mnss

I'll be in London for a couple of days starting Wednesday August 2 for a long weekend(I know that city by heart already) then I'd like to spend the rest of my weekend in a city where I'd never been. I'll be on my own so I'm thinking a major city where I can just walk around on my own.

I've thought of Berlin or Munich since I've only been to Frankfurt in Germany...
I've never been to Prague, but it looks very small and a couple of hours would be enough to see the whole city...

I'll tell where I've already been: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Most Scandanavian Capitals and Vienna.

I've never been to Italy or Spain but there are so many cities worth visiting in both countries, so I'll be saving those for let's just say...later in life!

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

karlth

Two and a half day in a major European city will only scratch the surface of what it has to offer.

Prague has a huge historic center. It trails its more westerly neighbours though when it comes to service and food.

Edinburgh is a wonderful city to walk through and you probably won't fry there in August.

Any of the italian cities of course. Florence perhaps?

Barcelona, Madrid or Seville as well. Especially if you can stand the heat.

The Flemmish trio: Brugge, Ghent, Antwerp. All very walkable and with excellent food.

Dukey

You are not going to be able to "see the whole city" of Prague in a "couple of hours" regardless of how small it may look to you.

It is unfortunate that you do not tell us any of your interests other than a desire to walk around.

If you REALLY want help as opposed to attention I suggest giving us more info, otherwise you'll be sounding like the oh-so-bored one with time on the hands.

mnss

Thanks carlth! but as I said earlier, I'll save Italy and Spain for next time. It would be a shame to go all the way there to see just one city then leave.

when I travel to a new place I just like to walk around with a good map and explore everything on foot. I don't see why that would be unnatural.

I just want to visit a beautifull, interesting city where I've never been before. IMHO, all the major things that attract visitors to European cities could be found in all major cities across Europe like historical sights, museums, beautiful architecture, good restaurants etc etc. But I want to visit a place with lots of riveting things to see and is easy to expore for a solo traveler.

nessundorma

Antwerp or Nice.

JoeTro

maybe Edinburgh?

julies

Sounds like you ar planning to take advantage of some of those cheap airlines out of London. How much time will you actually have after factoring in flight time arrangements (and the possibility of delays)?

Krakow is intriguing & compact. I think you'd be fine there as a solo traveller.

SAnParis

Brussels has been getting some good pub lately (I'm not crazy about it) but check out the latest Conde Mast Traveler. Riga perhaps ?

bill_boy

I'd recommend Brussels or Munich.

I've previously spent 2 or 3 days in each city to fill-in time while in Europe, and both trips may not have done justice that a slightly longer duration may have done, but they were both good enough for the 2 or 3 days spent.

janisj

Any other time Edinburgh would be perfect. But you most likely will NOT find a room available for the first weekend in August, and if you did, there would be a 3 night minimum. So don't even consider it.

The main problem you'll have is VERY hot temps in most of Italy/Spain/Greece and probably in France too.

But I have no idea where to suggest since I can imagine anyone thinking you could see any city let alone Prague in two hours. Guess you and I are just different sorts of travelers.

Christina

I think there are some small towns where you could see everything in a couple hours, but don't understand how from a map one would think Prague is "very small". Krakow isn't any smaller, either. Any city is small and walkable if you only walk around a small central square or whatever.

The problem with some suggestions is that you only have 2-1/2 days, and I gather that has to include transportation to/from London, is that right? You can get flights to/from Krakow from London, I know, so that is a good idea. Prague would be, also. I would suggest Seville or something, but not in August. Maybe Barcelona.

janisj

amazing how one little typo changes things so much

&quot;<i> . . . since I can<b><u>'t</u></b> imagine anyone thinking you could see any city let alone Prague in two hours. . . .</i>&quot;

suze

Seems like you've answered your own question... Berlin or Munich or Prague.

That said, I can't believe you think that a &quot;couple of hours would be enough to see the whole city&quot; any place. That's a statement of mind boggling proportion.

tcreath

I think Munich could be a good option. I've been twice and always have a good time. Another option; have you considered Salzburg? Its a beautiful, compact city with lots of great restaurants and cafes, perfect for a few days.

Tracy

karlth

Fly to Brussels and then train hop as needed to Antwerp(20 min) and Brugge.

The architecture is wonderful, the food and beer is the best in europe and almost everyone is friendly and speaks english.

Antwerp and Brugge especially are extremely walkable. Antwerpen has a very lively cultural scene, it is frankly a mini New York.

Brugge on the other hand is certainly one of the most atmospheric cities in Europe. A medevial city frozen in time. Highely recommened as well with superb restaurants.

Regards
Karl

Kristinelaine

Of the cities you seem to be considering, I think Prague is the most beautiful. Mostly unharmed by either world war the buildings are old and gorgeous. The setting on the river is wonderful. I don't think you would get bored with it in 2 1/2 days. The service isn't bad IMO and I liked the food, altho it may not be to everyone's taste.

BTilke

Assuming you're willing to fly and you want to skip Italy and Spain, these come to mind:
Lugano, Switzerland (the Hotel Delfino has a nice pool to relax in), stroll the main plazas and the little streets in the old town, take a 2.5 hour boat cruise, walk to the villages of Gandria or Morcote. Enjoy Ticino cuisine and wine. There will probably be fireworks somewhere around the lake.
Basel, Switzerland. Great little city for wandering around in, excellent cafes and restaurants, several museums, picturesque old town.
Baden-Baden, Germany. Take in the Chagall exhibit at the Frieder-Burda museum, relax in a spa, stroll the parks, take in the free concerts in front of the elegant casino, enjoy cafe life in a classy resort town. Day trip to Strasbourg if you're feeling adventurous
Lyon, France. France's &quot;second city.&quot;

One Spanish choice, how about Palma on the island of Mallorca? Stay in a small but elegant hotel, stroll the streets, perhaps take the old train through the countryside.

LoriS

mnss-

I was faced with a similar decision in February and decided to fly up to Edinburgh for the weekend. Sounds like it might also fit the bill for you. We spent 2 nights there and felt we were able to do the city justice--more walking and exploring than hitting every museum in sight, etc.

Visit Edinburgh castle, go shopping, do a whiskey tasting, visit the Scottish Crown Jewels, Holyroodhouse, etc.

And hopefully avoid some of the European &quot;hot&quot; weather. It was miserable in Paris last week.

Have a great time!

janisj

LoriS: Edinburgh would be a great choice <u>except</u> mnss wants to go the first weekend in August. It is really too late to be planning an Edinburgh visit for opening weekend of the Tattoo and the Fringe

noe847

Compared to Prague, Salzburg really IS small. IF you can see Prague in a couple of hours, then Salzburg would be about 15 minutes

I'd vote for Prague. You could give one day to the castle side of the river and a day and a half to the 'old town' side.