First time in Paris and London for 10 days recommendations

wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 12:39
Last edited 22/11/2014 - 14:22

Hi everyone!

Recently booked some tickets to Paris over the Easter break from the sale fare that Thai airways has yesterday. Really excited about going but because I havnt been before, I essentialy have no idea what to do and where to stay etc. so I was hoping you guys to help me out!

  1. What is a good place to stay in Paris and London? I'm not too familiar with either but somewhere close to attractions and is easy to get to would be ideal.

  2. Would you recommend a day tour for essential tourist attractions for both? And if so which company is good? I was thinking it would be easy to just buy a package and see the main sights in one day, and leave the other places such as visiting to louvre in Paris for a full day.

  3. What's the go with SIM cards or mobile internet? I don't need call capability so should I buy a SIM card or is a pocket wifi more cheaper?

  4. Any other tips or must dos that you think that we should visit.

My flights land and take off from Paris CDG so I will have to catch the tube to and from London.

Thanks for your help

EDIT:

From everyone posting, thanks so much! Highly appreciate it.

Main questions were budget and time allocation.

  1. I was hoping to spend my first 2 nights in paris, then catch the TGV to London for 4 days and then back to shop and visit the places we missed in Paris for the last 3.

  2. Hoping for a twin share for no more than $200AUD a night for both places. Is this too little to get decent accommodation? Can stretch it to $300, but would prefer to keep it under the $200 mark. Sightseeing, food and everything else could come down to $200 for the both of us, is that reasonable, too little?

EDIT #2:

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE RESPONSES GUYS!!! Highly appreciated, wasn't excepting so many responses.

So from the general vibe I feel like Paris might be a dangerous place to go?? Some posts have got me very worried about travelling around with my mother now…

Also, my flight lands at 7:55am on Good Friday, it seems like many people think that I should catch the Eurail straight to London so I don't have to change hotels 3 times. As it is a Good Friday, a lot of stuff won't be opened and it would be our best bet to spend the jet lag, public holiday time on a 2.5 hour train ride to London?

Also, there seems to be a lot more interest and favouritism towards Paris so I was thinking 4 days in London and 6 in Paris? Or do you think an even split is better?

Travel

Comments

  • Cluster on 19/11/2014 - 13:03

    London:

    Tower of London, British Museum, Abbey Road studios (if only to see Beatles fans constantly holding up traffic to take a photo), see a show at the West End, Harrod's (just walking and browsing is an experience in itself), Buckingham Palace (of course).

    Paris:

    If you have even a passing interest in planes or space you must go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_de_l'Air
    Air and Space museum.

    • wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 15:37

      Thanks for the suggestions! They all sound really good. What do you think is the best way to travel around. Do you have any recommendations in public transport or hop on hop off tour busses?

      • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2014 - 16:21
        +2

        10 days - a whirlwind tour. Good luck!

        LONDON
        Public transport and walking. Consider buying a London Pass +- Travel Card. You can buy them in London unless there's an online special, in which case buy online and pickup later.

        The Tower is a MUST SEE (half a day min, get there early). If you have a sense of history Westminister Abbey is also a must (half day), Greenwich Observatory (half day), Tower Bridge say 3 hours. A little gem we found was the Florence Nightingale Museum, replete with old operating theatre and a room full of old medical instruments etc. 1 hour or two, well worth it.

        Like planes? Take the train up to Hendon to the RAF Museum. Acres of them in all shapes, sizes, ages etc. SPECTACULAR - min half day, probably full day.

        Harry Potter museum - full day (it's up north from memory).

        Windsor Castle is another full day trip out to Windsor/Eton College. Great trip and unbelievable castle (take it from someone who eschews the whole royalty business, it's "the best").

        Definitely take in a show/musical if you can. Midweek is incredibly cheap (look online)

        Camden Markets - half day min. Has EVERYTHING.

        Walk around Soho/Leicester Sq Garden area at night -esp Fri/Sat. Spectacular and heaps of varied eating options.

        Hope you both enjoy, despite the rush!

        • OBone on 20/11/2014 - 22:39

          +1 Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.
          Well worth a visit.

        • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:16

          The harry potter museum and seeing a west end seem pretty good to me.

          Any places to stay at all that would be convenient for both?

        • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2014 - 16:07

          @wozup12:

          http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/your-visit/getting-here

          No, Potter studio is a long way out comparatively. Best to stay central and plan your Potter trip via train/bus.

      • Cluster on 20/11/2014 - 18:19

        Both London and Paris are wonderfully services by the subway. I planned all my own travel and got everywhere I wanted to go. One suggestion: when you step off the plane totally jet lagged the subway maps can be bewildering. Plan your first night's trains to catch and stations to stop beforehand.

  • altomic on 19/11/2014 - 13:13

    I was just in Paris and London last month.
    1) What is a good place to stay in Paris and London? I'm not too familiar with either but somewhere close to attractions and is easy to get to would be ideal.

    -how many people are going? are you after backpacker level or cheap?

    2) Would you recommend a day tour for essential tourist attractions for both? And if so which company is good? I was thinking it would be easy to just buy a package and see the main sights in one day, and leave the other places such as visiting to louvre in Paris for a full day.

