If you have time in Paris, go to the Catacombs. They are a bitch to find, but very spooky and cool.

The best advice I can offer is don't dress like a bum. If you dress business casual, you will get treated much better than a dude in Jams and flip flops.

 

is it best to exchange dollars to euros here in the US or in europe?

 

Take an Atm card. Use an atm . That way you get the best rate plus no commisions.

 

I'd just find an ATM over there and withdraw the cash you need. That's the route I take whenever I land in Praha-Ruzyne airport in the Czech Republic. Some of the exchangers may try to rip you off, but at least the ATMs should be consistent. You may be hit with like a 3% currency conversion fee.

 

Generally you're better off changing currency there. I usually go to a bank, as their rates/charges are always better than the currency exchange places like Thomas Cook and the airport places.

 

I would definitely try to make it to Zurich.. and Berlin

 

My wife and I just did the Paris-London trip a few months ago. We loved it. Some suggestions:

1. Take the Eurostar to get b/n Paris & London. This is the high-speed train that goes underwater through "the Chunnel." You can book your tix in advance online. VERY clean, precisely ON TIME and likely the best travel experience u will have on your trip.

2. If u like museums, def hit the Musee d'Orsay & Louvre while in Paris, and the British Museum in London. There's nothing like seeing the Rosetta Stone in person!

3. For the "wow" factor, check out the main cathedrals in both Paris & London. Notre Dame is simply amazing, as is Westminster Abbey.

4. If u read Da Vinci Code and liked it, u can do the "official" Da Vinci Code tour of both cities. They will take u to all the spots referenced in the book, and give u the "real" history behind much of it.

5. Use the subway in both cities -- the Tube (London) and the Metro (Paris) -- to get around. They're relatively inexpensive (vis-a-vis cabs) and go just about everywhere u would dwant to go. Just make sure to get a map, which they have at each station. The Tube is the cleanest, most effiicient subway I have ever been on. The Metro isn't so clean, but it is efficient.

6. The Indian food in London is NOT to be missed. Check out Vama if u have time.

Have fun.

 

For those who's been to Venice, can you tell me what this is? Thanks!

 

As SiDriver said - use the ATMs and use your credit cards b/c they will give you the bank rate on exchanges (which is the best for U.S. folks)

I'd reccommend going through a variety of guide books (not just one). . . although I've had the best luck with Rough Guide, Frommer's, and Let's Go. The great thing about the guide books is that they will steer you based on your interests.

Through Germany, Switzerland, France, and Scandanavia, I've had nothing but great clean rooms even if I booked them same-day from the train station. . . and yes, the train system rocks.

 

Get a multiple day museum pass in Paris. I think they are available in 3, 5, and 7 day. It keeps you from having to stand in line (in fact you move to the front of the line) at most museums and many other attractions. I agree about the catacombs. Creepy but cool. Also don't miss the Opera, the TOP of the Eiffel Tower, and the tower tour at Notre Dame. Stay in the Latin Quarter, if you can. Walk, ride the Metro, and eat, drink wine, and enjoy. I've been there three times, and love it more every time. Got to attend Easter Mass at Notre Dame last time. Not a religious person, but it was awesome.

Have fun.