smithgardner

Hello everyone,

I am planning on possibly traveling to Europe in January to meet my sister, who will be studying abroad there. She will be studying in Ireland, but she has a free weekend, and we are planning on meeting up somewhere for the weekend to hang out. I will be traveling with my boyfriend, who has never been to Europe before, so we will hang around to check out the area. We will focus on cities, since it will be cold in most of Europe, but I don't mind that in the city. I was thinking Amsterdam, Paris, and Belgium. I have been to all of these places (Bruges in Belgium) in the summertime, so I am looking forward to seeing it in a different season. Any thoughts on what these cities are like this time of year. Also, are there any small towns or inns or cozy places that might be nice for a romantic night or two in the winter?
Also, so random, but I've never been to Spain, would this be the time to go?

Thanks!

kimhe

Check out Barcelona, one of the greatest European cities for sights, food and nightlife. As romantic as it gets. Check out Banys Orientals in the medieval El Born district in the center: http://www.hotelbanysorientals.com/

About El Born: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

Jackie_in_Italy

which part of january will you be visiting? we go to belgium every december/january, and it's cold obviously, but there is a nice christmas vibe up until even the 1st of January. we love it this time of year.

things get kind of quiet around here (well, at least here in Italy) after the 6th of January (Epiphany). if you are here in Europe around the 6th, there might be things going on--here in Italy we have celebrations for the Epiphany, but a lot of them are for children.

sounds like it will be a wonderful trip!!

annhig

where does you sister want to go?

personally I'd pick barcelona &/or rome, rather than more northerly places, but perhaps that's because i live in the UK.

smithgardner

I suggested Barcelona for her to meet us off a discount flight from Dublin, but I think some of her friends seem to be bent on Amsterdam, which I have visited before, but only once before. I will be visiting Europe around January 10-18, roughly, give or take a
few days depending on itinerary and time-off from work available. I still might try and fly open-jaw into Barcelona and out of Amsterdam, which a cheap one-way flight connecting? Any thoughts on this?

The_lonely_traveler

Amsterdam halfway January is what we call "watercold" (think of a cold shower outside in foggy conditions) and probably grey and depressing. It'll chill you to the bone. Expect drizzles and maybe icestorms. Not a good time of year to visit, really. I would suggest go to Barcelona instead.

smithgardner

Thanks for all your advice! We are going to meet up in Barcelona instead, and I've already reserved 2 rooms at the Hotel Banys Orientals! Josh and I are going to continue on top Paris and Belgium after we play in Barcelona for the weekend!

kimhe

You would then be close to Cal Pep, one of the best tapas bars/restaurants I've ever been to. Quite basic place, but ranked among the world's best restaurants a few years ago. People have become very aware of it, and you have to get in line 15-20 before opening to get a seat at the bar where they cook up all kinds of goodies just in front of you. Some have talked about declining quality lately, but the place is very much the same, serving fabulous tortilla, sausages, fish, seafood and house specialities. Would definitely go if in Barcelona for just a couple of days. http://calpep.com/ingles/ingles.html
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVGF0s8xKv8

kimhe

Cal Pep in more details, makes me want to go back immediately: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlszwHLvr00

smithgardner

Thanks kimhe! I think it's close to our hotel!

kimhe

Yes, Cal Pep is three minutes walking from your hotel. Lots of great tapas bars/Cafés in the neighbourhood. I warmly recommend Basque Euskal Etxea and traditional El Xampanyet, both in Carrer Montcada close to the Picasso museum.

Euskal Etxea:
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...kal-etxea.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html

El Xampanyet: http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_d...s/el_xampanyet

menachem

I totally second El Xampanyet.