For a weekend getaway, London is ideal. Located not far from Paris and northern France, it offers a pleasant change of scenery. Here's our advice on how to get to London, where to stay and what to do.
How do I get to London from Paris?
The most practical solution is the Eurostar, which links Paris to London via the English Channel. The journey takes just 2h17, so you won't lose too much time during your weekend getaway. Departure for the Channel Tunnel is from Paris-Nord station. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive at London Saint Pancras International.
The cost of the journey can vary considerably depending on the time of departure. We advise you to book your Eurostar seat early. You'll avoid rush hour and pay less for your ticket.
Where to stay in London for a weekend?
The Saint-Pancras district is an interesting place to stay during your weekend in London. Not very touristy, it's quite quiet. And with excellent public transport links, it's easy to get around. Point A Hotel London Kings Cross is a good, inexpensive place to stay in this part of London.
If you prefer to stay in the heart of the capital, the Thistle Piccadilly Hotel is a good choice, offering the utmost in comfort. It's ideally located at the entrance to Leicester Square and the famous Piccadilly Circus district.
What to do in London over the weekend?
On the first day, watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. An amazing parade awaits you. You can then cross St. James's Park and admire the Horse Guards Barracks. Of course, part of your day will be devoted to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the famous Big Ben. Leaving London without seeing them would be sacrilege! If you still have time, there are other must-see sights:
- palace of Westminster,
- Trafalgar Square,
- Regent Street,
- Piccadilly Circus.
Last but not least, visit Covent Garden.
For your second day in London, head for Tower Bridge, where the pleasant atmosphere invites you to relax. But there's no time to dawdle if you want to see the city's most beautiful sights before you leave! On the other side of the river, you can take some superb photos of the Tower of London, home to the crown jewels. Afterwards, a visit to Soho and its many boutiques can be a real treat. We also recommend Chinatown. Then take the Underground to Notting Hill. The most romantic among you will surely dream of it after seeing it in the cinema. Don't hesitate to stop off on a terrace at teatime, to enjoy the experience like a true Englishman!
How to visit London without breaking the bank?
To start with, take comfortable shoes, so that you can do most of your sightseeing on foot. Tube tickets are quite expensive, so it's a good idea to use them as little as possible! It's also a good idea to stay a little outside the city center. Neighborhoods that require a bit of a commute will be less expensive than others. It's true that you'll have to take the metro in the morning, but this cost is less than you'd save on the price of your hotel room. Renting a bed & breakfast for the weekend is also a good way to save money.
For your visits, the London Pass gives you access to 80 sites in the city. Even cheaper, the London Explorer Pass lets you visit the best tourist attractions for less. Good deals are also available on food. To eat without breaking the bank, head for Bagel Bake, Troy Bar or Little Farm.
Now you're all set for a carefree weekend in London! From travel to accommodation and sightseeing, we've got you covered before you leave. London is an ideal city to spend a couple of days with your partner or family. If you don't mind walking, there's plenty to see. If you're coming for a 3-day weekend, you can even do all the sightseeing in a more relaxed way.
