Last minute advice?
 

I'm leaving for Budapest and Vienna tomorrow. Does anyone have any recommendations for must-see sights or restaurants? Any tips for things not to waste time on?<BR>Thanks guys!

Don't know about Budapest, but in Vienna you must go to the Christmas market at Rathausplatz on the Ringstrasse and have some Gluhwein (recently discussed on Fodor's). Also go to Demel's on Kohlmarkt for pastry and coffee. You also must see Schoenbrunn Palace (take the U4 subway). There is so much to see and do in Vienna. Since it will be cold, you must try some of the fabulous Gulasch. Also, for dessert, have the Palatschinken or Mohr im Hemd. You won't regret it! Have a great time.

For a restaurant in Budapest, I'd recommend Fatal (don't let the name put you off--I think it means "wooden plate" in Hungarian). It's a bit touristy, but the food and beer are good, plentiful, and cheap. I had ham-and-bean soup and roast duck, both excellent. The address is Vaci utca, 67.

In Budapest, I would go to see the Dohany Synagogue (to see the prominence of the Jewish community pre-Holocaust), and go to the "spa" at the Hotel Gellert. It defies description.

Two ideas: First, if you are in to things cultural I suggest you check with the concierge in your hotel about some of the concerts/ballets that you can expect to be scheduled in the Hannukah/Christmas season. On my first trip to Budapest I did this and the concierge noted the ballet and opera season had just begun and he made a couple of calls on my behalf. Iwas lucky enough to get centre stage seats for the equivalent of $20 each to the Hungarian Folk Ballet do Romeo and Juliet. It was a highlight of that trip. Second, if you have gift or shopping to do, or simply want to enjoy a uniquely Budapest experience, go the the enclosed downtown market which fills an entire city block which is opened early morning Saturday till about 1 p.m. The downstairs is fruit, vegetable, meat, chicken whatever vendors, along with far less expensive versions of the Hungarian souvenir foods (goose liver pate, paprika) than can be found in the tourist shops, and the upstairs is every Hungarian handicraft you will ever want to buy from quality glass, to tablecloths, to clothes, to leather good (most of this is actually imported, but at a considerably cheaper price than you would pay in Italy where much of it originates from), jewelry, original art work and prints etc. Go with US dollars -- and be prepared to haggle for the price you are prepared to pay and you can do very well. <BR><BR>Lanny<BR><BR>

Chris,<BR><BR>There are many things in Vienna, so depending on how long you are going to be there will limit your exposure. I have two resturants for you; the first is hard to spell and even harder to pronounce, but you must try Tresnewski's. That is probably not the correct spelling, but it is an experience. They have the best sandwichs in town and the most unusual service. It is not far off St. Stephen's Platz. Ask around and I'm sure you will find it. The second is the Sacher Hotel for lunch, dinner or even just coffee. Have fun.<BR><BR>Greg<BR>

I second the baths at Hotel Gellert.<BR><BR>For me, it was one of the best parts of Budapest!! It is worth at least an afternoon of your time. It's not just baths, they have a whole array of beauty/spa services. Though they may be a bit different from what you may be used to here, it's still fun, interesting, and a soothing retreat from the day-to-day grind of travel! And all services cost very little (a couple of dollars).<BR><BR>If you speak Hungarian or are feeling very adventurous (I was), it's a great place to get your hair cut.

I've made several trips to Vienna over the last two years and have always had excellent food and service at the Restaurant zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer (White Chimney Sweep) on 4 Weihburgasse (about a block in from the Kartnerstrasse if you turn at the store with the big Mont Blanc pen sign). The restaurant's phone number is 512 3471. Reservations suggested. Traditional but not rustic atmosphere and cuisine (outstanding game menu) and very good selection of wines. Live piano music many evenings.<BR>IMO, Sacher torte is way over-rated. Dry and not that flavorful and I've had it at a few places, including the Sacher Hotel. <BR>BTilke