Quick Jumplinks to Navigate
London and Paris are among the easiest European cities to combine in one holiday, especially for first-time travellers from India. You can also browse London tour packages and Paris tour packages if you prefer a planned itinerary. London offers royal landmarks, museums and historic neighbourhoods, while Paris is known for art, architecture, cafés, fashion and landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum.
If you are wondering how to plan a trip to London and Paris, the main decisions are how many days to spend in each city, how to travel between them, which attractions need advance booking, and how to manage the separate UK and Schengen visa requirements.
For travellers looking for a shorter Europe holiday, Thrillophilia’s London Paris packages currently include a 6-day London and Paris itinerary priced at around INR 1,17,000 per adult. Prices vary according to duration, inclusions, travel dates and hotel category.
Decide How Many Days You Need
The ideal duration depends on how much of each city you want to see.
A 5-day trip can work if you want to cover the major highlights, but it will require an efficient schedule. Three days in London and two in Paris give you enough time for the main landmarks, although you will need to prioritise. You can compare 5-day London tour packages and 5-day Paris tour packages when deciding the split.
For a 6-day London Paris itinerary, two to three days in London and three days in Paris offers a better balance. Thrillophilia’s 6-day Discover London and Paris itinerary follows a four-day London and two-day Paris split, while other packages use different combinations.
If you have 7 to 8 days, you can give both cities more breathing room. Four days in London and three days in Paris works well for first-time visitors, particularly if you want to include a museum, neighbourhood walk or day trip.
For 9 to 10 days, you can spend four to five days in each city or add a day trip such as Windsor or Versailles.
Plan the UK and Schengen Visas Separately
This is one of the most important things to understand when planning a London Paris trip from India. The UK is outside the Schengen Area, while France is part of Schengen, so a visa for one does not automatically cover the other.
Indian passport holders travelling to the UK for tourism generally need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa. The UK government states that the visa allows tourism visits of up to six months, and applications can be submitted online up to three months before travel. The current standard fee for a six-month visitor visa is £135.
For France, Indian travellers need to follow the Schengen visa process where applicable. France-Visas states that applications from India are handled through the French consulates in Mumbai, Puducherry, Kolkata and Bengaluru, as well as the French Embassy in Delhi.
If you are visiting both countries, plan the visa applications early and make sure your accommodation, flight and train bookings are consistent with the itinerary you submit. Always check the official visa websites before applying because requirements and fees can change.
Choose the Right Order: London First or Paris First?
Both directions work, so your flight prices and overall itinerary can decide the order.
For many Indian travellers, London is a convenient first stop because of its international flight connectivity. You can then travel from London to Paris by train and fly home from Paris, creating an open-jaw itinerary.
The reverse route works equally well if flights into Paris are better priced. When comparing fares, look at the total journey rather than only the lowest ticket price, as returning to your starting city can add time and cost.
Travel Between London and Paris by Eurostar
For most travellers, the train is the most convenient way to travel between the two cities. Eurostar operates the direct London-Paris service through the Channel Tunnel, connecting central London with central Paris.
This is particularly useful for a short trip. You can leave London in the morning, reach Paris around lunchtime and still have much of the afternoon for sightseeing.
Book Eurostar tickets in advance when possible, especially during school holidays and peak travel periods. Check the luggage allowance and arrival requirements before travelling, and allow enough time at the station for border and security checks.
How to Plan Your London Days
London is large, so grouping attractions by area will save you considerable travel time.
A first day can focus on Westminster, where you can see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. For more ideas, see this guide to things to do in London.
Another day can cover the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Thames and nearby areas. The British Museum, National Gallery and Natural History Museum are useful additions for travellers interested in London’s museums and culture.
Leave some time for neighbourhoods rather than filling every hour with major attractions. Covent Garden, Soho, Notting Hill, South Bank and Camden offer very different experiences.
If you have four or more days, consider a day trip to Windsor, Oxford or Cambridge. The key is to group attractions geographically instead of crossing the city repeatedly.
Give Paris Three Full Days if Possible
Paris is easier to explore at a slower pace because many attractions are connected by the Metro and several central neighbourhoods are pleasant to explore on foot. For more planning ideas, see Thrillophilia’s Paris tour packages.
The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame area, Montmartre and Seine are among the places most first-time visitors want to include.
For the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, booking ahead is sensible during busy periods. The Louvre is large enough that trying to see everything in one visit is unrealistic, so choose the collections you are most interested in.
A third day can be used for Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur or a day trip to Versailles. Thrillophilia’s Paris itineraries also include experiences such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Montmartre, Disneyland Paris and Seine cruises.
Decide Whether Versailles Needs a Full Day
Versailles is worth adding if you have at least seven days in London and Paris, particularly if you are interested in French royal history and architecture.
Since the Palace of Versailles is outside central Paris, the visit involves travel as well as time inside the palace and gardens. Treating it as a full-day excursion makes the itinerary more comfortable.
If you only have two or three days in Paris, it may be better to stay within the city. Disneyland Paris can also take an entire day, so families should account for this when deciding how many nights to spend in Paris.
Understand the London Paris Trip Cost
The London Paris trip cost depends on international flights, visas, accommodation, intercity transport and sightseeing.
Accommodation is usually one of the largest expenses in both cities. Staying close to a Tube or Metro station may cost more in some areas, but the convenience can save time and reduce daily transport costs.
Your London-Paris train ticket should be included in the initial budget. Attractions can also add up quickly, particularly if you plan to visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Seine cruises, London attractions or day trips.
Thrillophilia’s London Paris packages currently provide a useful reference point. Its 6-day Discover London and Paris package is listed at around INR 1,17,000 per adult, while an 8-day London Paris package from Kolkata is listed at around INR 1,47,343. These package prices should not be treated as the total cost of a holiday from India because international flights, visa fees, personal expenses and exclusions need to be added separately.
