London and Paris are two of the most-visited cities in Europe; two of the most-visited cities on the earth, in reality! And the nice information is you could completely go to them each on one superb journey to Europe.
If you are trying to plan a bucket record journey to Europe that does not require a ton of journey time (or a ton of time without work work), then a London and Paris journey is a superb selection. These two cities aren’t that far aside, however are fairly completely different in historical past, tradition, and total vibe.
You might after all spend weeks or months in both London or Paris and nonetheless not see/do each single factor. But in the event you’ve obtained restricted time, you may pack all of the highlights into one epic 10-day journey.
My husband Elliot and I did simply that earlier this 12 months, and now after all I’m going to share all the main points with you!
The Perfect 10 Days in London and Paris Itinerary
After cumulative months spent in London and two separate journeys to Paris, I believe this itinerary actually encapsulates one of the best of each cities! It DOES pack lots into simply 10 days, however what can I say? I are usually a “do-it-all” kind of traveler. If you are not, then be at liberty to tweak this itinerary nevertheless you see match.
(This itinerary additionally contains strategies for some guided excursions and day journeys; in the event you’re not into these, you do not have to take them!)
I like to recommend reserving a multi-city flight the place you fly in to London and residential from Paris, which helps you maximize your time. (You might additionally reverse this and fly into Paris and residential from London, however my husband loved beginning in London, which he was extra acquainted with, after which going to Paris second.)
Day 1: Iconic London
Highlights of Day 1 embody: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben/Parliament, London Eye, Southbank, and elective St. Paul’s
If you are touring to London from North America, then likelihood is you will arrive fairly early within the morning. I’m due to this fact not going to counsel you pack in *an excessive amount of* right this moment, in case you are like me and have hassle sleeping on planes.
(I do, nevertheless, advocate attempting to keep away from taking a extremely lengthy nap right this moment, because it’ll allow you to alter to the time change lots sooner!)
After arriving, you will most likely need to drop your luggage off at your resort. You possible will not be capable to test in but, however nearly all resorts will maintain your baggage for you till your room is prepared. (More on resort strategies a bit later.)
Pro tip: You have a number of choices for getting from the Heathrow airport to central London. You can take the Piccadilly Line (Tube) proper from Heathrow in the event you’re on a finances. Or you may go for the brand new Elizabeth Line, which at present will take you so far as Paddington Station, the place you may switch to different Tube strains or seize a taxi outdoors. The Heathrow Express additionally goes from Heathrow to Paddington with no stops. Just be aware that I do NOT advocate taking a taxi all the best way from Heathrow. Allow not less than 2.5 hours from if you land to get via immigration and into town.
Then you may head to the closest Tube station and head to Westminster to begin your first day of London sightseeing! (Westminster is on the Circle, District, and Jubilee Tube strains.)
A be aware on getting round in London
London has a great public transport system, with probably the most well-known half being the Tube or Underground, which consists of 11 completely different underground practice strains connecting all corners of London. London additionally has buses (these pink double-deckers), overground trains, and taxis/rideshares.
In the previous, one of the simplest ways to make use of the Tube was to buy a pay-as-you-go Oyster Card (both at a station in London, or upfront earlier than your journey), which you would then high up as wanted and use for all public transport. But now the Tube has gone contactless, and accepts contactless card funds and even Apple Pay/Google Pay at most of its stations.
To assist navigate, apps like Citymapper are nice for public transit (and normally used extra by locals than Google Maps), and I exploit my AllSubway app every time I have to rapidly seek the advice of the entire London Tube map. (Both of those apps can be used offline.) TFL additionally has a particular app for Oyster Cards/contactless funds.
1. Westminster Abbey and Parliament
When you get to Westminster station, I all the time counsel exiting via Exit 4 (Bridge Street exit). You’ll climb a flight of stairs and come out at road degree to see Elizabeth Tower (which homes the bell referred to as Big Ben) towering over you. It’s obtained the wow issue for positive!
While this view is gorgeous, it is not one of the best for getting photographs of the tower. For that, head to your proper in the direction of Parliament Square Garden, which provides up higher views of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
If you need the Insta-famous picture of you in entrance of a pink cellphone sales space with Big Ben within the background, these cellphone cubicles are alongside Great George Street throughout from Parliament Square Garden.
From right here, it is time to go to Westminster Abbey, which is the gothic cathedral the place kings and queens have been topped (and typically buried) since 1066. If you are solely going to go to one well-known church in London, it ought to most likely be this one because it’s gorgeous and stuffed with historical past each in and out.
Booking tickets for Westminster Abbey upfront is suggested (ebook a ticket right here), and going earlier within the morning is all the time a good suggestion (which is ideal because you most likely arrived early right this moment anyway!). Allow not less than 1.5 hours to see every thing inside.
From Westminster Abbey, head throughout the Thames by way of the Westminster Bridge on foot.
Stay on the facet of the street closest to Parliament if you cross, after which take the staircase down in your proper if you get to the opposite facet. Here there is a pathway (The Queen’s Walk) alongside the Thames that provides up my private favourite view of Big Ben and Parliament.
2. London Eye and South Bank
After snapping some photographs, you may observe the tunnel underneath the bridge to the South Bank, which is certainly one of my favourite elements of London.
Depending on what time it’s, you might both need to seize a meal now, or you might need to squeeze in a journey on the London Eye. The London Eye is among the world’s largest statement wheels, and you’ll’t miss it within the skyline on this a part of London.
A journey on the London Eye takes place in giant round pods (every one can maintain as much as 25 folks) and lasts half an hour. It’s not an absolute must-do in London for me, however it’s for a lot of others! If it is in your London bucket record, I extremely advocate reserving Fast Track tickets upfront so as to keep away from lengthy strains.
Afterwards, have a stroll down the South Bank. If you have not had meals but, there are a selection of pubs and pop-up cafes to select from, particularly through the summer time months.
3. Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s (elective)
If you are up for a little bit of a stroll, I like to recommend strolling a few mile (20-25 minutes) alongside the Queen’s Walk to the Millennium Bridge. You’ll move a lot alongside the best way, together with a seaside! Once you get to the Millennium Bridge, you’ve gotten a number of choices relying on how you are feeling*.
*If you arrived in London earlier than right this moment, then you definitely’ll most likely have the vitality to spend extra time exploring the South Bank and possibly even go to one or two extra sights. If not, then I like to recommend crossing the bridge and hopping again on the Tube at both Blackfriars (Central/District strains) or St. Paul’s (Central Line) to go again to your resort.
If you are in a museum temper, the Tate Modern is close by and free to go to (and has nice skyline views from its rooftop statement deck). Shakespeare’s Globe theater can also be close by, as is its hooked up restaurant/pub referred to as The Swan.
