This guide is based on my personal experience traveling through these three cities in May. I'm sharing everything I learned — the wins, the beginner mistakes, and the tips you won't find in any tourist brochure.
- City-specific tips based on the season
- Accommodation alternatives by area and traveler profile
- How to get around between cities and within each one
- Selected excursions with a personalized budget
The City of Light
The perfect European introduction!
The main airport is Charles de Gaulle (CDG). To reach downtown, the most practical and affordable option is the RER B train (45 minutes); shuttles and taxis are also available.
My choice was the Quartier de l'Opéra: steps from the Palais Garnier, the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, with direct airport access via regular shuttle. I stayed at the Hotel Ibis Paris Grands Boulevards Opéra, booked through Booking. It was very comfortable, and while breakfast wasn't included, you could add it for an extra fee, or simply visit the many nearby Parisian cafés to start the day.
The first thing I did was book a free walking tour with Paseando por Europa. I always like having a local or knowledgeable tourism professional give me the best recommendations to make the most of my stay, and that's exactly what happened.
Places I recommend visiting:
The Eiffel Tower
My dream since I was little was always to visit Paris and climb the tower to look at the city from above and feel gigantic. When I finally went as an adult, the feeling didn't change — you feel invincible up there.
The easiest way to get there is by metro (Bir-Hakeim L6, Trocadéro L9 or École Militaire L8) or the RER C (Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel stop).You can choose to go up to the second floor by stairs and then take the elevator, or go straight to the top by elevator. From 276 meters up, the views of the city are one of a kind, and on the top platform you'll find the Champagne Bar to toast with the city at your feet.
Hours: 9:30am to 11:00pm (rest of the year) · 9:00am to midnight (mid-June to early September) · Open every day of the year.
The most wonderful thing for me was taking a catamaran cruise on the Seine at night and watching the lights sparkle at the top of every hour after dark until 1am. Besides the lights that turn on at dusk, a powerful beacon also shines from the Tower, rotating and visible from a distance. It's a can't-miss spectacle!
The Louvre Museum
One of the most important museums in the world. It holds the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and thousands more works spread across a huge floor space — plan for at least 2 hours for the essentials, and a full day if you want to go deeper.
The main entrance is the glass pyramid in the central courtyard, but there's an alternative entrance through the Carrousel du Louvre (99 rue de Rivoli) that has a much shorter line at peak hours. Once downstairs, your landmark is the inverted pyramid, the upside-down pyramid-shaped skylight that lights up the underground passage.
Hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm · Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 9pm · Closed Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. Book your ticket online with a date and time slot — it's mandatory and guarantees entry.
Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur
Paris's most bohemian neighborhood, the historic home of the great Impressionist painters. To get there: metro Line 2 (Anvers or Blanche) or Line 12 (Abbesses). From Anvers you can take the funicular — included with your metro ticket — or walk up and enjoy the scenery.
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica crowns the hill with extraordinary panoramic views over the city. The sunset from there is one of those moments you never forget. Open every day of the year from 6:30am to 10:30pm · Free admission.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
During my visit in 2018, it was still intact, and you could go in and take in the Gothic architecture that inspired the Hunchback movie. I wanted to climb the towers to see the gargoyles, but couldn't, because it required a ticket you had to get online in advance. It was a shame because there was no availability for my visit dates. I regret it so much now, because on April 15, 2019, the building suffered a devastating fire and would never be the same.
It reopened in December 2024 after the devastating fire and began welcoming visitors again after five years of restoration. Entry to the cathedral interior is free, though it's recommended to book a time slot on the official website to avoid waiting. The towers with the gargoyles require a separate ticket and must also be booked in advance.
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm · Saturdays and Sundays 8:15am to 7:30pm.
Never leave a place for "next time" — there might not be one. Always book everything in advance!
It is impossible to see Paris in just a few days, but depending on where you are staying—and with the help of a travel agent—you can try to cover the most important sights: the ones that are non-negotiable for you. Your itinerary should also align with your interests; after all, it is your vacation, and you are the one who will be enjoying it. Always keep that in mind so that a leisure trip doesn't turn into a source of stress.
