3 days before Munich

Prague!

Prague or Vienna.

I agree with Prague. I would probably stick with a larger city since there is always things to do in any weather. The architecture there is excellent, there are many cultural things to do, (Visiting the Jewish Quarter was very interesting), and walking the city is a pleasure. You don't say how long you will be in Munich or if you are seeing the surrounding area's Christmas markets, but there are places much closer that would also be a good choice.

Vienna is probably cheaper for the flight. But between Prague and Vienna that's a tough choice. I love both, but will say Prague just because I think it's a better "walking around" city. Prague at night, with a light snow falling, is magical. It's actually prettier than it is by day, as it's well lit and the pastels just blend into an impressionist landscape.

I'll be in Munich for 4 days (so my trip is about 8 days). In Munich I'm planning to visit some friends, see the Christmas markets and take a day trip to Newschwanstein and visit.

Budapest of course. $150 more or less non stop to Munich. Beautiful at Christmas and the perfect city to wander and soak up the culture

Any recommendations of nice (not too expensive) hotels in Prague and Vienna? I'm still looking at the logistics to see what would fit best.

Are there any areas or districts that I should keep away from (dirty, dangerous); or any that I should try to find a hotel near? I'm assuming that the areas near the main train stations are a little more run down or aren't the best?

Thanks

I am really wondering that people consider to travel to Budapest currently and supporting such an anti-democratc repressive regime.

Do the people on this forum do not know the situation there or just ignoring it?

Do check on the Christmas market wdates. Most don't start until the very end of November.

LIZinPA the main Christmas Market in Budapest starts November 9th and the Vienna markest begin opening on the 16th of November. Would only take a minute to google and confirm.

I'm sorry MarkK, I assume you are talking about the country of Hungary, and not the city of Budapest. Since the fall of communism, Hungary has had a multi-party system. The last Hungarian parliamentary election took place on 8 April 2018 in which there was a 69.7% voter turnout. This parliamentary election was the 8th since the 1990 first multi-party election. The result was a victory for Fidesz–KDNP alliance, preserving its two-thirds majority with Viktor Orbán remaining Prime Minister. Sounds like a Democracy to me?

So my plans changed a bit (1 day less in Munich). I'm thinking about: 

Day 1: Arrive in Prague
Day 2: Prague
Day 3: Prague in the AM and then PM train to _____
Day 4: ____
Day 5: Train from _____ to Munich
Day 6: Munich (Newschwanstein day trip)
Day 7: BMW Tour in the AM and visit friends in the afternoon/evening and check out the Christmas Market at night
Saturday: Hang out in the AM and flight home in the afternoon

 I'm trying to figure out somewhere that I can fit for 1 to 1.5 days between Prague and Munich. I'm hoping to travel by train, to soak up the scenery and views. I believe the train has a stop in Nürnberg but the Christmas Market there won't be open at that time. Is it still worth a stop in Nürnberg or is there another town to see? I would really like to experience a small Bavarian town and read a lot about Regensburg or Rothenburg and wanted to get some opinions on either of those; or if there's another picturesque traditional town I should make a point of visiting for 1 night.

​​​​​​​Thanks again for all your input