London vs Paris: The Ultimate Vacation Showdown – Which City Wins?
Ever find yourself caught in the whirlwind of deciding whether London or Paris should be your next adventure?
I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s a tough call.
On one side, you have London, with its iconic red buses, majestic Big Ben, and the allure of afternoon tea that feels like a warm hug. Then there’s Paris, the city of love, where every cobblestone street whispers romance, the Eiffel Tower lights up the night sky, and croissants that melt in your mouth beckon from every corner bakery.
I lived in London for two years and I have visited Paris more than I can count and I can honestly say that both cities are amazing. But when it comes down to choosing one over the other, it’s like picking a favorite star in the sky.
Key Takeaways London vs Paris
- London and Paris both offer unique cultural experiences, but your choice depends on personal interests; history buffs may lean towards London, while art lovers might prefer Paris.
- When planning a trip, consider travel essentials like the best time to visit each city; spring in Paris and summer in London are highly recommended.
- Embrace the lifestyle and culture of both cities by participating in local events and trying traditional foods to get a true sense of place.
- Attractions and entertainment vary greatly between the two, with London famous for its historical sites and Paris for its world-class museums and art galleries.
- Culinary enthusiasts will find distinct flavors in each city; fish and chips in London and croissants in Paris are must-tries.
- Shopping in Paris is ideal for high fashion, while London offers a mix of modern and vintage finds that cater to a broader range of tastes.
- The cost of living and visiting can be high in both cities, but savvy travelers can find ways to enjoy each city on a budget by seeking out free attractions and affordable dining options.
Tip: If you are short on time and you want to visit both London and Paris, you can actually take a day trip. From London it is only 2 hours to Paris via the Eurostar and vice versa. Would I recommend you stay in London or in Paris? Well, this depends on the kind of vacation you are after of course, but if you are budget concious, I would stay in Paris. Do make sure to buy your tickets in advance because these trains are almost always sold out!
City Overview: Paris and London
We will start with a very general overview of Paris and London with some key differences.
Size and Crowds
London and Paris, two of the world’s most famous cities, both offer unique experiences but differ greatly in size and crowds.
London covers an impressive area of about 1,572 square kilometers, making it significantly larger than Paris. Paris is only 105 square kilometers. Yes! That is indeed pretty small!
This difference in size means that Londoners often have longer commutes and live in more spread-out communities. In contrast, Paris feels more compact and walkable. And you will really notice this when visiting!
You will see a lot of tourists in both cities – especially around landmarks. However, because London is overall largers you will feel like the tourists are more spread out. It also has more hidden gems where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
When I lived in London I would often visit places like Greenwich or Hamstead Heath to sit in the parks and hide from the busy center.
Weather in Paris or London
When comparing the weather in both cities, it is fair to say that London is known for its unpredictable weather, with frequent rain showers throughout the year. It averages about 106 rainy days annually.
Paris actually experiences similar weather but tends to be slightly warmer with fewer rainy days, averaging around 98 per year.
Both cities enjoy mild summers and cool winters, making them ideal for year-round visits.
The weather significantly impacts how you would explore these cities.
On rainy days in London, I’ve found that visiting museums or cozy old pubs can be just as amazing as walking along the Thames. Similarly, in Paris, drizzly afternoons offer the perfect excuse to linger in a patisserie or explore covered markets.
Green Spaces
Both London and Paris have amazing green spaces that serve as the lungs of the city.
London is home to eight Royal Parks, including Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, which are not only great for lovely walks and picnics but also host various outdoor events throughout the year.
Paris counters with its own iconic green spaces like the Luxembourg Gardens and Bois de Boulogne.
I’ve spent countless afternoons lounging in Hyde Park reading a book or enjoying boat rides on the Serpentine Lake. I even remember studying for an exam in St James’ Park (and I did really well on that exam!)
In Paris, strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries has been a refreshing way to start my day.
