Budapest-Krakow itinerary input please

Sunday, 26 November
Arrive Budapest about noon. Taxi from airport to accommodations in District VI
Walk the length of Andrassy ut to Heroes’ Square. Architecture is beautiful so you want to do that before dark at about 4pm. M1 metro back down Andrassy ut to where you started (probably around the Opera). Then walk to Danube River. Lights are spectacular along the way and across the river. Between Andrassy ut and the River is the Fashion Street/Deák Ferenc Street and Vorosmarty ter Christmas Markets. Stop and shop on the way. Dinner in a restaurant on the river. Then back to Vorosmarty ter where the M1 can take you home.

Monday, 27 November
Breakfast at one of my favorite places, then take the 4/6 tram across the river and tram down to the Funicular to the Castle District. Great scenic rides. Join in on a “Free” walking tour. Lunch in the castle district. Funicular down and Tram to Várkert Bazár and poke about the shops and 1914 -1922 Exhibition. Back to Pest on the tram (time to return to the hotel and rest) and then walk through the Erzsébet tér Christmas market on the way to a traditional Hungarian dinner with a gypsy band followed by a nice wine bar.

Tuesday, 28 November
Breakfast at one of my favorite places. Morning tour of the Parliament, Tram to Great Market Hall, Tram to Hungarian National Museum and Great Synagogue. All on the 47/49 and 2 tram lines. Walk to the Christmas Market at the Basilica.
Georgian for Dinner followed by a basement pub with gypsy music on a District VI back street.

Wednesday, 29 November
Breakfast at one of my favorite places. “Free” tour of Jewish Ghetto. Then soak at a Bathhouse. Then revisit the Christmas Markets and this time spend money. Instead of the Bathhouse there are plenty of museums. Some outside like the Rail Road museum chock full of old running stock and engines.
Very special dinner and very special bar for your last night, maybe the Opera or the Operett?

Thursday, 30 November
to Vienna after lunch

Friday, 1 December in Vienna

Saturday 2 December in Vienna

Sunday, 3 December Ryan Air non-stop to Krakow

Monday, 4 December Krakow

Tuesday, 5 December Krakow

Wednesday, 6 December Fly home.

You're cutting it a bit close with less than a month out to plan but imo:

I'd take the early morning flight to Warsaw, stay 2 nights in Warsaw, which has some of the best museums in Poland. Then spend the last 4 nights in Krakow. If you are interested in Christmas Markets know that they are also a thing in Poland too. In fact, Krakow has one of the largest Christmas Markets in Europe, held on the Rynek Glowny, the largest medieval town square in Europe. You can read more about it here - https://www.inyourpocket.com/krakow/krakow-christmas-fair-on-the-market-square_3364e

You have only nine full days. There is lots to see in both Budapest and Krakow. Days will be very short, and it's likely to be pretty cold early in the morning, especially in Poland, which makes me loath to leave my hotel early--hope you're different.

I'm very much a slow traveler and would be inclined to spend all the time in Budapest and Krakow (with more time in Budapest), but Warsaw isn't a crazy idea. I just struggle with the thought of only a couple of days there, because it has so many sights, some of them quite time-consuming. I'm thinking especially of the Warsaw Rising Museum and POLIN, but there's much more.

There is much more to see in Poland (starting with Gdansk in the north), so I'd give some thought to future travel plans. Finishing up everything of interest to you in Krakow would be a good idea if you foresee just one additional trip to Poland, which would probably have a northern focus. Getting back to Warsaw will be easier than getting back to Krakow.

Wow! This forum does not disappoint!! Thank you for the great suggestions from each of you!
Mr E, your itinerary looks like a blast.
I agree, last minute & not nearly enough time, but what we can do right now (& leave all the kids with grandma, this time).
We hadn't thought to cut so much Poland time, only because we assume it's more likely we'll get back to Budapest first.
Very torn...Vienna at Christmas, obviously, but as long as we're in Poland, is 2 days enough to get a good feel of Krakow? Any thoughts on side trips from there in the winter, or save till a warmer trip?

Thanks again for the invaluable advice!

Part of the reason for Vienna is it stages you for the best way on to Krakow. Take a day off Vienna if you want more time in Krakow and then think of the Vienna stay ad a sampler stop. You can return if you want.

Truthfully, I would go with 2 nights (1 day) in Vienna, followed by Krakow - mostly because the thought of only 1 full day in Warsaw breaks my brain. Some people feel that way about Vienna (just not me).

Like acraven, I would probably choose to split time between Budapest and Krakow. I love these cities - and haven’t even been there for Christmas markets yet.

Another thought is to fly Budapest to Krakow on Dec. 1. There’s no direct flight, but there are a couple of inexpensive options with one change. I have done this and it’s not at all onerous (if you happen to be flying United coalition, they have an interesting option where that leg is free). The train from the Krakow airport to the city center is easy and inexpensive. That gives you 5 nights in each city.

TTM, you know I'm not a big fan if Vienna but I try to be open minded and it seems a shame to be so close and not to find out for yourself. Even a day. Some, a few (LOL) actually like it. But if you love Budapest, then I suspect Poland will be more your cup of tea.

True about Vienna, Mister É. I didn’t say it well, but my main point was I would choose a short stay in Vienna over a short stay in Warsaw, simply because Warsaw has much more that is interesting to me - and is more spread out.

Then I just wanted to mention it’s not hard to fly on to Krakow without stopping to stay in Warsaw - so an additional option.

But then, I love Budapest and Krakow…..and I tend to not come away with a good feeling about many cities where I rush through. Probably just me.

Very helpful comments as we will travel to Warsaw and Krakow in 2025 for first time.
BUT we have been to Christmas markets - make sure to see some (probably doesn't matter which country) at night! Magical! Daytime doesn't do them justice.

Sorry I'm so slow to respond, but really appreciate all the input! We decided to spend Sun-Wed in Budapest, likely following most of MrE's. itinerary. Sometimes Thurs am, train to Vienna, then hostel near train station. Will spend Fri in Vienna before night train to Krakow for our remaining days.
We agree with others here that Warsaw sounds incredible, but more likely we'll be back through there.
Thanks for the help!!

Sounds like a great trip and your reasoning certainly makes sense! Glad you popped back in to share the verdict. Lol.