Paris vs London: Which European capital is better for my next holiday

Are you planning a trip to Europe and wondering if Paris or London is the better city to visit? In this guide we do a side by side comparison on everything you need to know including costs, attractions, safety, and much more. So here is a complete guide to Paris vs London.

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Paris vs London: Some background

Before we get into the Paris vs London debate, here is a little bit of background on each city.

Paris

Paris is of course the capital of France, and the most populous city too with around 2.1 million inhabitants.

The city is a major travel hub into Europe, and is famous for its art, fashion, food, and culture. It’s also a very green city with around 450 parks and gardens!

Paris is also pretty big. The city is broken up into 20 administrative districts which are also known as arrondissements. It often feels like each one has it’s own subculture.

Wondering if Paris is worth visiting? Here is a useful guide.

If you are looking for a Paris itinerary, here is a handy guide.

London

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. The city itself plays an important part in shaping the political, economic, and cultural parts of the country.

The population of London sits at nearly 9 million. That being said the city of London itself is only 1.2 square miles with a population of around 9000 people. The remainder of London is actually ‘Greater London’.

London is famous for its architecture, big red buses, royal family, and so much more.

Wondering is London worth visiting – here is a handy guide.

Paris vs London: which one is better for accommodation

Choosing your accommodation is an important part of any trip. Here we look at Paris and London to determine which one has the better accommodation options.

Paris

Paris is a popular place to visit, and therefore accommodation is plentiful in the city. There are lots of different neighbourhoods you can base yourself in. From the trendy and arty Montmartre to the more tourist focussed Champs de Mars.

Wherever you stay in Paris, make sure that you are close to a Metro station, as this will ensure that you can easily get around the city.

You will easily find accommodation to suit all budgets in Paris from hostels, to 5 star hotels. Just make sure you book well in advance, particularly during the summer months.

London

London has some great accommodation options to suit all budgets. From hostels to luxury hotels, you will find something to suit your needs in London.

Accommodation in London can be expensive, and the closer you are to Central London the more expensive things become. Rooms also tend to be pretty small, and there is limited space for luggage.

For a 4 star hotel you can expect to pay anything between £130 – £220 per night. Prices depend on the days of the week you intend to stay, how far in advance you book, and the time of year you visit.

Like Paris wherever you stay in London, make sure you are close to public transport. This will make getting around during your trip so much easier.

Paris or London?

Paris and London both have a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets. The two cities are pretty on par when it comes to accommodation. Just make sure you are booking well in advance for the best deals. And try to avoid the summer months unless you want to pay an absolute fortune.

Paris vs London: which one is better for attractions

When deciding on a new city we always try to weigh up the tourist attractions and things to do. Here is a breakdown of some of the best things to do in Paris and London to help you decide.

Paris

Here are some of the top attractions in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower

Any to do list in Paris has to include the Eiffel Tower. There are a lot of incredible photo spots around Paris to snap pictures of the tower, but if you really want to experience it, you should plan a visit.

You need to buy your tickets online in advance because unsurprisingly this is a very popular attraction. There are different ticketing options, depending on if you plan to walk up the tower, and which levels you want to visit.

The Louvre

The Louvre is the most popular museum in Paris. It showcases nearly 35,000 works of art and stretches 700 metres along the Seine. Two of the most popular bits of art include the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Again, you will need to purchase your tickets for the Louvre in advance and you will be given a time slot to visit.

The Champs-Elysee

The Champs-Elysees is one of those places you have to visit once in Paris. There is so much going on around here, and don’t even get me started on the crazy drivers!

The shops around here are mostly luxury and designer, think along the lines of your Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. It’s also got a number of souvenir shops and high street brands like Sephora and Zara. Although one of our favourites has to be the Laudree store. There are a range of decadent cakes and macarons that you can purchase, and it is definitely a hell of a lot cheaper than the Louis Vuitton shop.

Arc de Triomphe

Another iconic Parisian landmark is of course the Arc de Triomphe. You can actually climb to the top of the structure for some pretty amazing views of Paris. It will cost you about €13 and is well worth the entry fee.

Sacre Coeur

This is one of the most beautiful churches in Paris, so we definitely recommend taking the trip out to Montmartre to admire this beauty. Entry is free, although you may need to queue at certain times.

One thing you will need to pay for is to get to the top of the church. There are 300 steps and once you get to the top you get a panoramic view of the city.

Take a Seine Cruise

There is something romantic about seeing Paris from the water. You can either do a day or a night cruise and you get to float along the Seine and learn its secrets whilst gazing at the city’s attractions from the water.

There are various different companies you can book with, and they all leave from different locations. But you should book in advance to avoid missing out.

Moulin Rouge

If you are looking to see a cabaret then the Moulin Rouge is a must. It is located in the more colourful part of Paris but you can’t go to Paris without seeing the Can-Can.

If you aren’t interested in the show, we do recommend at least visiting the outside, to snap a picture of that famous windmill.

Panthéon

The Panthéon was initially built as a church and was commissioned by King Louis XV. After the French revolution the Panthéon that was once synonymous with the monarchy became a place to honour those that passed away fighting during this time. And these days it is the final resting place for a number of historical figures.

Catacombs of Paris

One of the more unusual and macabre things to see in Paris has to be the Catacombs. Located 20 metres underground, the ossuary contains the remains of several million Parisians. These catacombs were created due to issues with overcrowding at Parisian cemeteries and for a time were forgotten.

These days it is a top tourist attraction and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Paris. You will need to book a place online in advance as numbers are capped daily.

London

Now here are some of the best things to do in London.

Westminster

Westminster is the classic touristy part of London. You have the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Westminster Bridge all within close proximity to each other. And that is only the start. It is perfect for first time visitors to London and gives you a real taste of the city.

The London Eye

This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. It takes 30 minutes to do a full rotation, and ticket prices start at £25 with advance tickets being slightly cheaper.

Museums and galleries

There are a number of really good museums and galleries to visit in London, many of which are free. Some of the best include the Natural History Museum, The British Museum and The National Gallery.

Buckingham Palace

The Palace is the official headquarters and residence of the British Royal Family. One of my favourite things has to be the Changing of the Guard, which if you do get the chance to witness it actually pretty cool.

Trafalgar Square

One of London’s most photographed public squares has to be Trafalgar Square. It was built to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar that took place in 1805. These days it is swarming with tourists all trying to get those iconic shots of the fountains and the lions.

Hyde Park

London, for a big city, has a lot of green spaces. Hyde Park is one of the most popular to visit.

It spans 350 acres, there is a lot to see and do in the grounds. Some of the more popular areas have to be speakers corner, a place where to this day people gather to debate and speak to the masses. Famous speakers are George Orwell and Karl Marx.

There is also a large lake where in the summer months you can swim, or rent a paddle boat in the London sun.

St Pauls Cathedral

The cathedral is one of the most famous sights in London and has been the location for a number of Royal weddings and funerals, much like Westminster Abbey. The interior is worth a look, and if you are brave enough you can actually climb to the viewing platform for some incredible sights over London.

Tower Bridge and the Tower of London

Another of London’s most famous monuments that often gets confused with London Bridge, is Tower Bridge. The bridge was completed in 1894 which makes it nearly 123 years old. You can pay for entry into the Tower Bridge Exhibition, and more information can be found here.

Located next to Tower Bridge is the Tower of London a historic castle founded in 1066. If you are into history this is a fascinating place to visit as you get a full understanding of the history of the castle. This includes its time as a Royal residence and even a prison.

Paris or London?

There is so much to see and do in both London and Paris, that it’s incredibly hard to choose. But the main thing is you will not be bored in either city.

Paris vs London: which one is better for unique experiences

If you are wondering if Paris or London is the better choice when it comes to unique attractions this is the section for you.

