Travel_solo92

Ok so this is my first time traveling not only out of the USA but also on my own. I planned on going to three cities: Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin. I will be staying in hostels along the way and travel between cities either on bus or train (most likely train). I will travel for a total of 17 days and spend about 6 days in Paris and Amsterdam and five in Berlin. I guess I want advice on what to do at each city. I mean I've looked at tourist attractions like Eiffel tower and Versailles in Paris, the canals and parks and museums in Amsterdam and Berlin the memorials and museums as well. But, what else is there to do for me to do while I am out there alone or any advice on how to enjoy myself on my own.

Also, a little about myself, I am a 22 year old male. I just finished university so this is a gift to myself since it is something I've always wanted to do. I love history and museums but also enjoy going out or doing weird things I guess. It takes a lot to bore me essentially is what I am getting at so I am willing to go out of my way and try something that's odd like taking a tour of the sewer system in Paris or whatnot. I also don't mind leaving the cities themselves if there is something to do in a city or close by where I can take a day trip out of the city center.

Thanks a lot!

PalenQ

Wellf or the trains....some big euro-saving info - Thalys trains Paris to Amsterdam can have deep discounts for those who book very early - months early as low as 39 euros - walk-up fare is about 200 euros I believe so book early - cheaper fares can sell out way in advance and are non-changeable non-refundable.

Ditto for Amsterdam to Berlin - go to www.bahn.de/en the German Railways official site for similar fare discrepencies - for general info on trains in those areas I recommend: www.seat61.com - great info on discounted tickets; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com - not sure if the overnight Amsterdam to Berlin train link is still running but if it is there are similar discounts and you save the typeical $25 or so on the cheapest hostels - think youth hotels along with hostels - there are zillions in Paris and Amsterdam and a number in Berlin - don't just think HI or Hostelling International 'official' youth hostels that have at times curfews and various rules.

Pegontheroad

I suggest you get a guidebook or two and look at what there is to see in these towns. When I first began traveling, I didn't use guidebooks, and I think I missed a great deal. Now I buy/steal guidebooks and familiarize myself with what there is to see and o.

PalenQ

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ite-things.cfm

Some things me and and others love about beautiful Amsterdam!

Edward2005

Download the Fodors city app for your phone. Do it now.

hetismij2

Have a look online to see what is on during your stay, what concerts, exhibitions and the like are on.
Melkweg and Paradiso in Amsterdam often have concerts which still have tickets on the door, though for big names they tend to sell out.
http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/whats-on

http://www.amsterdam.info/whatson/


http://whatsupwithamsterdam.com/ may give you some ideas of different things to do.

Don't limit yourself to Amsterdam, visit other towns and cities in the Netherlands.

You should book your train tickets, and hostels asap. Those in Amsterdam fill up fast.

PalenQ

http://translate.google.com/translat...nt&prev=search

UitKrank is one longtime events site for Amsterdam activities for younger folk - especially music venues - there is also a printed version or was last time I were in Amsterdam you can pick up at places like the Milky Way or Paradiso - city-owned non-profit youth centres of long standing and repute - the Melweg offers many things to do like a nice healthy-foods centric cafe open free during the day - Paradiso is strictly a music venue and a top-notch one at that getting world-class performers as does the Melweg to a lesser extent.

I've been to both many times long ago when your ages and savor the memories and still bop in once in a while to reminesce and have fun.

Kathie

Good guidebooks will be worth their weight in gold! You want to know about what sorts of things are available in each city. I could list my favorite things, but no guarantee they will hold any interest for you.

In addition to museums, explore some of the beautiful parks. Sit in a cafe and people-watch, stroll the streets. Absorb the atmosphere.

And do think about the "popular" things to do - do they call to you? I have to admit I would 't pay 2 cents to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower - let alone stand in line for hours. Likewise, even with 10 days in Paris, we really didn't want to fight the crowds at Versailles. It's really ok not to do the things that everyone else does.

The (free) Fodors city apps are a good recommendation. We have free data on our phones and found that google was most helpful in getting us from place to place in Paris.

nytraveler

Look at the Let's Go Student guides - not only info on sights but how to live on a budget and where to find the student clubs and pubs for nightlife. Note that in europe wine and beer are usually quite cheap but hard liquor/mixed drinks are very expensive (mostly due to taxes).

tuckerdc

From kathie (above):

"It's really ok not to do the things that everyone else does."

The 12 words of wisdom ....only ones necessary!... For travel, anywhere.


And yes, you really should start w guidebooks, even if just library copies. Read through....take notes about anything that sounds good, strikes your fancy. And mentally eliminate anything 'enh,' (as in: 'not me' or 'i can do without'...)

Then, come back and tap the wealth of fodorite knowledge for specifics...

PalenQ

Yet to go to Paris and NOT see the Eiffel Tower - I may go up to its top floor for the awesome view over Paris - to most would be anathema - to most that is the top thing to do and yes you can have a wonderful trip without seeing it but what do most folks come to Europe to do - visit the famous things like Versailles that they have dreamt about their whole lives. YOLO!