I will also mention my distaste for Liechtenstein. DH and I drove out of our way to drive through Liechtenstein on the way to Appenzell, Switzerland. We thought the country would be beautiful, but the beautiful scenery was outside of it. It just felt very uninviting, and we were dissapointed.

Tracy

There are only two places in Europe I would never visit again.

Aix in Provence - I won't use all my Aixhaust fume puns as I did once, but it was crowded, polluted, the traffic looked like L.A. at rush hour, and Aix had the look of one, giant (bad) flea market. The one upside is that Tracy and I spent more time in our room.
We now refer to the town as Sex In Provence.

The other is Colmar. I once said that the real Venice should sue Colmar for "defamation of character" for calling itself Petit Venise. The "canal" was dismal, I'm amazed the rickety boats could float, and Colmar is big and, to us, lacked any charm whatsoever. There are numerous towns on the Routes des Vins that shout out "cute and charming". Unfortunately, Colmar is not one of them

I didn't care for the city of Athens at all, (but really enjoyed the Acropolis and other ruins). Once we got out of the city I loved Greece.

maitaitom

you are too hilarious.

"maitaitom

you are too hilarious."


I was thinking the same thing haha!

This is a fun thread. You don't get to hear these stories very often.

pavfec - please, what was the hotel in Jerez de la Frontera that you disliked so much?

I wonder if your visit might have coincided with a special event, hence the 'Sunday' clothes on everyone. (should add we had to axe this city from our itinerary this year; I was, indeed, sorry to miss the sherry tour.)

****

Gary

I've been lucky: I enjoyed Vienna both times I've visited. On the other hand, Venice was okay, but though we tried, we couldn't fall in love with this place as others have done. I'm still thinking through just why, but lack of local inhabitants and steep prices were factors.

Athens is certainly one place I have no desire to return to...but I've managed to find enough redeeming features in most places I've been so as not to include them on the "I'll never return to" list.

Gary...you sure have started a practical and interesting thread.

Maitaitom...I also found that Colmar was uninviting until we strolled the back streets along the quieter canals..but later, driving through and into the wine villages (Riquewihr, Riberville, Obernai, etc etc.) we met the real Alsace.

Of course, I think that traveling off-season as we usually do gives one a different perspective..no crowds, no stifling summer heat, etc...

Tyler, it's great having you on board..and what a splash you've made!
I commented about all this on your thread. I submit that you're right...advertising does entice people to visit, but many times the exptectations are too high..and all that hype leads to eventual disappointment. The "offbeat" has far more allure to us, evidently.

Stu T.

I second the Blue Grotto! Not only disappointing, but the boat transfers were dangerous for we "Oldies."

Otherwise, I find most places interesting for one reason or another. But of all the major cities, Madrid holds no interest for me. Maybe because it's not on a body of water.

I'd get on a plane to Istanbul in a minute!

I really think it depends on when you go.......or went. My time was 39 years ago. A whole 6 months hitchhiking around.......no line-ups, no crowds, no traffic, no smog, no outrageous hotel prices. Loved every minute of it and accepted each village and city as it was. Cinque Terre was but a rugged path and there no bookings to see museum art. How fortunate I was.

But still frequently visit some favourites........Great Britain and France.

Actually, I second the votes above for Monaco and the Blue Grotto -- this last, a waste of time AND money!

And note taken that Barcelona is worth another look these days -- I suspected as much.

I guess I'm too stubborn (and cheap) to admit I didn't like a place that I spent many hours planning to see, and many dollars to get there!
I think the circumstances-- like weather, crowds, being sick, etc-- can significantly impact an impression of a place. So can having high expectations that no place can fulfill. Ending up in a place without expectations, with gorgeous weather and helpful citizens-- now that's enjoyment.
Having said this, I have really liked everywhere I've visited: Vienna, Nice, Florence, Amsterdam, London, Salzburg, Prague, Rome, Santa Margherita Ligure...

Grandma,

You are so right! All my favorite cities are on the ocean, on a river or on a lake.

1. Nice, we found a good view of the sea above the city, but the beach was very uncomfortable, one day there was more then enough.

2. Lisboa, it was nice but very congested, we did not find any good sidewalk restaraunts that weren't on a major road.

Im glad I went to both of these places but would never go back.

Rome Airport (Leonardo) Takes hours to check in especially when the check in chicks are having a spat and ours totally spat the dummy and ran off. We nearly missed out flight to Paris!!!

Manchester and Liverpool in the UK. Only went there to watch some football matches. Loved Vienna, Capri, Venice without the beggars and Paris without the beggars and immigrants.

I've never been able to warm up to Amsterdam, despite three visits there. Loved the rest of the Netherlands though.

Was also very disappointed in Salzburg this time. I loved it 20 years ago and have always wanted to return. Finally made it two years ago and was disappointed. Crowded, indifferent shopkeepers and it just seemed grungy. And this was the beginning of October, so summer heat/no rain wasn't to blame. Wish I hadn't gone back.

Amsterdam wasnt a nice place - mainly because of the drunks having stag weekends I think -I will probably try it again sometime midweek.

I didnt like Warsaw much- apart from the old town square and park area.
I suppose it lost all its grand buildings and charm in WW2.

andechs monastery

floating market in thailand

goteborg sweden

les baux de provence

I visited Venice a few years ago and have to say that I didn't care for it. My memories of Venice are pigeons and of it being dirty. Maybe I will give it a second chance.

So far I haven't truly disliked any place we've traveled. Some I wouldn't return to, though.

Maitaitom--very funny, I have friends who said the same thing!