London, Amsterdam, Barcelona - FBG recommendations? (1 Viewer)

[Judge Smails]

Headed Wednesday to London for 5 nights, Amsterdam 3 nights, and Barcelona for a week. Mrs. Smails, the 3 twentysomething "kids", and my son's girlfriend.  Staying in Airbnb's in good locations for all 3 (Marylebone, central Amsterdam, Eixample).  Not planned a ton of activities, just grouped some of the big sites/museums by area, especially London.  Not a lot booked either as far as restaurants go.  In London we have Duck and Waffle and Ffiona's for dinner, Regency Cafe for breakfast and finalizing between Laughing Halibut, Golden Hind etc for fish and chips, have Lanesborough hotel for tea for the girls.  Plan is to definitely go to Gordon's Wine Bar and potentially Evans and Peel Detective Agency (Speakeasy).  We're going to hit up Portobello Road and Bricklane markets on Saturday and Sunday.  My niece who studied abroad there grouped the following as a guide:

"1 day East of central London. This includes Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Pauls cathedral. This is the "City of London" (the old Roman city from 2,000 years ago) so lots of history in the area). The Museum of London is in this area, well worth a visit.

1 day in the West of central London. This includes Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, three great museums (Natural History, Science, and Victoria and Albert). Even if the youngsters are not in to Museums do pop in to them as they are Victorian and stunning buildings. Also near Hyde Park.

1 day along South of the River. Walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge (or vice versa). Lots to see such as London Eye, Shakespeare Globe, Borough Market, Tate Modern etc

1 day in the "West end". In the centre of London and includes lots of shops and theatres and cinemas and bars and restaurants. Includes Covent Garden, Soho and other interesting areas. British Museum nearby.

For example, it sounds like a lot, but in one day you could definitely visit the Eye, Parliament, Westminster Abby, walk past Whitehall, walk past 10 downing street, see the Horse Guard, take a pic in a red telephone booth, grab a pint or lunch at the Sherlock Holmes pub, or grab food at Gordon’s Wine bar, then head to Oxford Circus to spend some time shopping, visiting Liberty, Carnaby Street, you may even have time to visit Harrods if you aren’t all shopped out or stop in a Museum. Then you can head back get ready and go to Sketch or Duck and Waffle for dinner!

Or you can do breakfast at Regency Cafe, go to Changing of the guards, then head to the east end for the Tower of London to take a tour, see Tower Hill, and grab lunch at the Dicken’s Inn at St. Katherine’s Docks. You can walk through Camden or to Primrose Hill and enjoy the park, then have dinner and do a pub crawl or the Jack the Ripper Tour."

Any recommendations from my FBG bretheren for London (I'll do Amsterdam/Barcelona following)? I've never been except to connect in Heathrow.  All opinions on must places to go to, places to avoid, what's meh, etc welcome...We're up for anything -  will hit up several museums, but will probably avoid musicals.  Seen several that are playing in the West End now and the kids aren't interested in the others..Really want to find good restaurants, pubs, etc..Thanks for any suggestions....

 

[Judge Smails]

Amsterdam - very light list.  Going to play much of it by ear but would love some can't miss spots.  Current thoughts:

Mikes bike tour or just rent bikes around town

Anne Frank House (no tickets yet)

Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum

Red Light District

Baba coffee shop

Club Paradiso

 

[Judge Smails]

Barcelona - mostly advice from the girls' college friends who have lived/studied abroad.  I'd like to balance this with FBG advice (will also get on Yelp/Trip Advisor, etc).  Again - staying in L'Eixample area.  I've booked nothing so far........Here's what I got (remember 22 year old perspectives, heavy on the club scene, etc...)

·         "What to do: I don’t know how active or ambitious you guys are gonna be at this point of the trip so I’ll just suggest everything and you can decide. Also you should buy a week metro pass it will be worth it.

·         Montjuic: This is the area up the hill behind Plaça Espanya. You can take one of the buses up to the castle (Google maps will tell you which line and the metro pass works for the bus too). You can pay to get into the castle but honestly the gardens around it are cooler so it’s up to you. There’s also the Olympic village below it so you can walk down through it. There’s some cool gardens, the old Spanish village and the Joan Miro museum in this area as well. When you’re in Plaça Espanya, there’s cool views if you go to the top of the mall that used to be a bullfighting arena. 

