Le Vieux Bistro is one of the best and just an 8-minute walk away yet you’ll feel transported to the Alps both in their decor and the decadent cheese.
If your feet need a break from all that walking, hop on a bike tour to check some of these sites off the list.
Check out our 1 day Paris itinerary if you’re looking for the perfect way to spend just one day in the City of Light!

Free Download!
CHEAT SHEETS: LONDON, PARIS, LISBON, & ROME
Use one or use them all! Sign up & we’ll send you our cheat sheets for all 4 cities.
Get a jumpstart on your planning with an overview of each city: when to go, where to stay, can’t miss activities, and how to get around.
Day 8: The Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe
We saved (some) of the best for last! If you’ve been wondering when a trip up the Eiffel Tower or spin around the Arc de Triomphe was going to sneak into the itinerary – here it is.
Plan to arrive at the Eiffel Tower right when it opens, typically 9:15 am although sometimes at 8:45 am during peak season. You could also go later in the day as the Eiffel Tower doesn’t close until 11:00 pm and crowds thin out the later it gets.
After seeing Paris from great heights and walking around the observation deck at the top, plan for a picnic at Champ de Mars. This sprawling green space leads up to the Eiffel Tower and provides iconic views. You can grab your picnic supplies at a Franprix, as there are several that flank the Champ de Mars on either side, or a sandwich from Boulangerie du Champ de Mars to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a sit-down lunch affair, walk about 15 minutes across the Champ de Mars to Rue Cler. Known for its bustling markets and cobbled streets, many Parisians do their daily shopping here and there are endless cozy cafes and restaurants to choose from. Rue Cler is also a pedestrian street which is great if you have littles in tow!
Post lunch, you’re finally headed for Le Louvre. To save yourself some steps, hop on the metro at La Tour-Maubourg from Rue Cler and hop off at Palais Royal Musée du Louvre. While you could truly spend days walking through this gargantuan museum, plan your must-see stops ahead of time and be sure to book tickets before you arrive, so you don’t have to wait hours in line. If you have little ones with you, consider taking a Louvre tour for families to keep them engaged.
Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the Jardins de Tuileries in front of Le Louvre. Get back on the metro Line 1 at Tuileries and ride over to the Champs-Élysées Clemenceau stop if you want to shop til’ you drop or continue on to the Charles de Gaulle Étoile stop for the Arc de Triomphe. You can admire it from afar, walk beneath the roundabout, and see the eternal flame at its core up close, or even get tickets to go to the top!

Day 9: Depart Paris
Whether you’re taking the Eurostar back to London for your flight home or you’re headed to Charles de Gaulle Airport. This is where we say, “Bon Voyage.” Have an amazing time on your trip to London and Paris!

Free Download!
CHEAT SHEETS: LONDON, PARIS, LISBON, & ROME
Use one or use them all! Sign up & we’ll send you our cheat sheets for all 4 cities.
Get a jumpstart on your planning with an overview of each city: when to go, where to stay, can’t miss activities, and how to get around.


