Your favorite Central/Eastern Capital City? Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia or Kyiv

Berlin with

• over 170 museums incl. World Heritage Museum Island plus surrounding area incl. Barberini in Potsdam
• over 400 art galleries and a few hundred sculptures and murals in public
• 3 opera houses plus 5 other venues for classical music plus world-class Berliner Philharmoniker
• 3 world heritage sites plus Potsdam palaces
• 3 universities plus several specialised colleges
• world-famous club scene and no closing hours
• two zoos and manifold animals living in the center, e. g. foxes in central Tiergarten
• over 35% green (parks and woods) and over 2,000 lakes (more)
• tons of history layers (WWI, WWII, Cold War with Berlin Wall - one city in two separated countries and political systems, Wall Opening and Reunification, Prussian times, ...)
• cheap and fast public transport system
• people from 190 nations including cultures, languages and food (Carneval of Cultures and Green Week)
• various week and flea markets
• more Christmas Markets than advent time days
• 17 restaurants with Michelin star rating
• and the Currywurst or a Döner

Open for all ages and interest groups to VisitBerlin.

Berliners prefer to be complementary to others and other destinations - nobody has everything.

I have so far only been to 4 of the 6: hoping to add the remaining 2 within the next year or so.

It is probably also obvious that my preference so far is Budapest. I tend to love cities that are not quite as polished., but that offer a somewhat western level of dining and accommodation (yes, I am a tourist).

I love the riverfront, the trams, the restaurants, the pedestrian only streets, and the architecture.

Second, for me, is Prague. It has much a similar feel, but is just a bit more crowded. I have been 3 times but my visits there have been faster paced - I would enjoy a return with more leisure time.

I would (and probably will) give Sofia a return. Vienna I have also visited 3 times but it doesn’t (and never did) make me want to return. Maybe because I am not a huge art fan.

Still to come for me: Bucharest and Kyiv.

1. What is your favorite Central/Eastern European Capital City. Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia, Kyiv?

2. For your favorite city(s) what sort of tourist/traveler will enjoy it the most?

3. Is one, or more, better for a quick visit or living like a local, or museums or …. (?)

Vienna. I belive it to be the broadest and most eclectic of those I have visited (Vienna, Prague, Budapest). Has great art, great history, excellent food and decent beer. It does lack the life under Soviet rule perspective and medieval sites. Also, I feel that I got to hit the highlights in 4 days each in Prague and Budapest. Have been to Vienna twice now and thinking of going back for more.

haven't been to all but Budapest .....had the most fun there . Did not hit any museums but loved the baths ( started with an S) the funicular the trams and overall a beautiful and energetic city.

For the record, i choose Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia and Kyiv because there is a certain thread or threads that run through all of them, in the history of the last 150 years, geographic location, current economics and in the types of tourists that they attract. London, Barcelona and Paris are wonderful, but a whole nother catagafory.

So far the posts on Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia and Kyiv are intersting and nothing I would argue.

My second favorite on the list is Kyiv. Sort of like the NYC of the East. Nothing you cant find there. And the history is so unexpected and unknown in America that every word is somehting new and facinating. The architecture requires a whole nother course to understand. Nothig is simple and repetitive of the West. You have to listen to Timothy Snider's 23 hour lecture on the history to even begin to get an understanding of what went on the past 500 years. I also travel for the people I meet and the Ukrainins are hands down the most welcoming I have ever met and that makes for an enjoyable trip for my style (I spend too much time talking to people I meet along the way).

The energy of the new democracy is also inspiring and is a window of what maybe the US was like 200 years ago. It has been said that Gorby gave them independece in '91, but Putin made them a nation in 2014, or maybe only showed them what already was. I was fortunate enough to see and experience a little of that and I got more from that than I would from all the museums in Western Europe. But I am a romantic. So .....

In a different time, it is very likely I would have been living and commuting between Kyiv (or Odesa) and Budapest.

If it weren't so crowded, Prague would top my list. Nothing beats crossing the Charles Bridge at the golden hour. Of the six, the only others I've been to are Vienna and Budapest. I like both very much, Budapest edges out Vienna because it feels edgier, which I like.

From your list I would definitely choose Vienna.

The history, architecture and wealthy sights are really top notch. Food is really good as well. I have been to Prague and Budapest as well and enjoyed them both, but Vienna was the best IMO for me.

I would think any traveler would enjoy Vienna, but I think Prague has an edge if you wish to see a variety of sights that span all different levels of culture from the rich to the poor.

