The Travel Thread

[Clunge]

Suit yourself. And as it happens, I'm currently stuck in Mexico for work so I've semi-deported myself already.

[Waffdon]

Ended up changing cruise to leave from Palma. MSC Seaview for a week and then a week in Mallorca somewhere. Glorious

[niko_cee]

Even the concept of a 'British Deli' offends the soul, unless by that term you just mean Greggs.

[Ben]

Off on holiday tomorrow. The daughter's first flight. I'm sure it will go fine.

[Manc]

Godspeed.

Me and the Mrs are heading back to the carribbean next month. Looking like The DR as things stand.

[Raoul Duke]

Just got back from a few days in Budapest. Would recommend, probably more on the Buda-side than Pest-side (if you are an old fart like me who likes museums and big ol' churches etc.) If you're some youth delinquent then Pest and the Ruin Bars are pretty fun.

Shit is expensive though. Prices basically on a par with here, which feels a bit steep really.

[Magic]

Just got back from a few days in Budapest. Would recommend, probably more on the Buda-side than Pest-side (if you are an old fart like me who likes museums and big ol' churches etc.) If you're some youth delinquent then Pest and the Ruin Bars are pretty fun.

Shit is expensive though. Prices basically on a par with here, which feels a bit steep really.

Loved it and really want to go back. Such a great, welcoming place.

Looking at Rome for a city break with the wean in the summer.

[Waffdon]

Just got back from a few days in Budapest. Would recommend, probably more on the Buda-side than Pest-side (if you are an old fart like me who likes museums and big ol' churches etc.) If you're some youth delinquent then Pest and the Ruin Bars are pretty fun.

Shit is expensive though. Prices basically on a par with here, which feels a bit steep really.

Yeah I was taken aback with the prices. Folk made out to me it was like Tenerife or sunny beach prices

[Pen]

Eastern Europe is sadly catching up with the Western European in prices. I just got back from Tartu (would recommend for a weekend holiday, especially with kids) and having been there probably twenty to thirty times in the past twenty years, the prices are already the same in some items as they are in here. Luckily alcohol and eating out are still cheaper, but getting groceries was roughly the same as it is back home. I feel the inflation has hit them worse in the recent past than us and it shows.

[Raoul Duke]

It's not inflation, for the most part it's just greed. Wages haven't increased at the same rate.

[Yevrah]

You're in Finland right, Pen? Yeah, no chance Eastern European groceries should cost as much as they do there.

[Pen]

Yeah, I am.

Bit of both in Estonia I think. They we're on top of some inflation table at one point in the past few years, but wages obviously kept up. That is the same everywhere, no?

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's what I would do if I was running a hostelry in a central European capital and saw all the silly twats coming.

Bring back the stag do at your nearest pub.

[Pepe]

Exactly. If the tourists keep coming, the prices will keep going up. Why would they not do that?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

TTH Meet 2024 in Uzbekistan?

[thommo]

Went to Prague last summer on a stag and that was still incredible value. As long as you're not in the Old Town Square, you can get food and drink at great prices.

[Magic]

About to book a family holiday to Vienna in July for a bit of culture. :drool:

[Magic]

Went to Prague last summer on a stag and that was still incredible value. As long as you're not in the Old Town Square, you can get food and drink at great prices.

Krakow was like this too. No idea about groceries though...

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Krakow was like this too. No idea about groceries though...
Not sure about Krakow but Poland generally is getting a lot more expensive.

Groceries have gone up massively.

[Magic]

About to book a family holiday to Vienna in July for a bit of culture. :drool:

Changed to Bologna, much cheaper! Anyone been?

[Raoul Duke]

Changed to Bologna, much cheaper! Anyone been?

Was there a few years ago. Was staying in Florence and did day trips to Bologna/Siena/Pisa. Bologna was good, but I preferred Siena (and Florence is much bigger/more to do). Pisa is meh but you kinda gotta go to see the tower, but there's not much else happening.

[Kikó]

Similar trip here. Bologna, Siena and Florence. Bologna is a cool student city, Florence is great but book ahead for museums and Siena is stunning.

[phonics]

Florence is fucking dull.

[Raoul Duke]

An even worse take than your Arsenal posts :nono:

[Serj]

About to book a family holiday to Vienna in July for a bit of culture. :drool:

Preparing recommendations.


Changed to Bologna, much cheaper! Anyone been?

Pity. Can't blame you though, I've always wanted to go to Bologna; everyone I know who's been there loved it.

[hfswjyr]

Yeah, I am.

Bit of both in Estonia I think. They we're on top of some inflation table at one point in the past few years, but wages obviously kept up. That is the same everywhere, no?

I can't tell if that last bit was sarcasm or not.

[Raoul Duke]

Preparing recommendations.

I would like some Vienna recos. Might go there later this year

[Pen]

I can't tell if that last bit was sarcasm or not.

I missed a word there. I meant to say wages haven't kept up with inflation in the past few years. Well I guess they are now again, but I meant the two or so years after Russia attacked Ukraine.

[Serj]

I would like some Vienna recos. Might go there later this year

How long are you planning on staying? If it's 3 days or more I'd recommend setting one day aside (ideally the one with the best weather) for mooching around in the vineyards at the outskirts of the city, drinking wine, eating cheese and enjoying the scenery.

I'll come up with more detailed tips sometime next week or so.

[Raoul Duke]

How long are you planning on staying? If it's 3 days or more I'd recommend setting one day aside (ideally the one with the best weather) for mooching around in the vineyards at the outskirts of the city, drinking wine, eating cheese and enjoying the scenery.

I'll come up with more detailed tips sometime next week or so.

Cheers.

No idea really. Maybe 3-4 days for the trip

[Magic]

Preparing recommendations.



Pity. Can't blame you though, I've always wanted to go to Bologna; everyone I know who's been there loved it.

Lol canned that and booked a week in Vienna. Staying in a high rise condo with it's own rooftop pool in Erdberg.

Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

[-james-]

Booked a hotel through Booking.com, put the estimated arrival time as 12 and got an email back saying we can check in early for 10 euros if we want. Is this shit normal? Quite tempted to fuck them off and book somewhere else.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's normal.

Although hotels don't always enforce it.

Mainly depends on how busy they are/if the room was in use before you.

Ask if you can leave your luggage in a store room (most hotels have them) and then go off for lunch nearby/doss about for a few hours.

[Raoul Duke]

Most hotels are checkout by ~11am and check-in from ~3pm. Guess charging a fee for prioritised access is in the same region as "speedy boarding" type stuff for flights.

[Spikey M]

Looking at Dubai in October (35c average :drool: ).

Anyone been? Will my wife be able to wear vest tops without being stoned to death? Will I be able to have a beer by the pool? I believe it's alot more relaxed these days, is that right?

[Waffdon]

It’s ‘influencer’ central. Just a more expensive Marbella.

Well expensive when you are there. You get some ridiculously cheap package holidays there considering the flight costs

[Manc]

Flying to Mauritius on Saturday. Flic en Flac to be specific. I'm told the sunsets are top tier.

[randomlegend]

Flying to Mauritius on Saturday. Flic en Flac to be specific. I'm told the sunsets are top tier.

Mauritius is our plan for next summer. Which resort are you staying at?

[SvN]

Looking at Dubai in October (35c average :drool: ).

Anyone been? Will my wife be able to wear vest tops without being stoned to death? Will I be able to have a beer by the pool? I believe it's alot more relaxed these days, is that right?

I'd rather visit the frontline in Ukraine.

[Spikey M]

I'd rather visit the frontline in Ukraine.

How comes?

Anyone been to Sharm El Sheikh and/or Hurghada? Which is better? Any hotel recommendations?

[Clunge]

I’d avoid Sharm el Shit like the plague.

[Shindig]

Just stay clear of the beaches.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Sharm_El_Sheikh_shark_attacks

[niko_cee]

I know someone who used to swear by Hurghada or whatever it is called, but then she had the IQ of a pot plant. All of those places sound like hell on earth.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Have fun, Spikes.

[Bam]

How comes?

Anyone been to Sharm El Sheikh and/or Hurghada?


I'd rather visit the frontline in Ukraine.

[Spikey M]

Finding somewhere that's hot in October, that isn't Turkey (for the 3rd year in a row) and doesn't involve sitting on a plane for 9+ hours is proving tricky. :moop:

Eastern Ukraine it is.

[Ben]

Cyprus is still high 20s in October. Need a jacket on an evening, mind.

[Raoul Duke]

Finding somewhere that's hot in October, that isn't Turkey (for the 3rd year in a row) and doesn't involve sitting on a plane for 9+ hours is proving tricky. :moop:

Eastern Ukraine it is.

Marrakech? Maybe not enough of a kid place but weather should still be alright

[Waffdon]

Finding somewhere that's hot in October, that isn't Turkey (for the 3rd year in a row) and doesn't involve sitting on a plane for 9+ hours is proving tricky. :moop:

Eastern Ukraine it is.

Canaries. Always the canaries.

[Spikey M]

Soulless rocks. Can't stand the Canaries.

[SvN]

Yeah, I can't be doing with these soulless places. Off to Dubai I go.

[Spikey M]

Atleast Dubai has cool shit to look at.

[Bernanke]

Southern Spain can't be that bad in October can it?

[niko_cee]

Soulless and yet you're thinking of the UAE?

