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I'm planning to go to Finland for a week this coming summer, and will spend probably 100% of that time in Helsinki. I'm going there to attend a convention, so it just makes sense to spend my free days prior to the convention starting just checking out the city (as I've never been there before). Although I may take a day trip to Tallinn, in which case I'll be visiting two countries and visiting just one city in each.
Most large cities have enough to do to keep a tourist occupied for several days, so if the trip's going to be short, why not spend it in just one place? And if it's longer, then go to the places that most interest you; if that means seeing only one city per country, that's fine, too. You can always go back another time and see more.
Good question ["Why Brussels?"]. It was suggested to me by a friend who's a world traveler, but I still need to research. Its also close to Amsterdam by train. I'm a newbie traveling around Europe, so a little nervous about navigating it properly.
Munich was a possibility as well, but again, the only thing I KNOW I'm doing, is going to Amsterdam. So what would you recommend for a single, introverted guy who would like to meet some fun people and enjoy some different culture? Trip will be between 10-14 days, depending on where I ultimately decide to go and flights.
Paris isn't out of the question by any means. Might be a good place to end the trip. Start in Amsterdam and end in Paris, or vice versa, with another city in between.
We've been to Amsterdam twice. First time made Amsterdam our base for the entire trip. Rented an airbnb and took day trips to Cologne and some of the smaller towns.
Second time we had 2 weeks. Spent 3 nights in Amsterdam, 2 in Antwerp (skip it), 2 in Bruges (awesome), 1 in Ghent (also loved!), 2 in the Hague, 1 in Mechelen (also cool!), 2 in Brussels. But I'd highly recommend doing Belgium and the Netherlands for 2 wks. It was very manageable and easy to get around even when you don't know or speak dutch. The longest train we took was 2 1/2 hours or so. If you want further recommendations shoot me a message. We've done Amsterdam in both winter and summer and both were great. Enjoy!
We've been to Amsterdam twice. First time made Amsterdam our base for the entire trip. Rented an airbnb and took day trips to Cologne and some of the smaller towns.
Second time we had 2 weeks. Spent 3 nights in Amsterdam, 2 in Antwerp (skip it), 2 in Bruges (awesome), 1 in Ghent (also loved!), 2 in the Hague, 1 in Mechelen (also cool!), 2 in Brussels. But I'd highly recommend doing Belgium and the Netherlands for 2 wks. It was very manageable and easy to get around even when you don't know or speak dutch. The longest train we took was 2 1/2 hours or so. If you want further recommendations shoot me a message. We've done Amsterdam in both winter and summer and both were great. Enjoy!
How was Cologne? I am going in May to Amsterdam with a friend who has never been there. We are there for about 10 days, and weighing our options.
Always found it odd that they are so proud of the Louvre, when its filled with stolen art. Plus its more like a trip to an amusement park than a real museum.
Decent food and drink is very expensive. And the service is crap.
The people are mostly rude.
I would argue its true that if you have only been to Paris then you haven't been to France. The rest of France isn't like Paris at all.
Sure, its not all bad. But there just isn't enough good to redeem it.
I am sure that if your fabulously wealthy, speak fluent French and have the juice/connections to get into the best spots its a great place. But most of us don't live in that world.
I found Paris' reputation for being rude and expensive to be untrue stereotype. But then again, it depends on where you're coming from. If you're visiting from Kentucky for example, then yes, everything in Paris will be much more expensive compared to Kentucky. But you can have a decent meal in Paris without breaking the bank if you stay away from the tourist traps, you just have to look around. Not to mention you'll get better food quality compared to what you pay for at a restaurant back home.
I also found the Parisians to be helpful and polite, and they're always curious to learn about you when you engage them in a conversation, and I don't even speak French.
I live in Southern California and have never been to Europe. I have only been to Mexico and Tijuana at that.
We do visit the LA area often and within the city of Los Angeles you could spend months visiting and not see it all. I would bet that a visit to London or Paris for a week would not make one an expert on the city visited, just too much to see in one week. Even if you were to try out seven different places for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, that is only 21 dining experiences.
I found Paris' reputation for being rude and expensive to be untrue stereotype. But then again, it depends on where you're coming from. If you're visiting from Kentucky for example, then yes, everything in Paris will be much more expensive compared to Kentucky.
Right, its because I am an illiterate redneck hick from small town nowhere. Got it.
I don't mind spending the money if I get the food, service and experience to go with it. Was just in Rome earlier this month and spent about $90 - $120 per dinner for two not including any alcohol. I know thats not making it rain or anything, lol. But for that price I have expectations. The food was great. The service was outstanding.
For me, Paris ranks right up there with India on places I never want to see again. For very different reasons of course.
I ended up liking Paris far more than I thought I was going to (it was included on the trip at the request of the Spousal Unit). Lots of nice people as long as you started off with a 'Bonjour' to indicate you were trying for manners, and the legendary dog doo on every sidewalk was nowhere to be seen.
Yes, it's a working city full of a diverse group of people who are trying to go about heir everyday lives rather than being a perfectly preserved Theme Parc du Romance, and can be a bit scruffy in spots, even in areas famed on the usual tourist routes. (And way overly aggressive street vendors in spots) But we just kind of went with the flow, didn't take ourselves too seriously, and had a grand time.
I generally only visit one city, especially when traveling along. However, if I have friends outside of the major cities (for instance, I traveled to Oxford for a few days to visit a friend when I visited London), I'll try to make the trek to go see them if they can't come to me.
I'm planning to go to Finland for a week this coming summer, and will spend probably 100% of that time in Helsinki. I'm going there to attend a convention, so it just makes sense to spend my free days prior to the convention starting just checking out the city (as I've never been there before). Although I may take a day trip to Tallinn, in which case I'll be visiting two countries and visiting just one city in each.
Most large cities have enough to do to keep a tourist occupied for several days, so if the trip's going to be short, why not spend it in just one place? And if it's longer, then go to the places that most interest you; if that means seeing only one city per country, that's fine, too. You can always go back another time and see more.
While you are in Finland , go to the Bar and order Lapin Kulta. It's my favorite beer.
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