·         Arc de Triumpf/Cituadella Park area: Get off at Arc de Triomf exit. There’s a really cool plaza with a fake Arc de Triomf like in Paris. The plaza was my route to one of my campuses, so take a picture for me! And then walk to Cituadella park which is awesome and has a Zoo. The Picasso museum is also decently close to this, and it’s free on Sundays so maybe do all that stuff on a Sunday.

·         Sagrada Familia/Casa Mila: These are two awesome Gaudi works, and you can see them both in one day if you plan it well. The Sagrada is expensive, but totally worth it. Interestingly enough it’s been under construction for like 70 years already because each piece is being handmade and it’s massive. The inside is unreal so definitely worth it. Casa Mila is not as worth it in my opinion but at least check it out from the outside. I would also recommend walking between the two because it’s in Gracia and part of L’eixample which are the really modern and upscale part of Barcelona. There’s good places to eat all around so you can stop at one of them.

·         Parc Güell: This is the most famous attraction in Barcelona, but it’s way out in the boonies. It takes a trek to get up there, so metro to Lesseps and then you can take a bus or walk if you want to. Most of the park is free, but the area with the bench and famous lizard is paid. If you want some cool touristy pictures go for it (I did). There’s also an amazing lookout point somewhat close to Park Güell. It’s called Bunkers del Carmel and it used to be an anti-aircraft bunker so it has a perfect panoramic view of the city. Grab some beers and ciders (or maybe some sangria) and watch the sunset from there. You’ll get some great pictures too.

·         La Rambla/La Boqueria: La Rambla is basically a long street that acts as an open air mall. There’s shops on either side and alleyways with restaurants. It’s touristy,  but it’s still really fun to check it all out. The Boqueria is like midway down La Rambla, and it’s the coolest farmer’s market ever. Get the fruit smoothie looking drinks, they’re awesome. Start at Plaça Catalunya and walk down La Rambla. If you walk all the way down, you’ll end up at the Columbus statue close to Port Vell. You will also be decently close to the gothic church which is worth a visit.

·         Barrio Gotico: This is a really cool area with Gothic architecture that wasn’t destroyed by wars. There’s also a ton of cool shops and bars and it’s honestly just fun to wander around here.

·         Mt Tibidabo: This is an amusement park with a church behind it on a mountain. Really weird but just go with it. This takes a whole day pretty much because of how far it is, so I wouldn’t say prioritize it. But the church is awesome and you can go up an elevator to get some pretty crazy views.

·         Barceloneta: The beach. Not much else to say. Don’t buy the mojitos from the people selling them, they have almost no alcohol.

·         Artist Guadi-

o    la sagrada familia and cash milá and parc guell

·         Universitat de Barcelona UB – cool shops and markets to walk around

·         Parque de ciutadella – by beach, fountain and park

·         Picasso Museum

·         Cathedral of Barcelon

·         Passieg de Grassia- big avenue of shops and restaurants

·         Las ramblas- cool place to walk down

·         Speaking of Alcohol:

·         -Ovella Negra: Get the Sangria tower!

·         -Chupitos: There’s 3 so I don’t remember which ones are Monday or Tuesday but they have 1 euro shots one of those days. Get the Harry Potter, the Boyscout, and the Monica Lewinsky. 

·         -Le Cyrano: They let you pour your own drinks for 4 Euro! And free popcorn.

·         -The W: You should look into it, because they have girl’s night once a week and according to my friends it’s an awesome bar and they have great drinks.

·        ·Clubs:-Opium: Super touristy beach club, but everyone has to go once. Don’t go out on the beach alone though, there’s sketchy people there.

·         -Bling Bling: Probably my favorite club even though the name is horrible. We would go to Le Cyrano to pregame and Bling Bling after every Thursday night for a good while.

Good times.

·         -Razzmatazz: 4 stories so you’ll never get bored! 

·         -Jamboree: Another club that’s fun, not particularly special though.

·         -Sutton: Really cool, but the only one you have to dress fancy at. The other ones it’s expected, but I’ve never really seen them turn people away besides Sutton.

o    la ovella negra (or la oveja negra) –

§  to pregame before razzmatazz haha, huge bar with cool drinks 

o    there is a strip of nightclubs along the beach that are all fun but again kind of touristy (opium, cdlc), 

o    Apollo- tues or wed

o    Opium

o    Shoko

o    Placa Reial *

o    Dow Jones

·         chupitos-  

·         -Follow Aashi List Barcelona on Facebook to get free club lists pretty much every night of the week. All you have to do is wait in line and say Aashi list and they’ll let you in. It’s kind of crazy how easily it works.

