London & Paris Highlights 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in London & Evening Stroll

Morning: Arrive at Heathrow and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Settle in, freshen up, and enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Take a relaxed walk along the Thames to admire Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Capture photos of the iconic clock tower before heading to a riverside pub for a traditional English lunch.

Evening: Experience the illuminated skyline from the London Eye (booked via lastminute.com) and finish the night with a stroll through Westminster as the city lights sparkle.

Day 2: Royal & Historic London

Morning: Begin with a guided tour of Buckingham Palace, witnessing the Changing of the Guard and exploring the State Rooms (when open).

Afternoon: Walk to St. Paul's Cathedral for a climb to the Whispering Gallery, then cross the historic Tower Bridge to the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Covent Garden district and enjoy a West End musical or a riverside cocktail near the Thames.

Day 3: Museums & Culture in London

Morning: Explore the vast collections of the British Museum, focusing on the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

Afternoon: Visit the Natural History Museum to marvel at the dinosaur skeletons, then head to the Victoria and Albert Museum for design and fashion exhibits.

Evening: Relax in the nearby Kensington Gardens or enjoy a riverside dinner in Southbank, watching the city’s lights reflect on the water.

Day 4: Travel to Paris & First Impressions

Morning: Take the Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, arriving around midday.

Afternoon: Check into your Parisian hotel, then wander to the iconic Eiffel Tower for an early evening ascent and panoramic city views.

Evening: Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, enjoy a classic French dinner, and perhaps catch a light show at the tower.

Day 5: Art & History in Paris

Morning: Start at the world‑renowned Louvre Museum, prioritising the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Egyptian wing.

Afternoon: Walk to the nearby Musée d'Orsay for Impressionist masterpieces, then cross the Seine to admire the modern façade of the Centre Pompidou.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk up to Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, followed by dinner in the charming Montmartre neighbourhood.

Day 6: Royal Grandeur & Departure

Morning: Take a short RER ride to the Palace of Versailles, touring the Hall of Mirrors and the expansive gardens.

Afternoon: Return to central Paris to visit the elegant Palais Garnier opera house and the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior and nearby archaeological crypt).

Evening: Conclude with a leisurely stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg before heading to the airport for your departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Big Ben – 30 min – Free (outside view)
• London Eye – 1 hr – £35
• Buckingham Palace – 2 hr – £30 (tour)
• St. Paul's Cathedral – 1.5 hr – £20
• Tower Bridge – 45 min – £12
• Tower of London – 2 hr – £30
• British Museum – 3 hr – Free
• Natural History Museum – 2 hr – Free
• Victoria and Albert Museum – 2 hr – Free
• Eurostar (London‑Paris) – 2.5 hr – £120
• Eiffel Tower – 2 hr – €30
• Champs-Élysées – 1 hr – Free
• Louvre Museum – 3 hr – €17
• Musée d'Orsay – 2 hr – €16
• Centre Pompidou – 2 hr – €15
• Sacré‑Cœur – 1 hr – Free
• Palace of Versailles – 4 hr – €20
• Palais Garnier – 1 hr – €14
• Notre-Dame Cathedral – 1 hr – Free (exterior)
• Jardin du Luxembourg – 1 hr – Free
• Total Estimated Cost: €329 / £247

Tips

For a more relaxed pace, add an extra day in Paris to explore the Marais district and take a Seine river cruise. Conversely, if time is limited, skip the Centre Pompidou and the Jardin du Luxembourg, focusing on the major museums and landmarks to fit everything into five days.