Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 30 of 39

Thread: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

  1. #1
    The Usual Member Ice's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Northville, Michigan
    Posts
    4,259

    Default EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    I just got done booking all the hostels we will be staying at. I'm also going to get a 4 country rail pass soon. (I'm the accountant of the group I'm going with, since I'm good with numbers).

    I'm going to the following Places:

    Brussels
    Munich
    Bern
    Amsterdam
    Paris

    My point of this thread was to get some insight into each one. What's good to see? Where's good to eat? What's good to do? I know a lot of people on this board are either from Western Europe or have visited there, so you insight would be greatly appreciated.

    *Note: Please no suggestions on additional places. I have already booked everything, so I'm stuck to the above.



  2. #2
    Spirit King Senior Member seireikhaan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Iowa, USA.
    Posts
    7,065
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    First and foremost: Make sure to bring plenty of spare cash, I was amazed at how fast mine seemed to evaporate.

    I've been to Paris and Munich, although I didn't really spend enough time in Munich to comment much on it. Paris, on the otherhand, I stayed three nights there.

    First, I would heavily advise the Eiffel Tower. It'll be busy, but its worth it. The view from the top viewing area is great, it seems as though Paris stretches on forever from to the horizon. Also, if you go by at night, you may get treated to the lights that adorn the tower shining like a great light show. I personally liked the bateax mouches ride on the Seine.

    I must caution you, however, to be very careful with your money. In my experience, the Parisian pickpockets were rather skilled. Also, watch for gypsies and con artists who are looking for tourists like you. They will congregate at the tourist attractions, like the tower, Notre Dame, and outside the Louvre. Speaking of the Louvre, it is well worth admission to get into, unless you absolutely detest art of all kinds.

    Lastly, if you're looking for some quality(and relatively cheap) french quisine, I would try to save some cash whenever possible. Personally, I found some of the food and beverage stands on the Champs Elysees were of great value. I got an excellent chocolate crepe from a stand for a meager one euro, as opposed to the four to eight you might pay at most of the shops and restaurants. And if you're looking for souvenirs, some of the paintings for sale along the Seine were pretty good as well.
    It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then, the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Senior Member Yeti Sports 1.5 Champion, Snowboard Slalom Champion, Monkey Jump Champion, Mosquito Kill Champion Csargo's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Vote:Sasaki
    Posts
    13,331

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Ice
    I just got done booking all the hostels we will be staying at. I'm also going to get a 4 country rail pass soon. (I'm the accountant of the group I'm going with, since I'm good with numbers).

    I'm going to the following Places:

    Brussels
    Munich
    Bern
    Amsterdam
    Paris

    My point of this thread was to get some insight into each one. What's good to see? Where's good to eat? What's good to do? I know a lot of people on this board are either from Western Europe or have visited there, so you insight would be greatly appreciated.

    *Note: Please no suggestions on additional places. I have already booked everything, so I'm stuck to the above.

    ~
    Last edited by Csargo; 04-20-2007 at 07:01.
    Quote Originally Posted by Sooh View Post
    I wonder if I can make Csargo cry harder by doing everyone but his ISO.

  4. #4
    Hellpuppy unleashed Member Subedei's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Bavaria
    Posts
    780

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Hey, if you are in Munich in Summer you have to check out the "Englischer Garten" [translaters into smth. like "English Garden"which is a park, really big & lots of people there. It is beautiful to chill there in the afternoon. Beergardens, medows, people doing all kinds of sports.....and did i mention the beergardens?!?!?!?!?!

    Have a ton of fun, over herei n the old world.

    And if U wanna see a medieval town, come to Regensburg, it is only 1.5 hrs. by train from Munich. Well, you said no other places, but it is an amazing town.
    “Some may never live, but the crazy never die” (Hunter S. Thompson)

  5. #5
    Vermonter and Seperatist Member Uesugi Kenshin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    The Mountains.
    Posts
    3,868

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    I've never been to Munich but just to give you a heads up it's called München in German. I bet you already know that, but just in case...

