Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Munich itinerary help.

The problem with a rental car on this trip - aside from being only in big cities where you'll deal with urban traffic and pay for parking - is that you are likely to get hit with huge drop-off charges for returning the car in another country.

Budapest-Vienna-Prague is pretty much a straight line by rail. All are great choices for photography. You could look for opera/concert tickets in Budapest and Vienna, but quickly, as they often sell out. 12 nights on the ground gives you plenty of time in each city, maybe even a day trip or two, and stopping in Český Krumlov for an overnight between Vienna and Prague. I think then you'd take buses instead of the train. Doesn't much matter which end you start.

Thank you so much for your response. Do you know anything about Neuschwanstein Castle, 75 miles from Munich? The photos of it are spectacular. But sometimes such photos are hard to duplicate because of limited access to strategic vantage points. The best shots seem to be from another mountainside. It is not unusual for us to devote a good part of one day getting to an iconic photo op.

In the case of Neuschwanstein , the shot to which you refer , is easy . From the valley floor , you take the bus up to the Marienbrucke stop for the shot , then a ten minute walk to the castle . https://www.google.com/maps/place/Marienbr%C3%BCcke/@47.5531007,10.7491699,15.5z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x479c589fce6e6503:0x5d2bf16941312d57!8m2!3d47.5550452!4d10.7494381

Thanks, that is really encouraging.

You can do all four in 12 days, since that would give you 3 days each. Munich will demand more than the others. I would go with 3 in Budapest, 2 or 3 in Vienna 2 in Prague and the rest in Munich as well as southern Bavaria (include Salzburg, Austria).

I'm currently planning a trip that will include Budapest and Prague; there probably won't be time for Vienna. In my research I am struck by the frequent mentions of Secessionist (Art Nouveau) architecture. Vienna also has many such; Google "Hundertwasser building images". Thought I'd mention this in case you run of out older stuff to photograph.

Thanks. I will look that up. I'm still not as good as I want to be with the photography selection. My criteria is "would I hang it on my wall in my office or in my home?" Just buildings for architectural discussion doesn't really do it for me. Many of my photos are the popular landmarks. Eiffel Tower, Coliseum, Big Ben, etc. Because I am not very original or creative I search travel photography sites for ideas. Thanks again.

acraven , " Secessionist " is a stylistic designation of a form of Art Nouveau . While it largely applies to the art movement first appearing around 1895 in Vienna , the style transcends national borders . The Secessionist style appears , as an example , as distant from Vienna , as Glasgow , in the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife , Margaret MacDonald . Since you seem interested, here is one ( of many ) sources of basic information - http://www.theartstory.org/movement-art-nouveau.htm - I can go alot further if you are interested in greater detail . By the way , The Hundertwasser house in Vienna is not really Art Nouveau , Built in the 1970 's - 1980 's , it would be more accurately be defined as " Neo Gaudi " or " Gaudi Revival " . It bears a distinct resemblance to Catalan " Modernista " design .

Anthony Bourdain said during his time in Budapest something to the effect that there architecture in Budapest was so good it was like architectural pornography.

Google Photo Search for Budapest Art Nouveau
https://www.google.com/search?q=budapest+art+nouveau&safe=off&rlz=1C1GKLB_enUS644US646&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi939C6_dXZAhVBWqwKHRT9CoIQsAQIQw&biw=1536&bih=735

Webpage on Art Nouveau in Budapest
https://io9.gizmodo.com/5982737/this-is-why-budapest-is-famous-for-its-art-nouveau-architecture

and the city has some outstanding Bauhaus Architecture. True, for many you have to be an architect (I am) to appreciate Bauhaus….

https://www.google.com/search?q=bauhaus+budapest&safe=off&rlz=1C1GKLB_enUS644US646&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj1ibew_tXZAhUEKKwKHUHPDKgQ_AUICygC&biw=1536&bih=735

Webpage on Bauhaus in Budapest
https://untappedcities.com/2014/08/07/surprising-architecture-behind-budapests-secret-bauhaus-doors/

Thanks, Steven. I love all that stuff but have no training in architecture or art history, so I misuse terminology. I'd love for you to point me to other resources where I can do some pre-trip research. I hate to miss interesting buildings when I'm in the area.

James E, your links have been noted. Hungary seems to have all too many towns that need to be visited for their architecture.

My comments were not intended as criticism , when I see someone evince an interest in Art Nouveau , I try to provide some information to pique their curiosity . When you get done salivating over the pictures James posted in Budapest , here are some things to get you started in Prague - The Obecni Dom (Municipal House ) is a masterpiece , and touring the interior is a must , right down to the tassels on the drapes . The Grand Hotel and Meran Hotel , side by side , on Wenceslas Square . Wander in The Old Town along Siroka and Parizska , many stunning buildings , shoulder to shoulder . https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pa%C5%99%C3%AD%C5%BEsk%C3%A1,+110+00+Praha+1-Star%C3%A9+M%C4%9Bsto,+Czechia/@50.0897196,14.4181054,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x470b94e85b4b3581:0xee9675dc5b8e117a!8m2!3d50.0897196!4d14.4191997 and the sites listed here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Art_Nouveau_architecture_in_Prague This is just a fraction of what is to be seen . Needless to say ,Vienna , Munich , Glasgow and many other places all have a surfeit of sites to enjoy , So much art , so little time

My experience at Neuschwanstein Castle. I was there in early June, mid-week about 3 years ago. The Marian bridge was open (check if the repairs have been completed) and getting onto and then off of it was worse than trying to get on/off a New York subway in rush hour. Then I had to be very patient to elbow into a spot for a photograph and several shots were very blurred not just because of jostling but also because the bridge bounces when people move on it. To top it off the weather wasn't great - lots of haze and clouds. It's possible that if you get there really early, you will have a better time of it. It's a steep hill to climb if the shuttle bus isn't running yet. On the other hand, the adjacent lake may offer some pleasant pix.

