What city might match my interests?
May 24th, 2005, 09:57 AM
#1
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What city might match my interests?
My husband and I have never been to Europe, but I'll have about $3500 burning a hole in my pocket for a trip in September or October. I'm looking for some feedback to point me in the right direction. I have done some preliminary research for London, Paris, Rome, Venice, and Barcelona, but I don't want to close myself off to other possibilities.
Here's a quick run-down of our interests:
DISLIKES:
bed and breakfasts
rural areas
sports
bars
San Francisco (well, I was UNDERwhelmed)
nightclubs/dance clubs
shopping
bland touristy stuff
rude people
LIKE:
urban areas near rivers/lakes/oceans
relatively clean cities
walkable cities
Manhattan
architecture
theatre
independent film
classic jazz
gardens/conservatories
history
modern art (post-impressionism through mid-20th century)
museums
good vegetarian food (although we're not "foodies"
Any input is appreciated! Thanks!
Here's a quick run-down of our interests:
DISLIKES:
bed and breakfasts
rural areas
sports
bars
San Francisco (well, I was UNDERwhelmed)
nightclubs/dance clubs
shopping
bland touristy stuff
rude people
LIKE:
urban areas near rivers/lakes/oceans
relatively clean cities
walkable cities
Manhattan
architecture
theatre
independent film
classic jazz
gardens/conservatories
history
modern art (post-impressionism through mid-20th century)
museums
good vegetarian food (although we're not "foodies"
Any input is appreciated! Thanks!
May 24th, 2005, 10:04 AM
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Some contradictions on your list but two things to consider are ....$3500 doesn't go as far as it used to and ... first timers to Europe are seldom disappionted with London and Paris.
Depending on
1)where you are flying from and
2) whether you fly in September or October and
3)what you expect from your hotel and 4) how long you plan to be gone you can have a great time in some great cities.
Depending on
1)where you are flying from and
2) whether you fly in September or October and
3)what you expect from your hotel and 4) how long you plan to be gone you can have a great time in some great cities.
May 24th, 2005, 10:20 AM
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HA! Yes, I agree--contradictions on the lists!
I neglected to mention that we'd be flying from a major mid-western city, and we planned to spend 4-5 days at our destination, and $3500 was approximate upper limit for hotel & airfare.
I neglected to mention that we'd be flying from a major mid-western city, and we planned to spend 4-5 days at our destination, and $3500 was approximate upper limit for hotel & airfare.
May 24th, 2005, 10:26 AM
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I am confused because your "Likes" basically scream "San Francisco" which is one of your "Dislikes".
First choices: London, Paris or Amsterdam.
Second choices: Rome, Vienna, Venice, Madrid, Lisbon or Berlin.
Two on $3500 is going to be about as cheap as you can go. Whilst London is more expensive, you can save some on airfare so it basically evens out. But Paris may be your best bet.
First choices: London, Paris or Amsterdam.
Second choices: Rome, Vienna, Venice, Madrid, Lisbon or Berlin.
Two on $3500 is going to be about as cheap as you can go. Whilst London is more expensive, you can save some on airfare so it basically evens out. But Paris may be your best bet.
May 24th, 2005, 10:41 AM
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I'm not sure which major midwestern city, Chicago? Denver? Both have non-stop flights to London...
My husband and I have a long lists of likes that include yours, although we like a little evening out at an English Pub (great place to meet locals) or a Parisian jazz club.
I say go to London for a couple of days and then head to Paris for a week. $3500 might be a little short for that, but you could do it. Right now flights to/from Paris or London run around $750 from Denver where I am...and if you go on a reasonable budget of $100 per person per day, the other $2,000 could get you through almost 10 days there.
Book your hotel in Paris asap as the good ones get reserved early.
Paris is clean, surprisingly friendly as soon as you learn how to say "Bonjour!" and "Merci"!
If you start a conversation in English, it won't last long, but if you learn those two little niceties, you'll find the French quite nice and accommodating (and most speak English in Paris, if all else fails, a phrasebook with lots of "Please" and "thank yous" will get you through).
I've been to Manhattan this past year and was similarly amazed at the friendliness of New Yorkers, despite their reputation for being brusque.
My weekend in SF was a bit underwhelming too. Although I was there in November and it rained buckets the whole time and I never did see the Golden Gate Bridge because of the fog.
Another tip -- get Rick Steves Europe Through The Back Door -- it's a general travel skills book with lots of information about different countries in Europe that will give you plenty to chew on.
If it all works out, maybe we'll meet for a cafe au lait in Paris in September, that's when we're going again!
Happy Travels.
Jules
My husband and I have a long lists of likes that include yours, although we like a little evening out at an English Pub (great place to meet locals) or a Parisian jazz club.
