New Year in Budapest or Prague

We've spent a few NYEs in Budapest. We always enjoy it. Of course we are close to retirement age. My guess is Prague would have a younger crowd. The fireworks show is probably better in Prague too as it isn't a big thing in Budapest traditionally. But it has gotten better each year. Here is some information from last year. http://newyearbudapest.com/new-year-budapest-tips

On the other hand if you are an old fart like me and want to do something sort of upscale then Budapest is great. Theater, Concerts, Opera, Jazz Clubs, food and drop dead beautiful scenery.

Everything else being equal I would say Budapest is more laid back and a better place to wind down a vacation trip.

We are heading back this Christmas and I am thinking of going to Riga for NYE. Its about $160 rt out of Budapest. Looks interesting.

LOL we are in our 40s and will be bringing my mom. Something fancy and old school like an opera, symphony, etc. or a night cruise on Danube sound marvelous. Thank you for the link!

Then I think you will like Budapest. Because opera, operetta, concerts, etc. are still such a real part of the culture and not just tourist venues, the performance can be very enjoyable cultural immersion experiences. BUT, because they are very much part of the culture, they sell out very quickly. Purchase your tickets now. Get the best seats you can afford which wont be more than maybe $40. Its a bargain.

Some links
http://www.opera.hu/?lan=en (be certain you are booking at the Hungarian State Opera House and not the Erkel Theater)

http://www.operett.hu/operett.php?nyelv=2 (here if you can get one of the boxes in the center you treated like a VIP at intermission. Most productions have English subtitles)

http://lfze.hu/en/home (they may not have their next season listed yet. but keep an eye cause the do sell fast once listed - also check the Hungarian language page as sometimes it goes up first)

https://www.mupa.hu/en (modern, but exceptional concerts and performances)

You said the magic word...OPERETTA! LOL being originally from Ukraine, we miss this very much. Here, in the States, there is no operetta, only musicals, but they really are not the same thing. There is no one like Imre Kalman! Thank you, very much. I'll be looking forward to booking our vacation soon...

We will be in Kyiv and Odessa in a few weeks. Will say howdy for you. By the way, you know Budapest to Kyiv is about $180 direct round trip.

At the operetta the 3 or 4 boxes each side of center are VIP and at intermission you are invited to the parlor for hors d'oeuvres and champagne and conversation. Generally only Hungarians. Good way to meet folks.

Oh wow...we arenfrom Odessa. Haven't been back in 26 years. Definitely, jealous. Have you ever been? Not interested in Kiev. Been there. Time to go places we haven't visited yet..

First trip. Going to Kyiv for celebrations on the 24th, then Odessa for a few days, then on to Budapest. But, right now, it looks like we will be in Budapest from the 25th of December till sometime in early January so maybe run into you there.

Have you seen your buddy in America's Got Talent? And Jamala? Nadia? Things are tough, but still not a bad time to have pride in your origins.

I will second the recommendation of a show at the Operettszinhaz--I went there this May on James' suggestion and it was a wonderful experience--gorgeous theatre, delightful musical comedy called The Duchess of Chicago, and it really felt like I was the only American in the audience, surrounded by Hungarians. Tickets are quite cheap by our standards and for such a quality production, about $26 US for a seat in the front row. I booked online, very easy, and don't wait too long because the shows are popular.