·         Food:

·         -Eat some Patatas Bravas. They’re spicy potatoes and my favorite local food.

·         -Bo de B: Sandwich place, but they also have super salads too.

·         Brunch and Cake: The best breakfast food I’ve had, ever. I went there like 5 or 6 times and wish I went more. It’s run by these French people using local Barcelona produce and what not. Absolutely go.

·         Bar Rodrigo: The only good cheap Paella I found. Near the Gothic district so go eat there when you’re tired of walking.

·         Xampanyeria: Has the best Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) and sandwiches. You can buy bottles if you are so inclined.

·         I can’t remember many others, but a lot of the café’s have great pastries and sandwiches so honestly go anywhere other people are eating.

·         Flamenco show: You should make a night to chill and watch some Flamenco. I went to Palau Dalmases, which was like 20 euros each and included a drink. (They make bomb Mojitos).

·         Plaza del sol in Gracia- get tapas at Sol Soler

·         la cervecería catalane- AMAZING food, tapas style, better to make reservations or can wait for an hour-ish

The Picasso Museum was awesome, and the only destination I’d really suggest is heading to the El Born area (in the town part of town) with no agenda, and just hitting whatever café looks good. And be careful on that beach – the sun is stronger than it feels. But if you’re at the beach, hit one of the cafes right on the sand for a couple glasses of Cava. And make sure you ask for a small bowl of olives at every café that offers them, they’re the best I’ve ever had."

Bummed I'm gonna miss soccer.  Anyway, any recommendations you folks have for Barcelona?  Restaurants, things to do, places to see?

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

Here are my comments on Barcelona from a few years ago in response to recommendations I'd gotten from an online buddy--I was with my wife and 2 daughters (ages 16 and 12 at the time):

"Barcelona was by far the most touristy feeling of the 4 major cities we visited. The warnings about pick-pockets and scam artists are not overblown as I had at least 1 failed attempt to grab my wallet and we were constantly warding off scammers. You definitely chose the right neighborhood to stay in- the Barri Gotic is by far the most charming part of town. The "Gaudi tour" was our highlight in Barca. I believe we saw all his major works: Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Park Guell and Palau Guell. If you're a fan of his architecture, I think seeing them all is worth it. If not, I'd hit the SF and Batllo. The Picasso Museum was another highlight. Montjuic was a bit disappointing. Your buddy's restaurant recs were good, especially Cal Pep. I would disagree with him about eating at the bar vs. the back room---definitely get the dining room reservation. We called 2 hours before and were seated. It was one of our best meals the entire trip. La Boqueria is a must as well but the tapas bar he recommended, while good, was nothing special vs. others we sampled."

Despite the more touristy feel at times, it was a fantastic city to visit. The scam artists on La Rambla are for real so just watch your wallets.  The Gaudi sites and Picasso museum were beautiful.  Not sure if Cal Pep is still as good as it was then but it's worth checking out.  I can't help you with the club scene for your 20-somethings--my daughters would've loved it now (ages 20 and 16) but were too young at that time.  Have a great trip!

 

[netnalp]

Barcelona I'll have what Phil's having Barcelona

To eat:

El Quim De La Boqueria - great breakfast place, each order a different dish and share. Order eggs with anything, recommended eggs with squid, try the king prawns. Specialty of the house is Mushrooms with eggs and foie gras.

La Taberna Del Suculent - Tapas - Try the dish called "The Arm of the Gypsy", the oysters

Bar Canete - Tapas, Award winning - Aubergine with onion and anchovies, the mullet, the fried shrimp, octopus and moray eel, the fried garlic

Dos Cielos - one of those places where the food is also art. Like it looks like a flower pot with dirt and a plant, and it's all edible and tastes really good. The white asparagus with ham, the grouper

Bodega 1900- Tapas and Vermouth bar, owned by the chef Albert Adria, that owned the now closed El Bulli, that held the Restaurant Magazine record of being voted "Best Restaurant in the World" 5 times. They also own Tickets, Dos Palilios, Hoja Santa, Enigma, El Niño Viejo and a place called Heart/Baraka. try the anchovies, the spherical olives are a recipe El Bulli was famous for. try the Catalonian Vermouth.