The Swan really has a stunning afternoon tea that is calmly Shakespeare-themed and inexpensive (although I’ll advocate one other afternoon tea later on this itinerary).
Ultimately, although, you will need to cross the Thames by way of the very cool Millennium Bridge if you’re prepared, which is able to ship you close to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
If you are going to go to a second well-known church in London, then it ought to most likely be St. Paul’s, the masterpiece with the enormous dome that was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It’s spectacular even simply from the surface, however can also be price visiting inside in the event you’re so inclined. (Just be aware that it is solely open till 4:30 p.m., with the final entry at 4 p.m.) You can pre-book St. Paul’s tickets right here.
By now you will have had a really full first day in London, so it is time to head again in the direction of your resort, have some dinner, and get a great evening’s sleep to gear up for the remainder of your journey!
Where to remain in London
I’ve been to London MANY occasions and have stayed in a number of completely different neighborhoods. Here are a handful of London resort strategies so that you can swimsuit completely different budgets. Ones with * are those I’ve personally stayed at. The relaxation are resorts I’ve bookmarked for future journeys.
Neighborhoods I personally take pleasure in staying in embody Kensington, Paddington, and South Bank. The under record is (loosely) grouped based mostly on the place in London you will discover every resort.
- Northern London resorts – Great Northern Hotel*, Point A Hotel London Paddington*, Royal Lancaster London
- Central London resorts – Park Plaza Westminster Bridge*, The Resident Covent Garden (high London resort on TripAdvisor), Sea Containers London, The Hoxton Southwark, Bankside Hotel
- East London resorts – The Tower Hotel (some rooms with Tower Bridge views), Clayton Hotel City of London, The Hoxton Shoreditch, The Montcalm Royal London House, The Corner London City*
- Western London resorts – The Ampersand*, 11 Cadogan Gardens Hotel & Apartments, The Chesterfield Mayfair, Georgian House Hotel* (this one has Harry Potter-themed rooms!)
- Luxury resorts in London: Shangri-La The Shard*, Claridge’s, The Lanesborough, The Savoy, One Aldwych
When searching for lodging in London, I all the time take note of how shut resorts are to a Tube station, whether or not the rooms have air con (a requirement for me, personally, in the summertime), and what’s included within the room fee (comparable to wifi, breakfast, and so on).
Day 2: Parks, palaces, and museums
Highlights of Day 2 embody: Hyde Park, Green Park, St. James’ Park, Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, Trafalgar Square, Churchill War Rooms, British Museum, Covent Garden, and an elective West End present
1. The Royal parks
There are 4 royal parks surrounding Buckingham Palace, with the biggest one being Hyde Park. I really like going for a pleasant lengthy stroll in Hyde Park, and that is the place I like to recommend you begin your morning.
For a very lengthy and leisurely stroll, take the Central Line to both Marble Arch (close to Speakers’ Corner) or Lancaster Gate (close to the Italian Gardens), and stroll right through Hyde Park to Hyde Park Corner (it is going to most likely take you about half-hour*). Then you may cross over into Green Park and finally cease to see Buckingham Palace.
*If you are not up for that lengthy of a stroll, you may take the Piccadilly Line to both the Hyde Park Corner or Green Park cease and begin your stroll in Green Park.
Green Park connects to St. James’ Park, which can also be actually beautiful and provides up some cool views of Westminster.
2. Changing of the Guard
Watching the Changing of the Guard in entrance of Buckingham Palace is on numerous peoples’ London bucket lists, however hear me out: it is one London vacationer attraction that I do not assume is price it!
The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place in entrance of Buckingham Palace at 11 a.m. day by day in June and July, however solely on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from August-May (weather-dependent).
In the summer time months, you normally solely get a great view of the ceremony in the event you arrive an hour (or extra) upfront, which means you will spend not less than 2 hours of your day right here, if no more.
Instead, I like to recommend taking your photographs of Buckingham Palace, after which strolling via St. James’ Park to Horse Guards Parade. Here, the Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard ceremony occurs at at 11 a.m. through the week and 10 a.m. on Sundays, and is nearly by no means as crowded because the one at Buckingham Palace. (Plus, this one has horses!)
From Horse Guards Parade, you may also pop by to see No. 10 Downing Street if you would like, or go to one of many numerous conflict memorials between right here and the Embankment. (Elliot’s great-uncle’s title is listed on the Monument to the RAF alongside the Thames, so I all the time cease by to see this.)
RELATED: 12 Touristy Things Worth Doing in London (and 5 You Can Skip)
3. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a must-see for most individuals in London, and it is lower than a 10-minute stroll from Horse Guards Parade.
Along with admiring Nelson’s Column and the opposite issues on this big sq., this can be a good place to seize a fast lunch. (I personally would most likely do a fast seize from Pret A Manger as a result of I really like Pret, however there are a bunch of cafes and pubs to select from – normally I simply go by Google evaluations to decide on a spot!)
Pro tip: Looking to avoid wasting cash on meals in London? Get to know the Meal Deal, which is obtainable at most supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. For lower than £5 (normally the value is £3.50), you will get a chilly sandwich, wrap, or salad, a bag of chips (crisps within the UK), and a drink. Perfect for a meal on the go!
4. Afternoon museum go to
There are SO many nice choices in terms of museums and historic locations to go to in London, however I personally would select between these three choices right this moment, relying in your pursuits:
- Churchill War Rooms – Not removed from 10 Downing Street you may go to the underground places of work the place Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his employees plotted Allied navy campaigns (and eventual victory) throughout World War II. Referred to now because the “Churchill War Rooms,” this assortment of basement places of work is further distinctive in that many rooms look precisely as they did when the War Cabinet left them on the finish of the conflict. A should for historical past lovers! (Definitely ebook forward.)
- Buckingham Palace State Rooms – For 10 weeks every summer time/fall, Buckingham Palace opens up its opulent State Rooms for excursions. My sister and I did this tour one summer time, and it was fairly cool to get a glimpse into the seat of British royalty. Timed tickets are required. My tip? Get a ticket that features the State Rooms and the Royal Mews (the stables/carriage home). Book a ticket right here.
- British Museum – This iconic museum homes greater than 13 million artifacts from the traditional world, from Assyria to China to Egypt and past. There’s been some current controversy about whether or not the British Museum ought to give a few of these (largely stolen) artifacts again, however even when they do they’re nonetheless going to have hundreds of thousands of issues on show. This museum is free to go to, nevertheless it’s really useful you ebook a go to time on-line.
5. Covent Garden and/or Soho
Your museum go to will take you into the late afternoon, and I like to recommend spending the remainder of your day in and round Covent Garden. (It’s technically walkable, or you may take the Tube to Covent Garden station.)
