How to Choose: Paris vs London Pros & Cons (2024)

If you’re considering travelling to Europe, choosing between Paris vs London can be daunting. These are two incredible cities that both offer unique and unforgettable experiences.

They’re both some of the most-visited cities in the world and have loads to do. So how do you decide?

As an American who has lived in both places, let’s go over the pros and cons of each to help you decide where to visit or live.

A striking split-image showcasing the iconic landmarks of London and Paris. On the left, the imposing Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower over the River Thames, with a cruise boat floating by, epitomizing the historical grandeur of London. The right side features the majestic Eiffel Tower, towering over the Champ de Mars with people leisurely strolling below, symbolizing the romantic allure of Paris. The words 'LONDON vs. PARIS' are prominently displayed across the image, inviting viewers to compare the two renowned capitals.

London vs Paris: Location & Size

A map displaying London and Paris distance from each other, with a red arrow pointing between the 2 capitals with text "200 miles," showing how close together London and Paris really are.

London and Paris are only a little over 200 miles apart (~350 km).

London is in the southeast portion of England, while Paris is in the north central portion of France.

They are both capital cities: London is the capital city of the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales), and Paris is the capital of France. They’re both the cultural and economic hubs of their countries.

A comparative visual showing the size of London and Paris. The left side of the image displays a map section of London with a highlighted boundary and an overlay stating '1,572 km².' On the right, a similar map section of Paris with its highlighted boundary reads '2,300 km².' Each side prominently features an iconic landmark illustration, with Big Ben for London and the Eiffel Tower for Paris. 'LONDON' and 'PARIS' are written in large, bold letters at the top of each respective map. The bottom notes 'London in Real Life' and 'Screenshots from Google Maps.

Both these cities also have central regions that are much smaller than the total area.

Greater London is very large at 1,572 square km, while Central London (where most tourists spend their time) is much smaller at about 35 square km.

The Metropolitan area of Paris is even bigger, at 2300 square kilometres. The central portion of Paris is much smaller at about 30 square kilometres.

London and Paris are about the same size, even down to their populations. The metropolitan region of Paris (greater area including suburbs) has about 13 million people.

The region of Greater London has about 14 million people.

London or Paris? Navigating Language Differences

Most people in London speak English, and most people in Paris speak French. Does that mean you can’t get by if you don’t know either language? Not at all.

London is a global city with over 300 languages commonly spoken. Paris is similarly international, with over 250 languages spoken.

Many people in Paris speak English (or at least some English), and everyone is very used to tourists not speaking French. Most important signs are usually displayed in both languages, so you’ll be able to get where you’re going easily.

London is similar in that we are used to tourists from all over, and many do not speak English. Translations are available in most places, including at train stations, tube stations, and attractions.

London vs Paris: Weather & Climate

A split-image comparison of the weather in London and Paris. The top left shows the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London with sunshine breaking through the clouds, overlaid with blurred purple flowers, symbolizing a pleasant spring day. Below, the same London scene is depicted with heavy rain, representing the city's well-known rainy weather. On the right, the Eiffel Tower in Paris is framed by blooming pink flowers against a clear blue sky, while the bottom shows the tower seen through raindrops on a window, suggesting variable weather. The word 'Weather' elegantly stretches across the center of the collage.

Since they’re so close together separated only by the English Channel (you can even see France from England, and visa versa), it’s no surprise that London and Paris have similar weather.

London has a temperate oceanic climate, while Paris has an oceanic climate. What does this mean? Weather is usually mild with few extremes.

Rainfall is a bit less common in London, with 23 inches (585 mm) annually. Paris has a tad bit more total rain, with an average of 25.2 inches (641 mm) annually.

In both areas you’ll experience lovely summer days, some spring rain, chillier temperatures in the winter (but not usually freezing), and beautiful autumns with foliage changing colour.

Summers recently have gotten much warmer, and neither London or Paris have air conditioning in most places. If you struggle with heat, make sure to book a hotel that has AC in the summer.

London or Paris to Visit: Culture

A vivid split-image contrasting the social culture of London and Paris. On the left, under the UK flag, a group of friends enjoys beers together in a cozy London pub, embodying the city's pub culture. On the right, under the French flag, a stylish woman in a red beret and glasses savors a croissant at a Parisian café, showcasing the café culture that Paris is famous for. The word 'Culture' is written in a sophisticated cursive script across the image, uniting the two scenes.

