by Anne Penny

Created on: February 24, 2010

Dickens wrote a novel, “A Tale of Two Cities” and the two cities were London and Paris. There is ample material in them for another novel - or as the best vacation destination ever. Unlike in Dickens’ time, you can travel from one city to the other very quickly, by air in about an hour [excluding airport business!] and cheap fares are available daily. Alternatively, as an additional interesting experience, go by Eurostar. This is a high speed train traveling via the tunnel under the Channel and connecting the two cities, very conveniently to their centers.

Ideally, a week in each city is needed as a minimum, though a few days would be enough to give you a good idea of each one and to savor their atmosphere. Let’s say you have only one week for your vacation and we’ll consider the most important and interesting things to do with three days each in London and Paris. In both cities there are a number of things you must do, some you ought to do … and plenty of other things you could do if you have the time and the energy.

 A good way to start your London experience is to go on the London Eye, a huge, slow-moving observation wheel, one of the largest in the world. A rotation takes 30 minutes during which time you have amazing views of the city in every direction. The old buildings will catch your eye and you might recognise the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

 Back on the ground, visit Westminster Abbey where 1000 years of history reside; the architecture, the art and the statues will hold your attention for some hours. Rest your feet a little and do a London sight-seeing tour on one of the hop-on hop-off double-decker buses. This, together with a river Thames sight-seeing cruise will ensure that you see a good selection of London’s famous buildings.

 Walk as much as you can; be sure to visit Trafalgar Square with its lions and Nelson on his column. Visit the atmospheric Tower of London built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, where many royal prisoners have been kept awaiting their execution. Henry VIII kept Anne Boleyn imprisoned here before her beheading in 1536. The British Crown Jewels are kept in The Tower, including the great State Crown with its nearly 3000 diamonds, among other jewels. Nearby is the famous landmark, Tower Bridge which has a romantic look at dusk when illumination is switched on.

 If you can still walk comfortably, highly recommended is the Jack the Ripper walk –

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