Covent Garden has tons of eating places and pubs, together with some standard markets just like the Apple Market and the always-Instagrammable Neal’s Yard. If you desire a distinctive drinks expertise in Covent Garden, Elliot and I each liked the creative cocktails at The Alchemist on St Martin’s Lane.
For dinner, there are many choices in Covent Garden, or you may head over into close by Soho, which has much more eating places. (Reservations really useful at most spots.)
This space can also be London’s theater district, so if seeing a West End present (London’s equal to Broadway) is in your record, this may be a great evening to ebook one! See what’s taking part in right here.
Day 3: A mixture of previous and new
Highlights of Day 3 embody: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, The Shard, Borough Market, St. Dunstan-in-the-East, the Skygarden, and a strolling tour within the East End
1. Tower of London
Start your day right this moment with a gap time tour of the Tower of London, certainly one of my favourite historic websites in the entire metropolis. (Take the District or Circle line to Tower Hill.)
The Tower of London (or, extra formally, Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London) was first conceived in 1066, and the White Tower on the complicated’s middle was inbuilt 1078 by William the Conqueror. The Tower was constructed as a royal residence, however is usually extra notorious as a jail and place of torture – and right this moment is thought for being house to the Crown Jewels.
You do not *have* to take a completely guided tour on the Tower of London. You might all the time simply ebook your ticket after which be part of one of many free excursions with one of many Yeomen Warders i.e. the Beefeaters.
But if you wish to do one thing actually distinctive, take a look at this Tower of London Early Access + Opening Ceremony and Crown Jewels tour.
This tour is admittedly cool; you get to be first into the Tower, and get to observe the Opening Ceremony the place the Chief Yeoman Warder unlocks the Tower gates for the day. Then you get to see the Crown Jewels earlier than the strains kind, and get a completely guided tour of the Tower of London. Book this tour right here.
2. Tower Bridge
From the Tower of London, it is a brief stroll over to Tower Bridge. This bascule + suspension bridge is iconic in London, and on common carries 40,000 folks throughout the Thames each single day.
You might simply stroll throughout and snap some photographs, nevertheless it’s additionally price it to get a ticket for the The Tower Bridge Exhibition, which is a small museum situated contained in the Neo-Gothic towers and skywalks of the bridge. The museum covers how and why the bridge was initially constructed, and you’ll stroll/sit/lay down on glass flooring contained in the skywalks and in addition go to the previous Victorian-era engine rooms.
Pre-book timed tickets right here – or you may really mix the Tower of London tour I discussed with a ticket for Tower Bridge in this combo ticket.
3. Lunch at The Shard or Borough Market
It will possible be round lunchtime by now, and you’ve got two choices relying in your finances. Both require you to proceed over Tower Bridge again to the south financial institution of the Thames.
The first choice is to ebook lunch (or maybe even a themed afternoon tea) at Aqua Shard, a restaurant on the thirty first flooring of The Shard.
Some London itineraries would most likely let you know to do the View from the Shard statement deck right this moment, however truthfully I believe the tickets are pricier than the expertise is price, and you will get the identical views by reserving a meal at one of many eating places in The Shard.
Aqua Shard is a considerably pricy restaurant, nevertheless it’s probably the most inexpensive spot inside The Shard that provides lunch. They have a set lunch menu that begins at £39 per particular person for a 3-course meal, and all tables have glorious views out of floor-to-ceiling home windows. (They additionally provide a enjoyable Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea; you may learn extra about that right here.)
The different choice for lunch is to proceed on previous The Shard to Borough Market, which is certainly one of London’s most well-known meals markets. It’s situated beneath the south finish of London Bridge, and might be bustling at lunchtime.
There are numerous distributors to buy meals from contained in the market, in addition to a number of pubs and cafes simply outdoors.
4. St. Dunstan-in-the-East
After lunch, make your means throughout the Thames once more by way of London Bridge (Yes, you are form of simply making a loop right this moment! It would not make sense to make use of the Tube for this portion of Day 3, so I like to recommend happening foot or getting a taxi/Uber.)
Once you are throughout the river, cease in to see St. Dunstan-in-the-East, a former church that’s now a lovely public backyard.
The church right here has gone via many iterations and tragedies, together with the Great Fire of London in 1666, being rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren (of St. Paul’s fame), after which being severely broken once more throughout The Blitz in 1941.
Instead of rebuilding the church after WWII, the City of London determined to show the ruins of St. Dunstan’s right into a public park. They planted bushes and a garden, and right this moment it’s a spot that locals come to learn or chat or take pleasure in a quiet lunch open air. It’s free to go to, and undoubtedly price seeing!
5. Sky Garden or Garden at 120
If you need to get some nice London skyline views that do not value as a lot because the statement deck at The Shard, there are two to select from very shut to one another on this facet of the Thames.
The first is the Sky Garden, which is a mostly-indoor backyard and statement deck contained in the “Walkie Talkie” constructing at 20 Fenchurch Street. Most folks will let you know to go right here, because it’s free to go to (although you do have to reserve a timeslot on-line upfront.)
I’ll be trustworthy with you although: I’ve been to the Sky Garden twice, and whereas it does have a novelty issue to it, I do not personally adore it. The view from the small statement deck is not one of the best, and it may well typically get fairly crowded.
If the climate is good, I’d really decide to go to the Garden at 120 (situated atop the constructing at 120 Fenchurch St.) as a substitute. This outside rooftop backyard can also be free to go to, however you need not make a reservation. This one is all open-air and provides up some distinctive views.
On the ground proper under the Garden at 120, there’s additionally a cool restaurant and bar referred to as 14 Hills that has equally good views. If the climate is dangerous, you would all the time decide to seize a drink on the bar right here, which looks like an indoor backyard.
6. Leadenhall Market
This is an elective further cease, however if in case you have the time, Leadenhall Market is not removed from Fenchurch Street (it is actually like a 3-minute stroll).
Leadenhall Market is a lovely Victorian-era indoor market, with little boutiques alongside eating places and pubs. If you are curious about Harry Potter filming areas in London, this was one! And even in the event you’re not, it is nonetheless a extremely stunning market to see.
7a. East End and Jack the Ripper tour
Next we’re heading to London’s East End, which is not all the time an space folks will let you know to go to in your first journey to London. But I really assume it is an awesome place to seize dinner after which go on a strolling tour.
The coronary heart of the East End is a few 20-minute stroll from Leadenhall Market in case your toes aren’t already lifeless, or you may catch a taxi/Uber or take the Tube to both Liverpool Street or Aldgate East.
Once within the coronary heart of the East End, you may pop into Old Spitalfields market for some searching, and search for road artwork on Brick Lane. (Brick Lane can also be recognized for its meals, particularly curries, so this can be a good choice for dinner.)
This night, in the event you’re into true crime and probably not squeamish, you may ebook a Jack the Ripper strolling tour like this one.
