Riga, Gdansk, Madrid or Hamburg?

deva

I have decided to take my husband away next February and have managed to offload children and pets so we can do what WE want. E.g. Historical/politically interesting with good food and places to drink beer!

Which of Riga, Gdansk, Madrid or Hamburg would best suit?

Both enjoyed Poznan, Barcelona, Malta, Prague, Berlin etc

glentoran99

Riga is a beautiful city

Kernow666

i have been all 4 so in order of my personal preference

1 - Gdansk
2 - Riga
3 - Hamburg
4 - Madrid

as you have been Poznan ( another great place to visit ) and berlin & barcelona i would have a look at Riga its really really nice to visit with plenty to see and do and very good value compared to places in germany and spain

deva

Riga it probably is!

Just realised that I don't know people who go to Belarus is there a reason for it?

skint_chick

Riga will be cold in February - at night it dips below zero, when I was in Latvia at the start of February a few years ago it was only around 2 degrees during the day, although perfectly clear days with no rain or snow. You'll need practical footwear as at night the paths are icy, during the day the snow is cleared from the paths in the centre. There's some amazing Art Nouveau architecture, we visited the railway museum, did a walking tour, and took the train to see the Salaspils memorial. The museum of the occupations was really interesting especially as your husband likes history.

Beer is reasonably priced, around £2 for an almost pint, and the food was lovely. We went to a couple of traditional restaurants and had soup in a bread bowl and some delicious local sausages. The central market had some good food stalls, as well as being great for people watching.

eDicky

deva wrote: »

Just realised that I don't know people who go to Belarus is there a reason for it?

It could be that you are not acquainted with many Russian gamblers, who don't have to pay £75 for a visa and report their location to the police etc...

Barny1979

I'm off to Gdansk on Wednesday, but been to Riga last year and going again early January, beautiful city!

Doshwaster

deva wrote: »

Riga it probably is!

Just realised that I don't know people who go to Belarus is there a reason for it?

Mainly because Belarus hasn't opened up to the West anywhere near as much as other former Soviet eastern European countries, you still need a visa for entry and airline routes are limited.

I know people who have been to Minsk on business and they say that it's an interesting place but you always have to be careful what you say and do. There's always the feeling that you are being watched.

Anica85

Go Gdansk, it's a beautiful place, and a bit different from popular European tourist destinations;

This may help: http://www.poland.travel/en/gdansk/

joerugby

deva wrote: »

I have decided to take my husband away next February and have managed to offload children and pets so we can do what WE want. E.g. Historical/politically interesting with good food and places to drink beer!

Which of Riga, Gdansk, Madrid or Hamburg would best suit?

Both enjoyed Poznan, Barcelona, Malta, Prague, Berlin etc

How important is the beer? If it's very important I would choose one of the northern options. If you want history, culture and excellent food and wine then Madrid is highly recommended

benjus

joerugby wrote: »

How important is the beer? If it's very important I would choose one of the northern options. If you want history, culture and excellent food and wine then Madrid is highly recommended

Madrid is also lots of fun and I've always found the people very friendly.