thename1000

I'm considering going to a city by myself around the second week of December for 5 days. I'd prefer cities that most places can be seen by walking, because I don't want to rent a car or pay for too many taxis. Here are my options:


San Jose (CR), Quito, Lima, Budapest, Berlin, St Petersburg, Prague, Lisbon, London, and Belfast

I'm leaning towards Europe so only include the three warmer places in case someone has a good argument for them.

The way the hotel/flight would work out means that there are at least two more options that I can see. I could take a train from Berlin and stay in one of a handful of German cities I've never heard of (Dresden is the only one I recognize). Or I could stay in London for two nights, Dublin for one night, and Belfast for two nights. I'm not sure if I'd want to do these cities by myself with all that train travel too.

For this trip, I care mostly about history and amazing things I can see, not restaurants/nightlife. A walking city is preferred also. I guess I'd prefer places that aren't as cold as St. Petersburg but I can brave the cold if it's worth it!

Thanks!

needmorevacation

Where are you based out of? Are you talking about 5 days on the ground, or 5 days including flights?

Budapest is a beautiful town, and 2 weeks before Christmas will mean Christmas markets and they are just splendid. I have not been to Berlin or Prague at Christmas (only in early spring/summer) but I am very confident you would enjoy their Christmas markets as well.

Lisbon is a nice town, and I was able to easily get around on public transport (including the cute yellow trams!)

I believe St.Petersburg, while lovely, would be quite cold and very, very dark. Also, the last time I looked into going to Russia I believe you needed a guide/to be part of a tour so that would rule out 'solo' travel.

London doesn't fall under 'budget' travel, but I'm sure would be nice around Christmas, as would Dublin. But I think 2 days in London, 1 in Dublin and 2 in Belfast would be way too much travel for such a short time.

thursdaysd

If you go to London, <i>stay</i> in London. You have too little time for anything else. However, unless you are a fan of cold, possibly wet weather, and very short days, I would not consider any of those northern cities. I would (and have) go to Lisbon. Loads to do, in Lisbon, Belem and Sintra, and very good public transport.

suze

I don't know where you are starting from, but if it's the USA I wouldn't go to Europe for only 5 days. I'd wait until I had a longer time for the trip. Since the airfare is by far your largest expense, to me it's not worth the cost for just a few days of sightseeing.

mlgb

San Jose city is not a place to visit. So no, unless you want a beach vacation.

Lima is a big sprawly city, you will need to take taxis or public transport between districts (eg from Miraflores to the historic enter). It is hot and humid (at least to me) in December, but there is a ton to see and great food. I like staying in the Barranco district where you can walk to galleries and restaurants, and a few good museums. But taxis are not expensive. It doesn't rain, but the water is cold so it isn't really a beach destination. There are several interesting day excursions or one night excursions, eg to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands.

Quito is at a high altitude so has cool weather year round. Not sure when the rainy season is, though. The historic center is amazing, but 5 days may be a lot.

I would probably go with Lima.

mlgb

If you did go to Quito you can also take overnight excursions either north (Otavalo) or south (Cototpaxi). If you have any concerns about high altitudes though be sure to pace yourself.

Tabernash2

Lisbon!

spcfa

If you are a museum / history person, and you want to see a lot in 5 days, I'd pick Berlin. Good walking, great metro access as well, awesome museums. It's much, much better than you'd expect in terms of how much there is to see.

Lisbon and Prague are great, but 5 days might be a bit much. St. Petersburg will be absurdly cold, and London really has too much to see in 5 days. 5 days in Quito would be a lot if you were already altitude adjusted, but it might not be enough if the altitude hits you hard or you get travelers diarrhea.

Won't comment on the others as I haven't been. You might also consider Amsterdam or Vienna (again, if you're a museum person) - 5 days is about right either place.

thursdaysd

No, five days is not too much for Lisbon. More likely too little. Click on my name for my Lisbon TR, and bear in mind I've been back twice since.

Tabernash2

Agree. We were in Lisbon 5 nights. It was barely long enough. Great day trips from Lisbon by train to Sintra, Cascais, etc.

Great food. Friendly people. Inexpensive.

We recommend the Hotel Avenida Palace.

sanderskn

Definitely spend the whole 5 days in one place. It's so easy to spend 5 days in London, I can't imagine skipping to Dublin, etc too - all you will be doing is checking into and out of hotels.

dutyfree

Munich-history,food and Christmas markets!
Paris-same
Rome-same