London Plus One: The Best European City to Add to Your Trip

Part of: How to Plan a Multi-City Trip Without Losing Your Mind →

You’ve booked your flight to London, haven’t you? You’re probably already dreaming of red phone booths, historic pubs, and maybe even a proper afternoon tea. But here’s the thing: once you’re across the pond, Europe opens up in a way that’s just not possible from the States. Why not make the most of that transatlantic journey? You might be thinking, “Adding another city sounds complicated and expensive.” But what if I told you there’s a perfect European companion to London, one that’s incredibly easy to reach and offers a completely different, yet equally enchanting, experience? We’re talking about Paris, the City of Light, and it’s truly the best ‘plus one’ for your London adventure.

Think about it. You’ve already handled the long flight, the jet lag, and the initial hurdle of navigating a new continent. Adding a second city, especially one as accessible as Paris, lets you double your cultural immersion without doubling your travel headaches. It’s like getting two vacations for the price of one international plane ticket, really. Plus, the contrast between London’s bustling, multicultural energy and Paris’s romantic, artistic flair creates a travel narrative you won’t soon forget. You get to see two distinct sides of Europe, all within a few hours of each other.

Why Paris is Your Perfect London Companion

When you’re looking for a European city to pair with London, you want something that’s both convenient and captivating. Paris checks all those boxes and then some. It’s not just about proximity; it’s about the unique blend of experiences it offers. You might wonder, “Is it really that easy to get there?” The truth is, the journey itself is part of the charm.

The Seamless Eurostar Experience

Forget airport security lines and cramped flights for a moment. The Eurostar high-speed train makes traveling from London to Paris incredibly smooth. You’ll board at London St Pancras International and arrive directly at Paris Gare du Nord, right in the heart of the city. It’s a city-center-to-city-center journey, which means less time spent on transfers to and from airports. Isn’t that a relief?

Generally speaking, the fastest Eurostar journeys between London and Paris clock in at around 2 hours and 16 to 18 minutes. Some journeys may take a bit longer. That’s quicker than many domestic flights when you factor in check-in, security, and baggage claim. The trains run frequently, often hourly or every couple of hours, seven days a week (except Christmas Day), providing flexibility for your trip. This consistent schedule gives you plenty of flexibility when planning your trip.

Regarding cost, booking in advance can help you snag better deals. Trainline, for instance, indicates that tickets can start from around $71.44 for a one-way Standard Class ticket if you book ahead of time. Rail Europe shows prices starting from €51.33, and current exchange rates suggest £44 converts to about €51, not €44 to £51.33. While prices can vary significantly depending on how far in advance you book, the class of service, and the specific date, the train often proves to be a competitive option against flying, especially when you consider the added costs and time associated with airports.

A Tale of Two European Capitals: London vs. Paris

London and Paris, while both iconic European capitals, offer distinctly different vibes. This contrast is precisely what makes them such a fantastic pairing. You get to experience the best of both worlds, really.

London’s Dynamic Diversity

London is known for its incredibly multicultural atmosphere and a faster pace of life. It’s a city where you can hear hundreds of languages spoken in a single day, reflecting its global identity. The social scene often revolves around the traditional British pub, which serves as a communal living room for many. You’ll find a fascinating mix of ancient landmarks, Victorian architecture, and futuristic skyscrapers, creating a visually diverse urban landscape. It’s a city that feels like many different villages stitched together, each with its own character.

One notable advantage for budget-conscious travelers in London is the prevalence of free museums. Institutions like the British Museum, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert Museum offer free entry, allowing you to immerse yourself in world-class art and history without spending a penny. This can certainly help offset other travel costs, like the somewhat pricier public transport system, the Tube.

Paris’s Romantic Elegance

On the other hand, Paris exudes a more romantic, leisurely, and aesthetically uniform charm. Its famous Haussmann architecture, with those creamy limestone buildings and grey zinc roofs, makes much of the city center feel like a movie set. Paris is often described as more laid-back than London, especially on weekends when neighborhoods might feel quiet until the afternoon as Parisians enjoy slow mornings and café culture. The social scene often centers around the terrace café, where you can sip espresso or wine and simply watch the world by.

Culturally, Paris is deeply rooted in its French culinary heritage, emphasizing tradition and refinement. You’ll find exquisite bakeries and traditional bistros offering multi-course meals. A unique cultural observation is that most restaurants in Paris provide complimentary baskets of baguette with your meal, and they’ll often refill it without you even asking. This might be a pleasant surprise if you’re used to different dining norms!

