Paris and London: A Perfect One-Week Itinerary

Paris and London – two iconic, beautiful cities that evoke romance, history, and sophistication. The best part? They are a short train ride or flight away and can easily be combined into a one-week trip. Whether you're dipping your toes into international travel, a seasoned traveler, or somewhere in between, you’ll fall in love with these cities. With so much to see and do, you could return time and time again to explore them even further. You can also do this itinerary in reverse and start with Paris. As a savvy traveler, I would suggest beginning with whichever city offers the best deal for flights in and out of.

London Transportation Tips

Of course, your travel day will vary depending on where you’re flying from, but if you're coming from New York, it’s a quick 6-7 hour flight to London. Most flights from the U.S. will land at Heathrow Airport, but London has several airports, including Gatwick, Stansted, London City, and Luton. You will most likely encounter the London Underground system, so here are a couple of general tips to make navigation easier:

• You will want to familiarize yourself with the London Underground (Tube) map before you go: https://tfl.gov.uk/maps_/tfl-go.

  Once you get the hang of it, it is quite easy to follow. You just have to pay attention to which direction the train is going before you get on.

• I recommend downloading the Tube Map App and the TFL Go app before you travel

  https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/track/tube

• You will also need to know what tube stop is closest to your accommodation. Once you know that you can use the apps to help you decide which line you need to take from the airport.

If you fly into Heathrow, here are a few transportation options to help you get to the city center:

• The Elizabeth line is often recommended from Heathrow because it has an express line to central London, including Tottenham Station. At the time of writing this, the cost was 15.50 pounds, but you can look up the current prices here- https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/by-rail-or-train/elizabeth-line

• I chose to use the Piccadilly line as I was staying in Leicester Square and wanted the least amount of transfers, and this is a direct line from the airport to Leicester Square Station. It was actually recommended that I don’t do this because that line can get busy, and you might have to stand with your luggage, which did happen a couple of times. However, when you first get off the plane and you're jetlagged and tired, this might just be the easier option with less to have to think about and worry about transferring trains.

• The Heathrow Express is another option which will get you to Paddington Station within 15 minutes for 25 pounds

• Taking a taxi is also an option with the benefit of getting you to the city with the least amount of hassle. However, this is not only the most expensive option, but once you get into the city, London traffic could cause delays so it’s also not always the quickest option.

• Rental car is not really recommended in the city because of the traffic, parking, and driving on the left in congested traffic. However, if staying outside of London city proper, this could work.

Day 2: A Full Day Tour from London to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford

For day two, we booked a full-day tour with Evan Evans, a tour company with great reviews and a stellar reputation. Their well-organized tours cater to various interests, so it’s worth looking at their options. We went on a Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford tour, which was perfect for me since I had already visited Stonehenge but hadn’t been to Windsor Castle or Oxford. I’ll be honest, Oxford was one of the highlights of the day. The stunning architecture, rich history, and atmosphere of the city were just mesmerizing. Plus, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, Oxford’s Christ Church College might look familiar as it served as inspiration for several scenes in the films.

Windsor Castle was also impressive, with its grandiose design and the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard. If that is important for you to see, the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11 AM but double check the schedule before booking your tour.

Stonehenge is, of course, awe-inspiring and one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK.

Last time I was in London we did a day tour that stopped in Stonehenge, Glastonbury and Avebury, which is also a nice option.

A few tips: This is a long day, so it’s essential to bring snacks and water to stay energized. Personal time is limited on these tours, and you won’t have many opportunities to stop for food, so it’s best to be prepared.

DAY 1: Explore your neighborhood and Sunday Roast

If coming from afar, you will probably be jetlagged, but my recommendation is to get yourself adjusted to the time change ASAP. This means do not keep looking at what time it is at home, even if you are tired, and don’t take a nap. Power through and go to sleep when you normally would, but local time. This means electrolytes and compression socks on the plane (trust me!).

If you cannot check into your hotel right away after your flight, you have a few options for your luggage. If you booked a hotel, they can most likely hold your luggage. If not, or if you booked a rental, there are areas around the city you can lock your luggage. Radical Storage is one option with plenty of sites throughout the city.

Day 1 sightseeing options:

This is a great day to get adjusted to your surroundings and learn more about the city or your neighborhood.

• You can do a hop on/hop off tour, so you can sit if you are tired, but still learn about all the various sites you want to see in the next few days.