    -there are hop-on hop-off tour buses. I did them in London and Paris (and barcelona). get off at the attractions you like -it was easy and relaxing. look up trip advisor for suggested plans for day tours in different cities.

    3) What's the go with SIM cards or mobile internet? I don't need call capability so should I buy a SIM card or is a pocket wifi more cheaper?

    -I bought a lycra sim in london and put 10GBP on it -it seemed to be the easiest. just put it in my phone and off I went. when I crossed to paris I got text messages explaining how much clls from paris would cost per minute, etc. didn't try mobile internet though. there was plenty of free wifi in hotels and publics spaces.

    4) Any other tips or must dos that you think that we should visit. wonder around the city with no specific destination just to see random stuff.

    • wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 15:41
      +1

      I'm a 20 year old uni student who's going with my mother who is in her early 50's so something that is nice and close to attractions but not too expensive would be ideal

      I'll be landing in Paris, so is there a French equivilent to the Lycra sim that I could use? I'm mainly looking at Internet on my phone though. Calls won't be used at all as we have what'sapp and Skype.

      And also, I agree with your last statement. Getting lost in a city is probably one of my favourite things to do! But finding my way back usually requires the help of Google maps!

      • CI on 20/11/2014 - 13:07

        That's so nice of you bro. Tear was shed

      • daniel46211 on 24/11/2014 - 03:17

        You could sign up to a prepaid data card from Lebera, Orange or SFR for a fairly cheap rate (I believe I paid 15 euros for 3gb of data from Orange) - should be plenty for the both of you.

  • Davo1111 on 19/11/2014 - 13:58

    What is a good place to stay in Paris and London?

    I stayed at YHA st pauls. It was convenient to all the touristy things on the East. As for the west (which is the upper end of town) i used the underground.

    Would you recommend a day tour for essential tourist attractions for both?

    No i wouldnt

    It's quite easy to do stuff yourself. Public transport is great in both

    Any other tips or must dos that you think that we should visit.

    http://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/22f31x/a_guide_to_lo…

    http://www.reddit.com/r/backpacking/comments/1wr7i4/my_tips_…

    http://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/1y07wu/my_android_ap…

    Make sure you create a list of things you would like to visit. Keeping a saved pdf of the wikitravel/wikivoyage pages on a tablet makes it easier to organise stuff

    • wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 15:43

      Thanks Davo,

      I'm going with my mum who is in her early 50s so I don't think a YHA would be ideal. Would you recommend somewhere on the east side though? More so than the west?

      How does the transport work in Paris? I don't speak any French, will that be an issue? I'm just used to the unreliability of Melbourne public transport so I just assumed it would be easier to go on a bus?

      • Davo1111 on 19/11/2014 - 16:09
        +1

        not sure tbh, I'm young so just took a twin share. It was pretty basic though.

        Yes i'd recommend the east side. The area in the cbd to the west near buckingham palace is all upper class. There are quite a few hotels there, but expect to pay a premium.

        I took the underground in paris. They basically had the equivelent of "travel 10s" or individuals. We bought a bunch of those and they were single use tickets. Don't sweat, they're geared towards english tourists. Most/all machines are english/french (if not more), most signs are bilingual.

        For trains, always go to seat61.com and read what they say.

        The only downside of the metro is the homeless arent kicked out by the police and they go down there to escape the cold. We had no issues with safety - even got on a train with 100% french supporters singing anti-british songs as they went to a football game. They all seemed pretty jovial.

        When we stayed in paris, we stayed to the north near Porte de Saint-Ouen. I would not stay there, it is the ghetto. We were advised if you got robbed you could buy your bag back at the flea market opposite the hotel under the bypass every saturday. When we checked out, homeless people were fighting over who had the (first) rights to rummage through a bin.

        Make sure you save the wikivoyage/travel pdfs, they're great.

      • retiredfeline on 19/11/2014 - 19:39
        +3

        The metro is the way to go. Puts our systems to shame. The bunch of 10s is called un carnet. If you are moving around a lot in a day there are zone passes that may work out cheaper and no worries about being left with a few unused from a carnet. Check the Internet for details.

        • Davo1111 on 19/11/2014 - 19:48

          The bunch of 10s is called un carnet

          Yep, that's it. 13.7 Euros according to google

  • retiredfeline on 19/11/2014 - 14:05
    +1

    The Bateaux Mouches (tour boats) on the Seine are good way to get a sense of the city and you can visit individual attractions later. Try to get an evening cruise. Louvre is large so plan what you want to see. Also some collections are in other museums, e.g. Musee d'Orsay.

    • wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 15:47

      I have heard about the Bateaux Mouches boat tours. My flight lands at 8am in the morning so is there something you can suggest to do in the morning which would be in the vicinity of the ferry terminal??

      Also, do you think it is wise to allocate a full day to the louvre? Or is a half day enough?

      • retiredfeline on 19/11/2014 - 18:40
        +1

        The boat cruises are right in the heart of the city so you should have no problems finding some attraction to visit in the vicinity.

        Oh and go early to museums to beat the crowds.

