London vs. Paris (neighbourhoods, quality of life, live in)

[Averie-Jay]

I've also heard that London is overly expensive.

I lived in Paris and Bordeaux and had a wonderful time in both places - it was truly life changing. If you're looking for an authentic experience of France, though, I wouldn't recommend Paris. I would go off the beaten track and explore the small towns in the countryside - the people are warmer, the cuisine is more devine, and the views are spectacular.

Of course I realize that Paris is adored for its glitz and tourism, but I just wanted to lend my opinion.

[Nugget]

Must agree that the best place in France is not Paris - if your looking at a city Bordeaux is great but for a region I'd say with the Loire or Normandy.

Having just spent 2 days in each city about a month ago I must say Paris takes the prize - and the metro is by far superior to the tube - its cleaner, much more comfortable and easier to use. The only downside to Paris (and France in general) is that you do have to pay for everything - there are however, some free days. And on top of it all I went from Paris where I could wear a t-shirt to London where I had to where a jumper and jacket and was still freezing!

[whizzwanaB]

Having lived in both - you could not possibly compare - Paris architecturally is the most beautiful city in the world - London is currently the coolest - it even beats New York for shopping, food and sophisticated culture.

[ontheroad]

Well it isn't clear whether we are visiting or living in either of these splendid cities.

I lived in both. Different experiences, and in each I had valuable experiences.

But if I had to select one over the other, today in this period of my life, I'd say: Paris.

There is something about Paris that sparkles and a quick train ride takes you directly to the Sea, Marseilles, the Riviera, and the wine country and wine is something that always makes me think of romance, good food and good talk.

[caseras]

I can't vote since I live in Paris....

Anyway, I prefer to stay in Paris than London, definitely. London is ..... weird.

Sorry about that !

[Mooseketeer]

Paris any day. I always feel it is OK to just wander along aimlessly, just enjoying yourself in Paris, stopping at Cafes, sniffing around the bouquinistes on the Seine but London really stresses me out. It has no real "centre", no heart so to speak. I love the different feel of every arrondissement in Paris . London is too big, the architecture too disjointed and just too trendy and fast for me. I always feel like the only person who does not know where she is going and always out of step with everybody else. Paris to me is timeless, beautiful, fascinating, surprising. We go to London quite often and it always feel so good coming home ( Oxford) , like taking off a pair of tight shoes, I just breathe a sigh of relief...
I think it depends what people are looking for really.

[Anarchy]

Originally Posted by Mooseketeer

We go to London quite often and it always feel so good coming home ( Oxford) , like taking off a pair of tight shoes, I just breathe a sigh of relief...
I think it depends what people are looking for really.

I agree I always feel relieved once I leave London don't get me wrong I like London as a city but after a couple of days I cant wait to leave, I never feel this way with other big cities such as Paris.

[boom009]

london gets my vote
london got everything that paris has
people in London are more friendly and warmer than the ones in paris
as for the people who are talking about
architectures london has a diverse one a nice combination of old and new one london got bommbed severly so It lost so many old architectures while Paris still keep most of it

[Tama]

I have been to London many times and appreciate it. The theatre is great and I love pubs and Regent's Park. However, I agree with Mooseketer. London has a disjointed frenetic feel and look. I would say London is "working class" and Paris is "upper crust". I love Paris!

[Rockrocks]

Both are awesome. I took a long time to decide Paris because (it just happened to be that a coin is thrown head on)