Budapest and Berlin - how many days in each?
 

We have 12 nights left over after a month in Italy (January next year) and we have decided to visit Budapest and Berlin. How would you recommend we split our time between the 2 cities - 6 nights in each? If not, why not?

About us - we are a family of 4 (2 teenage daughters). We have previously enjoyed visiting cities and (especially) countryside in Europe in summer, but given the cold weather we thought it best to stick with cities this time around - more scope for things to do in miserable weather.

Thanks

I've been to both, and I just returned from Budapest last month.

I'd do 5-7; 5 for Budapest; 7 for Berlin. But I'm someone who loves museums, so I can spend even longer in Berlin.

What are your teenager daughers' interest? If they aren't into museums, you can split in half: 6-6; and do 1 or 2 day trips while in Budapest to the countryside. For Berlin, you can spend one day heading to Potsdam to visit Sansouci.

You can never have enough days for Berlin. Berlin also has plenty of really great side trips: Potsdam, Dresden, Hamburg, Leipzig, all worth at least an overnight stay if not longer. Both my teenagers love Berlin the most even compared to Paris probably because there are plenty of events and scenes that appeal to teenagers. They had no problem meeting the local teens during various events as most of them can speak very good English.

Thanks guys! As it turns out our flights have forced us into an even split of nights (although it will be more like 5 days in Budapest and 7 days in Berlin when looking at flight times.)From all my research it sounds like there is going to be plenty to keep us busy in both places.

I am now down to finding an apartment in each city suitable for 4. It has taken me ages to find and book accommodation for the previous nearly 5 weeks in Italy, but I am hoping this last bit of booking is going to go a little quicker.

The BVR group for apt rental in Budapest gets good reviews here:
http://budapestvacationrentals.com/