Visit to one city in europe - which one??
 

Hi everyone,
I'm planning a trip as a surprise gift for someone. I'd like to go to Europe for 4-5 days, or a long weekend, and visit just stay at one city/town. It doesn't mean that we can't visit other cities, but I'm not looking to do more traveling than relaxing over that time. I'd like to visit a culturally rich area where we can maybe take some day trips. We love smaller towns, pubs, and places where we can soak in the culture. And I am really open to suggestions - the only one I don't want to go to is Ireland since we've been there, but other than that, I'm hoping that someone can suggest a few ideas. I'd love some place in Italy (not Rome) or Spain, or maybe near Amsterdam? I've never had an interest in France, and have always wanted to visit Greece. Honestly, this is just the beginning of my research - so the more suggestions, the better!

Also, we do plan on one day having some sort of European Tour - so I'm not so worried about seeing 'everything.' Again, I would love just a really nice spot where we can see a few things and enjoy our time together.

Thanks so much,
SP

Think about Vienna. It is a fabulous city to visit. History, art, music,
wine and wonderful pastries-enough to
keep you very busy for 4-5 days.

Austrian Air flies there direct from
New York and Washington, DC. I don't
know about other cities-maybe Chicago.

Pat

Paris/France (not Paris/Texas)

Depending on the time of year, Amsterdam could be great - plenty of culture to soak up, good restaurants, day trips to keukenhof gardens, delft, even take a train down to Bruges; the Lakes region of Italy is also fun - easy to get to via milan; plenty of culture in Milan if you choose to stay a day or so there enroute to Como. See the Last Supper, LaScala, Duomo, etc. Barcelona would also be an option - its a larger city but has the culture, night life, cafe's, etc.

Spain is a great idea, I love Spain. Either Madrid or Seville would suit your goal fine -- of spending 4-5 days there and maybe visiting another city. From Seville, you can visit Cordoba easily by train as a day trip. From Madrid, there are more options -- I particularly liked Segovia. Seville would be the smaller city, of course, if that's what you most want.

Any place would be fine with that broad a criteria, I think it's really up to you to just decide where you want to go. I don't know where you are flying from, but Greece might be a bit far to get to for a 4-5 day trip, if you are in North America. I love Greece, but I wouldn't choose it for a 4-5 day trip, I'd save it for when you had more time to spend there.

A lot of people really like Prague, also, including myself, but it's not a small town. It's certainly got plenty of places to get a beer and lots of culture.

PARIS! If you have not been there, a long weekend is perfect for your first visit to this fabulous city.

Paris. We were there for only three days once, and I felt like we saw a lot without being rushed.

Munich - a blue chip city. Some call it a "village of one million".

Paris or Venice. Both could be very romantic

London and Amsterdam might also be considered

Barcelona

Edinburgh or Brugge

Or you could do this trip...have your pubs in Italy.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/11/02...yt&emc=rss

What time of year (to take the weather into consideration)?

How about Venice or Amsterdam? both just right for a 4-5 day trip.

Another vote for Barcelona

Or maybe Cologne.

Your thoughts say Prague to me.

I second Vienna. I've never been to Prague - but I hear that is also fabulous from everyone. But - I LOVE Vienna.....

Edinburgh

Siena

Grenada

Chania

(I do NOT understand you about France, but I'm answering your question)

Is there a choice ? Paris. Firstly it is the most walkable city you can think of. even if you do not care much for France, Paris is unique. I would say that if you have to choose one, only one, Paris is the best choice.

( Unless you have been there many times? )

Language also is a consideration, Florence is a great destination, right size, very walkable and each corner has something to offer.

Paris, Paris, Paris!!!

for a short visit Barcelona .
Paris is wonderful but not "smaller town"