[Jimmy Floyd]

You're failing to galaxy brain your holiday choices. Rather than going somewhere hot, you should go somewhere colder and rainier, then it won't seem so bad when you're back. I suggest Orkney.

[Spikey M]

Ideally we want 30+ so the pools are actually enjoyable. The last couple in Turkey have been mid 20's and the it's fine to lay in, but the pools are pretty cold. This is why we're looking to the Arabs for answers.

#FirstWorldProblems #SoftSouthernTwat

[Clunge]

Sicily, southern Greek islands, Cyprus, Malta, Essaouira or Agadir, Madeira even. Cape Verde possibly too, although it's all very gated.

[Waffdon]

Malaga and the British hot spots around it should still be 25+ at the start of October. Youre asking for a lot to be hitting 30+ at that time of the year without going to the Caribbean or desert cesspits though

[niko_cee]

If it's for half term then that's usually late October, when there is no guarantee of anything decent anywhere in the med. Possible, but not guaranteed.

Long haul required, or, if you really want to break the bank, center parcs, a year round 29 degrees in their swimming things.

[Spikey M]

The week before half term, but yeah, too late for the med really.

[Pepe]

What kind of shitholes are you staying in that they don't warm up their pools?

[niko_cee]

Isn't it more the air temperature out of the pool, so if it's anything south of the high 20s [or whatever that is in American] it feels cold when you are wet, but not in the water?

If you're soft as shit, like.

[Waffdon]

Yeah I presumed it was more for his kids’ benefit but even then 25c when it’s sunny is more than warm enough. Is 30+ even that healthy for young kids lol

[Spikey M]

It isn't. Which is part of the reason we've avoided it until now.

[Yevrah]

If you're gonna go as far as Dubai just stay on the plane/get a connecting flight to somewhere actually good, like South East Asia.

[Yevrah]

Actually, you've got kids, just don't bother at all.

[Shindig]

Aye, the long hauls would knack them and eat into your time away. How ... erm ... how about America?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Actually, you've got kids, just don't bother at all.

Dorset it is.

Lovely in October, right?

[Magic]

Serj advice appreciated bro.

[Dquincy]

Looking at Dubai in October (35c average :drool: ).

Anyone been? Will my wife be able to wear vest tops without being stoned to death? Will I be able to have a beer by the pool? I believe it's alot more relaxed these days, is that right?

Yep, been to Dubai. Ignore the miserable buggers on here. It's worth a trip (if only to go once).

We stayed on the palm, Sofitel hotel. Nice 5* hotel and facilities. We went in March a few years back. Temp was 30 to 35 degrees.

It's an interesting place, but not the place you want if you're looking for natural beauty. (For obvious reasons)

And don't worry about getting stoned if your wife shows a bit of shoulder; they are somewhat relaxed compared to previous years.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

How did you deal with having so many forrins around you?

[Boydy]

Of course Quincy has been to Dubai.

[Magic]

Of course Quincy has been to Dubai.

Lol this post is DRIPPING with seething jealousy.

[Spikey M]

How did you deal with having so many forrins around you?

Is this going to be your new balloon joke?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Is this going to be your new balloon joke?

I always need something.

I've got nothing else, mate.

[Serj]

Serj advice appreciated bro.

Yeah sorry, got a bit distracted, plus it's escalated into something of a multi-pager :D I thought I'd use the opportunity to create a template for future visits from foreign friends, and it just got a life of its own from there. I'll probably have to post it in nested Spoiler tags, as it's a bit overkill for here.

Will be up on Wednesday at the latest.

[Magic]

Yeah sorry, got a bit distracted, plus it's escalated into something of a multi-pager :D I thought I'd use the opportunity to create a template for future visits from foreign friends, and it just got a life of its own from there. I'll probably have to post it in nested Spoiler tags, as it's a bit overkill for here.

Will be up on Wednesday at the latest.

This simply isn't good enough, Serj.

[SvN]

Now it's got the golden stamp of approval from Quince, I'm sure Spikey won't hesitate to book.

[randomlegend]

We transferred through Qatar on the way to the Maldives and even just staying in the airport hotel for the night it felt super fucking sinister. Absolutely no desire to go to any of those.l countries.

[Spikey M]

Sinister how?

[Magic]

Sinister how?

Brown.

[Yevrah]

Sinister. :D

It's not somewhere I'd choose as a destination but fucking hell.

EDIT: If you want somewhere with warm weather and nice facilities I'm sure it's perfectly fine.

[Pepe]

While I was there for my transfer, some gay probably got killed. Really makes you think.

[Bam]

We transferred through Qatar on the way to the Maldives and even just staying in the airport hotel for the night it felt super fucking sinister. Absolutely no desire to go to any of those.l countries.

You've been to the Maldives? I've never seen you mention it before. :)

[Dquincy]

How did you deal with having so many forrins around you?

They were mostly serving me, so it was fine.

[Dquincy]

Now it's got the golden stamp of approval from Quince, I'm sure Spikey won't hesitate to book.

This is just odd. Playground stuff.

[Dquincy]

We transferred through Qatar on the way to the Maldives and even just staying in the airport hotel for the night it felt super fucking sinister. Absolutely no desire to go to any of those.l countries.
Such a bizarre take to make a judgement on such a limited experience. Almost xenophobic.

[Spikey M]

Neither of them able to answer why, either. Racism confirmed. Thank you for going under cover as a Nazi just to out them for me, Quince.

[Shindig]

I don't think I'd get owt from Dubai. I like to look at old stuff and not much of Dubai is older than I am.

[randomlegend]

Sinister how?

I mean yeah, it probably is just the knowledge of the intolerance and persecution that is rife. I don't think there's anything wrong with being uncomfortable with that, however boringly snarky Pepe wants to be about it.

Going back to work and speaking to people whose existence is criminalised in the place you've just come from is a bit sobering.

[randomlegend]

You've been to the Maldives? I've never seen you mention it before. :)

Nice to see your weird obsession with me is going strong.

[Spikey M]

I mean yeah, it probably is just the knowledge of the intolerance and persecution that is rife. I don't think there's anything wrong with being uncomfortable with that, however boringly snarky Pepe wants to be about it.

Me and Quincy also want to talk about it, but no. It's the poor, defenseless Mexican to blame. Disgusting.

[Bam]

Nice to see your weird obsession with me is going strong.

Yeah, that'll be it.

[randomlegend]

Yeah, that'll be it.

I'm not sure what else you'd call it. It's about the tenth time you've made a similar reply to various things I've posted. That is the only interaction we ever have.

[niko_cee]

I dunno sinister, making you feel that something bad or evil might happen, seems fairly apt. A thin veneer of respectability achieved through excessively ostentatious luxury, masking an intolerant society that shares few, if any, of our values. Bit like Essex.

[Spikey M]

You come from a tax haven, BRUV.

[Serj]

This simply isn't good enough, Serj.

Careful what you wish for.

As announced, Vienna, best city in the world. Apologies for the length, I've tried to format it so that it makes sense. Hope it's useful either way. I'll post it here since Raoul said he might also visit the city this year. If you have any questions about specific areas/topics, feel free to ask.

For even more detail I’ll refer you to the guide created by the Wien subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/wien/wiki/index/tourism/), even though the link to their restaurant guide seems to be broken. Rest should be fine though.

In general: Vienna’s split into 23 districts, we usually call them either by their names or their number. They’re basically split into three zones:

1st District: Old Town (called Innere Stadt, “Inner City”) - surrounded by the “Ring”, a circular avenue along which you’ll find a good number of the main tourist sights
Districts 2-9: Inner districts surrounding the old town starting with the 2nd to the Northeast and going clockwise until the 9th in the Northwest. For most of those the outer border is the “Gürtel” (=belt), the somewhat grimier counterpart of the Ring – no stately buildings along the Gürtel, lots of bars though in certain areas
Districts 10-23: Outer districts - odds are, you won’t be spending much time here, except if you visit Palace Schönbrunn and/or the vineyards. If you’re here in summer it’s going to be brutally hot, so you might want to go to the Alte Donau (old Danube) for a swim if the pool at your condo is not enough.



I’d say the stereotypes depicted in this map basically hold true (the middle bits of the postal code numbers are the districs, so 1230 = district 23) :
https://viennawurstelstand.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/viennawurstelstand_expatguide_1districts.jpg

I've nabbed the map off of here (https://viennawurstelstand.com/article/the-vienna-expat-survival-guide-13-ultimate-tips-for-internationals-moving-to-or-living-in-vienna/), this blog is generally a good resource for Vienna.

You’ll be based in the bit that says “canal” next to 1030 :D.

First thing you should do is get a 7-day-ticket for public transport. It’s only 17.10€ and you can basically get everywhere. Most important for you will be metro line U3, but in the centre you’ll also use U1 and U4.


Two caveats compared to Budapest:


Vienna is not quite as scenic to look at, meaning it’s not as nicely positioned in the landscape when you’re looking at it from higher vantage points. The big reason is, Budapest has the Danube running through more or less the middle, while in Vienna the Danube is, comparatively, an afterthought. While there’s (allegedly) people going to the eastern side of the river, there’s only a few reasons why tourists should. You’ll mostly be spending your time on the western side.
The nightlife is, so I’m told, better in Prague and Budapest, but I think there have been improvements in the last years. More on that further down.



