TRAVEL FROM LONDON TO PARIS

We are headed from London to Paris on Wednesday, June 10th. 

How are we going to get there — you ask? 

We’re taking the Eurostar!!!

Eurostar is a high-speed train connecting Great Britain to Continental Europe. The Eurostar travels via the Channel Tunnel that runs 31 miles along the English Channel. This unique train will take you from London to Paris in ~ 2 hours.

The train from London to Paris is operated by Eurostar. Eurostar trains are undersea trains, linking Paris and Brussels with London.  

The London-Paris train leaves from St Pancras International - the London Eurostar terminus. St Pancras has great shopping, Europe's longest champagne bar, a farmers' market and top restaurants and bars. The train station in Paris is called Gare du Nord.

The best way to travel between the heart of London and Paris, Eurostar trains carry more travelers between its destinations than all airlines traveling these routes combined. 

Upon arrival at Gare du Nord terminal, you can find:
Cafés
A bureau de change (where one can exchange foreign money)
Newsagents and a gift shop
ATM machines
Ticket office open Mondays to Fridays from 06:05 to 21:05, Saturdays from 06:10 to 20:05 and Sundays from 07:15 to 21:05
e-ticket collection machines 
A registered baggage service
Toilets with baby-changing facilities

MORE FUN FACTS:

The St Pancras station has been included in many Harry Potter scenes.

The Gare du Nord has served as a backdrop in numerous French films. In US movies, both the exterior and the interior of the Gare du Nord are seen in the 2002 film The Bourne Identity with Matt Damon and again in the trilogy's finale, The Bourne Ultimatum. It was also seen in Ocean's Twelve. Scenes of Gossip Girl '​s episode "Double Identity" were shot inside the Gare du Nord. It is also mentioned in "Polaris" by Jimmy Eat World off their album Futures. In addition, the station was featured in the video for the song "Home" by Blake Shelton.

Eurostar trains travel over 186 mph

From the Eurostar website:

Eurostar is the high-speed passenger train from London to Paris & Brussels via the Channel Tunnel, taking as little as 2 hours 15 minutes for the (307 miles) to Paris. Eurostar trains leaves London St Pancras station almost every hour for the Gare du Nord in central Paris. Eurostar trains are run by Eurostar International Limited, a company owned 55% by SNCF French Railways, 5% by SNCB Belgian Railways & 40% by London & Continental Railways, a company owned by the UK government. Eurostar carries passengers, not cars, so don't confuse Eurostar with Eurotunnel, the company which owns the Channel Tunnel whose car-carrying trains shuttle road vehicles across the Channel. Eurostar first started running in 1994. Buy tickets direct from Eurostar at www.eurostar.com & print your own ticket.

You must check in for Eurostar 30 minutes before departure...

Unlike other British and European trains, Eurostar operates a check-in system. You must check in for your Eurostar train to Paris at least 30 minutes before departure.

The check-in gates at St Pancras are in a passageway just off the lower concourse, one level down from the Eurostar trains themselves.

Check-in normally opens 1-2 hours before each train departure (it varies depending how busy they expect to be), and you check in by putting your ticket into the automatic ticket gates at the entrance to the departure lounge, or (if you've a print-at-home ticket) placing the ticket barcode against the small scanner screen on the ticket gate. Alternatively, there are staffed check-in kiosks. If for any reason you want to change your allocated seat (for example, to make sure you're facing forward), ask at one of these kiosks on check-in. Make sure all your bags are labeled with your name.

Immediately after passing through the check-in gates there is an airline-style security check with X-ray and metal detectors, but this is both quicker and easier than airport security. 

 
Facilities inside the Eurostar terminal...

Once inside the Eurostar departure lounge, there is a café, bar, small shop, toilets, and a Eurostar information desk. The Eurostar information desk can provide you with Eurostar information, a free map of Paris, a 'carnet' (book) of 10 Paris metro tickets or Paris visitor metro passes.

The six Eurostar platforms at St Pancras (platforms 5-10) are directly above the departure lounge, and an announcement will be made when your train is ready for boarding, usually about 15 minutes before departure. There are two gently-sloping moving walkways up to each platform, plus a lift. If your reservation is in cars 1-5, you use one walkway, if your reservation is in cars 6-18 you use the other.

Inside Eurostar...

