Family-Friendly Trip to London and Paris

Thing to do in Paris

Hop On, Hop Off Tour: A great way to see the city on the first day in any new city  It affords you the opportunity to see the city while a little jet lagged so you know what you want to see later in your vacation.

Musee du Louvres: The famous museum housing the Mona Lisa and many other well-known art pieces

Eiffel Tower: Walking up or taking the elevator up is all just as good and worth it to see the view of Paris in all her glory. Get tickets ahead of time.

Visit Champs Elysee for shopping.

Check out the Paris summer market along the Seine.

Chanel on Rue Cambon: Ask to see the stairs to where Coco spent her days and nights creating all of her masterpieces.

Luxembourg Gardens: Rent small toy boats!

Bateaux mouches (promenade on the Seine): River boat tour that is best taken at night to see the city lights. If you get lucky you may spot some free dance classes happening on the rivers edge.

Versaille: Approx 1 1/2 hr on a train outside of Paris. Plan to spend the day — it is magical. There are many adorable outdoor restaurants in the town of Versaille just outside of the property where you can grab a quick dinner.

Tuk Tuk: Hire one of these with the kids for a fun way to see the streets of Paris. Even if you just go a few blocks they will love it!

Eurodisney (less than an hour on the train): If you have Disney fans this one is very different from the one in the states.

Musee en Herbe: Really good art museum for kids.

Palais de la Découverte: Science museum with plenty to do for kids.

Musee d Orsay: Another fantastic museum for art lovers.

Walk in Le Marais neighborhood to check out hip boutiques and galleries.

‘Roue de Paris’ at Place de la Concorde: The view is spectacular, especially in spring! The views of the Jardins de Tuileries are beautiful!

Foundation Louis Vuitton.

Jardins d’acclimatation: Carnival rides for kids.

Musee Rodin, as mentioned so great for kids and there’s a cafe too 

Rue Cler, which is a fabulous little cobbled Market street, perfect for kid-friendly meals, and a stroll for breakfast croissants. It’s also car-free.

Rue Saint Dominique is a high street, cafe’s and cute stores.

Things to do in London

Carnaby street: Great shopping and funky stores like irregular choice shoes.  You can’t find these anywhere other than Carnaby St.

Liberty of London: Beautiful department store with high end fashion and its own fabric line.

Hamleys toy store: Every toy your child could ever want is here in this multistory shop. Live demonstration makes for a fun afternoon.

Ortobello road market: Streets upon streets filled with tables selling vintage items, new goods and hand crafted items. I bought my favorite wool coat here many years ago!

Playground princess Diana.

Selfridges / Harrods: For some London based department store shopping.

Shoreditch: Area filled with vintage shops for unique finds.

Southbank Skateboarding: Awesome lower ground indoor outdoor skatepark by the London Eye.

London eye: View London from high up in the sky on cantilevered observation wheel.

Royal Palace.

Theater District: Cool just to walk through.

Covent garden: Shops, markets and restaurants.

Places to eat & drink in Paris

Anahi Restaurant: Small intimate restaurant with outstanding food. I sat next to Patrícia Fields when I was there.

Cafe Constant: Christian Constant is a well known Micheline starred chef. No reservations, the food is amazing, well priced. It is touristy, but for good reason and the locals still love it. It’s casual, kids welcome.

Cafe Central: Must do for brunch. Super kid-friendly ‘upmarket-ish’ parisienne cafe/bistro. Excellent eggs Benedict! If the weather is good, you can sit outside and people watch. 

Rivie Restaurant at The Hoxton Paris: Cool buzzy vibe with good food and beautiful design.

Cafe Marly for coffee/cake/early dinner with a view of the Louvre Pyramid.

Places to eat & drink in London

Farm girl: Beautiful holistic, organic food in a cute cafe.

Darlish Ice Cream: This is a must for creative ice creams like baklava flavored.

Chiltren Firehouse: Upscale dinner with reimagined classics, emphasis on seasonality and healthy eating.

Sketch: Have you seen the bathroom pods? A room full of egg shaped pods will sure to delight your kids. The dining room itself is pink and filled with fun imagery and the rest of the restaurant is an Instagram lovers dream.

Bob Bob Richard: Upscale dining with beautiful design and top notch service.

Harrods dessert bar: Kids and adults will love the fun ice cream and dessert options in the middle of Harrods.