London vs Paris

London and Paris compared across the three travel tiers — budget, mid-range and luxury — for daily costs, hotels, food, things to do and the practical stuff that actually decides which one you should visit.

London

United Kingdom · Europe

London is one of the world's great cities — a place where a free world-class museum sits next to a Michelin three-star, where the Tube costs £2.80 and a hotel suite costs £2,800. Messy, multicultural, and permanently surprising, it rewards every type of traveller.

Paris

France · Europe

Paris is the city the world measures all others against — art, food, fashion, and a quality of light that makes everything look better. From a €12 croque-monsieur at a zinc bar to a €400 tasting menu at a three-star palace, Paris delivers at every budget if you know where to look.

Daily cost per tier (USD)

Tier	London	Paris
budget	$50–$80	$40–$65
midrange	$180–$300	$150–$250
luxury	$700–$1500	$500–$900

At a glance

	London	Paris
Country	United Kingdom	France
Currency	GBP (£) - pound sterling. Cards accepted almost everywhere; contactless is universal.	EUR (€)
Language	English	French
Best months	May – June, September	April – June, September – October
Climate	Oceanic climate: mild, overcast, and unpredictable year-round. Summers (June-August) are warm (22°C) but rarely hot - the city thrives. May-June brings long days and the parks at their best. July-August is peak season: crowded and expensive. September-October offers golden light and thinning crowds. December brings Christmas lights along Oxford Street and the markets. Carry a layer at all times.	Oceanic climate with mild summers (25°C) and cool winters (5°C). July–August is warm but many locals leave and some bistros close. November–March is grey but uncrowded — ideal for museums. Pack layers and an umbrella year-round.
Visa	UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required for most visa-free nationalities from 2025 - apply online for £10. US, EU, and most Western passport holders qualify. Separate from Schengen - a Schengen visa does not cover the UK.	Schengen zone — 90 days visa-free for most nationalities
Safety	Generally safe - standard big-city awareness, especially on the Tube late at night	Generally safe
Tipping	10-12.5% at restaurants, often added automatically as a "service charge" - check the bill before adding more. Taxi drivers and hotel staff: round up or £2-5. Not expected at pubs.	Service included (15%). Round up or leave 1–2€ for good service.
Metro	Yes	Yes