    Have a great time and make sure to spit on the soccer stadium for me!

    Down with Bayern München!
    "A man's dying is more his survivor's affair than his own."
    C.S. Lewis

    "So many people tiptoe through life, so carefully, to arrive, safely, at death."
    Jermaine Evans

  6. #6
    Ja mata, TosaInu Forum Administrator edyzmedieval's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Fortress of the Mountains
    Posts
    11,441

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Ice
    Bern
    Amsterdam
    Been to these two, so I can probably share some insight to you.

    Amsterdam

    First and foremost, go to Amsterdam. The night life and activity of that town is HUGE. If you're around the centre, on day, take a ride on the channels with the boat. It's a really enjoyable trip. After that, visit the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt museum and Anne Frank museum if you like history and art.

    But the night it's all about Amsterdam. It doesn't matter if you wanna go for a "ride" or you don't, visit the Red Light District. Really crowded, but if you're in a group with more friends, you can have fun. Just in case you need an extra, visit the Sex Museum.

    For eating, I tried different restaurants, but I liked the Argentine restaurants. They're always full, and relatively cheap. If you want to go for a shopping spree, the center is full, and you can do some serious exercise too.

    Bern

    Bern is the total opposite of Amsterdam. I stayed a day in it, and I found it a very relaxing and pleasant city. It's really calm, in comparison with Amsterdam. At 12 midnight the streets were empty. In Amdam they were full like a rush hour.

    For sights, visit the Zytglogge, a clock tower with puppets, which is really nice. Make sure to visit the Munster, a 15th century cathedral and the town hall. Since it's a very medieval town, it's good for shopping too. So get some extra cash, especially because it's Switzerland, and it's damned expensive.

    Bern is a perfect place for walking, for taking a stroll. So get your legs ready.



    Hope it helped you.
    Ja mata, TosaInu. You will forever be remembered.

    Proud

    Been to:

    Swords Made of Letters - 1938. The war is looming in France - and Alexandre Reythier does not have much time left to protect his country. A novel set before the war.

    A Painted Shield of Honour - 1313. Templar Knights in France are in grave danger. Can they be saved?

  7. #7

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Well the only on I have been to is Paris. I loved it (not as much as Lyon though it's still wonderful) and I agree with greaterkhaan about the pickpockets and con artists. Though I was so tight fisted with my money that the only thing I brought in France and Spain were postcards, some nice small paintings and food so my mother was shocked by the amount of money I came home with.

    I wasn't that impressed by the Eiffel Tower, I hated all the tagging all over it and was probably the only on in our group who didn't leave their name on the Eiffel Tower. The view was spectacular even if I did have to keep my hand on my wallet the entire time (well maybe I didn't have to but I became paranoid after seeing the sign warning about pickpockets). The filth of Paris is something I wasn't too bothered by however quite a few members of our group were disgruntled by the dog poo. Paris has a real charm to it, however the city always seems to be in such a hurry compared to the rest of France.

    Ah well, thats my opinion anyway. Good luck on your travels.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Senior Member econ21's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Posts
    9,651

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    My favorite place in Paris is the Musee d'Orsay. It houses nineteenth century art - the Impressionists and that stuff - with an absolutely amazing collection (surely the best in the world). Plus it presents them wonderfully in a old railway station, fairly compact but with enough space and glorious light. By contrast, the Louvre can be a bit oppressive: crowded, sprawling and often dark/stuffy despite the glass pyramid. The modern art stuff in the Pompidou centre always gives me a headache.

    From a militaria perspective, there was some interesting stuff in the place with Napoleon's tomb - Les Invalides, IIRC.

