(I'm not trying to copy the recent similar post!)
My husband and I rented an apartment in Paris for two weeks last October and would like to do the same next spring in another city. We'd like to go somewhere that offers urban experiences but with opportunities for day train or bus trips. Nothing too extravagant. We're considering Amsterdam. Any other suggestions or comments?
Thanks!
Someplace in Germany might be nice, as it is a little more central to other parts of Europe.
We spent two weeks in Germany in 2005, so would rather see something new. But thanks for the suggestion!
Florence is terrific and so would be Rome.
London
I second London. We're about to do 10 days in an apartment in South Kensington. Can't wait!!
We lived in South Kensington for three months back in the 80s. There's no prettier neighborhood in the world! I envy you!!
We've been to London several times, and love it, but it is SO expensive that we thought we should do something cheaper.
Why not get a place in the Tuscan or Umbrian countryside and day trip to the cities and hill towns?
We got an apartment in Prague for 70E a night. I will let you know how it is when I get back, but it is located in the old town so it should be nice.
I say first choice Umbria: Montone, Gubbio, or Assisi
Tuscany: Sienna, Orvieto or Cortone.
Second choice: Prague, while your money goes a long way!
Can't go wrong with Amsterdam either, love that city!
Enjoy wherever you might go. I always stay in apartments when I travel these days. Besides the cost being less, it is a way to live like the locals!
London! It is a great place to base yourself. I wrote an article fro AAA Carolinas "Go" magizine in Jan of this year about day trips out of London. Check it out at this site. http://www.aaacarolinas.com/Magazine/2008/Jan-Feb/index.htm
If you're still interested in Amsterdam consider Haarlem--I really liked the feel of the smaller town and it's only a 15 minute or so train ride from Amsterdam. It would be easy to feel like a local there with lots of opportunities for day trip to other areas in the Netherlands.
I would highly recommend Amsterdam. We rented a wonderful place on the Herengracht canal for about 800 euros a week, with a break on the monthly rate. There are many great places on the 3 main (really 4 with the Singel) canals in The Western Canal Belt. The Jordaan is all great too. Good luck and have fun. Check the slow travel sites
Rome, not too hot there yet, you could then do so amazing day trips Pompei etc. .
Depending on where you go,, spring being from late March to June,, weather in Amsterdam in March and early April is likely to be wet and cool.. Rome would be perfect weather wise( I am not into the excessive heat of summer there) I would prefer Amsterdam in the late spring late April thru May.
This is a great place in Amsterdam. Look it up on the internet . It is called Suite 259. It is expensive, but ,oh so nice!! Amsterdam is much more expensive than it used to be.Our hotel that we stayed in on our honeymoon ib 1990 was in guilders then and was about 50.00 Dollars. Now that same room is 250.00 and it basically the same as it was in 1990. We have hever stayed at the Suite 259, but have seen it. It is lovely and you can cook, but the breakfasts are unbelievable.You could stay there and then go down to the Keukenhof Gardens to see the spring flowers.The bulb fields are great, also.
Madrid, Spain....day trips to Toledo, Segovia, and Avila, among others....maybe overnighters to Sevilla and Cordoba. And tons of things to do and see in Madrid itself. Lot of apartments available for rent. I use one in a nice residential area east of downtown that's about 20 minutes by Metro from Puerta del Sol.....cost, $375 Euro/week
I wonder if Amsterdam has enough attractions to interest you for two weeks, especially since I heard the Reiksmuseum (sp?) is closed for renovations. Even with day trips (very easy by train) to the Hague, Rotterdam, Delft, etc. . . . Could have changed, but the times I was there, there wasn't much to do in the evenings, museums, etc. all closed around 5. A side note, a friend of mine visited her son and family while he was working in Holland and she (native language English) had a horrible time grocery shopping. If you do decide on Amsterdam, take a crash course in Dutch!
I would Definately recommend Haarlem. Its a beautiful city with lots to see, good shopping, nice restaurants and its close enough to Amsterdam for day trips. Instead of 2 weeks in 1 city, why not 1 week in 2 different cities? Just a thought.
