It’s a lucky fact for travelers that London and Paris — two of the world’s most appealing capital cities — are a breeze to journey between. Twenty-five years ago, the launch of the high-speed Eurostar train massively cut travel time between the cities and dramatically changed European travel.
Today, London and Paris are just a little over two hours apart by high-speed rail, meaning that you can experience two major capital cities and two different cultures in just one trip.
Here’s how to experience both cosmopolitan London and sophisticated Paris.
Culture
With 325 museums and galleries and 371 theaters between them, Paris and London are brimming with culture. You could spend a lifetime exploring all of their cultural attractions, but start with the following.
Paris
The City of Light is home to perhaps the world’s most famous art museum, which itself is home to possibly the world’s most famous painting: the Louvre’s “Mona Lisa.”
But a cultural tour of the French capital should also include the Musée d’Orsay, which showcases one of the most important collections of impressionist paintings in the world; the Fondation Louis Vuitton, housed in a dazzling Frank Gehry building and filled with contemporary art owned by the fashion house; and the vivid light displays that illuminate the interiors of a former cast-iron foundry at Atelier des Lumières.
London
The U.K. capital’s cultural gems include the British Museum, home to the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities outside of London; the Natural History Museum, famed for its dinosaur exhibits; and the Tate Modern, one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the world.
As well as the big hitters, you should make time for some of London’s private galleries. Housed in a grand townhouse, the Wallace Collection displays 18th- and 19th-century art, while White Cube and the Saatchi Gallery are great bets for contemporary works. Best of all, they are all free to visit.
Fashion
Two of the world’s fashion capitals, Paris and London both have a glamorous allure. Even outside of the cities’ famed Fashion Weeks, the city streets themselves appear as catwalks filled with stylish residents, understated in Paris and outlandish in London.
Paris
Paris is synonymous with chic style, and fashionistas will want to make Champs-Élysées their first stop. Head for the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, a newly opened branch of the iconic French department store housed in an art deco former bank, as well as the outposts of sleek French brands, from Longchamp to Louis Vuitton, that line the stylish avenue.
On Boulevard Haussmann, you can combine shopping with ogling ornate architecture in the department stores Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann and Printemps Paris Haussmann.
Before you head out, select your outfit carefully. Take a page out of the French book of fashion and avoid anything too casual or bright, and skip the heels: You’ll likely spend much of your day walking over cobblestones.
London
Though London carries just as much weight as a fashion capital, it has a far more casual approach: Londoners are not afraid to get creative and show off an edgier look than their Parisian counterparts.
When packing your suitcase, bear in mind that the weather is often changeable: Dressing in layers is always a good idea. Oxford Street is London’s most famous shopping drag, but skip the chain stores and head straight for the century-old Selfridge’s.
Adjoining the other end of Oxford Street, Regent Street is home to iconic department store Liberty and the near-impossibly-hip multistory concept store Dover Street Market.
London is also a treasure-trove for one-off vintage finds. Head east to colorful Brick Lane and west to Portobello Road to find the city’s densest collections of vintage stores.
Food
Paris has long sat comfortably at the peak of the world’s dining scenes. Although the French capital still reigns by its number of Michelin stars, London is catching up.
Paris
With the second-highest number of Michelin stars in the world — and as the capital of the country that gave us the word cuisine and, indeed, the Michelin Guide — Paris is one of the world’s culinary hot spots.
Even the most casual foodie should try some classic French dishes — from escargot to macarons — and make time for a meal in one of the city’s best restaurants, whether it’s the triple-starred L’Ambroisie or classic bistro Benoit Paris.
But it’s not all haute cuisine in the City of Light. Head for the Marché des Enfants Rouges covered market for global street food or legendary intellectual hangout Café de Flore for a light meal and people-watching.
London
London’s ever-expanding food scene is thrillingly diverse. Your options are near endless, from enjoying sky-high views with your steak at Darwin Brasserie on the 36th floor of the Sky Garden (aka “Walkie Talkie”) to eating steamed bao buns on the go at Boxpark Shoreditch (a sprawling complex of refitted shipping containers) or enjoying the quintessential English tradition of afternoon tea in the pink-hued, ever-Instagrammable Sketch.
Of course, no visit to the U.K. is complete without fish and chips, so head to one of Poppies‘ three locations for a fish supper and, if you dare, some classic London jellied eels.
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