Paris

There are plenty of unique and quirky things to do in Paris. For instance you can actually visit a sewer museum to learn all about the history of waste treatment in the country. You also have very unique attractions like the Paris Catacombs, to explore.

London

There are tons of really cool and unique experiences that you can book in London. From quirky museums, like God’s Own Junkyard, which is full of neon signs, to sleeping over at the London Zoo. There is something here to satisfy to most unique of tastes.

Paris or London?

Both cities offer some incredibly unique experiences. The Paris Catacombs tour is probably one of the most fascinating though, and Paris as a whole is just that little bit more eccentric.

Paris vs London: which one is more picturesque

Wondering if Paris or London is the more picturesque option? Here we decide which one is more beautiful.

Paris

Paris is a city that exudes beauty. I mean don’t get me wrong there are some parts of the city that feel dirty and plain, but as a whole it’s a a really beautiful place. And there are so many different parts of Paris to admire all this beauty.

For instance you can walk the magical streets of Montmartre admiring the architecture and stunning city views. Or you can stroll along the Seine on a sunny day and appreciate the views of the Eiffel Tower.

London

London has some really picturesque places that you can spend days exploring. Some of our favourites are Hyde Park, St James Park, as well as neighbourhoods like Camden, Chelsea, and Covent Garden.

There are also lots of quirky little hidden gems in the city, particularly the little gardens and nooks you might stumble across. St Dunstan in the East, a quaint garden and site of a former church is a great example of this.

Paris or London?

Personally we think Paris is far more beautiful than London. Honestly nothing compares to those cosy little street side cafes, and the gorgeous views over the river Seine.

Paris vs London: which one has the better vibe

I know measuring a city by ‘vibe’ is an ambiguous statement but hear us out.

Paris

Paris has a more classical and traditional vibe in parts, and an edgy arty and sometimes boheimian vibe in others. In fact it feels like no neighbourhood in Paris feels the same. There is a complete mix of everything depending on where you go.

London

London has a past paced urban vibe. People aren’t as open and friendly as maybe some of the smaller cities in the UK. People also tend to be very reserved.

On the plus side, there is some excellent nightlife, which adds to the youthful, playful vibe in certain parts of the city.

Paris or London?

Paris and London are both big cities and as a result of this do tend to have a busy urban vibe. Overall though Paris feels a little freer and more relaxed especially when it comes to cafe culture.

Paris vs London: which one is easier to get to

Obviously how easy it is to get to a city will have a bit impact on whether or not you visit. Here is a breakdown of Paris and London.

Paris

Paris is a very well connected city and is quite easy to get to.

The majority of people will end up flying into Paris. The two biggest airports in the city are Charles de Gaulle airport and Paris Orly.

Charles de Gaulle is the biggest airport and the majority of Air France flights start and end here. From the airport you can hop on a train, which will get you into the centre of Paris in about 30 minutes, or grab a taxi. An Uber will cost you around €50.

From Paris Orly you have the option of getting a bus, tram, or train. And for more information you can have a look at the airport website. A taxi will cost around €40 – €50 depending on which part of Paris you are going to.

If you are arriving via train Paris Gare du Nord is the most popular train station, especially if you are coming from the UK. Gare du Nord is a conveniently located station, and from here you can either hop on a metro to other parts of Paris, or just walk from here. It’s incredibly close to areas like Montmartre and a 22 minute walk to Sacre Coeur.

London

London is a major travel hub into the rest of the UK. There are a number of ways to get here.

If you are travelling from other parts of the UK you are probably best off getting the train which will arrive at one of the below stations. All of these are centrally located, making it easy for you to get around.

• Paddington
• King’s Cross
• St Pancras
• Euston

You also have the option of getting the Eurostar, which arrives into London St Pancras station. There is a tube station nearby that will help you get to your onward destination.

