Today I want to share my London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary for 14 days in Britain, France, and Spain with you. 2 weeks is an ideal amount of time to see the best of what these world-class cities have to offer. From famous landmarks to shopping, entertainment, and dining, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in all three places. Whatever you’re into, there are plenty of ways you can fill your time while discovering the highlights of these impressive cities.
London, Paris, and Barcelona Itinerary
A lot of people ask me whether you can do London, Paris, and Barcelona in one trip. The answer is yes. In fact, it’s easy. Once I tell them how straightforward it is, they often ask how many days you need for a trip to all three places.
My answer is that I recommend spending 14 days in London, Paris, and Barcelona. It’s a great amount of time to get an overview of each city without feeling rushed. It will even allow you to take day trips if you’d like to see the areas around the cities.
To help you get an idea of what you can do in 2 weeks, today I want to share my official A Lady in London itinerary for visiting these exciting British, French, and Spanish cities.
How to Use This Itinerary
There’s no right or wrong way to spend your time on an itinerary in London, Paris, and Barcelona. This guide aims to offer you a mix of the main attractions and the local places people who call these cities home love.
I’ve spent years living in the UK capital, I’ve lived and worked in Paris, and I’ve visited Barcelona on numerous occasions, so I know the three cities well. I hope this blog post gives you a good understanding of what you can experience in each one.
When you’re planning your trip to London, Paris, and Barcelona, you can adjust the schedule to fit your personal interests, tastes, and travel style.
Best Time to Visit London, Paris, and Barcelona
As far as what the best time of year to travel to London, Paris, and Barcelona is, there’s no right or wrong answer. It largely depends on your preferences for weather, tourist crowds, daylight hours, and things like seasonal festivities and events.
That said, keep in mind that some restaurants, shops, and other businesses (especially in Paris) close for summer holidays in August, so you’ll want to bear that in mind if you travel to Europe in late summer.
What to Pack for Your Trip
In terms of what to pack for a trip like this, the three cities have fairly similar climates. You can use my guide to what to wear in London to help you. Catalonia can be warmer than France and southern England, so make sure to keep that mind when packing.
Where to Stay in London, Paris, and Barcelona
There are plenty of options for hotels, apartment rentals, and other accommodation in London, Paris, and Barcelona. Whatever your preference, each city has lots of places to choose from.
Given how big all three cities are, basing yourself somewhere central is a wise strategy. You can see my blog posts about the best area to stay in London and the best area to stay in Paris for more ideas.
You can also find deals and book accommodation in London here, in Paris here, and in Barcelona here. With so many options, you’re bound to find a place that fits your travel style.
Day 1: London – Buckingham Palace and Westminster
Once you’ve arrived and gotten settled into your accommodation in the UK capital, you can start your 14-day London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary at Buckingham Palace.
You can time your visit to watch the famous Changing the Guard ceremony, or just admire the monarch’s London residence from the big gates.
If the dates of your trip coincide with the seasonal opening, you can tour Buckingham Palace. It’s an ideal way to see the state rooms, lush gardens, and annual exhibition while you’re in town. You can book tickets here (you’ll need to book well in advance).
When you’ve finished seeing Buckingham Palace, you can stroll through St James’s Park, walk over to Horse Guards Parade, and make your way into Whitehall and Westminster. These areas are home to some of the most beloved London landmarks.
Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament are amazing to see up close. If you have time, you can tour the abbey and parliament. You can book tickets here.
You can also go on my free self-guided walking tour in Westminster if you want to explore the area beyond the major attractions. The route will guide you around the side streets and local places Londoners spend time in.
In the evening, you can eat dinner near your hotel if you’re feeling jet lagged or if you had to get up early to travel. If not, you can see my recommendations for restaurants in London to find a place that appeals to you.
If you have some energy left after dinner, you can take an open-top bus tour for an overview of the city. It’s a great way to get a feel for what London has to offer visitors. You can book tickets here.
