First time travelers deciding between London and Paris!

Thank you all for the replies. As I expected, much of it has to do with personal preferences, interests, etc. I will say that we have decided to go with a Rick Steve's tour. Were I going with another adult and/or seasoned European traveler, I would consider otherwise. But, I know that I will feel MUCH more confident being led, while still given time to venture on my own. We are limited to only a couple/few of Rick's tours, based on time/$$. Aside from Paris or London, the Prague/Budapest tour fit into that requirement too, so that peaked my interest. But otherwise, the other trips, at this time, are too long and too expensive. As to interests, I love art/museums, history, the outdoors (pretty much everything associated with traveling!). My son enjoys history (military especially), the outdoors, and is probably less appreciative/interested in art. I think no matter where we go he will enjoy it, but perhaps if heavy laden on museums with fine art, I can predict him becoming a bit bored (I know, tragic isn't it?) Not shocking for a 16 year old boy I suppose. That having been said, if any of you have traveled with teens, that feedback is helpful too. Lastly, if I had my pick, I'd most likely pick the Germany/Austria/Switzerland tour. But I'm not complaining about finally - after years of wanting too but never being able to afford it - heading SOMEWHERE in Europe! One other quick question: June or August?

Liz- our kids loved London when they were teens. There's enough to interest anyone. Other than a trip to Ireland, we always did independent trips with them. And they seemed to like the freedom and flexibility more than the structure.It really is easier than you think to do it on your own (not knocking Rick's tours, but we love independent travel) London has great history stuff- from the Pics, Anglo-Saxons to Romans, the Normans, the Royalty, etc all the way to WWI, WWII, and more modern times. The British Museum is great! And there are Churchill's war rooms, Westminster Abby, The Tower of London.... I could go on and on. Windsor castle is nearby (a 25 min. train ride) and makes a great day trip. We've done more than 40 trips in 20+ years. Feel free to private message me.

Why are you not doing the Germany, Austria , Switzerland Tour? If you are going with a RS tour, thats an easy way to experience them and build up your and your son's confidence. All lovely countries with inetersting scenery and towns. If thats what you prefer go for it. I love London but you can always go back on your own.

Enjoy both. You don't need a tour for these two cities and they are easily connected by Eurostar. Buy a round trip ticket to London, take a cab (easier than the tube) to a hotel somewhere near the British Museum, enjoy three days in London, eurostar to Paris for three days, back to London for a last night, then cab or Picadilly tube back to Heathrow to fly home. I suggest the round trip to London flight because for a first-timer Heathrow is easier than Charles de Gaulle airport. And start with London because it has zero language barriers. For both cities, get a good map (I like the Rough Guide ones), highlight what you want to see, and then plan your three day tours in each city. You can PM me if you want more specifics.

There's so much to see & do in each city, you could easily spend a week in either. For 1st time travelers, London might be easier because of the language. But if you can master just a few friendly phrases in French, Paris is stupendous!

Both cities are easy to visit without a tour. London many wonderful museums and historic sights that are free. Covent Gardens has street performers and the many neighborhood street markets are fun for young people. There are Thames river rides and the Tower of London that are worth a visit. Paris has some of the finest art museums, but unless you speak French may not seem as friendly. Day trips to Versailles and Chartres are good if one has an interest in art and history. I lean to London for first timers...but with Eurostar...you can do both.

Personally, London is my favorite! It is easy to do on your own. If you have more than 7 days, you could do some day trips out of either (or both) London and/or Paris. Or pick one and definitely do some day trips. In London we use the tube (no cabs needed really). We like staying in the Victoria Station area. Easy tube access and good shopping and resturants. London is a good city for walking, too. Lots to see and do. What are your interests? Art? History? Outdoor adventure? We can make specific recommendations if you give us some details. Also, what is your budget? Lots of the museums in London are free and you can get discounts on others if you use certain transporation options. Easy day trips by train include Windsor, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cardiff Wales, Brighton, York, Canterburry, Dover, etc.

I assume you want to take the Rick Steves tour and are deciding between Paris and London..............If you are on the escorted tour, I would definitely choose Paris as it is the most fabulous city in Europe and a wonderful introduction for a first timer to get the "flavor" of a foreign country. London is fabulous and easier to navigate on your own since it is an English speaking country. Depends on your interests!!

While I initially counseled one or the other, I do agree with Cynthia that it's possible to do both London and Paris in one week, although you will be rushed. I did London and Paris in ten days and thought that was about as rushed as I would want to be. But then, I had a gazillion things I wanted to see and do in both London and Paris. Yes the Eurostar is convenient and even a thrill (seeing countryside, going through the Chunnel) but it is time consuming and will eat up precious time coming and going. Also, it's definitely possible for first timers to do London and Paris without a formal tour. Just do a little planning in advance and make use of this forum- I'm sure many people will be happy to weigh in on how to plan your time without a tour.

<<CROSS POST>> To have the full appreciation of this thread, note that it is also cross posted to the the West wall...

Liz, You mentioned that your son would prefer to see the military history museums over other things in London. Aside from the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth North - I spent a whole afternoon there taking in all that "stuff" last summer with the special exhibit on WW I - I would suggest the military-aviation one, the RAF Museum, in north London at Colindale, use the Tube and then walk. I saw this this time, esp. if he wants to see the jet fighter. Also, the Guards Museum on the 5 British Guard regiments located in St. James Park, it's small but packed with their history. Lastly, if your son doesn't get museumed-out, this one is not as esoteric as the Guards Museum...I was only there once, spent a couple hours when they had the special paintings exhibit on Waterloo...this is the National Army Museum in Chelsea. Mostly likely it has been enlarged since I saw it. These places I would recommend in London are accessible by the Tube. In all of these places, don't forget to check out the military shop after the museum.

