What lenses to take to Europe and what cities to visit

eques said:

Less is more. To many places mean being "on the road" most of the time. Both Italian cities as well as Barcelona are known for some thieving, so be careful with what you carry around. But you have to be careful whenever you expect to be in a crowd, anywhere in the world.

1. London: The greatest modern cityscape without no-go-areas. Also nice surroundings like Oxford Exeter or Winchester with outstanding cathedrals (not so much Brighton).
   I'd plan a whole week.
2. Paris: Not what people make believe, but interesting architecture: 3 days is enough.
3. Rome: a very beautiful city, if you like to walk and are interested in ancient remains/architecture. 4 days, if you don't have special interests in ancient Rome.
4. Naples: now this is the antipode to London and unlike every city you have on your continent (and Europe!). 2 days for the city, more if you want to see Pompei, Capri etc.

I don't know about Vienna or Barcelona, do doubt Florence is very beautiful, but forget about Zurich, if you want to see Switzerland you have to go hiking in the Alps. But in three weeks I would never try to see more than four major cities; you will need 3 days to travel from one to the other.

Peter

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London is fantastic. A real world city. I enjoyed walking in areas like Notting Hill and Shoreditch and along the canals starting from Camden town. There you can take a boat trip as well. Many picturesque views to photograph. And people of all kinds. A trip with an express boat, part of the public transport system, on the Thames gives nice views of new developments with modern architecture as well as historic icons as Big Ben, the Parliament, Tower Bridge and the new ugly high-rises destroying the city silhoutte.

Paris feels sort of provincial compared to London. It's not the world city of art it once was. But of course still worth a visit.

Of the greater Italian cities I prefer Milano before Rome. Rome is a museum. Milan is a vibrant exciting city. Not as much tourists as Rome and better food.

Vienna is something if you love music and art noveau architecture and have a feeling for monstrous imperial palaces. Otherwise not very exciting.

Barcelona is nice but should maybe be avoided at the moment until we see what happens with the attempts to brake away from Spain. Of Spanish cities I love Sevilla. The cathedral and the Alcazar are magnificent. And the narrow streets in the historic core are wonderful. Food is fantastic.

Others may have a different opinion of course.

lahsrah said:

I am planning to take a trip to Europe in spring for 3 weeks, mainly visiting cities. Will probably be going to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Zurich, Rome & Pisa. May consider skipping Zurich & Vienna for Barcelona instead as I've heard a lot of good things about the architecture there, especially Sagrada Família. Mainly interested in landscapes/cityscapes and architecture.

I have the following lenses and they are all small since that's the way I roll.

• Olympus 9-18mm F4-5.6
• Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6
• Panasonic 25mm F1.7
• Panasonic 35-100mm F4-5.6
• Olympus 9mm F8 body cap lens

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Lenses: I would take the Olympus 9-18, Panasonic 12-32, Panasonic 35-100

Cities:

London, Paris, Rome: yes

I would skip Zurich, Amsterdam

I would favor Florence over Pisa. But you could take your base in Florence and take a half day trip to Pisa, which is really close by. Apart from the Leaning Tower and the Cathedral (which are at the some location), there is not much else to see and do in Pisa. Florence is much more worth while.

Barcelona? Well, there is the Sagrada Familia, but what else? And there could be the risk that your visit (1-2 days?) could get messed up by protesters. You never know how the political situation is evolving. What about Lisbon? I would pick Lisbon with the nearby Sintra area over Barcelona any day.