Eurostar trains are completely non-smoking. All Eurostar trains were completely refurbished with a new interior by designer Philippe Starck between autumn 2004 and autumn 2005, you can see a virtual tour inside a Eurostar train at www.eurostar.com.

MONEY, TIPPING and MORE

iandrininstitute

Travel to the United Kingdom and France can be a bit confusing money wise, since although they are neighbors, the money they use is different.


Great Britain still uses the British pound sterling.

Google Images

 The sign for the pound is £ penny: p

GBP = Great British Pound 

The singular of pence is "penny". The symbol for the penny is "p"; so an amount such as 50p is often pronounced "fifty pee" rather than "fifty pence". Nicknames: Pound Sterling, Sterling, Quid, Nicker

Like US currency, the British have both coins and banknotes.

Current coins are:

1 penny, 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, 1 pound, and 2 pounds.

Current bank notes are:

the 5 pound note, the 10 pound note, the 20 pound note and the 50 pound note.

Google Images

When we head to France, we'll be using the Euro.

The euro currency sign is € 

The euro is the sole currency of 19 EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. These countries constitute the "eurozone".The coins are issued in €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c denominations.

The design for the euro banknotes has common designs on both sides. Notes are issued in €500, €200,€100, €50, €20, €10, €5.

As of 3/24/15, the Exchange Rates were:

1 US Dollar = 0.67 British Pound Sterling

(or 1 British Pound Sterling = 1.49 US Dollar)

and

1 US Dollar = 0.91 Euro

(or 1 Euro = 1.09 US Dollar)

***So figuring out the conversion quickly - you can constantly consult your Currency Converter app, OR just roughly know the exchange rates.  So if the rate in France is 1 euro to 1.09 dollars - it's pretty much a wash.  But in the UK where its 1 pound to $1.49 - you just need to multiply.  So if you're buying some fish and chips for 5 euros, then it costs 5 x $~1.50, or about $7.50.  10 pounds is about $15, and 100 pounds = ~$1,500 (100 x 1.50). 

MONEY IN RESTAURANTS:

Tipping is not always expected in the UK in the way it is in the United States. All staff in the UK, must by law, be paid at least the National Minimum Wage whether they receive tips or not. Unlike in the US, the need for tipping is much less.

As a general rule, it is very rarely expected that one tips in the UK, unless the service is outstanding, but it is polite to forgo change, as a convenience and to be polite. And the restaurants often add 12.5% as a service charge.  So if you are going to tip 10-15% for great service, make sure you check your bill so you don't tip twice.

Tipping in France

(from The Paris Insider)

gofrance

By law, every check includes the service for the employees (usually 15%) which is different than a gratuity.The 15 percent service charge will be itemized on your check, on top of the VAT tax (French sales tax). The words service compris (tip included) indicate that the tip has already been included in the total. And if you don’t see them, don't worry, the service is included by law.

Only if you think that the experience was worth leaving something extra do you leave a tip/gratuity for your garçon (waiter).   But...don’t feel obligated to overtip. In all but the fanciest of restaurants, leaving more than 5-10% is generally not done.

In France there is not a place on the bottom near the meal total where you write in a gratuity. It can either be left in cash discreetly on the table, or just ask the server to add it to the total charged on the card.
Something to keep in mind however, is that the level of “service” in France depends entirely upon which type of place you are eating.

A casual bistro is not set up like a restaurant, and there are usually two servers responsible for the entire room. Their job is to make sure you have utensils, bread, glasses and take and deliver the order. That’s it. They are not going to be stopping to ask if you need anything, it is your job to flag them down discreetly when you need something. Leaving euro coins, cash bills or adding a gratuity to the bank card is acceptable.

In a restaurant, there are usually several people responsible for your table, a server, a sommelier, etc. and they should be anticipating your needs such as glasses being refilled, answering questions about wines, etc. Leaving cash bills or adding gratuity to the bank card is acceptable.

TAXIS

UK

It is polite to tip 10-15% of the taxi fare for black cabs and licensed minicabs in London. 

blackcabblog

However, most people simply round up the fare to the nearest £1 and tell the driver to "keep the change". If you've had a longer journey and the driver has assisted you with luggage, you may wish to tip a little more, up to £5.

France

Like restaurants, tipping in a taxi isn’t necessary, but you can give a little extra, roughly an extra 1-2€ in Paris no matter what the fare. If coming from the airport and the driver’s helped you with luggage and the like, 5% is fine to give him or her.

