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12-Day London & Paris: Classic Sights, Markets, Museums & Day Trips

Viewed by 184 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Easy Walk

London, United Kingdom on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Hotel check-in / Breakfast at local café (eg. The Wolseley)

Settle into your hotel and enjoy a classic London breakfast at The Wolseley — historic setting with full English and pastries. Good for jet-lag recovery and central location.
GBP20, 1h0m

11:00am

Southbank walk & Shakespeare's Globe (exterior) / Tate Modern visit

Stroll along the Thames on the Southbank to see street performers, the Globe Theatre exterior and enter Tate Modern (usually 10:00-18:00). Great first taste of London culture and riverside views.
GBP0, 2h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Sample street food and artisanal stalls at Borough Market — a lively choice for local and international flavours. Markets hours vary, typically open from late morning to late afternoon; confirm before visiting.
GBP15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Tower Bridge & Tower of London (outside) walk

Walk east along the Thames to view Tower Bridge and the Tower of London from outside; the Tower of London can be entered if you wish (typical opening 9:00-17:30). A good orientation to London’s history.
GBP30, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dishoom (Covent Garden)

Enjoy Bombay-inspired plates in a popular and atmospheric setting — reserve ahead for dinner. Open late evenings on most days, great for an easy first-night meal.
GBP25, 1h30m

Day 2: Museums & Theatre

London, United Kingdom on September 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a local café (eg. Gail's or Pret)

Grab a quick coffee and pastry to fuel a museum day; cafés are widely available near Bloomsbury and South Kensington. Most cafés open by 7:30-8:00am.
GBP8, 30m

9:30am

British Museum visit (Great Court & Rosetta Stone)

Explore world-class antiquities including the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures; the British Museum is free and usually open from 10:00-17:30 (check seasonal times).
GBP0, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Covent Garden (eg. Homeslice or The Oystermen)

Covent Garden offers casual lunch spots and market stalls with a buzzy atmosphere, good for people-watching and street performers.
GBP18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll through Covent Garden and Leicester Square, relax before evening

Explore boutique shops, the Royal Opera House exterior, and unwind before a West End show. Great spot for souvenirs and light shopping.
GBP0, 1h30m

7:30pm

West End theatre show

See a classic West End musical or play (shows typically start 7:30pm); book tickets in advance for best seats and prices.
GBP60, 2h30m

10:30pm

Late dinner / drinks near theatre (eg. The Ivy)

Finish the evening with dinner or cocktails near the theatre district at a classic spot like The Ivy — open late to accommodate theatre-goers.
GBP40, 1h0m

Day 3: Royal London & Landmarks

London, United Kingdom on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Regency café

Start early to maximise the day; many central cafés open by 7:30-8:00am. Quick, hearty breakfast recommended before palace-area sightseeing.
GBP10, 45m

9:30am

Buckingham Palace / St. James's Park walk

Visit the palace exterior and enjoy St. James's Park; if you want the Changing of the Guard check the official schedule (not daily and timing can vary).
GBP0, 1h0m

11:00am

Westminster Abbey visit (interior)

Tour Westminster Abbey to see coronation and royal burial sites; typical opening hours are 9:30-15:30 (closed for some services), so plan accordingly and pre-book tickets.
GBP27, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch near Westminster (eg. Regency Café or a riverside pub)

Enjoy a pub lunch or classic café fare with views towards the Thames; convenient for the nearby London Eye and Parliament.
GBP16, 1h0m

2:30pm

Houses of Parliament viewing and London Eye

Walk past Parliament and take a rotation on the London Eye for panoramic city views (Eye typical hours 11:00-18:00; evening slots available longer in summer).
GBP30, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Flat Iron or Hawksmoor (steak options)

Choose a classic British steakhouse near Soho or Covent Garden for a satisfying dinner; reservations recommended at Hawksmoor.
GBP35, 1h30m

Day 4: Stonehenge & Bath Day Trip

From London (day trip) on September 13, 2025

7:00am

Early coach / guided tour departure for Stonehenge & Bath

Join a full-day coach tour to Stonehenge and Bath (typical duration 10–12 hours); coach tours usually depart early (7:00-8:30am) from central London. Book a reputable operator; some tours include entry fees.
GBP95, 11h0m

10:00am

Stonehenge visit

Explore the prehistoric stone circle with audio guide; site visits usually last ~1 hour and the visitor centre opens around 9:30-10:00. Audio guides explain the archaeology and history.
GBP22, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Bath (independent cafés / Sally Lunn’s)

Arrive in Bath for lunch and a walk around the Georgian city — try Sally Lunn for a historic Bath bun or a riverside café.
GBP18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bath Roman Baths & Bath Abbey (exterior and/or interior)

