How Many Days Do You Need for London and Paris Trip?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning a trip to London and Paris but don’t know how many days you need to fully explore these two cities? Well, the answer isn’t straightforward as both cities are filled with endless attractions and activities that could easily take up weeks of your time. However, we’ve put together some suggestions that could help you decide on the ideal number of days for your London and Paris trip.

London

If you’re a first-time visitor to London, we recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the city to get a taste of what it has to offer. Here are some must-visit attractions that you should include in your itinerary:

Day 1:

  • Buckingham Palace: Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the State Rooms.
  • Westminster Abbey: Visit this iconic church where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066.
  • The Tower of London: Discover its dark past as a royal palace, prison, and execution site.

Day 2:

  • The British Museum: Marvel at its vast collection of treasures from around the world.
  • Covent Garden: Wander around this charming area filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
  • The Shard: Take in panoramic views of London from the tallest building in Western Europe.

Day 3:

  • The National Gallery: Admire masterpieces by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and other famous artists.
  • The Tate Modern: Explore the world’s most popular modern art museum.
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral: Climb to the top of its dome for breathtaking views of London.

Day 4:

  • Kew Gardens: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore this botanical wonderland.
  • The London Eye: Enjoy a bird’s eye view of London on this iconic Ferris wheel.
  • The West End: Catch a show at one of London’s famous theaters like The Globe or The National Theatre.

Paris

Paris, famously known as the “City of Love” is filled with romantic attractions, world-class museums, and delicious food. To get the most out of your Paris trip, we recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the city. Here are some must-visit attractions that you should include in your itinerary:

Day 1:

  • The Eiffel Tower: Marvel at this iconic landmark and enjoy panoramic views of Paris from the top.
  • The Louvre Museum: Admire some of the world’s most famous artworks including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
  • The Champs-Elysées: Stroll down this famous avenue lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Day 2:

  • The Palace of Versailles: Take a day trip to this stunning palace located just outside Paris.
  • The Musée d’Orsay: Explore this world-renowned museum filled with Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral: Admire the Gothic architecture of this iconic cathedral which was partially destroyed by a fire in 2019.

Day 3:

  • Sainte-Chapelle: Marvel at the stained glass windows of this stunning Gothic chapel located on the Île de la Cité.
  • The Latin Quarter: Explore this bohemian neighborhood known for its narrow streets, bookshops, and cafes.
  • The Pompidou Center: Admire contemporary art at this museum known for its unique inside-out design.

Day 4:

  • Musée de l’Orangerie: Admire Monet’s famous Water Lilies paintings at this small museum located in the Tuileries Gardens.
  • Musée Rodin: Discover the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin at his former home and studio in Paris.
  • The Seine River Cruise: Take a relaxing boat ride down the Seine River and enjoy views of Paris from a different perspective.

In conclusion, both London and Paris are cities that require time to fully explore. We recommend spending a minimum of 4-5 days in each city to get a taste of what they have to offer. However, if you have more time, don’t hesitate to extend your stay as there are always more attractions to discover in these two incredible cities.