London vs. Paris: Which City Is Right for Your Trip?
London or Paris? Compare museums, neighborhoods, food, getting around, entry rules and how easy it is to combine both cities by train.
Updated November 12, 2026 · By the RoamPlanned team
London and Paris are each other's closest rival and an easy pair: the Eurostar links the two city centers in a little over two hours. Choose London for free world-class museums, theater, royal history and English-language ease. Choose Paris for art, architecture, food and romance. With a week, it's very practical to see both.
Side by side
| London | Paris | |
|---|---|---|
| Signature sights | Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, British Museum, Tower Bridge | Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame, Montmartre |
| Museums | Many major national museums have free general admission, including the British Museum, National Gallery and Natural History Museum | Most major museums charge admission and use timed tickets |
| Best for | History, theater, families, markets, green parks | Art, food, cafés, architecture, romance |
| Getting around | The Underground, buses and contactless payment | Métro and RER, plus walking |
| Language | English | French |
| Currency | British pound | Euro |
| Entry for US citizens | Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required before you travel | Passport valid for your stay; check current Schengen rules |
Entry requirements
US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK, applied for online before departure. France is in the Schengen Area, where entry procedures are being updated with new electronic systems. Always check the latest rules on the US State Department's travel site before you book.
Families and first-timers
London is especially easy with kids: free museums with interactive galleries, big parks, the Changing of the Guard and no language barrier. Paris is wonderful for families too, with gardens like the Luxembourg and Tuileries, boat rides on the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, but plan around museum bookings.
Food
Paris is famous for bakeries, bistros and pastry. London's strength is variety: markets like Borough Market, food from every corner of the world and classic pubs.
Combining both
The Eurostar runs between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord in roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. Arrive early for security and passport checks. Four days in each city makes a relaxed week.
Itineraries to start from
See the 4-day London itinerary, the 5-day London family itinerary and the 5-day Paris itinerary, plus the best time to visit Paris.
Frequently asked questions
Is London or Paris better for first-time visitors?
London is easier for many US travelers thanks to English and free museums. Paris is the pick for art, food and classic romance.
How long is the train from London to Paris?
The Eurostar takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord.
Do US citizens need an ETA for London?
Yes. US citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before traveling. Check the official UK government site for current details.
Are London museums free?
Many of London's national museums, including the British Museum, National Gallery and Natural History Museum, have free general admission. Special exhibitions usually charge.
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London
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Paris
Airport transfers from Paris airports · France eSIM on Airalo
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Itineraries for this trip
4-Day London Itinerary: Royal Sights, Museums & Shows
London's essentials grouped by area, with free museums and a West End show.
5-Day London Family Itinerary with Greenwich & Windsor
Dinosaurs, castles, river boats and royal pageantry at a family-friendly pace.
5-Day Paris Itinerary: Louvre, Eiffel Tower & Versailles
Classic Paris by neighborhood, with museums timed around their closing days and an evening on the Seine.
Trip ideas and deals
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