glen

I need help. I'm 25 and planning a trip to Prague and Berlin in October. I'm trying to decide whether to go to Vienna or Budapest from Prague or whether other cities in Germany would be more interesting. I will be travelling for three weeks, one of which I plan to spend in Prague and a few days in Berlin and probably Munich. I'm looking for some sort of night life, but and interested in architecture and culture. I will also be travelling on a limited budget. Please help <BR> <BR>thanks

Tony

No contest....Vienna.

wolfgang

I second Tony! If you enjoy architecture, don't miss the beautiful, baroque city of Vienna. Plenty of night time activities, and perhaps a bit safer at night than in Budapest (?) I've always been cautioned not to be out and around at night in Budapest, but not sure why. <BR> <BR>Germany is lovely too, but Vienna is the Hapsburg jewel, don't miss it.

Hyalker

Hey Glen: I'm slightly biased since I lived between Budapest and Prague for two years. Vienna is quite lovely and probably far more polished than Budapest and the parts of Prague you will see but the sights are also quite nice in Budapest. The nightlife is great but you do need to be more wary in some places in the tourist area trying to rip people off vs. Vienna. I find the Hungarians far more friendly and warm and the cuisine is wonderful. The other main thing to note maybe is that by U.S. standards, Prague and Budapest are quite cheap, especially if you stray outside the tourist areas. Vienna is quite expensive. However, Vienna and Budapest are just 3 hours away from each other by car. If you need any suggestions in Prague/Budapest feel free to e-mail me.

Art

I think that Budapest is the most beautiful city that I've ever been to. It does have a lot of restoration to do from the war and the Reds where as Vienna buildings are in better shape. Vienna has beautiful gardens and a lot to see but my choice is Budapest. As stated above it's only about 3 hours between them so depending on your time you might get a flovor of both. In Budapest I stayed in a private flat with a Retired Chemist and his wife for $40 per night inc wonderful breakfasts. If you want more info on that e-mail me. <BR>Art <BR> <BR>

Mary Ann

You may be able to do both cities due to the distance between. As stated above Vienna is a very expensive city. You did not say your mode of transportation, night life is probably more in Vienna. Architecture may be equal in both. Just cruising the Danube in Budapest shows the diversity of the structures along the danube (the nighttime cruise is wonderful with the buildings lighted, the cruise operator also has closed circuit tv to augment the discussion using ear phones in your language). Then again Schoenbrun is fantastic in the outskirts of Vienna. I suggest you check out some travel books, such as Rick Steves for Vienna and others which might help you figure out which/or both is best for you and your budget.

John

Both interesting but Vienna has the edge.

dan woodlief

It is a close one. Vienna is one of my favorite cities in Europe, but Budapest is also way up there. Given your other plans, I think you might be able to squeeze in both. I would pick Vienna for architecture easily, and it has an edge for history as well. Budapest would provide more of a cultural difference to the other places you are going. Whatever you decide, allow at least 2 days for Vienna (preferably 3-4) and 3 days for Budapest (4 would be even better). I enjoyed Munich too, but for the most part, I preferred Vienna for the number of sights and the overall beauty of the city.