Here’s where our cities differ dramatically: French culture vs English culture.

English culture tends to be a bit more proper and conservative. Queueing, politeness and order are valued greatly.

The Brits offer profuse apologies, but “sorry” does not mean they’re sorry – it often means that you did something to offend or annoy them.

French culture tends to be a bit more relaxed, but also a bit more temperamental. The French (not all, and not always) tend to express anger and frustration more outwardly than the English.

If a French person is annoyed by you, they will let you know directly.

Family is valued very differently in these cultures. The French are very family-oriented, and it’s common for children to be in posh restaurants dining right alongside their parents.

In England, family is valued, but it’s less common for children to be out and about everywhere with their parents, especially in posh places.

Overall, life is a bit more relaxed in France, with more emphasis on holiday time, leisure activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Life in London is a bit more rushed with a stiff upper lip.

London or Paris: Attractions

A vibrant display comparing iconic attractions in London and Paris. On the left, the majestic Westminster Abbey in London, showcasing its intricate Gothic architecture against a backdrop of white clouds. On the right, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris stands impressively with its twin towers and detailed facade, as a crowd of tourists gather in front. The word 'Attractions' is scripted in a large, elegant font across the top, capturing the allure and historical significance of these landmarks.

Both London and Paris are incredible historic cities with lots of attractions, incredible architecture, and lots of things to see.

London’s most iconic landmarks include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the British Museum, Big Ben, and many more.

Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, The Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and much, much more.

Both cities are incredible in their range of offerings, and both are fantastic places to visit for history and culture.

Overall, Paris is a bit more art-oriented than London, and London is a bit more focused on British history.

Paris or London: Food

A delicious collage showcasing traditional foods from London and Paris. The top left image features classic British fish and chips with a lemon wedge and tartar sauce. Below, there are scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, accompanied by a cup of tea. On the right, the focus is on French cuisine, with a selection of artisanal cheeses with price tags on a market stand. Beneath is an assortment of French pastries, including tarts topped with glazed fruit and dusted with powdered sugar. 'Food' is written in an elegant, flowing script across the center, highlighting the rich culinary cultures of both cities.

French cuisine is world-renowned for a reason: it’s incredible. If you’re a foodie and haven’t been to Paris, go. Go NOW.

Paris has better food than London hands-down. French cooking, patisserie and wine is acclaimed the world over, and for good reason.

A baguette from a random bakery on the corner will be the best baguette of your life. A salad at a small restaurant will be more delicious than you ever thought salad could be.

You don’t have to go to the fanciest Paris restaurants to enjoy exceptional food – it’s everywhere.

British cooking, on the other hand, has never been something to write home about. Sure, we have our classic fish and chips and pie and mash, but London’s food highlights are not British at all.

Being a massive global city, the best thing about eating in London are the international restaurants and cuisines.

Pub culture is huge in London (and in the UK in general). While Parisians will often sit outside a cafe and enjoy a glass of wine with friends after work, Londoners crowd into the pub to catch up with their mates.

Paris vs London: Public Transport

A split-view image comparing public transportation in London and Paris. On the left, a sleek, modern entrance to the London Underground with its distinctive red and blue roundel sign against a minimalist beige façade. To the right, an ornate Art Nouveau Paris Métropolitain sign with its famous green wrought-iron design, surrounded by lush greenery, invoking Paris's historic charm. The caption 'Public Transport' is elegantly scribed across the top, linking the two images.

Both cities have robust public transport networks.

Paris has the Metro, which runs underground and connects with train and bus stations.

London has the iconic Underground, which is a fast and efficient way to zip about the city and connect with the UK’s train network. London’s recognizable red double-decker buses are plentiful and cheap.

Personally, I think London’s transport is better – it’s faster, cleaner, and more well-connected, but I haven’t travelled Paris as extensively as I have London.

Either way, as a tourist you will have no trouble navigating either city with ease. Citymapper is my favourite navigation app for both places.

Cycle rentals are also readily available in both capitals, and are a great way to see the city from a different angle.

London or Paris: Who Has the Best Green Space?

A comparative display of lush green spaces in London and Paris. On the left, a serene setting in a London park featuring a person lounging on the grass, with dense trees around and a distant, ornate, gold-accented Victorian monument reaching into the clear blue sky. The right side shows a neatly arranged Parisian park with a long, sandy pathway flanked by symmetrical rows of tall green trees, leading to a distant statue. The script 'Parks' is scrolled across the center top of the image, suggesting a peaceful urban oasis in both cities.

