So my girlfriend is yapping on about getting away for a few days in September to somewhere in Europe (not the UK). Problem is I have no idea what cities are good for a weekend trip, since there needs to be some tourist attractions and enough to do in the evenings. I had in mind: Brussels: Never been there, no idea what it's like or if there is enough to do, but been recommended this one. Amsterdam: Been there myself, going in a few weeks, probably wont go here but its still a possibility. Paris: Expensive, loads of reviews and plenty to do. Just, I've been there a few times so not that fussed. Berlin: Been there years ago, but can't really remember too much. My mates give me mixed reviews on it, for a weekend away that is. My geography is pretty shit, as most of you will know, so any places/cities near any of you that are worth looking at?
Brussels is a beautiful city, only been there for 3 days but it really is relaxing from what I've seen. Paris was confusing and tiring. If you want to lay down and relax, don't think it's very suitable. And if you're going to stay for more than a couple of days, Budapest is told to be a great city. Haven't been there myself, but even if my grandparents tell it's very relaxing, it has to be relaxing lol.
Just in case this is useful to you: From what I have seen/heard of Paris (from staying with family there) everything is super expensive, especially hotels near to the touristy areas of Paris. I also found (and no offence intended ) that the French people in Paris can be very short tempered and impolite to tourists, might just be there reaction to me though I guess :?. If you like places with nearby amazing scenery and countryside, but perhaps not a massive city to explore then I might suggest Norway. My girlfriend is from Stavangar in the South-West of Norway and some of the places (fjords/walks/boat trips/etc) that are easily accessible from there (and the rest of Norway too) are just the most beautiful, scenic places I've ever seen. The flights there are relatively cheap (I use Norwegian airlines), and it shouldn't be too cold in September if you don't go to the North of Norway; although food can be expensive there due to their ridiculous cost of living. Also my friend who loves to travel around Europe keeps hassling me to go to Prague for a short trip as its very cheap (especially alcohol if that's your thing) and from what I've heard its a very beautiful and interesting city to just walk and have a look around. If you want I can have a chat to him and get some other ideas. Hope this helps somewhat
Berlin. Multiculti, parties everywhere (especially at night times, sometimes even djs on the road) and awesome weather. Just do it.
I liked Berlin the most of your selection...lot's of culture and history (loved the Sony center) Brussels is alright but Antwerp is better Brussels has some nice places to eat and drink. Also Atomium and other museums.
I'd recommend Kraków (Poland). The city is beautiful, there are loads of things to see and do and very importantly: It's cheap as all hell. Like seriously you can have a three course meal with 4 persons for 20 quid. So yeah, great place to go. If you want to chillax, I'd recommend Oslo. It has nice scenery and I've never been to a city with a more relaxed ambience. Everything just feels like there is no stress there. (Except for the government buildings where all the windows are still missing from Breivik's bombings obviously, but those buildings are hard to find anyway). If you want to go party party I'd say Prague. Been there myself twice and heard other good stories about it too, once again it's quite cheap. (Got to love the third world Europe) Lastly, if you just want a lot of sun and ice cream: Go for Venice.
Not in your selection but I'd also recommend Prague or Budapest. Both culturally rich, rather relaxing in post-tourist-season and quite affordable. Don't let yourself be fooled into thinking Prague is anywhere near as cheap as a random Bohemian city might be, but still it isnt as crazy as say Oslo, Zurich or Paris. Both cities offer plethora of interesting buildings and museums, local cuisine etc. If you're going for food and nice landscape I'd go for Budapest (so nice around the river Danube), if it's beer and interesting walks in narrow alleys go for Prague. If you should choose any of the two try to avoid eating in too touristy restaurants. The less English you see on the menu the better the food will be. Pays to bring a dictionary. Well, of course that's common sense. Edit: or why not go for Gothenburg in September? Nice city as well with some decent museums and September is the perfect month for fresh lobster or other shellfish from the West Coast (Gothenburg and Bohuslän region). Add some nice boat trips should the weather be fine or hang out in one of the cosy music clubs.
Well Berlin is pretty nice. Many museums and great historical sites to visit. But I'd prefer Hamburg: very beautiful architecture (both historic and modern), people are much friendlier there (and have a nicer accent - if you care about German accents ) and it's so much cleaner. Okay, you may not get to see an East Side Gallery or a Reichstag but the HafenCity and Speicherstadt or the Reeperbahn (at night) are pretty cool too.