Conversely, if they take you on a tour of Paris, ie: the longest route possible, don’t give them anything unless they were doing it to avoid traffic or a demonstration blocking the streets.

HAVING CASH ON HAND

If you bank with Bank of America, you can use Barclays ATMs in London with no fees attached.  

barclays

I'll take a bit of cash over with me ~$100 (and will get pounds from my bank in the US), so that I don't have to deal with lines when I get off the plane in London, but you don't want to be walking around with a bunch of cash.  You usually get the best rates at ATMs or Post Offices when in London.


Just realize that you ARE going lose money each time you change it.  At a bank, you lose ~ 8 % when you change dollars to euros. When you use currency exchange booths such as Travelex at the airport, you lose ~ 15 percent. If you must change cash in Europe, the postal banks inside post offices usually have the best rate.

Also, I only use my debit card for getting cash. I use credit cards for larger purchases and I use cash for purchases in small, independently owned shops like convenience stores.

Also, use the local money - if you find a place that accepts US Dollars - beware. Your purchase is costing you ~ 20% more because of that merchant's exchange rate.

***You should definitely let your credit card companies and bank know you will be traveling overseas so they don't block your cards.

Also - change back to dollars at the end of your trip. 

googleimages

If you have pounds or euros left at the end of your trip, change it into dollars at the airport or simply spend it at the airport before you fly home. You might get a few more dollars from your US bank for that last few foreign bills, but it’s very nice to simply fly home with nothing but dollars in your pocket.

HARRODS!

HARRODS!!!

We'll be shopping at THE most famous 

department store in the world!

While it's not technically "historical" - the famed Harrod's Department Store is a must see in London. And it's not just clothes and accessories shopping, their gourmet food floor is absolutely amazing - everything from chocolate delicacies to fresh seafood to a meat market to cheeses.

And it does have some amazing history:

The history of this famous luxury store goes back to 1849 when Charles Henry Harrod opened a grocery at Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, at the time a small village just outside London. Just two years later, the Great Exhibition of 1851, which took place at Crystal Palace in nearby Hyde Park, brought many visitors to the area. Knightsbridge and Harrod's new store boomed.

Charles Harrod's son (also named Charles) took over and quickly expanded the store, at the time known as 'Harrods Stores'. The department store became well known for its high quality products and excellent personalized service.

In 1894 Harrods was taken over by Richard Burbridge who had the store completely rebuilt. He also installed London's first escalator, in 1898. The current building was also commissioned by Burbridge. The impressive domed structure was built between 1901 and 1905 after a design by local architects C. W. Stephens and E. J. Munt.

Main Store
Monday to Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 11:30am* - 6pm

Selected Food Halls open
Monday to Saturday: 9am - 9pm
Sunday: 11:30am* - 6pm From Wikepedia
The store occupies a 5-acre site and has over one million square feet of selling space in over 330 departments making it the biggest department store in Europe.

The Harrods motto is Omnia Omnibus Ubique—All Things for All People, Everywhere. Several of its departments, including the seasonal Christmas department and the Food Halls, are world famous. The shop's 330 departments offer a wide range of products and services. Products on offer include clothing for women, men, children and infants, electronics, jewelery, sporting gear, bridal wear, pets and pet accessories, toys, food and drink, health and beauty items, packaged gifts, stationery, housewares, home appliances, furniture, and much more.

Fruit and Vegetable Hall

Meat and Fish Hall

There are also 32 restaurants, serving everything from high tea to tapas to a French cafe to pub food to haute cuisine; a personal shopping-assistance programme known as "By Appointment"; a watch repair service; a tailor; a dispensing pharmacy; a beauty spa and salon; a barbers shop; Harrods Financial Services; Harrods Bank; Ella Jade Bathroom Planning and Design Service; private events planning and catering; food delivery; a wine steward; bespoke picnic hampers and gift boxes; bespoke cakes; bespoke fragrances; and Bespoke Arcades machines.

Other departments include the Urban Retreat at Harrods spa, a theatre ticket bureau, and The Studio, the store’s interior-design service. Qatar Holding acquired the business in 2010, and it continues to guide the store according to its philosophy: Anything is possible.

Morelli's Gelato

Up to 300,000 customers visit the shop on peak days, comprising the highest proportion of customers from non-English speaking countries of any department store in London. More than five thousand staff from over fifty different countries work at Harrods. 