Sena al atardecer
Arco del Triunfo
Notre-Dame, 2018
Interior Sacré-Cœur
Louvre al anochecer
Paseando el Louvre
Palace of Versailles
Arco del Carrusel
Reloj antiguo
Cerca de Notre-DameSena al atardecerArco del TriunfoNotre-Dame, 2018Interior Sacré-CœurLouvre al anochecerPaseando el LouvrePalace of VersaillesArco del CarruselReloj antiguo
Cerca de Notre-DameThe Capital of the United Kingdom
British majesty in its purest form
The most comfortable and central way to arrive is the Eurostar from Gare du Nord to London St. Pancras, taking about 2h 15min. You arrive right in the heart of the city with no layovers or airports.
What to visit in London
One of the first things I did was book the one-day excursion to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath — three iconic sites with round-trip bus transport from London. The visit included a Spanish/English-speaking guide, box lunch, entry tickets, and an audio guide. I found it very comprehensive, and it was an incredible experience to leave the city and discover that real royal architecture.
I also booked a self-guided tour of Edinburgh, with a round-trip train from London plus entry to Edinburgh Castle, a city map and a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket. It's a city that's easy to get around and that draws you in from the first moment: medieval architecture, bagpipes on every corner and a unique atmosphere.
It couldn't be missing the London EyeI bought the ticket online, but you still have to pick it up at the box office; the line moved pretty fast when I went, though it can vary by season. The ride lasts 30 minutes and the views are spectacular — Big Ben right in front of you is one of those moments you never forget.
From there you can cross the Westminster Bridge and reach the Big Ben and the Palace of Westminste, seat of the British Parliament. You can enter through guided tours that vary depending on the time of year — it's worth booking ahead, and there are options with a Spanish audio guide. Careful: don't confuse the Palace of Westminster with Westminster Abbey, which is an Anglican church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic site of royal coronations and weddings.
Very close by is the Buckingham Palace, the monarch's official residence. I didn't go inside, but I took photos from outside and stayed to watch the Changing of the Guard — it starts at 10:45am and the actual changeover happens at 11:00am. It's worth arriving early to get a good spot, since a huge crowd shows up.
For the last day I saved the visit I was most excited about: the Tower of London. An 11th-century fortress built by William the Conqueror on the banks of the Thames, once known as "the Tower of Terror" — and for good reason. Today its stories are told by the famous Beefeaters. The guided visit is a spectacle in itself: they tell the wildest, almost unbelievable stories of dismemberments and executions with enthusiasm and very British dark humor. The one that struck me most was Anne Boleyn's — the first English queen publicly beheaded.
Hours: every day from 9am to 5:30pm. The last guided tour slot is at 3:30pm. Always check hours and special dates on the official website before going.
More corners to discover
Notting Hill is a must: colorful houses, the Portobello Market packed with antiques and cheap books, and that romantic-movie atmosphere that makes you want to stay. Camden Town has its own magic: at Stables Market you'll find a life-size bronze statue of Amy Winehouse. Visiting it was one of those unexpected moments that touch your heart. At night, Soho it's the perfect place — theaters, nightlife, all kinds of restaurants. Just 560 meters away is Piccadilly Circus, with its famous advertising screens reminiscent of Times Square in New York. The British Museum is unmissable for lovers of ancient history. Its most iconic pieces include the Rosetta Stone (key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics), the Egyptian mummy collection, and the Elgin Marbles, from the Parthenon in Athens. Free entrance, they'll just ask for a voluntary donation.
Centro de Londres
Vistas desde el London Eye
Afueras de Buckingham
London Eye y el Támesis
Big Ben de noche
Castillo de Edimburgo
Jardín de Buckingham
Changing of the Guard
Puerta de Buckingham
Piccadilly Circus
Stonehenge
Guardia Real
Barrio Chino
Interior de museo
Piedra Rosetta
British MuseumCentro de LondresVistas desde el London EyeAfueras de BuckinghamLondon Eye y el TámesisBig Ben de nocheCastillo de EdimburgoJardín de BuckinghamChanging of the GuardPuerta de BuckinghamPiccadilly CircusStonehengeGuardia RealBarrio ChinoInterior de museoPiedra RosettaBritish MuseumLondon · Days 6 – 12
Tours Unmissable
The top activities in the city and around London
Tower of London with a Beefeater guide
An 11th-century fortress on the banks of the Thames, with over 900 years of history. The legendary Beefeaters tell the stories of royal executions with dark humor, including Anne Boleyn's. Includes a visit to the Crown Jewels, viewed from a moving walkway.