Jack the Ripper was a (nonetheless as-yet unidentified) serial killer who terrorized the Whitechapel space in 1888. His murders have all the time been intriguing in a grisly type of means, and most Jack the Ripper strolling excursions wind via the streets of Whitechapel after darkish, telling the tales of the ladies he killed when you stand typically within the precise spots the place their our bodies had been discovered.
7b. Thames cruise
If Jack the Ripper would not actually curiosity you (I’ve been on two excursions and liked them, however I completely get that the true crime craze hasn’t ensnared everybody), an alternative choice for this night could be to remain in central London and take a night cruise on the Thames.
The Thames is, for my part, not probably the most stunning of rivers to cruise on, however doing so does offer you a distinct perspective of London. I do not advocate a dinner cruise, however a night cruise with a glass of bubbly like this one could possibly be good.
It IS cool to see London all lit up after sundown.
Day 4: Pretty neighborhoods + afternoon tea
Highlights of Day 4 embody: Neighborhoods like Notting Hill and Kensington, afternoon tea, Camden Town, and the Regent’s Canal
Today goes to be a extra enjoyable day spent exploring a few of my favourite London neighborhoods, beginning with arguably among the prettiest ones, after which shifting on to a barely edgier one.
1. Notting Hill
If you are into the London Instagram aesthetic of pastel-painted row homes, charming mews, and vintage retailers, then I’d advocate beginning your day in Notting Hill. (Notting Hill Gate on the District, Circle, and Central strains, or Ladbroke Grove on the Circle and Hammersmith & City strains make good beginning factors.)
In Notting Hill you may seize breakfast or brunch, store for antiques and classic clothes on the Portobello Road Market, and simply absorb this charming neighborhood. (Just bear in mind, although, that individuals stay within the fairly pastel homes, so be respectful in the event you’re taking photographs.)
2. Kensington/South Kensington
From Notting Hill, it is a beautiful stroll south via Kensington to South Kensington (or you would hop on the Tube to High Street Kensington or South Kensington).
If you stroll, you may cease by the Instagram-famous Churchill Arms pub. And in the event you occur to be visiting within the spring (normally in late April/early May), then that is the a part of London that experiences “wisteria hysteria,” when the wisteria vines burst into purple blooms in areas like Bedford Gardens and Kynance Mews.
If the climate is not nice, South Kensington is house to a number of glorious (and free) museums, together with the Natural History Museum (displays on dinosaurs, volcanoes, gems, and extra) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (one of many largest utilized artwork and design museums on the earth).
3. Afternoon tea
I do know I’ve already talked about a number of afternoon tea choices on this itinerary (just like the one at The Swan, and the one at Aqua Shard), however right this moment I counsel undoubtedly setting apart time for a correct afternoon tea.
There are two on this a part of London you could by no means go improper with:
- Tea at The Lanesborough – The Lanesborough resort in Knightsbridge provides up a lovely and stylish afternoon tea in a beautiful conservatory-style tea room. (This one would possibly win “prettiest London afternoon tea” from me.) The afternoon tea right here is each fancy and scrumptious, and begins at £65 per particular person. Closest Tube station: Hyde Park Corner.
- Science Tea at The Ampersand – The science-themed tea on the Drawing Rooms inside The Ampersand resort is certainly one of my all-time favorites. The tea tray comes out effervescent with dry ice, and the themed treats are so enjoyable. Tea is round £50 for adults and £35 for youths. Closest Tube station: South Kensington.
Advanced bookings for each of those afternoon teas is extremely really useful, and will be carried out on-line.
4. Camden Town
After your tea expertise, hop on the Tube to Camden Town, a cool neighborhood north of central London recognized for its distinct different, punk-ish really feel (they even have the primary Wendy’s on the earth the place Wendy obtained a punk/emo makeover).
Explore the colourful Camden Market, and maybe head as much as the park on Primrose Hill for excellent London views.
The Regent’s Canal additionally runs proper via Camden. If you’ve gotten the time, you may take a canal boat journey from Camden to an space referred to as Little Venice, which is tremendous beautiful. (You can pre-book waterbus tickets right here.)
If you are hungry for dinner tonight (relying on if you had your afternoon tea, you is probably not very hungry!), there are some good spots in Little Venice, or you would head into close by Paddington.
Day 5: Day journey time!
After 4 very full days in London, you will have had the possibility to see a lot of the metropolis’s highlights. So right this moment I like to recommend benefiting from the truth that London is near numerous different actually cool issues!
Whether you need to absorb extra historical past, go to a fortress, exit into the countryside, or immerse your self in some film magic, there is a London day journey choice for you.
I can not let you know which day journey it is best to take, as a result of your pursuits may be completely different from mine. But listed below are a handful of day journeys to contemplate (all the preferred ones are included right here):
Option 1: Spend a day in Greenwich
Greenwich is technically nonetheless a borough of London, situated alongside the Thames to the southeast of town middle. You can take a ship to Greenwich, after which spend the day exploring all kinds of maritime historical past.
Top issues to do right here embody visiting the Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum, touring the Cutty Sark ship, going to the Royal Observatory to straddle the Prime Meridian, and enjoyable in Greenwich Park. (Definitely get a Greenwich museum move for today!)
Option 2: Harry Potter Studio Tour
The majority of the Harry Potter movies had been shot in movie studios in Leavesden simply north of London, and the studios have now been remodeled right into a museum-like expertise for followers.
You can see precise movie units, costumes, props, and idea artwork from the flicks, and luxuriate in interactive experiences that seize the magic of the Harry Potter world. This is a should do for many Harry Potter followers and 100% price it. (Book tickets with transport right here.)
Option 3: Windsor Castle
If you need to get an extra style of British royalty, then a day journey out to Windsor may be best for you. You can discover the lovable city of Windsor, and tour the ornate State Apartments and gothic St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle is the oldest continuously-occupied fortress in Europe, courting again to the eleventh century.
You can take the practice to Windsor by yourself and simply get a fortress entrance ticket, ebook a tour with bus transport, or pair up a go to to Windsor with another areas on a full-day tour like this one.
Option 4: Bath and Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a must-visit for many individuals touring to the UK, however I’ll be trustworthy with you: it is not price making a visit to see it by itself. Instead, I’d pair up a go to to Stonehenge with a day journey to a different location like close by Bath.
The entire metropolis of Bath was named a UNESCO World Heritage website in 1987, and it is recognized for its historic Roman baths, the attractive Bath Abbey, fairly parks and gardens, the symmetrical Georgian-style Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon.
You can ebook this Stonehenge + Bath day journey, or go for this one that additionally features a cease in a picturesque Cotswolds city.