There are also 3 major airports in London, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. All airports are easy to get to via train. Heathrow is the closest to central London. The quickest way is to get the Heathrow Express, which operates every 15 minutes between Heathrow and Paddington Station. The train trip takes 15 minutes.

Paris or London?

London and Paris are pretty much on par when it comes to ease or getting there. They are both big travel hubs, and incredibly easy to get to from Europe, the US, and other parts of the world.

Paris vs London: which one is easier to get around

Here we look at whether Paris or London is the easier city to get around.

Paris

One of the good things about Paris is that the public transport system is very easy to use. It’s reliable, and efficient, and if you use Googlemaps alongside it for instance you shouldn’t have any issues.

You will probably find yourself mostly using the Metro which is the underground train system in the city. The Metro will get you to the majority of tourist sites in Paris.

To use public transport as a visitor to Paris you can purchase the Paris Visite card. It’s charged at different day rates, but for 3 days you are looking at paying €29.40 for an adult for zones 1-3, and €59.20 for an adult for zones 1-5.

We ended up overpaying for the pass and opted for the zones 1-5 which we didn’t need. You only need zones 1-5 if you are travelling to Disneyland Paris or Versailles. If you are sticking to the centre of Paris, which includes all your main tourist attractions, you only need zones 1-3. Believe me this information will save you a lot of money!

You can purchase your tickets at any metro station. All the ticket machines we encountered had English Language options so you shouldn’t have too much issue purchasing them. You just need to validate them each time you use public transport.

London

London is huge so you will definitely need to use public transport at some point when visiting. The Tube is the best way to get around. And the good news is there are stations within walking distance if most of the big attractions.

The use the Tube, you can purchase an Oyster Card, and then top this up as you go with required funds Or if you are only in London for a short time, you can tap your credit/debit card in and out of stations.

Paris or London?

Paris and London both have excellent public transport options, and again both cities are pretty on par with this.

Paris vs London: which one is better for food

Are you a foodie and wondering if Paris or London is the better choice for you? Well, read on.

Paris

Food in Paris is incredible. But just to clarify it’s not all snails and frog legs. I mean they exist but there is so much more on offer in the city. For starters a lot of the boulangeries and pâtisseries stock the most amazing foods like baguettes, croissants, pastries, eclairs, and way more.

Then you also have the comforting French food like French Onion Soup, Steak and Fries, and even Beef Bourguignon. Pair all of that with a top quality glass of wine and you have a winning combination. Oh and have I mentioned the cheese?

Basically if you are into food, Paris will be a dream for you.

London

London is very multicultural, and this is reflected in the food options in the city. From a simple Indian Curry, to dumplings in Chinatown, London has some excellent options.

Of course, one of the things London is famous for is the traditional pub style food. Pub meals are a big deal in London where you can eat fish and chips, sausage and mash, and other comforting delights. You also have places like Peggy Porschen Cakes, which is not only instagrammble but perfect for tea and cake.

London also has a plethora of fancy restaurants dotted around. You have a few Michelin Star spots as well like Sketch in Shoreditch which is not only visually appealing but is tasty as anything!

Paris or London?

While Paris and London both have a lot of food options, our preference is definitely Paris. I mean the fresh bread plus the wine and cheese are enough to secure its place as a foodie favourite.

Paris vs London: which one is better for nightlife

Planning a night out? In this section we decide if Paris or London is the better option for nightlife.

Paris

The nightlife in Paris is honestly pretty fantastic. And we found that there is a little something for everyone. For something more low key cafe stay open quite late, and you can sip wine or drink beers as you chat with your friends.

The quality of the nightlife in Paris all depends on where you go, and what you enjoy. Places like Le Maris and Pigalle, are our favourites for cocktail lounges and cafes, and Bastille is one of the best spots for clubbing in the city.

London

The nightlife in London is immense. There is honestly something to suit all tastes. You can visit swanky cocktail bars in Covent Garden, or see live bands in dive bars in Camden. London also has an incredible club scene with clubs like Fabric, and the Ministry of Sound that are world famous. And don’t forget the pub culture in the city.

