How to visit London & Paris in 5 days
Quick answer: To visit London and Paris in 5 days, focus on each city’s headline sights and let licensed local guides handle the planning. In London, cover the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Westminster and the London Eye; in Paris, see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, the Opera Garnier, Notre Dame and a Seine River cruise.
Five days is not long for two of Europe’s greatest capitals, so a customized, guided itinerary helps you make the most of every hour. Below are the highlights to prioritize in each city.
London: Top Sights on a Guided Tour
If you are planning to visit London soon, a guided tour of London is the finest way to see its historic castles and palaces, famous landmarks and stunning parks. You can customize your travel package to meet your specific requirements and learn from knowledgeable, licensed tour guides who share fascinating stories about the city.
Tower of London
The Tower of London, which houses the Crown Jewels, is one of the most famous landmarks in the country. You will learn about its fascinating history from one of the Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is a working royal residence. Your tour takes you through the State Apartments, where the monarch traditionally hosts Heads of State on formal visits and holds ceremonies and award presentations.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is a must-see in London, with notable rooms including the Throne Room, the Ballroom and the Grand Staircase. You can also watch the Changing of the Guard, followed by a walk through St. James’s Park.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Big Ben is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. The Houses of Parliament stand right beside it, and a visit to the Commons chamber and the Lords chamber shows you British democracy in action.
Westminster Abbey
Since 1066, every coronation of a British monarch has taken place at Westminster Abbey, along with 16 royal weddings.
London Eye
End your guided tour of London high in the sky on the London Eye, with amazing views over the entire city.
Licensed Guide in Paris
With so many iconic attractions, deciding what to do in Paris can be challenging. That is why it is worth booking a licensed guide in Paris to make the most of your trip. Even with limited time, English-speaking guides can customize your itinerary so you travel comfortably and see the essentials.
Eiffel Tower Tour
The Eiffel Tower is the most popular attraction in Paris, and visits can be arranged with a skip-the-line option. If it is your first time, make sure you go up to the third-level viewing deck.
Louvre Museum Tour
The Louvre, the biggest art museum in the world, is home to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and more than 35,000 artworks and antiquities.
Palace of Versailles Tour
The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera and the lovely Versailles Gardens.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe, another famous Paris landmark, was built to honor those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Opera Garnier
The Opera Garnier, often described as the world’s most famous opera house, is full of grandeur and remarkable architectural details.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is a proud icon of France and a celebrated example of French Gothic architecture.
Seine River Cruise
A Seine River cruise is a perfect way to end your day in Paris. You are treated to complimentary wine and dining as you glide past the city’s illuminated landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really visit London and Paris in 5 days?
Yes, if you prioritize the main landmarks and use guided tours with customized itineraries, so you spend your time sightseeing rather than planning.
Why book a licensed guide?
Licensed guides know the history behind each landmark, can arrange options such as skip-the-line entry at the Eiffel Tower, and tailor the tour to your schedule.
What is the best way to end a day in each city?
In London, ride the London Eye for views over the city. In Paris, take a Seine River cruise past the illuminated landmarks.
Conclusion
Visiting London and Paris in 5 days is very achievable with a clear list of priorities and a good guide. Pair London’s royal palaces, Westminster and the London Eye with Paris’s Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles and an evening on the Seine, and you will see the best of both capitals in one short trip.