Both the French and the English are well-known for their breathtaking gardens.

London is made up of over 20% public green space, from iconic Hyde Park to rugged Hampstead Heath.

Paris has 9.5% green space, and parks are a bit fewer and far between. Some of the most beautiful are the Tuileries Garden and the Luxembourg Gardens, with many more for you to explore.

Both cities also have lovely waterside views, with the Thames running through London and the Seine running through Paris.

Both cities have plentiful parks for you to wander and relax in, and rivers and canals that make for picturesque cityscapes.

Safety of Paris vs London

A captivating visual contrasting the safety of London and Paris at night. The left side features the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, illuminated against the twilight sky. The right side displays an ornate Parisian bridge with intricate sculptures and glowing lampposts, with the dome of Les Invalides in the background. The word 'Safety' is elegantly scripted across the image, bridging the two cityscapes. The entire image conveys a serene and secure atmosphere in both cities after dusk

If you’re considering visiting either of these big cities, it’s common to be concerned about safety. Both have pretty average crime rates for the size of the city, you don’t have to be too concerned as a tourist.

The most common crime in both cities is theft, and this is usually phone theft. You can prevent this by not staring at your phone in public, not putting your phone on the table at a restaurant, keeping your phone zipped in a pocket or handbag, and paying attention to your surroundings.

Personally, I have never felt unsafe in either city, at night or during the day.

If you’re an American worried about safety in London or Paris, don’t be. America is much, much more dangerous than most European countries.

Paris vs London: Currency

A comparative image of British and Eurozone currencies. The left side under the UK flag showcases various denominations of British pounds in notes and coins, including £20, £10, and £5 notes, along with one-pound and assorted silver coins. On the right side, under the French flag, we see Euro banknotes in 5, 10, 20, and 50 denominations fanned out with 1 euro and 50, 20, and 10 cent coins on top. 'Pounds vs Euros' is stylishly written across the center, illustrating the different monetary systems of London and Paris.

France uses the Euro, while London uses Pounds.

It’s important to check exchange rates if you’re looking to choose between London or Paris. The value of your home currency against the Euro or Pound may be very, very different as the markets rise and fall.

If you catch a good exchange rate, you can get a whole lot more for your money.

Factor the exchange rate into your decision on where to go, especially if you’re on a budget.

In either place, it’s easiest to travel with a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees, and try not to exchange money during your travels.

If you need cash, hit up at atm and choose “without conversion.”

Visiting Paris & London With Kids

Split image of a toddler with a heart covering their face at the Tower of London, with a view of Tower Bridge in the background. The second image is of a child and their father on a balance beam at a lush Parisian Park, with a grand cathedral in the background. The image is a visual comparison of visiting London or Paris with kids.

Both cities are great spots to visit with kids. London has a huge amount of free family-friendly activities.

Paris is also easy to travel with kids and has lots to do, including parks, museums and attractions.

The major difference is in the attitude toward children in each city. In France, family is more highly-valued and children commonly accompany their parents everywhere (even in nice restaurants).

London is a bit more brusque, and children are less tolerated in fancier places. It’s not to say that London is unfriendly toward children, it’s just that Parisians seem to be more accomodating (in my opinion).

Still, it’s easy to travel each city with kids and both places can be a really enjoyable destination for families.

London vs Paris: Cost of Visiting

London is overall more expensive than Paris to visit. From hotel costs to food, it will definitely cost you more to visit London.

1. Accommodation

A side-by-side comparison of hotel costs in London and Paris. On the left, a photo of an elegant London hotel entrance with white columns and dark entrance doors, flanked by potted plants. A blue bubble reads 'London Mid-range £250'. On the right, a picture of a classic Parisian corner building with wrought-iron balconies and decorative stone facades under a blue sky. A similar blue bubble states 'Paris Mid-range £175'. The title 'Hotel Costs' is in stylish script across the top center.

A budget hotel in central Paris runs about £80 per night. A mid-range hotel in Paris runs about £175 per night, and a high-end hotel can run upwards of £300.

A budget hotel in London is about £100 per night, a mid-range hotel runs from about £250, and a high-end hotel is £500 average.

Of course your dates, requirements and number of travellers will drastically impact your nightly rate, but overall, Paris is cheaper to stay in than London.