  9. #9
    Nec Pluribus Impar Member SwordsMaster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    3,519
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by econ21
    My favorite place in Paris is the Musee d'Orsay. It houses nineteenth century art - the Impressionists and that stuff - with an absolutely amazing collection (surely the best in the world). Plus it presents them wonderfully in a old railway station, fairly compact but with enough space and glorious light. By contrast, the Louvre can be a bit oppressive: crowded, sprawling and often dark/stuffy despite the glass pyramid. The modern art stuff in the Pompidou centre always gives me a headache.

    From a militaria perspective, there was some interesting stuff in the place with Napoleon's tomb - Les Invalides, IIRC.
    I love Ney's statue by the Invalides. Sword in hand, rousing the men. Makes you wonder if the veterans buried there can here him.

    My advice, don't go to Paris to see the Louvre. Just go to Paris. Leave the hotel in the morning and just walk. You might just get somewhere. Ditto for Amsterdam. Or Brussels. Now that i think about it, i do it quite often...
    Managing perceptions goes hand in hand with managing expectations - Masamune

    Pie is merely the power of the state intruding into the private lives of the working class. - Beirut

  10. #10
    The Usual Member Ice's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Northville, Michigan
    Posts
    4,259

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Thanks for the information guys, this has helped a lot. Bern sounds like an awesome place, I can't wait to see all the medieval architecture. I really want to see Napoleon's tomb in Paris now.



  11. #11
    Speaker of Truth Senior Member Moros's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    13,469

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Ice
    Thanks for the information guys, this has helped a lot. Bern sounds like an awesome place, I can't wait to see all the medieval architecture. I really want to see Napoleon's tomb in Paris now.
    Napoleon's tomb is quite impressive indeed. There's also a museum about warfare , so if you are interested in that you might want to ceck it out. Also you might want to have a look to the cathedral and Versaille (it's not in the centrum tough). Also Mont Martre is always a bit fun. Be ware of pick pocketers and folks trying to sell stuff. Some try to make you an armband, so keep your arms away from them cause before you know they made one and they want you to pay for it. Also you can a crêpe (pancake) from stalls, they are cheap and good. Verry nice for a quick snack. Centre Georges Pompidou is also a must visit together with the Louvre at least if you like art that is. Also I don't know for how long you're going but I'd try not to visit everything in one day, give it some time and make time to get lost in the endless streets. (For all cities not just paris).
    If you like shopping or modern architecture, La defence might not be a bad idea. (La grande arche)

    Brussels, well the capitol of Belgium so I should know all about it. You could see the Atomium it's the eiffel tower of Brussels. (not really a tower tough...). For art museums well there's a museum about instruments and "het museum voor schone kunsten" is the louvre of Brussels.

    HAve to go now, will continue tomorrow.

  12. #12
    Senior member Senior Member Dutch_guy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Holland.
    Posts
    5,006

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Don't forget to drop by the Bulldog when in Amsterdam, sure you and your friends 'll have a blast.

    I'm an athiest. I get offended everytime I see a cold, empty room. - MRD


  13. #13
    The Usual Member Ice's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Northville, Michigan
    Posts
    4,259

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Dutch_guy
    Don't forget to drop by the Bulldog when in Amsterdam, sure you and your friends 'll have a blast.

    It's on the list, Dutch_guy. I'm also making sure I visit the Grey Area. This time, I know what I'm doing. Last summer, when my friend and I stopped by, we both had WAY to much and passed out. The guy eventually kicked us out because we were scaring the customers.



  14. #14
    Guardian of the Fleet Senior Member Shahed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Leading the formation!
    Posts
    7,918

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    I've been to all those cities, AMS, BRX, CDG many times. BRN, 3 or 4 times, MUC twice. Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris right here in my neighbourhood. If I take the train now I can be in any of those cities in less than 1.5 hours.

    You might wanna jump off the train and visit Antwerp too (it's on the line between BRX and AMS).

    AMS is such a great city. BE PREPARED !!!

