Dublin’s vibrant pub culture and friendly locals, London’s bustling city life and iconic landmarks, and Paris’ romantic streets and exquisite cuisine – all of these experiences combine for an unforgettable 7-day Dublin, London, and Paris itinerary!

This ultimate European adventure will give you a taste of three amazing cities in just one week. Perfect for those who want to make the most out of their limited time and budget, this itinerary is both time and cost-efficient without compromising on experiences!

In this post, you’ll also find some of my personal insider tips, a complete packing list, and even some must-try dishes for each city. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Dublin, London, and Paris!

In this itinerary, we’ll explore each city for about two days, leaving plenty of time to see the classic landmarks while indulging in the local food and culture!

This itinerary does not account for travel time to and from your home airport, so keep that in mind if you want a full week to explore these three iconic European cities. You also have the option of switching the itinerary if you’re closer to Paris than you are to Dublin. Whichever is more time and cost-efficient for you is a good choice!

Start your week-long adventure in the charming city of Dublin, known for its lively pub culture and hospitable atmosphere. Assuming you’ve checked into your hotel or quaint bed-and-breakfast the night before, today you’ll be heading out to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions.

Start with a visit to the beautiful Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university with its stunning architecture and historic library. There are plenty of guided tours you can take, but regardless of how you visit, be sure to get some photos of the infamous Book of Kells!

From Trinity College, take a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, a picturesque park in the heart of the city. If you’re lucky, there may even be a local band playing some traditional Irish music! I always pick up one of their CDs if they are selling any.

For lunch, head to the neighborhood of Temple Bar, known for its vibrant nightlife and charming cobblestone streets. It’s only a 10-minute walk when coming from the Book of Kells, plus you’ll find plenty of traditional Irish pubs here where you can grab a pint of Guinness and try some classic pub food like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie.

I will say that this area is more on the touristy side, so if you were hoping for something that’s catered more towards the locals, then check out Hugo’s Restaurant over on Merrion Row. It’s well-known for its classic Irish pub fare, laid-back vibe, and live jazz music!

Once you’re full, take a walk along the River Liffey and cross over the famous Ha’penny Bridge, one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy the picturesque views and snap some photos before continuing your walk towards Dublin Castle, a historic landmark that has been standing since the 13th century.

No visit to Dublin is complete without a stop at one of its many traditional pubs. Grab a pint of Guinness and join in on some live music and friendly banter with the locals. End your evening with a delicious meal at one of Dublin’s top-rated restaurants (if you’re looking for somewhere extra special, I personally love Wilde on Harry Street).

For our second day in Dublin, we’re going to break away from the streets and head to the Guinness Storehouse for a tour and tasting experience. You’ll learn about the brewing process, the history of Guinness, and even how to pour a perfect pint! And of course, you’ll get to taste some of their famous stout.

After your tour, you have a couple of different options. You can choose to continue your Irish drinking journey and head over to the Jameson Distillery for a tour and tasting. Or, you can take a more relaxed approach and spend the afternoon at Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest urban parks with plenty of walking trails, picnic spots, and beautiful views.

In the evening, I recommend taking a stroll through Dublin’s charming neighborhoods like Portobello or Rathmines. These areas are less touristy and give you a more authentic feel for the city.

Grab dinner at a local restaurant, followed by some drinks at a cozy pub or trendy bar. End the night with a visit to the Temple Bar if you have yet to experience the city’s iconic pub scene, or check out some of Dublin’s famous live music venues like Whelan’s or The Grand Social!

On day three, it’s time to say goodbye to Dublin and head over to London for the next leg of our journey. The flight from Dublin to London is only about an hour and a half, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city upon your arrival.

Start your day by visiting one of London’s most iconic landmarks – Buckingham Palace! If you or anyone in your group loves history and enjoys learning about the royals, be sure to get there before 10:45AM since this is when they do the “changing of the guards” ceremony. Keep in mind that this process generally takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

From there, take a walk through the stunning St. James’s Park towards Trafalgar Square, another must-see spot in London with its iconic lion statue and beautiful fountains. This is also where you can find The National Gallery if you’re interested in checking out some amazing art collections.

