Hi all,
I hope you’re doing well! In a previous post, I wrote about how I hoped to take a trip to Europe this summer. However, I did not announce that I’ve now officially booked the trip.
This summer, I am excited to announce that I will be crossing England, France, and Italy off my travel bucket list, or, more specifically, London, Paris, and Rome. I’ve never been to Europe, so I am really looking forward to this new adventure.
Does anyone who has been to these places or who is from these areas have suggestions for places to see or things to do? I would love to hear your suggestions!
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There is so much to see. How long will you be staying in each city? Here’s a tip for Paris. Get a city pass before you go. It will save you a lot of money and it’s good for a year. We bought one and when we returned we passed it on to another person headed to Paris. They were able to use it too! Check out the link.
http://www.parispass.com/?aid=25&gclid=CN6Lxebu574CFbIDOgodxCgAPg
Have a great..
Hey how do you set a profile picture on the mobile app?
Sounds like a great trip. You’ve certainly picked three incredible cities!
If you want to familiarize yourself with London, both the famous sights and some little-known locations, you could do worse than reading Jaspa’s Journey: The Pride of London! http://www.jaspasjourney.com/Books.htm ๐
I’m so happy for you! Enjoy and keep us posted! ๐
I’d recommend booking something in advance, especially things like the Eiffel a tower, Louvre, etc. cut out the crazy queues. If you want a great/funny show checkout how to become a Parisian in an hour. It’s in English too! I hope you enjoy Paris. I miss it ๐ฆ it’s such a breath taking city.
In Paris, be careful with pick pockets everywhere – my wallet got stolen in a restaurant. Make copies of all important documents. On the positive side, Paris is such a beautiful and great city, you don’t even have to have a plan. Just go and enjoy. We would even ride the subway to random stops, get out and walk around. Enjoy the food, the wine and the coffee. Slow down and sit in a cafe, watch people, enjoy the conversation. ๐
That’s wonderful! Europe is a beautiful place to be in. I have only been to Italy twice so can definitely say it’s amazing and you will love there specially the architecture of the marvelous places. ๐
London: The London Eye is definitely worth the time and money; I would suggest checking out when sunset is and reserve a ticket around that time so you get awesome pictures! Also, if you will be in London for awhile, invest in an Oyster pass for the Tube (otherwise you’ll be paying 8-9 pounds per day for a day pass).
Paris: I took a bike tour of Paris with my classmates–so worth it! Definitely make time to see the Eiffel Tower during the day and the night (I believe the Trocadero metro stop provides an equally amazing view of the tower with slightly less tourists). Stay late enough to watch the twinkly light show at the tower!
Rome: This goes for Paris too, but watch your purse/belongings like a hawk at tourist traps!! Take a Vespa Tour of Rome!
Yes, I would love to see the London Eye! Great suggestion, thank you ๐ Ohh, a bike tour is a good idea too. Thank you for all of these great suggestions!
London is amazing. You could spend days seeing the wonderful sights the city has to offer. Have a great adventure and look forward to posts along you way. Steve ๐
Ah, I’m so excited! Thank you Steve ๐
I am so happy for you. I’ve never been to Europe but my daughters went with their father to England Ireland and Scotland. They loved it, saying they could happily settle in Ireland or Scotsland. ENjoy your trip- hope you have the best of times and drink in the local flavor!!
Thanks so much! That is so nice to hear and I really appreciate it ๐
How many days will you be in each city? Will you be with a tour group or on your own with somebody? Are you interested more in exploring cities on foot or you want visit major museums too? Would you consider a short trip from a city (like from London to Windsor Castle or to Hampstead)?
I was in Paris five times. Before going there I found a book about walking tours there and made copies of tours.. The same thing can be done re Rome and London. All three cities are fantastic, you’ll enjoy visiting them
Sadly, only four in each. I wish it could’ve been longer! And I’ll be with a tour group. Wow, that’s amazing you’ve been there five times. So nice to hear, thank you ๐
The best tip I got from friends was to make sure that you don’t rush things. If you haven’t got the time to properly visit those 3 museums you want to visit, pick only one (you can always come back later). Also, if you do not want to end up in tourist traps, ask the locals where they go to have lunch, coffee/tea or dinner. The food will be terrific and you won’t end up paying too much for it. Lastly, take the time to talk to people if you have the chance. There’s always a possibility to start great friendships abroad (and next time, you’ll be able to sleep on their couch ๐ ) I hope you’ll have a lot of fun!
