I've read way too many threads online and it's just so tough to decide given it's all subjective info. It's my girlfriend and I going. I've done a month-long Europe trip before and she hasn't been. We are in our twenties so we'll be doing private-room hostels for combination of price and social interaction. Museums aren't really a big thing for us---care more about scenery/sightseeing, nightlife, eating, and ease of getting around inter and intra cities to maximize 3 cities in 9 nights. Budapest keeps popping up with an assortment of good flights via DC-Dulles for our August-September date(s) so that's why I've chosen it.
1) Budapest + Bratislava + Prague
Pros: Cheapest and still get to see three countries.
Cons: Flight is R/T via Budapest, so not entirely sure the best way to do a "circle".
Question: What's best way to loop back around? Was thinking sleeper train potentially, but unsure what order to do the cities.
2) Munich + Vienna + Budapest
Pros: Median price and flights are one-way. Seems to be the best combination of price and logistics.
Cons: Unsure if these are the cities that truly interest us.
Question: Are Munich and Vienna going to be good for our interests?
3) Budapest + Prague + Amsterdam
Pros: Great flight times and two-one way flights, returning nonstop. Cities seem to be the most "fun".
Cons: Most expensive due to Amsterdam lodging and nonstop flight and will have to be in a dorm versus private room hostel.
Question: City combination and flights worth the few hundred dollars extra?