Going to London and France
Nov 17th, 2003 | 07:17 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2003
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Going to London and France
Hi everyone I know this is going to be a very general question, but here goes. I am 17 and over winter break my mom and I are going to London and Paris. Neither of us has ever been to Europe, and we are pretty in the dark about what to do. We will only be there for a week, not a lot of time. What are some good ideas/day trips??
Nov 18th, 2003 | 01:56 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
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Nov 18th, 2003 | 03:22 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,715
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Since you're a first time poster you may not realize there's already a ton of info right here. If you type into the box above that says "search this forum" you'll find previous posts asking same or similar questions. You can just type Paris or Paris AND sightseeing or Paris AND restaurants etc.
Right now there's a recent thread entitled something like "Paris and London in 6 days am I crazy?" that has some great info. There's also one called 100 best things about Paris.
Also if you go to the top of the page & click destinations & then choose London & Paris you'll find general info from Fodors as well as suggested 3 day itineraries.
If you have specific interests you can try checking in the text search (there are some recent threads on Paris shopping with/for teens
(try paris AND shopping AND teens).
Most people like to take the "hop on hop off" bus tour of London on a first visit. It takes you all around to the major sights. You can get off any time you want or just ride & listen to the guides. The Tower of London with a Beefeater tour is great. Since you have such a short time I'd suggest not doing daytrips outside the cities although Hampton Court is a short trip from London (you can even go by boat-maybe in one direction & train the other way as the train is faster). I really like the National Portrait gallery in London. The art is not only great, it provides a history of England through it's famous people. You'll have a great time. Bring warm clothes that you can layer. Have fun!
Right now there's a recent thread entitled something like "Paris and London in 6 days am I crazy?" that has some great info. There's also one called 100 best things about Paris.
Also if you go to the top of the page & click destinations & then choose London & Paris you'll find general info from Fodors as well as suggested 3 day itineraries.
If you have specific interests you can try checking in the text search (there are some recent threads on Paris shopping with/for teens
(try paris AND shopping AND teens).Most people like to take the "hop on hop off" bus tour of London on a first visit. It takes you all around to the major sights. You can get off any time you want or just ride & listen to the guides. The Tower of London with a Beefeater tour is great. Since you have such a short time I'd suggest not doing daytrips outside the cities although Hampton Court is a short trip from London (you can even go by boat-maybe in one direction & train the other way as the train is faster). I really like the National Portrait gallery in London. The art is not only great, it provides a history of England through it's famous people. You'll have a great time. Bring warm clothes that you can layer. Have fun!
Nov 18th, 2003 | 05:15 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Hi
More info: tripadvisor.com, frommers.com, etc.
Have you picked hotels yet? Don't wait any longer if you haven't.
Most chain bookstores carry (or you can buy on Amazon) Streetwise Paris and Streetwise London. These are excellent maps that concentrate on the central areas, fold easily, are waterproof, and fit in a pocket or purse.
Make sure you've ordered your passports now if you haven't already.
Keep in mind that most places are closed on Xmas Day, many places closed esp. in London on the 26th, many places closed on January 1 (but not all).
For short visits I'd recommend against any daytrips. What with arriving tired, and losing time going from one place to another, you will find that you won't run out of things to do in the time that you have. But, don't focus on the fact that you "only" have a week. You're going to two fabulous cities in Europe, and with any luck, you'll go back again in the future.
I have files on those cities; if you'd like to see them, email me at
[email protected]
More info: tripadvisor.com, frommers.com, etc.
Have you picked hotels yet? Don't wait any longer if you haven't.
Most chain bookstores carry (or you can buy on Amazon) Streetwise Paris and Streetwise London. These are excellent maps that concentrate on the central areas, fold easily, are waterproof, and fit in a pocket or purse.
Make sure you've ordered your passports now if you haven't already.
Keep in mind that most places are closed on Xmas Day, many places closed esp. in London on the 26th, many places closed on January 1 (but not all).
For short visits I'd recommend against any daytrips. What with arriving tired, and losing time going from one place to another, you will find that you won't run out of things to do in the time that you have. But, don't focus on the fact that you "only" have a week. You're going to two fabulous cities in Europe, and with any luck, you'll go back again in the future.
I have files on those cities; if you'd like to see them, email me at
[email protected]
Nov 18th, 2003 | 05:47 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
My advice would be not to allow yourselves to become overwhelmed either by the volume of great information you'll get here OR the fact that there are numerous things to see in both cities. Get into the mindset right now that you cannot, nor should try to, "do it all." These two places have been around for decades and they'll survive us all..and yes you will go back.
Pick the places from the guidebooks, etc., that see the MOST interesting and do your best to see those...but also leave yourself a little time to just look around and hang out even if that only involves a stroll down an interesting street. Enjoy your trip.
Pick the places from the guidebooks, etc., that see the MOST interesting and do your best to see those...but also leave yourself a little time to just look around and hang out even if that only involves a stroll down an interesting street. Enjoy your trip.
