Sadly our trip to Italy is cancelled - what now?

If your now-postponed trip to Italy is already fully planned, how about working on the next place(s) you plan to go?

I've been very fortunate to have 49 years of European travel, and so what if I have to put my 3/21/2020 trip off until later.
One thing travel's taught me is how to be flexible.
I too am going to have a staycation, and our local museums are about rockets & missiles in The Rocket City.
And Crappie season's in full swing on our fabulous area lakes, too.

Well, our trip to Palm Springs to watch the Indian Wells tennis tournament was canceled so we are back at our offices and changed our vacation itinerary to a week visiting Montréal & Québec City in the beginning of May. So we just changed vacation days on the office calendar. So either plan to go someplace else or change your vacation days to a different time.

I hope this does not seem silly, but since you seem to like outdoors-type activities (which i gather from the reference to climbing), you might consider taking up bird-watching (or birding). For those who get involved with it, it is a fascinating blend of aspects of hunting, knowledge (where to find birds, identifying species), aesthetic appreciation, just enjoying being out in nature, and meditation (since there is total concentration). All you need is a binocular (well, two) and a Field Guide, of which this is the best one:

https://smile.amazon.com/Birds-Europe-Second-Princeton-Guides/dp/0691143927/ref=sr_1_3?crid=7Q25L0IS691H&keywords=field+guide+to+birds+of+europe&qid=1584042568&sprefix=field+guide+to+birds+of+europe%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-3

BTW, my wife and I had one of our best European birding experiences in your wonderful Vondelpark.

Best wishes

And Crappie season's in full swing

Ahhhh David, i can hear that sentence in my grandpa's voice. thanks for the walk down memory lane

I would go explore nearby towns, you know, the ones you pass when you are on the train and think, wow, that looks nice, we should visit there someday. Look for some quirky museums or places to go, join some themed walking tours in your home town. You may be surprised by what you don't know about where you live.

Bram,

What about a climbing road trip? Are you outdoor climbers or just gym? Seems like a good time to get away from population dense places (especially as climbing gyms are a petri dish we all may want to avoid for a few months). What about Kyparrisi in the Peloponnese (Greece). I know, this isn't what you asked for (day trips around your city to other cities), but as long as we're dreaming ... while trying to avoid Covid ;) ... (there's also Northern Spain, which is having its own restrictions, but there's great climbing in Riglos near Huesca)

Maybe try a staycation in Amsterdam? I've found staying in a different part of town can be surprisingly exciting: new coffee shops, interesting new restaurants to try, even walking different streets is a treat to the senses in my experience.

You've probably visited before, but Alkmaar is a pretty cool place too. Lots of places to go on really long walks or cycles around the city. Inside is super trendy and pretty too.

Stay safe and enjoy yourselves!

Sunlight (UV radiation) kills most virus, including the coronavirus that causes the common cold. UV mostly penetrates clouds Unfortunately, UV weakens at higher latitudes. Look for sunny, crowdless outdoor activities, like golf or hiking/walking closer to the Equator.

If trump ends the EU travel ban, consider the inter-mountain American West (Yellowstone to Mexico). High altitude and low humidity maximizes sun power, and proper planning will keep you away from crowds and the scenery will make this your favorite destination forever.

Food: All 3 cities-- beer, especially dark beer.
Vienna: Wiener schnitzel, Backhendl. sausages, sauerkraut.

Prague: BBQ meats.
Budapest: Goulash

Hidden gems: Easter Markets
Vienna: National Library; walking the streets inside Ring
Prague: all the streets an Mala Strana , Old Town, & Jewish Quarter. The High Castle & St George cathedral (see Smetana)
Budapest: walking the streets between the Elizabeth Bridge and Adnrassey Ut. Obuda & the Roman ruins. The holocaust memorial just downstream from Parliament.

@kb1942: Those are exactly the best things to do in Budapest.

For the OP, what about Belgium or Northern France? What about Hamburg?

What about a 14 day bicycle trip in the Netherlands?