Updated: need ideas in paris and germany

soo.. we are planning to head to europe this summer to visit some family in london and edinburgh. we want to add in a few days in paris and germany (not sure what city). any recommendations for where to visit in germany and what is a "must do" in paris? also need hotel rec for paris. TIA


Updated to say:

It looks like we will be going to frankfurt, heidelberg, london, and edinburgh. We will have to save Paris for another time, but I am soooo excited!

Thank you all for your ideas!

Message edited 12/26/2008 10:43:12 PM.

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

I don't know how long you plan on being in Paris...but Versailles is a must, don't miss it, it is spectacular and made the 3 days I was there. THe Louvre is great, but it's a museum that would take a week to see the entire thing..so if you don't have time, don't bother going in. Of course, the Eiffel Tower, take the trip to the top, it's worth it, the view is spectaular. Just walking down the Champs Elyssess is beautiful and there is lots to see. If you want to see the Impressionists (Renoir/Degas, etc.) they are in the Musee D'Orsay, not at the Louvre, also worth the trip if you like them.

Germany - Munich is my favorite, it is gorgeous...there is so much to do and see. Heidelberg is also gorgeous.

Have fun!

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

Paris
Eiffel Tower
Versailles
Boat ride on the Seine
The Louvre (be aware it is huge and takes a whole day at least)
Musee d'Orsay for amazing Impressionist collection

Not sure about Germany. DH goes to Berlin all the time for work, and he said it's a nice city.

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

we went to germany almost 2 years ago.... i would check out Berlin- its a very cool city with a lot of history.
we also went to the black forrest area, which was beautiful, too.
and the Rhien River was neat, too. all the castles were amazing!

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

Charon did a great job of listing the must sees in Paris- I also found the catacombs fascinating, but that's a bit creepy for some people. Oh, and the Ile Saint-Louis was charming- it's right near Notre Dame if I am remembering correctly.

We went to Germany earlier this year. If I had it to do over, I'd have skipped Berlin and spent more time in Munich- it has more of a traditional flavor, I think. Berlin (to me) was very modern and cold. The people in Munich were very friendly and fun.

The place we loooved though, was Heidelberg. We spent I think 3 days there and it's a small city that was spared bombing in WWII, and the architecture and vibe were fascinating. It was kind of the quintissental German town you would imagine....I have a pic from our hotel window in my profile if you want a peek.

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

Just wanted to add that Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities in the world. You're going to love it there! But even if you're going in the summer, bring wool sweaters - it gets COLD at night.

Musee D'Orsay is my favorite museum in the world; it's a must-see in Paris. A trip out to Versailles is wonderful too, as others have mentioned. It's outside the city and you have to take a train (not the Metro) there, but it's not too far and doesn't take too long to explore, so if you leave early enough, you can pencil it in for only half a day, and spend the other half back in Paris.

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

I stayed at the Hotel Royal St. Honore in Paris this summer and loved it!

Hotel Royal St. Honore

The hotel was steps from the Louvre and the Champs d'Elysees.

I also recommend doing the Bateaux Mouches dinner boat tour. DH and I went for our anniversary and had a blast!

Bateaux Mouches

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

The Guardian Newpaper has just named Edinburgh the UK's best destination, its an amazing city, lots of great food, great sites, and of course the hospitatlity of the wonderful Scottish People! Not to mention that its probably a bit cheaper than London. You will find lovely Boutique hotels, and independant restaurants, also great nightlife.
Here is a guide on Time Out Edinburgh

I would also advise a day trip to Glasgow, another wonderful wonderful city. Glasgow is my favorite city in the UK, it has a fantastic vibe, again, awesome people, and its a very interesting place to visit. The Botanical Gardens are really lovely!

Have a good time!

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

Paris - just walking around the Latin Quarter or 7th with stops to eat and drink wine. I love Paris. The food is amazing.

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

We are leaving for Europe on Monday....

Our second city is Paris. Get the Rick Steve book, it's amzing and tells you how to do Paris in 2 days/3days and gives you lots of tips. I'm living by it when we go next week!

We are staying the Best Western Paris Left Bank.....I know you're probably thinking...the best western??? but it's gorgeous and great $$ wise

Message edited 10/23/2008 10:53:25 PM.

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

thank you all for all the suggestions! we are looking forward to experiencing more of europe!!!

ive been to london twice already and edinburgh once before so i am definately looking forward to going back. i LOVE edinburgh!!!! def my favorite city.

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

the ritz in paris... and visit the champs elysses

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

Here are some threads which have some info about Germany:

http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic.aspx?ID=329545&Highlight=germany

http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic.aspx?ID=269934&Highlight=germany

http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic.aspx?&P=1&ID=247064&Highlight=germany#P3090472

If you have any questions about Germany ask me, I lived there for a year.

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

Heidelburg in Germany is beautiful!

Re: need ideas in paris and germany

you can't go wrong with paris...

I would choose munich over berlin (munich is friendly and fun and berlin is a bit depressing)

Re: need ideas in paris and germany