London & Paris Highlights Itinerary (5 Days)

Day 1: Arrival & Central London

Morning: Arrive at London Heathrow, take a taxi to your hotel near Big Ben and drop off luggage. A quick coffee break at a nearby café prepares you for the day.

Afternoon: Stroll along the Thames to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then walk to Westminster Abbey before heading to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard. A leisurely walk through St. James’s Park adds a refreshing pause.

Evening: Experience the iconic London Eye (booked via lastminute.com) for a sunset view of the city, followed by a riverside dinner overlooking the Thames.

Day 2: London Museums & Historic Sites

Morning: Visit the Natural History Museum to see the dinosaur exhibit and then explore the Victoria and Albert Museum for its decorative arts collection.

Afternoon: Wander through the British Museum and admire the Rosetta Stone, then stroll to the National Gallery to admire masterpieces by Van Gogh and Da Vinci.

Evening: Walk across the illuminated Tower Bridge and join an evening tour of the Tower of London for a glimpse into England’s royal history.

Day 3: Travel to Paris & Montmartre

Morning: Take the Eurostar to Paris; check in to a hotel in the Montmartre district and enjoy a fresh croissant before exploring the area.

Afternoon: Wander through the charming streets of Montmartre and climb to the Basilique du Sacré‑Cœur de Montmartre for panoramic city views.

Evening: End the day with a visit to the illuminated Eiffel Tower, taking the elevator to the top for a glittering Parisian night.

Day 4: Paris Museums & Landmarks

Morning: Start at the world‑famous Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces, then stroll to the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg for a tranquil walk.

Afternoon: Explore the modern art of the Centre Pompidou, then head to the Musée d'Orsay to admire Impressionist works.

Evening: Visit the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral (exterior) and cap the day at the Arc de Triomphe, climbing to the top for a night‑time panorama of Paris.

Day 5: Versailles & Departure

Morning: Take a short train ride to the Palace of Versailles, exploring the opulent Hall of Mirrors and the expansive gardens.

Afternoon: Return to Paris for a final stroll through the city’s iconic boulevards, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and then depart for the airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Big Ben – 30 min – $0
• Buckingham Palace – 2 h – $25
• London Eye – 1 h – $30
• Natural History Museum – 2 h – $0
• Victoria and Albert Museum – 2 h – $0
• British Museum – 2 h – $0
• National Gallery – 2 h – $0
• St. Paul’s Cathedral – 1.5 h – $20
• Tower Bridge – 1 h – $10
• Tower of London – 3 h – $30
• Arc de Triomphe – 1 h – $15
• Sacré‑Cœur – 1 h – $0
• Eiffel Tower – 2 h – $25
• Jardin du Luxembourg – 1 h – $0
• Louvre Museum – 3 h – $20
• Montmartre (area) – 2 h – $0
• Musée d'Orsay – 2 h – $15
• Notre‑Dame Cathedral – 1 h – $0
• Palace of Versailles – 4 h – $30
• Centre Pompidou – 2 h – $15
Total Estimated Cost: $260

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider extending your stay in Paris to explore the charming neighborhoods of Le Marais and the Latin Quarter, adding extra time for the Louvre and a Seine river cruise. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Centre Pompidou and the garden visits, focusing on the major monuments and museums for a compact yet rewarding experience.