      • eve on 23/11/2014 - 20:14

        If you're there for more than the Mona Lisa then you'd need multiple days!! It's really breathtaking in there - I'd recommend a whole day!

    • parcus on 20/11/2014 - 19:16
      +2

      Musée d'Orsay is a MUST if you're an impressionism fan. Last time I was in Paris I spent 2 whole days really taking my time inside. Just mindblowingly good art.

  • tight-a55 on 19/11/2014 - 15:35
    +1

    While in Paris, check out:
    Notre Dame
    Sacre Coeur & the markets around there
    Louvre museum
    Lunch on Champs-Elysees
    If you have a spare half day or full day in Paris, a trip on the train out to Versailles is definitely worth it.
    the train system is pretty good there, can get a day pass which will get you on and off (un-limited) all around the city

    • wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 15:51

      Thank you! They all sound great.

      Versailles is definately high up on my list. Is it easy to just catch the train. Do we need to make any advanced booking or are there guided tours of the place when we arrive?

      • tight-a55 on 19/11/2014 - 16:29
        +1

        from memory (was 3 years ago) this is what we did:
        Bought ticket at train station (it was not included in the city zone ticket pass)
        Caught the train out there, walked from train station to castle/gardens.
        Bought entry ticket at the gates and just walked around. we weren't interested in a guided tour, but i believe you can book them when you arrive.
        For your louvre question to greenpossum, it depends on how much of it you want to see and how fit you are. We spent half a day in their and that was enough to see all we wanted to see.

        • wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 23:51

          Sounds awesome! Do you have any recommendations to stay anywhere in Paris?

        • tight-a55 on 20/11/2014 - 10:51

          i have been a few times and the best place i have come across is http://hotel-toureiffel.com/
          we stayed there for 3 nights last time and had a view of the tower from our window. which was an un-expected surprise.

        • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:26

          @tight-a55:

          I've heard people say that staying somewhere close to the eiffel tower is not good for first timers as it is far away from everything else. Would you recommend this place for us if we didn't want to travel on the metro as much? Or would we need to use it regardless?

      • YTW on 20/11/2014 - 21:53

        Versailles is great - just check if the gardens are going to be open when you are there. They shut them for Winter.

        Also, don't assume attractions/musems will be open 7 days a week, check opening times and days before you go somewhere. Often they are closed on Mondays in off-peak seasons.

        Get up early, be at places before they open so that you beat the queues to get in. It's frustrating having to spend your valuable time queueing all the time. Pre-buy tickets where you can because that's often a shorter/faster line. The Louvre has a side entrance for groups and pre-bought tickets, most people just ended up queueing at the main entrance for ages because they haven't prepared or don't know they can go to the other doors.

        • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:27

          I will be there in early to mid april which is spring. Hopefully the winter won't be too cold and the flowers will be in full bloom?

          Do you have any recommendations for pre purchasing tickets? Is there a multi pass or is it just good to buy them individually online?

        • YTW on 23/11/2014 - 00:42

          @wozup12: Yeah, don't hope when it comes to whether things are open or not. Look it up.
          April is a nice time of year and things are bursting to life, but you can also get sudden cold snaps.

          We had a museum pass.

          http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travel-g187147-c3012/Paris:Fra…

    • eqv on 20/11/2014 - 00:38

      Be careful when you go up to Sacre Coeur, there's a lot of con artist there, and they work in a group normally.
      No, its not closed and you dont have to pay to go in. And those "charity" bracelet they insist to put on you are not really for charity.

      • tight-a55 on 20/11/2014 - 10:55

        hahaha, those guys make me laugh. my trick to avoid them is to pick one in the group and just walk straight at him without changing your expression. 9 out of 10 times they moved out of the way and ignored us as if i was a local, only once did i almost knock one over. i think the trick is not to smile, or acknowledge them at all. also having our camera out of view makes them think your not a tourist.

        • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:29

          These comments have made me a bit worried. I have heard horror stories about things being stolen, fake policemen, hotel safes being cracked open in Paris. So I hope staying at a fairly decent hotel and only going where theres lots of tourist should be ok???

  • dasher86 on 19/11/2014 - 16:46
    +1

    I'd recommend staying west rather than east (unless you specifically like night life). I would suggest you stay in the areas of queensway and bayswater (on tube map) easy access with two main lines 50 metres walking of each other.

    Free things to see
    British Museum,
    Science Museum
    Natural History Museum (next door to science)
    Diagon alley
    Platform 9&3/4
    Camden town

    Paid
    West end show
    Tower of London

    Also pretty decent is the 'free' (tipped) walking tours.

    If you plan a night out without your mother check out 1bignightout pub crawl - it's actually cheaper than going individually to these bars.

    Tube is the easiest way to get around and London has a great network of night buses.

    Enjoy your trip and I do recommend having a night out ;)

    • dasher86 on 19/11/2014 - 16:47
      +1

      Oh be sure to check out hotukdeals.com if you plan on paid attractions. Bogof (2for1) is popular and you can also buy these vouchers easily on ebay before you go.

    • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:30

      Thank you! Hopefully she can find something she fancies while I slip away and do something that's actually enjoyable ;-). I'll be there a month after I turn 21 too so i'll keep that in mind!

  • tadere on 19/11/2014 - 16:53
    +1

    In London I stayed in Kensignton Close hotel. Excellent hotel and really close to the tube and the attractions. Depending on the airport you are landing on from Paris, you may be able to catch the tube from the airport to the hotel. About 100 meter walk from the tube. The tube is your best way to get around London.

    In Paris I stayed at ibis Paris Bastille Opera. This was fairly decent hotel close to transport.

    My strong recommendation would be to actually look up what sort of costs you could expect from the airport to your hotel prior to getting there.

    Enjoy your trip.

    • wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 23:53

      Thank you!

      So you think the cost from the airport to the hotel might be a lot? Usually when I travel I just contact the hotel and they usually have shuttle services to and from the airport. This is usually for Asian countries, so the prices are reasonable. Not the same for London and Paris?

      I was looking to spend my first 2 nights in Paris, 4 in London and then back to Paris to do some shopping for another 3 and Versailles before we head back again. What do you think?

      • retiredfeline on 19/11/2014 - 23:59

        If you are arriving at a major airport there will be public transport. If a budget European airline then you may have to use their shuttle as they euphemistically call Paris any airport within 100km of Paris.

        Fear not, the European transport systems are better organised than ours.

        • wozup12 on 20/11/2014 - 00:08

          Is this an avalon type scenario?

          I'm flying in via Thai Airways which lands at CDG, I hope theres a rail service that links to the city? Unlike good old Tullamarine down in Melbourne?

        • retiredfeline on 20/11/2014 - 00:18

          @wozup12: Thai is not a budget airline. Just search CDG Paris transport and you will get your answer. Hint: Served by RER train.

        • tadere on 20/11/2014 - 11:04

          [@wozup12] i travelled to Paris from Amsterdam (by train) and knew the approximate costs for a taxi to the hotel. I have a tendency to always ask the costs when approaching a taxi. The first guy suggested 100 euro. The suggested online cost was ~25 euro and the actual cost ended up being 18 euro :)

        • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2014 - 11:06

          @greenpossum: The RER line between CDG and the airport is notorious for muggings. It passes through the projects and blokes get on board and ask travellers for compulsory donations.

        • retiredfeline on 20/11/2014 - 17:46

          @thorton82: What can I say, went through twice back in 2009, one an early morning run too and nothing exciting like that happened to me or the rest of the car. There was a musician though and donations were optional. In the end it's up to each traveler how much credence you want to put in these stories. Are you sure it was the same service? Mine was an express, don't recall any intermediate stops.

          Also not sure what you mean by CDG and the airport. CDG is the airport, though spread out across 5(?) terminals. It's s logistic nightmare that could have been invented by Jacques Tati but that's another story

        • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2014 - 21:23

          @greenpossum: Sorry I meant CDG and Paris, probably Gare de Nord. The RER muggings aren't just an old wives tale, they are a notorious phenomenon. 10 seconds of googling will help.

        • retiredfeline on 20/11/2014 - 23:13

          @thorton82: I don't doubt that these things have happened to some people some time, but as with everything, you have to judge the risk. Remember that one incident gets magnified thousands of times by the Internet, but all those people to whom nothing happened get no airtime. You run a bigger risk bring run over in Sydney CBD by not paying attention.

          And it's not because RER B passes through projects, the first stop is Nord. If thieves want to work a train they can get on anywhere. The projects have been a sore point for ages, it's nothing new.

        • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:32

          @greenpossum:

          Is the RER dangerous? It looks convenient and is good cost wise, but some member have been saying it goes through a bad area and is known for con artists? Should I pay the premium and go taxi?

        • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2014 - 16:13

          @wozup12: I would (and have) risked it. But be aware that this does happen on the RER to the airport, and it happens often.

        • retiredfeline on 22/11/2014 - 19:50

          @wozup12: Welcome to the world of risk assessment. Everything you do has a risk, choose what you are comfortable with. You're on your own for this, son.

          By the way, think of your 50+ year old mother and don't take her down more metro staircases than you need to.

  • cd93 on 19/11/2014 - 18:21

    I was in London and Paris late last year. In London we stayed in London Marriott Regents Park in Swiss Cottage. Hotel and staff were very welcoming and nice, and the rooms are pretty big too. Its a nice little area of London and is on the Jubilee line (about 5 stops from Buckingham Palace). Lots of parks and the high street was decent. Bond Street is also on the line. Touristy things that you should check out Madame Tussauds, london eye, christmas market on the thames

    In Paris I stayed at holiday inn Grands Boulevard. It was nice hotel in a good area (Madeline and Opera). One recommendation for eating in Paris is Le Bouillon Chartier. Local restaurant that serves French dishes and is reasonably priced (3 EUR - 18 EUR). Other things is a city tour, eiffel tower, notre dame, otherwise wine tasting in Mumm.

    Phones - Skype if wifi available or buy a local sim card (lebara) if you want to call Aus or O2, Voda, 3, for local calls

    As mentioned above, it really depends what you want to do and see, how long you will spend in each city and how much your willing to spend as well.

    • wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 23:56

      I want to spend my first 2 days in Paris, then catch the TGV to London for 4 days, and then come back to Paris for the last 3. What do you think of that?

      Are free wifi hotspots easily available? Travelling to Singapore and Japan, I found it really hard to get FREE internet so i just thought a pocket wifi or simcard would be good as I get hopelessly lost quite a bit….

      • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2014 - 23:57

        TGV doesn't go to London, its the Eurostar (which is actually a TGV, but its not called a TGV). You need more time in both cities. It will take you 2 days to get over the jet lag.

        • snook on 20/11/2014 - 15:41

          jet lag worse coming home

  • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2014 - 20:02

    Good luck catching tube from Paris to London LOL!. I think you mean the Chunnel.

    Anyway, onto more important matters… You are a 20 year old male, and you are going to Paris with your MOTHER?!?!?!! What are you thinking man? Trade her in for a pal of yours and have the time of your life.

    • wozup12 on 19/11/2014 - 23:57

      I WISH I COULD!

      None of my friends were ready to snap up the fare and now they're double the price!! So I guess its the only choice…

  • kobrien456 on 20/11/2014 - 07:52

    Hostels with twin rooms and ensuites are going to be best for you socially. Mum won't mind. I'm in my 50s and we stay there all the time. You can book a night in one in Melbourne before you go and see if mums happy. Or just ask to see the room.
    Hostel vibes are usually great. I did a year in Europe on my own in hostels and found plenty of people to hang out for the day/week with. Otherwise you are going to be staying in anonymous hotel rooms.

  • windale on 20/11/2014 - 08:18

    I have just finished booking our family's (2 adults & 2 kids) Paris trip. It was suggested to stay in the 1st or 4th Arrondissements due to location and close to the major sites, restaurants etc
    http://www.aussieinfrance.com/2013/08/the-best-area-to-stay-…

    Some museums for kids, not just for kids though, the magic museum, postal museum, coin/money museum, science museum, natural history museum etc http://www.timeout.com/paris/en/museums/museums-for-kids

    As someone else suggested the aeronautical museum is supposed to be pretty good, maybe leave your mum behind for that one, she can do some shopping instead.I think you can see the inside of a Concorde there. http://www.museeairespace.fr/en

    We booked an apartment through www.VacationInParis.com which is where we were directed after looking through tripadvisor. We ended up in the Marais district (4th Arrondissement) http://www.parismarais.com/en/welcome-to-le-marais . Its an arty area but also partly the gay area. Lots of good restaurants and patisseries in the local area.

    Some restaurant suggestions I have been looking at:
    http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k289710-…

    In ozbargain style we scored flights for the whole family, Brisbane to Dublin return with Etihad (Virgin) for $4422.88

    I would think you are pushing it to do London and Paris in that amount of time at such a busy time of year.

    • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:36

      I would love to stay in the 1st of 4th Arrondissement, but because we are travelling during Easter, the hotel prices are skyrocketed and I'm looking at $750 to stay at a best western….

      Do you think I should wait for a better deal? Hotel prices seem ridiculous at the moment!!

      • windale on 24/11/2014 - 07:41

        Try an apartment. Our 2 bedroom apartment is costing us $200 a night. Hotels seem more expensive.

  • parisienne on 20/11/2014 - 10:47
    +1

    To start with….WOW.Just WOW.London and Paris (yes,i am immensely jealous.First off,as a Uni student,i cannot suggest enough that you get thee to Studentflights and go over a few places to stay there (i have used them many times before and they are great) as they have a load of AMAZING accomodation options and THINGS TO DO for great prices.One place i stayed (and i was not given much support on here for the suggestion,but to hell with that…I'M STILL SUGGESTING IT)is a Place called the Victor Masse in the Pigalle area of Paris.First off though…this IS the red light district of Paris (it's your MUM,so i will give you the heads up),BUT it is not overtly so in this particular area of it (up the road,very different story…so be warned).The great thing about this area is the fact that it is also the arty area of Paris…many artists,poet,composers and writers lived or visited here (and still do)to be inspired by the beauty that lies below (the amazing Sacre Couer,is in this area of Paris,and is a short 15 or so minute walk from the place i mentioned….go there,look down and you will know what i mean).It also is a 5 minute walk to Pigalle metro….which takes you to the main areas of Paris and beyond.Dont worry too much about speaking French…use what you know and most (if not all)people will speak in English very quickly).For a great (cheap) tour of Paris,grab the red big bus tours (http://eng.bigbustours.com/paris/home.html)and then go for a FREE guided tour by some of the most wonderful Parisians you will ever meet on a discover walk (http://www.discoverwalks.com/paris-walking-tours/ ).Then in London,buy an Oyster card (the model we ripped off from the UK for public transport….if only we could rip off the same reliability and efficiency)and get lost in the beautiful city.Grab a ticket for "The original Tour" bus (http://www.theoriginaltour.com/)London also has an excellent site to check out that has several amazing tours…FREE(http://www.freetoursoflondon.com/ )which i have done.And one last "must do" in London….GO TO THE WEST END and see a show (any show).Go to any of the cheap ticket booths on the West End or check out http://www.lastminute.com/site/entertainment/theatre/ for some ideas as to what you can get.It is a shame you don't have more time,but this WILL whet your appetite,and you will return with a little knowledge and hopefully more time to REALLY see the beauty that is these two cities.Bon Voyage.