Some areas to spend some time in (I’ve whipped up some crude maps with a walking route app, but it’s more to suggest areas of interest than concrete routes):

- Close to you, in the third district if you’re coming from Erdberg, a nice walk would be: take metro line U3 to either Kardinal-Nagl-Platz or Rochusgasse, walk to Arenbergpark to see the gargantuan air defense towers the Nazis constructed (there’s more of those in two other areas of the city), then continue down Landstraßer Hauptstraße towards the centre. You can visit Rochusmarkt and browse the stalls, plus you’re in an area with great food, especially breakfast. Go either to Lingenhel (specializing in cheese), Öfferl (some of the best bread, but pricy) or Ströck Feierabend for great breakfast. From there continue down Landstraßer Hauptstraße past Wien Mitte station towards the city center. Here you’ll pass the Stadtpark to your left, which has a famous statue of composer Johann Strauß (waltz etc.) in it, but there’s more impressive parks in the city. When you’re at the Ring you can either just continue straight down Wollzeile until you hit the very center of Old Town (as below on the map, you’ll come out slightly northeast of Stephansplatz, which is basically the main square) or walk westwards down the Ring and take in the sights there. Just beware that the Ring = cars. I find it more relaxing to take side streets, but the views of all the imperial-era buildings are usually best from the Ring.

https://i.ibb.co/n8k5DRw/Picture1.png

- west of the old town Neubau, (district 7), is hipster central in Vienna, so you’ll find lots of specialty coffee, beer and shops there. The southern border of the district is Mariahilfer Straße, probably the main shopping street in town. It’s a nice walk but it’s mostly chain stores and the like, so I’d recommend the adjacent streets, especially Neubaugasse, Westbahnstraße and Siebensterngasse. You can either start or end the excursion at Museumsquartier (bottom right of the highlighted path below), which has, you guessed it, lots of museums and often some open air events going on or at least stalls with cocktails.

https://i.ibb.co/BKz1SZD/Picture2.png

- The 2nd district (north-east of the centre) Leopoldstadt, also has lots of things to see/do, most prominently the Prater, one of the biggest green spaces here, that also has an amusement park in it (called Wurstelprater but mostly also just referred to as the Prater) – sort of Vienna’s Coney Island.
Besides that I’d recommend the lower Praterstraße/Karmeliterviertel for a stroll. You can get there from metro U1 stop Nestroyplatz. Especially the corner where the Zirkusgasse meets the Praterstraße, lots of good gastronomy here: Café Ansari (mediterranean/Georgian), Ramasuri (regional), Goldener Papagei (transplant from Belgrade, but content-wise just a nice café) and Mochi (great Japanese, but book ahead). Close by are the Karmelitermarkt as well as the Augarten, the latter of which I’d recommend for a visit; it’s a baroque palace garden-turned-park with two massive, horribly ugly Nazi air defence towers in it. Perfect symbol for Vienna/Austria as a whole. You best sit on the terrace of Sperling to take it in while having a beer or wine. From there I’d suggest dinner at Am Nordpol 3 which has fantastic (and heavy!) Bohemian/Austrian cuisine – try the dessert called “Liwanzen”, a sort of yeast pancake with plum mousse.
The whole area is also close to the Donaukanal, a side arm of the Danube that's much more central to Vienna, geographically speaking, than the main river. The area mostly comes to life in the evening; lots of bars/food carts/restaurants especially between metro stops Schottenring and Schwedenplatz, but most people just bring some beer and relax close to the water.

https://i.ibb.co/Tb2BxmX/Picture3.png

- Within the centre itself it’s hard to recommend one area. I’d suggest crossing the entire area from either metro Karlsplatz in the south or Schottentor in the North as start/endpoint along Kärntner Straße -> Stephansplatz -> Graben, then either Kohlmarkt -> Herrengasse -> Schottengasse or Bognergasse -> Am Hof -> Freyung -> Schottengasse and then just improvise through Old Town. I’d also suggest a visit to Judenplatz, where the medieval synagogue was.

https://i.ibb.co/TLJKHrv/Picture4.png

Also a tourist favorite is the cobblestone area Blutgassenviertel to the east of St. Stephen’s square, from there you can go to Franziskanerplatz, which provides a nice, quiet little side of downtown Vienna. You can also integrate this into the walk suggested in the beginning, as you’ll pass by there anyway

https://i.ibb.co/d7RG1S3/Picture5.png

Other stuff and clichés:

Coffee: I’m not sure how much of this percolates (har!) up to the UK or if you care, but almost all tourists I’ve had here want to go see famous Viennese coffee houses at some point. And I get it, they have their own sort of charm, but beware: the coffee itself is mostly average to shit, while the cakes are usually good. It’s mainly about the style, atmosphere and being able to sit around, read/work for possibly hours in a public space without being constantly pestered to consume more.


The big one lots of guides recommend is Café Central (favorite with fin de siècle celebrity-intellectuals like Freud back in the day) but nowadays there’s always lots of lines out the door, and it’s expensive as fuck, so I’d recommend just walking by and peeking inside, since it does look quite nice. Same goes for Café Hawelka, it’s really expensive and probably full of tourists

My recommendations would be
Old Town: Café Prückel, Kaffee Alt Wien (both of them in the inner city close to U3 stops)
Inner districts: Café Sperl, Café Jelinek, Café Hummel
Apparently Eiles and Ritter are also nice, but I’ve never been

If you’re interested in good-tasting coffee instead of the coffee house feel, this list (and map) (https://europeancoffeetrip.com/vienna/) is mostly up to date. Since you’re probably going to spend a lot of time in the centre, I’ll add KAFFEIN homebase, both for quality and cosiness. Somewhat close to Erdberg where you’re staying (two metro stops) is Brass Monkey at Laendyard.




Schnitzel: I’m a vegetarian, so I can’t give personal recommendations, but I’m told they make excellent Schnitzel at Café Anzengruber , Pürstner and Gmoa Keller, the latter of which is close to the metro line U3 and features a cosy old-timey Viennese style. The portions at Schnitzelwirt are enormous but I think it’s become quite popular with tourists, so book ahead. Same goes for Figlmüller.

Vineyards: As mentioned elsewhere, set aside an afternoon for mooching about in the vineyards in the outer districts. There’s two kinds of traditional institutions there, first there’s the Heurigen, taverns close to the vineyards where the winemakers offer their wines of the season as well as food -> I’d recommend the cold cuts/cheese plates, since warm food is not the rule (or focus) there and often not the best choice. Also there’s the Buschenschanken, associated with the Heurigen but usually just huts/stands literally within the vineyards/hills overlooking the city, also serving wine and a smaller food selection.

The most prominent region for this would be Grinzing. Take tram 38 from the main university (stop Schottentor) to the end, and there you have lots of Heurigen. Lots of them are very touristy, but most of them are fine. You can go to Feuerwehr Wagner, for instance, or Buschenschank in Residence, which is a bit more modern. I’d recommend using that area as a starting point though to walk into the hills and visit the Buschenschanken there, like Wiesinger am Nussberg, Buschenschank Obermann, or the (for my taste a bit too massive) Mayer am Nussberg.
That’s just one region though, you can also go to the outskirts of the 21st district (Stammersdorf, very quaint but you go through ugly areas to get there) in the North with tram 31, and there’s also Heurigen in the West of the 16th district or the South, like the outer areas of the 10th or 23rd district. Basically wherever you see hills in the distance in Vienna, there’s wine bars there. There’s a collection of hiking paths running through the city (“Stadtwanderwege (https://www.wien.gv.at/english/leisure/hiking/paths.html)”) and almost all of them lead through wine regions.


Museums:
My personal preference are historical museums, so I like the Roman Museum in old town, the World Museum and the Globe Museum (rather niche-y and your kid might kill you) at the Hofburg (=Imperial Palace); the Imperial Crypt is also worth visiting for the massively decorated sarcophagi, also it’s small, so you’re out fast. The opposite would be the Schatzkammer (=Imperial Treasury), which has lots of exhibits and therefore takes lots of time. Worth it, in my opinion, but only if you’re interested in historical artefacts. There’s also the Military History Museum, which is close to the Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Main Station) – I think it’s alright, but be prepared for exhibitions of… varying quality in terms of state-of-the art displays and texts. I haven’t been to the recently renovated Wien Museum (metro U1/U4 Karlsplatz) yet, but I’ve heard lots of good things (and the main exhibition is free!). Then there’s the big one, Palace Schönbrunn (on line U4), sort of our mini-Versailles. It’s definitely interesting to go there, and it has its own "Children’s Museum", but if grand palaces don’t do it for you, just skip it or just look at it from the outside and explore the park around it. Personally, I’m more a fan of the adjacent zoo (oldest zoo in Europe apparently), probably nice for the whole family.

For art I’d pick the Kunsthistorisches Museum for sheer vastness – pick an era to focus on, you’ll never make it through the whole thing – or the Leopold Museum in Museumsquartier for modern stuff (Klimt, Schiele, the like). Plenty others though, like the Albertina, the Belvedere (also a massive palace that’s nice to visit) or the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts). Best check out ahead what exhibitions you’re into. Very family-friendly are the House of Music (in the very centre) and the Technical Museum ( bit futher out, close to Schönbrunn) with lots of interactive exhibits.

