Europe Trip Recommendation

[polak]

Never been to Wroclaw but from my experience and what I've heard, Must-see cities in Poland basically go like this:

1. Krakow
2. Gdansk / Warsaw
4. Wroclaw
5. Everything else

Those 4 cities are all great to see but Krakow is easily the best city in Poland for tourists in every category besides maybe shopping. You can still shop plenty in the other cities but Warsaw is head and shoulders above the rest of the country for commerce, but who goes to Poland to shop?

As for sightseeing, history, beauty, nightlife, food and surrounding area, Krakow wins everytime. First you have so much history in Krakow itself. The Old town, the Jewish district, the Wawel (castle and cathedral from the 1300's) all in town, then you have the Salt Mines (An under-rated MUST see), Auschwitz, the mountains, a major brewery and other interesting sights all within a day trip of driving. The area surrounding the main square is full of bars, resturants and clubs that fill up on the weekends as well.

Gdansk felt like a mini-krakow to me but you're also on the baltic sea so once you're done sight-seeing you can check out the beach towns near by and scope out some nice Polish talent. Warsaw, on top of being the commercial center of Poland, still has plenty of things to see in terms of history and also plenty of modern attractions as well but I would say it has less night life and vibrance than the other two.

Again, I can't comment on Wroclaw as I haven't been but I have heard great things. Specifically that it has the best main square in Poland.

The best part about Poland is pretty much every town has some history behind it. No matter where you stop, as long as it's not some small village in the middle of nowhere, you will have something to check out. A church, a lake, a castle...etc and every town will have a bar or two in the main square.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by nik-

Well obviously you still need to make sure you have enough to do. I hear a lot more stories about people feeling rushed than people feeling bored. However, you're also the one who said that there was only the Palace and Bernabeu in Madrid ... so :P

A lot of people crap on Madrid but it was easily my favourite stop this year. I thought Barcelona was overrated.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by rubecube

A lot of people crap on Madrid but it was easily my favourite stop this year. I thought Barcelona was overrated.

I feel the same. From what I heard, I was prepared to skip Madrid if it wasn't for the museums. I'm so glad I didn't, I liked it better than Barcelona which I agree was overrated.

[FlamesAddiction]

From an ethnographic perspective, Podlaskie Voivodeship (near the Lithuanian border) would be an interesting area to explore in Poland. It has been a historical crossroads in Europe for centuries and as such has a mélange of interesting cultures and history, including villages that trace their roots back to mercenary soldiers that were employed by the Mongol hordes. It might be boring for some people though if you are not into history, but I like those sorts of things.

[Dion_Iggy_Kipper!!!]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

I really enjoy Belgium, but then I am very interested in the history of WWI. For me then going to Belgium means more Ieper/Ypres and not so much Brussels. Nothing against the capital, in fact it's Grand Place stands up well against any town or city square in all Europe. Many fine museums there also.

I like Bruges very much. I have enjoyed great architechture in Nivelles and Mechelen and charming towns like Dinant. You can find those sorts of things in many places of Europe of course, but you did mention Belgium.

I only drove through the countryside of Luxembourg, and spent only one day in the city. An outstanding site for a city though, all steep valleys and rivers. I found it very charming.

Germany is a pretty big country, with lots of things to see. Depends on your interests. Many people find the wine and castles tourism areas of the Mosel and Rhine rivers spectacular. I would recommend Burg Eltz near to the Mosel. Bavaria is full of great sights: Munich, mountains and the castles of the mad king. Rothenberg ob der Tauber for a medieval experience.

If you are heading to Poland then surely Berlin is a must. I would also recommend a day in Dresden if you can spare it.

Good point, I am definitely interested in WWI history as well. I think I was just reading the comments on Brussels and not the rest of Belgium. Maybe it'll stay on my itinerary.