How to Visit London and Paris in a Long Weekend

How about a four-day trip to London and Paris, with two days in each city?

We agree that sounds way too short, since, together, the two European capitals contain more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, over 300 museums, around 400 theaters, and thousands of bars and nightclubs.

Still — it's possible to see the major highlights of London and Paris over a long weekend, even for those flying from the U.S. The cities are just a little more than two hours apart by rail, allowing travelers to maximize their vacation time and budget.

Here's how to plan the ultimate long weekend in London and Paris.

Getting There and Back

To make this quick trip work, fly into one city, and then out of the other, and book a seat on the high-speed Eurostar train to travel between the two. Plenty of airlines fly regularly between the U.S. and both London and Paris, making it possible to find deals on a one-way or multicity ticket. Consult airline comparison apps, or a knowledgeable travel advisor, to get the best price.

"Savvy travelers know there are increased air passenger duty taxes charged on flights departing from London," says travel journalist Ramsey Qubein, who states on his website that he flies more than 450,000 miles a year. "This means fares are often higher for making a round-trip flight into and out of London than flying into London and out of another airport."

British Airways offers direct flights to London from 27 U.S. cities and has added Cincinnati, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon, to its lineup. This carrier allows passengers to use Avios points toward payment, too, cutting the cost of the overall fare.

Air France offers up to 180 flights a week to Paris from 14 U.S. cities. The French carrier regularly announces flash fares to Paris (and other destinations) through its email newsletters and social media channels.

Eurostar trains make the 213-mile journey between London's St. Pancras International station and Gare du Nord in Paris for as little as $63 each way. Eurostar ticket pricing fluctuates, similar to airline pricing, with the lowest rates usually offered for midweek travel. You can purchase your tickets up to 330 days in advance or on the day of departure, but Eurostar recommends booking at least 120 days out for the best prices.

The time of year you book your ticket matters, too. "After Thanksgiving, and returning before December 15; and then again from January 4, or so, through the end of March, have traditionally been the best time for bargains on airfare," says George Hobica, travel columnist and founder of Airfarewatchdog.com, adding that the same goes for booking hotels.

Where to Stay

In London, there are many hotels to choose from near St. Pancras International railway station, just steps from the British Library and its free events and exhibitions. Nearby is the Wellcome Collection, a free museum and library with rotating science, health, and art exhibits.

You can even stay inside St. Pancras at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, a splurge-worthy property offering a hefty dose of history and a convenient location. Just across the street, you'll also find The Standard, a less-traditional option that oozes irreverent style.

In Paris, you might be inclined to sleep near the city's renowned museums, chic cafés, and famous attractions. In that case, stay at Hôtel Madame Rêve, which is so close to the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame cathedral you can see the landmarks from top-floor windows. A piece of history itself, the hotel occupies the beloved 19th-century Louvre post office building. Another good option is the 97-room Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel, housed in an 18th-century mansion near the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre.

What to Do

For a quintessential London experience, take a whirlwind tour aboard an iconic double-decker bus. Hop on the Routemaster's heritage T15 route, which starts at Trafalgar Square or Tower Hill and stops at places like St. Paul's Cathedral and Covent Garden. If you'd prefer a more luxurious journey, opt for the Bustronome (which also operates in Paris) and enjoy a prix fixe menu while you ride around the city. This three-hour bus tour drives by many of the city's top sights, which you can view through the panes of a panoramic glass roof.

Coal Drops Yard, built in 1850 to store the 8 million tons of coal that used to be delivered to London each year, has been transformed into a trendy shopping and dining destination. Located in King's Cross, just a few minutes' walk from St. Pancras, the complex boasts more than 50 stores, restaurants, and cafés. Check out Wolf & Badger's flagship store, which carries independent fashion, beauty, and homeware brands, and Casa Pastor, a restaurant serving tacos, craft mezcal, Mexican beer, and margaritas.

In Paris, save time and money by purchasing a two-day Paris Museum Pass, which gives you entry to more than 50 of the city's museums and monuments, and also allows you to skip the long lines at ticket windows. Most travelers find the cost of the pass is only worth it if they visit at least five museums, so do your research.

With all the museum-hopping and sightseeing, you'll no doubt work up an appetite while in Paris. Use your time efficiently by combining a two-hour cruise on the Seine with a fine-dining experience aboard the Ducasse Sur Seine, chef Alain Ducasse's electric boat that doubles as a locavore restaurant. Get your fill of croissants, baguettes, and macarons on a self-guided gourmet walking tour, or take a baking class with tour operator Meeting the French. You'll leave with a full belly and an arsenal of tips and tricks from a professional French baker that you can try at home.