London and Paris are both fabulous European cities to explore. Plus, both are great choices for a first visit to Europe. Both cities have a great public transportation network, loads of things for tourists to do, and have the added bonus of being easily connected by train. If you just have one week for a taste of Europe, consider this 7 day London and Paris itinerary.
7 Day London and Paris Itinerary
This 7 day London and Paris itinerary starts in London and finishes in Paris. So, you’ll need to book a multi-city ticket. While you could transfer back to your starting location, that’s extra time and money. Instead, you can just fly home straight from the second city. If you start in London, fly home from Paris.
But, since this ticket requires a multi city ticket, it’s worth checking flight prices. Check to see what it will cost to fly into London and out of Paris and compare that to flying into Paris and out of London. This itinerary is very easy to flip, so let the flight times and prices decide which direction you’ll travel.
Day 1 – Hello, London
I believe in not planning anything to strenuous on your first day, even if you only have one week in London and Paris (or any other itinerary). This is especially true if you’re traveling on an overnight flight (like many North American travelers to Europe). Instead, try to take it easy today. Your goals should be focused on getting to your hotel to drop your bags off and fighting any jet lag.
I recommend taking a walking tour to get your bearings of the city. You’ll have plenty of options ranging from a DIY tour, a free audio guide (I use Rick Steves’ app), or meeting with an actual guide. Tomorrow we’ll jump into museums and the top sights of London, but for today, take it easy.
Sleep: London
Day 2 – London
This is where your 7 day London and Paris itinerary really starts and we’re going to hit some of the best of London.
Start your day at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a historic cathedral that was first consecrated in the year 604. Tour the interior and marvel at the art, but don’t forget to climb to the top of the dome for fantastic views of the city of London.
After your visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, stroll through London as you head over to the Tower of London. Here, you’ll learn more about the British Monarchy and English history. To get the most out of your visit, take one of the free tours. If you’re willing to brave a long line, you can also see the crown jewels.
By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite so take a break for a late lunch. But don’t spend too long. There’s still plenty more to see in London.
After lunch, catch the tube to the British Museum, where you’ll see some of the finest treasures of in the world. Yes, you’ll see artifacts from British history, but so many tourists get mesmerized but the treasures from elsewhere. Controversially, the British Museum is home to the Rosetta Stone from Egypt, sculptures from the Greek Parthenon, and so many more artworks and treasures from Western Africa, Mexico, China, and even more. You could easily spend an entire day here, but we’re limiting it to part of an afternoon.
The evening is yours to explore. Stroll the river, ride the London Eye, find a pub, or even find an evening walking tour. The choice for how you spend the evening is up to you.
Sleep: London
Day 3 – London
Today is just as busy as yesterday. But, we’re going to start off light on historic sights. Start your morning with a stroll through London’s parks. While there’s several to choose from, I recommend focusing on St. James’ Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens.
After your stroll head to one of two palaces: Kensington Palace (for visitors all year round) or Buckingham Palace (for summer visitors). Each of these palaces provide an inside look at the British Royal Family and which palace you tour is up to you (and the time of year that you visit London).
We’re going to visit one more sight before lunch. Head over to Westminster Abbey. While the building is impressive from the exterior, it’s even more stunning on the inside. After your visit, take a break for lunch.
The afternoon is dedicated to the National Gallery. In this museum you’ll find famous works of art from all over the world. You’ll see paintings from Vermeer, Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh, Remembrandt, and so many more. There’s over 2600 paintings in these walls, so art lovers will want to give themselves as much time as possible.
The evening is once again up to you.
Sleep: London
Day 4 – London to Paris
It’s the halfway point of this 7 day London and Paris itinerary and it’s all about traveling between countries. Regardless of how you do it, or when you do it, you need to be in Paris, France by the end of the day.
There’s a few ways you can travel between London and Paris. Flying is definitely an option. While the flight is technically quicker, you’ll add additional time for transportation to and from the airport.
A better option is to take the Eurostar Train which connects central London to central Paris. The journey from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord is less than two and a half hours. You’ll need to allow some time for passport checks, but ultimately taking the train will save you time. Trains depart frequently throughout the day, so you have some flexibility.
Ultimately, you’ll need to decide if you want extra time in Paris or extra time in London. If you want more time in London, take an afternoon train. For more time in Paris, take a morning train. Personally, I’d recommend additional time in Paris, since you’ve already had two and a half days in London. However, the choice is yours.
Additionally, if you are taking the train, book early. Train ticket prices increase as the date gets closer and trains get booked. To guarantee the time you want at a decent price, book early.
Assuming you took a morning train, you have the afternoon to explore Paris. I recommend taking a walking tour (or two!) to get your bearings. Whether you DIY your own tour, use a professional guide, or use an audioguide, take it easy today. Tomorrow we’ll pick up the museums in earnest.
But if you still have energy, consider a visit to Sacre Ceour in Montmartre or the Eiffel Tower.
Sleep: Paris
Day 5 – Paris
We’re spending today at the birthplace of Paris: the island in the middle of the Seine River. The Île de la Cité, and its immediate surroundings, house three phenomenal stops: Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, and the Archeological Crypt.
Sainte Chapelle is best visited early when you can admire the stained glass without throngs of tourists. This chapel was built to house Jesus’s crown of thrones and the stained glass windows tell the stories of the Bible. A visit here can be quick, but the chapel is beautiful.