Since the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi Al-Fayed, Mohamed Al-Fayed's son, two memorials commissioned by Al-Fayed have been erected inside Harrods to the couple. The first, located at the base of the Egyptian Escalator, was unveiled on 12 April 1998, consisting of photographs of the two behind a pyramid-shaped display that holds a wine glass smudged with lipstick from Diana's last dinner as well as what is described as an engagement ring Dodi purchased the day before they died.

Egyptian Staircase top

Egyptian Staircase bottom

The second memorial, unveiled in 2005 and located by the escalator at door three is entitled "Innocent Victims", a bronze statue of the two dancing on a beach beneath the wings of an albatross, a bird said to symbolize the "Holy Spirit".The sculpture was created by William Mitchell, a close friend of Al-Fayed and artistic design advisor to Harrods for 40 years. Al-Fayed said he wanted to keep the pair's "spirit alive" through the statue.

After the death of Michael Jackson, Al-Fayed announced that they had already been discussing plans to build a memorial statue.This was unveiled in April 2011 at the rear of Craven Cottage football ground (Fulham F.C.) but removed in September 2013 on the orders of new club owner Shahid Khan.

Underground Stations

Knightsbridge Tube Station

3 minutes walk

Hyde Park Corner Tube Station

10 minutes walk

Railway Stations

Victoria Railway Station

17 minutes walk

Paddington Railway Station

27 minutes walk

ATTENDING AT PLAY AT THE INFAMOUS WEST END!

GUESS WHAT WE'RE DOING?  

SEEING A PLAY IN LONDON!

You can't go to London and not experience (at least once) seeing a play in the famed West End!

From Wikepedia:
West End theatre is a common term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of "Theatreland" in and near the West End of London. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world.

Total attendances first surpassed 12 million in 2002 and then 13 million in 2007, setting a new record for the West End. In 2013 ticket sales were 14,587,276. Since the 1990s there has been an increase in the number of famous film actors on the London stage.

London has overtaken New York as the world's biggest theater capital, according to a new report by the Society of London Theatre. The average ticket price overall was £27.76 ($46.73), while the average for commercial West End theaters was £36.05 ($60.69). By contrast, the average ticket price for a Broadway show passed the $100 milestone this season, hitting $103.88.

West End attendance outstripped Broadway's by 20%.

Over 22 million people attended performances in London's 241 professional theaters. That's 40 per cent more than the 13 million who turned up at Premier League soccer matches. Both admissions and box office were up over the previous year. London's 241 theaters seat over 110,000. 

On average, over 3,000 performers and 6,500 full-time staff are working in London theaters, together with over 10,000 part-time and freelance staff.

But enough details of the West End - here's what we'll be seeing:

"AMERICAN BUFFALO" 

- starring Damian Lewis, John Goodman and Tom Sturridge

Ben Beaumont-Thomas

@ben_bt

Friday 12 December 201406.50 ESTLast modified on Friday 12 December 201419.35 EST

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News re the play:
Damian Lewis, the actor who gained global fame as Brody in Homeland, is to return to the London stage in a production of David Mamet’s American Buffalo.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Lewis called it “one of the great plays of the 20th century by one of the great living playwrights”. American Buffalo will be directed by Daniel Evans, with whom Lewis trained at London’s Guildhall drama school, and will open at Wyndham’s Theatre on 16 April.

It’s the first play Lewis will have appeared in since 2009, when he performed opposite Keira Knightley in Molière’s The Misanthrope, though he has a rich history on the stage: he was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company for five years in the 1990s, and appeared opposite Ralph Fiennes on Broadway for a production of Hamlet. In 2005, he performed in Five Gold Rings with Helen McCrory, who later became his wife.

American Buffalo is the blunt tale of a pair of junk-shop workers plotting to steal a valuable coin collection, and the Eton-educated Lewis admitted that the blue-collar milieu is far from his own. “It’s a big challenge, of course, but that is what is attractive about it. My experience in life is not that of these guys in the play. When I play Americans, I tend to play lower American types for whatever reason.”

John Goodman will make his West End debut playing Don Dubrow, one of three small-time crooks plotting to steal a valuable coin collection. In a statement, Goodman said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the stage … in such a fantastic project with two brilliant British actors both of whom I’ve admired for some time. David Mamet is a writer I have loved throughout my career and so I’m thrilled to be bringing his work alive on stage.”

Goodman’s previous theatre credits in the US include a 2009 production of Waiting for Godot at Studio 54 and the long-running Broadway musical Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in the mid-80s.

