Hello,
We are a family of 4 with 2 kids ages 13 and 16 at age of travel. I also have a 78 year old mother that will hopefully be traveling with us. We are coming from Los Angeles, California. I would like to do around 1 week in a European city from around December 24-January 1st (give or take a few days depending on prices of flights). We don't want to move around, but just want to stay in 1 city. My mom does not have good mobility, so we just want to stay in 1 city and explore locally. Ideally it would be a city that has a lot to do for 1 week and has nice Christmas ambiance. The 4 of us have already been to Italy, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain so we don't want any of those. I am looking at Prague, Vienna, Budapest. Just curious which of these you all would recommend the most for about 7 days in that city during this time period? I know Europe in general is tough to get around for people with mobility issues due to cobblestone streets, lots of stairs, etc. but I'm curious which of these you think might be easiest for an elderly person to maneuver? We would bring a wheelchair for her so it's not our main deciding factor, but I'm curious about people's feedback. My mom would probably sightsee with us for a couple of hours and then head back to our rental and the 4 of us would continue for a bit longer. Or is there another city that I'm leaving off that you think would be a great option? Thanks so much!!!
Posted by
Schwerin
3491 posts
L.A.'s sister city Berlin is an option because more than enough to do and some Christmas Markets open between the years which is seldomly the case. We have also a lot of accessible places and a good public transport infrastructure.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
21398 posts
Vienna. Would be perfect. The tourist zone is compact and the sights are classic for her age group. Plus an opera or a concert. Pretty ideal for mother and a good second choice for the rest of the family.
Second choice Budapest. For that the advantage is you know someone that can facilitate things to make your mother's stay more comfortable, and it's a better destination (maybe) for the rest of the family.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1744 posts
It's going to depend on the country also. The 24th, 25th, and 26th are all holidays depending on local customs and laws. Those days will have limited transport, attractions, and amenities available. Plus, the Christmas markets will be done in all but a few locations.
I've been in Prague and Vienna the winter and Vienna is certainly easier to get around (it's fairly flat), and Prague is smaller. Both are beautiful.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
21398 posts
KGC had a good point. Fortunately of the cities in the three countries you said you were interested in its a great time to be there. KGC mentions transportation shutting down and the Christmas markets closing on Christmas eve. I guess an issue in Germany (dont know, but trust him on that), but not a problem in Vienna or Budapest. Public transport will be on the weekend schedule (no inconvenience at all). If you get to your destination prior to the 24th the markets will be a little better, but in Vienna and Budapest many stay open until the first of January so seeing the markets isnt going to be an issue no matter when you arrive. What you miss are many of the small neighborhood markets which do often close Christmas eve.
As for the holiday on 24, 25, 26 and what is open that generally comes down to expectations and attitude and good planning. I have been coming to Europe for the holidays abut every 3rd year for almost 20 years & now I live in Budapest so i am here for every Christmas and I dont stay home on those days.
Besides Budapest I spent a quick day at the markets in Vienna once. They are beautiful as well. Prague, no. I have visited in better weather, but i would suspect for your circumstances Prague is the least enjoyable of the three. Overall though Its a wonderful time to be here. Plenty to see and do even 24, 25 and 26. With a little creativity and with a little support in the planning process those days can be pretty special.
No matter which of the three the location of your accommodations will be important because of your mother. Dont guess at that cause if you do it well, the trip will be so much better.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you so much! It definitely seems that Vienna or Budapest are the top choices. I really appreciate all of the help!