For lunch, head over to Covent Garden, a bustling neighborhood filled with street performers, boutique shops, and delicious food options. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, be sure to check out the iconic Ladurée macaron shop or try a traditional afternoon tea at one of the many charming cafes.

After lunch, make your way to the London Eye for a ride on Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel! From the top of this 443 foot ride, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the city which offer some incredible photo opportunities. You can do this either during the day or at night depending on if you prefer to capture the city in all its grandeur or the city skyline!

In the evening, take a stroll along the River Thames towards Tower Bridge and catch a glimpse of this iconic bridge lit up at night. End your day with dinner at one of London’s top-rated restaurants (The Ivy Soho Brasserie is top-rated for its classic British fare) or grab some fish and chips from one of the many street vendors (this is what I normally do).

For our final day in London, we’re going to start our day with a visit to the historic Tower of London. This ancient castle has been standing since the 11th century and is home to the Crown Jewels, making it an essential stop for any history buffs or royal enthusiasts.

Next, head over to the iconic Westminster Abbey, where many royal weddings and coronations have taken place. If you’re lucky, you may even get the chance to hear them ring the beautiful bells that sound for special services, annual festivals, on saints’ days, and others!

For lunch, you have two different markets you could stroll through. The first is Borough Market if you’re looking for some delicious street food or fresh produce, and the second is Camden Market if you’re in the mood for some unique shopping finds and more food options.

In the afternoon, take a walk through Hyde Park, one of London’s largest green spaces with plenty of walking trails and beautiful gardens. If you have time, make sure to stop by Kensington Palace, home to Prince William and Princess Kate!

For our final evening in London, we’re going to end on a high note with a West End show. The West End is London’s equivalent of Broadway, and offers some incredible performances from classic musicals to new plays.

Grab dinner before or after the show at one of London’s many amazing restaurants (don’t leave London without trying some traditional British pub food), and then end your night with a stroll through the city, taking the time to appreciate each of London’s neighborhoods.

As we head off to Paris, you can simply hop on the Eurostar and in just a few hours, you’ll find yourself in the City of Lights. I recommend aiming to time your arrival for the early afternoon so you can check right into your hotel and not have to worry about traversing this big city with your luggage.

Now, if you’ve never been to Paris, then there’s probably one major landmark that you should see to start off your trip… the Eiffel Tower! Offering panoramic views of Paris, this iconic monument is a must-see for any first-timer. If you’re up for it, climb the stairs to the top (there’s an elevator too) or simply enjoy a relaxing picnic on the lawn below.

On my first visit, I picked up some local cheeses, meat, and a fresh baguette and enjoyed a light lunch while I watched the 6-hour line slowly dwindle. Don’t worry though, you don’t have to go up the Eiffel Tower to capture some incredible photos.

In fact, when you’re inside the Eiffel Tower and taking pictures of the city of Paris, it’s important to remember that none of your photos will include the most identifiable landmark in the city! Unless your camera can get a clear shot of the Arc de Triomphe, the city will look very similar to many others scattered across Europe.

Regardless of whether or not you decide to go up the Eiffel Tower, be sure to take a stroll along the Seine River toward the Notre Dame Cathedral and marvel at its Gothic architecture. If you have time, head inside for a tour or catch one of the beautiful organ performances.

Depending on how tired you are, you can either hop on the Paris’ very well-connected metro network over to the charming streets of Montmartre, or simply head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest.

Montmartre is a picturesque neighborhood filled with street artists, quaint cafes, and the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica that offers stunning views of the city. End your evening with a classic Parisian dinner of escargots or steak frites, followed by a light crepe for dessert.

For our second day in Paris, we’ll immerse ourselves in its rich culture and history! Start your day bright and early by being the first in line to visit the Louvre Museum to see some of the world’s most renowned art pieces like the Mona Lisa.

Then take a stroll through the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens en route to the Musée d’Orsay, where you’ll find an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

For lunch, treat yourself to some delicious French cuisine at one of Paris’ many bistros or brasseries (I’ve always enjoyed stopping into Coco Bello on Rue Lepic for a quick pastry after lunch!)

Now that we’re winding down our 7-day Dublin, London, and Paris itinerary, it’s time to take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Élysées and do some window shopping for some epic French souvenirs, or even splurge on a designer item or two.