Paris or London?

Both cities have a lot to offer when it comes to nightlife, so we will call this one a tie.

Paris vs London: which one is better for culture

If you love culture, you might be wondering if Paris or London is the better destination for your trip.

Paris

Culture is a big deal in Paris. The culture in the city is defined by so many different things and it is also vastly different depending on which neighbourhood or arrondissement you find yourself in.

But that being said overall for culture lovers, Paris is a real treat. From its numerous museums, architectural masterpieces, literary history and so much more you will find so much to explore. In fact when you think of European culture Paris is the first place people think of (or maybe that’s just me!).

London

London is one of the world’s cultural capitals. It’s known for it’s rich history, incredible art scene, and fascinating museums, many of which are free.

When it comes to museums three of the top museums in the world are located in the city. There are 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites here as well which again you can see why it is one of the cultural hotspots in the world.

A lot of the neighbourhoods in London have their own subculture. For example you have Camden which is very much an alternative hotspot.

Paris or London?

London and Paris are both incredibly cultural. Our preference is Paris although this is very much a personal choice. It’s the cafe culture, and the bohemian scene in places like Montmartre that make it a favourite for us.

That being said London too is incredibly cultural and is big for theatre, museums and art.

Paris vs London: which one is better for safety

Safety is an important consideration when visiting any city. So is Paris or London safer?

Paris

In our experience we found Paris incredibly safe for a big European city. That’s not to say that you don’t need to be careful though.

The tourist areas are all safe, and many of these are monitored by armed police. You do get a lot of scammers who target tourists though. So just be mindful of this.

Pickpocketing is also incredibly common around tourist areas or on the Metro. Make sure you keep an eye on your belongings, particularly handbags.

Walking around Paris at night is relatively ok. Most of the central neighbourhoods or tourist spots are pretty bustling even after dark, so you will find safety in numbers.

Civil unrest/ protests are also common. It’s just a case of being vigilant and avoiding mass protests. Also follow the news if you can so that you know what is going on in the city when you visit.

Terrorism is another issue in France. While it is rare there have been incidents in the past. All the tourist spots in the city are heavily patrolled by armed police or the army. Just stay alert, but also remember these aren’t every day incidents that occur.

London

London too is a huge city, and with any big city comes safety issues. For tourists though London is generally safe, and if you stick to the busy tourist spots you should be fine. It’s pretty well lit, and there tend to be people all around you even at night.

Obviously you should take precautions and have your wits about you. Petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing can be common so do be mindful especially in crowded areas or on the Tube.

There have been terrorist attacks in London, and these are rare. You will see armed police patrolling the streets to help reassure tourists that it is safe.

Paris or London?

Both Paris and London are relatively safe for big cities. You need to have your wits about you in both though, and take precautions.

Paris vs London: which one is better for couples

Wondering if Paris or London is better for a romantic break? Here are our thoughts.

Paris

Paris has of course famously earned itself the nickname of the city of love, and is a very popular spot for honeymoons, and romantic weekend escapes. So it is unsurprising that you will find a number of romantic things to do in this fine city.

It feels like the world is your romantic oyster in Paris, and you can do things like taking a romantic cruise down the Seine, sipping Champagne on the Eiffel Tower, or just having a picnic in one of the many atmospheric parks in the city.

London

There are plenty of romantic things to do in London. You can take a romantic ride on the London Eye, or have a cocktail with a view at The Shard. On top of that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to bars and restaurants that will make for the perfect date night.

Paris or London?

I mean it has to Paris doesn’t it. You don’t earn the nickname of the city of love without being an excellent place for a romantic break.

Paris vs London: which one is better for families

If you are travelling with kids this section is for you. Here we look at whether Paris or London is the better option for family travel.

Paris

I know that Paris might not be the first place in Europe you think of visiting with a family, but it is a good one. For one thing there are so many immersive museums in the city, making it the perfect place to admire the beauty and also learn.