There’s also smaller and weird ones, like the Museum of Abortion and Contraception or the Pathological-anatomical collection in the “Narrenturm” (first psychiatric hospital of Europe), which, I’m told, is best visited with a guide you book ahead. I’ve never been, but the university campus around it, which is the old general hospital (“altes AKH”), is worth a visit, sometimes there’s street festivals and such hosted there.


Nightlife: I’ve never been one for clubs, and if you’re here with family this might be entirely irrelevant, but if not: your best bet is probably Grelle Forelle and das Werk at metro U4/U6 Spittelau for techno, or Flucc at Prater. General areas beside the already mentioned Donaukanal would be the adjacent Schwedenplatz area, also called Bermuda triangle (bit trashy, but traditionally where you end up at 3-4AM to have a final kebab), or the part of the Gürtel roughly from U6 stop Thaliastraße up to Nussdorfer Straße. Lots of bars in the viaduct that carries the non-subterranean sections of the metro line U6.

For nightlife I’d also refer you to the nightlife section of the subreddit guide (https://www.reddit.com/r/wien/wiki/index/tourism/#wiki_nightlife_in_vienna). I’ll also recommend this blog (https://wienwasgeht.beehiiv.com/) that always adds an entry on Thursday for upcoming events/activities the following weekend.

[Ben]

I’m going to Vienna now.

[Shindig]

I want a word cloud for every city.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I’m a vegetarian

Lynch the bastard.

[Serj]

In order to save my life, I'll recommend two classic non-vegetarian fast foods to have while you're here: Käsekrainer, a cheese-filled sausage, and Leberkässemmel, a sandwich whose main ingredient is Leberkäse, a special kind of finely-ground meat mixture-turned into a loaf by baking it and then sliced up to either have with side dishes or, in this case, in a sandwich.

[Ben]

Leberkässemmel

I work with plenty of Austrians and I’ve heard good things about this.

[Serj]

It's extremely simple, most of the time there's literally nothing except white bread and meat in there, but both locals and foreigners love it. My Chilean brother-in-law goes crazy for the stuff.

[Magic]

Careful what you wish for.

As announced, Vienna, best city in the world. Apologies for the length, I've tried to format it so that it makes sense. Hope it's useful either way. I'll post it here since Raoul said he might also visit the city this year. If you have any questions about specific areas/topics, feel free to ask.

For even more detail I’ll refer you to the guide created by the Wien subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/wien/wiki/index/tourism/), even though the link to their restaurant guide seems to be broken. Rest should be fine though.

In general: Vienna’s split into 23 districts, we usually call them either by their names or their number. They’re basically split into three zones:

1st District: Old Town (called Innere Stadt, “Inner City”) - surrounded by the “Ring”, a circular avenue along which you’ll find a good number of the main tourist sights
Districts 2-9: Inner districts surrounding the old town starting with the 2nd to the Northeast and going clockwise until the 9th in the Northwest. For most of those the outer border is the “Gürtel” (=belt), the somewhat grimier counterpart of the Ring – no stately buildings along the Gürtel, lots of bars though in certain areas
Districts 10-23: Outer districts - odds are, you won’t be spending much time here, except if you visit Palace Schönbrunn and/or the vineyards. If you’re here in summer it’s going to be brutally hot, so you might want to go to the Alte Donau (old Danube) for a swim if the pool at your condo is not enough.



I’d say the stereotypes depicted in this map basically hold true (the middle bits of the postal code numbers are the districs, so 1230 = district 23) :
https://viennawurstelstand.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/viennawurstelstand_expatguide_1districts.jpg

You’ll be based in the bit that says “canal” next to 1030 :D.

First thing you should do is get a 7-day-ticket for public transport. It’s only 17.10€ and you can basically get everywhere. Most important for you will be metro line U3, but in the centre you’ll also use U1 and U4.


Two caveats compared to Budapest:


Vienna is not quite as scenic to look at, meaning it’s not as nicely positioned in the landscape when you’re looking at it from higher vantage points. The big reason is, Budapest has the Danube running through more or less the middle, while in Vienna the Danube is, comparatively, an afterthought. While there’s (allegedly) people going to the eastern side of the river, there’s only a few reasons why tourists should. You’ll mostly be spending your time on the western side.
The nightlife is, so I’m told, better in Prague and Budapest, but I think there have been improvements in the last years. More on that further down.



Some areas to spend some time in (I’ve whipped up some crude maps with a walking route app, but it’s more to suggest areas of interest than concrete routes):

- Close to you, in the third district if you’re coming from Erdberg, a nice walk would be: take metro line U3 to either Kardinal-Nagl-Platz or Rochusgasse, walk to Arenbergpark to see the gargantuan air defense towers the Nazis constructed (there’s more of those in two other areas of the city), then continue down Landstraßer Hauptstraße towards the centre. You can visit Rochusmarkt and browse the stalls, plus you’re in an area with great food, especially breakfast. Go either to Lingenhel (specializing in cheese), Öfferl (some of the best bread, but pricy) or Ströck Feierabend for great breakfast. From there continue down Landstraßer Hauptstraße past Wien Mitte station towards the city center. Here you’ll pass the Stadtpark to your left, which has a famous statue of composer Johann Strauß (waltz etc.) in it, but there’s more impressive parks in the city. When you’re at the Ring you can either just continue straight down Wollzeile until you hit the very center of Old Town (as below on the map, you’ll come out slightly northeast of Stephansplatz, which is basically the main square) or walk westwards down the Ring and take in the sights there. Just beware that the Ring = cars. I find it more relaxing to take side streets, but the views of all the imperial-era buildings are usually best from the Ring.

https://i.ibb.co/n8k5DRw/Picture1.png

- west of the old town Neubau, (district 7), is hipster central in Vienna, so you’ll find lots of specialty coffee, beer and shops there. The southern border of the district is Mariahilfer Straße, probably the main shopping street in town. It’s a nice walk but it’s mostly chain stores and the like, so I’d recommend the adjacent streets, especially Neubaugasse, Westbahnstraße and Siebensterngasse. You can either start or end the excursion at Museumsquartier (bottom right of the highlighted path below), which has, you guessed it, lots of museums and often some open air events going on or at least stalls with cocktails.

https://i.ibb.co/BKz1SZD/Picture2.png

- The 2nd district (north-east of the centre) Leopoldstadt, also has lots of things to see/do, most prominently the Prater, one of the biggest green spaces here, that also has an amusement park in it (called Wurstelprater but mostly also just referred to as the Prater) – sort of Vienna’s Coney Island.
Besides that I’d recommend the lower Praterstraße/Karmeliterviertel for a stroll. You can get there from metro U1 stop Nestroyplatz. Especially the corner where the Zirkusgasse meets the Praterstraße, lots of good gastronomy here: Café Ansari (mediterranean/Georgian), Ramasuri (regional), Goldener Papagei (transplant from Belgrade, but content-wise just a nice café) and Mochi (great Japanese, but book ahead). Close by are the Karmelitermarkt as well as the Augarten, the latter of which I’d recommend for a visit; it’s a baroque palace garden-turned-park with two massive, horribly ugly Nazi air defence towers in it. Perfect symbol for Vienna/Austria as a whole. You best sit on the terrace of Sperling to take it in while having a beer or wine. From there I’d suggest dinner at Am Nordpol 3 which has fantastic (and heavy!) Bohemian/Austrian cuisine – try the dessert called “Liwanzen”, a sort of yeast pancake with plum mousse.
The whole area is also close to the Donaukanal, a side arm of the Danube that's much more central to Vienna, geographically speaking, than the main river. The area mostly comes to life in the evening; lots of bars/food carts/restaurants especially between metro stops Schottenring and Schwedenplatz, but most people just bring some beer and relax close to the water.

https://i.ibb.co/Tb2BxmX/Picture3.png

- Within the centre itself it’s hard to recommend one area. I’d suggest crossing the entire area from either metro Karlsplatz in the south or Schottentor in the North as start/endpoint along Kärntner Straße -> Stephansplatz -> Graben, then either Kohlmarkt -> Herrengasse -> Schottengasse or Bognergasse -> Am Hof -> Freyung -> Schottengasse and then just improvise through Old Town. I’d also suggest a visit to Judenplatz, where the medieval synagogue was.

https://i.ibb.co/TLJKHrv/Picture4.png

Also a tourist favorite is the cobblestone area Blutgassenviertel to the east of St. Stephen’s square, from there you can go to Franziskanerplatz, which provides a nice, quiet little side of downtown Vienna. You can also integrate this into the walk suggested in the beginning, as you’ll pass by there anyway

https://i.ibb.co/d7RG1S3/Picture5.png

Other stuff and clichés:

Coffee: I’m not sure how much of this percolates (har!) up to the UK or if you care, but almost all tourists I’ve had here want to go see famous Viennese coffee houses at some point. And I get it, they have their own sort of charm, but beware: the coffee itself is mostly average to shit, while the cakes are usually good. It’s mainly about the style, atmosphere and being able to sit around, read/work for possibly hours in a public space without being constantly pestered to consume more.


