Fodorites, will you help me decide? Rates to Europe are so low that my friend and I have decided to take a long girls weekend somewhere in Europe. We have already been to London, Ireland and Italy. Where would you go for 6 days with a friend? We're considering Vienna, Prague, Edinburgh, Salzburg, or Venice. We both like shopping, sightseeing, the theater, the arts and shopping. (I meant to put it twice!!). Since its close to Christmas, I thought it'd be a great time for shopping!!

Thanks to all of you great Fodorites!!

Edinburgh. It's made for November breaks and you can shop in Glasgow as well as Edinburgh

Paris? Arts, theater, shopping are great. Munich for the Christmas markets possibly tho I don't know as much about their arts scene.

Thanks to you both! Shelia, how far is Glasgow from Edinburgh and what are some of your favorite shops and maybe hotels?
cmeyer... Paris is out of the question,sorry. I hadn't thought about Munich. I'd get a chance to practice the German I learned 20 years ago!!
Anyone else? Where would you go for a short break in November?

It's only about 40 miles between the two cities.

There are shuttle trains every 15 minutes or so during the working day.

Glasgow's shopping is chicer, and Edinburgh's more refined.

You would love places like Jenners, and Victoria Street and Stockbridge in Edinburgh ; and Prince's Square and the Italian Centre, and Suachiehall Street in Glasgow.

Give me a hotel budget and the type you like and I'll recommend

Shelia,
Thanks so much for your help!
Hotels...
I like a little bit of luxury right in the middle of everything. Priced around 150-200pounds or slightly higher with a good concierge.

I would go to Amsterdam. A great, very underated city in my opinion. Lots to see, wonderful art museums and the Ann Frank House is UNFORGETABLE. It is easy to get around, people are nice, and it's beautiful. I would spend a few days there, then rent a car and drive the short distance to Delft (an easy drive). A very unique town, full of little shops, excellent restaurants and museums, etc. Holland is an great place to spend 6 stress-free days. If this is mainly a shopping trip, my number one pick would be Florence, for mainly an art trip I would choose Paris, and for theater it would be without a doubt London, but you mentioned you have already been to Italy and London, and I think you posted another email that said Paris is out (not sure why -- this is another WONDERFUL place to go and you couldn't go wrong with this choice). Let us know what you decide. How fun to try to pick! Marjie

On the assumption that's per head per night, you can afford the Balmoral and you can't get better than that.

http://www.thebalmoralhotel.com

Alternatives would be the Scotsman; and the Caledonian

I would go with Prague, if you've never been there. Everything that you say you enjoy can be found there, and it is prime season for the arts. If you were to go in the summer, you would be swallowed by tourists, and have mainly tourist shows to choose from for concerts, etc. It is quite affordable to live well for 6 days (or longer)there, and the autumn is beautiful.

Well,
We've narrowed it down to this... Land in London, take train to Edinburgh for 2 nights, then 2 nights in London, or..
Vienna with a side trip to Prague.
Still undecided.
Which trip would be easiest for travel, and which trip would be the least expensive? I know how expensive London is, does Vienna run about the same?

THANKS TO ALL for your great suggestions and help.

I'd go to Vienna and skip the side trip to Prague. You've apparently not experienced anything in that area, and the city is wonderful for shopping, sightseeing, the arts and shopping. Plus, you can get a good room in a fine, well-located pensione for a reasonable rate.

Prague is not my favorite, although it is of many, but even given the attractions of Prague, I think Vienna offers more. Six days is not enough to come close to doing justice for both cities, even without considering inter-city travel time. Six days will do nicely for Vienna, and may allow a day trip outside if something strikes your fancy. Unless you are really "in to" what Prague has in terms of buildings etc, I'd be hard pressed to fill the time you have without day trips to other towns (of which others have recommended more than one).

Have just booked flights to Vienna and now am having trouble deciding where to stay but know I want to stay in the centre.

Rod - do you have any accomodation recommendations for those of us who want to be able to walk rather than take the transport ?

Amanda