Specific things to do

[Suicidebree]

So I leave in less than a month for twelve days in London, Paris, Dublin, and Edinburgh. My question is what are the must see things in each of these places. Things you found I should pass over and those things I should definatly do. I've got a good idea about London, but the others I'm essentially lost with. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys and girls.

We are three 19, 20, 21 year olds guys that arent into the club scene. Figure that might help some.

[omisan]

Well, if you're not into the club scene, then you're lucky, because you'll get robbed blind on cover charges alone in those cities!

Aaaanyway...

London
Skip: London Eye, Tower of London (unless you like spending half your vacation in a queue), Shakespeare's Globe (unless you can get tickets to a play there)
Don't miss: Tate Modern, British Museum, cheap food from the vendors in Camden market, lying in the sun in Hyde Park after a crazy night of pubcrawling (try the Circle Line Pub Crawl if you're insane and/or have an iron liver), late night chips & curry

Dublin
Skip: Jameson Distillery, Smithfield Chimney, overpriced meals at any restaurant in Temple Bar, hop-on/hop-off bus tour (the town's small enough to walk)
Don't Miss: The Backpackers Pub Crawl, the Literary Pub Crawl (even if you don't read), day-trip to Wicklow. Your hostel will have flyers for all of these. Also, if you like Guinness, don't miss the Guinness Storehouse tour.

Paris
Skip: Tour de Montparnasse, the Eiffel Tower at daytime, any business or restaurant on the Champs Elysees
Don't Miss: the Eiffel Tower at night, Sacre Coeur, Seine river boat ride at night, the cool bars around St. Michel and Bastille districts, the Catacombes, hop-on/hop-off bus tour (it's worthwhile to get the lay of the land), hot chocolate just about anywhere

[bluepea]

Don't miss the cemetary in Paris! Cannot remember the name. So cool and beautiful. The Louvre is an all day (maybe more) trip, but if you enjoy art, it's worth it.

Agree with Eiffel tower at night!


I must say that my mom really liked the London Eye though. I suppose in the summer it's packed full though?

Stole your tips on Dublin, Omi. We were actually going to stay in a B&B in Wicklow but changed to a different one in ... forgot the name of the town. Unfortunately for the one night we'll be in Dub, we'll be in the temple bar district. I'm not really into the club scene or heavily populated areas. ah well, it's one night.

[omisan]

Oh yeah - the cemetary in Paris! The name is Pere Lachaise, and it's worth checking out not only for Jim Morisson and Oscar Wilde's graves, but the overall haunting beauty of the place. http://www.pere-lachaise.com/

Jamie - Temple Bar is actually really cool, just that the restaurants there are expensive. Side note: If you're a U2 fan, check out their Clarence Hotel, and the Octagon Bar within - be warned, it's a bit chichi and minimalist in there - not quite the Irish pub charm you'd come to expect in the neighborhood.

[worldwidemike]

I haven't been to Edinburgh, myself, but I love Scotland. If you can get out into the highlands a bit, I'd recommend it. Great scenery.

And did you check how close you'll be time-wise to the Edinburgh music festival...I forget the name, but there's a real famous one...duh. Hey, we've got a member who lives in Edinburgh...I believe his screen name is showtimestafford, or something like that. Send him a PM!

worldwidemike

[Somnambulation]

If you are in London on a Sunday, go to Speakers corner at Marble Arch. What a trippy experience. Its a place where anyone can get up on a pedistal and spout off anything that happens to be on thier minds. Everything from 'drive the jews into the sea' to 'kill the jews' to 'white people are the devil' to 'if you dont take off your top for me youre a lesbian'. I went last sunday and it was incredibly entertaining. When we first arrived there were mostly tourists and people just curious abuout the whole thing as spectators. Then we went off into the park to take some mushrooms and when we came back towards dusk, it was an entirly different crowd. At this hour the tourists had disappeared and the spectators were locals that seemed to be taking these guys seriously and the whole atmosphere was decidedly more ominous. The mushrooms just enhanced this Im sure, but the whole thing was awesome.

[bellelass]

Edinburgh- graveyards. They are old, and gothic and spooky and historic... I saw where Adam Smith is buried. I also went mohawk hunting, secretly taking pictures of all the mohawks I could find, it was rather entertaining. Since I am female, I liked the shopping there, too.. Rose street is neat, it has all kinds of interesting shops and pubs. I didnt go into the castle proper, but I hiked all over the hill. There's all these footpaths, and you get some magnificent views of the city. Budget Backpackers is an amazing hostel. I reccomend it highly. Also, if you have a choice, try to be there in August during the international fringe festival. Theatre everywhere- in the streets, in coffeehouses, everywhere.

I agree with Jake, speaker's corner is really interesting. DO try to go to the Globe Theatre, dont take the tour (expensive and not worth it) but DO DO DO DO see a show.. Its like nothing you've ever experienced, I swear. even if you arent much for shopping, portobello market on a saturday is incredible.. They have all sorts of weird shit... Get off at the Notting Hill tube stop, then as you walk out turn right down the big street that all the buses are turning from... I forget what its called. Then walk down five or so minutes and you're at portobello rd. Ta-da. If you get lost jsut ask.. Its really a must.

[mr-turisty]

I think Edinburgh is the best city in Scotland, its a bit packed in August because of the fesitval and tattoo. But its worth battling the crowds as the royal mile has a total amazing buzz about it during the festival - you just have to dodge all the various people dishing out leaflets for what they say will be 'the greatest show of the festival".

One thing I've always wanted to do in Edinburgh is visit the underground city that was discovered. Theres a thing about it here

If you want a good view of the city - walk up Arthurs Seat, where you can see all the city land marks as well as the forth bridges.