.png)
You are dying to get away! We understand your pain. Here are the top things to do in London and Paris for a girls' getaway, along with transportation options, best areas to stay, mid-range hotel options, and information on traveling between the two cities. We have this all mapped out. You just need to buy the tickets and let’s go!
1. Explore the British Museum:
Visit this world-renowned museum to see a vast collection of art and historical artifacts.
- Transportation: The British Museum is located in central London and can be easily reached by public transportation, such as the underground (Tube) or buses. When taking the Tube, get off at either Holborn station or Tottenham Court Road.
2. Go shopping in Covent Garden:
Enjoy a day of shopping, dining, and entertainment in the vibrant Covent Garden area.
- Transportation: Covent Garden is well-connected by public transportation, including the underground and buses. Take the Tube and jump off at Leicester Square.
3. Take a stroll in Hyde Park:
Relax and unwind in one of London's most beautiful parks, known for its iconic Serpentine lake and picturesque surroundings. You might recognize this park from the movie Bridget Jones's Diary. - --------Transportation: Hyde Park is easily accessible by public transportation, with several nearby underground stations. Use the Central (red) line and exit at Lancaster Gate or Marble Arch station. You can also take the Piccadilly (blue) line to either Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge, where you will be right at the entrance.
4. Visit the Tower of London:
Explore this historic castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. This is one of my favorite tours. It's interesting... things that make you go hmmm. I’ll leave it at interesting, and I would love to hear what you think of what you learn.
-Transportation: The Tower of London is located near Tower Hill underground station and is easily reachable by public transportation. Use the Tower Hill underground station.
5. Enjoy a West End show:
Experience the magic of London's theater district by watching a world-class musical or play in the West End. Make reservations before you leave, as you will find many of the performances are sold out. You may need to be flexible on the date you want to attend.
-Transportation: The West End is well-connected by public transportation, including several underground stations and buses. From Shaftesbury Avenue, the closest Tube stations are Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Tottenham Court Road.
6. Take a boat ride on the River Thames:
Enjoy a scenic boat trip along the iconic River Thames, passing by famous landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, and London Eye.
- Transportation: Various boat tour operators offer Thames River cruises, and you can easily reach the departure points by public transportation.
Top three pubs in London:
1. The Churchill Arms:
Located in Kensington, The Churchill Arms is a traditional English pub known for its charming floral exterior. It offers a cozy atmosphere, a wide selection of beers and ales, and delicious pub food.
2. The Spaniards Inn:
Situated on the edge of Hampstead Heath, The Spaniards Inn is one of London's oldest pubs, dating back to the 16th century. It has a rich history and a beautiful beer garden, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
3. The Mayflower:
Situated on the banks of the River Thames in Rotherhithe, The Mayflower is a historic pub that dates back to the early 17th century. It offers stunning views of the river and serves a variety of beers, ales, and traditional British dishes.
Top three dance clubs in London:
1. Fabric:
Located in Farringdon, Fabric is a world-renowned nightclub known for its cutting-edge electronic music and impressive sound system. It features multiple rooms with different music genres, offering a unique and immersive clubbing experience.
2. Ministry of Sound:
Situated in Elephant and Castle, Ministry of Sound is another iconic nightclub in London. It has been a key player in the electronic music scene since the 1990s and hosts some of the best DJs and artists from around the world.
3. XOYO:
Located in Shoreditch, XOYO is a trendy underground club that showcases a range of music genres, including electronic, house, and hip-hop. It has a vibrant atmosphere and regularly hosts both renowned and emerging artists.
Top three places to experience high tea in London:
1. The Ritz:
The Ritz is one of the most famous places in London for traditional afternoon tea. Located in Piccadilly, it offers a luxurious and elegant setting, complete with fine china, finger sandwiches, scones, and an extensive tea selection.
2. Sketch:
Situated in Mayfair, Sketch is a unique and artistic venue that offers an unconventional take on traditional afternoon tea. Its quirky and stylish decor, including the famous pink Gallery room, adds a touch of whimsy to the experience.
3. Fortnum & Mason:
Located in the heart of Piccadilly, Fortnum & Mason is a renowned department store that has been serving afternoon tea since the 18th century. Their tea salon offers a classic and refined experience, with a wide selection of teas and delectable pastries.
Please note that it's always a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially for popular places like these.
Best areas to stay in London:
- Covent Garden:
Known for its lively atmosphere, shopping, and theaters.
- Kensington:
Offers a mix of cultural attractions, parks, and upscale shopping.
- South Bank:
Provides easy access to major landmarks and has a vibrant arts scene.
Mid-range hotel options in London:
- The Z Hotel Covent Garden:
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, offering modern rooms and a central location.
- Holiday Inn Kensington Forum:
Situated in Kensington, this hotel provides comfortable rooms and convenient amenities.
- Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London:
Located on the South Bank, offering stylish rooms and stunning views of the city.
Now we are off to Paris. The city of lights.
Paris:
1. Visit the Louvre Museum:
Explore one of the world's largest and most famous art museums, home to iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa.
- Transportation: The Louvre is centrally located and can be reached by public transportation, such as the metro or buses.
2. Take a stroll along the Champs-Élysées:
Enjoy a leisurely walk along this famous avenue, lined with shops, cafes, and iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe.
- Transportation: The Champs-Élysées is well-connected by public transportation, including several metro stations.
3. Explore Montmartre:
Wander through the charming streets of Montmartre, visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and soak in the bohemian atmosphere.
- Transportation: Montmartre is accessible by public transportation, including the metro and buses.
4. Experience the Eiffel Tower:
Visit the symbol of Paris and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the top of this iconic landmark. But seriously, you don’t have to go up to enjoy this iconic landmark and honestly, heading out at night is captivating. There are a lot of street vendors with food, souvenirs, handcrafted wares all around the area and musicians.
- Transportation: The Eiffel Tower is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby metro stations and buses.
5. Discover the Notre-Dame Cathedral:
Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of this famous cathedral located on the Île de la Cité.
- Transportation: The Notre-Dame Cathedral is centrally located and can be reached by public transportation, such as the metro or buses.
6. Cruise along the Seine River:
Take a relaxing boat cruise along the Seine River to admire the beautiful architecture and landmarks of Paris.
- Transportation: Various boat tour operators offer Seine River cruises, and the departure points are easily accessible by public transportation.
An absolute must for women to do in Paris is to visit the iconic fashion district of the city, known as the "Golden Triangle." This area, located in the 8th arrondissement, is home to some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses and luxury boutiques. Here, you can explore the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which are lined with flagship stores of renowned designers like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and more. Shopping in the Golden Triangle offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of high fashion and experience the glamor of Parisian style.
In addition to the Golden Triangle, another must-visit shopping destination in Paris is Le Marais. Located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is a vibrant neighborhood known for its trendy fashion boutiques, vintage shops, and unique concept stores. Here, you can find a mix of established designers, emerging local brands, and one-of-a-kind pieces. The area is also known for its art galleries, charming cafes, and historic architecture, making it a delightful place to explore while indulging in some retail therapy.
For a more eclectic and diverse shopping experience, head to the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood in the 10th arrondissement. This area is known for its bohemian atmosphere and offers a range of independent boutiques, concept stores, and vintage shops. Here, you can discover unique fashion pieces, accessories, and home decor items that reflect the contemporary and alternative side of Parisian style.
Remember, Paris is a city of fashion, and there are numerous shopping destinations to explore. Whether you're looking for luxury brands, local designers, or unique finds, the Golden Triangle, Le Marais, and Canal Saint-Martin are excellent choices to satisfy your shopping desires in the fashion capital of the world.
Best areas to stay in Paris:
- Le Marais: Known for its historic charm, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Offers a bohemian atmosphere, art galleries, and upscale shopping.
- Latin Quarter: Known for its lively ambiance, student-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to major attractions.
Mid-range hotel options in Paris:
- Hotel Duquesne Eiffel: Located near the Eiffel Tower, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
- Hotel Baume: Situated in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this boutique hotel provides stylish accommodation and a central location.
- Hotel Marais Hôme: Located in Le Marais, this hotel offers modern rooms and a charming atmosphere.
Traveling between London and Paris:
1. Eurostar train:
The Eurostar is a high-speed train that connects London St Pancras International Station with Paris Gare du Nord. It offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel between the two cities. The journey takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and trains depart multiple times a day.
2. Flights:
Several airlines offer flights between London and Paris, with multiple daily departures. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Major airports in London include Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City Airport, while in Paris, you can choose between Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.
3. Coach/bus:
If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can consider traveling by coach or bus. Several companies operate coach services between London and Paris, offering affordable fares. The journey duration by coach is longer compared to other options, usually taking around 7-9 hours.
4. Driving:
If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can rent a car and drive from London to Paris. The distance between the two cities is approximately 344 kilometers (214 miles) via the Eurotunnel or ferry. Keep in mind that you'll need to consider traffic, tolls, and parking options in both cities.
It's important to check the latest travel restrictions, requirements, and schedules before planning your trip, as they may vary depending on the current circumstances and regulations. And every once in a while there is a train workers strike.
A great App for both London and Paris is “Citymapper”. This is a popular transit app that provides comprehensive information on public transportation in London and Paris. It offers detailed journal planning with routes, timings and live updates on buses, trains and the metro (tube). This App also has features with bike & walking routes and sharing features including estimated costs of each travel option. This is a great App to add to your phone for your one of a kind trip!
Commenti