A short walk away on the actual island where Paris was founded sits Notre Dame and the Archeological Crypt. Many people just visit Notre Dame and skip the Archeological Crypt. The Archeological Crypt allows you to walk through the ancient Roman ruins that Paris was built upon. While you’re down here, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting (especially because you’ll exit and be surrounded by people again).
Notre Dame is a magnificent 14th century cathedral that has become one of the symbols of Paris. Unfortunately due to a fire in April 2019, much of the Cathedral is closed and is not expected to be open until December 2024. While you can’t enter the cathedral, you can still admire the structure from the exterior.
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. The good news is, you should have absolutely no problem finding a cafe nearby to grab a bite to eat.
In the afternoon, the plan is to visit two museums: The Museé d’Orsay and the Museé d’Orangerie.
At the Museé d’Orsay, you’ll see 19th and 20th century art. For many visitors, seeing the impressionist artworks are a highlight. It’s at this museum that you’ll find paintings from Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Vincent Van Gogh, Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne, and so many more.
Just a short 10 minute walk from the Museé d’Orsay is the Museé d’Orangerie. The collection at the Museé d’Orangerie is smaller, but it holds Claude Monet’s famous waterlily paintings. These waterlilies are the highlight of the Museé d’Orangerie.
We’re going to cram in one last thing on this busy sightseeing day: the Arc di Triomphe. It’s a long walk, so save your feet and catch the metro to the Arc di Triomphe where you’ll get incredible views of Paris.
And before you get freaked out about crossing through the massive roundabout—you don’t have to. Before you cross the street, look around. There are entrances that will allow you to go down, under the street, and under the roundabout, to reach the Arc di Triomphe.
The evening is free for you to do as you please. Have a nice dinner, find another great view of Paris (I like the view from Sacre Ceour in Montmartre), take a sightseeing boat down the River Sienne, or head back to your hotel to relax. There’s no wrong answer.
Sleep: Paris, France
Day 6 – Paris
We’re starting the morning with a trip out of Paris to visit one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe at Versailles.
Getting to Versailles is easy and efficient. Simply catch the RER C from one of the numerous stops in Paris and ride it all the way to the very last station: Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche. Once at the train station, follow the crowd of tourists as you all make your way to the palace.
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Given that, I think it’s really important to get there early. The earlier you go, the lower the crowds and the more enjoyable your experience will be.
At the Palace of Versailles, start with the interior. Take note of its magnificent decor and do your best to survive the crowds in the Hall of Mirrors. When you’ve finished touring the interior, don’t forget to visit the expansive gardens.
After you’re done touring the Palace of Versailles, it’s time to head back to Paris. We’re not in a rush though, so you have time to eat some lunch. Stop in the city of Versailles or wait until you get back to Paris. The choice is yours.
Once back in Paris, it’s time to visit one of the most iconic museums in the world: The Louvre. The museum will undoubtedly be packed, particularly around the most well known pieces, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying it.
Not a big fan of art? The building itself is a former palace and absolutely stunning. I think I enjoyed marveling at the architecture of the building more than some of the actual paintings. I followed a self guided walking tour of the Louvre to make my visit efficient, but not too long winded. Without the tour giving me context, I likely would have been very bored.
After the museums, we’re going to visit the most iconic sight of Paris. Head over to the Eiffel tower (assuming you haven’t visited on one of your other evenings in Paris). Gaze up at Paris’s most iconic sight. For those wanting to get the views from the top of the tower, make sure to reserve a time slot in advance.
The evening is once again yours to explore.
Sleep: Paris, France
Day 7 – Fly Home
This seven day London and Paris itinerary is over. You can take the RER train from Gare du Nord (and a handful of other stations in central Paris) to Paris’s Charles De Gaulle airport (or Orly Airport) to catch your flight home.
Recap
Day 1: Arrive in London. Sleep in London.
Day 2: Explore London. Sleep in London.
Day 3: Explore London. Sleep in London.
Day 4: Train from London to Paris. Sleep in Paris.
Day 5: Explore Paris. Sleep in Paris.
Day 6: Explore Paris. Sleep in Paris
Day 7: Fly home
Hotels Needed
Days 1-3: London (3 nights)
Days 4-6: Paris (3 nights)
Trains Needed
Day 4: Eurostar from London to Paris
Variations on This London and Paris Itinerary
As mentioned earlier in this post, it’s totally possible to do this London and Paris itinerary in reverse. Take a look at flights before committing to a direction. If it’s cheaper to fly into Paris and out of London, reverse this itinerary and make it 7 days in Paris and London.
When to Do This London and Paris Itinerary
This London and Paris itinerary can be done all year round. Summer is peak season and will have the highest number of travelers. Winter will be colder, but have fewer tourists. However, because both of these cities are huge tourist destinations, even in winter, you’ll still find plenty of tourists.
I recommend traveling in shoulder season, in either spring or fall. I visited London in spring and Paris in fall and had great visits.
Final Thoughts
Admittedly, I never did this particular itinerary, but I’ve spent nearly a week each in Paris and London. Both cities are excellent and there’s no doubt that you’ll have a fantastic trip by following this 7 day London and Paris itinerary.
Continue Your Adventure
London: For a more detailed itinerary through London, including some budgeting tips, check out my Two Days in London Itinerary.
Paris: For a more detailed itinerary through Paris, including budgeting tips, check out my Two Days in Paris Itinerary. Or if you have more time, here’s my guide for Five Days in Paris.
More European Itineraries: For those with limited time, consider my long weekend in Switzerland or my 5 Days in Iceland itineraries. For those with a longer visit, consider 10 Days in Spain or 10 Days in Paris, Belgium, and Amsterdam.