My mom and I are going to Europe in late April. I am attempting to make a pretty detailed itinerary to make the most of our time, but I want to build in times to relax while still taking in the culture. (I know we'll need time to relax after museums but I don't want to do that from my hotel.) I was wondering if anyone had an specific places, cafes or anything in Paris, Florence, and Venice that they could recommend. We especially like people watching and being outdoors. :)
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2773 posts
The best place I found to relax in Paris is Luxembourg Gardens. It's especially great on Sundays when you'll see lots of sail boats in the pond and lots of people doing all sorts of things. In late September the flowers are still beautiful.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I love a picnic under the Eiffel tower or go to a park. You will see cafes everywhere and you will know when you are ready for a break. In Venice across for St Marks Cathedral are cafes at night that have wonderful live music. It will be pricey but you can stay along time with an expresso or drink. Cafes nr Notre Dame Cathedral is another great people watching spot also vg gelato shop there. it is OK to leave some things open w/o planning and I have found they just fall in perfectly espec wher eyou will be going.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Jesse - Not sure if this fits with your definition of relaxing but it was one of the best things we did our last trip to Florence. Prior to this trip, I thought the Hop On Hop Off bus tours were cheesy and would not go near one, especially in Florence. Well, one of my friends threw a fit and said it was the bus or she was dragging us back to the hotel because her feet couldn't take anymore walking... We got our tickets that evening and took the main tour loop all at once because we needed a break (we did later end up going to dinner and for a night walk because her feet were much better). The next morning after touring a museum, we hopped on the Fiesole route and went up there to enjoy a long leisurely lunch (the best people watching was of the restaurant owners and staff). We then went back and wandered around Florence. We again took the bus before our 24 hour ticket expired and headed up out of town to enjoy the view. There was quite a bit of people watching involved - both tourists on the bus as well as the people along the route. Have to say I quite enjoyed it even though I was 'forced' to go.