Day 2: London – South Bank and the City
Start the second morning of your London, Paris, and Barcelona trip by exploring the area along the South Bank.
Right on the Thames, this is the perfect place to take in the views from the London Eye, soak up the scene on the river, or browse the book market. You can get London Eye tickets here (it’s best to buy them in advance, as they can sell out).
There are always pop-ups, street performers, and other live entertainment along the South Bank, so it’s fun to walk beside the Thames and check out what’s taking place while you’re visiting London.
As you walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, you’ll pass famous sites like Tate Modern and Borough Market. They’re two of the UK capital’s most beloved landmarks, and both are worth a special trip.
Tate Modern is an exciting place to discover, and the fact that the museum offers free entry means you can go in for as little or as long as you want to. There are panoramic views from the top of Tate Modern’s Blavatnik Building, and they’re fun to see.
A bit farther east, Borough Market is the perfect spot to pick up something for lunch or a snack. It’s a treat to wander through the stalls soaking up the colors and scents as you choose what you want.
After getting your fill at Borough Market, you can cross London Bridge and walk into the City of London. Don’t miss the stunning views of Tower Bridge as you go.
From the eye-catching dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to the tangle of historic lanes by Bank station, this area has no shortage of architectural history. You can go on my free self-guided City of London walking tour if you want to see the highlights.
If not, make your way east to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. You can tour the tower and the bridge, or just take them in from outside. You can book Tower of London tickets here.
When the sun starts to fade, head across Tower Bridge and over to Bermondsey Street. This road in south London is a favorite with locals, and there are great pubs and restaurants with delicious food and drinks all along it.
Whether you want a classic pub meal of fish and chips, a heaping bowl of pasta, or an award-winning tapas dinner, you can find it on Bermondsey Street.
Day 3: London – Notting Hill or Bloomsbury and the West End
If it’s a Saturday, I recommend starting the third day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary in Notting Hill. With its fun shops and pretty mews, this west London neighborhood is always a treat to discover.
You’ll be able to explore the iconic Portobello Road Market in all its glory on a Saturday, too. I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds, particularly if you’re in town during the busy summer season.
If you want to explore beyond the market, my self-guided Notting Hill walk is the perfect way to discover the local highlights of the neighborhood. It will show you everything from the high streets to the secluded corners and famous filming locations.
After finding a place to have lunch in Notting Hill (there’s plenty of food at the market), you can meander down into Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park for the afternoon.
There are plenty of things to see and do in these big green spaces. Whether you want to go boating on the Serpentine, browse the art galleries, or tour Kensington Palace, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
If it’s not a Saturday or you don’t want to go to Notting Hill, I recommend spending time in Bloomsbury today.
You can check out the British Museum (it offers free entry), or walk around and take in the area’s many squares. My free self-guided Bloomsbury walk will take you to the best places in the area.
When you’re done exploring, you can take the Piccadilly line of the London Underground from Russell Square to Hyde Park Corner and walk around the famous green spaces and gardens.
When the sun starts to sink, you can walk or take the tube through Mayfair to get to the West End areas of Soho and Covent Garden. They’re some of the most exciting places in London, and they’re two of my favorite spots to spend an evening.
There’s no shortage of places to go for dinner in Soho and Covent Garden. Whether you choose a timeless classic like Rules or go to one of the many new restaurants opening all the time, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this part of the UK capital.
After dinner, you can see a show. There are always lots of plays, comedy acts, musicals, and other performances on, and they’re entertaining ways to cap off a big day of sightseeing in the city. From dramas to comedies and farces, you have plenty of options.
If you’re still up for going out afterwards, the bars, pubs, and clubs in Soho and Covent Garden are a lot of fun.
My favorite is Cahoots, a London Underground-themed speakeasy off Carnaby Street in Kingly Court. It’s one of my favorite travel-themed bars in the city.
If you just want to wander around, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the Covent Garden Piazza, and Leicester Square are always fun places to see in London at night.
The National Gallery is also open until 9pm every Friday, so you can take in the collection after dinner if that appeals. It offers free entry, so you can see as much or as little of it as you have time for.
Day 4: London – London Neighborhoods or Day Trip
On the fourth day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary, you can either explore some of the most photogenic areas in central and west London, or take a day trip to somewhere outside the city.
If you choose to stay in the capital, you can start your morning in Belgravia. This luxurious central London neighborhood is known for its cute cafes and shops, particularly the ones on Elizabeth Street.
You can follow my self-guided Belgravia walking tour to see the best of the area, or just wander around the elegant streets and mews. My top picks include Motcomb Street, Belgrave Square, and Pimlico Road.
From Belgravia, you can walk over to Sloane Square and the King’s Road in Chelsea. This is a great area to shop and have lunch, and you can eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes here.
If it’s a Saturday, you can also explore the food market in Duke of York Square. If it’s not, there’s still a lot to do here. The King’s Road is one of the best shopping streets in London, and the Saatchi Gallery offers free entry.
If you want more guidance, you can take my self-guided Chelsea walk to see more of the area’s picture-pretty side streets and riverfront.
After exploring Chelsea, you can make your way to Knightsbridge to shop at famous department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Alternatively, you can go to South Kensington to visit some of the best museums in London.
The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A are right next to one another. All three of them offer free entry, so you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like discovering their extensive collections and exhibitions.
In the evening, you can go to dinner at one of the casual restaurants outside the South Kensington tube station. There are plenty of different ones to choose from, so you’re sure to find a place that appeals to your taste buds.
If you’re up for ending your day in style, there are lots of good nightlife spots around Walton Street and the King’s Road. From pubs to clubs, you have plenty of options for drinking and dancing.
If you’re more interested in taking a day trip from London on your fourth day, you have a range of options.
If you want to see the English countryside, my favorite is a day trip to the Cotswolds. You can go independently with or without a car, or take a guided day tour. If the latter appeals, you can book a tour here.
There are lots of pretty towns and villages in the Cotswolds you can visit. My top picks include Painswick, Bibury, Upper Slaughter, and Castle Combe.
If you want to go to the seaside, Brighton, Deal, and Hastings are my top recommendations. They all have beaches and lots of great restaurants and shops.
If history is your thing, Winchester, Windsor Castle, Canterbury and Dover, Bath, Stonehenge, Lewes, and Amersham are ideal places to visit. Amersham is so close you can even do it as a half day trip from London.
If you want to see the most famous university cities in the UK, look no further than Oxford and Cambridge. They’re some of the most popular day trips from London by train.
If you’re up for traveling further afield, you can take a York day trip from London. This beautiful city in the north of England is worth a special trip.
And if you really want to get out of town, you can take a day trip from London to Europe. Whether you want to go to Lille or Amsterdam, there are plenty of options.
If you want my recommendations for seasonal trips, you can take a look at my blog posts about spring, summer, autumn, and winter day trips from London for more ideas.
Day 5: London – St James’s, Mayfair, and Marylebone
Start the fifth morning of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary in St James’s. This historic part of the UK capital is renowned for its royal palace, men’s shops, art galleries, luxury hotels, and private members’ clubs.
You can walk down Jermyn Street or Piccadilly and go into legendary department stores like Fortnum & Mason while you’re here.
When you’re done, you can cross Piccadilly to get to Mayfair. This neighborhood is home to fine-dining restaurants, luxury goods shops, and the curving stretch of Regent Street.
You can go on my free self-guided Mayfair walk if you want to see the side streets and mews in the area. It will show you some of the best hidden corners in this part of the city.
Mayfair is also a good place to have a meal or afternoon tea. Whether you go to a casual place on Heddon Street or enjoy a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you have a lot of choice when it comes to lunch.
As far as tea is concerned, I recommend Brown’s Hotel afternoon tea or the awe-inspiring yellow room at Sketch. They’re both delicious.
After lunch or tea, you can make your way across Oxford Street and walk into Marylebone. This is another of my favorite London neighborhoods because it’s home to one of the best high streets in London.
There are loads of shops to keep you busy on Marylebone High Street. They’re the perfect places to get a taste of London’s retail therapy scene.
From boutiques to high street names and chocolatiers, this road has it all. My top pick for a place to shop in Marylebone is Daunt Books. It’s one of the best independent bookshops in London, and it’s amazing to see the Edwardian interior with its oak galleries.
If you’re interested in seeing more of the neighborhood, you can take my self-guided Marylebone walk. It will lead you around to see local mews, more shopping streets, and colorful gardens.
After you’ve explored Marylebone, you can make your way over to Regent’s Park. It’s one of the most beloved green spaces in the city, and it’s a treat to discover. If you visit in the summer months, the rose gardens are amazing.
When sunset approaches, you can go back to Marylebone High Street for dinner or leave via one of the other exits from the park to eat in pretty Primrose Hill, classic Fitzrovia, or alternative Camden.
Day 6: London to Paris – The Marais and Riverside Sightseeing
Start the sixth day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary with an early train from St Pancras to the French capital. You’ll arrive mid-morning, and once you’ve checked into your hotel in Paris you’ll be able to start discovering the City of Light.
You can spend your first day in Paris in the Marais. This historic quarter is known for everything from its Jewish heritage to its stylish shops, fun restaurants, and historic Place des Vosges.
The Picasso Museum is here, too, and the famous Centre Pompidou modern art museum is on the border of the neighborhood.
There are lots of great places to eat here, so it’s easy to find somewhere to have lunch as you walk around the area. My favorite for a quick meal is L’As du Fallafel, a casual restaurant with delicious Middle Eastern food.
When you’ve gotten your fix of the Marais, you can head over to the Seine and cross one of the bridges to reach the Ile Saint-Louis. This island in the river is home to great shops, historic streets, and scenic views of the boats.
It’s a treat to walk down Rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile, browse the boutiques, and get an ice cream cone at the city’s legendary glacier, Berthillon.
From there you can cross the Pont Saint-Louis bridge to get to the Ile de la Cite. This island is home to the Notre Dame cathedral, one of the most iconic Paris landmarks.
It’s also where you can find the Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century Gothic chapel with dramatic stained-glass windows. It’s worth a special trip to see the interior. You can book a ticket for the Sainte-Chapelle here.
When the sun starts to go down, you can take a river cruise on the Seine. It’s a scenic way to get an overview of what Paris has to offer travelers. You can book tickets here.
After the river cruise you can make your way to dinner in the Latin Quarter. This exciting part of the city is home to fun restaurants, and it’s a good place to spend an evening out in Paris. There are lots of bars here if you want a big night out, too.
Day 7: Paris – Champs-Elysees and Famous Landmarks
Start the seventh day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary in the Jardin des Tuileries. This garden is a beautiful place to walk and people-watch. You can admire the Louvre from the grounds as well.
You can walk along the garden paths to get to the Place de la Concorde, a square with a large Egyptian obelisk in the center. Once you’ve taken in the scene, head northwest up the legendary Avenue des Champs-Elysees.
As you make your way towards the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll pass landmarks like the Petit Palais and Grand Palais as well as shops and gardens.
When you reach the arch, you can go up to the top to take in the views, or go down to the Seine to get to the Eiffel Tower. Again, you can admire this famous structure from the ground or go to the top to see the panoramas. You can book a ticket here.
After taking in the Eiffel Tower, you can walk down into the Champ de Mars park and over to Rue Cler. There are lots of classic Parisian restaurants and cafes here where you can get something for lunch.
After eating, you can make your way to Hotel des Invalides to admire its ornate dome. You can go inside to see the army museum (or head over to the adjacent Rodin Museum if you like art). You can book a ticket here.