I think Prague is the easiest city to explore in the shortest period of time. Vienna takes quite a number of days and Budapest, I found, needs a little more planning in advance than I actually put in. I should have planned more for my visit there.

Vienna wasnt my favorite on my first trip. But I do have to say that in the very few, very short, return trips it grew on me a bit more. Some places, for me, just require the time I guess.

jules m, you want edgy, try Bucharest. Ouch!!! But I love it.

Nope, no favorite yet. It still depends on what's going on at the time. You give me a truly spectacular art exhibit, a great dinner and a magnificent ballet (as Budapest did last fall) and suddenly I'm a fan. Next week, I'll go to a great art exhibit, enjoy a great dinner (or two) and see a great ballet in London. And I'll be a fan. I've done it in Vienna. And Dresden. And Prague.

But none of those can beat today's walk along the river Arun and the 1 mile walk around Swanbourne Lake. I could do this every single day. I do it regularly at home. Well, a creek, not a river.

I just need an airport to any of them, and the flexibility to go when the entertainment calls.

The 3 (Vienna, Budapest, Prague) that we visited were all wonderful and I wouldn’t be able to choose a favourite. We had almost a week in Prague which was great. Our time in Budapest was impacted by me having a norovirus bug so I hope to return. We had almost a week in Vienna but there really is so much there that we will return.

The architecture of Prague does not disappoint. We only got to a few museums in Vienna so we will return for more museums and art.

I sort of wish that I hadn't listed "favorite" in the questions. Rather than competition, insight is more interesting. So I will at least edit my wording on number 2 a bit:

2 For the city(s) you have visited, what sort of tourist/traveler will enjoy it the most?

For museum hounds I say Vienna. That place has interesting museums on every subject imaginable.

For classic art lovers first Vienna, second Budapest, third probably Prague.

For music in quality in standards lost on my ears Vienna, on accessibility to the average tourist I am going to stick my neck out and say Budapest. In venues that provide singular experiences Kyiv or Bucharest.

Medieval anything Prague.

Cold War History .... refined, Vienna; in your face all of the others.

More categories? Argue my stab at it?

Well, of the 6, I have only been to 2 (Vienna and Prague) and while I really enjoyed my stays in both cities, neither of them jumped to the top of my "favorites" list. That said, I have a strong feeling that I would love Budapest and so I am hoping to get there sometime in the next few years.

I have only been to Budapest, Prague, and Vienna.

Best food: Budapest
Best thermal bath: Budapest (easy answer)
Most walkable: Prague and Vienna (tied)
Best beer: Prague
Most affordable: Budapest
Most convenient for day trips outside downtown: Vienna
Best museums: don't know
Best airport: none (best airport in Europe is Zurich)
Best weather: all tied (cold winters, mild fall/spring, muggy summers)
Best coffee: all tied
Best cakes: all tied
Most friendly people: Budapest
Most dressy: Vienna
Most English friendly: Budapest and Prague
Safest (according to my own experience regarding pickpockets): Budapest
Best shopping: Budapest and Vienna

I've only been to the first three, but I pick Prague for its green spaces where you can easily escape the crowds and enjoy the outdoors. We enjoyed wonderful music (one reason why I travel) in all three cities. I've been thinking about returning to Vienna because there are many things I missed, but on first impression, it just feels more like western Europe than the other two. Not that I don't love western Europe.

Ohhh I'm following and loving this thread! What about, best for walking, wandering, just being ... ?

I absolutely love Prague and Vienna, and will return many times if health permits. Really enjoyed Budapest, though I don't feel compelled to return. Bucharest and Sofía have not yet been on my itineraries.

I'm going to find out this summer whether Gdansk and Krakow are in the "must-return" category. Looking forward to finding out!

Hannah, all 3 that we went to were wonderful for wandering. We often pick a neighbourhood with 2 or 3 spots to stop for along the way and then see how it unfolds. Exceptions to that are a museum day (ie Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace or Prague’s Castle). We did a walking tour in Prague of the Jewish area and it was a highlight of all of our European travels. My father was an architect so I am evidently prone to looking at buildings and all their details wherever I go which works well with wandering:)

Cold War History .... refined, Vienna; in your face all of the others.

At this point at the latest, nearly everyone could come to the conclusion that from a traveller view it does not make sense to de-scope and ignore Berlin in this thread. Most people would hick-up earlier, e.g. when it comes to art and museums.

For short trips with limited time, Prague as the Top Ten are all in one or two very tight areas.

