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Vienna, Prague, and either Munich or Budapest in 10 nights (10 full days)

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My husband and I are traveling in early May next year and originally were planning to spend 5 nights each in Prague and Vienna (with a day trip in each), but have recently decided to add a third city. The typical trip seems to include Vienna, Prague, and Budapest, though the pictures and descriptions of Munich also seem so beautiful. Any suggestions based on your experience in these cities is greatly appreciated. We are in our early 30's, love food, beer, and wine, enjoy history and old architecture, have traveled abroad together 3 times before (Spain, France, and Italy). So far there is a plan to visit a brewery/beer hall in Prague, and we hope to see a show in the Vienna Opera House as well. Day trips from the larger cities are not a necessity as neither of us have been to these cities before.

Thank you all in advance!

Posted by
5493 posts

Instead of 3 large cities, get a feel for some countryside and beautiful landscapes. My suggestion would be Prague, Vienna and Salzburg. 3 days Prague; 4 days Vienna with a Wachau Valley day trip; 3 days in Salzburg with day trips to Hallstatt, Wolfgangsee area, etc.

Posted by
59 posts

Both Munich and Budapest are wonderful cities with their own unique charm and much to offer.
Budapest is a larger city, and considering Rick devotes one whole guidebook to Budapest alone (http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=157&id=387), you would not be at a loss for things to do. However, Munich also offers many options, and could be combined with a day trip (or two) to explore other parts of Bavaria, such as King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Ultimately the decision would be a matter of personal preference.

What might help you in your decision-making process might be to watch episodes of Rick's television show filmed in the two locations. Episodes can be viewed in their entirety on our web site at the links below.

Budapest: The Best of Hungary: http://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/budapest-the-best-of-hungary

Munich and the Foothills of the Alps: http://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/munich

Posted by
14925 posts

Hi,

With the limited time you have, I suggest focusing on the three cities: Munich, ( with a day trip to Salzburg), Vienna , and Budapest for the last three days. All accessible by taking the RailJet train.

Posted by
20026 posts

Like other have and will say Prague, Vienna and Budapest are three very unique experiences. For me that's a good thing because its like a sampler plate. 10 days is fine for the three the first time. If you fall in love with one then you can come back and dig deeper but until you find that special place or places I don't think there is a thing wrong with sampler meals.

For me, and everyone is different Prague is worth 3 nights, Vienna is worth 3 nights and Budapest is worth 4 nights.

0 depart US
1 night in Prague
2 night in Prague
3 night in Prague
4 afternoon train to Vienna, night in Vienna
5 night in Vienna
6 night in Vienna
7 morning train to Budapest, night in Budapest
8 night in Budapest
9 night in Budapest
10 night in Budapest
11 depart to the US

I have been to all three but I know more about Budapest than the others so I will let people better than me give you ideas on Vienna and Prague

  1. Unless you are a classical aficionado I think the experience is better in Budapest. In Budapest the will experience the event with Hungarians not tourists.

  2. Beer Halls, the best are called Ruin Pubs in Budapest: http://ruinpubs.com/
    Food: Budapest has more good food per square meter than any other place I have visited. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/best-local-restaurants-and-best-baths-3-days
    will give you a start.

Come to the Hungary forum here for more. Hope that helps a little.

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