Prague - Vienna -Budapest with a child
Apr 16th, 2004, 03:46 AM
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Prague - Vienna -Budapest with a child
My wife,child and 73 and 76 year-old, though very spry inlaws are planning a 12-14 day trip to Central Europe in Spring of 2005. At that time our child will be one year-old.
My in-laws are seasoned travellers, however, they no longer can sustain extremely long shleps by foot.
We are considering Prague, Vienna and Budapest, with the possible addition of Salzburg, mostly by train and city transportation. However, we have not ruled out the possibility of renting a car.
Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences of travling with small children or older people-- or both? Does this itinerary seem plausable in this context? Any hints on these cities?
In gratitude for your reply!
My in-laws are seasoned travellers, however, they no longer can sustain extremely long shleps by foot.
We are considering Prague, Vienna and Budapest, with the possible addition of Salzburg, mostly by train and city transportation. However, we have not ruled out the possibility of renting a car.
Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences of travling with small children or older people-- or both? Does this itinerary seem plausable in this context? Any hints on these cities?
In gratitude for your reply!
Apr 16th, 2004, 04:29 AM
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Actually the physical limitations of the older & the younger will set the same problems for you.
In both Prague & Budapest taxis are very problematic in terms of you're being ripped off -- you are taking a big chance to pick one up on the street when folks get tired. In Prague that is less of a problem because if you stay near the main square in "Old Town" many of the interesting sights are very walkable.
Both cities do have decent public transport -- but there are stairs etc...
In Budapest I'd stay on the Pest side, again in the center. Distances are further there [and be sure to ride the yellow metro line -- the first subway in Europe!!] On vaci utca [the walking street] there are cafes to drop your parents if you want to do a little more walking. If you child knows and follows instructions from your inlaws that will give you a little more flexibility.
Vienna -- things are pretty well spread out -- I'd stay inside "The Ring" -- but here taxis, while expensive are very honest.
You will find that all cultures respect both age and youth. The only warning I would make is that in Budapest & Prague especially there will be people who will try to take advantage of any distraction your child gives you to try to acquire your possessions
All three are absolutely fabulous cities with plenty for kids -- in Budapest a nice "day trip" [5 min on a suburban train] -- is to Szentendre. Here there are rows of cafes for sitting and lots of charm & shopping -- and it's much less stressful than Budapest "proper"
In both Prague & Budapest taxis are very problematic in terms of you're being ripped off -- you are taking a big chance to pick one up on the street when folks get tired. In Prague that is less of a problem because if you stay near the main square in "Old Town" many of the interesting sights are very walkable.
Both cities do have decent public transport -- but there are stairs etc...
In Budapest I'd stay on the Pest side, again in the center. Distances are further there [and be sure to ride the yellow metro line -- the first subway in Europe!!] On vaci utca [the walking street] there are cafes to drop your parents if you want to do a little more walking. If you child knows and follows instructions from your inlaws that will give you a little more flexibility.
Vienna -- things are pretty well spread out -- I'd stay inside "The Ring" -- but here taxis, while expensive are very honest.
You will find that all cultures respect both age and youth. The only warning I would make is that in Budapest & Prague especially there will be people who will try to take advantage of any distraction your child gives you to try to acquire your possessions
All three are absolutely fabulous cities with plenty for kids -- in Budapest a nice "day trip" [5 min on a suburban train] -- is to Szentendre. Here there are rows of cafes for sitting and lots of charm & shopping -- and it's much less stressful than Budapest "proper"
Apr 16th, 2004, 04:33 AM
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Any of the cities you mention can be covered well with tours, which would minimize walking, but you would still spend a fair bit of time on foot going through various sites.
With 12-14 days, I'd argue generally that the time be split roughly 5 days Vienna, 4 days Budapest (optionally including an all-day "Danube Bend" tour to Visegrad, Szentendre and Estergom), 3-4 days Prague. That said, some like Prague more, and it seems to require less extensive walking that either of the other two -- or perhaps less need for public transport to get to what you "want" to see. There are numerous "threads" on each of these cities.
I wouldn't recommend renting a car.
As for travel with a 1-year old, I'd not expect anything different there than anywhere else.
With 12-14 days, I'd argue generally that the time be split roughly 5 days Vienna, 4 days Budapest (optionally including an all-day "Danube Bend" tour to Visegrad, Szentendre and Estergom), 3-4 days Prague. That said, some like Prague more, and it seems to require less extensive walking that either of the other two -- or perhaps less need for public transport to get to what you "want" to see. There are numerous "threads" on each of these cities.
I wouldn't recommend renting a car.
As for travel with a 1-year old, I'd not expect anything different there than anywhere else.
Apr 16th, 2004, 04:46 PM
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Sincere thanks for those who have already replied to my inquiry about travels to Parague, Vienna, and Budapest with child et.al... useful thoughts...I am beginning to integrate your insights. All others are very much appreciated.
Apr 17th, 2004, 08:52 AM
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I was in Vienna last weekend and in Budapest the week before, so my impressions/ info are fresh.
Public transport in both cities is very reliable - I'd even ride the Vienna subway just to marvel at how sparkling-clean and convenient it is. Surface trams are slow but a good way, at least, to tour the Ring (#1 travels clockwise #2 counter-clockwise -- or is it the reverse? No matter) You can get to Schonbrunn and to Belvedere (an overlooked gem) by public transport.
When I bought my train ticket for Vienna-return in Budapest, the return ticket included subway, tram and bus in the destination city, by the way.
Szentendre (30 minutes from the centre, not 5 as written above)is cute but not all that special, IMHO. Godollo is a former royal summer palace reached by subway (#2 I think) to the end of the line, then the suburban HEV line. Get out at the second (Szabatsag ter -- Freedom square) Godollo stop and the palace is right across the road.
RE Vienna again: You will likely want to stay inside the Ring, which largely limits you to more expensive tourist-oriented accommodation. But we stayed at the business-traveler-oriented Starlight Suites (99 E)inside the Ring -- Renngasse is the address and it is 10 minutes by foot from the tourists' central reference point, the Stefansdom. On the easter weekend, the clientele was not businessmen but very proper 30-60 year-old couples (straight/gay). Starlight Suites has another branch in Budapest.
As a general rule, you might find apartment accommodation a good approach. We stayed in Budapest at the Marriott executive apartments (90 E special corporate rate), most of which are spacious 1 bedrooms, though I believe they also have a 2-bedroom model. There is a fully fitted bar-kitchen and abundant storage. Many of the suites look into a courtyard but on floors 10 and 11 (must be requested in advance) the views over the Danube are superb.
Many web-sites list private flat-rental companies for Budapest and Prague -- lower prices, good selection.
Finally, a word about language: English really is not widely spoken by folks over 30, outside the main tourist spots. And Hungarian, unlike German, yields few clues to the non-speaker. Allow yourself time always, when planning itineraries, for a certain amount of puzzling over signs and instructions.
Public transport in both cities is very reliable - I'd even ride the Vienna subway just to marvel at how sparkling-clean and convenient it is. Surface trams are slow but a good way, at least, to tour the Ring (#1 travels clockwise #2 counter-clockwise -- or is it the reverse? No matter) You can get to Schonbrunn and to Belvedere (an overlooked gem) by public transport.
When I bought my train ticket for Vienna-return in Budapest, the return ticket included subway, tram and bus in the destination city, by the way.
Szentendre (30 minutes from the centre, not 5 as written above)is cute but not all that special, IMHO. Godollo is a former royal summer palace reached by subway (#2 I think) to the end of the line, then the suburban HEV line. Get out at the second (Szabatsag ter -- Freedom square) Godollo stop and the palace is right across the road.
RE Vienna again: You will likely want to stay inside the Ring, which largely limits you to more expensive tourist-oriented accommodation. But we stayed at the business-traveler-oriented Starlight Suites (99 E)inside the Ring -- Renngasse is the address and it is 10 minutes by foot from the tourists' central reference point, the Stefansdom. On the easter weekend, the clientele was not businessmen but very proper 30-60 year-old couples (straight/gay). Starlight Suites has another branch in Budapest.
As a general rule, you might find apartment accommodation a good approach. We stayed in Budapest at the Marriott executive apartments (90 E special corporate rate), most of which are spacious 1 bedrooms, though I believe they also have a 2-bedroom model. There is a fully fitted bar-kitchen and abundant storage. Many of the suites look into a courtyard but on floors 10 and 11 (must be requested in advance) the views over the Danube are superb.
Many web-sites list private flat-rental companies for Budapest and Prague -- lower prices, good selection.
Finally, a word about language: English really is not widely spoken by folks over 30, outside the main tourist spots. And Hungarian, unlike German, yields few clues to the non-speaker. Allow yourself time always, when planning itineraries, for a certain amount of puzzling over signs and instructions.
Apr 18th, 2004, 03:19 AM
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My bad -- actually it is about 45 minutes from the HEV train station at Bathyanyi Ter red line metro stop -- my keyboard is numerically challenged these days.
As for Szentendre. I'm going to disagree -- it *is* charming. Even if the items on sale are touristy, the buildings are interesting as are the churches and the Kovacs museum. -- it is a very do-able place for the limitations of the group that was being described.
As for Szentendre. I'm going to disagree -- it *is* charming. Even if the items on sale are touristy, the buildings are interesting as are the churches and the Kovacs museum. -- it is a very do-able place for the limitations of the group that was being described.
Apr 22nd, 2004, 12:36 PM
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When our children were 1yr old, we encountered the following issues in Prague.
1) Travel from the airport to the centre is a hassle if you don't have a baby car seat. If you arrange a pickup, make sure the company brings a baby car seat if you don't have one already.
2) We gave up on the big "pram" and elected for a light "stroller" when in town. The cobbles sent them off to sleep in no time.
3) The "Next" shop in the Myslbek shopping centre has a baby changing room and mothers take advantage of it's privacy for breast feeding.
4) Restaurants are not patient with crying babies. Take a look at www.jasoncholt.com/prague/prahakids.html for some places that are kid-friendly.
5) You can buy nappies in kg i.e. up to 4kg or up to 6kg etc or up to 80kg for your in-laws :-} and food no problem. But I would bring your own small kettle with you for use with warming babyfood and sterilising etc. Take advantage of the bigger restaurants where you can ask staff to microwave babyfood for you.
6) Consider where your baby is going to sleep i.e. if you are bringing a baby "travel cot", let the hotel know and they'll give you a bigger room if they have it. I wouldn't use a hotel cot.
7) Take advantage of the bus tours and keep the load off the in-laws feet.
Loads of other stuff about Prague at www.jasoncholt.com/prague.
Jason
1) Travel from the airport to the centre is a hassle if you don't have a baby car seat. If you arrange a pickup, make sure the company brings a baby car seat if you don't have one already.
2) We gave up on the big "pram" and elected for a light "stroller" when in town. The cobbles sent them off to sleep in no time.
3) The "Next" shop in the Myslbek shopping centre has a baby changing room and mothers take advantage of it's privacy for breast feeding.
4) Restaurants are not patient with crying babies. Take a look at www.jasoncholt.com/prague/prahakids.html for some places that are kid-friendly.
5) You can buy nappies in kg i.e. up to 4kg or up to 6kg etc or up to 80kg for your in-laws :-} and food no problem. But I would bring your own small kettle with you for use with warming babyfood and sterilising etc. Take advantage of the bigger restaurants where you can ask staff to microwave babyfood for you.
6) Consider where your baby is going to sleep i.e. if you are bringing a baby "travel cot", let the hotel know and they'll give you a bigger room if they have it. I wouldn't use a hotel cot.
7) Take advantage of the bus tours and keep the load off the in-laws feet.
Loads of other stuff about Prague at www.jasoncholt.com/prague.
Jason
Apr 22nd, 2004, 12:48 PM
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Agree totally about taxi use in both Prague and Budapest..you have to be careful because they can be rip-offs despite the presence of meters in both places.
Tours would minimize walking although to see the "castle complex" in Prague a certain amount of walking is imperative.
In Prague, if you are definitely going to use a lot of public transport you might consider purchasing the "Prague Welcome Card" which includes all public transport and admission to certain major sites.
I wouldn;t worry too too much about the so-called "language barrier" if you are armed with a good map and know where the public transport goes beforehand. In prague, for example, there are automated announcements for each station on the trams which are helpful.
I, too, would not include Salzburg..as charming and beautiful as it is I think after these other three you might find it to be somewhat of a letdown.
You can get to all of them by train easily and unless you are absolutely determined that driving is THE way to go then you might go to www.railpass.com or www.railsaver.com and look at the possibility of passes vs. point to point tickets. Pases MAY work, especially if you can get a flexi-saver which allows all five of you to travel at a discount at the same time.
There may be budget flying options someone can comment on but if using those sometimes the weight of the baggage can be a problem.
Enjoy your trip.
Tours would minimize walking although to see the "castle complex" in Prague a certain amount of walking is imperative.
In Prague, if you are definitely going to use a lot of public transport you might consider purchasing the "Prague Welcome Card" which includes all public transport and admission to certain major sites.
I wouldn;t worry too too much about the so-called "language barrier" if you are armed with a good map and know where the public transport goes beforehand. In prague, for example, there are automated announcements for each station on the trams which are helpful.
I, too, would not include Salzburg..as charming and beautiful as it is I think after these other three you might find it to be somewhat of a letdown.
You can get to all of them by train easily and unless you are absolutely determined that driving is THE way to go then you might go to www.railpass.com or www.railsaver.com and look at the possibility of passes vs. point to point tickets. Pases MAY work, especially if you can get a flexi-saver which allows all five of you to travel at a discount at the same time.
There may be budget flying options someone can comment on but if using those sometimes the weight of the baggage can be a problem.
Enjoy your trip.
Nov 23rd, 2010, 04:29 PM
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You need to slow down - both for the baby and the seniors. Better to stick to 2 cities with a couple of days trips - so you're not rushing aorund and tiring out the younger and older. You need to make this a relaxed pace - not a frantic one.
Dec 28th, 2010, 06:16 PM
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I went to Budapest and Vienna prior to having a child but think the advice given on getting around is great. I'm actually planning to take my daughter to Prague this spring (she'll be 18 months when we go) and have found this website to be useful in figuring out what to do with her and where to eat: http://kidsinprague.com/.
Jasonholt, thank you for your thoughts, I plan on visiting your website!
Jasonholt, thank you for your thoughts, I plan on visiting your website!
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