7 Days: London + Paris Highlights

Central London hotel

If arriving early, ask about luggage storage so you can start exploring right away.

Westminster / South Bank

Use contactless (same fare as Oyster). Start around Westminster so you’re immediately in the postcard zone.

Westminster

Book a timed entry to avoid long queues. Info/tickets: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us

Westminster Bridge

Best angles from Westminster Bridge and Victoria Embankment.

South Bank

Great riverside walk for first-day jetlag. London Eye tickets if you want to ride: https://www.londoneye.com/tickets-and-prices/

Soho

Good first-night area with lots of options; consider booking ahead on weekends.

Tower Hill

Go early for the Crown Jewels before crowds. Tickets: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/tickets-and-prices/

Tower Bridge

For the glass floor & engines, book: https://towerbridge.org.uk/visit

London Bridge

Best for casual grazing; weekdays are less crowded. Info: https://boroughmarket.org.uk/

Bankside

Free main collection; check exhibitions: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

City of London

Climb the dome if you have energy. Tickets/info: https://www.stpauls.co.uk/visit

London Bridge / Bankside

Nice night skyline; reserve if you want a sit-down spot with a view.

Bloomsbury

Free entry; consider booking a timed slot. Info: https://www.britishmuseum.org/visit

Soho

Easy transit from the museum; lots of quick options.

Westminster

Check guard schedule if you want to time it: https://changing-guard.com/ (unofficial schedule)

Mayfair / Westminster

Book ahead (popular). You can also do a more casual tea room if you prefer.

West End

Great for atmosphere; combine with dinner nearby.

Chinatown

Busy at peak times; go slightly earlier for shorter waits.

London

Arrive 60–90 min early for Eurostar check-in and security.

London to Paris

Book tickets early for best prices. Info/booking: https://www.eurostar.com/

Central Paris hotel

Buy a carnet/metro plan or use contactless where available; keep an eye on pickpockets in tourist hubs.

1st arrondissement

Great first look at Paris; golden hour is especially pretty.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Pick a brasserie for a classic first night; reservations recommended.

Trocadéro

The tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the top of each hour after dusk.

1st arrondissement

Book a timed ticket; arrive early. Tickets: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visit/hours-admission

1st arrondissement

Stay nearby to keep the day efficient.

Île de la Cité

Book ahead; stained glass is best in daylight. Tickets: https://www.sainte-chapelle.fr/en/

Île de la Cité

Cathedral interior access depends on restoration status; the area is still worth a walk.

Seine River

Book a sunset cruise for best views. Bateaux Parisiens: https://www.bateauxparisiens.com/

Le Marais

Fun neighborhood for food and evening strolling.

Montmartre

Go earlier for fewer crowds; great city views from the basilica steps.

Montmartre

Try a local boulangerie; take-away is easiest in this area.

7th arrondissement

Reserve a time slot. Tickets/info: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/visit

Central Paris

Luxembourg is especially nice late afternoon for a relaxed break.

Charles de Gaulle–Étoile

Book ahead; sunset is popular. Tickets: https://www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr/en/

8th arrondissement

Better value is often on the side streets rather than directly on the avenue.

Central Paris

If it’s a weekend, look for a local street market near your hotel.

7th arrondissement

Book in advance; lines can be long. Tickets: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/rates-opening-times

7th arrondissement

Great low-effort final-day moment; grab picnic supplies from a nearby boulangerie.

9th arrondissement

Rooftop terrace is free; good city panorama. Info: https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/

Paris

Allow extra time for traffic and security; confirm which airport/station you’re using.

Paris airport/train station

If flying, aim to arrive 2–3 hours early depending on destination and airline.