    • dasher86 on 20/11/2014 - 12:19
      +5

      paragraphs please…

      • parisienne on 21/11/2014 - 19:47

        Seriously ???? All that info and you are on about paragraphs ???????

    • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:38

      WOAH! Thanks so much for this. So much information to wade through.

      I'm thinking Les Mis in West end. Apparently the Melbourne production was really good and I was just about to go, then this happened…

  • matt_will_fix_it on 20/11/2014 - 11:28
    +2

    See if you can spend some time in Paris Hilton.

  • tomsco on 20/11/2014 - 13:09
    +1

    There's a nice little B&B in Chelsea, London called the Oakley (see here: http://oakleyhotel.com/).

    I've stayed there a couple of times, it's got the charm of those London hotels you see in TV/movies, but it's run by nice young ladies (and not Basil Fawlty). You also get a cooked breakky daily.

    The only issue is it's not particularly close to a train station, although you can get a bus easily, either to South Kensington or Victoria.

    In both city's, the metro train line is very good and will take you to all the good attractions. Hop on, hop off's are also a good idea as they give you further information on the sites.

    Depending on how far your mum can walk, Sandeman's do a good walking tour (at least they did in Berlin). See here: http://www.neweuropetours.eu/

  • Carpe Diem on 20/11/2014 - 14:03
    +1

    Some great suggestions. Paris - I would also recommend stopping at Saint Chappelle as well (Next to Notre Dame) & checking out the Latin Quarter. Shakespeare Bookshop is worth a muse around.

    London - Being a fellow pom I would recommend: Natural History Musuem & Camden Town. I can easily spend an entire day at both :)

    For a truly memorable breakfast/lunch, then check out Duck n Waffle. 42nd floor of the Heron Tower at Liverpool Street. Sublime.

    I was in the big smoke of Easter this year & some of my stay was at this Travelodge in a twin room… Brand new, very clean & perfect location to get around. A quick check you can get GBP 205 for 4 days over Easter.
    http://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/571/London-Bethnal-Green-… accomadation

    I would also recommend checking out Air B&B. You can find some pretty special places within your budget.

    • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:39

      The travelodge looks perfect! I might just book that in London.

      In Paris though, I'm unable to find any decent accommodation near Notre Dame for a good price. Do you have a particular name of a place at all? Because I'm travelling during easter the prices seem very high…

    • sparkles on 22/11/2014 - 15:32

      Yeah, the Natural History Museum is good, but if you were only going to do one museum in London it would have to be the British Museum. Awesome Egypt displays, the Elgin marbles, the Rosetta stone. Some serious history in there. Lots of dead stuffed creatures, dinosaur stuff (aimed at kids) and things like meteorites that fell from space at the NHM.

  • snook on 20/11/2014 - 14:34
    +2

    I would do the whole time you wanted to stay in Paris, IN Paris. Then go to London and then travel back and fly straight home. There is nothing worse than the packing up and moving on hols. All it does is waste time.

    Maps - try Navfree? Doesn't need internet connection but I haven't used it so don't know. Anyone else?

    Many cafes will have free internet and we use them to screen dump places we want to go. Most places you stay at will also have limited wifi. The status of international wifi sims is changing all the time. We were there last year and I couldn't find anything that actually appeared to work ok. Ie., you buy it here only to get over there and find out it doesn't work? Nothing you can do about it then. Requires more up to date research.

    London, stay on the north side. My suggestion is Soho. Everything is happening there. You can go out and your mum can see a show. You have a choice of railway stations to use for access. When you get there, go straight to railway information and buy a card and put some money on it. This is the cheapest and easiest way to do it. It also gets you on the buses. The buses are double deckers so go up the top and wait for the front top seat. We like to ride a bus until it ends and then get on another one and go somewhere else. But note that London traffic is horrific and the buses can be really slow. Use the Tube if you're in a rush.

    Recommend Camden Markets.

    Look at Airbnb. We were in London recently and this was the cheapest accoms I could find.
    There is also a handy backpackers at Piccadilly Circus. You can get private rooms and it's fine.

    Another poster mentioned the social aspect of backpackers and this is true. People of all ages stay in backpackers and 50 isn't old. The chances of both of you meeting people to do things with are zip if you go hotel.

    I haven't been to Paris for years now but all of these attractions cost money and they aren't cheap. Research exactly what you must do before you go and be prepared to pay through the nose for them. Unless it's a lifelong dream to climb the Eiffel Tower, then don't climb it, you won't be missing anything. The view of Paris is just as good from Sacré-Cœur and that's free. It is nice to get to the Eiffel Tower before the sun goes down. Go across the river to the Jardins du Trocadéro and up the stairs and watch the sun set and the lights come on. Spectacular and free! Paris is such a city for soaking up the atmosphere and just being there.