Option 5: Oxford
Lastly, the college city of Oxford additionally makes an awesome day journey from London. You can wander out and in of the retailers on the town, and in addition go to among the college’s most well-known schools. (There’s even an Oxford Harry Potter strolling tour, the place you may see filming areas and the eating corridor that is stated to have impressed the Great Hall in Hogwarts.)
You can simply take the practice from London, or ebook a tour that pairs up Oxford with one other location like Highclere Castle from Downtown Abbey, or maybe the Cotswolds.
READ MORE: The Best Day Trips to Take From London
Day 6: Off to Paris
Highlights of Day 6 embody: Train to Paris, Arc de Triomphe, the Seine river, and the Eiffel Tower
1. Eurostar to Paris
Today it is time to bid farewell to London and head to Paris! I like to recommend touring by way of the Eurostar this morning, which is the high-speed practice that travels beneath the English Channel by way of the Channel Tunnel (AKA The Chunnel). It will get you to Paris in just below 2.5 hours.
Now, might you ebook a flight on a finances airline that might be cheaper than touring by way of Eurostar? Sure, you most likely might. But touring by way of practice is extra relaxed (no irritating airport or fears of misplaced baggage right here!), AND it is probably the most environmentally-friendly strategy to journey lengthy distances in Europe.
Plus, the Eurostar is much extra comfy than a finances airline. If you splurge for a Standard Premier seat (the center ticket choice), you will get a large seat with a lot of legroom, plus a meal (full with wine!) served at your seat. (Search for Eurostar tickets right here.)
You’ll depart from London’s St. Pancras International station, and arrive in Paris at Gare du Nord. From there, you may both get a taxi or take the Metro to your resort.
Note: Remember that London makes use of British Pounds and Paris makes use of the Euro for foreign money. But, to be trustworthy, contactless funds are ubiquitous in each cities. We solely used money throughout a pair taxi rides in Paris, however that was simply because it is what drivers favor, not as a result of you may’t pay with a card.
A be aware on getting round in Paris
Paris additionally has an underground metro that can get you nearly in all places you’d need to go in Paris, together with taxis/Ubers. The Metro strains in Paris are numbered and color-coded, and you will discover stations marked with the letter M, or the phrases Métro or Métropolitain.
The Paris Metro has NOT gone paperless or contactless simply but (although it is imagined to occur quickly), so for now your greatest guess is to buy both a 5-day journey move (€38.35 for Zones 1-3, which is all you will want), or just get a packet of 10 paper Metro tickets (you save 25% by shopping for 10 without delay)*.
*The paper tickets had been imagined to be phased out on the finish of 2021, however as of May 2022 they had been nonetheless what was being bought. Once they’re phased out, you will nonetheless be capable to buy a set of 10 contactless tickets, or to load cash onto a reusable Navigo Easy move.
For assist navigating, the Citymapper and AllSubway apps are what we utilized in Paris, too!
Paris’ neighborhoods are referred to as arrondissements, and are numbered in a spiraling sample beginning within the middle of town. There are 20 arrondissements in complete. Paris can also be normally divided into the Right Bank (north of the River Seine) and Left Bank (south of the River Seine).
Read these ideas in your first time in Paris!
2. Arc de Triomphe
After you test in to (or not less than drop your baggage off at) your resort (extra on the place to remain later), I like to recommend hopping on the Metro to the Arc de Triomphe. This iconic triumphal arch is not actually near some other main sights, so you might as nicely begin right here!
The closest Metro cease is Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, which is on the 1, 2, and 6 Metro strains. When you get there and exit to the road, DO NOT attempt to cross the 8-lane roundabout that encircles the Arc. Look for indicators directing you to the pedestrian underpass.
Once you come up beneath the Arc, you may both merely stroll round it to take some photographs, or you will get a ticket to climb the 284 steps to the highest. From the highest, you will have unbelievable views out over Paris and in the direction of the Eiffel Tower. (Purchase skip-the-line tickets for the Arc de Triomphe right here.)
Note: There are a lot of cafes and brasseries close to the Arc and alongside the Champs-Élysées for lunch, both earlier than or after your go to.
2. Jardins du Trocadéro
Next you may make your strategy to the Trocadero, which provides up among the most well-known views of the Eiffel Tower throughout the Seine. You can both stroll right here from the Arc (20 minutes), or hop on the 6 Metro line to Trocadero station.
Then it is a brief stroll throughout the Seine by way of the Pont d’Iéna.
Pro tip: The space in entrance of the Eiffel Tower is ALWAYS busy with folks. This is certainly one of many touristy spots in Paris the place petty theft like pickpocketing is frequent, so pay attention to your environment and do not preserve your pockets or valuables in a again pocket or open purse. I like to recommend touring in huge cities with a theft-proof cross-body bag or backpack.
3. Seine cruise
Whereas I do not essentially take into account a river cruise in London to be a must-do, I DO take into account a cruise on the Seine in Paris to be one thing you do not need to skip. Paris is a lovely metropolis, and the banks of the Seine are iconically romantic.
I like to recommend doing a cruise earlier than dinner. The two primary corporations that supply Seine sightseeing cruises function on the Left Bank of the Seine, proper in entrance of the Eiffel Tower.
If you propose to go to each the Arc de Triomphe and do a Seine cruise right this moment, you may really purchase this combo ticket, which helps you to do each actions at your leisure. (The cruise might be with Bateaux Parisiens, and embody an audioguide onboard in your 1-hour cruise.)
4. Dinner
There are LOTS of eating places within the seventh arrondissement close to the Eiffel Tower. Many are fairly touristy and serve up just-okay meals, however there are many good ones, too. (My tip? The smaller the restaurant, the higher in lots of circumstances!)
Just a few spots that we both tried or had really useful to us that serve up French meals (due to course you will need French meals your first evening in Paris!) embody:
- L’Abreuvoir
- De la Tour
- Les Cocottes
- La Fontaine de Mars
- Le Café de Mars
- Les Ombres
Pro tip: You’ll need to make reservations for many eating places in Paris, particularly for dinner and particularly close to any standard vacationer spots. In Paris, many eating places use an app referred to as TheForok for reservations; that is what I used more often than not!
The different choice for tonight is to go to a grocery store to choose up bread, meats, cheeses, and wine and have a picnic dinner on the Champ de Mars inside view of the Eiffel Tower. This after all is VERY standard in the summertime months, so simply remember in the event you go this route that you’re going to be picnicking with tons of of different folks.
5. Eiffel Tower
Okay okay, you have been in view of the Eiffel Tower a lot of the day – let’s lastly discuss visiting it, and seeing it lit up at evening!
If you need my trustworthy opinion, I actually DON’T assume it is price it to go up the Eiffel Tower. Even in the event you purchase a skip-the-line ticket upfront (extremely really useful), you will nonetheless must queue as much as board the elevator. And when you’re up on the tower, you clearly cannot SEE the Eiffel Tower within the Paris skyline.
