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Is this your first trip to Europe? Maybe you’re a little nervous, excited, unsure where to go. I remember my first time to Europe. I went to these three cities and they’ve become repeats: London, Paris, and Rome. They always pull me back and there’s always something new to experience and take in.
If you’re building your London, Paris, Rome itinerary, here’s a break down to help you plan it out.
At A Glance + the Feel of each City
London
Best for bookshops + quiet pubs
Sound: London Calling | Signature bite: fish and chips + a local pint
Paris
Best for cafes + museums
Sound: Throwing My Arms Around Paris, Morrissey | Signature bite: almond croissant + coffee
Rome
Best for ruins +food
Sound: Jovanatti | Signature bite: trappazino
Core route: London → Paris → Rome
How many days do you have?
Works great for: 
First trip to Europe · 
Rail travel · 
Slow city breaks · 
Solo travelers
5-7 days: pick two of the three and enjoy properly
10 days: the classic 3, at a steady pace
14+ days: the classic 3, with breathing room
21 days – 1 month: linger in all 3 places, possibly add on Bristol, Nice or Sestri Levante
If it were me: I would stay in London longer. It’s my favorite city, but also if you start your trip here, it’s nice to have a buffer at the beginning because of jetlag and getting used to being in a new place.
Choose Your Path By Interest
London: neighborhood pubs · Paris: café terraces · Rome: trattorias & trapizzino
London: small independent bookshops · Paris: Shakespeare & Company · Rome: quiet Roman streets & cinema
London: National Gallery + Brick Lane · Paris: Musée d’Orsay · Rome: small piazzas + frescoes
London: great concert and show scene · Paris: live music in a small bar · Rome: street performers
London: Big Ben • Westminster • Tower Bridge
Paris: Eiffel Tower • Louvre • Montmartre
Rome: Colosseum • Trevi • Pantheon
Go Deeper
Solo Travel + Safety
I’ve traveled to all of these cities solo. I think they’re a great entry to solo travel in Europe. Things are easy enough to figure out and manage with getting around. Many things will feel familiar even though you’re in a completely new place.
The biggest concern I would say is petty theft, especially on crowded metros or crowded tourist areas. Keep an eye on your purse/bag and phone etc. Make sure it’s not easy to get into your bag. Don’t leave it all open with easy access for a hand to quickly get in and take anything.
Be aware of your surroundings and don’t put yourself in questionable situations.
For more details read more in my Solo Travel post.
Where To Stay
London Rooms
Paris Rooms
Rome Rooms
Getting Between Cities
- London → Paris: Eurostar, or a quick flight.
- Paris → Rome: flight or train. Flight is quicker. A train if you want a more scenic experience especially if you’re stopping along the way like a train from Paris to Nice or Paris to Sestri Levante for example.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
flights + getting there → Kiwi
where i’d stay → Booking
esim → Airalo
activities → GetYourGuide
You don’t need to see everything London, Paris and Rome have to offer. Take time wandering side streets and having long mornings in a cafe. Take those moments to get the feel of the city.
traveling, quietly and free.