Choose Your Hotels Around Public Transport
Location is particularly important in London and Paris because both cities cover large urban areas.
In London, staying close to a Tube station gives you access to most major sightseeing areas without relying on taxis. Westminster, South Bank, Kensington and Paddington are some areas with convenient connections.
In Paris, the same principle applies to the Metro. You do not necessarily need to stay next to the Eiffel Tower or Louvre. A well-connected neighbourhood can offer better value while keeping the main attractions accessible.
When comparing hotels, check the distance to the nearest station rather than looking only at the distance to a landmark.
Pick the Right Time to Visit
The best time to visit London and Paris depends on your priorities, but late spring and early autumn are generally comfortable periods for sightseeing. You can also refer to Thrillophilia’s London tourism guide and Paris tourism guide when planning your trip.
April to June brings longer days and pleasant conditions, while September and October can offer cooler weather and fewer peak-season crowds.
July and August are popular but can be busy, with accommodation prices often higher. Winter brings shorter days and colder weather but can appeal to travellers interested in Christmas markets, festive decorations and indoor attractions.
Plan Attraction Tickets Before You Arrive
A London Paris trip becomes easier when you decide which attractions are essential and which ones you can skip.
For London, check ticket requirements for attractions such as the Tower of London and London Eye. Several museums and galleries have free general admission, although special exhibitions may require tickets.
In Paris, book the Eiffel Tower and Louvre in advance when possible. If you want to visit Versailles or Disneyland Paris, check their schedules and ticket availability before fixing the rest of your itinerary.
Avoid booking every activity at a fixed time. Some flexibility helps when weather, transport delays or longer museum visits affect your plans.
Should You Plan London and Paris Independently or Take a Package?
Both options work, depending on how much planning you want to handle yourself.
Independent travel gives you control over hotels, restaurants, sightseeing and the pace of the holiday. It works particularly well for experienced travellers who are comfortable navigating public transport and booking attraction tickets.
A package becomes more useful when you want accommodation, airport transfers, sightseeing and the London-Paris route arranged together. It can also reduce coordination when travelling with parents, children or a larger group.
Thrillophilia offers London Paris tour packages across different durations, with options ranging from focused six-day itineraries to longer European routes. Packages can also be customised around travel dates, accommodation preferences and selected experiences.
The important thing is to compare what is actually included, particularly airport transfers, intercity travel, sightseeing and accommodation.
A Practical 7-Day London Paris Itinerary
A seven-day trip gives you enough time to see the main highlights of both cities without making every day overly packed.
- Day 1: Arrive in London and keep the first evening light. Explore your neighbourhood or the nearby riverside.
- Day 2: Visit Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Spend the evening around Covent Garden or Soho.
- Day 3: Explore the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and South Bank. Add a museum if time allows.
- Day 4: Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar. After checking into your hotel, explore the Seine and central Paris.
- Day 5: Visit the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées.
- Day 6: Spend the day around the Louvre, Tuileries and historic central Paris, or use the day for Versailles if that is a priority.
- Day 7: Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur before your departure, depending on your flight timing.
For an eight-day holiday, add another day in either city. Families can use it for Disneyland Paris, while travellers interested in history can spend it at Versailles or explore more of London’s museums.
Why Choose Thrillophilia for a London Paris Trip?
The main value of a travel partner for a London Paris holiday is coordination. You are dealing with two countries, separate visa systems, international and intercity travel, hotel bookings and attraction schedules.
Thrillophilia offers London Paris itineraries with different durations and levels of inclusions. This can be particularly useful for families and first-time Europe travellers who would rather have the main logistics arranged before departure.
The best itinerary is not necessarily the one with the most attractions. It is the one that gives you enough time to experience both cities without spending the holiday constantly changing hotels or rushing between landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by deciding how many days you have and whether you want a simple two-city holiday or additional European destinations. For a first trip, 6 to 8 days works well. Check the separate UK and Schengen visa requirements, book your international flights, choose hotels near public transport and reserve the London-Paris train and major attraction tickets.
Six days is enough for the major highlights, but seven to eight days gives you a more comfortable pace. Around three to four days in London and three days in Paris works well for first-time visitors.
The Eurostar train is usually the most convenient option because it connects central London and central Paris while avoiding airport transfers and additional waiting time.
The total cost depends on international flights, hotel category, visa fees, Eurostar tickets, sightseeing and daily expenses. Thrillophilia’s London Paris packages currently include a six-day option at around INR 1,17,000 per adult, while other options have different prices.
For Indian travellers who require visas, the UK and France have separate immigration systems. A UK visitor visa does not cover France, and a Schengen visa does not cover the UK.
April to June and September to October are generally good periods for sightseeing. Your choice should also depend on whether you want Christmas markets, summer events or lower-season travel.
Four days gives you enough time to cover major landmarks such as Westminster, Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge while exploring neighbourhoods and a few museums.
Three days is enough for the main Paris highlights if you plan the route carefully. You can cover the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Seine, Arc de Triomphe and Montmartre, although Versailles or Disneyland Paris would require another day.
Choose the order based on international flight prices, visa timelines and your preferred departure airport. Flying into London and returning from Paris can be efficient because it avoids travelling back to the UK.
A package can be useful if you want hotels, transfers, sightseeing and intercity travel coordinated in advance. Independent travel can be better if you prefer choosing every hotel, restaurant and activity yourself.
A London and Paris holiday works best when you give both cities enough time to feel different rather than treating them as a checklist of landmarks. Plan the visas first, choose accommodation around convenient transport, reserve attractions that need advance tickets and leave some space for exploring the cities.