Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.

Stinky London, Rude Paris, Romantic Venice

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) on May 6th 2009 at 6:00PM

If you need a sense of authority to trust a publication, you can't do better than one from Australia. So, when the Sydney Morning Herald says that Brussels is boring, you have to believe it. Likewise, Paris is overrated, and the food sucks in London (duh).

Well, if you think the folks down under have credibility problems, fear not. It was reporting on a TripAdvisor poll of nearly 2,400 travelers, so it's really TripAdvisor users who had an epiphany on the quality of London's cuisine.

Bad news for London: it also has the worst-dressed locals and is the most expensive. Oh, and it's the dirtiest.

Sorry, guys.

Meanwhile, we needed a poll to tell us that Paris was the least friendly (though I've never had a problem there) and the second most expensive. Yet, Paris is top for grub and fashion, and London leads in nightlife, public parks and free attractions.

Need a romantic getaway in Europe? Venice still wins.

Gallery: Chateau de Chambord

Filed under: Europe, Belgium, France, Italy, United Kingdom

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Zach May 6th 2009 10:15PM

Venice is a beautiful, wonderful city. But unlike London and Paris, it gets old quick.

Mark May 7th 2009 1:22AM

I have been living in Brussels for two years, so you can believe it when they say it's VERY BORING. One more year to go and then it's back to the good old USA. There's no place like home! Brussels is boring and dirty. Nobody cleans up after their dogs, so it's like walking through a mine field on the sidewalks. You always have to look down! The weather is terrible year round (that's why the Belgians head to the south of France or Spain on a regular basis). There is grafitti everywhere, as well as trash. I would definitely
discourage people from coming here. Even the Grand Place leaves a lot to be desired. When we have family come from the USA, we leave the country and head to Germany or France.

masanddjs May 7th 2009 7:30AM

Personally, I find Paris much more romantic than Venice. A night boat trip on the Seine can't be beat (and is much cheaper than a gondola ride in Venice). Also, the view from the big ferris wheel is wonderful. Then, there's the Eiffel Tower! Venice is nice, but I'll take Paris!
I do have to agree with the assessment on London. I lived there in the 80's when London was truly a wonderful place to visit. Having been back last year, it's gone downhill drastically. I have no desire to ever go back!

Emland May 7th 2009 11:59AM

I can't really claim to be a world traveler. I have been to Germany and France, though. I was prepared for the renown Paris rudeness and couldn't find any - they were nice and helpful and friendly. We were there during the off peak tourist time and perhaps that made the difference. People in Germany were always welcoming and ready to buy you a beer.

I do travel around the US quite a bit and have found the friendliest people (ordinarily) to be in or from Texas and the rudest Washington, DC. New York has a reputation for being rude, but every New Yorker I have met would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it.

There is awesome food in every region if you know where to look.

I think romantic is going to depend on whether you prefer beaches (Hawaii, Florida or California), mountains (Colorado or West Virginia) or urban (New York or Houston) locales.

masanddjs May 7th 2009 12:51PM

Emland, I was born and raised in D.C. and respectfully disagree! I have lived in Texas, and agree with you there. I lived in Newport, RI and found the people in that area and Boston to be very rude! The worst we've encountered in the USA