• You can book a free walking tour; they even have a Harry Potter one. https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/40526-free-harry-potter-tour

• You can walk around your neighborhood and learn where the stores and restaurants are and explore any town squares or parks.

• If you're up for it, a walk along the Thames River offers fantastic views of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

• For a true British experience, grab a traditional “fish and chips” meal and a pint from a local pub.

A Sunday Roast in London: A Must-Have Experience

If you happen to arrive in London on a Sunday or plan to spend one there, don’t miss out on the classic Sunday Roast. It’s a British tradition that’s not to be overlooked, especially if you’re looking to dive deeper into the local culture. Think of slow-roasted meats, perfectly paired with all the fixings – roast potatoes, root vegetables, veggies, and of course, Yorkshire pudding.

Now, if you’re like me and had no clue what a Yorkshire pudding is, let me enlighten you. Despite its name, it’s not a sweet pudding but more of a crispy puff pastry with a hollow center, lightly sweetened and absolutely divine when paired with the roast. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – and trust me, it’ll quickly become your favorite part of the meal.

On our trip, we went to Old Shades, and I can highly recommend it. The atmosphere was cozy, and the staff were incredibly accommodating. We had the beef and chicken options, both of which were incredibly tender and flavorful. This experience was a welcome introduction to the British culinary tradition, and we certainly felt like proper Brits by the end of it.

Pro tip: Reservations are recommended since Sunday roasts are quite popular!

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle

University Church OXford

Day 3 Borough Market and Hamilton

In addition to spending a semester abroad in London, I’ve traveled there several times, so I didn’t hit up any iconic sites on this trip. Instead, I went to Borough Market again. I love getting lost in the unique stalls, mouthwatering food, colorful fruit and vegetable vendors, and all the sights and smells. They have food from every ethnicity you can imagine. I not only love the food, but the vendors sell such wonderfully unique items. Last time, I picked up lavender honey and French jams, and this time, I snagged some Croatian fig jam that was absolutely delicious.

A great tip is to plan what you want to eat ahead of time. There’s so much to try, and if you’re with a friend, you can split dishes and try more of the offerings. Some of my favorites include:

• Sausage rolls (we preferred Northfield Farm over Ginger Pig but both are good)

• Steak sandwiches from The Black Pig

• La Tua Pasta (the pasta is cooked perfectly)

• Fish and chips from Fish Kitchen

• And of course, the chocolate-covered strawberries – they’re heavenly.

Afterward, if you’re in the mood for some culture, check out Saint Paul’s Church and Temple Church, both within walking distance from the market. These historic spots are worth a visit!

In the evening, we headed to see Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Let me tell you – second-row seats that we managed to get from TodayTix were absolutely worth it! The show was incredible – the choreography, music, and performances were top-notch. If you're a fan of musicals, I can’t recommend it enough. Definitely a highlight of our trip!

Alternative Things to do in London:

What else is on your must do list? The benefit of doing both cities in one trip is you get to see a lot of amazing iconic sites, but the downside is you only have 3 days, so you can’t do it all. My tip is to make a list prior of everything you want to do and see and then narrow it down to like 3 things and keep that list for the next time.

• Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye are all in the same area, so it’s easy to visit them in one day (or break them up over two).

• Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Sky Garden are all close together and can be combined. I keep trying to get to Sky Garden but haven’t made it yet. It’s free but must be reserved in advance and is known for stunning panoramic views of the city.

• Canary Wharf always has a lot going on so check the calendar. Attractions like Capital Carts and Fair Game are in the area, as well as Skuna Boats which have floating igloos.

• Walk around Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden, it's the perfect place for people watching and enjoying the street performers. (Tip- check out Neel St in Covent Garden).

• For a unique shopping and food experience, head to Camden Market for eclectic vibes and amazing street food.

• The National Gallery Museum offers free admission, and the exhibits are always amazing. Make sure to book your general admission tickets online. General Admission Tickets.

• Wimbledon Tours are fantastic if you’re a sports fan – even if you're not into tennis, the behind-the-scenes look at the courts and stadium is fascinating. We did this on our last trip and it was awesome!

• Jack the Ripper Tour is a fun (and spooky!) way to learn about London’s eerie history. I have done this on previous trips and it’s always a great nighttime activity.

Bonus Tip: As a gelato enthusiast, I have to share that Venchi Gelato is my absolute favorite! They have several locations throughout London, so make sure to stop by for a treat!