Visit the Roman Baths museum and Bath Abbey; Roman Baths typically open from 9:00-17:00. Touring Bath’s architecture is a highlight of the day trip.
GBP20, 1h30m

6:30pm

Return coach to London

Relax on the return coach trip to London — expect to arrive in the evening depending on traffic.
GBP0, 2h30m

9:30pm

Late dinner near hotel (light meal)

Keep dinner light after a long day; a local gastropub or the hotel restaurant is usually convenient and open late.
GBP15, 45m

Day 5: Museums & Shopping

London, United Kingdom on September 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast near South Kensington

Fuel up before a museum morning; cafés around South Kensington open early and are convenient for museum access.
GBP10, 30m

10:00am

Natural History Museum & Victoria & Albert Museum

Visit two world-class museums in South Kensington; Natural History and V&A typically open from 10:00-17:30 and offer free general admission (special exhibitions cost extra).
GBP0, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Harrods Food Halls / Knightsbridge

Head to Harrods’ Food Halls or nearby cafés for an upscale and varied lunch selection; Harrods is usually open 10:00-20:00.
GBP25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shopping on Sloane Street / Oxford Street or relax in Hyde Park

Choose high-end boutiques in Knightsbridge or flagship stores on Oxford Street; alternatively enjoy a relaxing stroll in Hyde Park.
GBP0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Duck & Waffle or Sky Garden (book ahead)

Enjoy panoramic city views with dinner — Sky Garden has free entry with reservation and restaurants open evening for dinner service. Confirm bookings in advance.
GBP40, 1h30m

Day 6: Markets & Camden

London, United Kingdom on September 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

A relaxed breakfast to prepare for a less structured day exploring London’s markets and canals.
GBP8, 30m

10:00am

Camden Market & Regent's Canal walk

Discover Camden’s eclectic markets, street food and a walk along Regent’s Canal toward Little Venice; many market stalls open from mid-morning (10:00-18:00 typical).
GBP15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Camden Lock food stalls

Sample international street food from vendors along Camden Lock for a relaxed and varied lunch.
GBP12, 1h0m

3:00pm

Optional: British Library or Regents Park / ZSL London Zoo (if interested)

Choose a quieter afternoon: the British Library is free to browse exhibits, Regent's Park offers green space, and London Zoo is open around 10:00-17:00 if you want animal encounters.
GBP0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to central London & pack for Paris

Return to your hotel early to collect luggage and prepare for the Eurostar to Paris the next morning; check-in or luggage storage as needed.
GBP0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at a local gastropub (eg. The Cow or The Good Egg)

End London stay with a relaxed British pub dinner near your hotel; book if you have a preference, otherwise walk-ins often accepted.
GBP20, 1h30m

Day 7: Eurostar to Paris

London to Paris, United Kingdom → France on September 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Have an early breakfast and complete hotel check-out; allow time to travel to St Pancras International for Eurostar check-in (arrive 45–60 minutes before departure).
GBP10, 45m

9:00am

Eurostar from St Pancras to Gare du Nord

High-speed Eurostar ride to Paris (approx. 2h15–2h30). Aim for a morning departure to maximise your first Paris afternoon. Book tickets early for best fares.
GBP70, 2h30m

12:30pm

Arrive Gare du Nord / Check into Paris hotel

Transfer to your Paris hotel by taxi or RER/metro and settle in — central hotels often allow luggage drop if early check-in is not possible.
EUR10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur walk

Explore the artistic hill of Montmartre, see Sacré-Cœur Basilica (open early to late evening typically) and wander Place du Tertre for artists and cafés.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Montmartre (eg. Le Consulat or La Maison Rose)

Enjoy a charming Parisian dinner in Montmartre's historic cafés; these spots are atmospheric and great for first-night French cuisine.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 8: Louvre & Seine

Paris, France on September 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore or local boulangerie

Classic Parisian breakfast of croissant and coffee — a boulangerie near your hotel is perfect and often opens early. Café de Flore is iconic in Saint-Germain.
EUR12, 45m

9:00am

Louvre Museum (main highlights)

Start early at the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Grande Galerie; Louvre hours typically 9:00-18:00 and it is closed on Tuesdays (confirm dates). Pre-book timed entry to avoid long lines.
EUR17, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a Tuileries / Rue de Rivoli bistro

Enjoy a relaxed bistro lunch near the Tuileries Garden, perfect for people-watching and a quick rest between museums.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Musée d'Orsay or walk along the Seine

Cross the Seine to visit Musée d'Orsay (Impressionist masterpieces; usually 9:30-18:00, closed Mondays) or enjoy a riverside stroll and bookshops (bouquinistes).
EUR16, 2h0m