The big one lots of guides recommend is Café Central (favorite with fin de siècle celebrity-intellectuals like Freud back in the day) but nowadays there’s always lots of lines out the door, and it’s expensive as fuck, so I’d recommend just walking by and peeking inside, since it does look quite nice. Same goes for Café Hawelka, it’s really expensive and probably full of tourists

My recommendations would be
Old Town: Café Prückel, Kaffee Alt Wien (both of them in the inner city close to U3 stops)
Inner districts: Café Sperl, Café Jelinek, Café Hummel
Apparently Eiles and Ritter are also nice, but I’ve never been

If you’re interested in good-tasting coffee instead of the coffee house feel, this list (and map) (https://europeancoffeetrip.com/vienna/) is mostly up to date. Since you’re probably going to spend a lot of time in the centre, I’ll add KAFFEIN homebase, both for quality and cosiness. Somewhat close to Erdberg where you’re staying (two metro stops) is Brass Monkey at Laendyard.




Schnitzel: I’m a vegetarian, so I can’t give personal recommendations, but I’m told they make excellent Schnitzel at Café Anzengruber , Pürstner and Gmoa Keller, the latter of which is close to the metro line U3 and features a cosy old-timey Viennese style. The portions at Schnitzelwirt are enormous but I think it’s become quite popular with tourists, so book ahead. Same goes for Figlmüller.

Vineyards: As mentioned elsewhere, set aside an afternoon for mooching about in the vineyards in the outer districts. There’s two kinds of traditional institutions there, first there’s the Heurigen, taverns close to the vineyards where the winemakers offer their wines of the season as well as food -> I’d recommend the cold cuts/cheese plates, since warm food is not the rule (or focus) there and often not the best choice. Also there’s the Buschenschanken, associated with the Heurigen but usually just huts/stands literally within the vineyards/hills overlooking the city, also serving wine and a smaller food selection.

The most prominent region for this would be Grinzing. Take tram 38 from the main university (stop Schottentor) to the end, and there you have lots of Heurigen. Lots of them are very touristy, but most of them are fine. You can go to Feuerwehr Wagner, for instance, or Buschenschank in Residence, which is a bit more modern. I’d recommend using that area as a starting point though to walk into the hills and visit the Buschenschanken there, like Wiesinger am Nussberg, Buschenschank Obermann, or the (for my taste a bit too massive) Mayer am Nussberg.
That’s just one region though, you can also go to the outskirts of the 21st district (Stammersdorf, very quaint but you go through ugly areas to get there) in the North with tram 31, and there’s also Heurigen in the West of the 16th district or the South, like the outer areas of the 10th or 23rd district. Basically wherever you see hills in the distance in Vienna, there’s wine bars there. There’s a collection of hiking paths running through the city (“Stadtwanderwege (https://www.wien.gv.at/english/leisure/hiking/paths.html)”) and almost all of them lead through wine regions.


Museums:
My personal preference are historical museums, so I like the Roman Museum in old town, the World Museum and the Globe Museum (rather niche-y and your kid might kill you) at the Hofburg (=Imperial Palace); the Imperial Crypt is also worth visiting for the massively decorated sarcophagi, also it’s small, so you’re out fast. The opposite would be the Schatzkammer (=Imperial Treasury), which has lots of exhibits and therefore takes lots of time. Worth it, in my opinion, but only if you’re interested in historical artefacts. There’s also the Military History Museum, which is close to the Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Main Station) – I think it’s alright, but be prepared for exhibitions of… varying quality in terms of state-of-the art displays and texts. I haven’t been to the recently renovated Wien Museum (metro U1/U4 Karlsplatz) yet, but I’ve heard lots of good things (and the main exhibition is free!). Then there’s the big one, Palace Schönbrunn (on line U4), sort of our mini-Versailles. It’s definitely interesting to go there, and it has its own "Children’s Museum", but if grand palaces don’t do it for you, just skip it or just look at it from the outside and explore the park around it. Personally, I’m more a fan of the adjacent zoo (oldest zoo in Europe apparently), probably nice for the whole family.

For art I’d pick the Kunsthistorisches Museum for sheer vastness – pick an era to focus on, you’ll never make it through the whole thing – or the Leopold Museum in Museumsquartier for modern stuff (Klimt, Schiele, the like). Plenty others though, like the Albertina, the Belvedere (also a massive palace that’s nice to visit) or the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts). Best check out ahead what exhibitions you’re into. Very family-friendly are the House of Music (in the very centre) and the Technical Museum ( bit futher out, close to Schönbrunn) with lots of interactive exhibits.

There’s also smaller and weird ones, like the Museum of Abortion and Contraception or the Pathological-anatomical collection in the “Narrenturm” (first psychiatric hospital of Europe), which, I’m told, is best visited with a guide you book ahead. I’ve never been, but the university campus around it, which is the old general hospital (“altes AKH”), is worth a visit, sometimes there’s street festivals and such hosted there.


Nightlife: I’ve never been one for clubs, and if you’re here with family this might be entirely irrelevant, but if not: your best bet is probably Grelle Forelle and das Werk at metro U4/U6 Spittelau for techno, or Flucc at Prater. General areas beside the already mentioned Donaukanal would be the adjacent Schwedenplatz area, also called Bermuda triangle (bit trashy, but traditionally where you end up at 3-4AM to have a final kebab), or the part of the Gürtel roughly from U6 stop Thaliastraße up to Nussdorfer Straße. Lots of bars in the viaduct that carries the non-subterranean sections of the metro line U6.

For nightlife I’d also refer you to the nightlife section of the subreddit guide (https://www.reddit.com/r/wien/wiki/index/tourism/#wiki_nightlife_in_vienna). I’ll also recommend this blog (https://wienwasgeht.beehiiv.com/) that always adds an entry on Thursday for upcoming events/activities the following weekend.

Rep. That is awesome thanks!

[Serj]

You're very welcome. I'd offer to meet up for a beer but I'm going to the US of A (and a bit of Canada) in July.

If anyone has got recommendations for Vancouver/Seattle/Portland, I'd be grateful. Most of the time will be spent in national parks though. :drool:

[Bam]

I'm not sure what else you'd call it. It's about the tenth time you've made a similar reply to various things I've posted. That is the only interaction we ever have.

You being a knob might be what you could call it.

Someone talks about going somewhere and you some how bang on about the Maldives like nobody else has been there, are you actually autistic?

[randomlegend]

You being a knob might be what you could call it.

Someone talks about going somewhere and you some how bang on about the Maldives like nobody else has been there, are you actually autistic?

Yes "banging on" was definitely what I was doing. You're such a weird, angry, sad little cunt.

[Spikey M]

He's not little.

[Waffdon]

Yes "banging on" was definitely what I was doing. You're such a weird, angry, sad little cunt.

https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/852/769/fae

[randomlegend]

I don't need you to fight him for me but thanks for the offer.

[Waffdon]

‘I know you are but what am I’

:lol:

[randomlegend]

Sadly I don't have the wit to come up with such devastating takedowns as "ur retards".

[Magic]

The battle of the intellectuals here, gents.

[Spikey M]

Look at this bunch of retards.

[randomlegend]

The battle of the intellectuals here, gents.

There's the full house.

[Magic]

Baz :baz:

[Baz]

Why you roping me in?

[Pepe]

:lol:

[Spikey M]

All hail King Spaz Baz.

[7om]

michaeljacksonpopcorn.gif

[Spikey M]

That was a lovely little blast of 2008 style TTH. Love it.

[randomlegend]

We're meant to be staying a night in Johannesburg on our way to [redacted] next year. Anyone been? Is it quite as terrifying as the interweb makes it sound? :uhoh:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I've heard it's very sinister.

Be careful, mate.

[niko_cee]

We're meant to be staying a night in Johannesburg on our way to [redacted] next year. Anyone been? Is it quite as terrifying as the interweb makes it sound? :uhoh:

Just stay in Sandton and don't go out of the compound/whatever it is now, I was last there in the late 90s.

A doctor friend of mine did some sort of stint out there as part of his training. Some of the pics he brought back were absolutely wild.

[Giggles]

Needle :drool:

[randomlegend]

We're essentially getting picked up from the airport, taken directly to a hotel, then picked back up the next day and driven back to the airport. I have no intention of leaving the hotel.

But even so, the stories of tourists being followed from the airport to their hotel and then robbed on the pavement at gun/machete point are still a bit perturbing.

[Ben]

The taxi drivers are the ones to watch.

[7om]

I’ve heard multiple stories of taxi drivers bumming customers on the way from the airport to the hotel.

[niko_cee]

And then again on the way back to the airport.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

They prefer forcing you to feed objects into your own anus at gun/knifepoint.

[Spikey M]

Atleast you're not staying somewhere sinister though.

[Lewis]

I mean yeah, it probably is just the knowledge of the intolerance and persecution that is rife. I don't think there's anything wrong with being uncomfortable with that, however boringly snarky Pepe wants to be about it.

Going back to work and speaking to people whose existence is criminalised in the place you've just come from is a bit sobering.

This is a serious question, but seeing as the Maldives criminalises homosexuality and treats women every bit as shit as they do in the likes of Qatar and Dubai, what made one worse than the other?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Nice beaches though.

[Spikey M]

This is a serious question, but seeing as the Maldives criminalises homosexuality and treats women every bit as shit as they do in the likes of Qatar and Dubai, what made one worse than the other?

Virtue signalling only works with the fashionable cases.

[randomlegend]

This is a serious question, but seeing as the Maldives criminalises homosexuality and treats women every bit as shit as they do in the likes of Qatar and Dubai, what made one worse than the other?

Partly my own ignorance. I genuinely didn't realise the Maldives had such laws (etc.) until after we got back.