From the museum you can walk or take the metro to the 6th arrondissement to explore your choice of places like the Luxembourg Gardens, the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, or the 17th-century Eglise Saint-Sulpice church. There’s a lot to see around here, so you can’t go wrong.
When evening comes, there’s no better place than Rue Mouffetard. This street is famous for its crepe stands and restaurants. It’s a fun place to eat dinner in Paris.
There are plenty of bars around here, too. If you want to get a taste of the Paris nightlife scene, it’s a great area to do it.
Day 8: Paris – 1st Arrondissement and Montmartre
Today you can start your day in the 1st arrondissement. From the elegant buildings lining Place Vendome to the gardens and grounds of the Palais-Royal, this area is a feast for the eyes.
There are famous cafes like Angelina on Rue de Rivoli, and great shopping on Rue Saint-Honore, too. I came here once with a personal shopper and it was amazing.
There’s no shortage of spots to get something to eat around here, either, so it’s an ideal place to have lunch before the next stop on your itinerary.
From the 1st, you can head over to see the eye-catching Palais Garnier opera house, or hop on the metro and go to Montmartre (or do both if you have time).
Montmartre is one of the most picturesque quarters of Paris, and there’s a lot to see and do here. From the hilltop Sacre-Coeur basilica to the pretty restaurants and vibrant squares, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Make sure to explore the side streets while you’re here if you have time. There are loads of small surprises to discover.
When the sun sinks below the horizon, you can settle in for dinner at one of the many lively restaurants in Montmartre. There are fun bars in the area if you’re looking for nighttime entertainment, too.
If you’re interested in seeing a cabaret show, the famous Moulin Rouge is in this part of Paris. I went once and I really enjoyed the performance. You can book tickets here.
Day 9: Paris – Museums or Day Trip
On the ninth day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary, I recommend either seeing some of the City of Light’s famous museums or taking a day trip to somewhere nearby.
Most people are interested in seeing either the Louvre or the Musee d’Orsay, so you can take your pick or see both (they’re big, so pace yourself). You can book Louvre tickets here, and Musee D’Orsay tickets here.
Paris has plenty of other museums, too, so you can visit another one or two if you want to. Some of my favorites are the Centre Pompidou, the Musee Marmottan Monet, the Musee Jacquemart-Andre, and the Musee Nissim de Camondo.
There are always plenty of world-class exhibitions on, too, so you can check out what’s on in town before you travel. Just make sure to book tickets in advance, as the best ones sell out.
If one museum is enough for you, there’s no shortage of great parks to discover in Paris. My top picks are Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th.
If you’re up for something different, the historic Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the world’s most visited necropolis. Everyone from Oscar Wilde to Jim Morrison is buried here, and the historic tombs are impressive.
If you decide to take a day trip, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Popular ones include royal palaces like Versailles and Fontainebleau, chateau-studded areas like the Loire Valley, wine regions like Champagne and Burgundy, and famous cathedrals like Chartres and Reims.
If you enjoy art, you can take a day trip from Paris to Giverny to see Monet’s gardens. They’re as lush in real life as they are in his iconic paintings.
I’ve done all these day trips and more, and I recommend them from personal experience. You can go independently by train or car, or take a guided tour. You can get ideas and book a tour here.
Day 10: Paris to Barcelona – La Boqueria, Barri Gotic, and El Born
Start the tenth day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary with an early flight to Spain. You’ll arrive mid-morning, and once you’ve checked into your hotel in Barcelona you can start exploring the city.
I recommend heading to La Boqueria first. It’s Barcelona’s most famous food market, and it’s a great place to browse the stalls and find something delicious for lunch. From produce stands to small restaurants, there’s a meal for everyone here.
In the afternoon, you can walk through the maze of streets in Barri Gotic and El Born. These areas are packed with great shops and buzzing squares like Placa Reial.
