Prague, Salzburg or Budapest with a 1.5 year old?

Posted by hrmtgb0127 (Dallas ) on 02/02/26 04:20 PM

Planning a 7–9 day vacation in October with my 1.5-year-old (she is 10 months now but will be 1.5 in October). We have been to Vienna, and this time we want to go to Salzburg and hopefully either Budapest or Prague as well. I don’t think we can fit all three cities. My question is: which two cities out of these three would you recommend visiting with a 1.5-year-old? Which are easier to explore on foot (since she hates car rides), requires minimum public transportation, and easy to get back to the hotel if she needs rest? Are they stroller-friendly?
I really want to go to Salzburg because I want to see the Sound of Music locations, but I’ve heard you need to join a tour to see it all. Will it be realistic to join a group tour for hours with a baby? If we don’t join the tour and just do it ourselves, will we miss a lot of worthwhile locations?

Thank you in advance for your recommendations and insights!

Posted by Lexma

Denver

02/02/26 07:59 PM

916 posts

I think Budapest or Prague would work equally well, in terms of ability to get around the city on foot, without public transport and/or a cab.

In terms of a stroller, I haven't taken a toddler to Europe, but in traveling in the U.S. when our kids were that age, an umbrella stroller worked the best for being able to fold up in restaurants, etc. Also, possibly a back carrier. Consider crowded sidewalks and narrow sidewalks / streets in Europe, in terms of stroller usage (though the locals have kids and they manage just fine).

In terms of a Sound of Music tour, if it's a must for you, consider a private tour so a guide could take you, your spouse and toddler. Though you already said she hates car rides, you could check on the distances between the various sites outside of Salzburg, to see if the travel times on a private tour would be doable with your toddler.

Posted by geovagriffith

02/03/26 04:41 PM

9824 posts

Salzburg is great. Mozart's house, the cathedral (in the movie) and all the Sound of Music places. Don't miss the castle on the hill. It is steep.
Also, neighboring Berchtesgaden, Germany has the Eagle's Nest that is worth a visit. However, not sure it is open in October.

Prague or Budapest, both are wonderful. Have you done Munich and Nuremberg? Those would be closer.

Posted by Judy

Long Beach, Ca, usa

02/03/26 06:53 PM

2984 posts

hrmtgb0127,
One thing I remember from when my mid-forties children were as young as yours, is that nothing stays the same for very long. Length of nap times, frequencies of nap times, schedule of nap times, likes and dislikes about cars, strollers, baby carriers.....all of these daily behaviors and reactions can change. Your little one may like car rides by the time your trip rolls around. Yours will probably be walking by then and may show some reluctanceto being confined to a stroller, etc. Just be prepared for the behavioral changes that will come with all the developments in your child's life. Exciting and thrilling and challenging times are ahead!

Also, with 7 days I wouldn't take a day to move from one place to another, unless it can be done in a half day. If you have 9 days, try to make sure you don't waste a whole one in transit. I am assuming your day count doesn't include arrival and departure days, but 7-9 full days of visiting wherever you decide. If not, I recommend staying in one place for those 5-7 days of "touristing".

May you and your little one have a nice, peaceful and rewarding trip, wherever you decide.