    A lot of Americans I know freak out when they see that place. It's one of the most fun cities anywhere IMO.

    I know you said no more places, but I should mention... if I were you I'd go CPH (Copenhagen) as well. Classy and TOTALLY crazy. A load of fun. My eyes almost popped out there, the chicks are soooooo HOT, and friendly, open minded like you don't wanna know. Like the Dutch, but only ... Scandinavian.

    I hope to go back there this sumer, that and Sweden.

    What are you looking for ? Nightlife, sex, cultural, historic, sightseeing ? Bit of all ?
    Can you be more specific ? I might be able to give you some pointers.
    Last edited by Shahed; 04-20-2007 at 23:17.
    If you remember me from M:TW days add me on Steam, do mention your org name.

    http://www.steamcommunity.com/id/__shak

  15. #15
    The Usual Member Ice's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Northville, Michigan
    Posts
    4,259

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Sinan

    I hope to go back there this sumer, that and Sweden.

    What are you looking for ? Nightlife, sex, cultural, historic, sightseeing ? Bit of all ?
    Can you be more specific ? I might be able to give you some pointers.
    All of those sound good! I'll take all the info I can get.



  16. #16
    Chieftain of the Pudding Race Member Evil_Maniac From Mars's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    6,407

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Uesugi Kenshin
    Down with Bayern München!
    Alright...we can get this over with the easy way or the hard way...

    *sharpens knives*


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Who do you support anyways? I support FCB, Nürnberg, and Fürth...though I mostly only support Fürth because I have a cousin on Fürth II.

  17. #17
    master of the pwniverse Member Fragony's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    The EUSSR
    Posts
    30,680

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Dutch_guy
    Don't forget to drop by the Bulldog when in Amsterdam, sure you and your friends 'll have a blast.

    Yeah smoking spinach was never more fun

  18. #18
    Vermonter and Seperatist Member Uesugi Kenshin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    The Mountains.
    Posts
    3,868

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    I basically support anyone who isn't Bayern München, and München when they play against a non-German team. I have a bit of a soft spot for Werder Bremen and Aachen because I've seen them both play. The Aachen fans I saw were insane, and my first dose of fußball freaks. As for Werder my host brother really likes them so I sort of have to like them...

    Ice have fun on your Eurotrip!
    "A man's dying is more his survivor's affair than his own."
    C.S. Lewis

    "So many people tiptoe through life, so carefully, to arrive, safely, at death."
    Jermaine Evans

  19. #19
    zombologist Senior Member doc_bean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Riding Shai-Hulud
    Posts
    5,346

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    If you have the time, try to visit some smaller cities and go off the beaten track. Take your time to discover the 'soul' of the country you are in. At least to me, people tend to be at least as interesting the sights to see.

    ...and claim to be Canadian.
    Yes, Iraq is peaceful. Go to sleep now. - Adrian II

  20. #20
    master of the pwniverse Member Fragony's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    The EUSSR
    Posts
    30,680

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by doc_bean
    ...and claim to be Canadian.
    No need for that whatsoever.

  21. #21
    zombologist Senior Member doc_bean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Riding Shai-Hulud
    Posts
    5,346

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Fragony
    No need for that whatsoever.
    Apparently so if you want to avoid talking about Iraq and Bush with just about everyone you meet.
    Yes, Iraq is peaceful. Go to sleep now. - Adrian II

  22. #22
    master of the pwniverse Member Fragony's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    The EUSSR
    Posts
    30,680

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by doc_bean
    Apparently so if you want to avoid talking about Iraq and Bush with just about everyone you meet.
    It would help if visiting americans dropped the 'Hi am *insert name*I am american but I hate Bush' routine, it avoids these conversations. What do we care, welcome to Europe my american muca's

    Ice, if you want to be sure you don't step on any toes, this is a pretty useful site for americans visiting the old world, Amsterdam in particular.

    www.channels.nl

    Perhaps the most important thing to remember, service in europe is different from service in the USA so expect less(or even what you would consider rude, just our blunt dutch way), there the customer is king, here the shopkeeper.
    Last edited by Fragony; 04-24-2007 at 11:58.