Unlike London’s many free museums, most major Parisian museums and attractions, such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, typically have an entrance fee. For example, getting into the Louvre can cost upwards of €22, and current official adult summit access prices are around €36-€37, not €29. So, you’ll want to factor a “ticket budget” into your Parisian plans. However, the Parisian Metro is generally considered cheaper per ticket than London’s Tube, which might help balance out some of those museum costs.

Must-Do Parisian Experiences for First-Timers

Once you arrive in Paris, you’ll find an abundance of iconic sights and experiences waiting for you. Where should you even begin?

Iconic Landmarks and Art

Of course, your first stop has to be the Eiffel Tower. It’s the quintessential symbol of Paris and a globally recognized landmark. You can admire it from afar, perhaps from the Champ de Mars, or ascend to its summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Don’t forget to catch its sparkling light show each night at dusk, which happens for five minutes on the hour until 1:00 AM.

Next, head to the Louvre Museum, home to thousands of works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa. It’s an immense museum, so you might want to prioritize a few key galleries or consider a guided tour to make the most of your visit. For Impressionist art lovers, the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, boasts Europe’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, featuring works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Many travelers find the Musée d’Orsay a bit more manageable than the vast Louvre, if you’re pressed for time.

You’ll also want to see the majestic Arc de Triomphe and stroll down the famous Champs-Élysées. For a different perspective of the city’s beauty, take a relaxing Seine River cruise. It’s a fantastic way to see many beloved landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre from the water.

Charming Neighborhoods and Culinary Delights

Beyond the major sights, Paris offers charming neighborhoods worth exploring. Montmartre, with its cobbled streets and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, provides stunning views and a bohemian atmosphere. You can also wander through the Latin Quarter, known for its intellectual history, the Sorbonne University, and the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookstore. The Luxembourg Gardens in this area are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

And let’s be honest, you can’t go to Paris without indulging in its culinary scene! From fresh pastries at a local boulangerie to rich cheeses and fine wines, the food is an experience in itself. Consider a walking tour focused on wine, cheese, and charcuterie in areas like Montmartre to truly savor the local flavors.

Making Your London-Paris Combo Trip a Breeze

Planning a multi-city trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little foresight, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Accommodation and Budgeting

Both London and Paris are known for being relatively expensive cities, especially when it comes to hotels. Hotel prices in Europe’s flagship cities, including Paris and London, have seen sharp increases. During major events like the Paris 2024 Olympics, average rates for three-star hotels in Paris jumped significantly, from around $178 to $685 per night, and four-star hotels from approximately $266 to $953 per night. So, booking your accommodation well in advance is usually a smart move to potentially secure better rates.

While London might offer some cost savings on sightseeing due to its free museums, the strength of the British Pound can sometimes make overall spending feel higher than in Paris. Public transport in Paris, however, is generally less expensive than London’s Tube. It’s a good idea to budget for entrance fees in Paris and take advantage of London’s free cultural offerings.

Getting Around Paris

Paris is a wonderfully walkable city, especially its central districts. Many of the main attractions are relatively close to each other, allowing you to explore on foot and soak in the atmosphere. For longer distances, the Paris Metro is an efficient and affordable way to get around. You can purchase single tickets or multi-day passes, depending on your itinerary. Learning a few basic French phrases, even just “Bonjour” and “Merci,” can go a long way in enhancing your interactions with locals.

Considering Other European ‘Plus Ones’?

Of course, Paris isn’t the only option for a London ‘plus one,’ but it’s often the most compelling. Other popular choices include Amsterdam and Bruges, though they generally involve longer travel times or more complex routes.

For instance, a direct Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam takes around 3 hours and 41 minutes to 4 hours and 4 minutes, which is significantly longer than the journey to Paris. Major platforms show lowest fares often $20-$32, with typical starting prices near $90 and average round-trip prices between $148-$241. While Amsterdam is a fantastic city with its canals and museums, the travel time makes it a slightly less convenient ‘plus one’ for a shorter trip.

Bruges, Belgium, is another charming option, known for its cobbled streets and canals, but it typically requires a train change in Brussels, making the journey a bit longer than Paris. These cities offer their own unique appeals, but for sheer ease, speed, and cultural contrast, Paris remains the top contender.

Ready to Plan Your Perfect European Getaway?

Adding Paris to your London itinerary isn’t just feasible; it’s an incredible way to enrich your European adventure. You get the best of both worlds: London’s vibrant, diverse energy and Paris’s timeless romance and artistic beauty. The Eurostar makes the transition a breeze, and the cultural differences ensure a truly memorable experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Start by looking into Eurostar tickets for your desired dates. Then, research a few Parisian neighborhoods that pique your interest for accommodation. You’ll be sipping coffee at a sidewalk café and gazing at the Eiffel Tower before you know it. Trust me, your future self will thank you for making this trip a reality!