8 Days in London and Paris
LT Globetrotter
The Eiffel Tower or the Tower of London? Can’t decide whether you want to see the spectacular sights of Paris or the history-meets-modern marvels of London? Well, who says you can’t have it all?
By venturing on a vacation that encompasses both London and Paris, you'll unlock a tapestry of captivating histories, artistic treasures, culinary delights, and multicultural encounters. These iconic cities offer an immersive and diverse experience, ensuring a vacation that is nothing short of extraordinary. Embarking on a visit to London and Paris offers an extraordinary blend of cultural richness, historical significance, and captivating experiences.
We’ve created this amazing itinerary that whisks you through the best of both cities in eight awe-inspiring days.
Contents
Reasons to Visit London and Paris Together
Day 2: Encounter the City’s Icons
Day 3: Souvenir Shopping and High Tea
Day 4: Start with History and End with a Show
Day 6: From the Seine to the Louvre
Day 7: Exploring the City’s Greats
Reasons to Visit London and Paris Together
- Rich history and culture: Explore the wonders of London's most famous landmarks by immersing yourself in the grandeur of the British Museum, marveling at the regal Buckingham Palace, paying homage to the rich history of Westminster Abbey, strolling through Covent Garden, and venturing through the historic walls of the Tower of London. And for a truly enchanting experience of Paris, be sure to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the iconic Eiffel Tower, discover priceless art at the renowned Louvre Museum, bask in the spiritual tranquility of the Notre Dame Cathedral, and wander through the charming streets of Montmartre.
- Gastronomic delights: Both London and Paris are renowned for their unique and exquisite cuisine, with each city offering a distinct culinary experience. From the classic British dish of fish and chips to the world-famous French cheeses, there is no shortage of delectable options to indulge in. Whether you find yourself exploring the streets of central London or strolling along the Seine in Paris, be sure to take the time to savor the exceptional culinary offerings that these two cities have to offer.
- Unparalleled art and museums: Art enthusiasts are in for a treat as Europe boasts some of the world's top museums with breathtaking collections. The Tate Britain, located in London, is home to an impressive exhibit of J.M.W. Turner's works, featuring his iconic landscapes and seascapes. The Tate Modern, on the other hand, is the perfect destination for lovers of contemporary art, showcasing some of the most innovative and thought-provoking pieces. For a glimpse of the iconic Mona Lisa, the Louvre Museum in Paris is a must-visit, with its vast collection of art and sculptures from around the world. And if you're a fan of Impressionist art, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris is the place to be, with an incredible collection of masterpieces from the likes of Monet, Degas, and Renoir. Don't miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art and experience an unforgettable European vacation.
- Ease of travel: Planning a vacation to visit London and Paris at the same time can be a wise choice, as it allows you to travel between the two cities without any extra flights. The Eurostar train is an excellent option for a seamless connection, which will enable you to explore both magnificent capitals with ease. This way, you can experience the unique culture, architecture, and history of both cities without any hassle and make your trip even more memorable.
We’ve created this amazing itinerary that whisks you through the best of both cities in eight awe-inspiring days.
Day 1: London Arrival
Greetings and welcome to London, the perfect destination for your England vacation! After arriving, you can easily transfer to your hotel and take pleasure in the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea or savor a delectable dinner, depending on the time of your arrival. If you feel like exploring, you might want to take a leisurely stroll around the area surrounding your hotel to get a feel for the charming neighborhood.
Day 2: Encounter the City’s Icons
Begin your London adventure by indulging in a scrumptious English breakfast, replete with all the quintessential staples. As you venture out, take in the splendor of the city's top attractions, such as the iconic Big Ben, the historic Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the magnificent Buckingham Palace. And for an unparalleled, serene bird's-eye view of the city and River Thames, don't miss the opportunity to take a ride on the London Eye. If you feel like getting out of the city, take a partial or full day excursion to tour Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace on a guided tour, which is just about an hour away.
Day 3: Souvenir Shopping and High Tea
Begin your day with a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum. We always recommend visiting the most popular tourist spots early to prevent some of the late-morning and afternoon crowds. Afterwards, meander through the nearby—and famous—department store Harrods to indulge in some decadent souvenirs or gifts. Or take a hop off bus tour to explore London at your own pace without a tour group. Finally, rest your feet during afternoon tea at the Savoy—a classic English experience every visitor must try. Is there anything better than warm, homemade scones with clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd?
Day 4: Start with History and End with a Show
Discover some fascinating, sad, and—dare we say—gruesome historic tales while visiting the Tower of London and then refresh the senses at the London Bridge. Follow that up with a stroll through the beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral, known for both its weddings, jubilees, and funerals of some of England's most distinguished royalty and citizens. Later, shop along Oxford Street, enjoy a quick meal of traditional or contemporary British fare, and then catch a play or musical on the West End. Alternatively, you can skip today or yesterday’s ideas listed here and take a day trip to Windsor Castle, Bath, the Cotswalds, and/or Stonehenge. Getting out of London for a quick day trip is easy to arrange, offers a change of scenery, and gives you the chance to explore more of England.
Day 5: London to Paris
Pack your bags (again) because you're off to Paris! Board a Eurostar high speed train and you'll get there in a little over two hours. You'll start your France vacation in style as you see the country fly by through the windows. After you check-in to your hotel and unwind a bit, you can head out and get to know your specific arrondissement a little more.
Day 6: From the Seine to the Louvre
After a pastry-filled breakfast (croissants, croissants, and more croissants), hop aboard a Seine river cruise to experience this one-of-a-kind city from the water. Then stretch your legs, walking along the river to the famous Paris monuments and museums along its banks. Our favorites include the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and the Pompidou Center. Alternatively, you can take a guided walking tour or a panoramic city tour to explore the best of Paris without having to navigate the city yourself. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner along the Left Bank before exploring the city’s winding streets and marveling at the lovely sights and lights after dark.
Day 7: Exploring the City’s Greats
It's been a week in enjoying your vacation to Europe, so there's no better time to visit one of the most iconic monuments worldwide. Yep, grab a quick breakfast and then visit the famed and romantic Eiffel Tower. Afterwards, head across the river to the Champs-Élysées where you can spend your free time wandering along quaint boulevards and stopping for a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafés in the city center. Now that you're recharged, continue your walk toward the Arc de Triomphe, where you'll watch the sunset and then see the lights of romantic Paris show off. Finish the day with French cuisine, some Champagne, and a decadent dessert. (If you love crème brûlée, you can't pass it up in Paris.)
Day 8: Au Revoir Paris
As your unforgettable European adventure draws to a close, it's time to savor every last moment. Take a stroll down memory lane as you gather all the precious souvenirs that have captured the essence of your journey. Indulge your taste buds with a mouth-watering pastry or a delectable French dish, walk through central Paris, and relish the flavors of this incredible city one last time before your departure. And don't forget to check out of your hotel, bidding adieu to this magnificent city with bittersweet emotions.