    There is a street, not far from Notre Dame on the north side, for eating. A really cute little cobbled street. Anyone know the name? Sure, the food is kind of touristy but the streets are fantastic.

    Recommend the raspberry tart - available at nearly every patisserie

    Look for travel guidance for Paris. There are a lot of warnings about pickpockets these days from the influx of eastern europeans. Read the advice guides and stay aware of scams.

    Also, don't expect to go there and get shopping bargains. Europe is very exy and the exchange rate is crap. Research what you might want to buy before you go. We spend all of our money on nice food in nice restaurants, bugger the cost :)

    • wozup12 on 22/11/2014 - 14:41

      Thank you, shall have a further look and try to pre pay everything before I leave so I know the prices.

      Thanks for the Nav Free suggestion!

    • eve on 23/11/2014 - 20:09

      Paris is such a city for soaking up the atmosphere and just being there.

      Totally agree…perfect description of what to do in Paris!!!

  • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2014 - 15:35

    In Paris check out Sacre Coeur and get a cool braclet ! Best 5 euro I every spent ;)

  • m2000 on 20/11/2014 - 16:04
    +1

    There are lots of good suggestions BUT at the end of the day
    Do your own homework , plan your trip well and visit places that you and your mum would like to or interest you both
    Some can stay in the Louvres for a 1/2 day or days, some will only stay a hour (maybe just have a glance and a photo with the " Mona Lisa")
    My personal top things to do
    -tour Eiffel(must go very early morning)
    -Chateau de Versailles
    …there are just too many things to do in Paris (just choose based on your interests and time)

  • whodidthat on 20/11/2014 - 16:28
    +1

    You do know you'll probably have jetlag for the first day or two?

    I'd also recommend "The original Tour" bus (http://www.theoriginaltour.com/)

    Getting around London is ok (apart from driving!!!)
    Tube & regular buses - taxis expensive.
    As for what to see, depends if you're into history.
    Things like Tower of London.

    I used to stay a lot at Travelodge or B&B. Travelodge are basic but I found them comfortable and a good price - plus they often have deals http://www.travelodge.co.uk/search_and_book/saver_search.php…

    B&B:
    http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/london-england.html
    http://www.budgetplaces.com/london

  • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2014 - 17:00

    There are cheap-ish (under $200/night - or maybe just a bit over) decent hotels near the Notre Dame. Nice eateries nearby, too.

    Take the Metro everywhere, amazing.

    Get the Ulmon app - amazing, especially for Paris.

    If you're a museum person, get the Museum Pass, and do all the museums + Versailles in one go. First time I went, we got the four-day pass, packed everything in, loved it! Plus, the pass lets you jump the queue, which is a must. If you get the pass, don't queue up at a museum to buy it (duh, defeats the queue-jumping purpose), get it from the Airport tourist desk.

    Buy the cheap fresh pastries at their supermarkets! Have at least one cafe breakfast - Croissanterie is cheap and good, but not much of a vibe, but I'd still go again I guess.

    Learn a bit of French - it goes a long, long, long way.

  • retiredfeline on 20/11/2014 - 18:04

    OP my feeling is 10 days is not enough for either city let alone both. Stick to one if you can. But I know first timers want to do it all. If you want to cram it in, then of all the excellent suggestions above brutally toss out any you don't have a strong interest in. Of what's left throw out half and carefully plan the remainder to maximise use of your time. You may have a day travel pass but it still takes time to get in and out of the metro and travel across the city, so group attractions that are close together.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2014 - 18:21

    London accommodation : subscribe to Travelzoo for regular Euro/UK specials.

    Just got this on email, might be of use. Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

    Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

    Stay in a Superior Double or Twin Room for £79 per night
    When: This offer is valid for stays seven days a week from 15 December, 2014-13 April, 2015

    Other offers: Upgrade to include breakfast for £20 more per room, per night

  • bargdebarg on 20/11/2014 - 19:04

    OP watch some Rick Steves videos

    • sparkles on 22/11/2014 - 15:27

      +1 for Rick Steves guides, they are generally quite accurate, up to day, and detailed in the ways you want.

      • bargdebarg on 24/11/2014 - 10:56

        Plus he's a lovable dork!!! Oh that yellow shirt!!!

  • bdl on 20/11/2014 - 23:03

    Place to stay in Paris: http://www.hotel-la-sanguine.com/accueil_en.html

    (ps: Their Dachshund (called "Tokio") loves croissants)

  • enforcer on 20/11/2014 - 23:20

    I found Paris pretty nasty actually. Not many good areas, not that I found anyway. The metro/train is really dirty and doesn't feel very safe. The Eiffel tower was alright but get there early and watch out for the gypsies (everywhere really). Give yourselves at least 3 hours just to get through CDG airport on your departure. It's one of the slowest/worst airports I've experienced. The staff just don't seem to care.

    London is so much nicer and the people speak English (!).

    • retiredfeline on 20/11/2014 - 23:41

      Paris sounds just like Sydney then. Except for the English bit and then sometimes I'm not sure. ;) ;)

    • eve on 23/11/2014 - 20:04

      Would you consider trying it again? What things do you like to do on holiday?