  23. #23
    zombologist Senior Member doc_bean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Riding Shai-Hulud
    Posts
    5,346

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Fragony

    Perhaps the most important thing to remember, service in europe is different from service in the USA so expect less(or even what you would consider rude, just our blunt dutch way), there the customer is king, here the shopkeeper.
    In most countries they don't expect you to tip though.
    Yes, Iraq is peaceful. Go to sleep now. - Adrian II

  24. #24
    Στωικισμός Member Bijo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Η Γη / Κόλαση
    Posts
    1,844

    Default AW: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Ice, when you get to Amsterdam -- actually I like to call it Amsterdamn(!) -- don't forget to rent a cheap car, and one of your friends should sit next to you, and while you drive you talk about McDonald's and how they put mayonaise on the fries, how they drown 'em in that ****. And talk about the metric systems too. and the Royale with Cheese!
    Emotion, passions, and desires are, thus peace is not.
    Emotion: you have it or it has you.

    ---

    Pay heed to my story named The Thief in the Mead Hall.
    No.

    ---

    Check out some of my music.

  25. #25
    Liar and Trickster Senior Member Andres's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    In my own skin.
    Posts
    13,208

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Brussels:


    - Grote Markt/Grand Place, Beenhouwersstraat/Rue des Bouchers and Manneke Pis : near the Centraal Station/Gare Central (train and subway (better known as "de metro" or "le métro") station)
    - Atomium and Mini-Europa (theme park) : near the subway ("metro") station "Heyzel" (starting from the Centraal Station, you take line 1A in the direction of Koning Boudewijn/Roi Baudouin)
    - Koninklijke Musea voor Schone Kunsten van België
    Andres is our Lord and Master and could strike us down with thunderbolts or beer cans at any time. ~Askthepizzaguy

    Ja mata, TosaInu

  26. #26
    The Usual Member Ice's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Northville, Michigan
    Posts
    4,259

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by doc_bean
    Apparently so if you want to avoid talking about Iraq and Bush with just about everyone you meet.
    The funny thing is, last summer went I went, I told everyone I was an American. The British didn't care. The Dutch didn't care and were extremely friendly. The Belgians did seem to care, but didn't give me to much trouble about it.

    The only crap I took was actually from another Canadian visiting Europe. Go figure.



  27. #27
    zombologist Senior Member doc_bean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Riding Shai-Hulud
    Posts
    5,346

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Ice
    The funny thing is, last summer went I went, I told everyone I was an American. The British didn't care. The Dutch didn't care and were extremely friendly. The Belgians did seem to care, but didn't give me to much trouble about it.
    It is true, we are an annoying breed

    Seriously, just enjoy yourself
    Yes, Iraq is peaceful. Go to sleep now. - Adrian II

  28. #28
    Old Town Road Senior Member Strike For The South's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Between Louis' sheets
    Posts
    10,369

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    ICE how long are going to be there for? Im gonna go in 15 months for about 6 weeks and claim to be a Texan.
    There, but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford

    My aim, then, was to whip the rebels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom.

    I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation.

  29. #29
    Chieftain of the Pudding Race Member Evil_Maniac From Mars's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    6,407

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Uesugi Kenshin
    I have a bit of a soft spot for Werder Bremen


    *has a heart attack and dies*

  30. #30
    The Usual Member Ice's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Northville, Michigan
    Posts
    4,259

    Default Re: EuroTrip (I know where I'm going this time)

    Quote Originally Posted by Strike For The South
    ICE how long are going to be there for? Im gonna go in 15 months for about 6 weeks and claim to be a Texan.
    2 weeks. I'd run out of money if I went any longer.



Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Single Sign On provided by vBSSO