Is Paris bigger than London? (hotel, living, shop)

[Corey the Otter]

Using the Eurostat Functional Urban Area standards (which I believe is the best way to get "city size" in Europe) the Paris FUA has slightly more people than the London FUA. It's also often said to have a bigger built up area than London.

I last went to Paris in 2008 and London in 2018 so it's hard to compare for myself. However, Paris has a busier metro system than London.

Which one feels bigger?

[Brave New World]

Originally Posted by Corey the Otter

Using the Eurostat Functional Urban Area standards (which I believe is the best way to get "city size" in Europe) the Paris FUA has slightly more people than the London FUA. It's also often said to have a bigger built up area than London.

I last went to Paris in 2008 and London in 2018 so it's hard to compare for myself. However, Paris has a busier metro system than London.

Which one feels bigger?

Paris has a higher density in terms of the centre if the city, although outside of the core London does gave a decent density and this includes London's metro area.

There's not a massive difference in terms of transport systems, and both cities have a good mix of metro systems coupled with heavy rail and other systems.

The one thing that does make London possibly feel bigger is that it has two large financial districts, and Canary Wharf is becoming ever more impressive, whilst London is starting to become more dense and has a lot of new modern developments in certain areas.

The Thames is also a much wider tidal river when compared to the Seine.

However like NYC it would take years to fully explore and appreciate all of the areas in each city, and most tourists and travellers only scratch the surface in relation to both cities.

Both cities have a historic heart, fantastic shopping and beautiful parks, and both are only just over 2 hours away on a Eurostar train, which makes them unique, as such important cities are rarely as close together or as accessible.

[masssachoicetts]

Paris has a higher density within it's city limits. Based off of perception.

London does feel bigger for longer though.

Based on perception, London.

[OyCrumbler]

Paris is a tiny bit (relative to their sizes) larger by any sort of metropolitan area definition applied apples to apples I've seen. I think a funny thing happens when it comes to feels bigger though. My experience is that Paris has a very strongly defined "feel" for what is and what is not Paris due to the actual architectural cues and urban layout. Meanwhile, Parisians themselves are incredibly snooty about what is and what is *not* Paris. Paris may have a larger/more populous metropolitan area, but Paris is and seemingly always will be a specific part so what feels like Paris will only go so far whereas where people will say they are in London or will be accepted by people as calling themselves Londoner is far more expansive and includes a far greater variation.

Not totally relevant to the topic, but I think there are what I would consider inaccurate statements made in this topic. The Paris region's mass transit system is notably more expansive than that of London's whether it's for within the metropolitan area or connection elsewhere. The RER system they have is like several Elizabeth lines and the HSR networks going through Paris is fantastic. There's also a lot of well-implemented light rail lines for somewhat less dense areas. Paris also has two financial districts of sorts. There's La Defense right outside of the city limits and the older one that is the area of the 2nd, 8th, and 9th arrondisements.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

From what I see on maps, its London.

[rohit177]

London is bigger than Paris in terms of the road,rail and transportation though Paris is comparably small but a beautiful city to visit. Looking for the budget hotel in London then consider Park City Grand Plaza Kensington for long term budget stays in London.

[Brave New World]

London is a man's town, there's power in the air
And Paris is a woman's town, with flowers in her hair
And it's sweet to dream in Venice, and it's great to study Rome
But when it comes to living there is no place like home.