Tickets- Tapas- the Cherry Tree, the watermelon and sangria, the peanut and honey, the ham wrapped bread stick, the caviar and hazlenut oil, the crab with avacado, and the peach infused sangria

Dos Palillos - Asian fusion, the pork belly with kimchi, the wantons

Hoja Santa- Mexican haute cuisine 

El Niño Viejo - Tacos

Enigma and Heart- Don't know if they are open yet. The chef mentioned that there would be a package deal:

"  hope I will be able to offer an "amusement park" package to eat in more than one of my restaurants in Barcelona. The service will provide transfer from the airport to the hotel, transfer to the restaurants, the menu, and the transfer back to the hotel and airport. "

Granja Viader - it's where the top chefs go for breakfast. Dunking a churro in their Hot Chocolate is recommended.also the bikini sandwich

Pakta Vila Viniteca - Great wine shop and their ham, the Latin version of prosciutto, "hamon" is amazing. The pigs are fed acorns and truffles to make this cured ham. The good stuff has a black hoof and a thin leg. It's a great souvenier, might have to have it mailed, I don't know if there would be issues with customs. Bonus, it's loaded with the healthy cholesteral.

There's also Eatwith.com the Airbnb version of dining

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To see:

▲▲▲ Picasso Museum Extensive collection offering insight into the brilliant Spanish artist's early years.

▲▲▲ Sagrada Família Gaudí's remarkable, unfinished church — a masterpiece in progress. Supposed to be the world's biggest church when done

▲▲ Ramblas Barcelona's colorful, gritty, tourist-filled pedestrian thoroughfare.

▲▲ Barri Gòtic City's Gothic Quarter, with the cathedral, remnants of Barcelona's Roman past, and Picasso's old haunt.

▲▲ Palace of Catalan Music Best Modernista interior in Barcelona.

▲▲ La Pedrera (Casa Milà) Barcelona's quintessential Modernista building and Gaudí creation.

▲▲ Park Güell Colorful Gaudí-designed park overlooking the city.

▲▲ Catalan Art Museum World-class showcase of this region's art, including a substantial Romanesque collection.

▲▲ CaixaForum Modernista brick factory now occupied by cutting-edge cultural center featuring excellent temporary art exhibits.

▲ La Boqueria Market Colorful but touristy produce market, just off the Ramblas.

▲ Palau Güell Exquisitely curvy Gaudí interior and fantasy rooftop.

▲ Maritime Museum A sailor's delight, housed in a medieval shipyard.

▲ Cathedral of Barcelona Colossal Gothic cathedral ringed by distinctive chapels.

▲ Sardana Dances Patriotic dance in which proud Catalans join hands in a circle, often held outdoors.

▲ The Gaudi Exhibition Center Fine exhibit about the man who made Barcelona what it is today.

▲ Frederic Marès Museum Quirky museum highlighted by Marès’ collection of bric-a-brac from 19th-century Barcelona.   

▲ Barcelona History Museum One-stop trip through town history, from Roman times to today.

▲ Santa Caterina Market Fine market hall built on the site of an old monastery and updated with a wavy Gaudí-inspired roof.

▲ Church of Santa Maria del Mar Catalan Gothic church in El Born, built by wealthy medieval shippers.

▲ Casa Batlló Gaudí-designed home topped with fanciful dragon-inspired roof.

▲ Casa Lleó Morera One of the best-preserved Modernista interiors in the city.

▲ Fundació Joan Miró World's best collection of works by Catalan modern artist Joan Miró and his contemporaries.

▲ Magic Fountains Lively fountain spectacle near Plaça d'Espanya.

▲ Las Arenas Bullfighting-arena-turned-mall with rooftop terrace sporting great views.

▲ Barcelona's Beaches Fun-filled, man-made beach reaching from the harbor to the Fòrum.

Also about two hours north is the Salvador Dali Museum and to the east of that on the coast is the Salvador Dali mansion.

 

[Judge Smails]

Awesome stuff guys - thanks!

 

[The General]

When in Tower of London make sure you walk along with one of the Beefeater Tour guides. Those guys are amazing story tellers and give great context to what you are seeing. 

In Amsterdam ride bikes.

