How Many Days Do You Need in London and Paris?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, two cities that are likely on your list are London and Paris. They are both iconic destinations that offer a lot to see and do.

But how many days do you need to truly experience these cities? Let’s break it down.

London

Day 1-2: London is a sprawling city with endless options for sightseeing. You’ll want to start with the classics, like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Big Ben. These can easily take up your first two days in the city.

Day 3: On your third day, explore some of London’s more offbeat attractions like Camden Market or the street art in Shoreditch. You can also visit some of the city’s famous museums like the British Museum or the National Gallery.

Day 4-5: A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without seeing some of its world-famous theatre productions. Spend an evening watching a West End show and then spend the next day exploring some of London’s neighborhoods like Notting Hill or Greenwich.

Paris

Day 1-2: Paris is known for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Plan on spending your first couple of days seeing these famous sights.

Day 3: On day three, explore some of Paris’ lesser-known but equally charming neighborhoods like Montmartre or Le Marais.

Day 4-5: Take a day trip out of Paris to Versailles or Giverny, home of Monet’s famous gardens. Alternatively, spend your last couple of days strolling along the banks of the Seine River or visiting one of Paris’ many parks like Jardin du Luxembourg.

  • Tips:
    • Remember that these are just suggested itineraries. You can easily spend more or less time in each city, depending on your interests.
    • Consider purchasing a city pass for both London and Paris to save money on attractions and public transportation.
    • Both cities are very walkable, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes!

In conclusion,

How many days do you need in London and Paris? Ideally, you should plan on spending at least five days in each city. This will give you enough time to see the major sights as well as explore some of the lesser-known neighborhoods. However, if you’re short on time, you can easily condense your itinerary and still have a wonderful trip.