Deciding between these 2 popular capital cities?
I don’t blame you. Both have many to offer, and also share many similarities. However, there are still many distinctions that can set them apart.
Of course…I recommend you to visit both and see for yourself, but I’ll still make this guide in case you want to hear more opinions beforehand.
1. Tourism value – PARIS
No doubt about it. Paris has more iconic tourist destinations. Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Versailles. London has the bridge, the tower, big ben clock, and london eye. But those don’t feel anywhere near as epic or as picturesque as the tourist destinations in Paris. The Parisian squares and bridges also feel much more beautiful compared to London’s Trafalgar Square or Piccadilly Circus areas.
2. Beauty – EVEN
I definitely agree with people who say the most beautiful parts of Paris are more beautiful than London, but London is more consistently beautiful than Paris. This is most obvious when you walk long distances from place to place. London feels consistently charmy and posh throughout. Whereas Paris gets a little ugly, dirty, and rats.
If all you’re doing is popping around the metro and taking tourist photos. Both seem beautiful. But the moment you spend some hours walking around, London will feel cleaner, more beautiful, and better maintained throughout.
3. Culture & Art – PARIS
I’d say Paris is definitely stronger in culture (because it’s less familiar from what you already know in pop culture and media). Both are strong in the arts, although I’m sure some might feel Paris is stronger in arts as well.
You may also have this sense that Paris has a stronger unified culture of “French things”. Whereas London feels like more authentically multicultural…with many ethnic groups and cultures living side-by-side but staying true to their own.
4. Activities – LONDON
I feel like London has more things to do. It’s more authentically multi-cultured. It’s bigger. It’s just got more going on. Paris has a lot as well. And honestly, you wouldn’t be wrong picking either. But gun to the head, I’d feel London has more going on. Paris feels like an endless theme of French things to do.
But hmmm… also too, I feel the French are also more likely to be inclined towards arts, dance, and music and that sort of things. French people are definitely more artistically-inclined and to me. And does make for having more activities available. Ok, we’ll leave this alone for now.
5. Food – LONDON
London eeeeeasily! You can argue all day that French food is better than British food. But you can’t argue with London’s food scene. Tons of options of all price ranges and ethnic dishes (and more authentically prepared in London). Tons of markets with specialty food stalls. The dining scene is absolutely amazing. Paris really doesn’t compare.
I also find it much easier to find bad food in Paris. I’ve seen several cute restaurants and cafes with crap food. But if you’re dead-set on being in Paris, don’t worry there’s plenty of good restaurants too. I’m just comparing in case you were curious.
6. Public transportation – LONDON
London’s easily got more options (metro, train, bus), covering more distance, running more frequently, and at later hours of the night. It feels like you can pop out into the city any time of day or night and a convenient transportation route is available within minutes.
Paris is mighty good as well. BUT late night transportation is definitely not as frequent as London, and metro shuts down earlier (whereas London feels like it runs all night). This has a huge effect on how late people stay out and how late things stay open.
London public transportation feels more charmy. The tube stations and train stations are much nicer. The double-decker red buses are so much fun to sit in the top. Feels like you’re on one of those hop-on-hop-off tour buses.
7. Nightlife – LONDON
Don’t kid yourself. It’s not even close. London wins by a country mile. There are a few reasons why…
One is because of the public transportation hours I said earlier. Since metros don’t run as late or all night, a lot of times you will see half the club leave right after midnight so they can run and catch their train home. The other reasons are because London people party harder and spend more money, so there’s more places catering to that. And also is because more things are open late in London…so there’s more life around town after dark.
It also seems people in London more freely spend money. Whereas Parisians are more likely to pinch pennies, babysitting a cocktail for 3 hours at a terrace bar.
8. Friendliness – LONDON
As a non French-speaking American, I found London people to be much friendlier. From people on the street, to service workers you encounter. Everyone was much more cheerful, helpful, friendly. The folks in Paris seemed to hate Americans, hate speaking English (or hate that I don’t speak French), or a combination of the both. I try to be polite but still. It is what it is.
It’s funny because although London is the bigger city, the vibe feels more like a smaller city. (I guess since London neighborhoods are more developed as self-sufficient mini-cities in their own right.) People seemed more chill and less in a rush than Parisians. I think this also adds to the friendliness factor. The more rushed people are, the less time they have to be nice to you.
9. Vibe – SUBJECTIVE
London is certainly more chill and relaxed. Paris more rushed and crowded. You could say London feels like Los Angeles or Madrid. Paris feels like New York or Rome.
There’s also the overall “theme” of the city. London feels modern and current-day. Paris feels like a time period, which adds to the romantic factor. You feel like you’re in an older “French world” and it certainly helps when everybody around you speaks French and does things “the French way” (whatever that is). In terms of vibe, Paris will feel more unique and very French whereas London does indeed feel “British” but also feels similar to many other metropolitan cities you might find elsewhere.
So I guess you could say Paris is a big city that still carries its own unique vibe, rather than having that familiar feeling like any other big city.
10. Cost – PARIS (London is more expensive)
London is definitely more expensive. In rent, food, lifestyle, etc. As expected considering they got their own currency as well. It’s not just the cost but the social norms. Parisians are more socially accepted to be frugal, and groups of friends can scheme of cheap places to go drink/eat. Such as ordering one drink on the terrace and sitting there all night long.
But I will say that London is again (consistently) more beautiful throughout the city. So you’re more likely to find a beautiful looking neighborhood at more affordable price in London than in Paris. It might be a less desirable location, but will still look nicer and also have more things.