Mainly though I think it's that the resorts - being out on their own individual islands away from the mainland - are basically a law unto themselves. I'd imagine you might feel it if you spent any significant time on the mainland.

I'm well aware these aren't good reasons, and realistically I should probably have felt exactly the same way. But I'm imperfect and I didn't.

[Baz]

“I didn’t mind the gay bashing cos it was a nice beach.”

[randomlegend]

That's really not what I said. I'm sure Dubai has nice beaches.

To give an example of what I mean about the islands being a totally different environment to the mainland, there was a member of staff (albeit white) at our resort who was openly gay.

[Spikey M]

Someone I work with has spent the last 2 days in Egyptian hospital with some kind of mega-vomiting virus and a massive fever. Turkey it is.

[Dquincy]

The sharm el shits is not to be sniffed at. I went years ago and it got me. Horrific stuff.

P.s. I've been to the Maldives, including Male. Like Dubai, it was fine and not sinister. Some of you are a right bunch of melts.

[Yevrah]

On Quincy's point, I do find it amusing that there's this weird pervading thing with British people that suggest that they're going to be ripped off if they go abroad and going to be ripped off and mugged/assaulted/murder death killed if they go anywhere abroad outside of Europe.

[Spikey M]

That's not what it is. It's directly aimed at Arabs. They're rich, so it's OK to be racist against them. Virtue signalling 101.

Find Muslims from a poor country that believe the same shit: silence. Or, rather, gay people waving Palestinian flags.

ClownWorld.

[Dark Soldier]

Spikey go to Marrakech. I stayed at Les Jardins De La Koutoubia (crypto money ftw) and would happily go there every year if I wanted to spunk a couple grand away. Beautiful, beautiful hotel, great staff , roasting hot. Taxi drivers try to mug you off with prices but once they see that nut they'll think you're a galaxy brain and give in to any price.

The night markets are actual shit, tourist trap wank. Don't listen to the Yanks talking about 'culture'. One guy wanted me to pay twenty quid for a tea towel and when I told him to fuck off I think he offered to slash me up in foreign.

Genuinely the nicest hotel I've stayed by a fucking mile, went for ten days with the ex, cost me a bomb but Pot Noodles are nice when back innit.

Dubai is great if you're a Tate wannabe, like.

There's ya pool at night. Has one on the top floor during the day too which is amazing.

https://i.ibb.co/c6x1Zvn/IMG-20220904-WA0024.jpg

Edit: Just realised you asked like ten days ago I'm a spaz.

[Yevrah]

That's not what it is. It's directly aimed at Arabs. They're rich, so it's OK to be racist against them. Virtue signalling 101.

Find Muslims from a poor country that believe the same shit: silence. Or, rather, gay people waving Palestinian flags.

ClownWorld.

I meant more the melts aspect rather than taking issue with the point you made/made above, which I agree with.

Never better illustrated than in this country actually. We spent over 30 years telling people that it was not ok to criticise Islam and Muslims here, for pretty much anything really, even popularising a specific word for it. Fast forward 30 years and the World Cup goes to Qatar and it's suddenly open season on Islamic beliefs. Utterly ridiculous.

[Spikey M]

Edit: Just realised you asked like ten days ago I'm a spaz.

Still haven't booked anything, so you're all good. I will have a look. Google suggests it's still surprisingly warm for October too.

[Clunge]

I loved Marrakech for 2/3 days, but I couldn't bear to be in a place like that for much longer without being in the immediate vicinity of the sea. You could do a few days in Marrakech and then a few days on the coast.

[Magic]

My brother is there now for 4 days. Paid a third of what he would going to Tenerife. Also he's taken his 20 year old slim, blonde, tall girlfriend. :harold:

[Dark Soldier]

I loved Marrakech for 2/3 days, but I couldn't bear to be in a place like that for much longer without being in the immediate vicinity of the sea. You could do a few days in Marrakech and then a few days on the coast.

Couldn't be near the sea. Can't swim and don't wanna end up another of Mahow's balloon victims.

[Giggles]

Looks like we're going to do Lisbon or Porto. I thought she'd forgot about it altogether until yesterday.

[Clunge]

Both are great - my partner’s Portuguese so I’ve been pretty fortunate to go several times to both in recent years.

[randomlegend]

Yeah we really enjoyed Porto.

[Magic]

Wasn't too sinister for you was it? Sinister? Get it?

[Waffdon]

La Spezia gets better every time I visit. Beautiful place

Genoa…not so much. A bit grim. A slightly less busy Naples with less going for it

[Kikó]

I'm going to LONDON this weekend and watching Portugal in little Portugal. Should be great, hopefully the food has remained spot on. Then a wedding on Saturday while the THREE LIONS are on, idiocy.

[Magic]

Going on a day trip to Salzburg when in Vienna. It looks amazing. Wanted to go to Hallstatt but 3.5hrs on a bus each way. :sick:

[niko_cee]

Is Little Portugal the gentrified name for Stockwell?

Should be going to see Offy in Jersey if you want the authentic British Portuguese Experience.

I remember watching the England - Germany Lampard no goal game in the aftermath of a christening, which was a bleak welcome into god's kingdom for the little bugger.

[Raoul Duke]

Can't remember who posted it in here the other day (James?) but Munich was great when I was there the other week. Pretzels + pork knuckles at the brauhaus :drool:

[Kikó]

Is Little Portugal the gentrified name for Stockwell?

Should be going to see Offy in Jersey if you want the authentic British Portuguese Experience.

I remember watching the England - Germany Lampard no goal game in the aftermath of a christening, which was a bleak welcome into god's kingdom for the little bugger.

Dunno it says it on maps but I've always called it Vauxhall/Stockwell. I did find a nice Portuguese place in jersey, no offy calling them porkos.

[Magic]

Lol canned that and booked a week in Vienna. Staying in a high rise condo with it's own rooftop pool in Erdberg.

Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

No keys and the landlord is ignoring us. Serj where's your sofa at bro.

[Manc]

They probably heard your accent on approach and ran for the hills.

[Magic]

Got in, finally.

[Raoul Duke]

Booked a trip to Lyon, Annecy and Geneva next month :thbup:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Annecy is probably the best place in France, or at least, I can't think of anywhere better off the top of my head, and I've been almost everywhere at this point.

[Pepe]

Annecy does look stunning. I got a job offer there but the lol salary and the cost of living made it impossible.

[Serj]

Got in, finally.

Sounds stressful, glad it was resolved. If you need any extra info or help, you can PM me.

Also beware, it's going to be quite a hot week (every day >30 degrees), so flee to the pool/river/Prater regularly. Salzburg is going to be better (but rainier).

[hfswjyr]

Booked a trip to Lyon, Annecy and Geneva next month :thbup:

Are the prices better or worse than usual with the Olympics on?

[Raoul Duke]

Are the prices better or worse than usual with the Olympics on?

Don't really have a comparison, but it doesn't seem to be jacked up too much. Lyon only has football on (we're going to watch a game) so it's not a big draw. I'd assume Paris is savage

[Magic]

Sounds stressful, glad it was resolved. If you need any extra info or help, you can PM me.

Also beware, it's going to be quite a hot week (every day >30 degrees), so flee to the pool/river/Prater regularly. Salzburg is going to be better (but rainier).

Thanks bro.

I think someone must have nicked the keys, we had to get the spare ones in the key lock at the door. There's no fob though, so no access to the pool. :D

They are trying to sort it. I don't really care but my daughter is gutted.

[Baz]

Anyone been to Montenegro? Specifically Becici and Budva. In August.

[Ben]

The Kotor Bay area is incredible so I can't imagine that would be much worse, it's only up the road.

[Spikey M]

Not been, but it's on the list. The lakes look phenomenal.

[Pepe]

My wife is flying back from France tomorrow with our two daughters and the airline is saying that they should be there four hours before the flight to get through security etc. Complete insanity.

[randomlegend]

Having flown from Biarritz a few years ago I'd say 4 hours is a good idea if it's at all representative of French airports. They had one speed and it was "could not give a fuck".

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've been through Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, CDG and Beauvais in the last two years and they are all absolutely dreadful.

[Spikey M]

I feel like airports always match the character of the nation. Turkish airports try to fleece you and are always late. Barbados airport is slow to the point of insanity, but nobody seems to mind. American Airports take themselves far too seriously and, of course, British airports appear well run until anything goes slightly wrong, then they're revealed to be a house of cards.

[Magic]

Vienna was incredible. My favourite city in Europe. Absolutely adored it and would love there in a heartbeat.

[Shindig]

American Airports take themselves far too seriously and, of course, British airports appear well run until anything goes slightly wrong, then they're revealed to be a house of cards.

Yeah, that's accurate. Like, I'm happy Heathrow have those automated passport gates but it's chaos when they fail.

[Baz]

The Kotor Bay area is incredible so I can't imagine that would be much worse, it's only up the road.
That'll do me. Booked it (https://www.onthebeach.co.uk/hotels/montenegro/montenegro-riviera/budva/iberostar-waves-bellevue). 360 days to go.

[Ben]

I recognised the name of the hotel there so I searched it on my Facebook and one of my friends was staying there back in May. He's still buzzing about it (the holiday in general anyway).

[Spikey M]

That'll do me. Booked it (https://www.onthebeach.co.uk/hotels/montenegro/montenegro-riviera/budva/iberostar-waves-bellevue). 360 days to go.

