My fiance and I have decided that we want to go backpacking around europe next year. So far we decided that we want to go to: London, England Paris, France Barcelona, Spain Rome, Italy But we are fighting about our last destination. I want to go to Athens, Greece but he wants to go to Berlin, Germany. So my first question is which one is a better place to visit? Second question is I have an idea of places to see in each location but I want to make sure Im not missing anything. So here is a list of want I got for each location. London, England -Tower of London -London Eye -Westminster Abbey -Windsor Castle -House of Parliament -Abbey Road -Big Ben Paris, France -Eiffel Tower -louvre -Château de Versailles -Musée d'Orsay -L'Arc de Triomphe -Notre Dame Barcelona, Spain need suggestions on Rome, Italy -Colosseum -Vatican -Trevi Fountain -Pantheon
-Sistine Chapel Those are just some ideas i had. Let me know if you think I should add something or if something isnt worth seeing. I also need help on finding things my fiance would like to see. He is more interested in sight seeing then museums.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, United States
873 posts
How long do you plan to stay in Europe? The places you list are spread about as far apart from each other as you can get -- make sure you allow enough time (and money) for travel between these cities. Your list of things to see in each city is very generic -- which is fine -- but it's hard to recommend more specific things to do without knowing your interests. I think what you may want to do is pick up Rick's "Best of Europe" guidebook for further information.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9212 posts
Wondering why you have put Barcelona on your list of places to go and you don't have any idea of what you want to see there. Why have you chosen this city then? Why not Madrid? As to deciding which is better, Berlin or Athens, that is all up to personal taste and interests. It is like asking ME, which tastes better, strawberries or blueberries. I have no idea what you like, and even if I did, you still might not like my favorite. So, why do you want to go to Athens and why does your boyfriend want to go to Berlin. You two need to sit down and plan this, especially with what you each expect and want to see, otherwise one of you is always going to be miserable. How were you planning on traveling between these far-flung destinations? In how much time? What is your budget? What time of year? Athens is horribly hot in the summer, as is Rome and Spain. Have you read any guide-books about any of your choices or have you picked out these tourist attractions because that is what one is supposed to see while in London, Paris, and Rome?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Tiffany, First of all, congratulations! Regarding your travel plans, I agree with Anna that it would be helpful to have more information. How long are you planning to travel for? If this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door before you get too far in your planning. You might also want to have a look at some country-specific Guidebooks as they will provide lots of information on sights to see in each of the cities you'll be visiting. Rick's Best of Europe Guidebook would be a good start. As you're probably aware, Windsor Castle is located outside of London so be sure to allow time for getting back and forth. For those interested in military history, you could consider the Imperial War Museum, Churchill War rooms and HMS Belfast (moored on the Thames not far from the Tower Bridge). A few other locations in Paris you might consider are the Musee d'Orsay, Rodin Museum and Invalides (military) Museum. It might be a good idea to limit your visit to The Louvre to one or two wings, as it's HUGE. The Mona Lisa is located in the Denon Wing, so that's a popular choice. It would help to have some idea on what type of "sight seeing" your fiancé might be interested in? Good luck with your planning!
Posted by
Mission Viejo, Calif., USA
1010 posts
If you have time in Paris, try visiting Monet's Garden at Giverney. It is beautiful. We took a Gray Line Tour out there. Half the day was at Giverney, half at Versailles. Elaine
Posted by
Pearland, Texas, USA
441 posts
Tiffany,
I leave for Barcelona in a week and I've found a lot to see. A day-trip to Montsarret, the Ramblas, Barcelona Cathedral(and Saldana dance),Palau de lla Musica Catalunya, Guell park, Sagrada Familia, Spanish village and a day-trip to the Dali museum. That ought to keep you busy for a while. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Kirn, Germany
331 posts
I agree that without knowing your interests this is difficult question to answer. On the question of Athens versus Berlin I would only say that Athens will be so completely different to other cities that you will be visiting, (although it will be very hot) and a taste of something a little less European.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Tiffany, I forgot to address your question on Athens vs. Berlin. The obvious answer would be to visit both, however that will depend on both time and money. You could (for example) use open-jaw flights inbound London and outbound Athens. Again, some additional information would be helpful.....
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33781 posts
Hello, Tiffany.... We want to help but you need to come back with more information....
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
For starters... I definitely agree with you getting "Europe Through the Back Door" for the 'how-to's' of European travel - not so much the 'wheres' of Europe; that's where guidebooks come in. Then, if you haven't seen Rick Steves' travel programs, or want to see them at will, go to his YouTube channel. Note that he also has three 'Travel Skills' specials. How long do you have to travel, and when are you planning on being there?