London? Florence? A medium-sized town in Provence? If any of those strongly do or don't appeal, say so and we'll have a better idea where to go from there with suggestions.

Based on what you like, my suggestions are Rome, London or Amsterdam. I think it's important to branch out and try someplace different, especially on a second trip. Have fun.

Harvey--All the things you loved in Paris are also enjoyable in other major cities of the world. If you have 2 weeks, you might consider a trip to Italy, using a few days each in Rome, Florence, and Venice to visit museums, historical sights, and to enjoy the people (both locals and tourists) and the food! London is great for all of the above and has the added appeal of great theater; Amsterdam, Brussels, Munich, Madrid, and many others beckon as well. The important thing about visiting a country other than one's homeland is to broaden one's experience and understanding of the world. Since I began my overseas travel a few years ago, I have learned more about geography, history, language, anthropology, and the arts than I ever learned as a student. Each year, my husband and I choose a destination, then research it by reading guidebooks, viewing videos, talking to travelers and natives, and even trying to learn some of the language. A great deal of pleasure and knowledge can be gained during your planning. If you aren't sure where to go, put your top five choices of destinations on slips of paper and draw one from a basket--you can't go wrong if you like the idea of travel. Buon viaggio!

Well, if you love art and museums, you would no doubt love Firenze. But, I DO NOT recommend that you go in April or May as the city will be inundated with tourists, who will ruin your impression of Firenze. The same goes for Venizia. I would then recommend London, Barcelona, or Roma. These cities are all full of art, cafes, beautiful people, and lend themselves to wandering.

How about Madrid? Cafes and museums abound, and it is fairly inexpensive. What I particularlyliked was that the culture is quite different from the rest of Western Europe, perhaps a reflection of the Moorish influence. Madrid is easy to get around, and day trips (Toledo, Seville, etc.) are very doable, too.

I'd second the motions for Madrid and Barcelona. Both offer neighborhoods and broad boulevards like Paris but a different culture with a different language, so some of the same and some different than what you've experienced before. I often try to schedule travels to provide that. Strange as it sounds another city that provides some of the sme wonderful kinds of people watching, markets, and broad boulevards as Paris, is Istanbul. You might try that as well, or make it a third trip after Madrid and Barcelona.

All the above suggestions are great, but for London has to be in the top rankings of any list. While I loved the other cities, there is just so much to see. Endless museums (big and small), parks, palaces, historical locations, every interest under the sun, scores of day trips. I have spent several months in London, and now use it as a "hub" when going to other places. Each time I go back I discover new things that I missed. Think it was Ben Johnson who said that the person who was tired of London is tired of life. And they have added quiet a bit since his day.

After Paris, the choice is difficult for many of us because there are so many worthy candidates. London certainly is at the top of the list. So is Berlin.
We don't read much about Berlin on this forum but it is a vibrant, electrifying city to visit.

After Paris and London, I personally chose to visit Vienna. In the summer of 2000, we visited Paris first and then toured across Switzerland and Austria to Vienna.

It is hard to describe the differences between Paris and London, other than those of language and geography, because they are subtle, but profound.

Munich is a fun city to visit, although it does not quite offer the variety and verve of Paris or Vienna.

It has been a few years since I was in Copenhagen but, unless it has changed, I found it an interesting place to visit.
And, of course, Rome has its adherents. Some feel there is no place like it, while others will suggest Venice for a major change of pace and culture.

My decision to visit Vienna was based on my desire to check out the classical music performance scene. In that context, there is indeed no place quite like Vienna. So I think your choice should be based on going to a city that can offer someting that you like. That way you satisfy yourself.

The suggestion of Vienna strikes me as a good one. Like Paris it is a major city, has lovely architecture, good museums, nice avenues for strolling, good shopping, plenty to do in a single place. The cafe culture in Vienna may be even more advanced than in Paris and it is possible to wander forever.

April is a good time to go to the low countries as it will be in bloom. If you go don't write off Belgium. Gent is beautiful with a bounty of medieval architecture and a lot of fun.

Thanks for all the good suggestions and the pros and cons! We will be going to Spain the next 2 falls to visit our children in school, so I want somewhere different. London, Amsterdam, Vienna, Italy, Berlin. Maybe I will draw lots. More good suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

Harvey,

In April and May I would do Rome and south (Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento...) From what you describe loving about Paris you will love Rome.

What about Prague?

I studied in Paris about six years ago and I really loved it. If you loved Paris, then you will really like Prague, Barcelona, and Vienna. A lot of other places are really nice too. You will not be disapointed.

Amsterdam and Venice would be my choice.

London or Vienna.

Italy gets my vote. We were there for 3 weeks last May. If you loved Paris, you'll love Rome. Even filled with tourists. After a week in Roma, you can take the train to a place like Orvietto or Chiusi, and pick up a car to easily tour little towns from a smaller, more personal base. You will love Italy. I didn't think anything could surpass Paris, myself. It is just as wonderful and very different.

I just spent almost 2 weeks in Barcelona alone. It was fantastic. There is so much to see in Barcelona - I spent 7 entire days there. I also went out to Montserrat, Girona and Tarragona. You can centralize in Barcelona and take trains very easily to several destinations. There is also Figueres, Sitges and the Costa Brava, to name a few. I stayed at the "Hotel Continental" at La Rambla, 138. It is a great value for the money and has an excellent location. You can read reviews about it at fodors.com. Belgium is also an excellent country to visit. I stayed in Brussels and trained it every day to a lot of great cities, esp. Brugges and Luxembourg City. The weather was excellent in July, not sure about the temp in April/May.