Vacay AlchemistChoose Paris if you want romance, café culture and world-class art in a compact, walkable city, and choose London if you want diverse neighborhoods, free national museums, theater and an easy-to-navigate English-speaking city. Many travelers do both, connected by a roughly two-and-a-half-hour Eurostar train.
How do they compare on cost?
Both are expensive. London hotels are often pricier for the same quality, while restaurants can be good value in either city if you choose carefully. London has an advantage for museums: many of the major national museums, such as the British Museum and the National Gallery, are free to enter, while most major Paris museums charge admission.
What are the top sights?
- Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, the Seine and countless cafés.
- London: the Tower of London, Westminster and Big Ben, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, the West End and Borough Market.
Both have day-trip options: Versailles from Paris, and Windsor, Greenwich or Oxford from London.
What about food and atmosphere?
Paris is known for bakeries, bistros and long dinners, with a more traditional dining culture. London is more international, with excellent Indian, Middle Eastern, Asian and pub food. Paris feels intimate and romantic, and London feels big, varied and energetic.
Which is easier to get around?
Both have excellent public transit. The Paris Métro is dense and easy to use, and the London Underground covers a bigger area. Paris is very walkable. London is more spread out. Language can be easier in London for English speakers, though basic French phrases are appreciated in Paris.
What about weather and timing?
Both are best in spring and fall. Paris can be hot in summer, and London is mild but rainy year-round, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket. December is festive in both, with markets and lights.
How do you combine both?
Take the Eurostar between central stations, about two and a half hours. Plan four nights in each for a comfortable trip. Check current entry requirements for each country, since rules for electronic travel authorizations and visas change.
Frequently asked
Which is better for a first trip to Europe?
Either works. London is easier for English speakers, and Paris is more iconic for many visitors.
Is Paris or London more expensive?
London is often pricier for hotels, and both are expensive for dining out.
How many days should I spend in each?
Four to five days each is ideal for the main sights.
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