Have decided to take wife and 13 yo daughter to Vienna at least just before Christmas, and want to experience New Year's eve there. After having read The Historian, am thinking a side trip to Budapest might be worthwhile. I have learnt on Rick's site that lots of places in Europe close around Christmas. So, does anyone have input on Which city would have more to do from Dec 23-31? Is Budapest worth going to? Also, would one fly directly to Vienna, or are there cheaper cities to fly to and then bus/train/fly to Vienna from? Thanks much, this is the 25th anniversary gift to wife; want it to be special.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
I really enjoyed our visit to Budapest but haven't been there during the Christmas holidays. It's worth a visit! Since you want to be in Vienna for New Years Eve, you could fly into Budapest and spend a few days there. If you do a "google" search you find details about their Christmas market--it sounds fun! Then, take the train (less than 4 hours) to Vienna and spend a few days there. Fly home from Vienna. Do a "Multi-City" search on a site like Kayak.com to check airfares going into one city and home from another.
It sounds like a nice holiday--congratulations on your 25th Anniversary!
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati
3 posts
Thank you, this would be flying from Cincinnati--or Dayton, etc., if that turned out to be cheaper...
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15584 posts
Friends of mine went to Budapest over Xmas last year. They were unhappily surprised. The city shuts down early in the afternoon of Xmas eve, all day Xmas and all day Boxing Day as well. They said about all they could do was window shopping and walking in the cold - no cafes open for a hot drink.
Posted by
Hamilton
84 posts
We did Bud-Vienna-Prague for 2 weeks over the holidays (in that order). We went to Bud first as their Xmas market closed earlier. Definitely try to go to Bud as you will enjoy it. We were in Vienna for 24-29 Dec. We chose to be there over Xmas as most sites/markets remained open on the holidays. The only difficult part was finding restaurants that were open, but we managed.
Based on your dates, you could consider 23-25 in Vienna, 26-29 in Bud, then back to Vienna for NY. We flew KLM into Bud and out of Prague.
Posted by
Seattle
26 posts
We also visited Prague, Budapest and Vienna (in that order) for 8 days just before Christmas a year ago. Prague was our favorite; but all three are wonderful that time of year with the Christmas markets and lights. We spent three days in Prague, then took the train to Budapest; three days in Budapest and then the bus (the train operators were on strike) to Vienna. All very easy and everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. If you're interested, I can give you some really great recommendations for centrally located, small b&b style hotels in Prague and Vienna. In Prague, don't miss a laterna magika performance. My parents live in Germany, (we started and ended our trip there via train), so I can't speak to flights.
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati
3 posts
thank you all very much for this input; going to digest and probably ask further questions!
Posted by
St Petersburg Florida
951 posts
OMG, Budapest has the best Christmas Market in Vörösmarty Square. But do does Vienna at the Rathaus. But so does Prague in the Old Town Square. (I did this last year). But really, Christmas time in Budapest was nice.
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
Sorry for the late response. If your plans are still incomplete I think it sounds like a great trip - one I would like to take. We have been to these cities but not at Christmastime. I would begin in Budapest, then to Vienna - probably by train. For your flights, check British Air. When we went they offered good prices on Newark-Heathrow-Budapest and Vienna-Heathrow-Newark. Travel during the holidays is generally more expensive. Include Budapest - a great city.