Sounds awesome.

 

[netnalp]

Bump. made edits to the dishes they recommended. Though they didn't say what everything was in the video.

 

[jon_mx]

We rented an apartment in Barcelona and it was far better than a hotel.  Nice big bedrooms and bathrooms.  Living room to spread out and relax.  Kitchen and eating areas so you could pick up fresh seafood in the market and cook it up if you so desired.  

 

[James Daulton]

Smails, you sure travel a lot.

 

[jon_mx]

The free walking tours are a god way to see places like the Gothic Quarter.   It would take a lot of research to find the good places to see there, and for a modest tip it is very informative and you might meet some interesting people 

 

[cj*]

Amsterdam - very light list.  Going to play much of it by ear but would love some can't miss spots.  Current thoughts:

Mikes bike tour or just rent bikes around town

Anne Frank House (no tickets yet)

Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum

Red Light District

Baba coffee shop

Club Paradiso

I was just in Amsterdam 2 weeks ago.  If you don't have Anne Frank tickets by now, you most likely will not get them unless you stand in the public line.  They have limited tickets and the tickets are only valid from their website.  If you are going to do the public line, get there very early.  You will most likely be standing in line for 2-3 hours no matter how you play it.  The line was 4 hours long when we arrived.  We decided to pass which sucked since it was the only thing my 15 year old daughter wanted to do in Amsterdam.  Buy your tickets for van gogh and the riijks at the shop between them to avoid the lines at the doors.  You will get a requested time to visit each.  We had lunch at Ellis Burger which was very good but it appears to be a chain in major European cities and I think one is in NY.  1.5 hour train ride to Brussells if you are a Cantillion fan.  We did Paris, Amsterdam, Brussells, Rome, Florence, and Venice on our 14 day Vacation.

 

[Judge Smails]

I was just in Amsterdam 2 weeks ago.  If you don't have Anne Frank tickets by now, you most likely will not get them unless you stand in the public line.  They have limited tickets and the tickets are only valid from their website.  If you are going to do the public line, get there very early.  You will most likely be standing in line for 2-3 hours no matter how you play it.  The line was 4 hours long when we arrived.  We decided to pass which sucked since it was the only thing my 15 year old daughter wanted to do in Amsterdam.  Buy your tickets for van gogh and the riijks at the shop between them to avoid the lines at the doors.  You will get a requested time to visit each.  We had lunch at Ellis Burger which was very good but it appears to be a chain in major European cities and I think one is in NY.  1.5 hour train ride to Brussells if you are a Cantillion fan.  We did Paris, Amsterdam, Brussells, Rome, Florence, and Venice on our 14 day Vacation.

Thanks. Yeah - seems like Anne Frank tickets are very hard to get. I've tried for 2 months. Appreciate the tips.

To the earlier poster - yeah we are doing Airbnb the whole trip.  No hotels. 

As for lots of travel - it's one of the benefits of sales. Rack up a lot of air and hotel points.   (Flew entire family on points). I'm a big believer in family vacations creating memories.  So take one every summer. Probably last one for awhile as they start their working years. Then do a few with Grandkids hopefully. Though meeting with a Financial Advisor tomorrow - he may tell me to scale it back

 

[massraider]

I lived in Marylebone.  Marylebone Pub on Marylebone High St. is the move.  You can get nice cocktails there,  as well as a pint.  Go there, get the pub thing out of your system,  and don't go to another one.  Dirty little secret: pubs suck.  Too bright,  no service,  bad food,  terrifying bathrooms, hordes of smokers outside.  

Think you have a good routine. Tower of London is best tourist thing I have ever done. 

Duck and Waffle is fun,  if not amazing.  But a good call.  Check out a restaurant called Chotto Mate in Soho for your Soho day.  Price is right,  good Peruvian fusion,  and service is top notch. Their waiters always recommend a price per person, and they just send out food. Sounds like a scam,  but its not.  Definitely take their advice.  Get a table by windows when you make reservation. 

Get a drink at Berners Tavern. 

I would prefer Camden to Brick Lane, but that's cool as well. If you do the Brick Lane/Shoreditch thing,  have a plan.  Its a bit more spread out, tougher to just wander around.  Do the market, and figure where you gonna be after.  I don't know Shoreditch well, but did have a blast at the cocktail and bowling spot (All-Star lanes?).

