Amsterdam, Berlin & Vienna or Amsterdam, Munich & Vienna
 

A bit about us before the question... We enjoy checking out local eateries/cafes, window shopping, a museum or two, touring historic homes/sites and walking/wandering city streets. Our fave destinations so far have been Venice, Rome and Paris. This time, we are celebrating our seventh wedding anniversary and my 40th b-day. That said, which of these trios (listed in post title) would you recommend for a 10-12 day trip in Jan/Feb? cdg

PS - Since, we're just chatting about the trip at this point, visiting only two or one of these cities is still very much an option...

So, the question is really only whether you should go to Berlin or Munich?

The quick suggestion would be Munich. It has more in common with your described favourites and interests, I think.

Berlin is unique, having suffered so much damage, it does not have the number of historical monuments and "environs" that you seem to like in your other choices. Certainly. there are fine examples of monuments, some great shopping and food, and the museums themsevles are worth the trip, but Berlin requires some "work" to appreciate - it's charms are not as visually obvious. If you have some interest in approaching it on the basis of it's more recent past, then it can be very rewarding.

My ranking would be Amsterdam, Vienna, Munich as you have asked the question. If you can manage it, consider Amsterdam, Vienna, and Budapest, but that will want 12 days plus.

In January/February I would not recommend either combination.
The weather is not really good during that time for wandering around in Central European cities.

aramis - Yes, that's the question. You're good at drilling down to the point. :) Berlin was appealing because it's on our long-list of places to one day see, has good fares during that time frame and we just learned a friend's sister will soon be moving there. We'll think on that one some more.

Thanks, GBC, for weighing in. Hadn't thought about Budapest.

Cowboy - Would it be much worse than NYC, DC or Chicago at that time of year?

In January/February I would not recommend either combination.
The weather is not really good during that time for wandering around in Central European cities.>>

on the contrary, they are GREAT places, because they are geared up far better for the cold than places like London and Paris, and Amsterdam as well, which cope very well with wet, but not so well with snow.

I haven't been to any of these in the winter, but from my general experience, and from visiting Prague and Budapest in late December, I would opt for Berlin, Vienna, and Budapest. all have great transport systems, fantastic museums and galleries, and very cosy cafes.

PS - whatever you decide, museums and shops in central and eastern europe tend to be well heated. Take warm outer coats that you can take off and leave in the garderobe when you get there, and wear lighter clothes to walk around inside.

Well, I lived in Berlin for more than 10 years.
And winter was definetely never my favorite season.

Berlin already gets continental climate, i.e. usually dry, very cold, icy winters with little snow.
It won't probably get colder than Chicago, so if you feel comfortable walking around at -10C or less during the day, or at -20C or less during the night, then you should have no problems.
Amsterdam will probably be milder, but also more wet.

annhig, thanks for the insight. you've got me thinking berlin, prague, vienna. hmm. still need to check out what budapest has to offer.

now that's a tad chilly, cowboy, even for a windy city girl. :) i do recall high precipitation levels in amsterdam.

What's the best way to travel between these points? Assuming there is a train. Wouldn't mind driving, but would rather not add that facet of travel to the mix in winter. Perhaps if it were summer...

still need to check out what Budapest has to offer>>

a bit of a cross between Prague and Vienna, IMHO. we particularly liked the food, the gipsy dance/music evening, the opera, the hot baths, lizst's house [with Beethoven's piano!] Prague is more charming [but more touristy] and Vienna more imposing. they all have castles/palaces, museums, galleries. Shopping is best in Vienna, worst in Budapest.

I was in Berlin around July 25 last year. I bought a jacket because the wind was so cool. A few days later it got really warm, almost hot. I would not wish to be there in the winter ( and I live in Canada).
Amsterdam in late November was the pits: rain, wet snow ..all they long.
I know it was not the time you plan on going, but I have to agree with what Cowboy said "In January/February I would not recommend either combination."
You, of course, know what you wish, but for that time of year I would take a look at Spain.

