Hello
I have a chance to spend a week in either Budapest or Stockholm next Spring.

Budapest: never been on my bucket list but I've been hearing great things about it.
Stockholm, my time there (not by choice) would coincide with Eurovision 2016. The hotels are expensive. Yet the city is one I am interested to see.

Also the ease of navigation is important to me i.e. which city is more accessible by public transport or on foot. Also are the locals friendly, speak English, and how interesting is the cultural experience.
I am less into monuments and more into museums and wandering around interesting neighborhoods, also the walkability of a city is a big factor for me.

Food is also important.

Finally would Stockholm become unbearably crowded during the Eurovision?

Any insight is highly appreciated.

Thanks a lot

Both are wonderful destinations with excellent public transport. Personally, I'd avoid Eurovision - not that both cities won't be crowded (think cruise ships) anyway.

You've been hearing great things about Budapest and Stockholm is you do not say: interesting? also heard great things? Why Stockholm?

I've been to both and would probably return to Budapest before returning to Stockholm.

I would say the locals are friendly in both places. What do you mean by "friendly?"

We found most people inStockholm speak English and there is excellent public transportation, metro, buses and ferries.I prefer eating seafood so Stockholm wins. I enjoyed visiting both cities but have no desire to return to Budapest. I hope to return to Stockholm for a longer stay; I spent a week there.

I would avoid anyplace with a huge activity going on - since it is sure to drive prices up - and those in Sweden will be much higher to begin with.

As for the cities themselves, both are wonderful with a number of interesting museum and both have sophisticated tourist infrastructures. Many more people in Stockholm will speak/understand English - although the prevalence is increasing n Budapest and we didn't find anyplace where no one spoke English.

Also - you don't mention when you are coming. Spring comes earlier to Budapest and if early spring Stockholm might still be cold.

I've been to both a couple of times and would happily go back to either.

I have been to both, and Budapest is at the top of my re-visit list.

It is fabulous for wandering around on foot or by public transport (including a public transport river boat) when you start to tire or run out of time. The free walking tour group: http://www.triptobudapest.hu is also excellent -- much better than my experience in other cities. Budapest also offers many very good small to medium-sized museums. We had some fabulous meals recommended by our walking tour guide. Also Budapest is extremely affordable.

What are you waiting for??

I loved both cities. I found public transportation in each very easy to use. Both have some wonderful museums, though I'd give the nod to Stockholm for that. Both offer some excellent foods, though I'd give the nod to Budapest for that. As I understand it, Stockholm is always more expensive (on average) than Budapest, but there are ways to keep costs down in either city. As for Eurovision -- I'm not sure what to think. I'm not fond of crowds, but I suspect the impact would depend on the city's capacity to absorb a crowd of that size. Just guessing, but I doubt that the Eurovision crowds would be competing with you for time in museums. ;-)

The good news: You don't have a bad choice here!

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my question.

Kja, you cracked me up with that remark on Eurovision and museums, I guess you're right about that.

Well, it seems like a tie. I'll let the cost decide for me then.


Thanks again to all.

You can't go wrong with either city but it is a pity to let cost determine which one you go to over which one really interests you.

The Eurovision final is on May 14. There is a national holiday in Hungary on May 16, will Budapest be crowded then?