Uber or Tube or bus everywhere.  Black cabs are a ripoff.  

Not sure what your phone situation is, but you can get a UK sim for £25, if your phone is unlocked.   

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Another recommendation for visiting the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar - it's in the Barri Gotic and the times I visited, it was quiet and beautiful.  Perhaps more tourists have found it now, but it was great.  I liked the lighting in the late afternoon - a good place to sit and reflect quietly after a busy day of sightseeing.  Also, visit the FC Barcelona museum.  I visited it before the Messi era and was blown away by the history of the club - I imagine it is even more impressive now.  Also, I remember Casa Mila (La Pedrera) being really cool to see from the outside, but kind of boring on the inside.  Unless you are a big time architecture buff, you can probably skip the tour.  Regarding flamenco, Catalunya is not really known for its flamenco (it's a much bigger thing in Andalucia), so if you go to see a show there, it will certainly geared for tourists and not as authentic as it would be in Sevilla or Granada.  However, it probably would be a cool spectacle to see if you aren't planning on visiting the south of Spain in the future.  I also really enjoyed the Fundacio Joan Miro museum, more so than the Museu Picasso.  

Also, while in Spain, buy saffron.  Buy a lot of it.  It was so much cheaper there than here in the US and if you like to cook with it, it's great to have, or if you have family/friends who like to cook, it makes a great gift.  Also, I remember the Lladro figurines being much more affordable in Spain than in the US, so if someone close to you collects those or you are just looking for a really nice gift for them, you might look at those.  

Have a great time.

 

[kutta]

I've only been to London of the cities you mentioned so I can't add much. Just wanted to wish you well. Hope you guys have a great time.

 

[netnalp]

Bump. Interested in an update.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Red Light District 

 

[5Rings]

Heading to Barcelona next week.  Staying in the Gothic.  Some great recommendations in here.

@Judge Smails, any thoughts for three dudes in town on business?  I know we have at least one Saturday to party before leaving. 

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

I lived in Marylebone.  Marylebone Pub on Marylebone High St. is the move.  You can get nice cocktails there,  as well as a pint.  Go there, get the pub thing out of your system,  and don't go to another one.  Dirty little secret: pubs suck.  Too bright,  no service,  bad food,  terrifying bathrooms, hordes of smokers outside.  

Think you have a good routine. Tower of London is best tourist thing I have ever done. 

Duck and Waffle is fun,  if not amazing.  But a good call.  Check out a restaurant called Chotto Mate in Soho for your Soho day.  Price is right,  good Peruvian fusion,  and service is top notch. Their waiters always recommend a price per person, and they just send out food. Sounds like a scam,  but its not.  Definitely take their advice.  Get a table by windows when you make reservation. 

Get a drink at Berners Tavern. 

I would prefer Camden to Brick Lane, but that's cool as well. If you do the Brick Lane/Shoreditch thing,  have a plan.  Its a bit more spread out, tougher to just wander around.  Do the market, and figure where you gonna be after.  I don't know Shoreditch well, but did have a blast at the cocktail and bowling spot (All-Star lanes?).

Uber or Tube or bus everywhere.  Black cabs are a ripoff.  

Not sure what your phone situation is, but you can get a UK sim for £25, if your phone is unlocked.   

Thanks to you (and everyone else) who chimed in on London.  I'm going there in a few weeks.  Never been before.  Bumped your post because I'm staying near Montagu Square which seems pretty close to where you used to live.  

Gonna do a combo of city and country stuff.  Any other recommendations not already mentioned?

 

[massraider]

Thanks to you (and everyone else) who chimed in on London.  I'm going there in a few weeks.  Never been before.  Bumped your post because I'm staying near Montagu Square which seems pretty close to where you used to live.  

Gonna do a combo of city and country stuff.  Any other recommendations not already mentioned?

I'm useless on the country stuff.

Yes, Montague Square is close, I used to live right in Portman Mansions, next to Baker St. tube station.

The recommendations I can give are for all the posh spots, so I dunno how useful that is to you.  Bearing that in mind:

Chiltern Firehouse.  Chiltern St. walking distance from you.  The baddest place in London when I was there, and still might be.  Go for lunch or dinner.  Built in old firehouse, two blocks from my old pad, and a very impressive place. 