The famous Picasso Museum is here, too. It’s one of my favorite museums in Barcelona, and I’ve been many times. It’s worth a trip if you love his art. You can book tickets here.
When the sun starts to go down, you can head to one of the beach bars on the waterfront or check out a watering hole in the city center before going to dinner. There are lots of options, including casual tapas bars and sit-down restaurants.
The nightlife in Barcelona is famous, too. Whether you want to go to a club on the waterfront, a famous rooftop bar, or a hole-in-the-wall, there are lots of options.
Day 11: Barcelona – Gaudi, Food Tour, and Flamenco Show
Start the eleventh day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary by visiting some of the city’s famous Gaudi sites.
Architect Antoni Gaudi was famous for the quirky buildings he designed. His style blended innovative architectural elements like the catenary arch with playful stylistic techniques.
I recommend beginning with Park Guell. This famous Gaudi-designed space is a wonderland of fantasy-like structures with great views. It gets crowded later in the day, so going first thing in the morning will ensure you’ll have more breathing room. You can book tickets here.
After Park Guell you can take your pick of other Gaudi sites in Barcelona. From the famous Sagrada Familia church to houses like Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, and Palau Guell, there’s no shortage of them in the city.
In the afternoon you can take a food tour with a local guide. They’ll take you to sample some of the best food in the city (and show you the sights as you graze).
After the tour you can spend time walking around, shopping, sightseeing, or going to a museum like the Fundacio Joan Miro, MACBA contemporary art museum, or Barcelona Pavilion.
In the evening you can head to a flamenco show. With singing, dancing, and dramatic costumes, it’s a great way to get your culture fix while you’re in the city. You can book tickets here.
Day 12: Barcelona – Tibidabo and Sightseeing
I recommend starting the twelfth day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary with a trip to Tibidabo. Set high on a hill above the city center, you can reach it via funicular. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the city below.
Tibidabo is also home to an amusement park that’s a great place for families. There’s a stunning church here called the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Atonement, too.
After soaking up the scene, you can head back to the city center and grab lunch before going to Montjuic.
This high hill features everything from lush walking trails to museums like the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the famous Castell de Montjuic castle at the top.
You can spend the afternoon exploring the area and taking in the sights. Afterwards you can walk around, shop, or do some more sightseeing at places like the Placa de Catalunya, the Cathedral of Barcelona, and the Parc de la Ciutadella.
At sunset, you can head out on a catamaran cruise with live music in Barcelona. It’s a great way to see the city from the Mediterranean Sea and have a good time while you’re at it.
After the cruise you can go to dinner and explore more of Barcelona’s nightlife scene before heading back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Day 13: Barcelona – Day Trip
Start the last full day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary with a day trip. There are lots of good options, including beautiful coastal areas, world-class cities, and picturesque villages.
Highlights include the rugged seaside area of Costa Brava, urban centers like Girona, mountain areas like Montserrat, historic places like Tarragona, and beach destinations like Sitges. You can get ideas and book a tour here.
Back in the city, you can enjoy a final dinner in Barcelona. Whether you choose an acclaimed restaurant or a casual taps bar, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Day 14: Barcelona – Departure
On the final day of your London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary, I recommend spending the morning (or afternoon, depending on your departure time) doing any last-minute shopping you didn’t have time to do or filling in any gaps in your sightseeing agenda.
You’ll probably have heard about some additional places while you’re in the city, so this is a good opportunity to tick them off your list.
Whether it’s a food market, a museum, the wide boulevards of Eixample, Palau de la Musica Catalana, the Arc de Triomf, or a famous Gaudi building, there’s plenty to keep you busy before you depart Spain.
London, Paris, and Barcelona Itinerary
I hope you’ve enjoyed my London, Paris, and Barcelona itinerary. All three are world-class cities, and there’s a lot to discover in each one.
If you want more inspiration, you can take a look at my itinerary for London and Paris or my itinerary for London, Paris, and Rome.
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