Elliot and I went as much as the second degree of the Eiffel Tower, and whereas the views are good, I believe there are higher views of Paris. (Plus, Eiffel Tower tickets aren’t low cost!)
Instead, I’d counsel that you just take pleasure in your dinner like a Parisian (which implies slowly and possibly with a number of glasses of wine), and watch for darkness to fall.
The Eiffel Tower is illuminated after darkish, and “sparkles” for five minutes on the hour each hour from sundown to 1 a.m. (Just be aware that in the summertime, it would not get darkish till almost 10 p.m. in Paris!)
Where to remain in Paris
Did you already know that there are greater than 1,500 resorts in Paris?? It’s no surprise that it may be overwhelming to determine the place to remain. I’m not going to inundate you with tons of of strategies. Instead, listed below are a pair dozen resort choices, roughly organized by the place in Paris they’re situated.
(I personally have stayed within the ninth, 18th, and sixteenth arrondissements, and have loved all of them! The hottest neighborhoods to remain in for vacationers are normally the 4th, fifth, and sixth.)
- Saint-Germain resorts (sixth arr.) – Hotel Relais Saint-Germain, Hotel Le Six, Hotel d’Aubusson, Relais Christine
- Latin Quarter resorts (fifth arr.) – Hotel Monge, Hotel Abbatial, Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon, Hotel du College de France
- Montmartre resorts (18th arr.) – Terrass” Hotel, Mom’Art Hotel, Hotel le Chat Noir
- Élysée resorts (eighth arr.) – Hotel Astoria – Asotel, Le Belleval, La Villa Haussmann, La Demeure Montaigne
- Opera resorts (ninth arr.) – Lyric Hotel Paris*, Hotel 34B – Astotel, Hotel Prelude Opera, Hôtel Saint-Pétersbourg Opéra & Spa, Hotel Chopin, Quartier Libre Saint Georges (house resort)
- Other Paris resorts – Grand Hôtel Du Palais Royal (1st), Hotel Cambon (1st), Hotel des Grands Boulevards (2nd), Hotel Malte – Astotel (2nd) (top-rated Paris resort on TripAdvisor), Hotel Britannique (third), Cler Hotel (seventh), 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord (tenth), Hotel Le Milie Rose (tenth), Hotel Maison FL* (sixteenth), Saint James Paris (sixteenth), Passy Eiffel (sixteenth)
- Paris resorts with Eiffel Tower Views: Hotel Le Walt (seventh), Rayz Eiffel (seventh), Citadines Tour Eiffel Paris (fifteenth), Le Parisis Paris Tour Eiffel (fifteenth), Hôtel Plaza Étoile (seventeenth)
- Best Paris luxurious resorts: Shangri-La Paris (sixteenth), The Peninsula Paris (sixteenth), Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris (eighth), Mandarin Oriental Paris (1st)
Some issues to contemplate when reserving a Paris resort embody location (i.e. which arrondissement and the way shut it’s to a Metro station), whether or not the resort permits smoking within the rooms (sure, a lot of folks nonetheless smoke in Paris), whether or not the resort has facilities like air con and an elevator (not all do), and what’s included (like wifi and breakfast).
On this journey, I additionally appeared for resort rooms with balconies, as a result of is there something extra Parisian?
Day 7: The better of central Paris
Highlights of Day 7 embody: Île de la Cité, Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, Jardin des Tuileries, Musée de l’Orangerie, The Louvre, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
1. Ile de la Cite
We’re going to begin the morning within the place the place Paris itself started: on the Île de la Cité, one of many islands in the course of the Seine. It was right here that Paris was initially based greater than 2,000 years in the past.
(You can take the Metro line 4 proper to the Cité station, or you may journey to the Châtelet, Pont Neuf, or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station and stroll over to the island.)
On the island, you may stroll via the attractive Place Dauphine on one finish, and see the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris on the opposite. (Notre Dame remains to be present process restoration work after the 2019 fireplace, and isn’t at present open to the general public.)
Since Notre Dame is closed, the next-most-popular church to go to on this a part of Paris can also be on the island. It’s referred to as Sainte-Chapelle, and it is a small Gothic-style chapel inside what was the royal residence of the kings of France. (Today, the previous palace homes the Palais de Justice, one of many primary judicial facilities in Paris.)
Sainte-Chapelle is a marvel. It was constructed within the 1200s for King Louis IX to carry his assortment of Passion relics, together with the alleged Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus. The chapel options gorgeous 50-foot-tall stained glass home windows that depict completely different scenes from the Bible, most of that are unique from the thirteenth century.
Visiting Sainte-Chapelle will not take you lengthy, however I promise you will not remorse seeing this masterpiece. (But do ebook your ticket upfront, as morning strains right here can get lengthy.)
2. Jardin des Tuileries and Musée de l’Orangerie
From the Île de la Cité, it is both a 25-minute stroll alongside the Right Bank of the Seine, or you will get on the 1 Line at Châtelet and journey the few stops to Tuileries.
This may be a great time to cease for some well-known sizzling chocolate at Angelina Paris (IF you will get a desk reservation), or cease in to Ladurée for some macarons. Then you may head into the attractive Tuileries Gardens, which date again to the seventeenth century.
These formal gardens are giant, with a number of fountains and strolling paths via rows of manicured bushes.
At the far southwestern nook of the gardens, you will discover the Musée de l’Orangerie, which is a small artwork museum well-known for housing 8 of Monet’s big Water Lilies murals.
This was the primary artwork museum Elliot and I visited in Paris, and it is an awesome intro museum. There’s a small assortment of impressionist and post-impressionist work right here, after which the rooms that had been specifically designed by Monet to show a few of his Water Lilies panels.
The Monet items are gorgeous (and SO a lot larger than you most likely notice), and I like that this museum is smaller; you actually most likely solely want an hour right here. (Though reserving tickets upfront is really useful; be aware that it is closed on Tuesdays.)
3. Lunch + picture ops
It might be time for a late lunch now. There are SO many cafes and brasseries in Paris, however if you would like a number of really useful which can be near your subsequent cease, attempt Café Le Nemours or Baguett’s Café. Juveniles can also be an choice, although they’re solely open for lunch from noon-1:30 p.m.
These are all near the Jardin du Palais-Royal, one other fairly backyard, and the well-known Colonnes de Buren/Les Deux Plateaux, which is a everlasting outside artwork set up that is all the time good for a number of Instagram photographs.
4. Louvre tour
You’ll discover that every thing right this moment has been skirting the large complicated of former royal palace buildings that right this moment home The Louvre, the biggest, most well-known, and most-visited artwork museum on the earth.