London Eye with priority access
Europe's most famous Ferris wheel, on the banks of the Thames. A 30-minute ride offers 360° views over Big Ben, Parliament and the city skyline. Ideal to combine with the Sea Life Aquarium, just steps away.
Guided visit to the British Museum
One of the most important museums in the world, home to the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian mummy collection and the Elgin Marbles. The guided tour lets you see the most important pieces without getting lost among its more than 70 galleries. Admission is free, you only pay for the guide.
Evening cruise on the Thames
Cruising the Thames at night with the city lit up is one of London's most memorable experiences. The route passes by Tower Bridge, the Globe Theatre, Big Ben and Parliament. Some options include a British-menu dinner on board.
Windsor Castle, Oxford and Stonehenge
The most comprehensive full-day excursion from London. Windsor Castle, an active royal residence; the medieval streets and colleges of Oxford; and the mysterious stone circle of Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bus transport, bilingual guide, box lunch and all entry tickets included.
Self-guided excursion to Edinburgh
Round-trip train from London, entry to Edinburgh Castle, a city map and a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket. Medieval architecture, bagpipes on every corner, and the chance to bring home an authentic Scottish wool kilt. A city that's comfortable to explore on your own.
The Emerald of Ireland
Authentic Irish hospitality
The most practical option is to fly from Gatwick Airport to Dublin Airport — about 1h 20min with airlines like Ryanair, which offers frequent, affordable flights. Dublin Airport is very close to downtown: I took Bus number 22 and was at the hotel within 30 minutes.
Dublin is a city full of nightlife and music everywhere — you feel it from the very first moment you walk its cobblestone streets.
What to visit in Dublin
The first thing I did was book a 2-day, 1-night tour to Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara from Dublin—and I can't find the words to describe how wonderful that experience was. On the way, we stopped in the small town of Cong, on the border between County Mayo and County Galway, where you can see the statue of John Wayne holding Maureen O'Hara—a tribute to the film *The Quiet Man*.
The Cliffs of Moher are stunning. Fun fact for Harry Potter fans: part of The Half-Blood Prince was filmed there, when Dumbledore and Harry go to a cave in search of a horcrux. And during our visit there was even a marriage proposal at the cliff edge — not mine, obviously, but it was beautiful to witness with that landscape as the backdrop.
Once in Galway, some of us from the group went to the pubs after dinner. There I heard a live performance of the famous song Galway Girl, played by a band with violins, bodhrán (an Irish drum), accordion, piano and guitar. It was an unforgettable audiovisual experience — the kind of song that gives you goosebumps and stays etched in your memory forever.
I was amazed by the whole beer-making process — the care and detail put into every stage. At the end of the tour you can go up to the top floor, where the Gravity Bar is: an incredible 360° panoramic view of the whole city, with an ice-cold pint of the world's most famous stout in hand. The gift shop is amazing too — harp-shaped glasses, magnets, shot glasses, everything you could imagine for enjoying your Guinness at home. I brought back everything I could fit in my suitcase.
Afterwards, I enjoyed a hearty lunch of traditional Irish food: Irish Stew, a traditional stew with lamb (or beef), potatoes, onion, bay leaf, thyme and carrots. There's also a stout-based variation called Beef and Guinness Stew — an unmissable delight.
In the late afternoon/evening I continued on to Temple Bar, an iconic pub dating back to 1840 on the south bank of the River Liffey, with live Irish music, incredible decor and a lively, packed atmosphere. Walking its cobblestone streets, you find history on every corner - like the legend of Molly Malone, immortalized in the song Cockles and Mussels. Today there's a statue near Trinity College, and tourist tradition says touching her bust brings good luck — and perhaps the promise that you'll return to Ireland.
The legend of the Claddagh Ring originated in the Galway region. It has become a symbol of Irish heritage. The ring, designed with two hands holding a crowned heart, represents friendship (the hands), love (the heart) and loyalty (the crown).
How the ring is worn indicates the person's relationship status: on the right hand with the heart facing outward, it means single and looking for love; with the heart facing inward, it means in a relationship or engaged. On the left hand with the heart facing inward, it means married.