I think that’s a wonderful tip! On my trip to Australia, I noticed choosing quality over quantity made all the difference for me ๐ That’s a great idea about asking locals too and talking to them. Thanks so much!
Paris-Musee d”Orsay, I found it to be much more interesting than the Louvre.
Oh, that is good to know, thank you :)!
Italy is the most alive country in Western Europe for my family, the street life there are really alive compared to Germany and England. The only thing I regret is not going to Portofino in Italy, it is said to be very beautiful there. Have fun!
Ah, that is nice to hear! Thanks so much ๐
London is about my favorite city in the world. Obvious suggestion but be sure to check out the British Museum. I just love its architecture. There’s also a nice neighborhood around the corner that has really nice food.
I’ve only been to Paris twice but I absolutely love Montmartre.
Have a lot of fun during your trip!
Ohh okay, that is good to know! Thank you so much for the suggestions ๐
I stayed here in Paris: http://www.travelpod.com/hotel/Hotel_Marignan-Paris.html in ’95 and loved it. I met an architect, who would walk the city with me. You will see that the place demonstrates an aesthetic consciousness. I can’t say that for any other city. I would love to visit London, which a few have said is their favorite.
Ohh, that looks amazing! And sounds like such a great experience ๐ Thank you for the suggestions Mario!
I’ve been to all these places. They are fabulous. Anything you do and anywhere you go, you will be amazed by the beauty that surrounds you. Take advantage of Museum, restaurants, public transportations, churches and cathedrals, castles and garden. and everything else that suits your fancy. Come back home with a zillion of fantastic moments to dream a lifetime. We are talking about the nicest cities in the world, here. OK and good luck.
That is so nice to hear ๐ Thank you so much Alix!
I recommend the Aosta region in northwestern Italy for a more rural experience: mountains, hiking, vineyards, great food and wine. And of course Venice.
Oh that is good to know, thank you Marilyn :)!
I love your blog! It inspires me to get crackin’ on my bucket list! A possible idea for you – Russia was challenging, but the train ride up to St. Petersburg and walking at midnight underneath the white night was pretty amazing.
Aww thank you so much ๐ And yes, Russia does look beautiful. It would be nice to see someday!
come to Dublin Ireland, besides beautiful scenery-the most wonderful people-
Ah, I would love to go there someday ๐ It looks amazing!
will buy you a cuppa coffee when you get to Dublin
And haha, aww thank you ๐
How much time do you have in each city? Do you know?
Sadly, only four days in each city! The trip will go very fast, I think ๐ฆ
It will. But it’s still a golden opportunity. You can can soak up a lot in four days. Do you speak any other languages?
Yes, I’m really excited ๐ I took French in high school and Italian in college, so know a little bit of both, but am definitely not great at them, haha.
That’s wonderful! They will appreciate the effort. But I’m sure you are more proficient than you think.
Haha, aww thank you, I hope so ๐ I will have to brush up before I leave!
I find a glass of wine helps alot! Seriously. It seems to flow more readily.
Nice. ๐ I haven’t been to Europe yet, but I hope to go there one of these days! By the way, thanks for following my blog.
You are very welcome :)!
Suggestion? Love it with all your heart and soul. And do what you want to do, not what you are supposed to do when you are there. Unless, of course, those two things coincide.
I love the suggestion about doing what you want, rather than what you’re supposed to do. I tried that in Australia and it worked out great ๐ Therefore, I only signed up for the trips I was really interested in this time. Thanks so much Mona!
I will be going to Paris and Madrid in August! So I will be following these tips as well. So if anyone has any for Madrid, please share!
Oh, that’s awesome! Too bad we’ll just be missing each other in Paris, lol. I hope you have fun ๐
Thanks! It would’ve been cool to meet up! Even if it’s just to say we did!