This is what the castle looks like from the bridge, probably not the views that you're thinking of. I got better photos of the Hohenschwangau Castle. This looks a lot like the photos I took.

Chani. Thank you so much for the info and the photo. One of the reasons I am thinking of mid-April is to avoid the worse crowding. Your pic is perfect. I would just buy yours, except I have this thing about wanting to say I took the pic. I may reach out to you as the itenerary gets solidified. Other, similar, photo ops would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

Hi,

When you're in Budapest, I heartily recommend shooting photos of the Mathias Church...huge, magnificent, site of the last Habsburg coronation in 1916, ie historical.

Another vote for Matthias Church . Try for a sunny day , the polychrome tile roof is one of the best in Europe . - https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=matthias+church+budapest&FORM=IARRTH&ufn=matthias+church&stid=e34f72b3-4da2-2bde-b245-80e59786f6e8&cbn=EntityAnswer&cbi=0&FORM=IARRTH

Thank you. Matthias Church is on my list now.

If tile roofs are your thing, look at the
the Applied Arts Museum of Budapest https://goo.gl/images/KHAAm8
and the Great Market Hall in Budapest https://goo.gl/images/c6FKHA
Keep your eyes open as there are a number of smaller examples as well.

Thank you, James. I tend to favor colorful photos. And these certainly have a nice pop. As long as I don't have to stand on one to get the pic. Looks like fun.

I read recently that mid April was a pretty good time to go. Maybe not the best weather. But fewer crowds and cheaper travel costs. Any opinions? I might could do mid-may.

I know that many river cruises start or end at Budapest. Does anyone know if there are certain days of the week better to visit Budapest?

I have locked in my flights. We will arrive in Munich on Sat. morning, April 7th. and depart from Budapest on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 18th. My plans are to divide time between Munich, Vienna, and Budapest. There are some day trips I want to do. The Castle that I can't spell southwest of Munich. Salzburg, and Hallstatt. Early research looks like the best base to do all of the day trips is Munich, and not plan to do day trips from Vienna or Budapest.

If that is correct, which should I alot more time to Vienna or Budapest? Which is there more to do, see, and photograph?

Are there any other day trips that would be recommended for an amateur travel photographer?

Thanks for any feedback.

I would say Budapest. It's more exciting (at least for me).

Thank you. I am leaning that way.

I have seen a lot of Europe. But none of these major cities.

Steven and Chani, The day trip to the Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich will be the photo op I am most excited about. Of course finding the right vantage points are crucial to getting the shot. I am planning on renting a car for the day rather than taking the train. The car just gives me more flexibility since I only have one day to get the shot. I have seen shots from more than one height. Is there any reason renting a car would not be a good decision?

Thank you.

For photography I think you will have more interest in Budapest. From the restored to the raw, its hard to beat.

James, I really appreciate your input. I have read many of your comments on other posts. We are spending the most time in Budapest (4.5 days). Vienna 3.5 days.

In the case of Neuschwanstein , the shot to which you refer , is easy . From the valley floor , you take the bus up to the Marienbrucke stop for the shot , then a ten minute walk to the castle .

And the other one is from the nearby Tegelberg cable car.

You will have to find a parking place at Neuschwanstein (get there early!) and then walk or take the shuttle bus up and down for the views.

sla019 and Chani. Thank you for your input. Am I to take these great suggestions to mean that there is no advantage to renting a car, taking a train, or taking a "tour"?

We were in Neuschwanstein in 2015 in June. We were told, like everyone, that the Marienbrucke is the spot. Well, go up there, and climb a small rise to see the bridge in front of you. When we were there, about 2:30 PM, there were probably 5000 people on the bridge, and it was basically not possible to get there before dark. You will be going in April, which is better. I'd try to get there in the morning, as early as possible. It's certainly a pleasant castle. Very pretty, and amazing to see up close - built with 1800s technology, th ewalls are very high. I'd love to see photos of the construction process.

Since you are spending all your time in cities, with super public transport, there is simply no reason to rent a car. I would not for your trip. The only thing that would be a little hard to get to is Monument Park in Budapest, and there is a bus to go there.

One tip: For Neuschwanstein, there are actually 3 things: Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings (definitely worth the visit). The line at the main ticket booth for tickets (on the street) can be quite long. We found that you can buy tickets in the MBK, and it saved an hour of waiting. Buy the Combo ticket for all.

Taking a tour is the best and most simple. It costs about 50 Euro from Munich and there are two other castles included.