Hello,
I have one extra day to explore in Austria. I will be staying in Vienna. I really wanted to go to Budapest however, all the tours are the same days I have something planned.
I do not have a car and will be traveling solo. Any suggestions for one more great day? I prefer a tour as I am traveling alone but can take the train alone.
Thank you.
Kristine
How about Bratislava? We took the boat that docks in Schwedenplatz for a morning trip down the Danube. Got off in Bratislava. Explored the Old Town area by foot (following the Rick Steves walking tour, of course), had lunch, etc. Then walked (less than a mile) to the train station to get back to Vienna by dinnertime. Bratislava seemed a lot safer than I would've expected, and as long as you stay in the "touristy" areas during the day, you should be fine.
It depends on how much time you want to spend for travelling.
E.g. you could go easily to Hallstatt for a visit. Travel time by train (including one change) varies between 3:14 and 3:52 hours, depending on your departure time.
If you are willing to start early (e.g. 6:10am), then you could have 7 hours in Hallstatt, return trip departing 4:32pm.
I was thinking a trip to Wachau Valley? That said, what is the disposition of the Danube drought now? https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/cruising-the-danubes-wachau-valley
Thanks for all the suggestions.
I think I’m going to do the Wachau Valley as I have the other things already planned.
Don't sail upstream from Vienna to the Wachau valley, it is pretty slow, waisting a lot of time, 90% of the trip not being scenic.
My suggestion:
Train from Vienna to Melk, visit the abbey. If you just want to see the Wachau valley, take a boat from Melk to Krems. If you want to have intermediate stops along the Wachau valley, take the bus from Melk to Krems. Go by train from Krems to Vienna eventually.
Krems is also worth a visit, beautiful old town center, art mile with several museums.
Kristine, if you are still interested in visiting Budapest, PM me and I might be able to help.