Paris also has some really beautiful parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg, which is a great place for picnics, pony rides, and other family friendly activities.

Finally let’s not forget that Paris is home to Disneyland Paris. And if that doesn’t scream family fun, I don’t know what does.

London

London is also a good option if you are travelling with kids. There are lots of spacious parks to explore, as well as museums, and galleries. The London Zoo is another popular attraction for kids, although it does get incredibly busy during the school holidays.

Paris or London?

London and Paris both have a lot of things to see and do with kids. But I mean does anything beat Disneyland Paris?

Paris vs London: which one is better for solo travel

Travelling solo? Here we decide if London or Paris is the better option.

Paris

Paris is a fantastic place to go if you are travelling alone. This is because there is so much to do, it’s easy to get around, and overall it is pretty safe.

There are also several day trips or tours you can book onto if you are wanting to explore the city with like minded people.

London

There is so much to see and do in London, that you will not get bored as a solo traveller. It’s also relatively easy to get around in the city.

It’s also relatively safe. You should definitely be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts, but overall London is a safe and popular place for solo travellers.

Paris or London?

Both cities are perfect for solo travel. They are easy to navigate, have lots of things to do, and are relatively safe in tourist areas.

Paris vs London: which one is cheaper

Money is a huge consideration for booking a trip. So here we look at Paris and London to determine which one is cheaper.

Paris

Paris can be expensive, particularly if you are paying to go into a lot of the big tourist attractions. But there are ways to make your trip a bit cheaper.

For starters when it comes to food, you can visit fancy restaurants but you can also purchase delicious bread and pastries from grocery stores or bakeries across the city. These tend to be cheap and incredibly delicious.

For an average trip where you are visiting attractions, eating out, and enjoying some drinks, we would recommend budgeting around €100 per person per day.

Accommodation can be expensive depending on the time of year you visit. For a 4 star hotel you can expect to pay around €140 – €150 per night.

London

For a trip to London I would probably budget at least £100 per day (not including accommodation). You can spend less by planning appropriately and avoiding eating out at restaurants. You can also easily spend a whole lot more. Obviously costs will also depend on what you want to see and do, so our estimate is very much an average on what you could get by per day in London.

London is notorious for being expensive. On average a standard hotel room can cost upwards of £100 per night. Although this is on the cheaper side. If you plan to stay out of the centre of London, you need to factor transport costs in as well.

In terms of other essentials like transport, with an Oyster Card the Tube is capped at £7.70 per day as long as you stick to Zones 1 & 2. In fairness most of the tourist attractions are within this area anyway.

Paris or London?

Considering they are both big cities I would say Paris and London are on par when it comes to expensive. Although in our experience accommodation tends to be a little bit cheaper in London.

Paris vs London: which one is better for day trips

If you are planning to base yourself in Paris or London for a period of time, doing a day trip is a great option. But which city has the better day trip choices?

Paris

Paris has some decent day trip options. For instance visiting Versailles is a good day trip option from the centre of Paris, as is Disneyland Paris.

If you are looking to travel further afield you can also hop on a train to Brussels which usually takes 1.5 hours.

One of our favourite day trips from Paris though has to be a trip to the Champagne region. Here you can visit a number of Champagne houses and learn all about how the famous drink is made.

London

London has some excellent day trip options. You can venture out to Cambridge, Oxford, and even the Costwalds to explore more of the country. Stonehenge and Bath are also close by, making them great day trip options.

You can even get to Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, and York, in around 2 hours, making it completely possible to visit both cities for a day trip.

Paris or London?

Because the UK is a lot smaller and more compact you do get better day trip choices from London.

Paris vs London: which one is better for shopping

Paris

Whether its designer brands you are into, or just quirky vintage clothes, Paris very much has you covered. There are several shopping districts in the city, but the most famous is of course along the Champs-Élysées. Here you have stores like Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, and even high street favourites like Sephora and Zara.