For a "posh" weekend, Vienna
For a young singles weekend, Bucharest first, Prague second.

Cost. I got these daily expense numbers from BudgetYourTrip.com I doubt they are accurate enough for anything but rank ordering the cities.

1. Vienna $165
2. Bucharest $139 (oddly enough, not surprising)
3. Prague $111
4. Budapest $91
5. Sofia $65
6. Kyiv $26 (I would guess their data is pretty old for Kyiv, but during my visits two years ago, pretty close to accurate)

Hannah, for me the most difficult to just wander was probably Bucharest. Unlike the others there were more boundaries for comfort. Nice way of saying, neighborhoods I didnt want to stay in. Budapest forced me to wander when I first arrived because all of the sights were so spread out in town. I discovered the places inbetween were as nice as the places in the guide books so that worked. Second, or maybe even tied with Budapest would be Kyiv. You can wander those streets and pop in and out of cafes all day long. Everything is so different that everything is a treat. Vienna, Sofia, Prague sort of fell in the middle for me, but all very wanderable.

Here is another thought, Winter Travel.

For me they are shine in the winter. In places where winters are short and not too extreme I the population just sorts of waits it out. In places where the winters are longer and a bit more extreme, the population has been forced over time to find ways to embrace it and capatalize on it. These are all cold weather cities and I think they all do it very well. Winter is the season of high culture with music, festivals, markets, theater.

Short Days = Beautiful Lights If you have only been to one of these cities in the Summer, then going in the Winter is like visiting a new place. The difference can be remarkable.

I would much rather be in Sofia in the Winter at 32F weather than a Spanish town famous for a beach that I cant visit because its 55F.

This is Mister E's thread in which he has chosen to look at Central and Eastern Europe. I understand one poster's enthusiasm to promote Berlin, but (at least in the post Cold war era) it does not seem to me to qualify as Central or Eastern Europe.

Of the capitals listed by Mister E I have only been to Vienna, Kyiv and (very, very glancingly) Budapest, so don't feel qualified to really comment. And I was only in Kyiv for 1 1/2 days before a river cruise to Sebastapol and Odessa on one of the old long distance Soviet "cruise" ships (not a modern river vessel). If I was offered a choice between Vienna and Kyiv tomorrow (with no war happening, obviously) I would personally opt for Kyiv. Don't get me wrong I love Vienna but Kyiv is just more my personal kind of city- Mister E is way more eloquent than me in explaining why. Also being on an old Soviet vessel, entirely crewed by locals, throughout the cruise I feel I was given more authentic local food, a more authentic experience, entertainment and shore excursions than if I had been on a modern international ship.

I could certainly do a longer visit to Kyiv, but am not sure that I would ever be other than a "tourist" there- I don't think it is a place where I could "live like a local".

Edit: oops, cross-posting with isn31c! - and your river “cruise” sounds amazing! Oh, the memory that must be.

MarkK, this is interesting to me that you would classify Berlin with these 6 cities. I haven’t been yet (and intend to go with lots of time) but my initial impressions would be that Berlin has a feel more in common with Western European capitol cities. (But I do agree with the comment above that Vienna also feels - the most of the 6 - that way to me.) I may need to readjust my perceptions before I go.

Not looking to debate that here, since that would be side-tracking the discussion. It was just an interesting thought to me.

TTM, Vienna only fits, in my mind, because of geography and several hundred years of shared history with Hungary. Hard to talk about Hungary without Austria becoming a part of the conversation.

I would much rather be in Sofia in the Winter at 32F weather than a Spanish town famous for a beach that I cant visit because its 55F.

Ah, well I don't normally take beach vacations to anywhere, because I have those at home. Such as they are. In northern California, I'm usually bundled up on the beaches in long sleeve shirts, a jacket and long pants. Sunhat and sunscreen still, to be sure. The sound of the waves, the ocean breeze, the feel of the sand in your toes, the view of the ships out on the Pacific, and of course the sunsets, are magnificent. All enjoyed year round, without the heat.

But since I don't have to fly for all that, for a trip to Europe, I might also choose a crisp winter day in Sofia or Budapest or Vienna.

One nice thing about the cities on the list is that they are very well connected so sampler trips are easy. Then return to the ones that speak to you the most.

Is there one that people might think would be more attractive for a long stay?

You know, I've just reminded myself that I can find something to keep myself busy for any amount of time in any town or city. The longer I stay, the more I discover there is to do. I'd say my only criteria for that might be a variety of restaurants - which they all have - as I'll go a long time before wanting to cook.

