How Many Days Do You Need for London and Paris?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, two destinations that should be on your list are London and Paris. These cities offer a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture that will leave you mesmerized.

However, before packing your bags, one question that arises is how many days do you need for London and Paris? Let’s explore this in detail.

London

London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason. It has everything from iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower Bridge to world-class museums like the British Museum and the National Gallery.

If you want to experience the essence of London, it’s recommended to spend at least 4-5 days here. This will give you enough time to visit all the major attractions without rushing through them.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring

On your first day in London, spend some time exploring your surroundings. Take a walk around your hotel or hostel to get familiar with the area. You can also visit some local shops or cafes to get a taste of British culture.

Day 2: Museums

Spend your second day visiting museums such as the British Museum or National Gallery. These museums are free to enter and have some of the world’s most valuable collections.

Day 3: Landmarks

This day can be spent visiting iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul’s Cathedral. You can also take a cruise down River Thames for stunning views of these landmarks.

Day 4: Parks

London has many beautiful parks such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park that are perfect for picnics or leisurely walks. Spend your fourth day exploring these parks and enjoying some downtime.

Day 5: Shopping

If you’re a shopaholic, London has some of the best shopping destinations in the world such as Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Camden Market. Spend your last day strolling through these markets and indulging in some retail therapy.

Paris

Paris is known as the city of love and is famous for its art, fashion, and cuisine. It’s home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

To experience the best of Paris, it’s recommended to spend at least 3-4 days here. This will give you enough time to explore the city’s main attractions without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring

Similar to London, spend your first day in Paris exploring your surroundings. You can also visit some local cafes or patisseries for some delicious French cuisine.

Day 2: Museums

Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic museums such as Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay. Spend your second day visiting these museums and admiring their priceless collections.

Day 3: Landmarks

This day can be spent visiting iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Élysées. You can also take a boat tour on River Seine for stunning views of these landmarks from a different perspective.

Day 4: Parks

Paris has many beautiful parks such as Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries Garden that are perfect for picnics or leisurely walks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want to experience the best of London and Paris, it’s recommended to spend at least 4-5 days in London and 3-4 days in Paris. However, if you have more time, it’s always a good idea to stay longer and explore these cities at your own pace.