Visit to one city in europe - which one??
Nov 6th, 2008, 05:11 AM
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for all of these wonderful responses!
I am on the East Coast, and I'd love to know more about Paris. So, is it true that for Paris I might not need to rent a car? Sorry to be so naive, but so many people have said Paris that it has intrigued me...
That and the Beer tour of Italy...
I am on the East Coast, and I'd love to know more about Paris. So, is it true that for Paris I might not need to rent a car? Sorry to be so naive, but so many people have said Paris that it has intrigued me...
That and the Beer tour of Italy...
Nov 6th, 2008, 06:34 AM
#27
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The OP prefers smaller cities/towns. Since you're planning such a short trip, you need to have easy access to an airport. And maybe not a too long flight. So where are you coming from? And what time of year? Also I would assume you don't want to rent a car; it's probably not necessary.
How about Venice? Lots to do there plus trips to the other islands in the lagoon, daytrips to Padua, Vicenza, Verona.
I like Nice too. It's less French than it is Nicoise, having its own language and cuisine. And a laid-back, sensual vibe. Plus beautiful Belle Epoque buildings.
I personally am not a huge fan of Paris; it feels kind of coldly grand to me.
How about Venice? Lots to do there plus trips to the other islands in the lagoon, daytrips to Padua, Vicenza, Verona.
I like Nice too. It's less French than it is Nicoise, having its own language and cuisine. And a laid-back, sensual vibe. Plus beautiful Belle Epoque buildings.
I personally am not a huge fan of Paris; it feels kind of coldly grand to me.
Nov 6th, 2008, 07:26 AM
#30
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am not a fan of Paris, either. My top picks would be (for what you are seeking):
Venice - one of the most incredibly different and unique cities on the planet
York - so lovely and perfect for a long weekend wander on the city walls
Edinburgh - packed witih culture, castles, etc.
Dubrovnik - astonishing views, interesting culture, arts, wall walk, climate
Prague - stunning architecture
Venice - one of the most incredibly different and unique cities on the planet
York - so lovely and perfect for a long weekend wander on the city walls
Edinburgh - packed witih culture, castles, etc.
Dubrovnik - astonishing views, interesting culture, arts, wall walk, climate
Prague - stunning architecture
Nov 6th, 2008, 07:40 AM
#31
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Perhaps this is obvious, but London offers so much culture with many places within easy reach. The Eurostar train takes a little more than 2 hours to get to Paris or Brussels. I recently returned from Amsterdam which was a lovely walkable city which I would recommend visiting. Starting from London gives you many options with many transportations choices. Right now the weather isn't the best, but by June, the parks are glorious with the most beautiful flowers. Good luck!
Nov 6th, 2008, 07:45 AM
#33
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe I am over-interpreting the OP's wish list, but I cannot suggest Paris or Barcelona to someone looking for "smaller cities". Both cities are very nice, but also very big cities.
In June, you can experience the White Nights in Northern Europe, with nights being short from a few minutes to few hours.
Copenhagen or Stockholm are not exactly villages, but have a more relaxed pace than Paris or Barcelona, IMO. Both countries also have the benefit of being almost bi-lingual, i.e. English will be understood by a huge number of people.
Also the (more affordable) Baltic states have very nice capital cities with a rich history -- and not so beaten-to-death tourist trails than their better known Central European counterparts like Prague or Vienna.
Yet, I would also agree that accessibility of your destination is also an issue. With only 4 or 5 days, I doubt that you want to waste a lot of time at airports, waiting for connecting flights.
In June, you can experience the White Nights in Northern Europe, with nights being short from a few minutes to few hours.
Copenhagen or Stockholm are not exactly villages, but have a more relaxed pace than Paris or Barcelona, IMO. Both countries also have the benefit of being almost bi-lingual, i.e. English will be understood by a huge number of people.
Also the (more affordable) Baltic states have very nice capital cities with a rich history -- and not so beaten-to-death tourist trails than their better known Central European counterparts like Prague or Vienna.
Yet, I would also agree that accessibility of your destination is also an issue. With only 4 or 5 days, I doubt that you want to waste a lot of time at airports, waiting for connecting flights.
Nov 6th, 2008, 07:50 AM
#34
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi shepardspie: My first vote would be Paris as many have already offered, followed by Prague. I know you weren't interested in cities by both have so much to offer and they are walkable and easy to get around, transportation is no problem and you certainly don't want a car. On the plus side for Paris, if you wanted to do another city during your stay it would be easy to travel to Brugge, the environs outside of Paris or even take the Eurostar to London, however there is so much to see, so many cafes to sit, sip, dine and people watch I can't imagine you'd be at a loss in either Prague or Paris. Enjoy your trip.
Susan
Susan
Nov 6th, 2008, 08:11 AM
#36
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,052
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What about Ljubljana, Slovenia? It's a charming, small city at the base of the Julien Alps. One could easily daytrip to Bled, various other locals in the Alps, northern Croatia, Graz... The people were friendly and the city is extremely walkable.
I would also second the Dubrovnik suggestion. Beauty beyond words!
Tracy
I would also second the Dubrovnik suggestion. Beauty beyond words!
Tracy
Nov 6th, 2008, 09:52 AM
#38
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cowboy has a point with Copenhagen and Stockholm, though I did not suggest due to their relatively higher costs. Disagree on Barcelona, it isn't huge, will one see everything, no, but one probably wouldn't wherever one chooses to go.
Nov 6th, 2008, 10:24 AM
#40
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Paris, enough of this debate. Great to walk around, sit at sidewalk cafes, take a boat ride on the Seine, great restaurants, visit the Louvre or d'Orsay, ride the Metro, walk down the Champs de Ellyse, go to the top of the Eifel Tower, and ......
See you there!
See you there!