Looks very similar to where we went in Croatia (https://www.valamar.com/en/hotels-rabac/valamar-bellevue-resort). The scenery is stunning in that region. Beats the shit out of Spain and Turkey on that front. The weather isn't as guaranteed though.

[randomlegend]

Next summer all booked.

Going to Pilanesberg safari park:

https://www.lushprivatelodge.co.za/

For 3 nights, followed by 7 nights in Mauritius:

https://www.paradisecovehotel.com/en

Hi Bam :wave:

[Pepe]

Having flown from Biarritz a few years ago I'd say 4 hours is a good idea if it's at all representative of French airports. They had one speed and it was "could not give a fuck".

I'm sure that it is a good idea, but it is still stupid. It used to be 'be there two hours before for international flights' which was already ridiculous, but whatever. Then Covid hits and everyone is all '3 hours just in case.' Now four hours? How about they speed up their moronic 'safety' processes instead?

[Yevrah]

Enjoy RL. Safari in Africa (was Kenya for me) is still the best thing I've ever done. Just majestic.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm sure that it is a good idea, but it is still stupid. It used to be 'be there two hours before for international flights' which was already ridiculous, but whatever. Then Covid hits and everyone is all '3 hours just in case.' Now four hours? How about they speed up their moronic 'safety' processes instead?

It's because they can't get any staff.

[Pepe]

They could make the current staff do less shit. Check every single bottle with 20 grams of formula for explosives? GTFO.

[Magic]

Ripping the arse out of that pay rise RL. Was it backdated?

[Yevrah]

Weren't they talking about getting rid of that shit? Doesn't the entire World hang off what the US do anyway? I seem to remember that being the reason why you're asked to switch off your mobile on the flight, in that the yanks had a bee in their bonnet about it and everyone else had to follow suit, despite the obvious reality that if leaving your phone on had the capability to bring a plane down no one would be allowed on board with one.

[Bam]

Next summer all booked.

Going to Pilanesberg safari park:

https://www.lushprivatelodge.co.za/

For 3 nights, followed by 7 nights in Mauritius:

https://www.paradisecovehotel.com/en

Hi Bam :wave:

Been Kenya on safari, we really enjoyed it.

Would never go to South Africa for one though, may as well go to a zoo.

[randomlegend]

Ripping the arse out of that pay rise RL. Was it backdated?

The vote on it only opened today. I voted no.

[Raoul Duke]

Spent a few days in France/Switzerland last week:

Lyon - good, but not the highlight I thought it'd be. Food was ok (we did eat at a Michelin star place called Prairial which was top tier) but there's not a massive amount to do. Watched some of the Olympic football which was pretty cool.

Annecy - lovely place, even though it's jammed with tourists. Got out and about cycling up to some big chateau and swam in the lake. The kinda place you have fanciful ideas about sacking off the 9-5, buying a retail place and opening an ice-cream spot in

Geneva - nice town but insanely expensive. Really enjoyed the food here (heavy on the cheese and meat) and we travelled out to CERN which was awesome. Got to see the Atlas control room, a tour from some physicist dude and saw Tim Berners-Lee's original PC that enabled future generations to watch midget pr0n 24/7

Lausanne - loved this place. Beautiful mountains/lakes and not too hectic. Still mega expensive. Went to the Olympic Museum, which was pretty cool, as these things go. Saw some gold medals, held the Olympic torch and saw Usain Bolt's spandex. What a time to be alive

[Serj]

Vienna was incredible. My favourite city in Europe. Absolutely adored it and would love there in a heartbeat.

Great stuff, glad you enjoyed it despite the heat. Did the whole pool situation get resolved? Also, just how overrun was Salzburg? :D Haven't been there in years and it always seems packed with tourists during the warmer months.

[Magic]

Great stuff, glad you enjoyed it despite the heat. Did the whole pool situation get resolved? Also, just how overrun was Salzburg? :D Haven't been there in years and it always seems packed with tourists during the warmer months.

No, had to just wait for people to go in and out lolz. I adored it. Felt so at home.

We didn't go to Salzburg, the weather was extreme storms every day so we waited on a daily basis to see what the weather was like, then went to book tickets and the prices were obscene (like worse than UK). Not sure if that's always the case?

[Serj]

The train tickets ore the hotels? Salzburg, Innsbruck plus some towns in their respective provinces are markedly more expensive than essentially the rest of the country so that'd be typical for acommodation. If it was the train tickets, the Wien->Salzburg line is the main spine of our rail infrastructure so trains are packed in the summer months, maybe it was that. Usually it's around 35€ one way per person.

Salzburg is (in)famous for its bad weather as well; makes booking vacations there a bit of a lottery, as you got to experience.

[Ben]

I stopped at a colleague's house in Tamsweg, just near Salzburg. What a beautiful area it is.

[Magic]

The train tickets ore the hotels? Salzburg, Innsbruck plus some towns in their respective provinces are markedly more expensive than essentially the rest of the country so that'd be typical for acommodation. If it was the train tickets, the Wien->Salzburg line is the main spine of our rail infrastructure so trains are packed in the summer months, maybe it was that. Usually it's around 35€ one way per person.

Salzburg is (in)famous for its bad weather as well; makes booking vacations there a bit of a lottery, as you got to experience.

Train. It was £300 (yes £) for two adults and a kid, same day return. Shite.

[Serj]

I stopped at a colleague's house in Tamsweg, just near Salzburg. What a beautiful area it is.

Yeah that area (and anything west or south of it, really) is absolutely spectacular. I've used the last couple of years to go to other countries, but I think for near-future holidays I'll make a point of exploring Austrian national parks and mountain hikes. What a country :drool:.


Train. It was £300 (yes £) for two adults and a kid, same day return. Shite.

Yeah that does sound excessive, I'd have expected half that at worst. Did you only check with ÖBB (the sate-owned rail service) or also Westbahn?

[Magic]

Yeah that area (and anything west or south of it, really) is absolutely spectacular. I've used the last couple of years to go to other countries, but I think for near-future holidays I'll make a point of exploring Austrian national parks and mountain hikes. What a country :drool:.



Yeah that does sound excessive, I'd have expected half that at worst. Did you only check with ÖBB (the sate-owned rail service) or also Westbahn?

Both. They were the same. Couldn't believe it.

[-james-]

Thought you were all being dramatic about French airports up thread but I am currently at Marseille terminal two and holy fuck.

[-james-]

Saint Remy de Provence was lovely though.

[Manc]

Has anyone travelled to Albania? I'm hearing good things.

[John Arne]

Off to Tokyo for work this month. Can't wait. Managed to give myself and extra 2 days before and after the work stuff :)

[Clunge]

Has anyone travelled to Albania? I'm hearing good things.
Know lots of people who swear by it these days as a last bastion of affordable beauty in Europe/on the Adriatic. I'd go in a heartbeat.

Off to Tokyo for work this month. Can't wait. Managed to give myself and extra 2 days before and after the work stuff :)
Sounds like a ridiculously obvious thing to say, but I loved my time in Tokyo without condition. The bars at the Golden Gai are great fun near Shinjuku, I loved messing around in the arcades at Akihabara and I had an out-of-body food experience having ramen at Mutekiya. Ludicrously good.

[John Arne]

Know lots of people who swear by it these days as a last bastion of affordable beauty in Europe/on the Adriatic. I'd go in a heartbeat.

Sounds like a ridiculously obvious thing to say, but I loved my time in Tokyo without condition. The bars at the Golden Gai are great fun near Shinjuku, I loved messing around in the arcades at Akihabara and I had an out-of-body food experience having ramen at Mutekiya. Ludicrously good.

Awesome - thanks for the tips. Any more, just let me know!

[Yevrah]

JA - massive statue just outside of Tokyo. Can train it there. Worth seeing.

[Clunge]

Awesome - thanks for the tips. Any more, just let me know!
Handily, I kept a list of just about everything we did. Few other selected highlights:

- Nagi Ramen in the Golden Gai was excellent
- There's a bar in Shibuya called Good Beer Faucets, which we found hilarious, but was lively and had loads of random beers. There was a dirt cheap food place opposite which was one of those made ones you put cash in like a vending machine to build your meal token, and then some blokeys out the back make it for you. I remember getting some noodles, broth, katsu and some sake, I think, for about £3.
- The Tokyo kite museum was a diverting 30 mins en route to somewhere, got the same joy out of it as I did the Oktoberfest museum in Munich, which is equally odd
- Yakitori Alley / 'Piss Alley' is a must, think of any part of any animal and they're putting it on a stick and grilling it
- Tsukiji market is absolutely insane, worth going at like 6am to see all the madness going on around you. Watch out for crusty old fishermen chucking buckets of fish blood and guts at tourists
- Hamarikyu gardens were amazing, just a real oasis in the middle of all the crazy built up stuff

And that's before you really think about all the classic touristic stuff in Tokyo. You really can't go far wrong with anything.

