Our family of 5 are heading to Europe for a winter experience. I expect we wont be back in winter but are sure to be back when the weather is warm at some stage. We are going to Prague, Berlin, Krakow and Moscow. We have a further 5 days and I am trying to decide between Budapest and Fussen (for romantic German town/Ludwigs Palaces/European ski experience. The travel connections for both can be sorted - the question is around, given a winter experience which would be better - and is Budapest going to be better to visit in summer. Any opinions would be great. Cheers
Louise
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17903 posts
Louise, you know I am biased and I know that the decision is a choice of personal preference. So this is just some random information on Budapest in the winter. We have spent a couple of Christmas holidays in Budapest and it has been some of my favorite time there. Other than the obvious Christmas markets, ice flows on the Danube and snow covered streets and buildings he events of the city mostly move inside. this is when the ice capade type shows, opera, orchestra, opperet, etc are at their best. The Hungarians value their children and there are some pretty nice shows and events for them as well. As this is off season the place is cheap which means money for the best restaurants in town. Restaurants with gypsy music, belly dancing if your heart desires. Everything will be open but fewer tourists. I think i sent you a link to some winter photos? There are/were(?) direct flights to and from Moscow. You might also consider the Kempenski Hotel in the High Tatra Mountains of Slovakia for a night or two. They will send a car to Krakow to pick you up and they can also take you into Budapest if you want. Excellent in the winter and a decent ski destination. Looks like your choice is a city or nature. I don't think you will go wrong either way.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17903 posts
Proof that no two people are alike. We had a wonderful time in Moscow January before last. One of those really special trips. As for the grit of Budapest, yup, you can find it. One of the best things I did this year was a guided trip to District VIII the absolute center of the grit. Another special day.
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3044 posts
Das is aber schade das ein Deutsches Herr sagen so vie Budapest, ein Schones Stadt.
Posted by
OP
Wellington, New Zealand
25 posts
Thanks for the help. We are now thinking definately Budapest but maybe instead of Krakow we will go somewhere cute. Germany, Switzerland or Austria - snow covered villages, seeing a ski resort (and maybe skiing or maybe not). Now trying to work out where....
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17903 posts
I'm not sure what your interests are or the intensity that you are looking for but the Banska towns in Slovakia are very interesting, pretty and authentic and without a lot of tourists. You would have to either rent a car, or a car and driver to reach them (about 2.5 hours from Budapest); both reasonably priced. Another thing you might do is google "castle hotels of europe" there are all sorts of nice old mansions in the rural areas of Hungary, Germany and Austria that could be great for a few nights.