London and Paris at a glance

Planning point	London	Paris
Ideal first visit	At least 3 days	At least 3 days
Character	Royal landmarks, neighborhoods, markets and theatre	Art, grand boulevards, cafés and hilltop views
Best way around	Walk plus the Underground	Walk plus the Métro
From our trip	Westminster, St Paul’s, Borough Market and Soho	Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and Saint-Germain
Connection	Eurostar from London St Pancras to central Paris

A practical 6–7 day route

1. Days 1–3: London. Give the royal landmarks one day, the South Bank and St Paul’s another, then slow down for markets and neighborhoods.
2. Day 4: London to Paris. Take a morning Eurostar, leave time for check-in and enjoy an unhurried first Paris evening.
3. Days 5–7: Paris. Balance the Louvre and central monuments with Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and time at a neighborhood café.

General planning guidance: If you have only six days, travel early on the fourth day. With seven or more, add breathing room rather than adding another city.

London: what shaped our visit

We stayed at JW Marriott Grosvenor House beside Hyde Park, a useful base for walking into central London. Our days moved through St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey, Parliament and Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank. We also crossed Millennium Bridge, climbed St Paul’s Cathedral and spent time in Borough Market, Covent Garden and Soho.

Food was part of the rhythm rather than an afterthought: Jouri Lebanese Cuisine, Dishoom, Chaiiwala and Borough Market all appear in our story. Road closures made walking especially important—and reminded us that central London is often best understood on foot.

The Eurostar connection

The train makes this pairing unusually natural. You leave from London St Pancras and arrive in central Paris without airport transfers. Book ahead when dates are firm, arrive with time for security and passport checks, and keep essentials accessible. Always verify current entry and baggage requirements before departure.

Paris: art, viewpoints and neighborhood evenings

Our Paris days included the Louvre and the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur. A hot chocolate with Grand Marnier at Le Nemours offered a quieter pause, while Le Grenier de Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, L’Atelier and an evening near the Moulin Rouge brought a more local rhythm to the trip.

For a first visit, resist treating Paris as a checklist. Group sights by neighborhood, reserve major attractions in advance and protect time to wander. The strongest memories often sit between the headline landmarks.

When to go

Early October worked beautifully for us: daytime temperatures were around the mid-60s Fahrenheit, walking was comfortable and crowds felt lighter than in peak summer. Spring and early autumn generally offer the best balance of weather and energy. Summer brings longer days and larger crowds, while winter can be atmospheric with shorter daylight hours.

What to book before the trip

• Eurostar tickets once travel dates are settled
• Timed Louvre entry and other high-priority museums
• Eiffel Tower access if going to the summit
• Popular London theatre performances and special exhibitions
• Restaurants that matter most to your group

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need?

We recommend at least three days in each city. Six days works for the essentials; seven or eight creates a more enjoyable pace.

Should I fly or take the train?

For most travelers, Eurostar is simplest because it connects city centers and avoids airport transfers. Compare total journey time and current fares before booking.

Which city should come first?

Either direction works. We traveled from London to Paris. Choose based on international flight prices, hotel availability and the events you want to attend.

Is this suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. It covers the defining sights while leaving room for food, neighborhoods and unplanned discoveries—the balance that made our own trip memorable.