I say go to London for a couple of days and then head to Paris for a week. $3500 might be a little short for that, but you could do it. Right now flights to/from Paris or London run around $750 from Denver where I am...and if you go on a reasonable budget of $100 per person per day, the other $2,000 could get you through almost 10 days there.
Book your hotel in Paris asap as the good ones get reserved early.
Paris is clean, surprisingly friendly as soon as you learn how to say "Bonjour!" and "Merci"!
If you start a conversation in English, it won't last long, but if you learn those two little niceties, you'll find the French quite nice and accommodating (and most speak English in Paris, if all else fails, a phrasebook with lots of "Please" and "thank yous" will get you through).
I've been to Manhattan this past year and was similarly amazed at the friendliness of New Yorkers, despite their reputation for being brusque.
My weekend in SF was a bit underwhelming too. Although I was there in November and it rained buckets the whole time and I never did see the Golden Gate Bridge because of the fog.
Another tip -- get Rick Steves Europe Through The Back Door -- it's a general travel skills book with lots of information about different countries in Europe that will give you plenty to chew on.
If it all works out, maybe we'll meet for a cafe au lait in Paris in September, that's when we're going again!
Happy Travels.
Jules
May 24th, 2005, 10:43 AM
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I guess I fell in love the absolute largeness, grandness and density of NYC. So much to see and do. It just had a buzz or a "wow" that I didn't feel in SF (and I visited SF before NYC, not after). I guess it all boils down to personal chemistry. I do appreciate the feedback so far!
May 24th, 2005, 10:53 AM
#10
Paris or Amsterdam are my vote.
I love Venice but don't think it has that intensity of big city "wow" factor you seem to be looking for.
I would include Geneva and the towns nearby because they are an almost exact fit to your list of likes, but it is an expensive area.
With only 4-5 days I would *definitely* look into a hotel & air package, check out ads in any travel magazine for some ideas.
I love Venice but don't think it has that intensity of big city "wow" factor you seem to be looking for.
I would include Geneva and the towns nearby because they are an almost exact fit to your list of likes, but it is an expensive area.
With only 4-5 days I would *definitely* look into a hotel & air package, check out ads in any travel magazine for some ideas.
May 24th, 2005, 10:59 AM
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If you've never been to Europe, nearly anyplace you go will impress you - trust me. As others have mentioned, Paris would knock your socks off, as would Vienna, Venice, Rome, etc. Your $3500 limit may be a hinderance with today's strong Euro, but you can get by quite inexpensively if you sleep in modest 1 or 2 * hotels, and eat where the locals eat. If you are true vegetarians, this could make things tricky in many places, but Italy would be the most accomodating. Venice is the most visually stunnng and best walking city in Europe, but there is not much green space. Rome has everything you want, but can be overwelming for a first timer to Europe.
May 24th, 2005, 11:11 AM
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If you can get good airfares - and don't need upscale hotels - I would go for London. ($3500 wouldn;t cover it otherwise) - because I think it' the best match.
After that Paris.
You will love either one.
After that Paris.
You will love either one.
May 24th, 2005, 11:36 AM
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If $3500 is your upper limit for air and hotel then I am sure this is easily do-able in London for 4-5 days in October. London also ticks pretty much all the boxes on your "likes" list.
Is London your cheapest city for airfare - you don't say where you are flying from? Hotels can be expensive but some of the great deals I see people getting on Priceline in central London suggests all in it should come in under your budget.
A lot of the museums in London are also free, although many of the other main attractions aren't cheap. You can also spend as little or as much on food - there are some great cheaper places to eat, it's just most people don't find them.
London and New York have many similarities, both being big cities with a similar progressive attitude. There was another thread a while back about whether US and European cities were alike. I live in London and am amazed at the number of people that come back from New York and say "It's just like being in London" - whether or not I agree, that's what many have said.
Is London your cheapest city for airfare - you don't say where you are flying from? Hotels can be expensive but some of the great deals I see people getting on Priceline in central London suggests all in it should come in under your budget.
A lot of the museums in London are also free, although many of the other main attractions aren't cheap. You can also spend as little or as much on food - there are some great cheaper places to eat, it's just most people don't find them.
London and New York have many similarities, both being big cities with a similar progressive attitude. There was another thread a while back about whether US and European cities were alike. I live in London and am amazed at the number of people that come back from New York and say "It's just like being in London" - whether or not I agree, that's what many have said.
May 24th, 2005, 11:43 AM
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I have to put in a plug for Barcelona. We went there for the first (and I hope, not last) time last Sptember, and fell in love with it.
We were there for their biggest festival, the Merce, wich lasts a week, culminating in the Carrefoc, with drumming and devils and dragons on the streets and squares.
