Off Shift

Planning your first trip to London or Paris? After spending a week there exploring these cities, here are 10 things that made the biggest difference for us – and what we’d do again on our next visit.

1. Prepare to Walk… A LOT
   Both London and Paris are incredibly walkable cities. We averaged 15-20K steps every day and honestly walking everywhere helped us explore. You’ll discover charming neighborhoods, hidden cafes and beautiful streets that you may miss by just hopping into an Uber.
   
   Pro Tip: Wear your most comfortable walking shoes – not your cutest ones. Your feet will thank you.
   
   
2. Book Popular Attractions & Restaurant Reservations Early
   Many of the most popular attractions and restaurants book up weeks in advance. We highly recommend making reservations for the following –
   • Afternoon tea
   • Fine dining or popular restaurants
   • Eurostar tickets
   • Museums (Louvre, Versailles, etc)
   • Dinner Cruises or other tours
     
     
3. London’s Food Scene is crazy good!
   From cozy pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, the food scene is incredibly diverse. Don’t miss places like Dishoom, Gunpowder, or Borough Market. Next time we want to go to Gymkhana!
   
   
4. Leave room in the schedule to wander
   Don’t try to schedule every minute of your trip. One of the best parts of both cities – especially Paris – is slowing down and simply soaking in the city. Wander through the various arrondissements, stop at a cafe for a coffee or drink and spend some time people watching. Cafe culture is huge in Paris.
   
   Pro Tip : Skip the cafes directly in front of major attractions like the Eiffel Tower. They tend to be more expensive, crowded and geared towards tourists. Instead, venture a few streets away where you’ll often find more authentic cafes with a more local feel
   
   And remember – it’s okay if you don’t make it to every landmark, restaurant or viral food recommendation. That’s just another reason to come back!
   
   
5. Stop by a French Pharmacy
   Before leaving Paris, make time to visit a local French Pharmacy. They’re famous for carrying high quality skincare and beauty products at prices that are often much lower than what you’ll find in the US. I made a special detour just to stock up before heading home and I’d absolutely do it again!
   
   
6. Don’t Overbook Your Evenings
   Paris takes on entirely different feel after sunset. Some of our favorite memories happened in the evenings : watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle during our Seine dinner cruise or simply sitting by the water as the sun went down.
   
   
7. Pack layers (and a rain jacket)
   The weather can change quickly in both these cities. We were fortunate to have sunshine the entire time but temperatures definitely fluctuated during the day. We recommend packing layers, and compact umbrella just in case.
   
   
8. Keep Your Belongings Secure
   Like many major European cities, both London and Paris have pickpockets, particularly around crowded tourist attractions and on public transportation. A crossbody bag or fanny is one of the easiest ways to keep your belongings close and secure.
   
   
9. Apply for your UK ETA before you go
   If you’re visiting the UK, be sure to check whether you need a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before your trip. The application is straightforward, but only apply through the official UK government website. There are many third party websites that charge significant higher fees for the same application.
   
   
10. Eat. The. Croissants.
    This may be the most important tip we give.
    Please eat a fresh croissant from a local Parisian bakery. They’re buttery and flaky and melt in your mouth. And while you’re there, don’t stop at just the croissants, the pain au chocolat is equally unforgettable.