ROME OR PARIS IN JANUARY?

larry which city has wife ever mentioned wistfully??
Personal tastes and interests are what matter,, one city is not really "better" then another( ok,, I secretly think Paris is better, but that I know is just my personal tastes, LOL ).

For such a painfully short stay( are you sure you can only do five days???) consider just picking the one with the most direct and conveneivent flight,, and the shortest as you will enjoy jet lag and travel fatique with either,, so why not try and minimize it as best as you can.

I am sure most wives would be thrilled with either choice ultimately,, but , as I said,, try and recall if she has ever mentioned really being interested in visiting one over the other,, that will win you extra super brownie points,, showing that you really DO listen to her. LOL

WE HAVE BOTH BEEN TO PARIS BEFORE BUT NOT TOGETHER...I WAS THINKING THAT ROME MIGHT BE JUST ALITTLE BIT WARMER AND SINCE NEIGHTER OF US HAVE BEEN THERE

To answer YOUR question. While the lights of Paris can make the city seem very cheery at that time of year, the days are shorter, sunlight weaker, and the chances of gray, rainy, overcast skies are higher at that time of year, I would opt for Rome just because the weather should be better. Just for reference, Paris is about as far north as Vancouver and Rome is nearer San Francisco.

For an anniversary, no question to me, PARIS.
The city of love, wine, cafes, strolling, fine art, incredible sights. Cruise on the Seine one night after a wonderful dinner.
The city oozes of romance regardless of time of yr, day or night. I hope this helps. Enjoy your planning. Nice to know there are still romantics out there.

Just curious, JS, ever been to Paris in January? That was the question.

Pat’s approach seems very reasonable. I love Paris and believe that one can visit this city many times any time of year without ever getting tired of it…it’s a great and romantic city for couples. If it were me, I would select Rome for this trip, however. (1) We’ve never been to Rome, (2) We’ve been to Paris, (3) Frank’s right, the weather will be better in Rome in winter, and (4) Rome is equally magnificent and a powerhouse city is its own right. You can’t go wrong either way.

Larry - When you say you only have 5 days, does that mean 5 days in Europe with a travel day on each end or will you only actually have 3 days in Europe? Are you limiting it to those 2 cities for any particular reason?

In January, I would choose Rome because the weather will be warmer than Paris.

ANDREA...USING AIRLINE MILAGE SO THOSE TWO CITIES LOOK BEST FOR ME...ALSO LOOKING TO SPEND 5 DAYS IN THE CITY I CHOOSE..

I would look at what arrival/departure times for both cities and length of flight. Then look at price and availability of hotels and see which looks like more fun. Will you have 5 nights? I think five nights is perfect for Paris - never been to Rome. We visited Paris in February 2008 (4 days Paris and 2 days in Normandy) and had a great time.

I've been to Paris in January twice and loved it both times. I experienced some quite cold days as well as pretty warm ones within the same week. It's true it gets dark early -- but nothing is more beautiful than the lights of Paris on a gray sky. But since you have both been there, perhaps Rome would be more exciting, and perhaps the weather would be a little warmer there, but weather should not be the only consideration, in my opinion. Both are great choices.

Larry, since you are using miles I can understand why you have chosen those two places. First, let me say that I LOVE Paris and would go there any time of year. The days are short, but after all it is the city of lights! We were there for 10 days over New Year's this last year and although it was too cold to enjoy the sidewalk cafes in the same way you can in warmer weather we still enjoyed ourselves. Do make sure you dress warmly. I have not been to Rome - yet - so can't comment on that. Let me throw something else out there though...London is a quick Eurostar train ride from Paris. Where ever you decide, have a great trip.

Larry...if your wife does not mind walking around in the cold weather, Paris would be fun. Perhaps being in Paris will make her more excited to get out in the cold. Rome's weather will be better, and if your wife enjoys history, then Rome would probably be the way to go, not that there isn't any history in Paris. To me, Paris would be better in the spring or summer when the gardens are in full bloom, and you can better enjoy strolling through the city, and sitting outside at cafe's drinking coffee.

In Rome, there are some neat things to see of course, you would have plenty of time, and you could possibly take a short train ride to Florence or somewhere else for a nice day trip.

But...It's the thought that counts...good luck man!