The Louvre shows 35,000+ items of art work (out of a group that totals greater than 500,000 items) in tons of of rooms. And when you can actually deal with The Louvre by yourself if you would like, that is the one museum in Paris the place I actually advocate you discover with a information.
The tour I like to recommend here’s a particular one; it is referred to as Closing Time on the Louvre: Mona Lisa at Her Most Peaceful, and it takes you to The Louvre within the late afternoon proper earlier than closing, permitting you to expertise the museum with much less folks.
The group for this tour might be small (15 folks max), and you will be with a information who’s an skilled in artwork historical past. You’ll see all of the well-known items contained in the Louvre just like the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, and in addition different works that you’ve got most likely by no means heard of.
I actually cannot advocate a tour like this sufficient! (You can ebook this precise one right here; be aware that it doesn’t run on Tuesdays when The Louvre is closed.)
5. Evening in Saint-Germain
The Louvre tour runs from 3-6 p.m., so after you are carried out I like to recommend taking your Louvre Pyramid photographs after which heading throughout the Seine as soon as extra (maybe by way of the Pont des Arts) and into Saint-Germain-des-Prés within the sixth arrondissement.
Saint-Germain is a hip, artsy neighborhood that everybody normally loves, making it an awesome space to probe for the remainder of the night. This is among the neighborhoods romanticized in films like Midnight in Paris, the place artists, writers, and different intellectuals lived, labored, and gathered within the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
If you need to channel your interior Hemingway or Fitzgerald, take into account sitting down for a drink at both Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore (they’re mainly throughout the road from each other). The terrace tables at each these spots are cramped and the cocktails are overpriced, nevertheless it’s one thing to test off your touristy bucket record. (If you are staying in Saint-Germain, each spots are maybe higher for an early breakfast.)
The streets listed below are all the time good to walk, and the very fairly Jardin du Luxembourg can also be not far-off.
For dinner tonight, I obtained SO many restaurant strategies on this neighborhood, so listed below are a number of to look into within the sixth:
- L’Avant Comptoir du Marché (standard wine bar serving small plates)
- Le Procope
- Avant Comptoir de la Terre
- Le Colvert (we ate right here and liked it)
- La Jacobine
- Le Relais de L’Entrecôte (just one factor on the menu right here: steak frites)
- Castor Club (for coktails)
Pro tip: Most eating places do not even open for dinner till 7 or 7:30 p.m. in Paris, so be ready to eat a bit late! If you have not had time to make dinner reservations, nevertheless, a great guess is to get to a restaurant proper when it opens – your possibilities of getting a desk are a lot increased earlier than 8 p.m. (in my expertise, not less than).
Day 8: Montmartre and the ninth
Highlights of Day 8 embody: Montmartre, Sacré-Coeur, Palais Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, and a well-known bar
1. Morning in Montmartre
Paris’ 18th arrondissement – also referred to as Montmartre – is my favourite a part of Paris. It at one time was a separate metropolis to the north of Paris, and was the place many ravenous artists with names like Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas, and Toulouse-Lautrec lived and labored.
Montmartre is a very fashionable neighborhood at evening, with tons of if not 1000’s of individuals gathering on the steps in entrance of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica to drink and watch the sundown every night. But if you wish to expertise Montmartre throughout its quieter, less-crowded hours, you need to go within the morning. (Start at Anvers Metro cease, on the Line 2.)
This neighborhood is one which begs to be explored on foot. You can go contained in the Sacré-Coeur Basilica at no cost (and you should definitely see the view of it from the Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet), watch artists working and promoting their wares within the charming Place du Tertre, and simply wander the slim streets.
If you need to take a neighborhood strolling tour, Montmartre could be the neighborhood I’d counsel. (And this 2-hour morning strolling tour is a good choice, specializing in some off-the-beaten-track sights that you just would possibly in any other case miss.)
2. Galeries Lafayette
From Montmartre, head south into the ninth arrondissement. This space of Paris is stuffed with resorts, eating places, and purchasing, and is certainly price a go to.
Head to the Galeries Lafayette shopping center, whether or not you need to store or not. (Closest Metro stations are Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette and Opera.)
Not solely does this mall have an unbelievable domed inside, nevertheless it additionally has a free rooftop statement deck you may go to for some very cool views out over the close by Opera Garnier and all the best way to the Eiffel Tower. (No buy needed to go to this rooftop!)
There are additionally tons of cafes and eating places on this space for lunch in the event you did not already eat in Montmartre. If you need one thing very French, head to a little bit hole-in-the-wall spot referred to as Crêperie Traditionnelle (2 Rue de Hanovre) for recent crepes.
3. Palais Garnier
Another must-do on this neighborhood is to go to the Palais Garnier, or Opera Garnier. This opulent, Italian-style constructing was constructed within the late 1800s on the request of Emperor Napoleon III to accommodate the Paris Opera. It was designed by architect Charles Garnier (therefore the title), and nonetheless operates as a efficiency venue right this moment, now largely exhibiting ballets.
During the day, you may go to the Palais Garnier and wander via all its splendid rooms and lobbies. I’ll admit: the inside of this place completely blew me away!
You’ll see the spectacular marble staircase, the gold-coated Grand Foyer, and even the field that “belongs” to the Phantom of the Opera. On most days, you may also peek into the luxurious 1,979-seat auditorium with its well-known painted ceiling. (There had been indicators saying no photographs outdoors the auditorium doorways, although, so I did not take any in there.)
You can ebook your self-guided tour tickets upfront, after which I extremely advocate upgrading to the audio information if you get there. It has a cool visible component to it that you’re going to use as you stroll round.
4. Drinks at Harry’s Bar
From the Opera Garnier, it is a brief stroll to a spot referred to as Harry’s New York Bar. This cozy wood-paneled bar dates again to 1911, and actually got here from New York City (they dismantled a complete bar in Manhattan, and had it shipped to Paris!).
Harry’s Bar in Paris was a well-liked hang-out for the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, and plenty of others, and is alleged to have invented among the world’s most well-known cocktails together with the Bloody Mary, SideCar, French 75, and extra.
The bar could make tons of of cocktails, and in addition has an in depth whisky assortment. They have stay music beginning at 10 p.m. each evening of their piano bar, however in the event you go for a pre-dinner drink, there’s an opportunity it will not be that busy.
5. Dinner
The ninth is stuffed with all kinds of eating places. Some choices to contemplate tonight embody:
- Le Minet Galant
- Le Petit Vendôme
- Chez Delphine
- Restaurant Kozo
- Kintaro
- Juveniles
Day 9: Versailles day journey
It’s day journey time right this moment! And whereas there are a number of choices to select from (for instance, you would take a day journey to Champagne nation, or go to Monet’s house in Giverny), I believe a primary journey to Paris requires a go to to Versailles.
