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London and Paris this fall - all advice welcome

Posted on 4/17/24 at 2:11 pm
Posted by jfw3535
South of Bunkie
Member since Mar 2008
4686 posts
Posted on 4/17/24 at 2:11 pm
Me and the Mrs. are doing a 10 trip to London and Paris this fall and looking for recommendations on pretty much everything - proposed itineraries, must see sites (first time to visit both places), places to eat, etc. Yes, I know there are plenty of thread on these places already and I've read quite a few, but wanted to consolidate responses in my own thread.

Some details on our trip - we will have about 3 1/2 days total in London and 4 1/2 days in Paris. I have a hotel already in London, but recommendations of places in the Latin Quarter in Paris to stay appreciated. Would like to hit the major sites and things to do for first timers in both cities. I don't drink, so recommendations on pubs and bars not needed.

Also, any thoughts on how much cash I would need for each location and the best place to get it. Plan to use credit card for everything, but would still like some tip money handy for hotel staff, drivers, tour guides, etc. Just curious how much I should get from the ATM to be sufficient without having to make multiple withdrawals or having a bunch of worthless foreign currency in my pocket when we leave. Is the ATM at Heathrow the best place to grab some cash on arrival at Heathrow? Is there an ATM at the Eurostar station in Paris when we get there?

As I said, recommendations for pretty much everything is appreciated. TIA.
Posted by midlothianlsu
Midlothian, Texas
Member since Oct 2009
1424 posts
Posted on 4/17/24 at 2:59 pm to
We were in London this past October and did not use any cash. We got about £20 in the airport and brought it all home. Make sure you have a touchless card that does not charge a per-use fee. You will use it for bus and tube travel.
Do not avoid the pubs because you don’t drink. Some of the best food comes from the pubs not to mention the atmosphere and the history. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a great example of good food and atmosphere and history.
I don’t where you are staying but if you are close to Kensington Park or Green Park take time to have lunch and find a bench to just relax. On your way to Paris start planning your next trip to London because you are not allowing enough time.
Enjoy your trip. London is our favorite destination.
Posted by geauxpurple
New Orleans
Member since Jul 2014
12508 posts
Posted on 4/17/24 at 3:43 pm to
Hotel De Buci in Paris.
This is technically not in the Latin Quarter (5th arr)but is in the 6th right on the borderline with the 5th.
There are many excellent restaurants within walking distance from there. Boutary is a caviar specialist
Freddy’s wine bar is a gourmet French tapas bar type of place a block from the hotel. Fish, across the street is a good casual bistro as is La Jocobin which is a favorite of this board.
LaChristine on rue Christine a few blocks away is excellent.

My favorite restaurant in the Latin Quarter is Hebe’.
I just got back from Paris a few days ago. Had a fantastic time.
Posted by rich4pres
Knoxville
Member since Dec 2016
9838 posts
Posted on 4/17/24 at 4:20 pm to
Do the afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason in London. It is a little pricey but the wife will love it.
Posted by lagniappe09
Slidell
Member since Jul 2009
414 posts
Posted on 4/17/24 at 5:10 pm to
Mrs & I are headed there end of May

I'll reply back to this on some tips / recs...

1st time leaving country for me
Posted by jmarto1
Houma, LA/ Las Vegas, NV
Member since Mar 2008
34069 posts
Posted on 4/17/24 at 6:49 pm to
I love London and will be happy to not go back to Paris. My personal recommendation is to do more time in London and just do a day trip on high speed rail.
Posted by Crucial Taunt
Member since Nov 2016
275 posts
Posted on 4/18/24 at 2:36 pm to
Just got back from the same trip. Loved London and thought Paris was cool but not what I expected.

Dishoom is great if you want to try Indian food in London. Don’t be afraid to use the subway(they call it the tube). It’s cheap, mostly clean, and efficient and some of the stations are really unique.

Spend a half day/day in the Montmartre area of Paris. Cool neighborhood.
Posted by LemmyLives
Texas
Member since Mar 2019
6546 posts
Posted on 4/19/24 at 9:56 pm to
1. I don't think you have Marriott points, but the Prince de Galles is baller. Over $1k a night, unless using points, great location. 7th arrondisement.

2. Use the card, even before COVID, there was not a lot of cash changing hands. Always let your bank handle the conversion, not the place you're at. Especially in London and Paris, there probably aren't many checks you're actually going to be able to pay in cash. Maybe take out 100 Euro when you land, you probably won't spend the cash over 10 days. I was in the UK multiple times, and never once needed to float a pound across a counter. Paris (EU) is much the same.
Posted by all4AU
Member since Oct 2009
499 posts
Posted on 4/20/24 at 9:36 am to
For great pub food go to Lamb and Flag in London. They take reservations so plan ahead.
Posted by BobABooey
Parts Unknown
Member since Oct 2004
14319 posts
Posted on 4/20/24 at 1:58 pm to
At the earliest opportunity, book reservations for the Ceremony Of The Keys at the Tower of London. You’ll want some cash for a traditional tip for the Yeoman Warder.

Visit the British Museum; avoid the V&A. When you visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, look for the memorial to Gen. Edward Packenham who died trying to invade New Orleans. Don’t be surprised if your hotel doesn’t have washcloths but you can stop in a Boots pharmacy and buy some “flannels.”

quote:

Footsteps echo in the darkness. The sentry cries out, 'Halt, who comes there?' The Yeoman Warder replies, 'The keys.' 'Whose keys?' 'King Charles' keys.' 'Pass then, all's well.'

Aside from the monarch's name, this is the exact exchange that has been spoken for centuries and forms part of the traditional 'locking up' of the Tower of London.
Posted by TejasHorn
High Plains Driftin'
Member since Mar 2007
10991 posts
Posted on 4/20/24 at 3:00 pm to
Do the old Jewish quarter walking tour in Paris. It’s near Notre Dame but takes you to some awesome little hideaway hoods and restaurants.

Walking tours are almost always a great bet. The London ones are spectacular too.

Posted by tancehughes
Vidalia, LA
Member since Jan 2009
106 posts
Posted on 4/25/24 at 8:31 pm to
Wait and get cash in the city, exchange rates are better than at Heathrow. Just find any bureau de change.

You don’t necessarily need much cash though, you can use your credit card everywhere.
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