<and Vienna more imposing> how do you mean, annhig?

funny you should mention Spain, danon, as that was where our initial conversation began. we briefly talked about flying into madrid and then heading to the coast, or flying to barcelona and ferrying to pollensa.

don't get me wrong, I like Berlin -going the second time in 3 weeks (and to Munich the first time). I have visited Vienna three times and Amsterdam five or six . All great cities. It is just that the winter might not be the best time to visit.

Madrid has slightly cooler winters than Barcelona but less rain,the south ( Seville, Cordoba, Granada ) should be warmer .
If you like Rome and Paris, the cities in Spain have what you are looking for!

I too would suggest Spain. It certainly won't be warm, it will be cold but should not be too cold to take away from your enjoyment. With a 10 to 12 days you'll have a tight schedule visiting the places you list in your op. If snow does cause problems and slows down your sightseeing itinerary you could be disappointed. I would only consier visiting these places if you plan on spending alot of time indoors.

I've been to Spain in the heat of summer and have been in winter too, I definitely prefer the later as the summer there is just too hot. If Spain is a possibility you could look into this.

Danon has given you good advise, in addition to the cities danon has listed, consider Toledo (day trip from Madrid) and Avila (unfortunately, this doesn't fit too well with the other cities that have been suggested). Spain is big so you can't see/do it all in 10 to 12 days, but you can focus on one region or the big cities and see alot in this time.

Not sure if you've been to Switzerland, but the Alps are a winter wonderland in Jan/Feb. Switzerland, might be another consideration but there's no escaping the cold weather in Switzerland in Jan/Feb.

ah, danon, you got me thinking. jsm, thanks for adding to the chatter. have a friend heading to spain in a week and another (who's also turning 40 next year) considering spain in jan/feb. i will share this info with her as she is a bit more targeted on spain than we are at this point. that said, i'm about to research the cities you both suggested. switzerland, eh? winter wonderland sounds so appealing as we in texas are deadlocked in the triple digits. (fanning)

good luck with your research... have a great time wherever
you decided to go.

Weather can be a funny thing.

We've traveled to Europe in winter time for years, including Berlin 2 years ago. We've had no problems bundling up with toasty coats, long underwear, hats, etc. It's actually quite glorious to have most of the places virtually to ourselves at times in the off-season.

Last winter, we decided to visit Andalusia because we were tempted by the thought of warmer, sunny weather. Ha! It was cold and rainy during most of our entire stay. We had snow and sleet in Cordoba and Granada. Torrential rain in Seville and Cordoba. Only about 3 days of sunny weather, when it was so cold we wore long underwear, anyway. Locals told us it was the coldest, wettest winter in 30 years!

So, you never really know about the weather. I wouldn't worry too much. Just be prepared with the proper clothes.

And, like I tell everyone, I'd rather be cold in Europe than cold here at home!

Thanks, danon!

<I'd rather be cold in Europe than cold here at home!>
Amen, nanbug. LOL

We went to Paris for the first time in Feb and the first time we went to Munich was March since people live in these places year round, there are still things to do in a large city. Dress appropriately and you’ll have a great time. It's often been observed, it's not the weather, it's the preparation for the weather.

Go to whatever city you want to see the most.

I might have "a thing" about the weather because we live in a cold climate (unlike many posters here)
. We wear big coats, hats, warm underwear, scarves and have our faces frozen for a long time - I often cannot wait to "liberate" myself from anything with the word "wool" in it. Especially on holidays.

danon, had to smile at that. When I was a kid growing up in San Diego, I thought that areas with snow just shut down for the whole season and people did nothing.

It's a real treat to see snow for me. My husband and I often take a vacation in the winter. "Wool" sounds cozy to me. :)

thanks LSky... I don't mind the winter and snow ( except for driving), but hearing , for days, forecast like:" it will be -20(C) tomorrow, but with the wind chill, it is going to feel more like -30" makes one long for an outdoors cafe in Paris or Barcelona.