      We went for the second time in june this year and so could skip the must-do touristy stuff..was there for abt 10 days, skipped Eiffel tower, louvre, champs Elysée, Notre dame.. We mostly just walked around looking at buildings and hanging out in parks, people watching and eating out of boulangeries and delis and stalls, visited the occasional smaller museum, and I was just blown away by how beautiful the old city is.

  • wau2 on 21/11/2014 - 07:44
    +1

    Just came back from London last week. Stayed at Hampton by Hilton Waterloo. Great hotel free breakfast and has a gym. Close to Waterloo station which is great as three or so lines cross it. Walkable to London eye and big Ben.
    I recommend on the first day go on the free walking tours (sandemans). Great to get orientation and covers all the sites. Guides are great and have very interesting facts You have to tip them though.
    Go on Eurostar to London. I didn't fancy Paris too much but each to their own.
    You can order the visitors oyster card and get it sent to Australia. If you do that you can get some discounts on restaurants and attractions. Check their website.

    • altomic on 21/11/2014 - 10:24

      Oyster card for sure.

  • altomic on 21/11/2014 - 10:24

    when you're at the Eiffel tower and haggling over eiffel tower statues the sellers (guys walking around with them are pretty groovy). compare prices. you should be able to get 3 small towers for 1 euro.

    • dasher86 on 21/11/2014 - 11:47
      +1

      the record in our group was 6 for a euro

  • Archi on 21/11/2014 - 10:52

    is you plan on going to the Louvre museum, don't go on a Tuesday. it's closed I learned the hardway.

  • bdl on 21/11/2014 - 11:22

    other notes

    PARIS
    http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/en/ - Montparnasse Tower has great views. Really easy to get to via Metro.
    (more pictures of view here: http://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Montparnasse-Tower-56th-Fl… (ignore pricing etc, you can buy tickets at the door))

    Schwarma - easy via metro - go get schwarma and their chips here - bloody awesome: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g187147-d718…

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A8re_Lachaise_Cemetery - check out this cemetary, was great to see some very famous people's gravesites. Free, plus easy to get to via Metro.
    http://www.francetravelguide.com/jim-morrisons-grave.html

    Galeries Lafayette - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galeries_Lafayette - check out this shop - you'll see what DJ's and Myer have been copying all these years… :)

    LONDON
    http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g186338-d192073-R… good place to stay, I got good rates via hotels.com

  • Haemoglobin on 21/11/2014 - 13:10

    Generator in london is nice

    • parisienne on 21/11/2014 - 19:49

      I don't think someone's MUM would be pleased staying at the Generator.Just walking past is enough to give you sleepless nights.

  • Cluster on 21/11/2014 - 17:07

    If you're really nerdy, you can visit the one original true kilogram mass:

    http://www.bipm.org/en/bipm/mass/prototype.html

  • jason101 on 22/11/2014 - 08:36

    Thinking back to my honeymoon…..

    Euro Disney
    Palace of Versailles
    Night tour of Paris (awesome)
    Louvre museum
    Notre Dame

    Jack the Ripper Tour
    Stone Henge visit
    Windsor Castle Tour
    Have lunch in the food court at Harrods (not your typical food court)
    Explore the city of Bath
    Hop on Hop Off tour of the city
    Pizza at a cafe just off Trafalgar Sq
    Walk through Hyde park, then cool your heels (literally) in the the Princess Diana Fountain (not sure if they let you dunk your feet in it anymore but it was an awesome experience.

  • Randxyz123 on 22/11/2014 - 13:58

    LONDON:

    Tower of London
    British Museum
    Hyde Park
    Westminster Abby
    Trafalgar Square

    Definitely check out Harrods even if you don't buy anything the food court is pretty amazing… That is about all I can think of…The list goes on and on.

    What's the go with SIM cards or mobile internet? I don't need call capability so should I buy a SIM card or is a pocket wifi more cheaper?

    I'd go with a simcard with both calls and internet. Even if you don't need many calls it might be handy if you somehow get lost getting to or back to your hotel or you are late or just want to book a restaurant for dinner, local calls can be handy. New regulations mean that you can use the same sim in London and Paris and not be overcharged.

    The companies are

    • EE
    • Three
    • O2
    • Vodafone

    (in that rough order) here is a comparison.

  • sparkles on 22/11/2014 - 15:09

    If you are heavily into Harry Potter this is a day trip:
    http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
    It's first on my list next time I head back to London.

    Must do's for a short first time trip to London:
    Tower of London
    Harrod's
    British Museum
    Changing of the Guard/Buckingham Palace
    Picadilly Circus just for the vibe
    Theatre production (ticket booths in Leicester Square or returned tickets same day at the theatre) or Shakespeares Globe

    Must do's for a short first time trip to Paris:
    The Louvre
    Eiffel Tower (to the top level)
    Arc Di Triomphe, then make your way down Champs Elysees to Place De La Concorde
    Shopping (not bargainy though)

  • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2014 - 16:15

    Also, remember Paris is the city of love, so take breath mints so you can make out with your travelling companion, under the Eiffel tower.

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