The British actor Tom Sturridge completes the cast. After his award-winning theatre debut in Simon Stephens’s Punk Rock at the Lyric Hammersmith and Manchester’s Royal Exchange, Sturridge was nominated for a Tony for his 2013 performance on Broadway in Orphans alongside Alec Baldwin. He will also appear in the BBC’s next Hollow Crown series. Sturridge said: “I think [American Buffalo] is dangerous and delicate, funny and frightening … I can’t wait to fight to make an audience feel about it as I do.”

American Buffalo runs from 16 April to 27 June 2015 at Wyndham’s theatre. 

GETTING EXCITED!!!!!

WHAT TO WEAR/PACK???

First of all, we are coming to Europe from the Southeastern United States in early June.  So we will already be accustomed to temperatures in the 80s and lots of sunshine.  We won't, however, be packing clothes for the same climate!

London's average temps in early June are 66-68 degrees for highs and 52-55 degrees for lows - - - (and then there's that pesky precipation too).

Paris' average temps are only slightly higher at 69-70 degrees for highs and 55-56 degrees for lows.

We, therefore will be very comfortable in trousers and will need to bring a sweater or light jacket/raincoat.

Most of what we are doing will be casual (including attending a play in London's West End), but we will be going out to a couple of nice dinners where a jacket will be required for the guys.

London is more "anything goes" as far as fashion goes.  But Paris is much much more fashion oriented, and you will feel very out of place if your "go-to" outfit includes shorts, flip-flops and tank tops.

PARIS clothing guide 

(from ParisEscapes)
Men's Fashion Tips (P.S. Think "metrosexual")
Basically it's clothes that fit and are neat, not slouchy sloppy.
1. Leave the Athletic Wear at Home - The sweat pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, baseballs hats, and windbreakers that you live in at home aren't seen outside the "home" in Paris. Dress up a tad - sport a black sports-coat vs a hoodie, or a polo shirt instead of a t-shirt.

Unlike the US, common places, such as shops and cafes, are often considered part of a Parisian's "home". By dressing up a little, you are showing respect. And, this respect will translate into better treatment in cafes, shops and restaurants.

2. Wear Light-Weight Pants, Not Shorts - In many European churches, showing bare legs and shoulders is a sign of disrespect. This idea must have spread to outside the church, because you rarely see Parisian men and women wearing shorts in public. However, to stay cool, the men do wear capri pants - something you don't see often in the US.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes, Not White Tennis Shoes - If you want to blend in, leave at home your white/tennis running shoes. We know that these shoes are comfortable and built for mileage, but white tennis shows are the tell-tale sign of "American Tourist". Unfortunately, many that prey on tourists also know that this is the case. Don't make yourself an easy mark for pickpockets - leave the tennis shoes at home.

There are many shoes designed for walking (Ecco, Mephisto, or Dansko). One day of climbing steps up monuments and navigating cobble stoned corridors and you'll understand why these sturdy European brands are so popular among Parisians.

shawnvoyage

FOR WOMEN:

1. Neutrals are Key - If you're from a climate that sports a lot of florals and bright colors, aim for the subdued approach. You can never go wrong wearing black in Paris - in fact, you'll notice that this is the color scheme that most of the locals live in. You've heard it all before - black is slimming, always in style, and versatile - a flattering black sweater or pants/skirt can be dressed down for daywear and easily spruced up for a night on the town.Black
Grey
Navy
Brown
White
Burgundy
2. Leave Leisure Wear at Home - Leave your hoodies and matching sweatpants, white tennis shoes, shorts at home. The comfortable clothes that suburban American women live in, are not seen on Parisians outside of their homes.

Elisabeth Fourmont of La Coquette, a Parisian fashion blog, says it best, 'Most countries fetishise styles only young people look good in, whereas in Paris there are interesting women dressing their age. 'That's why designers find Paris so inspiring.' And always look neat: 'There's a lot you can't get away with here,' continues Fourmont. 'Wearing a tracksuit and flip-flops to the post office is a form of disrespect.' Bottom line: Dress your age and dress nicely - you'll be rewarded with better treatment in cafés, shops and restaurants

3. Make a Statement with Accessories and Scarves - Don't over pack with too many outfits. Bring basics that travel well and that you can mix and match. Dress up your outfits with accessories - necklaces, earrings and scarves. Scarves are ubiquitous in Paris - Parisian women know they are a quick and easy way to pull an outfit together.