I recently traveled to Rome and wrote just a bit about my adventures there if you’re interested in checking it out http://emilytylertravels.wordpress.com/2014/05/22/and-they-say-this-place-was-built-in-only-a-day/. If not though, I would still recommend eating at a restaurant called Dar Poetta in Italy. It’s in a pretty neighborhood, and while of late it’s unfortunately become very popular/overcrowded with tourists, it’s still authentic pizza that locals recommend. Watch out for other restaurants in the area though as they tend to be overpriced and far less good in quality.
I’d also recommend looking into free walking tours everywhere that you go.
Oh, I love your post, thank you for sharing ๐ That sounds amazing and thank you for the suggestion! Reading your post made me even more excited for the trip.
As a true European I suggest you sit on terraces out in the sun with a coffee and watch the world and people go by. Read a couple of guide books and decide what takes your fancy! Why not take in Amsterdam as well? Whatever you do, these are three great cities and you won’t have enough time to do it all.
Oh, I love that suggestion, thank you Corri ๐ I wish I could, but the tour only includes the three cities and is for twelve days! Thank you again though!
My favourite place in Paris is the gardens at Versailles palace. Look into the Cartes des Musees pass to both save money and enjoy the privilege of skipping the line (this can save you hours at some of the museums). In London…just wander. Many things there are free; the one tourist-y thing I think worth paying for is the Tower of London, or St. Paul’s cathedral (which I prefer over Westminster. Westminster feels dark and gloomy, St. Paul’s more inspiring.) Rome is nice but I prefer further north–Florence, Pisa and the Cinque Terre. Have a blast!
Yes, that does look beautiful ๐ Thank you so much for the great suggestions John!
You have to check out Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in London! Make sure you book way in advance..
Haha, ohh that sounds awesome, thank you :)!
The only time I was in London, it was in Heathrow Airport, awaiting a connecting flight back to the US. Paris didn’t see me: it would have been 6 hours out of my day just to get there and back (we were on a cruise ship), so we skipped that land tour. However, Rome was a great part of our trip. We spent about 4 days there altogether, in 2 trips there. Make sure you see all the usual sites; however, if you do get to the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel, make sure you make note of where you enter and where you must get out. It is very crowded, and people, of course, are looking up! It is easy to lose your sense of direction, and when you force your eyes back to a normal view, go out the correct exit in order to get to Peter’s Basilica. My husband and I lost our group and we went out of an entrance! Got a taxi, and went back to our hotel. Met up again with the group, after waiting an hour at the designated lunch restaurant!!
Ohh that sounds awesome about Rome. Thank you so much for the suggestions, I really appreciate it :)!
How exciting! I’m off to the US and you’re heading over to lil old England. An oyster card is definitely worth getting, it means cheaper travel plus its quicker and easier. Just Google “TFL Oyster” you can read all about it. Getting a Boris bike will be a good way to explore the city too, I’m yet to do this but if you want a bit of exercise then its a good shout ๐ can’t wait to hear all about it xx
Haha, that’s funny Hannah. Where do you plan on visiting in the US :)? I hope you have a great time here! And ohh, that sounds great, thanks so much for the suggestions!
I’m travelling around the West Coast and then heading southeast, finally i’ll be based in Ohio ๐ no worries you’re welcome!
Wow, that sounds awesome :)!
When you’re in Paris, you have to visit Versailles! It’s gorgeous. In London, it’s just so fun to walk around and people watch. The London Eye is a must do. Hmm… I’d also recommend going to see a play if you enjoy the theatre. I saw the Phantom of the Opera while I was there, and it was marvelous. Have an awesome trip! ๐
Thank you so much for the suggestions Nicole, I really appreciate it :)!
Some years ago I was able to cross off one of my bucket list items when I got to live and work in Paris. And I used my base in Paris to visit other European cities, including London and Rome. Paris will always have a special place in my heart. Besides the usual, I recommend you walk around the city at night, by the Seine and the Canal. Also, many locals leave the city in the summer so there will likely be more tourists than locals about but when you walk around or sit at a cafe/brasserie and people-watch, take in the people and their effortlessly fashionable dress styles. After visiting the Sacrรฉ Cลur at Montmartre wander away from the crowds to find one of the lovely restaurants (if you like huge, filling salads I recommend Le Relais Gascon – decent prices too). For nightlife, the Oberkampf and Rรฉpublique areas, which are right beside each other, are great and they tend to have more locals and local residents (esp those aged 24-35) than the tourist areas.
