best destination in Europe - opinions?? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

kstone · 10-06-2006, 06:10 PM

I'm a Europe-travel virgin - all I know is what I've read in guide books! so what are everybody's favourite places in Europe and why??

cheers

chelseafc05 · 10-06-2006, 07:19 PM

my favourite place in europe was Sarajevo in Bosnia.. alot of people still thinks its dangerous but its far from that its as safe as safe can be, the people are friendly and the city itself it more unique then all of the other places i went to The old city is framed on all sides by hills, with a river running through the middle, theres a good mix of different cultures. and great variety of cheap and tasty food.. and thats why Sarejevo was my favoutite place... Mostar is also worth the visit if your in the area

Joey7F · 10-06-2006, 08:17 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kowhai @ Oct 6 2006, 09:10 PM) [snapback]141875[/snapback]</div>

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I'm a Europe-travel virgin - all I know is what I've read in guide books! so what are everybody's favourite places in Europe and why??

cheers

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My top big cities were Rome, Florence, Sevilla, Munich, London, Vienna etc. But I realy loved strolling around the smaller places like Brugge, Avila, Aying (near Munich), Toledo, and Salamanca.

If you have never been to Europe, I would suggest flying somewhere that permits you to get away from a big city. If you fly to Rome, you should get a train to Florence, if you fly to Milan, go to Venice etc. Scandinavia is a great initial destination because the people are friendly, the speak ridiculously good English, and the cities aren't too big. They are generally safe as well. The reason I say all that is, that when you are tired and all jetlagged, you will be more likely to not pay attention as someone picks your pocket, or fall for a scam etc.

--Joey

**tumblezweedz** · 10-09-2006, 10:48 PM

We had the privilege of living in Vilnius, Lithuania for two years, and got to experience that city in all it's many moods. Though it can be a bit intimidating at times (extremely strange language, reserved people) it is a beautiful city, with a fascinating history and tons to see and do in a compact area. Plus, compared with most capital cities, it is an inexpensive place to visit.

Another long time favourite of mine is Gdansk, Poland - beautiful city (reconstructed post-war), fascinating history, friendly people and the sea. Hard to beat.

**indierock05** · 10-09-2006, 10:52 PM

Loire Valley, France
Berlin
Prague
Brugge
Sienna, Italy
Galway, Ireland
London (of course)
Paris (yet again)
Def. take the boat from Algeciras, Spain to Morocco!!! And when you are there, Marrakeh and Fes
Turkey - also blowing up right now! Go while it is still cheaper and I here the southern part is amazing, never been

Have a blast and if you want any more info, you've found the right place

SleepIsTheCousinOfDeath · 10-10-2006, 12:05 PM

Berlin and Prague and Amsterdam.

**expatben** · 10-21-2006, 01:59 AM

Berlin is the BEST place in Europe and one of the greatest places in the world. Why? Because it has anything you could possibly want as a tourist. Cheap places to stay good food, good drink and tons of stuff to do. Not to mention it is so beautiful.

**lilchappy** · 10-21-2006, 09:41 AM

INTERLAKEN SWITZERLAND is a must I think if you are looking for some adventure...very touristy but amazing day trips and beautiful scenary(depends on what months ur going...snow or hot, i would recommend hot!)

Prague was beautiful and cheap

Barcelona is a big city with tons to do

Rome has too much history not to go to

Munich was a blast but I hear Berlin is just as nice

Venice is no more than a day and same with Milan. Hit up Sienna, Ravenna for local beaches with NO tourists..and when I say NO, i mean you have a unique Italian experience.., or go to the South.

**DC_Jessica** · 10-21-2006, 02:23 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(expatben @ Oct 21 2006, 04:59 AM) [snapback]142968[/snapback]</div>

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Berlin is the BEST place in Europe and one of the greatest places in the world.
[/b]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lilchappy @ Oct 21 2006, 12:41 PM) [snapback]142978[/snapback]</div>

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Munich was a blast but I hear Berlin is just as nice
[/b]

Yesyesyesyesyesjajajajajajaja!!

And I don't know if this is the place, but I have a whole spiel about Munich vs. Berlin. You must see both the North and South in Germany if you want the real feel of things, and those two are about as opposite as possible. Berlin is fantastically terrific and waaaay less conservative than Munich.

And if you want a place in Italy with less tourists, I'll say it over and over, go to Lucca. It's near Florence/Pisa/yadda. Beautiful, walled medieval city. Il Volta Santo, a super famous crucifix is there (if you need a concrete reason other than untainted Tuscan beauty)!!

But, as a first-timer, and I may be alone on this one, feel FREE to see all the cheesy BS. And make your own opinions. I'd been avoiding Paris forever (I was deathly afraid of the French and felt it was too "mainstream" - God I was a punk), and when I finally went because I was pressured, I was peeved that I only went on weekend holiday cause I *loved* the Eiffel Tower and thought everybody I met was amazing. So I would suggest finding the beaten path by veering off of the main road occasionally, but plan to hit all the "bigguns."

**Somnambulation** · 10-21-2006, 07:09 PM

Ive probably had the most fun in the big cities of Europe. Berlin is definitely a favorite, for the history as well as the nightlife. One place that turned out to be a pleasant surprise was the island of Capri in Italy. Went there on a whim after the hostel guy in Naples rented out room out from underneath us and found the island quite charming.

**Delaney** · 10-23-2006, 09:04 AM

I highly recommend cinque terre in Italy. It is a five small town built into the side of a cliff and its just amazing.

**Brookers13** · 10-23-2006, 09:57 AM

portugal!

**omisan** · 10-23-2006, 10:26 AM

Barcelona! Barcelona! Barcelona!

There is no why. Just go.

**Brookers13** · 10-23-2006, 10:44 AM

i must admit...i wound up in barcelona 3 times on my trip..so it must be good

but i really really love the feel of portugal and no one ever seems to recommend it! its gorgeous!

ryandl · 10-23-2006, 06:43 PM

favorite capital was Ljubljiana. But for smaller cities I liked, Bairritz (France), Lake Ohrid (Macedonia), Krakow (Poland), Prague ofcourse, Ischia (Italy), Belgrade (Serbia), Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic), Lagos (Portugal), San Sebastian (Spain), Lyon (France).

kn34 · 11-27-2006, 12:11 PM

Portugal, southern Spain (I loved Seville even though no one ever recommends it)

**lilchappy** · 11-28-2006, 07:03 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kn34 @ Nov 27 2006, 02:11 PM) [snapback]145724[/snapback]</div>

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Portugal, southern Spain (I loved Seville even though no one ever recommends it)
[/b]

It was just good Brookers because you were after me and your hidden adgenda!!! Go Buckeyes!!!

lilchappy

**Maineartist** · 11-28-2006, 07:42 PM

Napoli, and the towns Atrani & Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. I recommend going when the weather is nice enough to swim. You can walk up a series of staircases to Ravello which is a very very high town.