Beautiful attitude. One place that sticks out for me was Kyiv, but still haven't had the opportunity to prove the theory.

One atmospheric feature that I feel adds to a city is a river that essentially bisects it--think Paris, Rome, Sevilla, Florence, Porto. The Vltava in Prague and the Danube in Budapest, to me, adds something really special to those cities. Yes, Vienna has the Danube but it doesn't really bisect or feature into the historic part of town.

Funny, you should say that. As I read, I am sitting on the Buda side of the Danube, enjoying the breeze and the view .. and a liter size beer and about a kilo of heavily salted grilled pig fat, bread, and onions. Margaret's Restaurant and Pub. Authentic rural Hungarian food at its heart attack is inducing best.

Reminds me, a few years back a friend was visiting. My business associate invited me to his house for a picnic. It involved sitting around a camp fire grilling pig fat on the ends of wooden sticks. Would have gone better, but my friend was Muslim.

Budapest forced me to wander when I first arrived because all of the sights were so spread out in town. I discovered the places inbetween were as nice as the places in the guide books so that worked.

Ahhh. I love this, Mister E. This speaks to something that I've sensed about Budapest as I've learned more about people's experience of the city and is, I suspect, a large part of why I feel so drawn to visit one day.

Kyiv is just more my personal kind of city- Mister E is way more eloquent than me in explaining why.

isn31c: I would love to hear your (less eloquent!) description of Kyiv!

One atmospheric feature that I feel adds to a city is a river that essentially bisects it ... The Vltava in Prague and the Danube in Budapest, to me, adds something really special to those cities.

Jules m, I think you just identified something so true, which is probably part of why I'm drawn to (the idea of) certain cities (though I'll admit the overcrowding of Prague makes it less desireable for me).

I’ve only been to the first 3 choices and I really loved all of them. But art is my continuing passion and for that reason Vienna is the clear winner. You can stand in a room full of Bruegels, not to mention the Durers, Klimt, Vermeer and on and on…… OMG the art there is amazing.
But all 3 of those cities are beautiful and elegant, and such impressive history to be awed by and appreciate.

To Lyndash,
Thanks for bringing up the art in Vienna. I visited 50 years ago, and one of my most enduring memories is of the Breugels in the Kunsthistorisches! I recall walking up a grand staircase and being greeted by Breugel! I never think about Vienna without thinking about his paiuntings. I have only visited Vienna and Prague, but Vienna tops Prague for me...the music (in spite of the many concert opportunities in Prague), the art, the Volkspark, the food and wine, the lilt in the air! So magical!

Lyndash, the reason that so many travel so many different places is that no place speaks the same to everyone. Its the beauty of travel, the search for what is relevant to you. Sort of what I was looking for here. What speaks to each. There isnt a wrong answer.

I went to Prague, Vienna and Budapest in late September, 2019 with two friends. I was most excited to visit Prague, but it didn't really grow on me until the last day there, perhaps because our visit included staying over a weekend. Also, we arrived in Prague on a bus from Nuremberg which went through some less than picturesque parts of Prague before arriving at the bus stop. I wouldn't mind going back and giving it a second chance. Vienna was nice and I enjoyed it but I don't really feel the need to revisit it. But Budapest was my favorite of the three and I would gladly return, especially since our visit was cut short by a day due to an unforeseen circumstance.

Interesting topic, Mr. E!

Mr E, which of these cities will I be more likely to be forced to eat lots of beets because between you, me and a fence post, a little bit of beets goes a long way.

I have only been to Vienna(and Berlin), but was surprised at how much I loved Vienna. The art museum, the music museum, the Sunday morning music at the Augustiner Church, the pastries. I think the sort of traveler who would enjoy it the most is one who loves museums and/or music.

which of these cities will I be more likely to be forced to eat lots of beets

In all my many years of travel, I've never once been forced to eat any specific local specialty, including beets.

Well, okay, haggis. But that's a bit of a special case.

jphbucks, good point! And that leads me to conclude that Edinburgh very definitely is not my favorite central/eastern capital city on account of haggis, like beets, being an acquired taste.

Not sure I have a lot to add from the other posts, but just having returned from Budapest Vienna and Prague I can weigh in with my opinion.

Prague was our favorite but probably because we like the medieval feel to it. Vienna is the best for museums but I didn't find it great for wandering around and just "being" as is a goal for some travelers. Budapest is the winner for having the beautiful river cutting through the city and for exploring each unique side. Prague had the Vtlava river but it just didn't figure as prominently to me in the experience of the city as Budapest.

