I'm going to Prague, Vienna & Budapest in early May. I arrive in Prague on Wednesday and plan to spend 3 nights there, leaving on Saturday morning for Cesky Krumlov where I would stay one night then travel to Vienna (all travel currently planned to be by bus or train). So, the decision. If I go to Vienna on Sunday I will arrive after the Vienna Boys' Choir service at the Imperial Music Chapel and the service at St. Augustinian. I have experienced some pretty amazing musical services in other countries, so it would not be a first time. However, I've also been to Rothenberg, Germany which I understand is similar to Cesky Krumlov. Which is the better unique experience from your vantage point - Sunday in Vienna or a day in Cesky Krumlov?
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Well, the two places are so opposite from one another that each would be a different experience. I happen to love wandering around smaller towns so for me I would stay in Cesky Krumlov... but, if you enjoy big cities and more tourist sights then it would probably be Vienna. But, if you are going all the way to CK I would at least spend 2 nights, otherwise you just barely get there and you have to leave.
Posted by
Raleigh, NC, USA/Austria
12 posts
I have never been to Cesky Krumlov---but I suppose it depends on what you are looking for. Would you stay Sunday night in Vienna, and then depart Monday morning? Although much is closed in Vienna on a Sunday (like many places in Europe) you could still enjoy a lovely afternoon. The Peterskirche, a beautiful Baroque church just off the Graben has free organ concerts at 8 PM on Sundays if you are looking for some evening entertainment.http://www.peterskirche.at/musik/muisk.htm I would also recommend seeing what is going on at the Musikverein and the Staatsoper for Sunday evening. The Stehplätz line at the Staatsoper is usually slightly less crowded on Sunday evenings, and is a nice area to walk. If I had only one afternoon in Vienna and the weather was good, I'd arrive, wander around the Innerstadt, see the Stephansdom, Hofburg Complex (go inside if you want or have time, or check out the Albertina if you love Impressionism, or Kunsthistorches museum if you have more time--they have a much more comprehensive collection), enjoy a piece of cake and coffee at the Palmenhaus, and perhaps do Rick's ring tour and Innerstadt walking tour. After that you could try to catch a performance. The Innerstadt is fairly easy to figure out, and nothing beats a blue sky and taking in the beautiful architecture. :) Have fun and good luck deciding!
-Meg http://www.palmenhaus.at/
Posted by
columbus, oh, usa
6 posts
We were in Cesky Krumlov last June and I would recommend staying there. It is delightful and a break from other big city sightseeing. We also came from Prague via bus and went on to Vienna via the minivan recommended in Rick's guide book. That was the deal of the trip! Check it out. Not only did it save us time but the back road travel until we got to Linz enabled us to see more of Bohemia. Cesky is so walkable and just sitting and watching the boats go down the river was relaxing and a connection with nature. Regardess of what you decide, have a wonderful trip.