We are not night people either, but this was an amazing experience, a blend of Catholicism and wild paganism.
It is a wonderful city for architecture, of course. Not only Gaudi, but others of his era (late 19th and early 20th century) made amazing art nouveau and deco buildings, and then there are the Gothic churches...
The people are friendly, helpful and stylish, and appreciate attempts to speak Catalan rather than Spanish.
We are mainly vegetarian but eat some fish. There are several good vegetarian/organic restaurants, but there are always menu possibilities in regular restaurants.
We rented a wonderful 1 bedroom apartment in El Born, an old but now trendy area. This saved us a lot of money as we ate breakfast and dinner in and lunch out every day. We could not adjust to the late hours in restaurants! I mean, starting serving at 8L30?
Whatever your choice, Europe is so full of beauty and history, as well as wonderful people with somewhat different cultures. Have fun, wherever you go, and let us know about your trip.
We were there for their biggest festival, the Merce, wich lasts a week, culminating in the Carrefoc, with drumming and devils and dragons on the streets and squares.
We are not night people either, but this was an amazing experience, a blend of Catholicism and wild paganism.
It is a wonderful city for architecture, of course. Not only Gaudi, but others of his era (late 19th and early 20th century) made amazing art nouveau and deco buildings, and then there are the Gothic churches...
The people are friendly, helpful and stylish, and appreciate attempts to speak Catalan rather than Spanish.
We are mainly vegetarian but eat some fish. There are several good vegetarian/organic restaurants, but there are always menu possibilities in regular restaurants.
We rented a wonderful 1 bedroom apartment in El Born, an old but now trendy area. This saved us a lot of money as we ate breakfast and dinner in and lunch out every day. We could not adjust to the late hours in restaurants! I mean, starting serving at 8L30?
Whatever your choice, Europe is so full of beauty and history, as well as wonderful people with somewhat different cultures. Have fun, wherever you go, and let us know about your trip.
May 24th, 2005, 12:41 PM
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My husband & I just returned from our honeymoon in Paris, Venice, Florence & Rome. We were gone 16 days...We spent 4 full days in Paris, 3 in Venice, 4 in Florence & 4 in Rome. We had a fabulous time, but if we could do it all over again, we would do:
5 days in Paris & 4 days in Venice.
That would have been more than enough...2 fabulous cities (clean & enjoyable).
Paris is clean & had gorgeous parks, fountains, museums (sounds like you would enjoy Musee DOrsay), fabulous architecture (the churches are amazing) and you can walk anywhere.
Venice is small, but clean with lots of charm & you can walk everywhere...keep in mind that it is a lot more laid back than Paris (if you're going to be seeing as much as possible in Paris...if not, you can also do Paris at a slow pace).
I would not recommend Rome if you like clean cities...it was just filthy...garbage everywhere & every other street corner smelled of urine (except for the Vatican City which was spotless). I must say Rome has so much to offer...the Colloseum, the Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, the Vatican, Catacombs, etc. We enjoyed it's historical sites very much, but we were truly taken back by the filth in the city.
BTW, I've heard from my parents & several friends that have lived in Barcelona, that it is a really dirty city & the people are not so friendly. Keep in mind that I've heard differing opinions on this board...We're planning a trip to Spain next year & from all the research we've done, we're considering Madrid & then going South toward the coast & Morocco.
Good Luck!
5 days in Paris & 4 days in Venice.
That would have been more than enough...2 fabulous cities (clean & enjoyable).
Paris is clean & had gorgeous parks, fountains, museums (sounds like you would enjoy Musee DOrsay), fabulous architecture (the churches are amazing) and you can walk anywhere.
Venice is small, but clean with lots of charm & you can walk everywhere...keep in mind that it is a lot more laid back than Paris (if you're going to be seeing as much as possible in Paris...if not, you can also do Paris at a slow pace).
I would not recommend Rome if you like clean cities...it was just filthy...garbage everywhere & every other street corner smelled of urine (except for the Vatican City which was spotless). I must say Rome has so much to offer...the Colloseum, the Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, the Vatican, Catacombs, etc. We enjoyed it's historical sites very much, but we were truly taken back by the filth in the city.
BTW, I've heard from my parents & several friends that have lived in Barcelona, that it is a really dirty city & the people are not so friendly. Keep in mind that I've heard differing opinions on this board...We're planning a trip to Spain next year & from all the research we've done, we're considering Madrid & then going South toward the coast & Morocco.
Good Luck!
May 24th, 2005, 12:51 PM
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Sorry to hear how much Rome has deteriorated. It has been several years since we were there and we were impressed at how it wasn't dirty and trash filled with all the tourists it gets in addition to being just a big city in its own right.
Too bad.
Too bad.