Cliffs of Moher
Cong, Irlanda
Calles de Irlanda
Costa irlandesa
Cruces celtas
Claddagh Ring
The Dark Hedges
Calzada del Gigante
Montes Wicklow
Castillo de Blarney
National Park
Brezo en florCliffs of MoherCong, IrlandaCalles de IrlandaCosta irlandesaCruces celtasCladdagh RingThe Dark HedgesCalzada del GiganteMontes WicklowCastillo de BlarneyNational ParkBrezo en florReturn via Paris
Last days in Europe
Make the most of these last two or three nights in Paris to visit anything you haven't yet seen. Two places you can't miss: the Palace of Versailles and the Catacombs..
Before going to Versailles, check the hours on the palace's official website — the gardens and the Trianon Estate have separate tickets and hours from the main palace. I say this from experience: when I went, I toured the palace (which is absolutely stunning, inside and out), went for a walk through the gardens and ended up having ice cream while watching the swans on the lake and the fish moving under the sun. A movie-worthy afternoon, worthy of Jane Austen. But the Trianon Estate slipped through my fingers.
My return flight departed from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), so save some time for last-minute shopping ¡ Paris is still Paris right up to the end!
- Currency Euro (€)
- Language French. English in tourist areas.
- Electricity 220V — Type E/F (round-pin plugs)
- Transport Metro and RER · App: Citymapper
- Connectivity Local SIM or European eSIM
- Tipping Not mandatory — rounding up the bill is fine
- Keep in mind Check the strike calendar before traveling
- Currency Currency — Pound sterling (£) — Euro is not used
- Language English
- Electricity 230V — Type G (three rectangular pins)
- Transport Tube · Contactless card, cashless
- Connectivity Local SIM or UK eSIM
- Tipping 10–12% at restaurants is standard
- Keep in mind Driving is on the left — cross carefully
- Currency Euro (€) — same currency as France
- Language English and Irish (Gaelic)
- Electricity 230V — Type G (same as the UK)
- Transport DART, Luas and buses · App: TFI Live
- Connectivity Local SIM or eSIM · Very good wifi in the city
- Tipping Not mandatory, but appreciated in pubs
- Keep in mind Unpredictable weather — always bring a waterproof layer
What you shouldn't leave until the last minute
- Valid passport — with at least 6 months of validity from your return date.
- Travel insurance — with international medical coverage and cancellation protection.
- Plug adapters — you'll need two different types: European (Type E/F) and British (Type G).
- International card — this trip crosses three currencies. Notify your bank before you leave.
- eSIM or European SIM — check if your plan includes roaming in France, the UK and Ireland.
- Booked tickets — the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and London Eye sell out. Book weeks in advance.
- Eurostar booked — it's best to buy the Paris–London train in advance, especially in high season.
- Rain gear — London and Dublin are unpredictable. A light, waterproof layer is essential.
- Confirmed accommodation — check cancellation policies, especially if you're traveling in May or European summer.
Resources that can help you prepare for the trip:
Complete packing list for long trips → 25-day Italy itinerary — Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast →
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Paris · Travel tip A tip for getting the best photo of the Eiffel Tower Best views of the Eiffel TowerRue de l'Université — the best spot, like the one in the photo. Rue de l'Université and Avenue de Camoëns offer "hidden" views of the Tower framed by buildings and trees, ideal for postcard-style photos. The Trocadéro area — the most famous viewpoint, with a large esplanade perfect for capturing it in all its glory. It's very popular, so to find it with fewer people, go at sunrise. Champ de Mars — cross the Pont d'Iéna to the Champ de Mars to walk through this large park, ideal for seeing it up close and without rushing. Aboard a Seine river cruise — enjoy a different view of the Tower from the river, with a more dynamic, narrative feel. Especially magical after nightfall. From the Montparnasse Tower — if you want to see the Eiffel Tower surrounded by the Paris skyline, go up this skyscraper for a postcard view, especially beautiful at night. |
Photographs
- Benjamin Davies · Unsplash
- Anthony Delanoix · Unsplash
- Bastien NVS · Unsplash
- Michael Fousert · Unsplash
- Barbora Dostálová · Unsplash
- Tavis Beck · Unsplash
- Paul Costello · Unsplash
- Marcin Nowak · Unsplash
- Akhil Pawar · Unsplash
- Igor Sporynin · Unsplash
- Klim Musalimov · Unsplash
- Phil Lev · Unsplash
- Lucas Davies · Unsplash
- Dhaval Shah · Unsplash
- Photographs by the author
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