Most over-rated site?
Mar 4th, 2005, 06:31 AM
#22
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 12,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Bridge of Sighs. There's nothing wrong with it, and shot in the right light it can even be quite lovely. But it's about the 276th most interesting thing to look at in town.
Of course, that says more about Venice than about the bridge.
Of course, that says more about Venice than about the bridge.
Mar 4th, 2005, 06:37 AM
#24
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I feel that I almost should apologise for this, but having been there so many times, I cannot see why people rave about Paris being their favourite world destination.
Don't get me wrong, it undoubtedly has it's charms, and fair share of magnificent edifices...but it also has an astonishing amount of overpriced, bad value restaurants and hotels. I also feel that because in my opinion, it's a city of various 'centres' (Grands Boulevards - shopping, Pigalle - nightlife, Marais, Champs Elysee etc etc), it's a city that lacks a little soul. It's the only major city in Europe who's heart isn't quickened by the success or failure of it's sporting teams, a fact that might not seem important to many of you, but it's certainly something that gives cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon and even Rome an added spark.
I know that many of you out there, mainly Americans it would seem
, find it their top European destination, but even though I've tried hard, I'm afraid that Paris just doesn't do it for me....
Don't get me wrong, it undoubtedly has it's charms, and fair share of magnificent edifices...but it also has an astonishing amount of overpriced, bad value restaurants and hotels. I also feel that because in my opinion, it's a city of various 'centres' (Grands Boulevards - shopping, Pigalle - nightlife, Marais, Champs Elysee etc etc), it's a city that lacks a little soul. It's the only major city in Europe who's heart isn't quickened by the success or failure of it's sporting teams, a fact that might not seem important to many of you, but it's certainly something that gives cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon and even Rome an added spark.
I know that many of you out there, mainly Americans it would seem
, find it their top European destination, but even though I've tried hard, I'm afraid that Paris just doesn't do it for me....
Mar 4th, 2005, 06:58 AM
#26
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
QC: Was at the Rijksmuseum two weeks ago -- would have to disagree with you. Most of the masterpieces are on view (well, as far as I know, anyway). And it's difficult for me to spend more than two hours in a museum anyway (and I was there for about an hour).
Was there something you wanted to see that wasn't on view? If so I could understand why you might think it's a ripoff. But there're about 400 pieces on view (per the exhibition catalogue) -- i.e., plenty to see.
During the same trip I was also in the Groeninge Museum in Brugge. That charges 8 euros, if I recall, and the most famous works are four Flemish primitive paintings by van Eyck, van der Goes, Memling and Gerard David. I wouldn't call that a ripoff either.
My point is that there're many museums that show even less than the current Rijksmuseum and charge roughly the same prices for admission.
I find the new MoMA in NYC a disappointment (and it charges $20). Not in Europe though.
Was there something you wanted to see that wasn't on view? If so I could understand why you might think it's a ripoff. But there're about 400 pieces on view (per the exhibition catalogue) -- i.e., plenty to see.
During the same trip I was also in the Groeninge Museum in Brugge. That charges 8 euros, if I recall, and the most famous works are four Flemish primitive paintings by van Eyck, van der Goes, Memling and Gerard David. I wouldn't call that a ripoff either.
My point is that there're many museums that show even less than the current Rijksmuseum and charge roughly the same prices for admission.
I find the new MoMA in NYC a disappointment (and it charges $20). Not in Europe though.
Mar 4th, 2005, 07:18 AM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know if it's called a sight, or a site, or just an area -- but the Black Forest looked like other forests in various parts of Europe. Nothing there in the physical entity to turn me on -- but of course there's WW2 history.
Mar 4th, 2005, 07:50 AM
#32
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Waiting in line to put my hand in the Mouth of Truth (Boca della Veritas) in Rome... should have just taken a photo of the drain cover from the side of the line and spent more time inside the interesting church (loved the mosaic floors and how all the columns inside were different).
Mar 4th, 2005, 08:11 AM
#33
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Greek ruins--big disappointment, particularly as compared to other ruins I've seen such as Roman, Ephesus, Egypt, Machu Picchu
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace--absolutely love London, but Changing of the Guard was a big yawn
Costa del Sol--it was okay, but nothing to rave about
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace--absolutely love London, but Changing of the Guard was a big yawn
Costa del Sol--it was okay, but nothing to rave about
Mar 4th, 2005, 08:30 AM
#36
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Goodness, am I the only one who liked the leaning tower of Pisa? I was only able to spend an afternoon there, but I thought it was beautiful. It's more than just a tower; there are a lot of beautiful, ornately decorated buildings at the Square.
Mar 4th, 2005, 08:53 AM
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, I was going to say that I liked the tower of Pisa, too, even though it's cliche. I got to climb it once and I like anything I can climb. But I also liked the duomo and the baptistry more than the tower. I guess it was the whole Plaza of Miracles thing I liked (except the row of tacky souvenier stands).
Mar 4th, 2005, 08:56 AM
#38
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 37,416
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is interesting and only again points out that we are so blessed to be on this big wide wonderful planet with so many places to see and go to and there is bound to be something for everyone. I guess experience, perceptions, and interests make the difference in each place. MacSporran...boy you had a lot of nerve to post THAT opinion here !!!! LOL My brother would agree with you..it's amazing, we were in Paris together, saw the sites, ate, etc together. I LOVE Paris and if he never went back...well, that would be his preference really. I don't think he ever got over getting "mimed" at Monmartre. Can't wait to see what the other "over-rateds" will be.
Mar 4th, 2005, 10:10 AM
#40
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was really taken back the first time I saw the tower in Pizza. Riding a bike in from Lucca, came around a corner about two blocks at a visual angle that really dramatized the "lean".
Like a few others, Paris is a place to go from, no to. And to see the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory is not "to die" for.
Trevi Fountain is not worth going out your of your way. The Spanish steps are underwhelming. But Rome is truly a city not to miss.
Changing of the Guard is something that makes you wonder why you even heard about it.
