Salzburg or Budapest?

Munich is the 2nd busiest airport in Germany and the busiest airport in that area. There are flights from Munich to many U.S. cities.

Yes, I did more checking and there are good flights out of Munich, but my biggest question is Budapest or more Austria? Thanks again.

As I'm sure you know, Salzburg and Budapest are entirely different - Budapest is large, busy, congested, while Salzburg is small and compact. There are more things to see in Budapest, thus taking more time to cover. It really depends on what you want to see and what kind of city appeals to you. We spent three days in Budapest and didn't see all the things we could have. You can see the Salzburg "highlights" in a day or day and a half. Since you will be spending 2 or 3 nights in Vienna (a large city), you might consider a smaller place like Salzburg and its surrounds - the alpine areas close by are indeed beautiful.

hmmmm, tough call. As someone who has been to both Salzburg and Budapest, if I HAD to choose....I'd PROB choose Salzburg. The post above re: them being VERY different is spot-on. I loved Budapest; SUCH an interesting, historic city. Taking the funicular up to the Fisherman's Bastian and taking in the view of the entire city; a memory I'll never forget. But that said, it IS much more of a big city experience compared to small, picturesque Salzburg. Salzburg is just a 100% enjoyable place. You'll have a smile on your face walking around that charming city. And it's a nice contrast to Vienna (a spectacular city, btw; one I could return to over and over again....). And as the post above says, the highlites of Salzburg CAN be done in a day. With more time, as we had, you can do Salzburg and the absolutely gorgeous lakes district outside of Salzburg (the Salzkammergut; spectacular), including Halstatt (which is, no exageration, something out of a post-card). And Lee above is so spot-on re: the Munich airport; SO easy to access from Salzburg by train (just look at the map and you'll see JUST how close Munich is to Salzburg). BUT, fact is, you can't go wrong with either city; both are amongst Europe's great destinations (IMHO!)....just in different ways.

Salzburg is one of my favorite places. A night view of the old city (from one of the walking bridges upstream) is on a par with St. Mark's square in Venice for sheer beauty. A couple of days in Salzburg is also plenty, so you can add extra time to Vienna (where 2 or 3 nights won't be enough). If it were me, I'd save Budapest for another visit.

Make sure you like mozart if you go to Salzburg .... Personally, Budapest.

I agree with the previous posters... very tough call! I love both. Salzburg: no more than 2 nights - add the extra to Vienna or go to Hallstatt. Munich is about an hour away by fast train. Rec: Haus Am Moos B&B. Consider that if you like your Austrian bike trip in this region. Salzburg can easily be combined on a future trip with Germany, as it is so close. Budapest: all 4 nights available. Lots to see & do. Stand alone type of add-on - as you are less likely to return to this area.

If you like beer its Salzburg hands down. You can burn off those calories off on your bike trips which I engage in every year in Europe for a few weeks.

We just returned from Salzburg. One day there is plenty, but there are some wonderful places for day trips around the city. The lake district including Halstatt, Eagle's Nest, Salt Mine tour in Berchtesdaden, etc. If you like Mozart, the dinner/concert in St. Peter's Abbey is kinda fun. We had a wonderful British tour guide, but I'm not sure if it's allowable to make a specific recommendation on this site. She wis British and it was like having Mary Poppins and Maria taking us on the Sound of Music Tour.

Just noticed a tour guide recommendation on another post, so I guess it's OK. Here's mine for Salzburg area: Trudy Rollo. Google her web site.

Just noticed a tour guide recommendation on another post, so I guess it's OK. Here's mine for Salzburg area: Trudy Rollo. Google her web site.