The Palace of Versailles started as a small nation searching lodge utilized by King Louis XIII. It was remodeled by his son and successor, King Louis XIV (the Sun King), within the mid-1600s right into a sprawling, gold-coated palace with greater than 2000 rooms. The palace was the official royal residence of the kings of France from 1682 till the French Revolution.
You completely can go to Versailles by yourself by taking an RER practice from Paris and pre-booking a Versailles entrance ticket. But that is one other a type of outings that I actually, actually really feel is greatest carried out with a information.
Elliot and I opted to ebook a full-day bike-based tour to Versailles that ended up being certainly one of our favourite experiences of our complete journey!
We booked this tour with Boutique Bike Tours, which included a fast practice journey to Versailles, a guided tour of the palace as quickly because it opened to beat the crowds, a guided stroll across the gardens and fountains, time to buy lunch at a neighborhood market, and a picnic alongside the Grand Canal at Versailles.
Because we had been touring by bike, we additionally had time to go to the Petit Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet. This was initially constructed as a trip house for King Louis XV’s favourite mistress, however was extra famously embraced by King Louis XVI’s bride, Marie Antoinette.
Bike using in Versailles is just not tremendous strenuous, and I’d extremely advocate this tour in the event you’re in a position to do it! (Book this precise tour right here.)
(If, nevertheless, a motorcycle tour sounds terrible to you however you’d nonetheless love to do a guided tour, an alternative choice could be this afternoon tour of Versailles with transport from Paris, or this skip-the-line palace tour that requires you to get your self to Versailles.)
Pro tip: Whether you ebook a motorcycle tour or strolling tour right this moment, put on good sneakers – Versailles is HUGE and requires a lot of strolling to see all of it.
Day 10: Le Marais and every thing else
Highlights of Day 10 embody Le Marais, Pere Lachaise Cemetery, the Catacombs, Montparnasse Tower, and no matter else is in your to-do record!
1. Le Marais meals tour
It’s your final day in Paris, and you might as nicely exit on a excessive! Start your morning with a meals tour round Paris’ fashionable Le Marais neighborhood (I like to recommend this one). You’ll go to the Marche des Enfants Rouges, the the oldest lined market in Paris, and cease at a number of completely different locations to pattern every thing from cheese to chocolate to wine.
Food excursions are an effective way to get to know a neighborhood, and this space of Paris is among the primary ones you have not spent a lot time in but! (Book a meals tour right here.)
After the meals tour (in the event you go on the ten:30 a.m. tour, you will be carried out round 2 p.m.), you’ve gotten a pair completely different choices relying in your pursuits.
2a. Get to know the lifeless
All the best way out within the twentieth arrondissement lies Père Lachaise Cemetery, the biggest cemetery in Paris (and in addition maybe the most-visited cemetery on the earth). As somebody who loves visiting cemeteries after I journey, Pere Lachaise was a must-visit for me!
Some well-known people who find themselves buried right here embody Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Frédéric Chopin, Édith Piaf, and Marcel Proust.
The primary entrance to the cemetery is on Boulevard de Ménilmontant, with the closest Metro cease being Philippe-Auguste on Line 2.
To proceed this vein, you would subsequent head to the Paris Catacombs (close to Denfert-Rochereau station on Line 6), that are underground tunnels stuffed with the bones of the lifeless. You can both ebook a ticket with an audio information, or go on a guided tour right here (this one runs on some days at 5 p.m., which might be good timing).
Just be aware that the Paris Catacombs are usually darkish and damp – I do not personally assume this one is a must-do in Paris, however many individuals adore it!
2b. Another museum go to
If the macabre of cemeteries and catacombs would not attraction to you, then you would use this afternoon to go to one other museum that I have not but talked about.
The different two most-popular Paris museums that you have not visited but are the Musée d’Orsay (an artwork museum housed in a former practice station) and the Musée Rodin (which includes each an indoor museum and outside sculpture backyard).
Both of those museums are smaller and extra manageable than The Louvre; you may see the highlights in 1-2 hours at every.
3. Le Train Bleu
If you are searching for an over-the-top dinner tonight, a lot of folks advocate eating at Le Train Bleu. This restaurant is situated contained in the Gare de Lyon practice station within the twelfth arrondissement. It serves up traditional French dishes, and is thought for its opulent decor of frescoes and chandeliers.
You’ll undoubtedly need to ebook this one upfront!
If Le Train Bleu would not attraction to you (or if you cannot get a desk), then I counsel discovering dinner someplace both in Le Marais (4th arrondissement) or the Latin Quarter (fifth arrondissement). Some steered spots embody:
- Pain Vin fromages (for fondue!)
- L’As du Fallafel (for takeaway; anticipate a line)
- Le Mary Celeste
- Chez Janou
- Jaja
- Chez Mademoiselle
- Aux Anysetiers Du Roy (on Île Saint-Louis)
4. Montparnasse Tower
Regardless of the place you’ve gotten dinner, take the Metro to Edgar Quinet (Line 6) and stroll to the Tour Montparnasse, or Montparnasse Tower. This tall black tower is usually thought-about to be an eyesore within the Paris skyline by most locals, nevertheless it provides up arguably probably the greatest views in the whole metropolis.
From the statement deck on the 56th flooring, you get 360-degree views of Paris. From right here you may see the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame, The Louvre, and every thing else. The tower is open till 11:30 p.m., too, which means you may both go up earlier than sundown, or wait till after darkish.
(As with every thing else in Paris, reserving your ticket upfront is extremely really useful!)
This is the right spot to absorb the views and make one closing core reminiscence in your final evening in Paris.
When to go to London and Paris
This precise itinerary is designed for spring, summer time, or early fall in London and Paris. You can after all plan a visit to those cities at any time of 12 months, however you will not all the time discover all these steered excursions operating or sights open as lengthy through the colder months of the 12 months.
Late spring (late April-early June) and early fall (September into early October) are splendid if you would like good climate with much less crowds. Elliot and I did this journey collectively in mid-May, for instance, and it was good!
Note that mid-June and July are the busiest occasions to journey in Europe. July and August are the most well liked months – and never all resorts in London and Paris have air con!
Also be aware that August is the month when many Europeans go on trip; you might discover some smaller eating places and retailers (particularly in Paris) closed in the event you go to in August.
I believe 10,000 phrases encompasses all of the knowledge I can impart upon you that can assist you plan a bucket record journey to London and Paris.
If you’ve gotten extra time, you would simply spend many extra days in every metropolis, do extra day journeys, or add on a 3rd vacation spot totally (simple additions embody Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Brugge/Brussels, or the south of France, all of which will be reached by practice from both London or Paris).
If you steal this itinerary to plan your personal 10 days in London and Paris journey, undoubtedly let me know the way it goes!
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Have you ever taken a London and Paris journey? If not, is it in your Europe bucket record?