Traveling to Northern Europe

Hi all, So the wife and I are traveling to Europe for the first time we will be there during the first � of May. We�re going to London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, we have been busy looking up the �must see places� but I figure this is such a diverse community there�s most likely a ton of people that live in these areas or know them well. So what do you suggest? We plan on staying in each city around 2 days and possibly 4 in Paris as I know the wife will want to see the Louvre. We aren�t big touristy types, I always try to ask cab drivers where they eat instead of what is advertised unless it�s an experience we must try. Any recommendations on these cities? Places to see? Places to skip? Or do you know of an event or festival that is taking place may 4th -17ish. Any info will help or you can just say hi :). V/r Bacchuss

I did a backpacking trip like this a few times and I think anything less than 3 days per city will make you feel rushed, so if you don't have time to spend 3 days per city then I would cut one city out -- maybe Paris, as you could spend an entire week there and still not see even close to all it has to offer.  I also recommend perusing the guides on www.ricksteves.com, which are a good starting point; Rick Steves describes and rates all the major attractions in a city so you know how to budget your time effectively. His books (available at libraries, published yearly) also offer itineraries, on what to see in cities if you have 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, etc.

I'm not from there, but my husband and I did something similar for our honeymoon four years ago - 3 days each in London, Paris, Venice. In London we went to the British Museum, had afternoon tea at the National Portrait Gallery, went up on the London Eye for a great view, went to the Sea Life London Aquarium, visited the Science Museum, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, a bit of shopping on King's Road, and the Imperial War Museum. I think for restaurants we found places near where we were visiting, near the hotel, and sometimes from the London tour guide book we had. I really liked London and generally enjoyed all those places, you can probably tell we like museums, but my favorites were the Tower of London, London Eye, the British Museum and afternoon tea.

In Paris we didn't do as much, I actually caught a cold just as we were leaving London. We did see the Louvre and the Eiffel tower. I found out that the Louvre doesn't have much in the way of Monets or others from that era, it's in a separate museum - Musee Marmattan Monet, but it was closed and we didn't get to visit. We wanted to see Versailles, still do, but just didn't get a chance - it is further away. We stayed at a little out of the way hotel and the restaurant they recommended was not great, we got much better food (and coffee) just stopping at the corner cafes that are everywhere.