kalexandra

Hi,

My friend and I are planning a trip to Eastern Europe (approximatively). We are two students backpacker using mostly couch surfing during our visit.

Here are our destinations:

Pays-Bas
- Amsterdam

Allemagne
- Berlin

Pollogne
- Krakow

République Czech
- Prague

Autriche
- Vienne

Hongrie
- Budapest

Slovenie
- Ljubljana
- Mont Triglav

Yes, of course, all this cities are VERY touristic, but we want to avoid tourist traps, if possible. Seeking to travel in places of rich artistic, musical, literary heritage and meet people sharing the same values.

We are traveling during a period of 21 days, so only 3-4 nights by city. We would maybe remove one of the cities to spend some more time in each places. It's a very difficult choice for us because it's our first travel to these area... This is why we need your help

So... If you had to remove a city, which would you choose?

Thank you!

adrienne

I'd remove Ljubljana since it was my least favorite of those listed (except for Berlin as I haven't been there yet). I thought there was less sightseeing there than the other places and less richness of cultural. It's also out of the way from your other cities.

You don't have 3 to 4 days in each place as it will take time to get from place to place. Have you looked at how long the trains will take? With 6 cities you have 3 days in each, at the most.

nytraveler

Well - first of all - that isn't estern europe = part is estern europe nd part is central. And 8 places in 21 days - after you allow for travel from one place to another is less than 2 days per city.

Not sure where you are from (since you're using French names for things) - or how often yuo can travel - but I wold cut it back to 5 or at most 6 places if yuo really want to learn anything about them (visit museums, explore neighborhoods and understand somethng of the culture).

kalexandra

Ok thank you for your replies.
(And I apologize in advance for my poor English)

Yes there is a lot of countries to see in this part of central/eastern and we never travel by train in Europe. I see that there is a lot of travel time between the cities... this is why we must make a decision about the city we have to remove.
We post this question in this forum... because we want to have some reviews of travelers who went there and not only follow the Travel Guide.

I heard that Budapest is very beautiful but there is a lot of criminality.
If it's not true, tell me! I do not want to be fooled by false rumors.

adrienne

I haven't heard that Budapest has more crime than other large cities.

All large cities have crime but most of the crime is from pick pockets (people who try to steal your money). If you keep your passport/identity card and money and credit cards in a money belt under your shirts then you will be safe.

Also take normal precautions of staying within areas of tourism where there are other tourists, do not go home with strangers whom you met at a club. Normal safety precautions you use at home to stay safe.

Many people who post on this forum have been to Budapest and have not reported any excessive crime.

Have you posted on the thorntree forum? That's where lots of young people and backpackers post.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa

Have a wonderful trip!

nytraveler

Budapest is not notable for crime - there are few places in europe where the crime (petty crime like pickpocketing is really bad - I would limit it to the Ramblas in Barcelona and some part of Naples - plus almost any major train station).

We loved Hungary and had no problems there at all. I can't comment on Slovenia - but have been to all of the other places and thing they are well worth a trip - but I don't think you have enough time anywhere. I would do at least 4 day (5 nights) in Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Vienna to really see much of anyhting.