- Major parks in London: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park
- Major parks in Paris: Luxembourg Gardens, Bois de Boulogne
Travel and Accommodation in both cities
Now, what about travel and accommodation in Paris and London? I love Paris, but especially the hotels can get a bit expensive. But then again, the same can be said about central London.
And what about getting around the city? Which is better? The Paris metro or the London tube network?
Transportation Options
In London, the public transport system is vast.
It includes buses, trains, and the famous Underground (Tube). You can get almost anywhere in the city on the metro.
Paris boasts an equally impressive Metro system. Both cities offer tourist-friendly passes, like the Oyster card in London and the Paris Visite pass in Paris. These passes can save you a lot of money on transportation.
I’ve found that both cities also have plenty of bikes and scooters for rent. This is a great way to see the sights at your own pace.
However, the cost of transportation can add up quickly.
In my experience, planning your routes and using tourist passes wisely can help manage expenses.
Navigating with Ease
For English speakers, finding your way around London is generally straightforward. All of the signs are in English (Duh!), and locals are usually happy to help if you get lost.
Paris can be a bit more challenging due to the language barrier. However, many Parisians speak English, especially in areas popular with tourists. It is still a good idea to learn a bit of French.
Hotels: which one is more expensive
If we would compare the cost of a hotel in London and Paris I would definately say that London is the more expensive of the two. Sure, Paris has some of the most expensive hotels, but there are a lot of amazing mid- to low-budget options available. In London you can expect to pay a lot for your hotel. Sometimes even twice as much or more for the same chain!
For both cities I would recommend booking your hotel waaaaaay in advance because hotels book out very quickly, especially the ones that are good value. You can check booking.com.
Lifestyle and Culture: London vs Paris
We have all heard that Parisians are not that nice. But on the other hand, British people can be incredibly dour as well (must be all that rain!). So what if we compare the two? Are there any differences between the two when it comes to interacting with locals and the daily lif in London and around Paris?
Interacting with Locals
In London, you’ll find that people are generally polite but may seem a bit reserved. In my experience as a European, often value personal space, more so than other cultures.
Tourists might feel this especially in crowded places like the Underground.
However, Londoners warm up quickly once you engage them in conversation.
Parisians, on the other hand, are known for their pride in their language and culture. Speaking a little French goes a long way in Paris. It’s seen as a sign of respect.
I am Flemisch myself so I speak Dutch but since Wallony is Francophone, I can speak a bit of French. The aloof parisian will change into a gregarious friend the moment you speak French!
Daily Life in London or Paris
The cost of living in both London and Paris is quite high, but London edges out slightly more expensive. You will expecially notice this when you go out for food and buy food in the supermarkets. Food is also not of a great quality, especially since 2020.
Sure, both cities are pretty expensive, however, London offers a wider range of free activities, such as visiting museums like the Natural History Museum.
Attractions and Entertainment in London and Paris
I am going to be straight forward here: There is a lot to do in both cities. London is a beautiful city with a lot of different activities while Paris is more of an artsy yet romantic city. Activities are more expensive in the capital cities and that is true for both London and Paris.
Iconic Landmarks: London vs Paris
London and Paris both have a lot of iconic landmarks. London’s Big Ben, Tower of London, and the London Eye are definately must sees.
On the other hand, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe.
The architectural styles you will find in London and Paris differ massively. London is more of a blend of historic and modern architecture (with a lot of modern). Parisian architecture is more elegant with lots of beautiful Haussmann buildings.
I’ve always found that climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower or riding the London Eye at dusk offers unforgettable views.
Museums to visit in both capital cities
When it comes to museums, both cities are world leaders. London is home to the British Museum, Tate Modern, the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum. The good news is that these museums are free to visit!
Paris in its turn counters with the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, known for housing some of the world’s most prestigious art collections.
Both cities havs a lot of museums and there is something for everyong. London’s museums often focus on history, science, and art from around the globe. The British Museum alone holds eight million works.
In Paris, art takes center stage, with the Louvre’s Mona Lisa and Musée d’Orsay’s Impressionist masterpieces drawing millions of visitors annually.
