Short flight European city break in December - Amsterdam vs Paris

[username2001f]

Planning on going on a short city break in early December. Flying from Birmingham. Will only really have 2 or 3 days there so ideally want a short flight. Somewhere walkable so we're not having to constantly use public transport/taxis.

Currently thinking of Amsterdam or Paris. Amsterdam because it's small and walkable. Paris because I imagine it's beautiful.

Any other suggestions welcome. Ideally I'd want something festive but not the end of the world if it's not.

Prefer amsterdam...easier to see things walking and more compact.but will be very cold and damp..have been late Nov..all that water....!!...been paris about 5 times so wont go again....

Would you say neither are worth going to, especially at this time of year then?

I'm fine with London in Winter so assumed I'd be okay with Amsterdam/Paris in Winter.

I'm also considering Disneyland Paris as well, rather than going into the centre of Paris.

just found amsterdam a bit damp and colder than london...but we enjoyed it...did note that prices had gone up a lot as hadnt been in many years...over 10...used to go a lot....we are off to riga next week...will be about 4c but its a dry cold...have also done lithuania in Nov...bright n sunny but crisp and cold...if its a good deal then go....!!...

The continent is probably colder than London in December, but you can look that up to check.
Amsterdam gets extremely windy.

I much prefer Paris to Amsterdam, I found it a bit dull whereas there are such amazing big sights to see in Paris. Despite going in October and the weather being miserable Amsterdam was still packed.

I love Amsterdam whatever the weather. Very walkable, friendly people, great public transport. Didn't warm to Paris though I appreciate that's probably very much a minority view.
Amsterdam has a Winter Festival program of events, so you could have a Google of that. I imagine Paris may have something similar but haven't been there in wintertime.

I love Amsterdam. But there's a reason that country is famous for windmills - it's really not the kindest climate in winter!

I'd suggest Brussels. I can't stand Paris

I love Paris! Go there!

Paris is overhyped. We've just done Barcelona and it was brilliant, recommended by TA and was superb. And warmer!

Of those two, Amsterdam would be a good pick. It is small, walkable with plenty to see and do.

Another option would be Copenhagen. It is a beautiful, compact city. Very easy to get round (and to/from airport). You have museums, galleries, Tivoli gardens and lots of food options. It will be a bit colder though - like Amsterdam the wind really whips in from the sea and make it feel colder.

Id go to Seville, Malaga, Valletta or somewhere its not likely to be pissing down with rain the whole time

Hands down Amsterdam for me, I much prefer the vibe vs Paris. But that said, I did Amsterdam in January once and I think it's the coldest I've ever been.

My favourite cities in winter are Stockholm (cold of course but very pretty and so geared up for it, cosy bars with roaring fires everywhere) and Prague (wonderful architecture and fab markets).

What do you want to do there? Any chance you would save the carbon and use the train?

I think both Paris and Amsterdam are lovely and the Eurostar goes direct to both. Have never been so cold as I was in Amsterdam in January though. Paris is more exciting and quite walkable if you know your way around.

Bruges is very compact and walkable and really beautiful. Many of Cologne's best attractions are clustered in the centre too. (Both these are an easy change from Eurostar).

Krakow and Vienna are both lovely as well with lovely Christmas Markets.

Both are fantastic in December - all those fab galleries and museums, so weather not really an issue.
In fact, Amsterdam on Xmas Day is perfect.

Seville. It was low 20's when we were there at New Year. One of my very favourite places.
Copenhagen was lovely too but expensive and very cold.

Paris by train. You need to be at Schiphol 4-5 hours early at the moment so you'll lose too much time queuing. CdG Airport is an hour outside Paris so unless you live next door to BHX it's actually the same time or even faster by train from New St to central Paris

@deplorabelle @StamppotAndGravy

I did consider Eurostar but I live about 40 minutes from Birmingham New Street Station. So it would involve getting either a taxi/train to Birmingham New Street, then another train to London Euston, underground to St Pancras, then Eurostar to Paris/Amsterdam.

I think time-wise it would work out even longer than if I just did the 30 min taxi journey to Bham airport, plane to Paris, and taxi to the centre. Less hassle too.

Of the two choices I prefer Amsterdam - but would go to Copenhagen, Vienna or Salzburg before either of them.

P.S. If you decide to take the train, there is no point taking the underground from Euston to St. Pancras. It is a 5-minute walk between the two stations along Euston Road - you'd walk further getting to and from the underground platforms!