[John Arne]

Handily, I kept a list of just about everything we did. Few other selected highlights:

- Nagi Ramen in the Golden Gai was excellent
- There's a bar in Shibuya called Good Beer Faucets, which we found hilarious, but was lively and had loads of random beers. There was a dirt cheap food place opposite which was one of those made ones you put cash in like a vending machine to build your meal token, and then some blokeys out the back make it for you. I remember getting some noodles, broth, katsu and some sake, I think, for about £3.
- The Tokyo kite museum was a diverting 30 mins en route to somewhere, got the same joy out of it as I did the Oktoberfest museum in Munich, which is equally odd
- Yakitori Alley / 'Piss Alley' is a must, think of any part of any animal and they're putting it on a stick and grilling it
- Tsukiji market is absolutely insane, worth going at like 6am to see all the madness going on around you. Watch out for crusty old fishermen chucking buckets of fish blood and guts at tourists
- Hamarikyu gardens were amazing, just a real oasis in the middle of all the crazy built up stuff

And that's before you really think about all the classic touristic stuff in Tokyo. You really can't go far wrong with anything.

Taaaaaaaaaaa

[Gray Fox]

Friend of mine told me of a chain of stores in Japan called HARD-OFF.

It's basically like a goldmine for your retro games/consoles. Apparently they all price everything differently so one store wont be the same as the next, but worth checking out if you're into that sort of thing. They also seemingly dont want to rob you blind for the stuff either, like your 2nd hand shops do over here.

[Spikey M]

Buzzing for Manc's thread on being used as an organ donor / drug mule by the Albanian Mafia. :cool:

[Shindig]

Friend of mine told me of a chain of stores in Japan called HARD-OFF.

It's basically like a goldmine for your retro games/consoles. Apparently they all price everything differently so one store wont be the same as the next, but worth checking out if you're into that sort of thing. They also seemingly dont want to rob you blind for the stuff either, like your 2nd hand shops do over here.

I'm going to assume Super Potato is still in business. I'd love to get over there. I also kinda fancy Hong Kong.

[John Arne]

I'm going to assume Super Potato is still in business. I'd love to get over there. I also kinda fancy Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is, or at least was, awesome. Such an great place that managed to mix old and new - however, I've not been for about 6-7yrs, and it seems to have gotten pretty Chinese by all accounts.

[John Arne]

JA - massive statue just outside of Tokyo. Can train it there. Worth seeing.

Hey Yev, Googled and found a number of options - which statue specifically you go to?

[John Arne]

Did anyone head to Mt. Fuji? Found a 1 day tour including bullet train return for about $150...

[Yevrah]

Hey Yev, Googled and found a number of options - which statue specifically you go to?

Ushiku Daibutsu. It's a 120m ish tall Buddha.

[Yevrah]

Did anyone head to Mt. Fuji? Found a 1 day tour including bullet train return for about $150...

Yeah, I did the bullet train there with the Broom. We were staying with her brother and his girlfriend in a town on the outskirts of Mount Fuji and it was foggy as fuck when we arrived so couldn't see it. Fast forward 12 hours and a hungover Yev staggers outside his apartment to have a cigarette, lights it, turns round and there it is. Couldn't go up it due to the time of year I was there but an absolutely majestic sight nonetheless. Makes the Scottish mountain ranges look like small hills.

The hot springs at Hakone are nice too.

[John Arne]

Ushiku Daibutsu. It's a 120m ish tall Buddha.

Cheers.

[John Arne]

Yeah, I did the bullet train there with the Broom. We were staying with her brother and his girlfriend in a town on the outskirts of Mount Fuji and it was foggy as fuck when we arrived so couldn't see it. Fast forward 12 hours and a hungover Yev staggers outside his apartment to have a cigarette, lights it, turns round and there it is. Couldn't go up it due to the time of year I was there but an absolutely majestic sight nonetheless. Makes the Scottish mountain ranges look like small hills.

The hot springs at Hakone are nice too.

Nice, may give it a whirl.

[Clunge]

Did anyone head to Mt. Fuji? Found a 1 day tour including bullet train return for about $150...
We stayed in FujiKawaguchiko for two nights, although we were out of the Fuji climbing season so we could only go up to 'fifth station' (approx 2,300 metres). Was cool though, and we took a trail looping out into the wilderness on the side of the volcano. Fujikawaguchiko is a bit of a nothing place, but we also walked up into some of the hills around Lake Kawaguchi and actually walked around the whole lake (which took fucking ages). Spectacular views of the whole cone though with the lake in the foreground.

Also – 'bullet train return'. My recollection was that the bullet train didn't stop near Fuji. We took a regional train from Tokyo to Otsuki and then a mountain train up to Fujikawaguchiko (which in true Japanese style was themed on Thomas The Tank Engine, of all things). We might have been cheaping out though and didn't look at bullet options.

[hfswjyr]

Makes the Scottish mountain ranges look like small hills.

Because that's what they are...

Went almost 10 years ago now, but I remember any accommodation that faced Fuji was expensive even then. Must be ridiculous prices nowadays with the popularity of Japan.

[Waffdon]

Some ridiculously cheap holidays to Cape Verde and Mexico next month with TUI.

[John Arne]

:drool:

https://gyazo.com/a04da585f11d234b8fb3c9546c111926.jpeg

[hfswjyr]

Wait, is everyone watching it on their phone?

[John Arne]

So many knobheads filmed every bout. I took 2 pictures then put my phone away and actually watched it.

Bloody tourists.

Edit: worth noting this particular bit was when all the wrestlers are introduced, so the time to actually take a photo.

[Shindig]

My sister's asked the question about New York next year. £900 per person in March sounds like a steal.

[-james-]

Got the day to myself in Paris, any tips? Getting the train to Austerlitz.

[phonics]

It's shit. Enjoy.

[Lofty]

Oddly I was about to come in asking for Paris advice, I went for a school trip as a kid and was underwhelmed but the wife has decided she wants to go thanks to Emily in Paris.

[Shindig]

Just take her to Blackpool and see if she notices.

[Spikey M]

A friend went there in the summer and it's an even bigger shithole than London. Homeless people in tents and rubbish everywhere, going on his report. I wouldn't bother.

Paris, that is. But possibly Blackpool too.

[Waffdon]

You’d think Paris is some third world shitehole based off the forum.

It’s good, James. Just mooch around eating and drinking good food all day.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They should have done Emily in Strasbourg or something, that would drive all the useless tourists away.

[Magic]

You’d think Paris is some third world shitehole based off the forum.

It’s good, James. Just mooch around eating and drinking good food all day.

Only according to the Lish.

[niko_cee]

The zoo in Paris is surprisingly decent, for something that isn't one of the super established things to do there. And the whole park around the Chateau de Vincennes.

The Atelier des Lumieres (https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en) also top notch I thought.

[Shindig]

Is there any of those big cities that don't carry a hint of shithole? I think it's just something you tolerate whilst you look at the cool stuff.

[Luke Emia]

I'm going to Copenhagen in December. Anything decent to do there that I shouldn't miss?

[niko_cee]

Is there any of those big cities that don't carry a hint of shithole? I think it's just something you tolerate whilst you look at the cool stuff.

Paris is probably the place you can insulate yourself against it the most, if you are selective about where you stay [George V] and where you go. I always think, walking the streets of 'historic' fancy Paris that you can see why they cut so many people's heads off. Few places have the same feel of historic inequality.

[Pepe]

Paris is class.

[Lofty]

Paris is probably the place you can insulate yourself against it the most, if you are selective about where you stay [George V] and where you go. I always think, walking the streets of 'historic' fancy Paris that you can see why they cut so many people's heads off. Few places have the same feel of historic inequality.

£1800 a night hotel, bargain.

[niko_cee]

No riff raff though.

Unless you count the Americans.

[Spikey M]

I do.

[-james-]

Jesus FUCKING Christ French trains are shit

[-james-]

I must've caught it on a bad day because fucking hell. Tickets wouldn't work for no apparent reason and it took half an hour to convince someone to let us through. Once through, the departure boards were straight up wrong and sending people in random directions. I'd have been sleeping in a doorway if I hadn't been with a French speaker.

[randomlegend]

I'm going to Copenhagen in December. Anything decent to do there that I shouldn't miss?

Alchemist :henn0rz:

[-james-]

Only managed to get about four hours of mooching in before it started pissing it down but Paris seems pretty ace. Struggle to see how somewhere with that much food, culture and history stuff going on could be shit.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's fine but I'd sooner go almost anywhere else in France. Brittany is an exception.

[Pepe]

Brittany's weather is grim.

[Baz]

So many knobheads filmed every bout. I took 2 pictures then put my phone away and actually watched it.

Bloody tourists.

Edit: worth noting this particular bit was when all the wrestlers are introduced, so the time to actually take a photo.

I know it’s a massive generalisation but apparently Japanese people have terrible teeth. Have you found that?

Meanwhile there’s a Polish woman at work with TREMENDOUS teeth so I now presume all of Poland has immaculate bright white teeth. Presumably Mahow can confirm it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Poland is a very good country for dental care, it's cheap (I'm going to get a custom night guard next month as my dentist said I need one but it's double the price in the UK) and the quality of work is very good.

I'd imagine the universities are also quite good as there are a lot of Polish dentists in the UK I've seen.

Only problem with Poland and teeth hygiene is that they drink too much fruit juice not realising it's high in fructose and thus can damage your teeth.

[Manc]

Baz lining up his next victim.

[Spikey M]

Every Polish woman I know would knock him out. Don't fuck with Eastern European women.

[Luke Emia]

Alchemist :henn0rz:

600 notes for the evening plus drink on top. I am reading that right yeah?

[John Arne]

I know it’s a massive generalisation but apparently Japanese people have terrible teeth. Have you found that?



Yup. Somehow worst than the Brits. Noticed a fair number of female (older)smokers, too.