Many of the museums in London are free while the ones in Paris do ask an admission fee.
Nightlife in London and Paris:
London offers vibrant nightlife with areas like Soho and Shoreditch, known for their bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Paris’s nightlife is also great but I would say it is a bit more quiet with people spilling out in terraces on the street talking away with a glass of wine in hand, especially in Montmartre and Le Marais.
It’s not that there aren’t any nightclubs but London is just better for that kind of partying.
Public Events and Festivals:
London hosts major events like the Notting Hill Carnival, the New Year’s Eve fireworks, and the Thames Festival.
Paris is known for Bastille Day celebrations, the Paris Fashion Week, and Fête de la Musique.
If this is something you are interested in, just check when you are visiting and whether any of these festivals is on!
Theme Parks in London or Paris
For those seeking thrills beyond historical sites and museums, both cities are near major theme parks. London is close to Legoland Windsor and Thorpe Park. If you are a Harry Potter fan you can also head to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio tour!
Paris is famously home to Disneyland Paris, which is obviously a magical destination for visitors of all ages.
Disneyland Paris has some unique attractions like Ratatouille: The Adventure, Sleeping Beauty’s castle and of course Thunder Mountain. But I really love the Ratatouille attraction because brings a piece of French culture into the theme park.
Food in London and Paris
In the past decade, the capital of the United Kingdom has really made a lot of progress when it comes to its cuisine. With spots like borough market and many celebrity chefs opening great restaurants in London, I would say that it is definately one of the better cities in Europe when it comes to food….
But Paris is still up there with the best of the best.
You should definately try and take a food tour in Paris. There are also some food tours in London you might want to try.
Dining Out
When it comes to dining out you can find lots of great restaurants in both cities. When you visit London, you can find everything from classic British pubs serving up hearty pies to high-end restaurants offering cutting-edge gastronomy.
Paris, on the other hand, is known for its bistros, patisseries, and Michelin-starred restaurants with amazing French cuisine.
The average cost of a meal varies greatly if you compare London vs Paris. In London, a casual dinner can set you back around £15-£30 per person, while in Paris, you might spend anything from €10-€50. If you are on a budget in Paris I would recommend going to a Bistrot and getting the plat du jour.
But in the end, both cities have plenty of budget-friendly options and small cafes. I’ve found that exploring the side streets often leads to discovering delicious meals that won’t break the bank.
In London, don’t miss the chance to dine in historic settings like The George Inn, London’s oldest pub. Paris offers its own unforgettable experiences, such as enjoying a meal with a view of the Eiffel Tower. For me, these moments have made my trips truly memorable.
Breakfast Choices
Breakfast in London often means a full English breakfast – eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, and toast. It is probably one of my favourite ways to start the day.
In contrast, Parisians prefer a lighter start with fresh croissants or a baguette with jam and butter, accompanied by coffee.
I will let you in on a secret: in London, do not ever go for the fancy breakfasts. The absolute BEST breakfasts you will get in working class cafes and greasy spoons. The rule is that if you see either builders or postal workers having their breakfast at the café in the morning, it’s a good one!
Cuisine Battle
I feel a bit bad comparing the London cuisine with the Parisian one. The cuisine in Paris is so much better than London food.
In London you will mostly eat things like hamburgers, fish and chips, maybe a pie and if you are very very adventurous, some jellied eels.
There are, however, a lot of other cuisines you can eat and that are definately worth a taste including Indian, Chinese (British Chinese, that is), Middle Eastern, and African if you know where to find it.
Paris is known for its amazing food and I would really recommend trying almost anything and everything on the menu. As long as you do due diligence and look up the restaurant on Google Maps and stay away from tourist traps near famous landmarks, you will have great meals. That is actually true for other European cities as well.
Shopping and Fashion
Now, let’s have a look at shopping. Which city is better when it comes to shopping. Should you go to London or should you fly into Paris instead?
