Most US visitors to Europe make a beeline for one or both of the continent's most celebrated cities and as connections through the Channel Tunnel or by air become more frequent and cheaper, short breaks and even day trips have competition. This guide includes new favourites, such as the London Eye and the Pompidou Centre, as well as classics like Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower. These two European capitals are full of history and culture and buzz with street life. Graceful architecture, glorious art, exclusive shopping areas, and green, stately gardens are all compiled in an accessible, condensed format. The guide focuses on what short-stay visitors need to know, providing expert advice on major events, crucial sights, and the best places to shop, drink, eat, and stay. Even if the visitor only has a weekend, this essential guide goes straight to the heart of these historic but also vibrantly modern cities. Now fully redesigned, this new edition contains the most up-to-the-minute practical information and listings, along with color photographs and maps.