2. Meals

A colorful infographic detailing meal costs for visitors in London and Paris. Under the UK flag on the left, 'Fast Meal for 2' is priced at $20, displayed with an image of burgers, fries, and drinks on a tray, and '3-Course for 2' at $101, shown with a plate of spaghetti and a glass of red wine. On the right, beneath the French flag, the 'Fast Meal for 2' is $23, and the '3-Course for 2' is more affordable at $76, illustrated by a fancy dessert next to the pasta. The deep blue background contrasts with the vivid food illustrations and bold text 'Meals' at the top.

Restaurant prices are overall about 13% higher in London than in Paris, and in Paris the food quality is generally better.

The major difference is is fast food prices (chains like McDonalds), which are the only category that is a bit cheaper in London. A fast food meal for two costs about $23 in Paris vs. about $20 in London.

However, a mid-range 3-course meal in London will cost you an average of $101, while in Paris the average is $76. The meal in Paris will generally taste much better, too.

3. Attractions & Museums

A side-by-side photo comparison of two renowned museums in London and Paris. On the left, the interior of the Louvre in Paris, viewed from under the iconic glass pyramid, with visitors milling about and 'The Louvre 22 €' labeled below. On the right, the British Museum in London, showcasing its vast glass roof over the Great Court, with people scattered around and 'The British Museum free' stated underneath. The elegant script 'Museums' spans the top of the image, symbolizing the cultural richness and accessibility of both cities' attractions.

One major difference between London and Paris is that London has over 55 free museums you can visit. Museums in Paris have ticket fees.

The Louvre, for example, costs 22 € for adults, while the London equivalents – the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Galleries, etc – are all totally free.

Paid attractions have roughly equal pricing in London and in Paris, with Paris being a bit cheaper due to the Euro exchange rate.

Royal attraction The Tower of London costs £34.80, while Versailles in Paris costs 32 €.

London vs Paris: Cost of Living

If you’re considering living in London or Paris, keep in mind that the cost of living differences are drastic.

Both are big cities, and more expensive compared to other cities in their respective countries.

But London’s cost of living is notoriously high.

An infographic presenting the cost of living in central London versus Paris. The top features the UK and French flags beside the title 'Cost of Living.' For London: '$2,780 (1 bed, central),' illustrated by a set of keys; '$1.60,' represented by a banana; '$107,' next to a pair of jeans. For Paris: '$1,574 (1 bed, central),' also with a key icon; '$2.60,' with a banana; and '$102,' beside jeans. The background is blue, with 'Data via Numbeo' at the bottom.

1. Rent

Rent is an average of 64% higher in London than in Paris.

The average cost for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre of London is $2,780, while in Paris it’s over 1,000 less at $1,574.

2. Food

Groceries cost a bit less in London, and groceries in the UK are generally cheaper than in other large nations.

Fresh produce is significantly cheaper in the UK. In London the average bunch of bananas cost $1.60, while in Paris it’s $2.60.

3. Goods

If you want to do a bit of shopping, it will cost you more in London. Consumer prices in the UK are over 25% higher in London and inflation has hit the UK harder than any other nation.

A pair of Levi’s jeans (which are normally much more expensive in Europe than in America) will cost you $107 in London and $102 in Paris.

An infographic comparing the cost of living between London and Paris. On the left, the UK flag above text 'Cost of Living LONDON' followed by prices in dollars: '$3.59,' '$355,' and '$4143,' each next to icons of a train, a utility bill, and a paycheck, respectively. On the right, the French flag above 'PARIS' with prices: '$2.30,' '$230,' and '$3157,' also beside similar icons. The background is a rich blue, and there's a train midway as if traveling from London to Paris. The bottom mentions 'Data via Numbeo.

4. Transport

The cost of transport is also higher in London than in Paris.

A single journey on public transport in London will cost you an average of $3.59, while in Paris it’s $2.30.

Both cities are very well-connected by trains and planes, and traveling from either city to nearby countries is fairly affordable.

5. Utilities

Basic utilities are also much more expensive in London. The average monthly bill for electric, gas and water are $355 in London and $230 in Paris.

6. Salaries

The only upside of London? You’ll earn a bit more than in Paris. The average monthly net salary in London is $4,143, while in Paris it’s $3,157.

Keep in mind that different occupations will have different average salaries in England vs. France.

