I am planning for our Christmas vacation for about 10-day and wonder whether it is a good idea to visit Europe city such as London, Paris or Barcelona/Madrid. We visited London and Paris for 10 days 5 years ago. I am just not sure how is the weather in these cities in last 2 weeks of December.
Any insights are highly appreciated. If we decide on Barcelona/Madrid, any recommendation for Marriott, Hilton in the city center. We are Diamond with Hilton and Titanium with Marriott. I remembered that the hotels lounges in Europe offer much high-quality foods than those in USA.
Thanks,
I've spent Christmas day in London and Paris. Of the two, Paris, hands down, not a question.
There is absolutely nothing to do in London on Christmas day. The hop-on-hop-off bus is the only thing running. Everyone is at home, watching the royal family's Christmas address and the Doctor Who special.
Christmas in Paris means oysters, street vendors, and wandering the streets, window licking. Most of the shops are closed. But some are open, albeit with abbreviated hours. Note: all the attractions in Paris are closed -- museums and similar -- except for the Eiffel Tower. Since it's "the only tourist game in town," prepare for shockingly long lines. There's much more activity in Paris than London on Christmas day. And Christmas treats in Paris (oysters, wine, chestnuts) are more tourist friendly than English Christmas pudding.
Finally, the general "vibe" is far better in Paris than London for Christmas. Even East London, which you'd think would be hopping because the residents don't celebrate Christmas, is empty.
But neither city is as good as, say, Manhattan or San Francisco -- Broadway shows, there's sports on TV, pubs are doing brisk business, restaurants are open. And if all else fails, there's always a movie theater.
So, there you have it. I like the lead-up and Christmas day far more in Paris. London feels like someone put a giant "do not disturb" sign on the city. Paris will at least sell you some bread, wine and a plate of oysters.
Can't help with Barcelona. If tapas bars are doing their thing on La Rambla; or if the Boqueria is open, that's enough fun to last the day. Someone else will have to chime in.
