Partner and I are off to London on New Years, and will throw a few days in Paris in to our trip. I've been to each a bunch already (London way more than Paris), but it's my partner's first time to either (or Europe in general, for that matter). While some of our itinerary is already set, I'm eager to hear what suggestions folks here might have on things to see and do in either city beyond what's listed below. One of the things I love about this forum is I'll regularly see mention of things and places that would never have otherwise ended up on my radar, and I also know I'm the type to risk taking my partner on a carbon copy of a trip I'd done at some point in the past unless I solicit outside suggestions.
I'll skip listing out a bunch of things we like/don't like as I don't wanna paint suggestions in to a corner - the whole point is I'm willing to try out things that never would have occurred to me otherwise. If you are curious what our interests might be, though, I think it's easy enough to figure it out from already-planned itinerary items below. Thanks in advance!
New Years Day - Land at LHR at 10AM, head to our hotel (St. Pancras Renaissance - more on that later). My rule on the first day is stay awake, head out and about, and don't go to bed until it makes sense local time. This is new years day, though, so not expecting too many options on things to see and do beyond casually strolling about.
Jan 2 - Nothing planned. Maybe get our "Day 2" covid tests? There's a facility right inside St. Pancras. Have yet to decide whether I want to have an at-home kit mailed to hotel, or just go in person on Sunday or Monday. London Eye, perhaps, for sweeping views - weather permitting - of the city we're set to conquer?
Jan 3 - Harry Potter Studio Tour! We're actually staying at the St. Pancras Ren because the exterior stands in for Kings Cross in the HP movies; lotta Harry Potter going on with this trip. After the studio tour, we actually have a black cab tour of film location sites around London that'll take up the rest of the day, all booked through See More Taxi Tours (formerly Capital Taxi Tours), who I've used several times before for private half day and day tours.
Jan 4 - Up bright and early for the Eurostar to Paris. Arrive in Paris 11am-ish. Go to the nearest pharmacy to Gare du Nord listed as offering Health Passes to hopefully get that outta the way. Check in to the Hotel & Spa La Belle Juliette in the 6th Arr. Otherwise, no plans.
Jan 5 - Full day in Paris. Partner really wants to go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Me, being afraid of heights, may remain on the 2nd level and offer his spiritual and emotional support for his ascent. Though I suspect I'll get dragged along (as an aside, London Eye has never really bothered me so long as I don't press up against the glass). This depends on weather, though. As with the London Eye, we'll aim to schedule this on what looks like the best day. Same goes for, perhaps, a Seine cruise? Early January on the open top deck of a boat on the river doesn't sound too appealing, but maybe weather will make it an option. Catacombs are a possibility, also. I also have yet to see Versailles, funny enough. Perhaps some shopping in some of the covered passages/galleries, as a refuge from cold.
Jan 6 - Nothing planned but the Eurostar back to London in the evening, around 7pm. All 3 days in Paris will involve, I'm sure, seeking out delicious breads, cheeses, and pastries. Once back in London, check in to Hazlitt's Hotel in Soho (apparently HP author JK Rowling's favorite in London, with signed first editions in their library!).
Jan 6-10 - nothing set in stone yet. Probably another tour with the black cab guide/friend; a West End musical is an option (we've yet to see Come From Away); the world's biggest Lego store is just off Leicester Square; I have some music sites I want to see in and around Soho.
Jan 11 - Fly back home. Tears and sadness.