If you had only two or three days, which would you visit - Budapest, Bratislava or Cesky Krumlov - and why? We love old world architecture, medieval castles, cathedrals, etc. The only eastern European city we've been to so far is Prague and we absolutely loved it. Also, we love the Friedrichsbad spa in Baden Baden and would to find another comparable. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks for your assistance.
Posted by
Clinton, Washington
83 posts
Karen, Having been to Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna and Budapest last summer, I loved Budapest the best!Budapest appeared more beautiful, more spectacular more impressive! and it is a UNESCO Heritage site. The view from Gellert-hill, and Fishermen's Bastion overlooking the Danube and surrounding city was so breathtaking and overwhelming, more so than the view of Prague from the castle. Do take the Budapest Circle Sightseeing Hop On, Hop Off bus tour,at the Erzsebet Square at the Metro Station (Deak Square). The package includes an hour free boat tour, and this tour is also just so impressive, take it just before the sunsets as the views are so beautiful, also 60% off to the Thermal Baths.
Cesky Krumlov is a small cute town, but very crowded with tourists.You can see everything in a day. But old world architecture, medieval castles, catheldrals, etc would be Budapest.
Good luck!
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
We have visited and loved all of these in their own way but if I could pick only one it would have to be Budapest. You can easily fill three days. If you have an interest in music be sure to check the opera.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
I have to agree, Budapest is AMAZING. I was there for three days this past summer, and honestly did not think that I could easily fill three days. I WAS WRONG! There is so much to see and do, you will have no problem doing three days.
Rick's book is fabulous and very accurate- his walking tours really great.
One word though- it is not a medieval city, so no city walls, no medieval castles. Most of the place was built in the 1800's. There is Castle Hill which has the Royal Palace and other sights, but that is basically all old stuff!
The baths are great. I did Gellert, but think in retrospect I would do Széchényi in City Park. Gellert was nice, but I believe that Széchényi has more to do, plus the wave pool and outdoor pools at Gellert will be closed when you are there, but Széchényi has heated outdoors.
Go up to Fisherman's Bastian at sunset, it is magical looking over the Danube and the Parliament building, plus it is free!
I really would go back in a heartbeat. My parents have done Prague and said it was nice, but Budapest was way more interesting, less crowded and far cheaper, in their opinon.
Posted by
Seattle, USA
990 posts
Bratislava is worth a day, not much more. Same for Cesky Krumlov. But Budapest is worth a week if you had it. I consider it worth the same amount of time I would allocate to a first trip to Rome or Vienna. I spent five days there two summers ago and barely scratched the surface.
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
290 posts
Amen to Budapest. A great place to visit even for two or three days, more if you can swing it.
Posted by
Denver, CO, US
111 posts
I echo everyone's comments and recommend Budapest. You will leave wishing you'd had more time, but it is too wonderful to pass up. Budapest reminds me so much of an Eastern Paris, so yes while there is less "old and medieval" architecture, there is a still a lot of beautiful and interesting architecture - all the major styles are represented. There are also a lot of cultural opportunities - a beautiful opera house, several good art museums; and of course, the baths - there are so many and you can get spa treatments at most of them. Bratislava has a quaint old town, but I think you'd get bored after a day or so. I haven't been to Cesky Krumlov, so I can't speak for it, but hopefully by now you've been convinced to try Budapest...