Central Europe 10-14 days — 3 Itinerary Options. Recommend One

I like Option 1. Vienna and Prague are both very special places. Bratislava is an easy day trip from Vienna.

I'd definitely prefer Prague to Salzburg and Munich, but where's Budapest? It's a lot closer to Vienna than Prague is, and it's full of architectural eye-candy. I think the restaurants in Budapest are a really good value, too.

START in Prague 4N min
FLY TO Budapest on a discount airline 5N min
TRAIN. to Vienna. 4N min

Day trip to Bratislava from Vienna if you must, or stop for the night in Gyor on the way to Vienna and see Pannonhalma.

PLAN B
Budapest 5N to Salzburg 2N to Vienna 5N
Or reverse. Add a night to the first arrival city.

Day trip to Bratislava from Vienna if you must, or stop for the night in Gyor on the way to Vienna and see Pannonhalma.

Thank you @Mr É (economy, confused).

I read your post about Bratislava in the Slovakia section. It doesn’t sound that great.

Unfamiliar with Pannonhalma. Just Googled. Wow.

My advice is to find the transatlantic flights that are best for you (whether that means cheapest, shortest, most comfortable, works with your mileage plan, suits your schedule, whatever) and make a plan from there. One way to find the cheapest flight is to search "anywhere" on SkyScanner. With your short lead time, where you can fly into and out of could be a major factor in determining your schedule. Flights within Europe are generally inexpensive, as another commenter pointed out. Use seat61.com to plan train journeys.

I’ve been to all of those places except Bratislava. They’re all great places but Prague is just a bit more special IMO.

I’d probably do option 1

Prague in early September? If you must then make it the last stop and maybe a few thousand of the tourists will be gone.

Prague in early September? If you must then make it the last stop and maybe a few thousand of the tourists will be gone.

Thanks

Of the cities mentioned: Prague, Budapest, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna — which do you think will be the least crowded with other tourists?

Easier the most crowded ... Prague is the hands down winner.

And I think you meant Budapest? Not Bucharest? Don't know where Budapest would rank among the others, except way below Prague, but I've been here for several September's, and it's one of the better times to visit.

I am going to guess not much difference in tourist density between Budapest and Vienna. Budapest gets greater numbers than Vienna, but its such a large city and the tourist sights are so spread out that density of tourists is only a problem in a few localized areas (like Vaci utca). Salzburg? Well, I am going for the first time in mid-September so I will let you know.

The nice thing about Gyor and Pannonhalma is that it is on the way by train between Vienna and Budapest. No side trip. No wasted travel. Just book a train that stops at the Gyor station. Pannonhalma is a bit of a drive out of town (taxi) but its a pretty drive. Gyor old town makes for a good lunch stop and a few hours of wandering the streets and shops. Then back on the train to finish the journey. A good way to spend part of a day.

I am more tolerant of busy cities than many folks, but I spend a great deal of my time in what I call "secondary destinations" and do appreciate not feeling like a sardine. Since July 2nd I have spent 7 nights in Budapest (second visit since 2018), 17 nights in Vienna (first significant visit ever, and I love art museums) and 4 nights in Bratislava (attractive city; somewhat thin on major sights). None of those places seemed unpleasantly crowded to me. The greatest density of people was at the Hofburg Treasury and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

I liked Gyor a lot in 2018. Very pretty architecture, few tourists (it was May). It has a lot of small museums, many art-relsted.

Prague is gorgeous, but some areas were packed in 2018. However, that was something I mostly noticed out on the streets; I don't remember the indoor sights as being terribly crowded. I would agree that Old Town Prague is the most likely to feel really touristy.

Regarding Bratislava being "not that great:" I found the city to be delightful. Lots of public art (check out the Man in the Street) and a surprising enthusiasm for American football. The fortress is also a lovely sight. Good beer, too.

I left Vienna, spent 2 nights in Bratislava and liked it (boat trip to devon castle, modern art museum, wine tasting, walking and taking pictures), and took the train from there to Prague. That train was so inexpensive that we paid for 2 seats in a first class cabin where they gave us sparkling wine. We were very happy with our trip. Just another option.

Budapest? It's a lot closer to Vienna than Prague is, and it's full of architectural eye-candy

Well now it looks like I need to add Budapest to my ever growing wish list. :)

And I think you meant Budapest? Not Bucharest?

Yes, thanks. Typo fixed. Bucharest for another trip.

Bucharest is one of those places you never forget.

KRS,
Budapest is topic of discussion for Sunday morning's International Travel Group Zoom.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/travel-meetings/international-travel-group-meeting-sunday-8-11-9-30-a-m-pacific-time