What Are The Must See Cities in Europe?

[Koolau]

While I would never argue with your choice of Paris, IMHO prepare to be totally underwhelmed by the Mona Lisa.

Yeah, it's the idea of seeing it "in person" that is the kick. Other than that (if I knew nothing about it) it would have been a "meh!"

Still, I can say "I saw the Mona Lisa in 'person'". That's still impressive to a few people. But, then again, the retort here might be "Yeah, but have you ever caught a 125 lb Yellow Fin Ahi?"

 

[Gumby]

My favorite thing at the Louvre was the Winged Victory of Samothrace at the top of the Daru staircase.

 

[MarieIG]

OP here. DW still seems lukewarm on a big European trip, but still thinking about it. I am shocked TBH. I was sure Paris would be #1 on her list, she says nope. She's mentioned Venice and Florence so far. I've reminded her we're not getting younger and travel won't get cheaper. Repeating I lived in Germany for years, and traveled all around, so it's really her choice.

Since this is a lifetime type of trip, I am wondering if there are travel agents who specialize in these locations? If so, I'm wondering if you could get a free consultation. It seems as if you might be able to research the cities your wife wants to visit and then make a list of what you would like to do / see and what is important to you, i.e. no crowds, avoiding lines, clean accommodations, (views?), good food (fancy & local), transportation, walk ability, etc. You may be able to get an experienced guide / driver, who can facilitate your travel to and from the sites.

Just a thought.

 

[BigNick]

OP here. DW still seems lukewarm on a big European trip, but still thinking about it. I am shocked TBH. I was sure Paris would be #1 on her list, she says nope. She's mentioned Venice and Florence so far. I've reminded her we're not getting younger and travel won't get cheaper. Repeating I lived in Germany for years, and traveled all around, so it's really her choice.

Especially if you have a FIRE mentality, don't stay in Venice. Stay in Padova - a wonderful university town - and go to Venice on the train.

Similarly, don't stay in Milan. Stay in Bergamo and again make train trips.

 

[Gumby]

Especially if you have a FIRE mentality, don't stay in Venice. Stay in Padova - a wonderful university town - and go to Venice on the train.

Similarly, don't stay in Milan. Stay in Bergamo and again make train trips.

Or, blow the dough, stay in Venice and enjoy every second of it.
This is the young wife and me at our lodging in Venice. Yes, that is the Rialto Bridge.

 

[audreyh1]

Yeah, gosh I would BTD and stay in Venice.

If I ever make it to Venice again I will plus I have always wanted to visit the Murano glass works.

 

[DrRoy]

OP here. DW still seems lukewarm on a big European trip, but still thinking about it. I am shocked TBH. I was sure Paris would be #1 on her list, she says nope. She's mentioned Venice and Florence so far. I've reminded her we're not getting younger and travel won't get cheaper. Repeating I lived in Germany for years, and traveled all around, so it's really her choice.

That is a shame. There is so much to see, and different than here. It is true that transatlantic travel is somewhat more demanding on your stamina, but worth it to many. Perhaps a domestic trip would be preferred?

 

[brett]

I ready do believe that one's 'must sees' depend on personal preferences, interests, and past travel experiences.

As an example, my spouse did not really want a winter trip trip to Thailand. A great deal came up and we found ourselves there six or seven days later. For just over three weeks. We subsequently spent five snowbird winters in SE Asia, with side trips to OZ, at her request.

Ditto for trips to Turkey. Sure, we spent time in the big draw cities but we always included somewhere new to us in the trip plan. Often a small, out of the way city/ area. And discovered even more 'must sees' and favourites.

 

[Diogenes]

OP here. DW still seems lukewarm on a big European trip, but still thinking about it. I am shocked TBH. I was sure Paris would be #1 on her list, she says nope. She's mentioned Venice and Florence so far. I've reminded her we're not getting younger and travel won't get cheaper. Repeating I lived in Germany for years, and traveled all around, so it's really her choice.

Bit of an unconventional suggestion here, but since you have experience in Germany, have you considered flying-in to Frankfurt, renting a car, and then driving around the "core" of Europe (subjective term; call it from northern France across Germany into Austria and northern Italy)? That softens the logistical blow of conventional European travel for a newcomer... no hectic train stations, bus terminals and so on... and allows improvisation along the road. The "finer" hotels presumably have parking garages, even in places like Paris.

 

[scfr]

Since your wife doesn't have much interest in Paris, what about Nice? When my husband & I visited France way back in the 90's a French-Canadian friend, after shrugging and saying "Paris is okay," strongly recommended that we go to Nice and I'm so glad I listened. My favorite memories of our time in Nice were strolling along the Promenade de Anglais looking out at the Mediterranean, visiting the Marc Chagall museum, and having a geuine salad Nicoise!

As far as a travel tip, I recommend using the Rick Steves Audio Europe app, especially for any big cities or museums you plan to visit.

 

[audreyh1]

Even though Nice can get very crowded with tourists, we really enjoyed it. Probably our best dining in France overall - a lovely Mediterranean spin on traditional French cuisine. The Nice open air market* is awesome with all sorts of goodies. Nice is also a great base for day trips. The Cote d’Azure overall is incredibly scenic both mountains and beaches, very dramatic with the Alps coming down to the sea. Nice is close to the perfume capital of France, Grasse, if that’s an interest.

We spent time in a couple of cities in Provence, then moved to Nice. Then headed to Barcelona via Carcassonne. All via train. Great trip!

*Nice Flower Market, daily except Monday, they sell edible goodies too, not just flowers.