Help me pick a destination --- Please!
 

I'm in Vienna for a class and booked an extra 2 days. It looks like I'm going to get to do everything that I really wanted to do in Vienna before the class ends, so now I'm looking for another place to spend my 2 days.

That's not too much time, but airfare is relatively cheap to most destinations. I've never been to Europe before and am looking for recommendations as I may not have the chance to come back for a long time (if ever).

If you had only 2 days, which of these cities would you go to? Disclosure, I really want to go to Rome, but the flights available just won't work in my schedule, so that's out.

- Munich
- Berlin
- Salzburg
- Prague
- Budapest

To be honest, I'm leaning towards Germany because my parents lived there for a few years when my dad was in the Army. However, I'd like the opinion of others who have been there before.

Thank you!!

All are good. Look at train schedules and hotels for them and take your pick.

Or planes, of course, if the train takes more than 4 hours.

Disclosure, I really want to go to Rome, but the flights available just won't work in my schedule, so that's out.>

If tired of cold and snowy weather that has plagued northern Europe and want Italy you can take a direct overnight train from Vienna to Rome - spend a few days and travel overnight back. Maximum use of time even over flying. These are comfortable sleeper trains - I have done several times - if you had lots of time before you could get nifty discounts which may still be around - check if interested the Austrian Railways site for booking or bop into any Vienna train station.

For lots on trains and night trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

I like to match my interests in a destination to how much time I have to spend, so with 2 days, I'd look most seriously at Salzburg or perhaps Munich (although I'd actually want a bit more than 2 days there) and I'd plan on traveling by train. BUT I don't think you'll go wrong with any of those options. Enjoy!

I'd look at Bratislava and Budapest

Go to Berlin!! It's a beautiful city and full of history! You have to see the wall!

Two days is not a lot of time. So, if in fact all listed are equal to you, then the choice should be the city you can get to/from the fastest. Train travel is your best bet. I've been to Bratislava and Budapest and both of them blew my mind.

Salzburg

With but two days, my suggestion would be Salzburg. The city is 3 hours from Vienna, giving you the better part of a day plus a full day to explore. You really haven't the time for any of the other destinations.

Personally, I'd pick Prague amongst those cities. But flights are irrelevant for some of those destinations, you can easily take the train to Salzburg or Prague (or Budapest).

Your post doesn't make it clear at all if you hve to return to Vienna to fly home or not. If so, I'd go to Salzburg or maybe Budapest (I was not as enamored of Budapest as some buy maybe didn't give it enough time, but at this time of year, I'd pick Salzburg). Flying wouldn't make sense. It wouldn't make sense to fly to Prague, either, when you can be there by train in only 4 hrs.

I'm also a Prague person - I just think it is an amazing city, so walkable and pretty.

You can do a trip from Vienna - Prague - with a stop at Cesky Krumlov on the way ?

We've used this company in the past - twice - and they've been great.

https://mike-chauffeur.cz/central-europe-trips.html

Just a few thoughts...

I would choose Bratislava in a heartbeat. A one-hour train ride and the perfect destination for a short visit. The old town is beyond magical.

Salzburg, perfect for two days and its proximity to Vienna. Great city with lots to do but you won't feel like you missed out when you leave after just two days.

I travel extensively with my work, job and I love prague, there is so much to see there, and you will love it.

Thank you guys very much for the suggestions!!

any of them save Berlin are a fairly short train ride from Vienna and you can't go wrong - will be cheaper than going to farther removed destinations and also maximize your time.

All are good destinations but it really depends on what appeals to you. I actually went to all of these cities on a month-long backpacking trip. I included trip reports for each featuring our itinerary, photos, recs, and cost breakdown.

Munich: what you think of when you think of Germany - beer halls, glockenspiel, very walkable
http://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2017/...nd-berlin.html

Berlin: sprawling, so much to see that you may not get through everything in just 2 days
Same trip report above

Salzburg: walkable, cozy, Mozart's birthplace, Sound of Music tour
http://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2017/...nd-vienna.html

Prague: lots to see, walkable but pretty spread out, palace, multiple bridges, good nightlife
http://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2017/...utna-hora.html

Budapest: largest synagogue in Europe, Castle Hill, baths, and markets
https://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2017...d-amusing.html

Hope this helps you with planning!

With just two days travel time is important and as all those cities are neat Budapest or Salzburg would be closest by train- Salzburg smaller is more easily manageable in a few days.

BTW, Munich isn't "just" beer hals and the glockenspiel -- it is also a city with an incredible array of museums and churches and gardens and....