European Cities

Brussels is also a more interesting place than its reputation suggests but it takes a bit of getting to know.

After several potent Belgian beers some work colleagues and I decided we needed to see the Manneken Pis as a matter of grave urgency. It took us an hour to find it. Our sense of disappointment when we realised it wasn't even the height of Willie Carson's lower knee still rankles. Nearly as upsetting as when I took an expensive boat out to see the (extremely) little mermaid in Copenhagen.
 
After several potent Belgian beers some work colleagues and I decided we needed to see the Manneken Pis as a matter of grave urgency. It took us an hour to find it. Our sense of disappointment when we realised it wasn't even the height of Willie Carson's lower knee still rankles. Nearly as upsetting as when I took an expensive boat out to see the (extremely) little mermaid in Copenhagen.

One of the things to know about Brussels is not to bother with the little pisser boy.
 
Some nice ideas from many in here

I have to visit Seoul before Cheltenham, so may expand to great non-eu cities

Been to Souel on several occasions PJ. Didn't get far past the usual hotel/business district loop but did have a free afternoon and toured the imperial(?) park - very relaxing and worthwhile.
 
right

In complete ignorance of the original thread

I am off to Malaysia for a first time at the weekend and then Vietnam for a second time returning just before Cheltenham

When I return and land multiple bets at Cheltenham, I intend to visit at least 4 European cities in 2023
 
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Our trip to Sorrento is booked - and I am very excited! Haven't a holiday since I bought Molly in 2009. We're staying just outside in a 2 bed apartment and I think have an absolute bargain. £551.00 for 5 nights with breakfast ( and supplies ) , 9.8 rating, views over the bay etc. I can't wait!

On my list is also Washington DC but I couldn't believe the price of the hotels in October - I only need a long weekend there to do what I would like, but would be a very expensive one I think. Most likely would have to wait until next year as well when could be worse the way things are going I guess :

I was also looking at Seville for a long weekend for a friend's big birthday this year, but it seemed very expensive to stay there before even looking at flights?
 
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GG, I stayed in Seville about five years ago and did Airbnb for €25 a night! I invariably use Airbnb now as you can get some amazing places and genuine reviews. That time I stayed in an apartment with another guest but it was absolutely fine and perfectly safe. You can pick whatever sort of accommodation suits you best.
 
Mrs Grass has been there. Traditional northern Italian city/town, and very pleasant (so she says), but best thing about it (so she says) is it’s a great jumping-off spot for the picturesque towns on the Cinque Terre - Portofino being one you might recognise.
 
Folks, I have a wedding in Portugal end of July….. I’m looking for recommendations for somewhere to stay in the old town albuferia, air bnb, appartment, hotel, whatever. Requirements, clean/safe/reasonable price.

Any pointers would be appreciated
 
Folks, I have a wedding in Portugal end of July….. I’m looking for recommendations for somewhere to stay in the old town albuferia, air bnb, appartment, hotel, whatever. Requirements, clean/safe/reasonable price.

Any pointers would be appreciated

Portugal is a relatively big place, Is Lisbon too far out for you?
 
I've stayed in Albufeira. Stag do a decade ago. Near the coast, nice place three stories, can't remember exactly where but the old town is really nice and the beach was superb - pretty sure it was in this area here somewhere as I remember the long bit at the bottom
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Just know that the suggested area to stay on the invite was old town albuferia, il do some research later on!
 
I stayed in Albufeira approx 30 years ago. Up in apartments on the hill but I do remember the old town being full of atmosphere especially the square. Lots of nice restaurants around then.

Obviously that could all have changed since then. And given the amount of alcohol I've consumed since then it's possible that the holiday I'm describing happened somewhere completely different.
 
Anyone any experience/recommendations of Florence please? Friend keen to investigate and may combine with Venice possibly. Thank you in advance.
 
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Anyone any experience/recommendations of Florence please? Friend keen to investigate and may combine with Venice possibly. Thank you in advance.

Siena a good complement to Florence, G-G - especially if you can get there around the Palio. Also San Gimagnano. I was mildly disappointed in Florence, tbh, though that was mainly down to running out of time to visit the Uffizi.

I was in Lucerne last week to watch the Hibs. One of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited, and planning to go back in winter, to take it in when there’s snow on the mountains. Somewhat expensive though (little under a tenner for a pint).
 
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Meant to get back to this but I’ve been horribly busy.

Twice been to Florence and it’s wonderful. I’d say it’s the classy version compare to Rome which is v busy and dirty in comparison but I love both.

Definitely take in the Uffizi...you will not be disappointed except for the fact you can’t take photos. I think there may be a way to avoid the queues as there are in Rome with the Vatican. My advice is to go on the TripAdvisor forum and ask questions. Lots of locals on there who will tell you best current local restaurant etc.

Definitely go and see Michaelangelos David... I cried when I saw it as it’s breathtaking (there’s a stone replica outside the Accademia but the inside marble one is different class)

Definitely go to the Ponte Vecchio and look at the jewellery stalls.

Avoid restaurants and cafes around the big squares as wildly expensive and you can find as good just around the corner.

Sienna if you are going next year, take in the Palio (there are two, one in July and one in August...post on here again nearer the time and I can give more details), as it’s a bucket list experience!

All the many towns in Italy, especially Tuscany and Umbria are beautiful and too many to mention. If you post on TripAdvisr forum, they will often suggest some great itineraries.

I could revisit again and again!
 
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