I took my 16 year old son to London, Paris and Rome May-June of 2009. He stated that his favorite was Rome because he studied Ancient Roman Civilization in school was knew the history behind the ruins. He really enjoyed London (Tower of London, Hampton Court, Westminister Abbey and boat ride down on Thames to Greenich), but he absolutely hated Paris (with the exception of Disneyland). The weather was absolutely perfect. I am taking another son London, Paris and Munich over Christmas vacation. His focus is WWII history, so too early to give experience on that.

Thanks Fred for the great tips - sounds like plenty to keep my son (and me) busy! I'll have him check these out online...

You asked June or August? Depends on your heat tolerance. June would normally be a little less hot. On RS tours, many of his chosen hotel properties do not have air conditioning. You may want to check out your accommodations before deciding which month.

Hi Liz, Since you and your son will be in London for a full seven days (great!!), you also can do a day trip in lieu of one or two places I suggested above. I'll be in England next summer too and plan to see at least one of these places connected with military history...places I haven't gotten around to visit at all...Bovington, The Bovington Tank Museum and Duxford for The RAF Museum. Both are extensive...just huge, easily accessible by train from London, and can be done as day trips provided you spend 5-6 hours.

Weather ,, forget predicting it,, I have been to Paris in August and it rained and was cool for almost entire 9 day visit, had to BUY more long sleeves,, I have also been there in June and roasted to death,, so its hit and miss. .. Every time I go to London it rains. I don't care it doesn't dampen my fun, I don't go for the weather, but just saying,, fourth visit , and fourth time rainy.. LOL Its London after all...

LONDON. Also, if your son likes sports go on a tour of a premier league soccer club (eg Arsenal). s ;o)

So here's another option, take the Paris RS trip (guided, help with the language, get your feet wet in Europe). Then take Eurostar to London and do sites on your own (easier w/o language barrier, you'll be accustomed to city life).

We have usually had good weather in London at most times of the year. In Euriope (England or the Continent) be prepared for rain. Also could be hot. Just be prepared and enjoy it

You cannot go wrong with either . I have a feeling that a 16 yr old boy however may just prefer London.

One more vote for London, which both my teens love.

Just make sure that he prepares for this trip, too - you're not 'taking him' on it, he's 'going' on it! Make sure he does research, and is involved and has some investment in YOUR (plural) trip. That will make both of your lives much more pleasant. There's plenty of (military) history in London and Paris - the Museum at Les Invalides in Paris is an easy must-do. It's hard picking 'the right trip', but any one will be great! BUT, because of your desire to have the benefits of a tour your first time, you might consider the Paris (or Prague) trip and take advantage of the extra help. Then, you can easily tackle London on your own later! [and I'm strongly betting on a next trip ;-)] Enjoy this time with your son! He's very fortunate!

I adore Paris, but for a first trip with a teen boy, I think I would choose London. There is such variety. My husband and I took the 7 day London trip June 08 and loved it. The weather was fabulous that year...sprinkled on us only one morning, with pleasant sunny days for remainder of trip. Remarkable and varied history: Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, British Museum and Library, St. Paul's...all so fascinating in very different ways, etc....train to Windsor and visiting the castle fascinating...seeing George III and Henry VIII burial spots... On our own, we oohed and ahhed in the food court at Harrod's, had tea and sandwiches in Cafe in the Crypt, went to the theater to see Jersey Boys, rode the London Eye, took our pic at King's Cross platform 9 3/4 ala Harry Potter (my students love this pic), went to the amazing Imperial War Museum, rode doubledeckers, enjoyed a memorable Evensong at Westminster, ate more fish and chips and meat pies, rode bus to Kensington Palace for more tea, saw Rod Stewart in his red sportscar, and for the grand finale, we saw the entire royal family on the Queen's official Saturday birthday in June...parade on the mall, family on the balcony at Buckingham....great, great fun!! Of course, if you have an extra day or two, ride the Eurostar to Paris, too!

I visited London first, then Paris a few years later. I thought London was a good way of getting my feet wet. I also agree with others that there would probably be in London more that a sixteen-year old boy. INHO, you do not need to be part of a tour to visit London.I've never been on an RS tour, so I can't comment on what that's like.

Really like Eileens post,, and totally agree, involve son in planning. When I took my first son to London and Paris I told him I expected him to do some research online and find three sites he was interested in , and we would visit them. He spent alot of time on the computer so I saw no issue with making him participate and take some responsibilty for how it would all turn out. Just to let you know,, I did end up having to respect his wish to visit the Catacombs in Paris... and I am claustrophobic, and it is very deep under the ground,, I swear I almost ran through them.. LOL

If you go to London, watch the movie "Pirate Radio" with him. I saw it recently, and while it was not as good as I'd hoped, it wasn't bad. It might fuel some interest in the music scene in Britain in the 60's. There's a Beatles walk with www.walks.com, which by the way is a site he should look at.

I was in London for 10 days and now in Paris. For a first trip with teenage son, I would choose London. Paris is my favorite city, but I think London would appeal more to him. Also, much of the explanations in the museums in Paris (just spent a day at the Louvre) are only in French. A big plus - many of the museums in London are free and many have free guided tours and/or gallery talks in English (of course). And I encourage you to consider doing London on your own. The public transportation is excellent and easy to work out. And it is easy to ask directions - pretty much everyone speaks English. And with the money you save by not taking a tour, you can afford to take taxis now and then if you need to. I visited the Churchill War Rooms and took a day trip to Bletchley Park which is all about WWII, the enigma machine and spies too. Both of these fascinated me and sound like they would interest your son too.