Hi and help! I have a long stay in LON whilst my hubby is on biz. We'll have a weekend to go to.....where?

Should we go to Paris? Munich? Vienna, Italy, Spain.....Where? I'm interested in going to Paris; but am concerned as to the safety, ease, and "manageability/friendliness" of it.

I could go to most any of these other cities just as easily. I don't want to waste my time, points, and dollars in Paris, if it's going to be more of a burden and unpleasant experience than it's worth.

We'd be arriving Fri night, leaving Sun night, for whichever city we chose.

I'd love to hear your honest unbiased opinions, as I've got to make a decision now !!

Thanks in advance!!!

The first question is when will you be taking this long weekend? In the next month or so, before Christmas? If so, you might want to visit a town or city that has a charming Christmas market. Others can make some suggestions, but I would think it would be a city in Germany or Scandinavia.

Paris is always an option, and a trip via Eurostar would be easy. I'm not sure why you have particular concerns about the "safety/ease and manageability/friendliness" of Paris. Are you concerned because you don't speak any French? That's going to be an issue in almost any continental location - except maybe in Germany and Scandinavia where it seems that almost everyone speaks excellent English. But in Paris, even if you don't speak French, you will find during a weekend that a few basic, polite phrases and behaviours will get you far: remember to always greet people formally who are providing services - Bonjour Monsieur/Madame is essential whether you are stepping into a taxi, getting onto a bus or entering a store. And when you leave, remember to catch the person's eye and thank him or her "Merci, monsieur, au revoir". Very simple phrases, but very important.

In terms of danger, I've lived in London, New York and now Paris, and I don't think Paris is any more dangerous than London - less so, probably. There are a few areas where you need to be very careful with your belongings (mostly the very touristy sites, as well as a few metro stops). But I feel much safer here, walking around by myself at night, than I ever did in London or New York.

What do you mean by manageability? Again, is it a question of not knowing the language? You'll still be able to read/decipher maps, metro routes and street signs. A lot of Paris is very walkable, there are some great bus routes that take you past major sites, and the metro is actually quite easy to use. You could also buy tickets for the hop-on-hop-off bus and get around the city that way.

On the other hand, if you have some mobility issues, then you might find Paris to be a bit of a challenge. Like many other European cities, a lot of public places are not very accessible to people with limited mobility.

Some other cities you might consider for a short visit are Copenhagen (smallish, friendly, lots of English speakers, interesting sites but easy enough to see in a weekend), Berlin (lots of history and culture to see), Barcelona (along with Copenhagen, one of my favourite cities - but I feel somewhat less safe in terms of pickpocketing risk etc in Barcelona than I do in Paris), Granada, or Bordeaux or Lyon (if you'd like to visit France but want something a little warmer and a little smaller).

Unless you've been already - there are a lot of terrific places to weekend outside of London in the UK. Robyn

I have never had any language problem in Paris. Just about everyone speaks English especially in the places that make a difference, like in most restaurants, stores, etc. The French are reserved, but they aren't unfriendly. I have never felt unsafe in Paris..........ever.

It depends what you're looking for, but if you're interested in sightseeing or experiencing another culture and you haven't been to Paris, then I suggest going. Most people, including myself, find it to be a wonderful city and a fantastic experience.

In addition to the other good suggestions on here, let me throw out a place you may not have considered: Lisbon, Portugal.

It has been about six years since I've been there, but Lisbon was a very nice, safe city steeped in culture. If you are interested in sightseeing, the St. Angelo castle is a short walk (uphill) from the city. There are several interesting churches, and of course, the beaches around the city. There is also a very nice zoo, a modern subway, and good public transportation consisting of streetcars, buses, and funiculars (the street elevators).

The food is excellent, the wine very good (try the Vinho Verde), and if you get out at night, try a Fado bar in the Bairro Alto.

It should be about a two hour flight from London, if memory serves.

I surprised my wife with a trip to Paris for our 6th anniversary. I had been through Paris many years ago and this was her time in the City of Lights. We had a marvelous time and no problems! Knowing a few basic French phrases seemed to encourage every Parisian we encountered to speak English. We took the Metro everywhere.

Definately go to Paris. By far my favourite city in Europe. So much to see that it suits anybody's tastes.

Safety is really a non-issue if you don't go to places way out (the same in any big city really).

Language isn't a problem. Most people speak English (only older generations tend to lack English nowawadays). You will get that much better treatment if you do show you are trying to make an effort in speaking the language. (By that I do not mean reciting Moliere or Victor Hugo, but simply attempting a few phrases or anything other than Bonjoorhh and mercy [both americanised but true]).

Paris is a perfect introduction to France. There are quite a few other major cities which are worth seeing (Lyon, Nice, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Toulouse). If you are hard pressed on time stay in Paris. Otherwise, as a second city Lyon is definately worth it.

Other European cities which in my mind are worth visiting (but don't come close to Paris in terms of its vibrance, culture and appeal) are Lisbon, Prague, Geneva, Zurich, Amsterdam, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest.