Italy Vs. Prague, Vienna and Budapest
Dec 30th, 2015, 10:57 PM
#1
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Italy Vs. Prague, Vienna and Budapest
I have two weeks in February to travel and I'm thinking of visiting Prague, Vienna, and Budapest or Rome, Florence and Venice. I'm interested in culture, food, and relaxing. I've looked at all the places and it's difficult to decide. I'm hoping someone here can offer some perspective on the pros and cons of each. I'm aware that it will be cold but this is when I have the most time off.
Dec 30th, 2015, 11:38 PM
#2
Sorry, but I have done the relaxing, had great food, and experienced "culture" in all six of these places. Of course they are all somewhat different and I suspect Venice remans the most expensive of the six (if that is any issue for you).
In February you shouldn't experience the usual "mob scenes" around the astrological clock in Prague or in San Marco in Venice or at the doors and snaked around the side of the building at the Duomo in Florence.
In terms of trying to "do everything"and traveling between places (in two weeks) I'd give the nod to Italy. Don't worry, somebody is gonna come here and tell you you need YEARS to see everything "in depth" in Florence alone so get ready for that one.
In February you shouldn't experience the usual "mob scenes" around the astrological clock in Prague or in San Marco in Venice or at the doors and snaked around the side of the building at the Duomo in Florence.
In terms of trying to "do everything"and traveling between places (in two weeks) I'd give the nod to Italy. Don't worry, somebody is gonna come here and tell you you need YEARS to see everything "in depth" in Florence alone so get ready for that one.
Dec 31st, 2015, 04:20 AM
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Have been to all several times and would happily return.
The weather north of the Alps will likely by colder and there is a distinct chance of snow.
Italy will still be chilly - but likely warmer than on the central european plain and IMHO probably slightly more expensive. I would only be wary of high water in Venice but don't know the dates - you would have to check.
Otherwise you can't go wrong ether way.
The weather north of the Alps will likely by colder and there is a distinct chance of snow.
Italy will still be chilly - but likely warmer than on the central european plain and IMHO probably slightly more expensive. I would only be wary of high water in Venice but don't know the dates - you would have to check.
Otherwise you can't go wrong ether way.
Dec 31st, 2015, 04:40 AM
#4
I live in Vienna, and have been to Budapest, Prague, and Florence in February. Many European schools take their "half term" holiday week in February, so there are always a few school groups and a slight uptick in tourists throughout the month everywhere (particularly warmer climes like Italy), but nothing like summer. We encountered long lines for some of the top tourist attractions in Florence (the Duomo and Brunelleschi's Dome included, though probably not of the same scale as in summer); there is always a crowd around the astronomical clock in Prague as the hour draws near that dissipates quickly; and Karlovy Most (Charles Bridge) only seems to be quiet in the early morning hours no matter when we have visited. Winter crowds in Budapest are reduced compared to the warmer months. Here in Vienna the crowds are likewise reduced, mostly being school groups and families touring.
Your two itineraries are equally compelling. Perhaps because I live in Vienna I am more partial to the beauty of Central Europe in the winter months. With Prague/Vienna/Budapest you can rely on hearty Central European fare to keep you warm; and can generally rely on gray and cold days, for which there are no shortages of cafes and museums to escape into.
Good Luck! What a delightful problem to have!
Your two itineraries are equally compelling. Perhaps because I live in Vienna I am more partial to the beauty of Central Europe in the winter months. With Prague/Vienna/Budapest you can rely on hearty Central European fare to keep you warm; and can generally rely on gray and cold days, for which there are no shortages of cafes and museums to escape into.
Good Luck! What a delightful problem to have!
Dec 31st, 2015, 04:08 PM
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I agree that you are facing two wonderful options!
One thing you might consider: As a lover of art, I wanted 5 full days in Florence and was left longing for more. I read any number of posts from people who thought it worth a day trip. So, depending on YOUR interests, these itineraries could be very different experiences.
Hope that helps!
One thing you might consider: As a lover of art, I wanted 5 full days in Florence and was left longing for more. I read any number of posts from people who thought it worth a day trip. So, depending on YOUR interests, these itineraries could be very different experiences.
Hope that helps!
Jan 2nd, 2016, 03:36 AM
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Thank you all for your wonderful advice. In the end I went with Italy because it had the most sites I'm interested in visiting. I've narrowed it down to Rome, Tuscany (Florence, Pisa), Bologna, and Milan. Please feel free to offer any itinerary suggestions.