They also make great souvenirs. You can usually purchase a few silk scarves in the season's hottest colors and patterns (usually, a year ahead of trends in the US) for 5-10 euros at the stands outside the Galleries Lafayette. Or, splurge at Hermes for a scarf that will last a lifetime (and at 300+ euros/scarf it should).

4. Wear Comfortable Shoes, Not White Tennis Shoes - Paris is a city made for walking and you'll be on your feet more than you can imagine. You will see trendy, flat "puma" like tennis shoes on young Parisians, but if you want to blend in, leave at home your white/tennis running shoes. We know that these shoes are comfortable and built for mileage, but white tennis shoes scream "American Tourist". Truthfully, when you see white shoes in a sea of black, you know that is an American in Paris. Buy shoes made for walking. Or, wear a pair of flats, loafers or short-heeled boots that have been battle-tested at home for walking.

Remember: Paris is not the city to "break-in" a new pair of shoes.

5. Jeans are OK - Five years ago, you never saw anyone in Paris wearing jeans except teenagers. Today, denim is a growing Paris trend. Jeans are everywhere - upscale restaurants have even lessened their dress codes to admit designer jean clad customers.

Before you toss your favorite Levi's in a suitcase, remember that we're talking about Paris, and the jeans you see on Parisians contain certain stylistic elements - dark, slim fit "skinny jeans", or slight flare - paired with low-heels or ballet flats for daytime walking and stilettos for going out at night. If your jeans can be described as high-waisted or pleated, you'll feel more comfortable wearing black pants or a skirt - especially for dining in the evening.

6. Don't Worry About Your Hair and Make-Up - A bonus about visiting Paris is that you don't need to obsess over your hair and make-up. It seems like a contradiction in terms, but Parisian woman tend to favor the natural look more than their American counterparts. Hairstyles are more unstructured and air dried. You'll see more long hair pulled back into a casual chignon than elaborately straightened and styled like in the US.

Make-up is minimal with an emphasis on glowing skin (visit any French pharmacy and you will be stunned by the amount of products promising "prefect, pore-free, blemish-free radiant" skin). To quote Laura Mercier, the French creator of a line of cosmetics, "French women are not flashy. They must be subtle. The message must not be, 'I'm spending hours on my face to look beautiful."

Parisian cosmetologists caution restraint by choosing one area to highlight - shadowed eyes mean neutral or no lipstick, wear lipstick and keep your eyes untouched, and let your natural skin show by wearing minimal foundation and little blush. 

Parisians just take a basic uniform like a t-shirt, blazer, jeans, and ballet flats or heels, and then change up the t-shirt to something graphic with a pattern, or instead of a blazer, they wear a black leather jacket.

pinterest image

savespendsplurge

LONDON:

Londoners are not going to look down on you because of what you are wearing (unlike Parisians), but London has come a long way over the past 30 years.  You don't really see any Londoners wearing tennis shoes.

We are attending a play in the West End one night, but it's not a formal event.  Women definitely can get away with pants and flats vs a dress and heels. You want to dress nicely for afternoon tea as well as in certain restaurants (Sushi Samba is known for having well-dressed patrons for example and has a "bouncer" of sorts that will turn people away who are dressy shabbily).

Thoughts on PACKING:
Having said all of the above, my main goal is to pack LIGHT.  It'll be a first.  I do not want to be struggling with numerous bags that weigh me down or are impossible for me to lift without assistance. 

Here's a sample of how to pack LIGHT for a 2 week trip:

alldaychic

And this checklist from Huffington Post is great:

Click here for a legible list to view or print out.

They also suggest a few ways not to embarrass yourself while traveling in Europe:
1. Pack Too Much
2. Dress like you're attending a ball game
3. Overtip
4. Be really loud
5. Complain about dining dissimilarities
6. Freak out about paid toilets
(see full article here)

Here's another fabulous website with a list for a 10 day trip to Europe for women - http://travelfashiongirl.com/my-10-piece-packing-list-for-10-days-in-paris-and-rome-in-summer/

And another that has tips for what men should pack: http://traveltipsbyken.blogspot.com/p/mens-packing-list-for-europe-ive.html#.VQHg-0v_XwI

My goal is to have a handbag, a small backpack and a suitcase.  All of these can be handled by myself alone.  It's a sad situation when your luggage controls you: