Ask anyone to name their dream first trip to Europe and most of them will say the same two cities. There’s a reason for that. One day you’re watching the guard change outside Buckingham Palace and eating finger sandwiches at a traditional high tea. A few days later you’re standing under the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles on the hour, a croissant in hand and the Seine right in front of you.
Two capitals, two languages, two completely different moods, and somehow it all fits into one very manageable trip.
London and Paris have been paired together for a reason. Both are endlessly walkable. Both reward first time visitors with the kind of icons you already know from postcards and movies, while still leaving plenty of room to wander somewhere that feels entirely your own. History around every corner, world class art, food that ranges from a proper Sunday roast to a perfect plate of steak frites.
It is the trip that made so many of us fall in love with travel in the first place.
And getting between the two could not be simpler. No connecting flights, no extra security lines, no lost afternoon at an airport. Just a fast train that carries you from one capital center to the other while you sit back with a coffee. It is, quite simply, one of the easiest double destination trips in the world to plan well.
Why it Works
CLASSIC & ICONIC
This is the Europe you have been picturing since childhood (or since Emily in Paris took over your watchlist), the castles from your history books, the landmarks from the movies you grew up watching. It is rich with culture but never intimidating. English is the primary language in London and widely spoken throughout Paris, so first time travelers can dive right in without a language barrier holding them back.
GET AROUND WITH EASE
Both cities are made for walking, and when you need a lift the options are excellent. London’s black cabs and Paris’s taxis are dependable, and each city’s metro system is clean, fast, and easy to figure out even on day one. There is no need to rent a car or map out a complicated transit plan.
TWO CITIES, ONE QUICK HOP
Wake up under Big Ben, and watch the Eiffel Tower light up that very same evening. The crossing between the two is part of the magic of this trip, easy enough that London and Paris start to feel like one seamless adventure rather than two separate destinations.
LONDON
HOW TO SPEND YOUR DAYS
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
- A West End show, from long running classics to the newest hit
- Proper afternoon tea in a grand hotel lounge
- Touring the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
- A guided food tasting tour through Borough Market
- A magical day trip behind the scenes at the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour
- An after dark walk through Whitechapel, tracing Jack the Ripper’s footsteps
WHERE TO STAY
THE RUBENS AT THE PALACE
A classic English hotel set right across from Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews. Traditional decor, a warm afternoon tea service, and one of the best located addresses in the city. It’s also a wonderful pick for families, with spacious suites, a warm and welcoming staff, and a location so central that even young kids can walk to half the highlights.
Paris
HOW TO SPEND YOUR DAYS
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Eiffel Tower, especially magical when you catch it lit up at night
- A morning at the Louvre or the Musee d’Orsay
- A Seine river cruise past the city’s landmarks
- Climbing up to Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur for the best view in the city
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
- Wandering the Marais’s hidden courtyards and boutiques
- A hands on cooking class in a Parisian kitchen
- A day trip to the Palace of Versailles
WHERE TO STAY
HOTEL REGINA LOUVRE
A Belle Epoque hotel set just steps from the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. Old world Parisian charm throughout, with impeccable service and some rooms offering views straight across to the Louvre pyramid. It’s also a wonderful pick for families, with generous suites, a warm and attentive staff, and a location so central that even young kids can walk to half the highlights.
LONDON & PARIS Travel Tips
Book your Eurostar tickets as soon as your dates are set. Fares climb the closer you get to travel, and the early morning departures, the ones that give you a full first day in the next city, sell out well ahead of peak season.
RECENT CLIENT REVIEW
If you’re looking for a travel agent who truly goes above and beyond, I can’t recommend Rebecca enough! She was instrumental in helping our family plan an incredible vacation to St. Lucia at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences.
She was incredibly responsive, organized, and attentive to every detail. She also offered thoughtful suggestions and ideas we would not have considered on our own, making our trip even better than we imagined.
We are so grateful for Rebecca’s expertise and outstanding service. We highly recommend her and will definitely be using her again for our future travels!
Jill S. – Newark, DE