To finish off the evening, you can head over to the Latin Quarter for a traditional French dinner and experience Paris’ vibrant nightlife. But, if it were me, I’d be ending my night with a stunning boat ride along the Seine River, taking in the city’s beautiful architecture illuminated at night.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. On our final day, we’ll have some time in the morning to grab one last croissant or pain au chocolat from a local bakery before saying goodbye to the city of Paris.

Make sure you’ve packed all your souvenirs and checked out of your hotel before heading to the airport. Don’t forget to claim your tax refunds on any eligible purchases before you leave!

Your packing list for this 7-day Europe itinerary may vary depending on the time of year that you’ll be visiting and if you’ll be staying in accommodations that provide laundry services. These are some of the essentials, but always come prepared with items that you know you can’t leave home without!

In Dublin, the city is compact and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, making foot travel a viable option. If you wish to venture further out, the city boasts a robust public transportation system with buses and trams, notably the Dublin Bus and Luas services. For those looking to explore the outskirts, renting a bicycle can be a fun and healthy alternative.

London, on the other hand, is vast and its attractions are scattered. The Tube (London Underground) is the fastest and most efficient means of transportation. It’s a vast network that reaches almost every corner of the city. London buses are also a great way to see the city, and the iconic red double-decker buses are an experience in themselves. Don’t forget to get an Oyster card for cheaper and more convenient travel.

Finally, in Paris, the metro is your best ally. It’s extensive, reliable, and will get you close to almost all major attractions. Like London, Paris also has a great bus system which is ideal for shorter distances and provides a wonderful opportunity to see the city as you travel. For those wanting to truly immerse themselves in the city, consider strolling along the Seine or renting a Vélib bike for a leisurely cycle through Paris’ charming streets.

Below, I’ve provided a quick list of the top 3 foods to try in each city! Some are classics and some may surprise you, but each has its own unique flair and flavor profile.

Here are some travel tips to help you navigate Dublin, London, and Paris more effectively:

Next, let’s jump into some important information you may need for your upcoming trip to Europe!

In an ideal scenario, both London and Paris are cities that could easily fill a week or more with sightseeing. However, if you’re working with a compressed timeline, it’s possible to get a good feel for each city in 2-3 days.

This will give you enough time to see the iconic landmarks, explore a few neighborhoods, and enjoy some regional cuisine. Of course, this would be a rather quick pace and you won’t be able to see everything, but you’ll certainly be able to cover the highlights and get a taste of what each city has to offer.

A week could indeed be enough for London and Paris! This time frame allows for approximately three to four days in each city, which is plenty of time to visit iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre.

You’ll also have time to explore charming neighborhoods and try some local dishes. However, if you prefer slow-paced travel days or want to see more of each city, consider adding an extra day or two to your trip.

Depending on how packed you like your travel day to be, you can definitely visit all three cities in one week! Thanks to their close proximity to one another, it’s possible to take a flight from Dublin to London and then a train from London to Paris.

You can also take a train from Dublin to London, but the journey typically takes over 11 hours and can be a big time-waster if you’re on a tight schedule (despite how beautiful it is!)

This would be a fast-paced trip with only a couple of days in each city, but it is doable with efficient planning and possibly some early mornings.

The decision to spend more time in one particular city ultimately depends on your personal interests and what you hope to get out of your trip.

If you’re a history buff or a fan of literature, you might want to spend the most time in London, home to numerous museums and literary landmarks. If you love architecture and fine art, then Paris, with its iconic landmarks and world-class museums like the Louvre, may be your top choice.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a friendlier, more laid-back atmosphere with a rich history and vibrant pub culture, then Dublin could be the city for you. It’s all about what matters most to you in your travel experience.

All three cities offer unique charms and experiences, so it’s worth spending time in each to get a taste of the different cultures. However, if you have limited time, consider prioritizing your top interests when deciding how much time to spend in each city. So, go ahead and plan that 7-day Dublin, London, and Paris itinerary!

Emily Concannon is the owner and storyteller behind Emily Embarks and Sea to Summit Alaska. A full-time travel blogger, she’s sharing her adventures from around the world.