Planning a multi-city European trip sounds fun until you dive into the logistics. Should you fly? Take the train? Where do you even start? After years of crisscrossing Europe, I’ve seen countless travelers waste precious time wrestling with tickets and transit.
But visiting Europe’s great capitals in a single trip isn’t as complicated as it sounds. With this guide you will learn how to design a smooth three-city European adventure connecting Paris, London, and Dublin, complete with insider tips, transport advice, and examples of experiences that make each city shine.
For a balanced pace, you have a few highly effective options, including a hyper-efficient 6-day tour that covers all three capitals:
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
Day 2: Paris
Day 3: Morning travel Paris to London (2.5 hours via Eurostar). Sightsee London afternoon/evening.
Day 4: London
Day 5: Morning travel London to Dublin (1 hour flight). Sightsee Dublin afternoon/evening.
Day 6: Dublin (Depart late evening).
Add an extra day at either end for arrival or departure if needed. April to October offers long daylight hours, outdoor dining, and lively city events. Winter is quieter, with lower prices and festive lights.
Tip: you will always see less than you want to. Don’t rush. Focus on quality experiences over quantity. A well-guided, three-hour tour of a single landmark (like the Tower of London) is infinitely better than three hours wasted walking aimlessly and queuing for three different places.
The proximity of these three cities makes a multi-city tour highly feasible, even for a short trip. The flight time between Dublin and London is just one hour, and Paris to Dublin is only about 1 hour and 20 minutes. These quick connections allow travellers to easily plan a visit to two or three cities.
To maximize the efficiency of your trip, ditch the slow, stressful options and stick to these essentials.
Tip: Book trains early for best fares and fly in the morning to maximize your day.
Paris → London
Transport Method: Eurostar train
Why It’s the Smart Choice: Far superior to flying. City centre to city centre, with no airport transfers or security hassle.
Estimated Duration: Around 2.5 hours (plus approximately 1 hour for check-in)
London → Dublin
Transport Method: Budget airline (for example, Ryanair or Aer Lingus)
Why It’s the Smart Choice: A short, budget-friendly flight and much faster than combining train and ferry. Best booked at least 4 weeks in advance.
Estimated Duration: Around 1.5 hours flight time (plus approximately 2.5 hours at the airport)
Dublin → Home
Transport Method: Fly
Why It’s the Smart Choice: Dublin Airport is a major international hub with direct connections to destinations worldwide.
Estimated Duration: Varies depending on destination
Start your European loop in the City of Light. This city demands walking, but nearly every street rewards a slow walk. Allow one full day for landmarks, one for local neighbourhoods, and one for food and culture.
Paris is the ultimate destination for art and culture lovers, featuring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. When planning your Paris itinerary, ensure you schedule time for a Versailles day trip and explore charming neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre for the best Parisian experience.
To make your trip even easier, we have some tours with organized walks and exclusive access to landmarks:
Tip: buy a multi-day metro pass and choose accommodation near a central line (Le Marais, Saint-Germain, or Opéra) to cut transfer time. For the best tips and recommendations see our “Paris Travel Guide 2025: Things to Do, Hidden Gems & Where to Eat”.
London is a must-see world capital known for its royal history and world-class attractions. Key things to do in the city include visiting the Tower of London, seeing the Crown Jewels, exploring Westminster Abbey, and catching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. From palaces to pubs, London blends deep history with a modern pulse.
But the city is massive, so you have to prioritize. Three days is enough to see the essentials if you plan your route well. Trying to see the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey on your own is a huge time sink. The size of the crowds means you’ll waste a quarter of your day queuing.
Here are some tours that can help you skip the lines and organize your priorities:
Tips: For more details on what to do in London, visit our guide “London Travel Guide 2026”.
Your final stop brings you to a city famous for conversation as much as cuisine. Dublin is the smallest and most walkable of the three. It’s a city best experienced through its stories and its famous drinks. It offers a perfect blend of rich history, famous pubs, and literary heritage, making it a highly desirable European city break.
Top Dublin attractions include Trinity College (home of the Book of Kells), Dublin Castle, and iconic beverage experiences at the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. For a classic Irish experience, plan to spend time listening to live folk music and exploring the historic city centre.
Dublin is friendly, but its best-known attractions (Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse) have massive lines. If you’d rather take things easy, we’ve got tours that let you experience the city without the rush:
Tip: for a full guide of Dublin see our Dublin Discovered: A Guide to the Heart and Soul of Ireland’s Capital. For all our local foodie tips see Beyond Guinness – How to Eat Your Way Through Dublin Like a Local.
How many days do I need for Paris, London, and Dublin?
At least nine full days gives you time to explore without rushing — three per city is ideal.
Can I start in a different city?
Yes. Begin wherever flights are cheapest; rail and air links connect all three easily.
Do I need visas for each country?
Most visitors from North America and Europe can still enter France and Ireland visa-free for short tourist stays (usually up to 90 days). However, travel to the United Kingdom now requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance even for visa-exempt travellers (including U.S., Canadian, and many European passport holders). Always check specific entry requirements and authorisation rules before you book.
What’s the best way to keep costs down?
Book trains and flights early, choose centrally located hotels to save on transport, and consider guided tours that bundle multiple sites efficiently.
Is it easy to travel solo?
Very! All three cities are safe, social, and well-connected. Group tours are a great way to meet fellow travellers.
Adapters: France uses Type C/E plugs, UK & Ireland use Type G.
Currency: Euros in Paris & Dublin, Pounds in London.
Weather: Layers are essential! Temperatures vary widely.
Language: English works everywhere but a few French phrases go a long way.
Tipping: 10–12 % in restaurants is standard and tipping is optional for bar service.
Exploring Paris, London, and Dublin in one trip lets you see Europe’s diversity up close. Plan your route, pack light, and leave room for discovery.
Explore expertly guided tours in each city — from Versailles and the Eiffel Tower to the Tower of London and Dublin’s iconic pubs and distilleries.
The Ultimate – Palace of Versailles & Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet Guided Tour
Explore Versailles' opulent palace, stunning gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s retreat on this guided tour, uncovering royal secrets, lavish history, and breathtaking architecture with expert commentary.
From €185
Best of London: Tower of London, Crown Jewels, Buckingham Palace & Big Ben
Experience London’s most iconic sights and royal highlights on this guided tour including Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, and Tower of London.
From £129
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour
Experience three must-see Dublin landmarks in one exclusive tour, including Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
From €119
Notre Dame Cathedral & Île de la Cité Walking Tour
Discover Notre Dame Cathedral and the Seine’s historic charm on a guided walking tour through the heart of Paris.
From €59
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