Where to stay in London

When it comes to accommodation, I recommend staying in areas like Covent Garden, Piccadilly, Soho, or Leicester Square. These neighborhoods are ideal for first-time visitors as they’re walkable to many attractions, restaurants, and vibrant local spots. However, expect higher hotel prices in these areas, though you may be able to score a great apartment or flat like we did – the location was perfect for a short trip.

Ideally any hotel in Zone 1 will put you within easy reach of the main attractions. My tip: Plan your itinerary in advance to decide what you want to see the most, then base your accommodation nearby. Alternatively, book a place in a charming area like Notting Hill or Kensington – both are beautiful neighborhoods with their own unique charm.

I recommend using Booking.com for international hotels. I find that it has more options available and is easy to use. In full disclosure, if you use this link, I could receive a commission from it.

https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=1869594

How to Get to Paris

There are two main ways to get from London to Paris:

1. Eurostar Train: The Eurostar is a quick and convenient option, taking around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2.5 hours. It departs from St Pancras International in London and arrives at Gare du Nord in Paris. The train is comfortable, and the city-center-to-city-center convenience is to be considered as the Eurostar is a great option for avoiding the airport hassle, and it gives you the bonus of taking photos at King’s Cross Station at Platform 9 ¾ – a must for Harry Potter fans! Tip: Book tickets as far in advance as possible since prices can rise quickly. Eurostar typically releases tickets 6-8 weeks before departure, and you can book them on Eurostar’s website.

2. Flying: If you prefer to fly, the flight between London and Paris is about 1 hour. While faster than the Eurostar, you’ll need to factor in the time to get to and from the airports, security, and potential delays. However, this might be the easier and more cost-effective option, so check out both options before deciding.

Paris Transportation

One of the first things you'll need to do upon arrival in Paris is get your metro tickets. I initially looked for a 10-ticket bundle but found that it wasn’t available at the kiosk. Instead, the ticket agent recommended the unlimited day passes, priced at around 17 euros per day. These passes are valid for the metro, buses, RER, and even the funicular.

It’s essential to understand the difference between the RER and the metro. The RER is a combination of underground and above-ground trains, while the metro is exclusively underground. You’ll easily spot an RER sign, making it simple to navigate.

Paris’s metro system is easy to use, so grab a map (or download an app) and you’ll be good to go!

Part 2 of the Trip (a.k.a your second vacation)

PARIS

Paris Day 1- Exploring Notre Dame

We arrived in Paris around midday and checked into our hotel, located in the Latin Quarter, which is a charming area close to many famous attractions. We got lucky and were able to snag tickets to Notre Dame, which recently reopened in December 2024 after the devastating 2019 fire.

The tickets are free, but you can only book them a few hours (about a day) in advance, and they sell out quickly. Check frequently, in case someone cancels because Notre Dame is mesmerizing and not to be missed. You can walk around and read the information posted throughout the church, doing your own little tour.

Tickets- https://www.notredamedeparis.fr

Day 2: Montmartre & Evening Entertainment

Montmartre

On Day 2, we headed to Montmartre, one of Paris’s most iconic and artistic districts. I studied abroad in London 26 years ago, and I vividly remembered loving Montmartre, so I couldn’t wait to return.

Rather than tackle the 222 steps up to Basilica Sacré-Cœur, we opted to take the funicular, which is included in the metro pass. The church is free to visit, but expect to wait in line, especially on busy days.

Montmartre is full of charm, and even though it was overcast with on-and-off rain, I recommend taking your time here to people-watch and enjoy the street performers (especially on a sunny day). Don't miss the Wall of Love – a unique and colorful installation that celebrates love in different languages.

After visiting Notre Dame, I had my first crepe of the trip – a classic Parisian treat!

For dinner, we found a great burger joint nearby called L’Eitat Burger. It’s a casual spot that was perfect for our evening, especially since we’re not huge fans of traditional French cuisine (though, I do adore the pastries – chouquettes are a must-try!). Burgers were very tasty, and I would recommend checking them out.

