Paris vs London which to visit first is one of the biggest decisions for travellers planning their first Europe itinerary. Paris and London are only 2h20m apart on the Eurostar, so visiting both is easy, but the city you start in can shape your budget, jet lag recovery, transport plans, and overall travel experience. This guide compares costs, attractions, trip pace, and travel logistics to help you choose the best starting point.
For more on this part of the trip, also see our Paris vs London: Which Is Better for a First-Time Europe Trip? and How to Travel from Paris to London: Best Options (Time, Cost, Convenience).
This guide explains whether you should visit Paris or London first based on trip length, budget, ease of travel, and overall experience.
Paris Vs London Which To Visit First: Paris vs London: The Core Difference Between the Two Cities
London operates in English and uses the British pound, while Paris primarily operates in French and uses the euro. For many international travellers arriving from North America, India, or East Asia, this matters more than expected during the first few days of a Europe trip.
After a long-haul flight, travellers are usually dealing with jet lag, unfamiliar transport systems, currency exchange, and travel fatigue. London tends to feel easier initially because everything from Tube signs to restaurant menus and ticket machines is in English.
Paris is still highly accessible for tourists. The Paris Métro is efficient and easy to navigate, and many staff in tourist areas speak functional English. However, London generally involves fewer small moments of uncertainty during the adjustment phase of the trip.
For most first-time visitors to Europe, starting in London makes the transition smoother before moving onward to Paris.
Which City Should You Visit First Based on Trip Length?
3 Days Total
If you only have 3 days split between both cities, start in London. The easier orientation helps you use your limited time more efficiently. By the time you reach Paris, you will already understand European transport systems, meal timing, and travel routines.
7–10 Days
Either order works well for a week-long trip, but London first still offers a slight advantage for non-European visitors because the first few days of adjustment are simpler.
10+ Days
For longer Europe trips, the order matters much less. At that point, flight pricing and route efficiency should guide your itinerary more than language convenience.
Budget Comparison: London vs Paris
London is generally more expensive than Paris, especially for accommodation. However, London also offers several world-class attractions with free entry, which helps balance daily costs.
| Category | London | Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotel (central) | £90–130 | €80–120 |
| Hostel dorm | £28–45 | €25–40 |
| Casual lunch | £12–18 | €12–18 |
| Mid-range dinner | £20–35 | €18–30 |
| Major museum entry | £20–30 | €17–26 |
| Daily transport | £8.10 daily cap | €16.90 day pass |
| Coffee | £3.50–5 | €2.50–4.50 |
Paris is usually slightly cheaper for food, cafés, and accommodation. London’s higher costs are partly offset by its free museums, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Natural History Museum.
Start in London if: you prefer to spend more at the beginning of the trip while your budget feels flexible.
Start in Paris if: you want to ease into Europe with slightly lower daily costs.
Eurostar Travel Between London and Paris
The Eurostar train connects London St Pancras International and Paris Gare du Nord in approximately 2h16m. Standard fares typically range from £39–100 depending on booking timing and travel season.
For most travellers, the Eurostar is the best way to travel between the two cities. Flying may look faster on paper, but airport transfers and security procedures usually make it slower overall.
Booking directly through Eurostar 4–8 weeks in advance usually provides the best balance between price and availability.
One advantage of the Eurostar is that both stations are centrally located, avoiding long airport commutes at either end of the journey.
Should You Fly Into London or Paris First?
Many long-haul travellers find it easier to fly into London first and leave Europe from Paris. Heathrow Airport has extensive long-haul connections, and beginning in an English-speaking environment simplifies the first few days.
A common first-time Europe itinerary looks like this:
- Fly into London
- Spend 3–5 days in London
- Take the Eurostar to Paris
- Spend 3–5 days in Paris
- Fly home from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
This route avoids backtracking and keeps the trip flow simple.
If You Only Have Time for One City
Choose London If:
- This is your first international trip and you want minimal language barriers
- You enjoy history, theatre, and museums
- You want access to major free attractions
- You have a strong interest in British culture or royal history
Choose Paris If:
- You are most interested in art, architecture, and food
- You want a more traditionally European atmosphere
- You are planning experiences like the Louvre, Versailles, or a Seine cruise
- You prefer slower café culture and neighbourhood exploration
Practical Tips for Visiting Both Cities
Luggage on the Eurostar
The Eurostar allows generous luggage allowances without airline-style baggage fees. Bags can be stored in overhead racks or larger luggage areas at the end of each carriage.
Passport Control
Since Brexit, UK border procedures differ from EU travel. Passport checks for Paris-bound Eurostar trains happen before boarding in London. Arriving 30–45 minutes before departure is normally sufficient.
How Many Days Per City?
For first-time visitors:
- 3–4 days per city covers the major attractions comfortably
- 5–6 days allows for day trips like Versailles or Windsor
- Less than 3 days per city is possible but feels rushed
Final Verdict: Should You Visit London or Paris First?
For most first-time visitors arriving from outside Europe, London first is the easier and more practical choice. The English-speaking environment reduces travel friction during the adjustment phase, and arriving in Paris afterwards feels smoother and more immersive.
That said, both routes work well. If cheaper accommodation, food culture, or specific Paris attractions matter more to you, starting in Paris is also a perfectly reasonable choice.
In the end, the best order is the one that fits your flight routes, budget, and travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris or London cheaper?
Paris is usually slightly cheaper overall, particularly for accommodation and food. London offsets some of its higher prices with many free museums and attractions.
Can you visit London and Paris in one week?
Yes. A common itinerary is 3 days in London, one travel day via Eurostar, and 3 days in Paris.
What is the fastest way to travel between London and Paris?
The Eurostar train is generally the fastest and most convenient option door-to-door, taking around 2h16m between city centres.
Should first-time visitors start in London?
For most travellers arriving from outside Europe, yes. London is generally easier to navigate during the first few days of a trip because of the English-language environment.
Last verified: 2026-04-27
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