Rome has so much history! It was amazing to be somewhere where essentially every building, every place had been witness to the stories and lives of a few millenia. I found my mind constantly traveling to millenias before and wondering what life must have been like for people as they walked the very streets I wandered.
London was my least favourite of the three but you can’t deny that there is history there and it is now home to a diverse set of people and neighbourhoods – you should definitely try to visit a few different areas. I liked Hyde Park and the others close by too.
I agree that you should try to make friends with locals or get a local to show you around. There are sites that help facilitate that – for free.
I am a big believer in experiences over material things as experiences last much longer. So I wish for you some great experiences while there!
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http://debtsquasher.wordpress.com
Wow, that is amazing that you were able to live and work in Paris! I think that is such a great idea about just taking in the people and the scenery ๐ And making friends with locals is a wonderful suggestion! I agree about the experiences. Thank you so much for some great suggestions.
In London there are plenty of lesser-known gems. Check one of the free lunchtime music recitals at St. Martin in the Fields if you’re into classical music. They also do jazz in the crypt.
Definitely get an Oyster card for the underground network, you can return the card and get your deposit back when you leave so you won’t be out of pocket.
I highly recommend taking a short train journey out of London to Windsor – the site of the Queen’s castle (as opposed to the palace which is in central London), a charming old-style town and excellent teahouses.
There are masses of free museums and galleries.
Would be happy to meet for a tea after work and share local info when you’re here ๐
Ohh, that sounds awesome! Thank you so much for the suggestions and that would be awesome ๐
Hi, I’m sending you this note because you’re a follower on my blog. I’ve ended my blog, The Siren’s Tale (http://thesirenstale.com) + started a new blog named: Belong With Wildflowers. I’d love to have you follow my new blog as well, please stop on over for a visit: http://belongwithwildflowers.com ๐
You can follow my new blog through email subscription, RSS, Bloglovin’, or any other blog reader. Hope you’re having a great week! –Caitlin
Ohh, thank you for keeping me updated Caitlin and I will have to check out the new blog ๐
I would never be late with a โThank Youโ noteโso I should have been more prompt with: โThank you for following my blog, โWhat to Do about Mama?โ Since โeveryone is a potential caregiver,โ I hope that you find the information to be useful in the event that you need to draw upon it someday. I would not say caregiving is an โinspiringโ topic, but I do think my book of the same name is a good addition to any reference shelf. Better yet: be prepared. Read it before you think you need it.
Barb
Haha, it’s all good ๐ You are very welcome and I’m glad I found it! I will definitely have to check it out. Thank you Barb!
I’m glad you found it, too. I had the hardest time navigating the blog sites. From now on–I reply up front!
Brugge, Belgium if you get a chance..
Ohh, yes, that would be awesome :)!
Try visiting the gardens of Monet while you’re in Paris. They are really worth a trip! There are bustrips from near the Louvre to the Monet gardens (they are just outside Paris)
While in London, you could try a tour in an open bus or a boattrip around the Thames. And don’t forget the Tower Bridge!
In Rome go visit the Spanish steps, and the Trevi fountain. They are in walking distance from eachother. While walking around look up once in a while the houses are so beautiful!
Above all have fun!
I have to agree on the Monet gardens.
Great!!! ๐
Enjoy it as you know!
Someday, you have to visit Azores too! ๐
Kiss ๐
Thanks so much! That would be awesome ๐
Yeah… you will visit, and you don’t want to leave! ๐
Rome: St Peter’s, Vatican Museum, Colloseum, Forum, Spanish Steps, Hard Rock Cafe, ancient and new river bridges, Trevi Fountain, and walking as much as possible to and from these places from your Rome Hotel. (Undergarment fishing vest for valuables– pickpockets en masse on buses and trains.) And the best pasta and wine– even in your “dives.” Enjoy. Peace.
Thank you so much for some great suggestions, I really appreciate it :)!