7:00pm

Seine evening cruise (Bateaux Mouches) and dinner

Take a Seine cruise at dusk for illuminated monuments (cruises often run until late evening); follow with dinner at a nearby brasserie for classic French dishes.
EUR15, 1h30m

Day 9: Île de la Cité & Latin Quarter

Paris, France on September 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a Latin Quarter boulangerie

Start your day with fresh pastries and café au lait in the lively Latin Quarter; bakeries open early for commuters and tourists.
EUR8, 30m

9:30am

Sainte-Chapelle & Notre-Dame exterior / Île de la Cité

Visit the stained-glass wonder of Sainte-Chapelle (typically open 9:00-19:00) and view Notre-Dame from the exterior; interior cathedral access may be limited due to restoration, so check status before visiting.
EUR11, 1h30m

11:30am

Conciergerie visit and walk to Latin Quarter

Explore the medieval Conciergerie on Île de la Cité and continue into the Latin Quarter for narrow streets, bookshops and historic atmosphere.
EUR9, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Procope or Bouillon Racine

Dine in one of the oldest cafés in Paris or choose a traditional bouillon for affordable classic fare in the Latin Quarter.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Panthéon & Luxembourg Gardens

Visit the Panthéon mausoleum and then relax in Luxembourg Gardens — perfect for a leisurely afternoon and photography.
EUR11, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Bouillon Chartier (classic Parisian spot)

Experience affordable old-school French brasserie dining at Bouillon Chartier for a lively and historic evening meal; expect queues so early booking or arrival helps.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 10: Eiffel Tower & Champs-Élysées

Paris, France on September 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel or patisserie

Quick breakfast before an early Eiffel Tower visit; many patisseries open from 7:00-8:00am.
EUR8, 30m

9:00am

Eiffel Tower ascent (book timed ticket)

Pre-book a timed ticket to the Eiffel Tower to avoid long lines (towers generally open from morning until late evening; summit access costs more). Morning visits are less crowded and great for photos.
EUR28, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch picnic at Champ de Mars or nearby bistro

If weather is good, enjoy a picnic on Champ de Mars with supplies from a nearby boulangerie; otherwise choose a bistro for a classic French midday meal.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées shopping walk

Climb the Arc de Triomphe for city views and stroll down the Champs-Élysées for flagship shops and cafés; Arc access hours vary but typically 10:00-22:30.
EUR15, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Ombres or a Seine-view restaurant

Dine with a view of the Eiffel Tower lights from Les Ombres or book a nearby riverside restaurant for a memorable final Parisian dinner.
EUR60, 1h30m

Day 11: Versailles Day Trip

Versailles (from Paris), France on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Train/RER to Versailles (RER C) — arrive early

Take the RER C or a guided train tour to Versailles (approx. 1h). Arrive early to beat crowds at the Palace of Versailles and gardens.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Palace of Versailles interior tour

Tour the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors; palace hours typically 9:00-18:30 (closed Mondays); pre-book tickets or a time slot for faster entry.
EUR20, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Versailles town

Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the town of Versailles — many bistros and brasseries serve set menus and regional dishes.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Versailles Gardens & Trianon visit

Stroll the expansive gardens and, time permitting, visit the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet. Gardens are extensive and ideal for a full afternoon exploration.
EUR10, 2h30m

6:00pm

Return to Paris; dinner in Le Marais (eg. L'As du Fallafel or a bistro)

Head back to central Paris and dine in Le Marais for vibrant nightlife and great casual options like the famous fallafel or sit-down bistros.
EUR18, 1h30m

Day 12: Le Marais & Departure

Paris, France on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Breizh Café or local crêperie in Le Marais

Enjoy a leisurely crêpe breakfast in Le Marais; perfect for a final relaxed French meal before packing up. Bakeries open early for takeaway options too.
EUR12, 45m

9:30am

Le Marais stroll: Place des Vosges, Picasso Museum, boutiques

Wander the charming streets of Le Marais, visit Place des Vosges and the Picasso Museum (check opening hours), and pick up last-minute souvenirs.
EUR14, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Marché des Enfants Rouges or local bistro

Have a final Parisian lunch at the covered market Marché des Enfants Rouges or a nearby bistro — good variety and casual atmosphere.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Pack, hotel check-out & transfer to airport (CDG or Orly)

Return to your hotel to collect luggage, check out, and allow adequate time for transfer to Charles de Gaulle or Orly — aim to leave 3–4 hours before international flights.
EUR50, 3h0m

6:00pm

Depart Paris

Board your flight home or onward. If you have an evening flight, you may have time for a quick café visit before leaving.
EUR0, —
0