How to Visit London and Paris in 1 Week: A Dual Guide for Sights and Shopping

With a direct and international rail connection taking just 2 hours and 16 minutes direct, a dual-destination trip to London and Paris is always a good idea. Follow our guide to help plan an itinerary that promises to be iconic, chic and effortless.

If it’s your first time to either London or Paris, many people (including myself) would say it would be a crime to visit one and not the other. Taking the train from Paris to London allows you to save time and make the most of every moment in these vibrant capitals. The quick and easy journey means you can spend more hours sightseeing, shopping and immersing yourself in city life. From riverside walks along the Seine to the bustling streets of Soho, this guide helps you discover the most fascinating sights and experiences in two of the most famous cities in the world.

As an English girl and ex-Londoner, my suggestion would be to spend 3 nights in each city. This would give you enough time to really scratch the surface of each city as a first-timer, but if you had more time to play with, that’s even better. To be clear, I am writing this article for travellers visiting London and Paris for the first time ever, so it’s impossible not to mention some of the biggest and most famous attractions and sights in each place. I’ve mixed in some of my favourite shopping districts and foodie finds, to help you dig out an authentic experience whilst ticking off the big sights.

Things to Do in London: Iconic Sights and Premier Shopping

London offers an irresistible mix of history, culture, and retail therapy — the perfect recipe for a few days in the British capital.

1. The River Thames and the London Eye

Start your London adventure with a journey along the Thames on a city River Cruise followed by a ‘flight’ on the London Eye. You’ll soar 135 meters high for panoramic views that stretch up to 40km on clear days. This 30-minute rotation unveils London’s most iconic landmarks from Big Ben to St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. It’s a great thing to do when you first arrive in London as it really helps to get your orientation and get a sense of the sheer size of London. 

Travelista Tip: Booking tickets for the London Eye at sunset is particularly magical, as you’ll be able to see the city shift from day to night.

2. Westminster Abbey & The Tower of London

A short walk from the River Thames, Westminster Abbey stands as a cornerstone of British history. The site of every coronation since 1066 and the 2011 royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, its Gothic grandeur and vaulted ceilings evoke awe and reverence.

Combine Westminster Abbey with a visit to The Tower of London, home to the priceless Crown Jewels and nearly a millennium of history. Nearby, the Tower Bridge invites visitors to walk its glass walkways suspended 42 meters above the river and explore the Victorian Engine Rooms; a marvel of 19th-century engineering.

3. Borough Market 

For a taste of London’s culinary culture, Borough Market near London Bridge is unmissable. With over a hundred gourmet stalls offering everything from fresh oysters to artisan cheese and international specialties, it’s a feast for the senses. Come early on weeks to avoid the crowds and sample the famous Brindisa chorizo rolls. Travelista also highly recommends the freshly made pasta at Padella – you can’t pre-book this place to just turn up and join the virtual queue. We promise it’s worth the wait!

Browse the best boutique hotels in London.

The Best Places for Shopping in London

London ranks among the world’s premier shopping destinations. Oxford Street, Europe’s busiest retail street, stretches for over a mile and features more than 300 stores – from flagship giants like Selfridges and British-loved Marks & Spencer to global brands like Zara and Uniqlo. The Selfridges department store building itself, a neo-classical gem, is worth exploring for its food hall and seasonal rooftop pop-ups.

Nearby Regent Street offers a touch of elegance, with its graceful curve of Grade II–listed buildings clad in Portland Stone. Here, you’ll find Liberty London, Hamleys, and luxury labels like Burberry. For high-end indulgence, Bond Street and Mayfair are home to designer boutiques such as LouisVuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. For a blend of style and charm, Covent Gardencombines historic architecture with upscale shops, artisan stalls, and independent boutiques on Neal Street.

And of course, no shopping trip to London is complete without visiting Harrods in Knightsbridge, which remains the pinnacle of London luxury retail. This legendary department store spans nine floors and over 330 departments, complete with Egyptian-themed escalators and its iconic Food Hall.
As your time in London draws to a close, it’s time to cross the Channel once more — swapping afternoon tea for café crème, and Georgian façades for Haussmannian boulevards. Just two hours on the train, and you’ll find yourself back in Paris, where romance, art, and refined shopping await.

Things to Do in Paris: French Romance and Shopping Sophistication

Paris enchants visitors with its timeless allure, artistic heritage, and refined sense of style. Whether you’re strolling through its elegant avenues or browsing its grand department stores, the French capital will immerse you in romance, history and culture.

1. The Eiffel Tower 

No visit to Paris is complete without the Eiffel Tower, the city’s most enduring symbol. Rising 330 meters above the Champ de Mars, it offers breathtaking views from its three observation decks. The second level (115 meters) showcases panoramas of the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Cœur,while the top floor features a champagne bar and a reconstruction of Gustave Eiffel’s office. Visit at dusk to watch the city shimmer as night falls.

2. Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur

For a touch of bohemian charm, head to Montmartre. The cobbled streets, the white domes of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the artists’ square at Place du Tertre evoke the spirit of old Paris.The panoramic view from this hilltop village is simply unforgettable, especially in the late afternoon light.

For the very best foodie recommendations in Paris, check out our No.1 article A Local’s Food Guide to Paris (this article is written by a local and also includes my no.1 restaurant find in Paris)

3. The Arc de Triomphe

At the top of luxury shopping avenue Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe offers another unmissable viewpoint. Climb its 284 steps to take in sweeping views of the twelve avenues radiating from Place Charles de Gaulle. Beneath its arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whose eternal flame is rekindled every evening.

4. The Louvre

The Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces from ancient civilisations through the 19th century, invites exploration from morning till evening (and late on Wednesdays and Fridays). Don’t miss the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and countless treasures within its glass-pyramid courtyard. Booking timed tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Browse the best boutique hotels in Paris.

The Best Places for Shopping in Paris

The Champs-Élysées epitomises Parisian shopping on a grand scale, stretching from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. Along this iconic avenue, Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées occupies an elegant Art Deco space dedicated to fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Inside, you’ll find curated collections from Gucci, Balenciaga and Loewe, alongside a gourmet food hall showcasing treats by Alain Ducasse and Pierre Marcolini. For a moment of classic indulgence, a stop at Ladurée for its pastel-perfect macarons feels like a Parisian rite of passage.

For a more intellectual and understated take on luxury, Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers a beautifully refined shopping experience. This Left Bank neighbourhood is known for its heritage boutiques, literary history and quietly luxurious brands. Expect elegant fashion houses such as A.P.C., Isabel Marant, and Sandro, alongside independent bookshops, antique dealers and art galleries. Shopping here feels unhurried and thoughtful.

Travelista Tip: Your shopping in Saint Germain is best paired with a café stop and people watching at the famous Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots.

Further east, Le Marais brings a creative edge to Parisian retail. Set among medieval streets and historic hôtels particuliers, this neighbourhood is a hub for vintage fashion, emerging designers and concept stores. From carefully curated second-hand boutiques to cult favourites like Merci and The Broken Arm, Le Marais is where Paris’s style-savvy locals come to shop.

Completing the mix, the Latin Quarter offers a more bohemian approach, with independent bookshops, artisan stores and cosy cafés lining its narrow streets. It’s less about luxury labels and more about discovering characterful finds; a charming contrast to Paris’s polished shopping avenues.

Together, these neighbourhoods reveal the many layers of Parisian shopping, from iconic glamour to quiet Left Bank elegance and creative, local-led style.

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