Day 3: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Galleria Lafayette Hausman

Eiffel Tower

We booked the Eiffel Tower on their website for 9 am admission. Give yourself enough time as you must walk a little to the actual entrance, and it takes a while to get through security – you must go through two security check points. https://www.toureiffel.paris/en

When you book the tickets online, you can choose to go to the 2nd floor or the top. When we booked, the top was closed so we went to the 2nd floor only. However, it was still an amazing experience and a great view. I couldn’t imagine being on top as it was super windy and rain pelting through (maybe that’s why they close it during certain times of year). Even with the rain, it was crowded, but people were still able to get their pictures, you just had to wait a little bit. They do have toilets, a small cafe to get food, and 2 gift shops. Once you were up there, you could stay as long you wanted but I would plan for about 45 minutes and then head down to get pictures. You can research where the best places are to take pictures, but this is what I found..

• Port Debilly just off Avenue de New York

• Esplanade du Trocadero, although it gets very busy

• Trocadero gardens near the carousel

• Seine River cruise

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Afterward, we headed to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, an iconic Parisian department store that is unlike anything you’ll find in the U.S. They have a lot of high-end designer brands, restaurants, and they even had a resale area. Amazing & dangerous! The building’s stunning architecture, with its dome and gold archways, is worth a visit in itself. There was a glass bridge that jutted out suspended in the air where you could walk out onto. It’s free but you need reservations. It can be booked online for free https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/events/glasswalk/

There was also a beautifully painted staircase called Stairway to Heavens that will just bring you joy and make you forget you are taking the stairs.

A tip that I didn’t know about at the time but wish I did. There is a rooftop with a free 180-degree panorama of the city (including the Eiffel Tower). To get there you take a short flight of stairs from the sixth floor.

The Louvre

In the evening, we booked a guided tour of the Louvre. It stays open late on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the "Welcome to the Louvre" tour includes admission and takes you through the museum’s highlights, including the Mona Lisa. https://ticket.louvre.fr/en/guided-tours

The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and the tour was nice, but I didn’t realize they concentrated so much on the history of the Louvre and the how/why it was built versus seeing more of the paintings. We also stopped at a lot of Roman and Greek statues and crown jewels before getting to the highlight of the tour, the Mona Lisa. How's my impression below? lol

Alternative Things to Do

Here are some additional options if you have extra time or want to change up or add to your itinerary:

• Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe – A must-see for any first-time visitor.

• Catacombs of Paris – For a spooky, underground adventure.

• Seine River Cruise – A relaxing way to see many iconic landmarks.

• Salvador Dali Museum – If you enjoy surrealist art, this is worth a visit.

Where to stay in Paris

We stayed in the Latin Quarter, which was perfect for exploring Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, Louvre, and Square du Vert-Galant (where many of the Seine River tours leave from). I think this area is perfect for first timers and also has a great mix of restaurants, bars, and quaint shops, and it’s well-connected to the metro. It was close to 2 different metro stations that were convenient to connect to the rest of the city. I also loved that the area didn’t seem as touristy as I always appreciate being more immersed in the culture.

For a charming, picturesque neighborhood, consider Montmartre, though it’s a bit further from some attractions. Alternatively, Montparnasse is a lovely area with a great bohemian vibe, cultural artistic history, and easy access to the rest of Paris.

I recommend using Booking.com for international hotels. I find that it has more options available and is easy to use. In full disclosure, if you use this link, I could receive a commission.

https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=1869594

We also visited Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stunning stained-glass windows, but unfortunately, the tickets were sold out when we arrived. Tip: Book tickets for popular spots like this in advance! https://www.sainte-chapelle.fr/en

We had a quick lunch across the street, but it was not good. I knew better but we were hungry. In general, I would recommend staying away from places near tourist locations or corner cafes.

Evening Entertainment

In the evening, we attended a comedy show called "How to Be a Parisian in an Hour" – it was funny, and I was surprised at how many people from all over the world and even many locals attended. If you’re looking for an English-speaking show, I definitely recommend it. https://oliviergiraud.com/en/show-in-english-paris/

That night we got reservations to Pizza Populare. We wanted to go to one of their sister restaurants in London, but it was booked up, so I snatched this reservation up quickly. Tip: Make reservations in advance, it’s packed. The pizza was very good, almost like Naples! I also recommend the pasta, which was cooked perfectly. Trust me, get the truffle sauce- you will thank me later.

Summary

Paris and London are both amazing cities with endless things to see and do. If you plan ahead and prioritize what matters most to you, you can have a fantastic time exploring their culture, history, and vibrant atmospheres. Be sure to check local event calendars on sites like Time Out or Instagram to catch any festivals, shows, or exhibitions while you’re there.

No matter your interests, from exploring iconic landmarks to trying the best pastries, both cities will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Bon voyage!