<and Vienna more imposing> how do you mean, annhig?

the buildings of imperial vienna are some of the most impressive I've ever seen. from the Hofburg to the Staatsoper, they are intended to imply wealth and stability.

why not go, and you'll find out!

NanBug.. you might be surprised to hear that your winter weather adventure/ disaster in Andalusia was probably the warmest weather at the time in Europe.

In Germany, the temperatures dropped below freezing around Christmas, and did not rise above freezing until March. Day time temps of -10C/15F were the norm.
The sidewalks, except along major inner city streets, in Berlin were close to impassable because of a 2-5 inch layer of ice. It was like ice age for 3 months in a row. Actually, it was ice age.
Last month Berlin temps around 35-40C/90-100F had for 3 weeks .
Now it's August and I'm happy when it gets warmer than 20C/70F and it does not rain.

Weather is a bit nuts.

Ach du lieber, Cowboy -- that IS nuts.

We'll see what happens this January in Naples, maybe Vesuvius will erupt for us?!

" The sidewalks, except along major inner city streets, in Berlin were close to impassable because of a 2-5 inch layer of ice. It was like ice age for 3 months in a row. Actually, it was ice age."
Wow. In our part of Canada the winter was the shortest and mildest I can remember, we actually had a spring, and the summer has been hot as hell ( and humid).
Go figure.

Hello
We just returned from Berlin and I am really partial towards it. Munich itself did not do it for me but the drive between Munich and Vienna is well worth it and the views outside Munich are stunning. Vienna is a must but, in my opinion, only for a couple of days. Berlin was really relaxed and made for a great holiday spot (we stayed for a week and did not want to leave), the locals are friendly, the food was great, shopping really nice and different from Paris and London. It is not as visually stunning as Vienna or Bavaria but it grows on you. And it was really hot although the weather forecast said otherwise, so as posted above you can never really predict the weather.
If you decide on Berlin, I can give you some dinning tips.

Happy birthday and anniversary

Hi,
I too am going to Berlin this winter - will be there for New Year for a couple of weeks - looking forward to it. It will be my first visit to that city. And like another poster said, I'd rather be in Europe in the freezing cold than not at all. :)
Have been to Vienna twice, including once at Christmas time, and it was just magical, am thinking of going back this time as well. Lots of decisions to make.

<people live in these places year round> Good point, Lsky. :)

<I might have "a thing" about the weather because we live in a cold climate> Danon, that makes complete sense to me. Growing up in Chicago and living there as a young adult, I always wanted to escape to someplace warm.

Have fun in Naples, annhig.

lol, so glad to get your fresh feedback and thanks for the well-wishes. Why do you feel Vienna is best only for a couple days?

Hey, nz101! Vienna at Christmas sounds magical. Enjoy Berlin. Maybe lol can give you some good tips.

Well, I visited Vienna almost ten years ago and the memories are a bit hazy but I remember enjoying the history and the visit to Schonbrunn palace but I did not get a great vibe from the city (which is a really personal thing). To be honest I enjoyed more of the Austria outside of Vienna like the Wachau valley, the trip on the danube to Melk and the visit to the abbey, and of course Salzburg. To me Austria is much more than Vienna.
When in Berlin, you have to visit a restaurant called Ottenthal, go very hungry as the portions are huge (the schnitzel is a must). We were not really in the mood to visit museums and delve into the history as much as to enjoy the local scene (we walked a LOT). We did go to the story of Berlin museum for a feel of the history of the city. We spent two days outside the city, one in Spreewald and the other in Potsdam. The gardens to Sans Soucis palace were really amazing but the palace itself was really absolutely not worth the two hour wait. Berlin is very friendly and is very easy to sightsee, we rode the 100 and 200 buses extensively. Also sitting on the cafe at the Kempinski hotel overlooking the Brandenburger gate was a great experience (as well as the most amazing creme brulee).