On a weekend night, you really wanna see some of the bada## London, head down to where Nobu is.  Nobu is close to Hakkassan, and across from Novikov.  There's also a very cool casino right there.  This is all Berkely Square, and is some major people watching.  Go into Novikov for sure. 

Berner Tavern, at the Edition Hotel, as said before.  

The markets are a blast.  Portobello Road, Camden are all cool.  Camden is a bit more rocker, and Portobello Road for going with the Mrs.  

Sexy Fish, if you want to eat at the latest and coolest restauarant, and if you can get a reservation.  

Any desire for a night club, The Box in Soho.  

Indian food:  Trishna.  Also walking distance from you.  

 

[sbonomo]

Amsterdam - very light list.  Going to play much of it by ear but would love some can't miss spots.  Current thoughts:

Mikes bike tour or just rent bikes around town

Anne Frank House (no tickets yet)

Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum

Red Light District

Baba coffee shop

Club Paradiso

These are both must see's.  I spent three days total between the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum and it still did not feel like enough time.  Oddly the Red Light District is some of the best people watching around plus there are hot hookers everywhere.  It is such a different cultural experience watching family's walk through an area where there are hookers everywhere.  I walked around for hours just amazed at the size and diversity.  I had a great steak at an Argentinian place in the red light district but cannot remember the name.  

The Anne Frank House was a huge disappointment.  If you skip anything that would be it.  There was a canal tour by boat that was actually fun and informative.  Heineken and Amstel Brewery tour was cool as well.  Not sure if those are still offered.  

 

[Osaurus]

Red Light District is a great place to people watch.  Was in a coffee shop back in the day and a large group of young asianed students came in walking single file all the way to the back of the place then proceeded to turn around walk single file back out the door.  I guess they were in the wrong place.  It was a Bulldog.  If Greenhouse is still there, that's my favorite.  

 

[Judge Smails]

These are both must see's.  I spent three days total between the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum and it still did not feel like enough time.  Oddly the Red Light District is some of the best people watching around plus there are hot hookers everywhere.  It is such a different cultural experience watching family's walk through an area where there are hookers everywhere.  I walked around for hours just amazed at the size and diversity.  I had a great steak at an Argentinian place in the red light district but cannot remember the name.  

The Anne Frank House was a huge disappointment.  If you skip anything that would be it.  There was a canal tour by boat that was actually fun and informative.  Heineken and Amstel Brewery tour was cool as well.  Not sure if those are still offered.  

I understand it's hard for the Anne Frank House to live up to the hype. Long, long lines, etc.  But it's just so historic.  It's the book we all read as kids and it's a way to relive that story.  I would never miss it as a first timer to Amsterdam.

 

[Judge Smails]

Thanks to you (and everyone else) who chimed in on London.  I'm going there in a few weeks.  Never been before.  Bumped your post because I'm staying near Montagu Square which seems pretty close to where you used to live.  

Gonna do a combo of city and country stuff.  Any other recommendations not already mentioned?

I loved the Camden Locks market.  The Venezuelan Arepas were life changing.  One of the best bites of food I've ever had.  If you want an authentic London meal, make a reservation now to go to Ffiona's.  Thank me later.

 

[Judge Smails]

Heading to Barcelona next week.  Staying in the Gothic.  Some great recommendations in here.

@Judge Smails, any thoughts for three dudes in town on business?  I know we have at least one Saturday to party before leaving. 

Awesome.  Don't know how old you are.  As an example my kids went clubbing to Razzmatazz and loved it.

http://www.salarazzmatazz.com/

 From where you are located make sure you go and get tapas at El Xampanyet in the Born.  Loved this place.  

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d697571-Reviews-El_Xampanyet-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

Here was our itin for the whole trip including Barcelona.  I'd make sure you get tickets now to the Sagrada Familia.  All of the restaurants we went to were really good, except for Bar Rodrigo, which was basically a cheaper paella recommendation my daughter's college classmate gave her.  Just OK.   But El Xampanyet, Cuidad Condal, Chivito, Brunch and Cake - loved them all.  I would do a walking tour of Gaudi's buildings.  Don't have much in the way of nightlife recommendations.  We were done after dinner and wine...Boqueria Mercado is awesome if you are there on a Saturday.

