Barcelona vs Budapest with a Bad knee

I have not been to Budapest, but I think you can definitely fill 7 days in Barcelona, there are also plenty of great day trips (Girona, Montserrat, Tarragona etc.) too.

The main tourist area of Barcelona, the Ciutat Vella, is fairly level with only a slight incline in some areas. We also have a great public transport and taxi system that could help you out too.

There is plenty to do in each city, but I think there’s more to do in Barcelona. If I remember correctly, both cities have fairly level historic centers, but there are places in each that are up on hills. I was only in Budapest for a day and would like to return to see the places I didn’t get a chance to see. Vienna also had a level historic center. I think 2 days in Vienna would be sufficient to see the main sights. If you get to Vienna, visit Demel. I wasn’t fond of the Sacher torte, but I liked the cafe and it had a nice pastry assortment.

I didn't have a wobbly knee, but thought the central part of Barcelona where most sights are is fairly flat. The obvious exceptions are the tourist sights at Park Guell and up Montjuïc. I'm not sure how close a taxi/bus would get you to the former, but it's a steep walk from the town (only partly helped by escalators). For the latter there is transport to the area where the museums are (and again via cable car to the fort), and it's reasonably flat when there, but not entirely so as you are on a hill. Walking back down via the steps in front of MNAC would be steep for you (but there might be escalators here too, I don't recall).

For Budapest it's also fairly flat on the Pest side. But the main Buda sights are on top of a hill. However we used a bus to get us up there, and once on top it's mostly flat - and great views and attractions.

In both cities, the underground rail systems involved walking and some stairs, so using buses/trams might be better.

Neither city has 7 days worth of varied, big sights if you're like intense tourism - they are hardly London or Paris after all. But there are day-trips and you could just spend time relaxing in cafes and parks in both. We are very lazy tourists and were happy with 5 nights in Budapest (one day trip) and, on a first visit, 4 nights in Barcelona (no day trips). Though we've been back to the latter and done some good day-trips.

Hi
Budapest has the 'Buda Hills'. Pest is flat. It is a floid plain. But a bus will take you up to ehat there is to see in Buda.

Barcelona is mostly flat where tourists tred.

Buda has its city baths. THE CITY BATH. You can soak for a while to rehab your knee. Highly recommend, the City Bath.

Wayne, been to both, love Budapesr

Thank you all! We have decided on Barcelona and will take a couple of days in Madrid too. I will be taking my two daughters and they have both travelled extensively so we decided to go where none of us had been. I appreciate the input.

Another question -- Where are the best beaches near Barcelona? Any hotels that you recommend near the beach?

Thanks again for all the input!

Regarding beaches, of course there are the popular touristy ones like La Barceloneta beach, that are closest to medieval old town.

However, I feel like the better beaches are located outside of city. One is called Platja del Garraf, which is just a short 30 min train ride south of Barcelona. You will find only locals at this beach. There are also many good places to eat nearby. La Cúpula is one such place, it has commanding views of the Mediterranean and a pretty good Fideuà, which is like a Paella but with short noodles instead of rice.

Another beach town is called Tossa de Mar, its located 100 km north of Barcelona on the Costa Brava. It takes about 1:20 hr to get there by Sarfa bus. While Tossa has this idyllic medieval Mediterranean setting, it can get quite packed during the summer.

P.S. You may want to post your beach question as a separate question, you will get more responses that way :)