EUROPE ADIVCE | eurotrip

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2 replies

EUROPE ADIVCE

Sat, 03/21/2009 - 20:29

tfurtado20

New Member

Eurotrip Points: 25

Member: 11687

Joined: 03/21/2009

Hello everyone.

I just booked my flights and hotels for a 2 1/2 week vacation in October 2009. I am flying to Barcelona (and spending 3 nights). Then I hop an overnight train to Paris (for 3 nights). Another train up to Brussels (for 2 nights). Finally up to Amsterdam (for 6 nights).

Basically, I’ve done a good amount of research so far… But I’m looking to get some advice from either someone living in these cities or has visited these cities before, as to some fun things to do along with touristy sites (restaurants, bars, clubs, site-seeing). I have the BIG ones already planned (like Eiffle Tower, The Louve, etc.).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance!

EUROPE 2009

I am leaving from Boston, MA with $3000 for 15 days
Barcelona, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam

Requesting help with Nightlife, Food, Sights

Tue, 03/24/2009 - 14:25

Packer

Traveler

Eurotrip Points: 267

Member: 383

Joined: 01/03/2007

Each city offers the typical tourist walks, bike rides and pub crawls. Many cities have FREE walking tours and you just tip the guide at the end of the tour. You will see advertisements at hostels, internet cafes and in guidebooks.
PARIS: If skies are clear, pay the few extra dollars and hike to the top of Notre Dame and Arc de Triomphe in Paris for a great view. Sacre Couer in Paris has an amazing stair climb to the dome. It is interesting how it was built. We did the hike as soon as it opened and no tourists around. If you like tunnels 60 feet below the surface and millions of human bones, do the catacombs, Metro: Denfert-Rochereau.
Look into Brugge vs Brussels. most travelers catch the earliest train from Paris and walk around Brussels for 1/2 a day than go to Brugge, The Venice of the north. Bars with 300 different beers and so much more. Great small city to walk all over.
Amsterdam: Pick up the FREE magazine from the comedy club, Boom Chicago. They are usually handed out at the train station and hostels. Or drop by their place in “Leidseplein” which is a great square with bars, shops and restaurants located by Vondelpark. It gives you great tourist information, history and tips on the Red Light District and Coffee Shops.
Clubs/bars in “Leidseplein” are Cool Dam cafe, Roalty’s, Bubbels, Feest Van Joop and Amsterdamed. If you are staying in hostels, breakfast is a great time to grab a bunch of fellow tourist and explore the city together. Ask hostel and bar staff on the hot club to visit at night. Be sure to check the 10 day weather forecast to see what you will be traveling thru so you can plan your days better. Use rainy days for big Museums. Read through Let’s Go, Rick Steves guide books before you go for great shortcuts and travel tips.

Tue, 03/24/2009 - 15:39