Prague, Budapest, Vienna

Bratislava is to Vienna like Sacrimento is to San Francisco. You don't want to spend 4 days in Sacremento. We did Vienna-Budapest-Croatia last summer. We spent 4 days in Vienna, 5 in Budapest, and 1 afternoon in Bratislava. Very nice, very small town. I'd use Rick's book to find inexpensive pensions - we used Pension Hargita, and it was very nice although the entryway into the pension is a 30 step staircase which might be a bit much for an older person.

Prague, at least 4 days. Terezin is a good day trip, about an hour's bus ride, so one more day for that. I loved Vienna. I was there for 3 days and wished I'd had at least one more day. It is very different from Prague and Budapest. I met folks who had also spent a couple of days at Brno and recommended it. It is also on the train line from Prague to Budapest. Budapest, at least 4-5 days. There is much to see and do. Hungary has excellent wines and good food. You can spend a day at the spa too. There are some very interesting museums. The Post Office museum was a gem - small, but suprisingly interesting. In Budapest, I stayed at the Mercure Museum Hotel (there is another Mercure). It was reasonably priced, well-located, great breakfast, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the room, though small, had all the amenities. They also have a spa, which I never had time to visit.

I haven't been to Bratislave but have visited the other 3 cities. You would (IMHO) have a super time just seeing Prague, Budapest and Vienna. Keep in mind, there are several wonderful day trips to be done if you wish, like Kutna Hora from Prague or a Wachau cruise from Vienna. Each of the 3 cities has a slightly different flavor and all were a blast. If it were me, (assuming I flew into Prague and out of Vienna, and the 14 days included the day I arrive and the day I left) it would be 6 days in Prague (arrival day and a couple of days for day trips), 3 in Budapest and 5 in Vienna (departure day and at least 1 day trip.) You'll have a super time no matter what you choose.

Several suggestions about Budapest: 1) Spend at least a morning and lunch at the Central Market. Just wonderful - such variety of food and goods. 2) Very close to the market there is a very nice small tea shop, Lord Wellington Tea. We had tea there - a great variety of fine tea. 3) If you like opera, the Budapest Opera is a very reasonable value. 4) We went to Eger. A nice day drive away from the city. 5) The Museum of Terror is DO NOT MISS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. We were there on the VERY DAY of the 20th anniversary of the Soviet pullout in 1991. WOW! 6) We enjoyed the Commie-theme pizza restaurant Marxim, near the base of Castle Hill on the Buda side.

+1 for a trip to Eger and the House of Terror.

Budapest - St. Istvan. Instead of walking through the basilica with the crowds, buy tickets to an evening concert (not expensive). Second class seating is right in the center of the nave. You can enjoy the beauty of the church, well-lit, while listening to the music. Come early for the best seating and bring your camera. You can walk around a bit and take photos before the concert begins.

I wouldn't miss Vienna. Spent a week there and still didn't see it all. Liked it way better than Budapest. Love Prague. Great place to stay in Vienna is Pension Sacher.

I haven't been to Bratislava either. Vienna, though geographically between Prague and Budapest, feels like Western Europe. I loved it. In Prague and Budapest, you know you not in the West. I also liked Prague more than Budapest, but quite possibly because I had clouds and rain in Budapest and warm sunny days in Prague. With 2 weeks you have time to see 4 cities. Read a couple of guide books, and take a look at Frommer's destination guides online to get an idea of what there is to see, then allocate your time according to your interests.

I would agree with pretty much everyone, especially LaRae. While Budapest deserves 3-5 days, Vienna deserves at least that much time if not more. I do have to acknowledge that I have only visited Budapest once, I am much more accustomed to the Austrian way of life and foods. Having said that, I have every intention of returning to Budapest as soon as possible. Have a great time!

A truly subjective question. For context we enjoy laid back vacations and living culture much more than dead museum pieces. We are also over 45. We haven't been to Bratislava yet but we have been to Slovakia, Prague and the Czech Rep, Vienna and Budapest and Hungary. Bratislava is apparently at best a day trip. We got bored in Prague in just a few days but not with the Czech Rep. Take a side trip for a night or two in Ces ky Krumlov; vsit the castles along the way. Stunning! Vienna I guess must be seen to tick the box off, but after a couple of day we were ready to move on to Budapest. Budapest is a vibrant living culture full of wonderful people. The first trip was 10 years ago and now we return a couple of times a year and have a second home there. So yes I am biased. But the location is perfect as a hub to see some amazing lands from Moscow to the Black Sea and beyond. Quick Answer: Prague 3 nights Cesky Krumlov 1 night Vienna 4 nights including an overnight trip to Bratislava.
Budapest 5 nights including an overnighter to the lake or Eger. But i would skip Vienna and go to Romania instead. Happy Trails

The big qualifier you have given is you don't want to be running all the time to try to fit in a zillion sights. My advice is keep it simple. 14 days turn into 11 considering travel between USA and Europe as you lose 2 going and 1 coming back. You also will lose half a day moving between cities. With only 11 days I would suggest 3.5 in Prague, 3.5 in Vienna, and 3 in Budapest. With that amount of time you can leisurely see a one or two major sights each day while taking in each city's ambiance. Not sure how fit your Mom is, so you might even think of limiting to only Prague and Budapest if the above is still too hectic for her. Spliting the time between only two cities might be the pace you are looking for.

Hi and thank you all for your replies. I set up 1/2 hour with help line people as well to figure this all out. Yes it is a short trip (sigh) but lucky to do even a short trip with my mom.
Thanks again! C

Its not too short a trip. It will be a great trip. I'm sort of in favor of the leisurely trips as well and I make them work for my taste by taking my time from city to city. There is just so much in between; especially on this route. You know if you miss one museum in Budapest because you saw the Archabbey on the way it is more than worth it. There are a lot of folks that refer to Prague as the Disney Land of the east which, if you see it that way, makes it hard to soak up the culture. But I have to be honest and admit that I am biased towards places like Cesky Krumlov and Budapest; especially Budapest. So get as many opinions as you can. And if I can help any just send a PM. Happy Trails where ever they lead.

We did Prague, 3 nights, krakow, 3 nights, Budapest 3 nights and Vienna 3 nights, using night trains on first two legs. (we looped on to Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov, then back to Prague). Do Vienna by all means. One of the historic cities of the world. I like to base and do excursions by day, returning to base. I would add a little more vienna and budapest time to what I scheduled. The trip was perfect for being a little over two weeks. Happy to share a lot more. We really had no problems, were comfortable but also inexpensive.

Hi Carol, We were in Prague and Vienna last September and we loved both, for very different reasons. Prague is more manageable, less urban, very friendly and reasonably priced. We were there 3 days and could have easily made it 4. Vienna is museum heaven - the palaces and opera house are not to be missed. Much more urban, more shopping, more "upscale", yet easy to manage if you stay in the Ring. Expensive. 3-4 days in Vienna is about right. Was in Budapest back in 1991 - totally different from now, I'm sure. By the way, it's an easy train from Prague to Vienna - very comfortable. Have fun! Peter

My husband and I would like to tour these cities/countries also and also prefer not to go with group tours. How practical is it to travel independently in these countries speaking only English?

Harriett these cities are very easy to do on your own. Most people speak English in the tourist areas. Don't miss Salzburg.

Vienna? Most definitely. Bratislava - worth a day trip, esp if you can cruise down there ( or up there???) Sent you a PM also.