London & Paris Highlights – 5‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in London & Central Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Heathrow and take the Heathrow Express to London Paddington, then settle into your hotel in the Westminster area. Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a nearby café while soaking in the city’s buzz.

Afternoon: Stroll to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament for iconic photos, then walk along the Thames to the historic London Eye for panoramic views.

Evening: Dine along the South Bank, then cap the night with a gentle riverside walk past the illuminated Tower Bridge, admiring its night‑time light show.

Day 2: Museums & Royal Landmarks

Morning: Visit the world‑renowned British Museum, exploring its ancient Egyptian and Greek collections for about two hours.

Afternoon: Head to St. Paul's Cathedral for a guided tour, then cross the river to the historic Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels.

Evening: Experience the regal pageantry at Buckingham Palace (outside the Changing of the Guard) before enjoying dinner in the vibrant Covent Garden district.

Day 3: Culture & Departure to Paris

Morning: Immerse yourself in art at the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, each offering a quick two‑hour highlight tour.

Afternoon: Explore the natural wonders at the Natural History Museum, then relax in nearby Hyde Park.

Evening: Board the Eurostar from St Pancras International to Paris; enjoy dinner on the train and arrive late night for a restful stay near the Louvre.

Day 4: Paris Icons

Morning: Start with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, taking the elevator to the summit for breathtaking city views.

Afternoon: Walk down the Champs‑Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, then head to the Louvre Museum for an afternoon among masterpieces.

Evening: Wander through the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral (exterior) and dine in the charming Latin Quarter.

Day 5: Art, Gardens & Departure

Morning: Explore the impressionist treasures at the Musée d'Orsay, followed by a visit to the modern Centre Pompidou.

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

Evening: Return to Paris for a sunset stroll through Montmartre and the basilica Sacré‑Cœur, then enjoy a farewell dinner before departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• British Museum – 2 hrs – Free
• Big Ben – 0.5 hrs – $46.95
• London Eye – 1 hr – $38.90
• Tower Bridge – 1 hr – $21.46
• St. Paul's Cathedral – 1.5 hrs – $34.88
• Tower of London – 2 hrs – $48.02
• Buckingham Palace – 1 hr – $42.92
• National Gallery – 1.5 hrs – Free
• Victoria and Albert Museum – 2 hrs – Free
• Natural History Museum – 2 hrs – Free
• Eiffel Tower – 2 hrs – $16.83
• Arc de Triomphe – 1 hr – $25.53
• Louvre Museum – 3 hrs – $25.53
• Notre‑Dame Cathedral – 0.5 hrs – Free
• Musée d'Orsay – 2 hrs – $18.57
• Centre Pompidou – 1.5 hrs – $19.73
• Palace of Versailles – 4 hrs – $24.37
• Sacré‑Cœur – 1 hr – Free
• Jardin du Luxembourg – 1 hr – Free

Total Estimated Cost: $363.69

Tips

To extend the trip, add a full day in London for a West End theatre show and a day in Paris dedicated to the Marais district and a Seine river cruise. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 2 and Day 3 in London by skipping the Victoria and Albert Museum, and in Paris omit the Centre Pompidou and Montmartre, focusing only on the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles.