Suggestions for London and Paris visit

[Dan Druff]

Hello friends.

It's time for me to make a confession. I haven't been to Europe since 1991, and I haven't been outside North/South America and the outlying islands since 1994. I've made various plans for trips since then, but they all fell through in one way or another.

Later this summer I will be in Europe, and among other places, I'll be spending a few days each in London and Paris. I last visited London in 1991, and Paris in 1989, so not only have they changed a lot since then, I have changed as well.

I tried to ask Colonel Fabersham for advice, but he's not talking to me because I won't give him much time on the radio anymore.

Aside from the obvious tourist destinations in both cities (Tower of London, Picadilly Circus, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs Elysses, etc), what would you recommend I do?

I'll probably rent a car in both places, so I can drive outside the cities if there's something worth seeing.

Anyone who has been to Europe recently can chime in, and of course I'd love to hear from the Euros here who especially should know well.


Please do not troll or post junk in this thread.

[The Boz]

Was in London for an NFL game in the fall of 23, so semi recent. Didn’t rent a car and was glad I didn’t as the rumors of traffic jams and slow times to get almost anywhere were correct.

As someone who isn’t a fan of subways based on how nasty many of them are here, I was shocked how easy, clean and efficient it was in the London area. From the train in from Heathrow to just getting around town, it was so simple to use. We did most of the tourist things you mentioned and used the apps and signs to plan routes and transfers easily.

One thing you didn’t mention was Stonehenge, we booked a bus ride there one day and to me it was worth it. The price wasn’t bad at all but the total time was maybe 5 hours with about a 75 minute ride each way through the countryside. Some say it’s overrated but for something that I’ve heard about all my life, I feel it was worth seeing once. Again you could drive but depending where you stay it might take longer to get out of town than to get there on the highway once you leave town.

Food was no issue even as I’m a picky eater. There was a good mix of English classics and American staples like burgers were easy to find. I did try a few classic English foods like a meat pie and found it edible but nothing I’d go out of the way to try again. I know you aren’t a drinker but a good part of the experience is meeting locals in a pub. Most bars don’t offer bar seating so you sit at tables and instantly make new friends.

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Stratford which was actually connected to a shopping mall. Very convenient as the station was connected and multiple food options were close by. Very reasonable hotel in a great location but not sure about how parking would work.

Hope this helps a little and I can try and answer any specific questions you might have.

[YUUP]

Blenheim palace in Oxfordshire

Southend on Sea for a British seaside experience

Brick lane in London for the national dish…

Skip Paris …

[Dan Druff]

Was in London for an NFL game in the fall of 23, so semi recent. Didn’t rent a car and was glad I didn’t as the rumors of traffic jams and slow times to get almost anywhere were correct.

As someone who isn’t a fan of subways based on how nasty many of them are here, I was shocked how easy, clean and efficient it was in the London area. From the train in from Heathrow to just getting around town, it was so simple to use. We did most of the tourist things you mentioned and used the apps and signs to plan routes and transfers easily.

One thing you didn’t mention was Stonehenge, we booked a bus ride there one day and to me it was worth it. The price wasn’t bad at all but the total time was maybe 5 hours with about a 75 minute ride each way through the countryside. Some say it’s overrated but for something that I’ve heard about all my life, I feel it was worth seeing once. Again you could drive but depending where you stay it might take longer to get out of town than to get there on the highway once you leave town.

Food was no issue even as I’m a picky eater. There was a good mix of English classics and American staples like burgers were easy to find. I did try a few classic English foods like a meat pie and found it edible but nothing I’d go out of the way to try again. I know you aren’t a drinker but a good part of the experience is meeting locals in a pub. Most bars don’t offer bar seating so you sit at tables and instantly make new friends.

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Stratford which was actually connected to a shopping mall. Very convenient as the station was connected and multiple food options were close by. Very reasonable hotel in a great location but not sure about how parking would work.

Hope this helps a little and I can try and answer any specific questions you might have.

Stonehenge is a good idea. I am not keen on a bus ride (using Colonel Fabersham's terminology), as I hate bus tours for many reasons. I will get the car and just leave it parked at the hotel, if necessary, when traveling to places where it's difficult or impossible to park. I see it's 89 miles from the centre of London, so I can make quick work of that once I'm out of the city.

When I was last in London 34 years ago, I noticed the ketchup was bollocks in some places. They called it "tomatoes" and it tasted like a watery, overly sugared version of ketchup. Was inedible. In one restaurant, I excused myself and went across the street to McDonald's and got some ketchup packets, and came back. They probably thought I was a weirdo American but I didn't care. Is the ketchup normal now?

Do they still have a "cover charge" in some restaurants? I found that tilting as well. Some places did it, some didn't.

[ShawnFanningsLimpDick]

Visiting Greenwich is often overlooked but it's a great day out if you have any interest in naval history. The main museums are the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory https://www.rmg.co.uk/ There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants. You can get there via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) which is an elevated train system with great views of Canary Wharf and you can also get a riverboat. Maybe go there on the DLR and come back via a riverboat, just avoid the rush hours if it's not a weekend.

[The Boz]

Yea I’m normally not a fan of bus trips either. Stonehenge was the actual stone structures and then a small museum and of course a gift shop. We took the Tube (Subway) to a station and then met the bus so that cut some time off the bus trip. Once you get out of town it’s a smooth, beautiful ride through the countryside.

As for the Ketchup, it was definitely Heinz and I don’t remember noticing any difference in taste on my burgers. And of course there almost everyone uses Malt Vinegar on their fries. And I don’t remember any added fees at any of the restaurants I ate at. But I only ate at what we would consider casual places, nothing higher end so it may still occur at some.

On thing nice is that while it’s priced in, tipping is almost nonexistent there. Servers and bartenders don’t expect a tip but certainly accept them if you offer. Of course this is why those in the industry here dislike serving the English, especially in Vegas. It’s just a different culture.

[ShawnFanningsLimpDick]

Virtually all restaurants these days add a 'service charge' of 12.5% to the bill. This is the tip so do not add anything else. If you're buying drinks in a pub there's no need to tip although if you were paying cash you could let them keep the change. One change that Druff may notice is that most transactions in the UK now are by card. For smaller amounts we have 'contactless' payment where you just hold your card to a reader but for larger amounts you have to insert your card and enter a 4-digit code.

The quality of the tomato ketchup is a major concern. Maybe Druff should consider cancelling the trip.

[MrTickle]

Was in London for an NFL game in the fall of 23, so semi recent. Didn’t rent a car and was glad I didn’t as the rumors of traffic jams and slow times to get almost anywhere were correct.

As someone who isn’t a fan of subways based on how nasty many of them are here, I was shocked how easy, clean and efficient it was in the London area. From the train in from Heathrow to just getting around town, it was so simple to use. We did most of the tourist things you mentioned and used the apps and signs to plan routes and transfers easily.

One thing you didn’t mention was Stonehenge, we booked a bus ride there one day and to me it was worth it. The price wasn’t bad at all but the total time was maybe 5 hours with about a 75 minute ride each way through the countryside. Some say it’s overrated but for something that I’ve heard about all my life, I feel it was worth seeing once. Again you could drive but depending where you stay it might take longer to get out of town than to get there on the highway once you leave town.

Food was no issue even as I’m a picky eater. There was a good mix of English classics and American staples like burgers were easy to find. I did try a few classic English foods like a meat pie and found it edible but nothing I’d go out of the way to try again. I know you aren’t a drinker but a good part of the experience is meeting locals in a pub. Most bars don’t offer bar seating so you sit at tables and instantly make new friends.

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Stratford which was actually connected to a shopping mall. Very convenient as the station was connected and multiple food options were close by. Very reasonable hotel in a great location but not sure about how parking would work.

Hope this helps a little and I can try and answer any specific questions you might have.

Stonehenge is a good idea. I am not keen on a bus ride (using Colonel Fabersham's terminology), as I hate bus tours for many reasons. I will get the car and just leave it parked at the hotel, if necessary, when traveling to places where it's difficult or impossible to park. I see it's 89 miles from the centre of London, so I can make quick work of that once I'm out of the city.

When I was last in London 34 years ago, I noticed the ketchup was bollocks in some places. They called it "tomatoes" and it tasted like a watery, overly sugared version of ketchup. Was inedible. In one restaurant, I excused myself and went across the street to McDonald's and got some ketchup packets, and came back. They probably thought I was a weirdo American but I didn't care. Is the ketchup normal now?

Do they still have a "cover charge" in some restaurants? I found that tilting as well. Some places did it, some didn't.

I'm younger than 34yo, but that sounds like a relic from the past. Ketchup is normal now, and it's mainly Heinz.

Cover charges aren't really a thing unless you're going to a very fancy restaurant. Either way, we don't tip anything like 20% in the UK, so just knock those few pounds from the tip you'd normally give and nobody will bat an eyelid. You're more like to get a service charge, which is basically an auto tip of 10-15%.

[The Boz]

Virtually all restaurants these days add a 'service charge' of 12.5% to the bill. This is the tip so do not add anything else. If you're buying drinks in a pub there's no need to tip although if you were paying cash you could let them keep the change. One change that Druff may notice is that most transactions in the UK now are by card. For smaller amounts we have 'contactless' payment where you just hold your card to a reader but for larger amounts you have to insert your card and enter a 4-digit code.

The quality of the tomato ketchup is a major concern. Maybe Druff should consider cancelling the trip.

I didn’t notice anything different with the ketchup but maybe I missed it.

Yes on the service charge but I didn’t notice a seating charge like Druff mentioned let that something that happens at some places still?

[mickeycrimm]

A was a barttender in the 80's. A bartender from England told me that they don't tip in the pubs in England. Could that really be true?

[The Boz]

A was a barttender in the 80's. A bartender from England told me that they don't tip in the pubs in England. Could that really be true?

Nope, not expected and very few do. I did tip some and it seemed appreciated. I assume they are paid a wage that makes it unnecessary to make a decent living.

It’s also different in that most pubs don’t have what we consider bar seating or stools. Instead you walk up to the bar, order and then sit at tables. Mostly with others that you become fast friends with.

Also many of the beers are cask, served at room temp through a hand pump. Personally I enjoy these type beers but definitely different from our serving style. But all pubs also offer our style draft served carbonated and cold with American brands like Bud available. Granted Bud isn’t American anymore.

[tigerpiper]

Start with the positive- we were there last summer, family of five. My interest is history, and the British Museum is amazing. I went twice. Tickets are free, but you should get them in advance. I can not recommend the British Museum highly enough. National Gallery was amazing too- can't remember how much that cost but not much. Westminster Abbey was great. A bit more crowded than the above.

We went to some other art and other museums which were not particularly memorable.

Food was great. Slightly more expensive than US on the menu but there is no tipping (for the most part). All types of cuisines etc. We went to high tea at a fancy hotel which was great. Maybe our most expensive meal but it was half off because it was Monday or something. This was absolutely amazing fun, great food. Very posh. I can't remember the name of the hotel but I can look it up if you are interested.

Also, we got a rail pass- we could go anywhere with no advance ticketing. Train schedules are on your phone- just put it in maps and off you go with accurate arrival and departure times. Don't rent a car- parking looked awful and expensive. Luggage on train was no problem. We almost always got to sit together, and delays were rare (maybe once? in 20+ rides in a week).

We went to Bath and the Roman ruins there. This was great. Beautiful. Tour was affordable (maybe 20 pounds).

Didn't buy any paper currency. Credit card worked for everything with no surcharges, even on the tube (which was not part of the rail pass). Cheaper and faster than uber. Buses around London were great, too, and all on the google map app.

The bad- Stonehenge was the worst. Expensive. Took forever. A couple of rocks in a field and a tiny museum. Not a fan. (And I love history). Stratford on Avon was ok- one kid loves acting and Shakespeare. Very, very touristy.

[Daly]

I made this trip with the Daly family a few years ago. My mothers father entered the European theater on D Day +4 via Omaha beach so that was a must.

We flew roundtrip out of Paris which cut costs on the airfare.

We did a few days in Paris and hit all the sites. We enjoyed Montmartre and had what was effectively a professional portrait of my daughter done by one of the starving artists there.

Now here is my "recommendation".

Take the train west from Paris to Normandy. Stay in Beyeux. One of the nicest places ive ever been..... and to this day they still love Americans. You can skip the tapestry but the church is a must. Obviously a tour of the WWII is a must. Go private its worth the $$.

Then get a cab from the hotel and have them take you to Le Harve port. Take the boat across the chanel to Portsmouth. At this point we were tired as hell so shoot the lock off the wallet for a private room and take a nap. We chose to make it a travel day and jumped right on a train to London.

See all the sites.

When you are done take the Chunnel back to Paris or if you want to euro fag experience go one more stop to euro disney for the day.

Spend the last day at the airport hotel. Its a long way home.

Let me know if you git questions.

[The Boz]

Looking back at my trip here is one I forgot that was incredible, especially if you like history.

The Churchill War Room was well worth it. You are in the bunker he literally ran the war from for years. We probably spent an hour longer than suggested because there is so much to see and read.

Highly recommended.

[Cerveza Fria]

Hey Gringo, I think you're making a huge mistake. They don't like people like you over there. 1) you're American and 2) you're a member of the tribe. Why spend money when they resent people like you so much. Better move is to go to Disney World. In the World Showcase you can visit multiple countries, all in the same day. You can have your fish and chips along with a Black and Tan at the Rose and Crown in the English pavilion. The French pavilion is just a short stroll away, where you can get some wine to go with your meal at several restaurants. No ridiculous expensive airline flights to Europe. And DeSantis will appreciate you spending your $$$ in Florida.

If you wanted to see the Eifel tower, you don't even have to come to Florida. You can see an exact 1/2 size replica of it on the Las Vegas strip. Plus they have imported staff with the same Obnoxious French attitude towards Americans that you would get in the real Paris.

Save your $$$ and spend American

[Jayjami]

Looking forward to a summer of you posting about epic customer service fails. My favorite Paris activity: a picnic with a little red wine in the Rodin gardens.

[tigerpiper]

Corinthia hotel 75 lbs. wonderful.

[Dan Druff]

Hey Gringo, I think you're making a huge mistake. They don't like people like you over there. 1) you're American and 2) you're a member of the tribe. Why spend money when they resent people like you so much. Better move is to go to Disney World. In the World Showcase you can visit multiple countries, all in the same day. You can have your fish and chips along with a Black and Tan at the Rose and Crown in the English pavilion. The French pavilion is just a short stroll away, where you can get some wine to go with your meal at several restaurants. No ridiculous expensive airline flights to Europe. And DeSantis will appreciate you spending your $$$ in Florida.

If you wanted to see the Eifel tower, you don't even have to come to Florida. You can see an exact 1/2 size replica of it on the Las Vegas strip. Plus they have imported staff with the same Obnoxious French attitude towards Americans that you would get in the real Paris.

Save your $$$ and spend American

Florida visit in summer:

[Dan Druff]

Corinthia hotel 75 lbs. wonderful.

Can you explain what this means? Do you mean 75 British pounds?

The Corinthia London hotel is like 10 times that price!

[Cerveza Fria]

Hey Gringo, I think you're making a huge mistake. They don't like people like you over there. 1) you're American and 2) you're a member of the tribe. Why spend money when they resent people like you so much. Better move is to go to Disney World. In the World Showcase you can visit multiple countries, all in the same day. You can have your fish and chips along with a Black and Tan at the Rose and Crown in the English pavilion. The French pavilion is just a short stroll away, where you can get some wine to go with your meal at several restaurants. No ridiculous expensive airline flights to Europe. And DeSantis will appreciate you spending your $$$ in Florida.

If you wanted to see the Eifel tower, you don't even have to come to Florida. You can see an exact 1/2 size replica of it on the Las Vegas strip. Plus they have imported staff with the same Obnoxious French attitude towards Americans that you would get in the real Paris.

Save your $$$ and spend American

Florida visit in summer:

Yeah, I get it. It is way too fucking hot here in the summer. That's one of the reasons we usually head out to cooler places this time of year, especially for races.