lol, I feel the same.
I was in Vienna 3 times ( the last also 10 years ago)
Vienna has that "old Europe" feel , the best cakes on the planet, lovely palaces and museums, but there is something so vibrant and modern about Berlin .... it is hard to describe the attraction.
The first day in Berlin I did not "get it", but by the fifth - I did not wish to leave. Going back in 3 weeks.
The museums and galleries in Berlin are some of the best in Europe. And of course ....the history...

<To me Austria is much more than Vienna.>
Certainly! Just as there is more to the U.S. than NYC,Chicago and LA. A friend from Germany yesterday said she prefers Salzburg. Your restaurant suggestions sound yu um!

I haven't been to Amsterdam, but I have been to Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Prague & Budapest (all in the fall, but not winter). If I had to choose 3 of the cities to visit, it would be Prague, Vienna & Munich. If I could do 4, I would add Budapest. I enjoy the more historical, old world feel, which is one reason I prefer these cities over Berlin. I enjoyed Berlin too, and it has some very fine museums, but I wouldn't be upset if I never got to go back. I would like to return to the other cities, especially Prague (have been to Vienna twice so far). If wandering the streets is your thing, I also think you would enjoy the other cities more than Berlin.

I also loved Prague...although, it was July.

10-12 days is not a long time to visit 3 cities whith so much to offer . Every time you move it involves not only transportation but packing, hotel check-ins (outs) etc...

Gosh, just reading all these posts makes me very excited about going back ! I cannot wait. Am really looking forward to Berlin - do not know what to expect from it. Personally I think Vienna warrants more than just a couple of days. I spent two full days in the city and didn't see it all. I thought the city had a great atmosphere and it was all decked out with the most amazing Christmas decorations. Of course there is much more to Austria than just Vienna, and I agree that the wachau valley is stunning. Personally i love all of Austria - its so gorgeous. I was in Prague a couple of days after Christmas and honestly I thought I had stepped into a fairytale - the main square was once again, all decked out for Christmas - lots of people enjoying themselves, real festive atmosphere - we got on a horse and carriage ride, it was dark by then, and beautiful, I said to my husband, now all we need is snow - and it did. One of the most magical experiences of my life I have to say. Really, I don't think you will go wrong wherever you decide to go - each city has its own uniqueness.

Ahhh. So many destinations, so little time. With all this discussion, I wish we had a month to visit several cities.

Of these cities, my favorite is Berlin and my least favorite is Vienna. I also enjoy Munich and have not yet been to Amsterdam.

Berlin is endlessly fascinating to me (3 trips so far) and has such a diverse range of things to see and do. It is also a wonderful value.

I have been once in summer, once in fall and last year we visited in late November. We are returning again same time this year.

There are interesting day trip options from Berlin as well that make it a great base for a longer stay, IMO.

Munich is also a great place to base for a week with lots to do in the city as well as many places to visit on day trips very easily. Tegernsee, Chiemsee, Mittenwald, Fussen, Garmisch, Nuremberg, and much more, all an easy journey for the day.

I have been to Vienna a few times and find it pretty but not particularly welcoming (the opposite in fact) and also quite expensive.

Amsterdam can be magical in winter.
If we get a cold one again then the canals freeze and skating is possible. The skies are blue and it is often sunny.
It can be cold, but no where near as cold as New York or Chicago. It can be snowy, but again nowhere near as bad as in the US. Amsterdam actually copes pretty well with snow unlike many cities which don't get it regularly, unless it really gets dumped on, in which case any city will struggle initially.
It can be wet, and dark, and miserable weather, but there is always enough to do indoors. It can be clear and bright and cold, in which case there is plenty to do outside too.

Do remember the daylight hours are limited in January/February but don't let that put you off.