Shopping in Paris and London
London and Paris stand as titans in the world of retail. Both cities offer a distinct shopping experience that reflects their unique cultural identities.
In London, Oxford street and Regent’s street offer a nice selection of high-street brands. In Paris you will find these on the Champs-Élysees together with lots of luxury and High-end fashion houses.
In both London and Paris you will find iconic department stores. In London you can go to Harrods, Fortnum and Mason (my favourite) and Liberty. In Paris you can go to Galeries Lafayette.
I am not sure who wins in this battle – I don’t even think there can be a winner. I do know that London and Paris have their summer and winter sales at slightly different times so that might play a role in deciding where to go shopping!
Unique Products to buy in London and Paris
Both London and Paris offer products that are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage.
In London, you can find bespoke tailoring services on Savile Row. Here, the art of custom suit-making has been perfected over centuries.
Paris is famous for its fashion and perfume houses like Guerlain, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel. They have elevated fragrance making to an art form. These cities set fashion trends and preserve traditional crafts sought after worldwide.
Each city has signature items that tourists love to bring home. London is known for its classic British teas and designer homeware from shops like Liberty London.
Paris is the go-to place for fine wines and gourmet chocolates that capture the essence of French cuisine.
They are both amazing in their own ways and which one to go to depends on where your interests lie.
Local Markets:
London’s Borough Market, Portobello Road Market, and Camden Market offer a variety of foods, antiques, and unique finds.
I like Borough Market. It is located near London Bridge and I used to go there quite a lot since I worked almost opposite. It is a food lover’s paradise with stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and street food from around the world.
Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is famous for its antiques, vintage fashion, and eclectic mix of stalls and Camden Market is known for its alternative fashion, unique crafts, and vegan food!
Paris also boasts famous markets that are nice to visit – although they are quite different in style and atmosphere.
The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the largest flea markets in the world. Here you can find lots of antiques, vintage clothing, and unique collectibles.
Rue Mouffetard Market in the Latin Quarter is a historic street market that offers fresh produce, cheeses, and specialty foods, along with a lively atmosphere.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Paris vs London:
London has many fun spots for kids. The Natural History Museum has dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits. The London Zoo has lots of animals to see. The Science Museum offers hands-on exhibits and the Wonderlab for curious minds.
Paris also has great places for families. The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has playgrounds and a lake for picnics. The Cité des Enfants is a fun science museum just for kids. Disneyland Paris, with its magical rides and Disney characters, is a must-visit.
Cost of a vacation: London vs Paris
Comparing the costs of a vacation in London versus Paris is obviously pretty expensive if you are on a budget.
I would say that London often has higher prices when it comes to hotels, especially in central areas. Paris offers a wider range of budget options. I remember staying in an Ibis in Paris for about 80 euros a night in peak tourist season while the cheapest Ibis ibis in London I could find was 200 GBP (!!!!!).
Food can be pricey in both cities, but there are deals to be had in both cities. Cafes and pubs will do you well in London while in Paris you can get the plat du jour at a bistrot.
Entry fees to attractions like the London Eye or the Eiffel Tower can add up. If you are on a budget but don’t want to miss out on attractions, it might be a good idea to get a tourist pass.
On the other hand, it is important to mention that both cities have many free or low-cost attractions. London’s museums, like the British Museum and Tate Modern, offer free entry.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between London and Paris really depends on what you want from your vacation.
Both cities are rich in history, culture, and culinary delights, but each has its unique charm. London offers British culture with landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Paris is synonymous with art, fashion, and romance with sights like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, home of the Mona Lisa.
If you love museums and art galleries, Paris might be your top spot.
If English literature and royal history fascinate you, London will grab your attention.
I would also recommend to consider the time of year you plan to visit. London has a more consistent climate, though often rainy. Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Weather in Paris can be a bit unpredictable but Paris shines in spring with its beautiful flowers and it also offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists in fall.
Both cities can be expensive, but with some planning, you can enjoy them without breaking the bank.
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