Hi all!
I will be heading to Paris, Barcelona and London this fall. I have been to these cities a number of years ago but didn’t see much outside of the main tourist attractions.
I know some of you may have just visited these places (or actually lived in these cities), I would like some personal recommendations on where to eat/ what to see/ what to do… in 2013!?
There are hidden gems in every city, please share!
Much appreciated!! 
Hi there, I lived in London for a few years. Perhaps I can give you some advice (mostly depending on what you are into). 
London is an awesome city!
My email is: michaelwcao [at] gmail [dot] com
Plus, I’m doing my research on Paris as well (going there in August this year), so maybe can share some ideas with you.
London is snobbish, gloomy and expensive. That’s my take from the 10 days I spent there.
If you’ve been to touristy places, then you’ve probably been to Las Ramblas and La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. If not. worth a visit.
I can help you with London but you need to be a little more specific. London is a big city with something for all tastes
I know a few good places if you’re looking for a happy ending, if you know what I mean…
Agree unless you start hitting the clubs and doing a lot of MDMA. This way you’re asleep during the day so you don’t catch a lot of the gloominess.
I would also hit up Ibiza. Also has great clubs and you can drink mimosas on the beach after partying all night.
Hi Michael, thanks for your help!
I will be visiting friends in London, who can point me to the right directions as well. I guess i most desperately need suggestions on Paris and Barcelona.
I am happy to just hangout with my friends in London and not do a whole lot, as it is at the end of my trip.
Yes, but I will likely go there again (because people i go with haven’t been to the Familia.
And night life at Las Ramblas was fun last time i was there so if there aren’t any other suggestions, i may do the same again this time with my friends!
I will not have time to visit Ibiza (i thought about it though), so i will mainly stay in the city for 3-4 days.
Hi Nana.
In Paris, would recommend getting a cafe and watching the scene at Cafe de Flore or Les Deux Magots (they are next to each other) in Saint Germain; Sartre and Beauvoir used to hang out there. Further explore St Germain if you like antiques and art galleries. Take a walk along the left bank of the Seine river to admire architecture and see the outdoors booksellers; cross the bridge toward the Louvre, la Place de la Concorde, la Madelein, place Vendome. Go to Montmartre late afternoon / early evening for a drink. Take a stroll on Place des Vosges in Le Marais on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Make sure you eat plenty of bread and cheese. If you like shopping: avoid the department stores (except Le Bon Marche which is great) and go to smaller boutiques; St Germain once again is great there.
Barcelona: for tapas I like Quimet & Quimet or Bar Mud (there are several other terrific spots in the Barri Gotic but their names escape me). Gaudi is of course a must: La Perdrera is very popular but I preferred Casa Battlo. Sleep late, dine late, explore the old town.
Enjoy!
Thanks Gottasay! That gives me loads to research and think about.
I want to visit at least one very good dessert place in Paris, and there are so many to choose from!
And i want to find a good bar in Barcelona with performers (dancers), i think it’ll be awesome!
Hopefully i can find a nice hotel for afternoon tea in london as well, somewhere nice and quiet to spend a couple hours.
Ahh…i can’t wait!
For good desserts in Paris: macaroons at La Duree are a tradition…
The area up from La Rambla, La Plaça de Catalunya (Plaza de cataluña) has some cool street side cafes and restaurants. Also the Plaça Reial (Plaza Real) is worth seeing and has some cool sites around it. The gothic quarter (Barrio Gotico) has some good restaurants. Barcelona is a cool city. I wish I had seen more of it when I was there.I spent most of my time near the port.
Thanks PalacioHill!
Have you taken a look at Trip Advisor?
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Tourism-g187147-Paris_Ile_de_France-Vacations.html
I am looking at apartments in Barcelona. Anyone knows which neighbourhood is safe to stay??
Thanks a bunch!!