Comparisons
London or Paris for your first trip to Europe? (Or both?)
How the two cities compare on sights, food, cost and getting around, and how to see both in one trip.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- London is easier for a first trip from the US: no language barrier, many free world-class museums and theater every night.
- Paris is the more romantic city, with cafés, food, art and architecture on every corner.
- They are only about 2 hours 15 minutes apart by Eurostar train, so most first-timers do both: four nights in each is ideal.
| Flight from New York | About 7 hours to either |
|---|---|
| Between them | About 2 hours 15 minutes by Eurostar |
| Free museums | London (most national museums) |
| Best months | May–June, September |
| Entry | UK needs an ETA; check EU rules for France |
Sights
London's British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern and Natural History Museum are free to enter, which makes it great value for culture. Add the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and a show in the West End.
Paris has the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, which reopened in December 2024, and Montmartre. Book timed tickets for the Louvre and Eiffel Tower well ahead. Versailles is an easy half-day trip.
Food and atmosphere
Paris is the classic food city: bakeries, bistros, markets and long café lunches. London's strength is variety, with food from every corner of the world, great markets such as Borough Market and classic pubs.
Cost and getting around
Both are expensive for hotels; Paris rooms are often smaller for the price. London's Underground and Paris's Métro are both easy, and you can tap a contactless card or phone on London's transport.
In London, free museums keep sightseeing costs down; in Paris, a Paris Museum Pass can save money if you plan several paid museums.
How to do both
Fly into one city and home from the other to avoid backtracking; this "open-jaw" ticket often costs about the same as a round trip. Book Eurostar tickets early for the best fares, and arrive at the station in good time for passport checks.
- US citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting the UK.
- For France and the rest of the Schengen area, check the EU's official travel site for the latest entry system rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is London or Paris better for a first trip to Europe?
London is a little easier because English is spoken and many museums are free. Since they are just over two hours apart by train, the best answer is usually to visit both.
How many days do you need for London and Paris?
Eight to ten days: four or five nights in each city gives time for the main sights and a day trip.
Is it cheaper to fly or take the train between London and Paris?
The Eurostar is usually faster door to door, because it runs city center to city center, and early tickets are often competitive with flights.
