Welcome to London! Start your adventure by exploring the iconic landmarks of this bustling city. In the morning, visit the historic Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels. Afterward, head to Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park and visit the famous Speaker's Corner. In the evening, roam around Covent Garden, known for its street performers, shops, and restaurants.
Tower of London: Cost estimate: £24, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Buckingham Palace: Free to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, Time spent: 1 hour
Hyde Park and Speaker's Corner: Free, Time spent: 2 hours
Covent Garden: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for its cozy atmosphere and extensive menu. Average cost for a meal is about £10 per person.
Nando's: For a quick and tasty lunch, head to Nando's, a popular chain known for its delicious grilled chicken. Average cost for a meal is about £8 per person.
Dishoom: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Dishoom, offering a modern take on Indian cuisine in a stylish setting. Average cost for a meal is about £20 per person.
Monday, July 8: Exploring Central London
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Central London. Start your day by visiting the British Museum, housing an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the South Bank of the River Thames, where you can admire iconic landmarks such as the Tower Bridge and the Tate Modern. As the evening approaches, explore the vibrant street markets of Camden Town and indulge in the delicious food options.
British Museum: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
South Bank: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Camden Town: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club - Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for their delicious pancakes and eggs benedict. Average cost for a meal is about £10 per person.
Mildreds - For a tasty vegetarian lunch, head to Mildreds in Camden Town. They offer a variety of plant-based dishes, from curries to burgers. Average cost for a meal is about £12 per person.
Dishoom - Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Dishoom, a popular Indian restaurant near Covent Garden. Try their signature dishes like chicken tikka masala or biryani. Average cost for a meal is about £20 per person.
Tuesday, July 9: Discovering French History in Paris
Today, bid farewell to London and catch a flight to Paris. Upon arrival, dive into the mesmerizing world of French history. Start your morning by exploring the famous Louvre Museum, home to renowned masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a symbol of the grandeur of the French monarchy. In the evening, take a romantic boat ride along the Seine River and enjoy the stunning views of the illuminated landmarks.
Louvre Museum: Cost estimate: €17, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Palace of Versailles: Cost estimate: €20-27, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Seine River Boat Ride: Cost estimate: €15-20, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café de Flore, a historic Parisian café located in the bustling Saint-Germain neighborhood. Enjoy a traditional French breakfast with croissants, coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice. The average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For lunch, try Le Comptoir du Relais, a charming bistro in the Latin Quarter. Indulge in classic French dishes like foie gras and steak frites, paired with a glass of fine wine. The average cost for a meal is about €30 per person.
For dinner, visit Chez L'Ami Jean, a renowned Basque restaurant near the Eiffel Tower. Savor their signature dishes like the melt-in-your-mouth beef cheeks and heavenly rice pudding. The average cost for a meal is about €40 per person.
Wednesday, July 10: Exploring Parisian Landmarks
Today, discover the iconic landmarks that make Paris so special. Begin your day by visiting the Eiffel Tower, an enduring symbol of the city. Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre and visit the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. As the evening sets in, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, known for its high-end shops and vibrant atmosphere.
Eiffel Tower: Cost estimate: €10-25, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Champs-Élysées: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café de Flore, a historic Parisian café known for its charming atmosphere and delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For a tasty lunch, head to Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, a popular restaurant famous for their mouthwatering steak frites. Average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at L'Ambroisie, a prestigious Michelin three-star restaurant serving exquisite French cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about €300 per person.
Thursday, July 11: Diving Into Parisian Culture
Today is all about immersing yourself in Parisian culture. Start your day by exploring the Latin Quarter, known for its charming streets, cafés, and bookstores. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Musée d'Orsay, which houses a vast collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks. In the evening, enjoy a scenic stroll along the banks of the River Seine and marvel at the breathtaking architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Latin Quarter: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Musée d'Orsay: Cost estimate: €12, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a classic French breakfast at Café de la Nouvelle Mairie. Indulge in freshly baked croissants and coffee while enjoying the cozy atmosphere. The average cost for a breakfast here is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Le Comptoir du Relais, known for its authentic French cuisine and charming bistro ambiance. Try their delicious steak frites or indulge in a traditional Croque Monsieur. The average cost for a lunch here is about $25 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Le Jules Verne, located on the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city while savoring gourmet French dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Anton. The average cost for a dinner here is about $150 per person.
Friday, July 12: Farewell to Paris
On your last day, savor the final moments in Paris before heading back home. Start your morning with a visit to the historic neighborhood of Le Marais, known for its picturesque streets and charming boutiques. In the afternoon, stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Luxembourg Palace. End your trip with a relaxing cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin, appreciating the tranquility of this hidden gem in Paris.
Le Marais: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Luxembourg Palace Gardens: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Canal Saint-Martin Cruise: Cost estimate: €10-15, Time spent: 1.5 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Le Peloton Cafe, a cozy spot in Le Marais known for its delicious pastries and excellent coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch option, try Chez Janou, a charming French bistro in Le Marais. They serve traditional Provençal cuisine, including their famous chocolate mousse. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
For dinner, experience the fine dining atmosphere of L'Ambroisie, a Michelin three-star restaurant located near the Luxembourg Palace. Indulge in their exquisite French cuisine prepared by renowned chef Bernard Pacaud. Average cost for a meal is about €300 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
As you explore London and Paris, make sure to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems loved by locals. In London, take a stroll along the picturesque Little Venice and explore its charming houseboats. In Paris, visit the enchanting neighborhood of Montparnasse, known for its artistic heritage and vibrant café culture. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant street art scene in the East End of London and the unique shops and cafes of Le Marais in Paris.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices and availability on Kayak.