In short
- London is easier to enter with an electronic authorisation, its major museums are free, and its shopping is unforgettable.
- Paris for art and iconic landmarks, close to Disneyland for families, and it needs a Schengen visa.
- The two cities are about 2 h 15 min apart by train, so combining them is easy.
Visas and entry
UK: an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel, for visits of up to 6 months, linked to your passport for two years. France: a Schengen visa is required, and it covers most of Europe too.
Flights from Saudi Arabia
Direct flights run from Riyadh to London in about 7 hours, and to Paris from Riyadh in about 7 hours and from Jeddah in about 6 hours. London is two hours behind Riyadh in summer and three in winter; Paris is one hour behind in summer and two in winter.
Landmarks and shopping
London has Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, the British Museum and the Natural History Museum with free entry, and Harrods and Oxford Street for shopping. Paris has the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine and the Palace of Versailles.
For families and children
London is easy with children, with its vast parks and free interactive museums. Paris is about 40 minutes from Disneyland Paris, which is reason enough for many families.
Which is bigger?
Greater London is far larger: about 1,570 km² against about 105 km² for the city of Paris within its administrative limits. That is why Paris's sights are close together and easy to reach on foot and by metro, while London needs more planning for distances.
Can you combine them?
Yes, the Eurostar links central London with central Paris in about 2 h 15 min. Remember that France needs a Schengen visa and the UK needs the ETA. We arrange every detail and find you the lowest available rates for your hotels in both cities.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more beautiful: London or Paris?
Each has its own beauty: London with its parks, museums and shops, Paris with its iconic landmarks and art. Choose what you enjoy most on a trip.
Which is bigger: London or Paris?
Greater London is far larger, about 1,570 km² against about 105 km² for the city of Paris within its administrative limits.
Do Saudis need a visa for the UK and France?
The UK needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel, and France needs a Schengen visa.
How far is London from Paris by train?
About 2 h 15 min on the Eurostar from central London to central Paris.