London

London really is a shoppers paradise. You can find so many incredible stores ranging from vintage and alternative treasures in places like Camden, to fancy designer brands in places like Bond Street. Whatever your shopping style London has you covered.

Paris or London?

London is our favourite when it comes to shopping. There are spo many different areas to visit and they cater to all kinds of shopping needs.

Paris vs London: which one is better in summer

If you are visiting Europe in the summer this section will help you decide if Paris or London is the better destination.

Paris

Summer is of course peak travel season in Paris. To the point where over tourism becomes a bit of a problem. Personally we wouldn’t recommend visiting the city in summer due to the sheer volume of visitors. It makes it hard to visit the attractions, and you will find yourself queuing for a lot of your holiday. Accommodation costs skyrocket at this time of year as well. So if you can avoid it we recommend you do.

Temperatures tend to range between 14°C and 26°C although it does get a lot higher with random heatwaves scattered throughout the summer. It’s the perfect time for picnics, relaxing in cafes, or enjoying the many green spaces in the city. This is obviously part of the reason tourist numbers are so high.

London

Theoretically summer is a great time to visit London. The city comes alive with festivals like the Notting Hill Carnival, beer gardens open, and people are much cheerier in general.

On the flip side though, this is peak tourist season. That means that you will find long lines for attractions and hotel prices increase. You can also get humid days in the city where temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius. This can often be unpleasant particularly if you are getting the Tube as it get so hot and unbearable.

Paris or London?

Personally I would avoid both cities in the summer. Just because the amount of tourists visiting can sometimes be unbearable. If we had to choose though we would opt for London just because it’s slightly less manic than Paris.

Paris vs London: which one is better in winter

If you are travelling during the winter months you might be wondering if Paris or London is the better travel choice.

Paris

Winter is very much the off season when it comes to travelling to Paris. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With incredibly high tourist numbers in the summer, winter is a welcome break for those that want a more authentic Parisian experience.

The weather is cool with average lows of 3°C and highs of 8°C. So it’s not ideal for outdoor activities, but it’s perfect for cosying up in cafes, or visiting the many museums in the city.

London

Winter in London is great because there are way less tourists. So you won’t have the queue for hours to visit the big attractions. It does get cold and rainy in winter, though so you will want to limit your time outdoors.

If you want to take advantage of the museums and the galleries then this is a good time to go. In December there are a number of Christmas markets to enjoy as well as ice skating rinks, in preparation for the holidays. 

For more information we have an article all about the best and worst times to visit London that you might find useful.

Paris or London?

If you are planning to visit in winter we would recommend London, particularly around Christmas. The city becomes a magical place full of Christmas lights and markets.

Paris vs London: which one is for me

Well done for making it to the end of this epic list. And now it is time to decide if Paris or London is the best place to go for your next European break. Before we decide here is a final recap.

Paris

Paris is one of the most popular places to visit in Europe. This is both good and bad. It can be overcrowded, but it is for good reason. With its incredible cafe culture, stunning landmarks, and mouthwatering food it is easy to see why Paris is a tourist favourite.

London

London is pretty much a city that never sleeps. There is so much going on, and it’s the cultural, economic, and political hub of the UK. There are so many different neighbourhoods to explore, each with their own vibe. There is a lot of history here, and it is a place definitely suited to a longer break just so that you can fit it all in.

Paris or London?

Honestly Paris and London are fantastic places to visit and if you can do both we highly recommend it. That being said if you can only choose one, we would recommend Paris. It’s such a beautiful city, and there is a reason so many films and books are set here.

This is very much a personal preference, and overall if you are visiting in the summer months, or before Christmas London is the more magical experience. But if you want to get lost in stunning neighbourhoods or sit in cafes and sip wine, Paris is a must.

Hopefully this guide to Paris vs London has been useful. And if so you can pin it for later below.

Happy Travels!