7. Healthcare

An informative comparison of healthcare systems in London and Paris. The graphic is divided: the left side, under the UK flag, features illustrations of a male and female doctor, with bullet points stating 'Pay for NHS with Visa,' 'Not the best reputation,' and 'Some companies offer private health cover.' On the right side, under the French flag, is a heart with a pulse line, and points 'Must pay into SHI,' 'France’s healthcare has a good reputation,' and 'Can see private doctors cheaply.' The background is blue, with 'Healthcare' written at the top center.

In London and the whole of the UK, the NHS (National Health Service) offers free or cheap healthcare for all residents.

If you are entering the country on a UK Visa, you will pay the NHS surcharge as part of your Visa application. It can range from £800-£5000 per person.

The NHS is not perfect, and it can be difficult to get care as all services are overwhelmed.

Private health cover is a benefit fairly common with many high-paying jobs, which can help you access private health care.

If you can afford to pay for a private doctor, you can access care much faster and more easily than going through the NHS.

In France, you must be enrolled in the SHI (Statutory Health Insurance) initiative. What this means is that the public pays for subsidised healthcare through the government. You will pay the fee directly or it will be deducted through your salary.

To see a doctor, you pay a fee that is then reimbursed. In Paris, fees are much higher than in the rest of the country, but it’s still very affordable healthcare for most treatments.

France’s healthcare is highly rated, and in 2000 was rated the best in the world by the WHO.

8. Education

In both countries, education is compulsory and free. Both cities also have a large variety of private schools that charge tuition fees.

France’s state school reputation is better than England’s. The French system is rigorous and demanding, encouraging high-performance at all levels.

England’s system, and especially in London, is not as well regarded. It’s still a good education, but schools vary dramatically by borough.

Private education is much more common in London than in Paris, though both have well-regarded private (independent) schools.

See my full guide to the best primary and secondary schools in London to learn more about which boroughs have the best schools.

9. Happiness Score

A cheerful infographic showing the happiness score of London and Paris. It features two large smiling emojis, each representing a city's happiness level. To the left, the UK flag is followed by 'London' with a score of '#19 in world' and '6.8 on scale.' On the right, the French flag precedes 'Paris' with '#21 in world' and '6.6 on scale.' The background is a pleasant blue, and the title 'Happiness Score' floats above with 'Global Economy Happiness Ranking 2023' noted at the bottom.

On the Global Economy happiness ranking, London and Paris score very similarly.

The UK is ranked #19, while France is ranked #21. They both have similar scores of 6.8 and 6.66 respectively.

But what matters more than an arbitrary score is how happy YOU feel there.

Both cities have their pros and cons, and the most important factor (in my opinion) is what kind of atmosphere you prefer.

London or Paris to Live or Visit: Final Tips

If you want to be in a romantic city, where the emphasis is on food, art, wine and enjoyment, you may want to consider Paris.

If you want to be in an orderly city with excellent transport, ancient history, and proper British culture, you may want to consider London.

Why Not Do Both?

A vibrant infographic encouraging travel between London and Paris with the statement 'Do Both!' in a bright yellow starburst. It illustrates four transportation options: a modern high-speed train labeled '2 hour train,' a small blue car marked 'Drive (Channel Tunnel),' an airplane flying overhead with '2 hour flight,' and a ferry captioned 'Ferry Dover to Calais.' The background is a deep blue, and each mode of transport is detailed, suggesting a variety of convenient ways to explore both cities.

You don’t have to choose Paris OR London. You can easily do both!

The two capitals are only a 2-hour train ride apart on the Eurostar, so it’s easy to spend a few days in each.

If Eurostar tickets are too pricey, consider flying, driving (through Le Shuttle in the Channel Tunnel), or taking a ferry from Dover to Calais.

My personal preference would be to spend 4 days in each city. That would give you enough time to experience the best of each, and really get a feel for what life is like there.

My Personal Experiences in Both Cities

I love Paris and London equally. They each have their own special ‘je ne sais quoi’ that make them each magical places to visit and live.

I prefer the atmosphere in Paris, where it’s a bit more chill and relaxed. But I prefer that London seems to run more efficiently. People are generally on time, and everything is orderly.

If you can only visit one, choose which atmosphere you prefer during your travels.

Do you like a more relaxed lifestyle, filled with good food and a more chill pace? Then Paris might be for you.

Do you like a bustling but orderly city filled with ancient history, with your evenings spent in a cosy pub? Then London might be for you.

You can’t go wrong in either place, and they are both must-visit cities in Europe.

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