I like to travel a lot, and I have been wanting to go to Europe recently. I have never been there, so I was just wondering if anyone had any input. I would probably spend less than a week there, so I would want to stay in one geographic region (though not necessarily just one city). I know the French language well enough to get around, so I am leaning more towards France than other non-English speaking countries. I would probably do some sightseeing, but I wouldn't be spending all day in museums or at tourist attractions. I am more interested in just seeing a different culture and eating... eating a lot. In terms of nightlife, I am a pretty quiet guy, so I would rather spend the evening having a pint at a pub or having a bottle of wine at a cafe than going to a club. Also, if it makes any difference, I would probably be travelling with a friend, and not a girlfriend, wife, or SO. I don't want to go somewhere where I will get snowed in, but I don't need to spend the week at the beach. I will probably be travelling at the end of March. Any suggestions?

Right now I am thinking:
-London
-Dublin
-Paris
-Venice

ALSO, with your input, I would love suggestions for hotels, restaurants, or attractions in that area that you had a good experience with. Thanks

 

My preference would be London. There is a lot to do aside from the usual sightseeing and several day trips by train or car. Plus its a short flight and jet lag is not so bad.

The same can be said for Paris, too but the flight is longer.

The think the weather in Dublin will not be great that time of year.

I would suggest an hour at the bookstore looking at few travel books for options.

Hope you have fun!

 

Umm, have you considered Amsterdam?

I know what you are thinking - and you'd be partly right - but that is an amazing city - full of different cultures and a great place to for museums and touristy bits, as well as the more fun (IMO) little alley ways with curious shops etc.

It has something for everyone, that city - the red light district was quite funny and scary at the same time - none of the women were really great looking! Teaser's was a great bar to go to - and if you are going with a mate, then Amsterdam is great fun! Off course you can try out what the city is best known for - I am not a smoker and haven't done so since, but those three days were luverly!

Think about it, it is quite the city!

 

monaco

 

Bratislava

 

where ever all the young hot easy european chics are...

 

Another vote for Amsterdam. I went there for a week. Best trip I'll never remember.

 

Prague/Brno - old world charm, for cheap.

 

Hey,

I'm currently living in Germany, just wanted to give you a few things to think about before making your decision:

1) Weather -- Winter here sucks, so this could be a huge factor in your sight seeing
2) Exchange rates -- the dollar is weak so take that into consideration

London is more expensive than Paris. I would not go to Venice this time of the year, you will not be able to enjoy the sights as you would in summer or late summer.

Amsterdam, I have not been to yet, but I have heard good things about it.

As for hotels, you might want to search on Holiday Inn and Best Western. I know those hotel chains are low budget in the US, but over in Europe they are pretty nice. When booking also look for Breakfast included or not. Also check to make sure they charge by Room not by person(s).

Quick Tip on hotel booking: Single = twin bed, Double = Full size, Queen = Queen, King = King. One last thing, rooms over in Europe are small so don't expect any huge rooms. It is about the size of hotel rooms in NY or Boston.

have a fun and safe vacation, where ever you decide to go.

 

I remember going to Regensburg (Frankfurt I think) which was a blast.

It is a university town, so the bars and clubs were great fun - by the end of the evening we had made so many friends and our group of club hoppers had doubled. Very friendly people.

I am not into 'clubbing' these days, nor was I ever really, but that trip was tremendous. I think if you go with good friends, any trip will be enjoyable.

Good luck with that decision.

BTW, my choice still lies very firmly with Amsterdam!