Of the three, I see going back to Prague and Budapest.

Hannah, the crowds can't be a huge deterrent because they seem unavoidable unless you travel at an off time of year. I wouldn't avoid Prague because of fears of crowds. Go for it!

For a quick visit...I'd say Prague because you get that old town feel even in one day.

I agree, I found Prague fascinating, and of the 3, it's the best because so much is in a compact area if time is short. But I am a bit claustrophobic so I will save my return for the off season.

Is there one that people might think would be more attractive for a long stay?

I asked this because I think I want to take a month someplace. My city list is good because i have to run home for a few days, in most cases it's 30 euro and an hour flight.

My impressions are imperfect because I haven't spent enough time in any to know what I'm talking about. The only that I know I could do it in is Kyiv, and that's problematic right now.

Of the others I my perception is certainly dictated by not knowing the neighborhoods and I think that's the key.

I'm more convinced about my list for this after reading other posts where people were looking for similar and being warned they would never be accepted by the locals ... for Sofia, Bucharest, Kyiv I am not worried about that .... well dependent on the definition of "accepted". Prague and Vienna, I just dont know. Budapest? I am sort of living it and it works for me.

If one or more works I have some new places to spend time.

Hoping someone here has some experience that might be relevant.

Sarajevo.

So report me for not choosing one from your list. Ha!

You know I love Sarajevo. Some of the nicest people I have ever met and beyond fascinating. That's one that will have to go into the "if I knew more" lists. And there is no direct flight.

Here are my thoughts....
Prague - Loved it. Old Town, medieval, very walkable. Was it crowded? Yes, but easy to stroll right through the crowd and still find yourself in the midst of beauty.

Vienna - Was not a fan. Perhaps because when we arrived, it was very hot and the cc machine "suddenly" stopped working in the taxi in route to hotel. He then insisted he had to take us to a bank to withdraw appropriate funds. All while the clock was ticking. Then we went for a pre dinner drink, and the waiter way overcharged us. Yes, we fixed it but our first day was not a good one. Hey we can do the math!!!

Budapest - Loved this city. If only we would've had Mr. E!!! Easy to get around with buses and trams. Having dinner on the Danube, listening to traditional Hungarian music. So much to see and do and not enough time. Isn't that always the case?!

Ginger, thats why I push the public transportation so hard. It opens up so much. And its not like Houston where you would travel through mile after mile of boring ......... everything inbetween the tourist sights is interesting. The biggest problem i have these days is going someplace without getting off the tram or bus six times to poke around. Come back and I'll give you the tram tour. I still love it every time.

And, because I promised to restrain my Budapest comments, I am honestly certain the same can be said for a lot of places. It really about trying to live the life a little as you travel.

This was such an enlightening post and thread. Thank you Mr É and all who contributed. This is a shining example of the best this forum has to offer: an overview and a doorway to deeper delving and more doorways…which ultimately led me to raise Budapest from a place I’d someday like to know to the top of the list. Plans are underway.

rontayca, thank you. Sometimes things click.

Okay my ratings

I win a free trip to visit one of the cities named. I have to list them in preference.
1. Kyiv
2. Sofia
3. Bucharest
4. Prague
5. Vienna
6. Budapest (why last? Cause I live here so that wouldn’t be much of a prize, otherwise it would be first)
Most beautiful: Budapest, second Prague, third Vienna
Easiest to Live Like A Local: I have only tired it in Budapest so I cant judge. In Budapest it was very enjoyable. The other city I wanted to try it in was Kyiv, but that hasn’t happened … yet.
Best for a short stay: Prague. Its so much like Disney Land in size and organization and cost … ooops
Minimum FULL Days to hit the top ten and get a feel of the city: Sofia/Bucharest/Kyiv/Prague = 2, Vienna 3, Budapest 4.
Best Foodie Town: High End, probably Vienna, overall Budapest, third place to Kyiv.
Best Architecture Overall: For pure visual enjoyment and based on sheer quantity it has to be Budapest.
Best Architecture, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Secessionist: Vienna
Best Architecture, Bauhaus: Budapest and Vienna tie.
Best Architecture, Neo-Classical and Eclectic: Budapest
Best Architecture, Medieval: Prague usually gets the nod for this. But it’s more about how much is lacking in the other cities rather than how much exists in Prague.
Best Architecture Stalinist Classicism, Khrushchev and Brezhnev Brutalism: Kyiv gets the nod. Stalinist Classicism is a very interesting style and is a sort of Soviet Eclecticism. Some of the Brutalist buildings are also fascinating.
Best Architecture, Eastern Orthodox – Constantinople Revival: Sofia wins. If you are burned out on touring European churches, then go east. It’s a whole new and fascinating world. Like learning history all over again.
Best for Opera and Classical Music, technical: Vienna (to technically famous that people come from all over the world to enjoy what most often they have no understanding of.)
Best for Opera and Classical Music, cultural: Budapest (still local venues where the tourists are not in the majority)
Best for Theater: I could be wrong, but I will say Budapest.
Best for Jazz: Again, this may be my lack of knowledge of other places, but Budapest is full of Jazz venues. They love jazz here, so I will say Budapest.
Best for Modern Music: Kyiv. The city has a great music scene.

I've not been ignoring this, re Lyndash up thread, just too busy for reflection threads like this.
An interesting comparison in the previous post.

I have to admit I have never been to the Opera anywhere. No real reason, just haven't.
And I only did Jazz in Hong Kong, where it and theatre was dirt cheap, and very accessible.

If I could be greedy on this list I would choose as my prize an overland rail (mostly) trip from the UK to Prague (in the heritage luxury car on the European sleeper), then Budapest, Bucharest (by sleeper), Istanbul (by sleeper), Greece (by bus/ferry?), Sofia (by sleeper) on my way home through the Balkans.

Kyiv would, when circumstances allow, be its own overland trip as a prize, probably out through Poland and return through Moscow then Finland, Sweden via the Arctic train and then the Baltic countries before bouncing back to Denmark by ferry for return through Amsterdam. That would be a true oddysey.

Also enjoyed this thread, but haven’t been to any of these cities (yet)!! 2026 we will be spending 87 days in Europe and will have at least a week in Berlin, Prague, Vienna (2 weeks) and Budapest (13 days). Yes, my itinerary is mostly planned. Can’t wait!

I have visited Prague, Warsaw, and Budapest and driven through but haven't stopped at Ljubljana. Our big eastern Europe trip was postponed, so we have been hitting them mostly piecemeal (though I had been to Prague several times).

Favorite? Can't pick. They are too different. But I loved them all! All very much underrated.

We LOVED the old town of Prague. Budapest is so varied, but the gardens, the baths, the ease of use, the river and the layers of history all appealed! Ljubljana is a clean, fresh mountain town. Warsaw is a place where history is omnipresent, with all its weight juxtaposing with its magnificently rebuilt (albeit at the expense of other Polish cities) central old town.

I felt like I got the best sense of living like a local in Prague, but that's because I was visiting a local on my first two visits. Hardly fair. The place where I got the best sense of what living like a local might be like while being a tourist was Budapest--everything felt so seamlessly integrated as soon as one left Castle Hill.

Loved the Czech beer (and the beer prices) and the Hungarian food the best. The most powerful museum was the exhibition of art created in the Warsaw Ghetto, often from charcoal.

I've been following along since I haven't been to any of these places, but I have a quick question. Do most/many of the locals in these cities speak English like they do in Western Europe? I am so bad with languages. So bad. I always practice a few basic phrases/words (hello, goodbye, thank you etc.), but for some reason I often panic and draw a blank. Thankfully, most people I guess see the look on my face and rescue me with a polite greeting in English or their native language and I can then respond. Would I likely have a similar experience further east?

For me this is about as easy as it could be, Vienna hands down.
There is something there for everyone. Food, drink, culture, art, fun, history, architecture, transportation, mystique, it has it all. Stay a day, a week, a month, there is never a shortage of things to do. The deeper you dig, the more you will find.
And, having experience with the ugliness of Soviet era Berlin, it does not have the Eastern European and empty feel that Budapest still carries.
Prague would come ahead of Budapest on my list.
I counted 19 posts from the OP....wow.

Mack, you noticed I have been pretty quiet on this thread.

KRS, sorry, missed your post.

Yes, you will hear English as much in the tourist zones of Prague and Vienna and Budapest as you will in any Western European city.

English is a required school language in Hungary so most people under 40 will have some ability, most a very good ability. I live here and speak about 20 words of Hungarian and I function just fine.

Bucharest, not as much as in the west, but not terrible either. Sofia not so much; Kyiv, not so much;

The key is to smile, laugh and enjoy the challenge. Most often they will if you will.

And this was unexpected and interesting https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/12/05/where-in-europe-speaks-the-best-english-and-where-will-anglophones-struggle