From my own experiences in Rome, I have to disagree with psy_dr. We were there twice (March and December of 04) and had a completely opposite reaction. We thought the city was very clean, much more than we thought it would be. I don't recall smelling anything bad at all while we were there. We had a wonderful time and fell in love with Rome. It quickly became our favorite city, and I am already planning another trip back for next year.

After living in Seattle for years and moving inland to Denver, I remember going to Venice and wondering "What's that smell?" Turns out that it was SALTWATER! LOL. I will warn you though, it's pervasive, and I imagine in the summer it's gotta get a little stinky.

Rome I found to be dirtier than London or Paris, but not in a white-glove sorta way, more like a million bazillion people had been through there over many millenia. And they have, which was fine by me. I just wouldn't necessarily choose to live there.

Your lists = my lists. Paris first. Absolutely.

With $3500 for airfare and hotel, you should have no trouble with either London or Paris for 5 days. An additional $1000 for food, transportation, sightseeing, small purchases should be more than adequate though you may even do it with just $3500.

We spent $4400 for 6 nights in London AND 7 nights in Paris last November. We stay in 3*** hotels which include breakfast. You will spend more for airfare than we but could spend half the amount for hotels. Contrary to most posters we don't find dinner costs for the same quality much different than we are accustomed to here in central Massachusetts. The GBP was $1.86 thru the ATM about where it is now.

One huge advantage that London has over Paris is that most of the museums are free and that can be a considerable savings. Helps pay for the more expensive Tube.

We have been to both cities multiple times and both are great to visit. For you I would suggest London. I think it a little more like Manhattan, though I haven't been there in (gulp)40 years.

You might check with BA for their Air/hotel packages. They quote 3 day packages but it is easy to add extra.

Good luck with your choice.

Given your inclusion of Barcelona on your initial list, I was surprised that it took so many posts for someone to speak for it.

I think that Paris and Barcelona would make an excellent pair. But do you plan to spend 4-5 nights in each? or split between two destinations? If the latter, then either of the two, not both.

Do you currently sppeak any French or Spanish (or Catalan? - - far less likely, and Spanish will serve you just fine in Barcelona).

That might help you focus on one country over another. With your desire to enjoy theatre, film and museums, you ought to set a plan... to work on making certain goals in learning as much as you can one language or the other (or both, or enhancing the one you know least... or best... right now). Setting a goal of mastering a core vocabulary - - ten words a day, 300 words a month - - is not unrealistic. Make flash cards, use audio language resources (and nothing works if you don't SAY IT OUT LOUD - - no mumbling, no saying it under your breath, or "in your head"), take it serious and chart your progress.

You have four months, and today would be a good day to start.

Best wishes,

Rex

Based on your lists, I'd definitely say Venice and Paris, in that order.

All of the cities you've mentioned sound like they would suit you.
Here's just two of the sites that help me decide where to go:

www.artencyclopedia.com
and www.greatbuildings.com

Barcelona has great architecture that shouldn't be missed but the prime focus is on Gaudi. There's a sprinkling of modern art like the the Miro museum and a Contempory Art Museum that was okay. The city is nice for a couple of days.

Paris on the other hand, is great for as many days or weeks as you could be there. If you like modern art and architecture wrapped up into one, turned inside out and served on an interesting building, go to the Centre Pompideau. The Lourve with the Pei Pyramid also has some nice galleries of new artists in the surrounding area. The D'orsay, not far from the Lourve, is a real treat. I could go on but by now the Spelling Police might be putting an APB out on me.
Also, a vegi could eat very well in Paris, I believe.
It's very walkable and a sheer delight.

I put in another vote for Barcelona!
I love this city - and it is far less expensive than Paris and London.
Although, this being your first trip to Europe, Paris and London are really must-sees, so I think that the combination Paris-Barcelona sounds just right for you.

To keep within your budget I would suggest picking only 1 city for your trip.