Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)
-   -   need advice:rome or paris or amsterdam??? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/need-advice-rome-or-paris-or-amsterdam-973660/)

hawkibo Apr 9th, 2013 07:22 AM

need advice:rome or paris or amsterdam???
 
I've got only 4 days in may 16th-20th and the choices are rome, paris and amsterdam? This is my first trip to europe and I want it to be special. I'm going with my friends. Which one is best? Please help!

StCirq Apr 9th, 2013 07:24 AM

Best? For what? They are each unique. What do you and your friends enjoy doing?

suec1 Apr 9th, 2013 07:29 AM

well one consideration - can you get to all of these by direct flights? don't any of your friends have a preference? they are all wonderful cities but different so I'd say the choice depends on your interests!

Christina Apr 9th, 2013 08:13 AM

FOr your first trip, I don't think a 4 day trip can be that special anywhere, to be honest. Too short. Where are you coming from that you are willing to invest the money in the transportation for only 4 days? I can see if you live in the UK or Scandinavia, maybe, but you probably wouldn't say that.

Pick which one appeals to you most and gets you the most excited thinking about it, that's all I can say. Without knowing anything else about what kind of things you like to do, language skills, etc., hard to pick, otherwise. So given that is a very short trip, maybe just go with the cheapest place, I would never invest the airfare to go to Rome for only 4 days (from where I live).

Gretchen Apr 9th, 2013 09:36 AM

Where are you coming from for 4 days?
Paris and Amsterdam are more approachable for that length of time, IMO.

ira Apr 9th, 2013 10:19 AM

Hi H,

It doesn't matter. Wherever you go will be special.

Europe will still be there for your next trip.

Have fun.

((I))

annhig Apr 9th, 2013 10:22 AM

re mr Prince I've pressed the triangle already.

is this the shape of things to come?

hawkibo Apr 9th, 2013 10:31 AM

We are coming from turkey, we know english and french language, and beyond that there are seas, historical places ,crazy nights and many good views in turkey; so we are looking for something different.Just because we have only 4 days we'll not search for night clubs or for shopping centers; but we want to tour and wander the city and it must be exciting. Rome is cheaper for us than other cities, Paris is attractive ,amsterdam is crazy bu we dont know and couldn't decide...

annhig Apr 9th, 2013 10:44 AM

hawkibo - Paris, Rome and amsterdam are all great places to visit; they'll all be lovely in May.

with english and french, amsterdam [where most people you will meet speak english] and Paris will be best language -wise, but i wouldn't let that put me off Rome, which would be my personal favourite.

bjsonthewing Apr 9th, 2013 11:05 AM

IMO, Rome or Paris would be the more interesting cities for a first trip to Europe, and even if 4 days is all you've got, you can see and do a lot in either city. Whatever you choose, you'll have a great time.

robertcoon Apr 9th, 2013 12:10 PM

Agree with bjs - Rome or Paris for a first trip.

Christina Apr 9th, 2013 12:44 PM

I was just wondering about the language, because it can be nice to visit a foreign country where you can get by in the language, it adds to your enjoyment, especially for a first trip, I would think.

I agree with Rome or Paris, Amsterdam didn't wow me, although it has some charms, but for a first trip, I'd go somewhere else.

jamikins Apr 9th, 2013 01:32 PM

You won't go wrong with any choice for 4 days!

RobIm Apr 9th, 2013 02:12 PM

Rome has history from ancient Rome, renascence and general European history. It as expensive as you want to make it. Good food and ambiance.

I've been to all three places. We will be in Paris in May. You might look at my trip reports on www.rimerson.com. We are older so may have different goals when we travel.

danon Apr 9th, 2013 03:05 PM

I would say Rome....for historic reasons

Travelforbeer Apr 9th, 2013 09:30 PM

If you read and speak French it will make Paris a snap and it would be my choice- public transportation is very good and there is more than enough to keep you very busy for 4 days...

Have a good trip...

Sassafrass Apr 10th, 2013 01:14 AM

From beautiful Turkey, I would chose Paris or Rome. IMHO, Paris would be the most different vibe culturally and the most contrast with your own country.

kja Apr 10th, 2013 04:15 PM

I think Paris and Amsterdam would provide a greater contrast than Rome to the (wonderful) ancient sites of Rome. And I don't think you would go wrong with either!

FreedR Apr 10th, 2013 07:11 PM

hawkibo - Go to Paris. If you speak even a little French, you will find getting around Paris a breeze. Paris is my vote.

Of course, I'm biased. I've been to all three cities. Paris is my favorite city in the world. (And this is coming from a Classicist who loves all things Rome!)

kja Apr 10th, 2013 09:29 PM

Oops! I meant to say:
I think Paris and Amsterdam would provide a greater contrast than Rome to the (wonderful) ancient sites of TURKEY


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:19 PM.