Thursday, July 7th

Heathrow Express to Paddington

Check in at Airbnb apartment - 115 Broadley Street, London NW8 8BA

Lunch – Nando’s

South Kensington

Dinner – Ffiona’s

Piano Bar

Friday, July 8th

Breakfast

Parliament Building

10 Downing Street

Westminster Abby

Buckingham Palace – Changing of the Guard

The London Eye

Lunch – Fish and Chips - The Laughing Halibut

London Eye Thames River Cruise

Dinner – Lamb and Chicken Schwarma - Araz

Saturday, July 9th

Portobello Road Market

Brunch – Fruit Stands, Bruschetta, Joe’s BBQ, etc

Kensington Park

Kensington Palace

Natural History Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

Lunch – Sourdough Pizza - Franco Manca

Late Cocktails/Dinner – Duck and Waffle

Sunday, July 10th

Camden Locks Market

Lunch – Venezuelan Street Kitchen Arepas/Honest Burger

Wimbledon Final + Pimm’s – The Green Man Pub

Wimbledon Afternoon Tea – Sketch

Sunday Roast Dinner and Euro 2016 Final – The Goose

Monday, July 11th

Tower of London

Tate Modern Museum

Lunch - Leon

Leadenhall Market

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Gordon’s Wine Bar

Piccadilly Circus

Dinner – Steak and Ale Pie – The Lyric

Tuesday, July 12th

Check out

Heathrow Express return from Paddington Station

London Heathrow to Amsterdam

Check in to Airbnb apartment (Singel 461)

Walk Rembrandt Plaza

Dinner – Ribs @ Café de Klos

Wednesday, July 13th

Sandeman’s Walking Tour

Anne Frank House

Dinner

Beers - Café Hoppe

Gelato

Thursday, July 14th

Breakfast – Juice to Boost

Shopping

Lunch – Lombardo’s Gourmet Burgers

IAmsterdam Sign

Rijksmuseum

Van Gogh Museum

Dinner – Thai - Phutakun

Holland Fries – VleminckX Sausmeesters

Red Light District

Friday, July 15th

Amsterdam to Barcelona

Arc de Triumpf

Parc de la Ciutadella Fountain

Lunch – Taco Alto

Gothic District

El Born

Dinner – Paella – Bar Rodrigo

Saturday, July 16th

Mercado de La Boqueria

Breakfast – Juice + Creps Barcelona

La Rambla

Dinner – Rotisserie chicken from Boqueria + wine

Sunday, July 17th

Coffee

Lunch – Flax and Kale

Port Vell Aerial Tram – Montjuic

Parc de Montjuic

Montjuic Castle

Sangria – L’Eixample

Dinner – Tapas – Ciudad Condal

Monday, July 18th

Breakfast – Brunch and Cake

Sagrada Familia

Casa Mila (La Pedrera) – Gaudi

Casa Battlo – Gaudi

Passeig de Gràcia

Sangria/Beer

Dinner – Chivito/Burgers - Foc I Oli

Razzmatazz

Tuesday, July 19th

Breakfast - Firebug

Barceloneta beach

Dinner – Flax and Kale

Plaza Catalunya

Wednesday, July 20th

Shopping – Gothic District

Picasso Museum

Lunch – Tapas – El Xampanyet

Sagrada Familia

Dinner – Taco Alto

Thursday, July 21st

Check out

 

[msommer]

These are both must see's.  I spent three days total between the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum and it still did not feel like enough time.  Oddly the Red Light District is some of the best people watching around plus there are hot hookers everywhere.  It is such a different cultural experience watching family's walk through an area where there are hookers everywhere.  I walked around for hours just amazed at the size and diversity.  I had a great steak at an Argentinian place in the red light district but cannot remember the name.  

The Anne Frank House was a huge disappointment.  If you skip anything that would be it.  There was a canal tour by boat that was actually fun and informative.  Heineken and Amstel Brewery tour was cool as well.  Not sure if those are still offered.  

My dad went on the Heineken tour a couple of years ago. He was very impressed

 

[Mr. Ected]

Wife and I are thinking of doing a trip next summer for our 20th. At the beginning of itinerary planing, thinking of doing London, renting a car after and driving to Scotland, ferry over to Ireland. My wife doesn't like to fly, so we will probably ferry back and fly home from London. We are planning to be there for 2 weeks, and most importantly, no kids!!!

Looking for ideas on what to see, what to do, especially on the drive from London up to Scotland and over in Ireland.