Hi there - I am planning a two week trip to Europe in July and I am having a hard time deciding where to end my vacation. I know that I want to see Istanbul, Izmir (as a base for day trips to Ephesus and beaches), and Lisbon. What I can't decide is whether I want to go to Budapest (b/c I've always wanted to visit) or Madrid (because the flights back to the states are cheaper).

Which of these two cities would you recommend? I would like to experience culture,art, architecture, great food, and warm people.

Yes, I know this is a lot to fit into 2 weeks, but I have always crammed as much into my trips as I can, and I seem to really enjoy the fast pace.

I really appreciate your advice!

This is not what you asked, but might have a different appeal.

You are already in Turkey. Why not do another really fantastic and very different area of Turkey while you are there? Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia for three nights to stay in a cave hotel and see the fairy chimneys. People are very friendly. Food is great. The culture and history of the place is definitely interesting. One of the most interesting landscapes anywhere.

Save Madrid for a trip where you have time to see more of Spain.

Madrid in July is less than ideal as it can be very hot - but it will be a dry hotness, so easier to stand. Everything considered, my choice would be Madrid. I could go back to Madrid any day, I still doubt if I really want to go back to Budapest.

I like Sassafrass's idea. In fact, you might want to consider spending ALL your time in Turkey. With only 2 weeks, you certainly won't be able to see all of Turkey's highlights, but you could sample a nice variety of them. And doing so would meet your stated interests to "experience culture,art, architecture, great food, and warm people."

Madrid or Budapest.. Considering that you might come again to Europe and that it will be always easy to visit Madrid, perhaps now it would be better to go for Budapest.

Both cities are great in terms of food, culture and people. So deciding on convenience and future plans makes sense, I think.

Good luck and let us then know what city you decided for!

Going some place because it is cheaper - well I don't think that's a reason unless you really have an equal desire between two place and that then could be the deciding factor. I loved Budapest. Never been to Madrid.

Madrid is a great city....don't know Budapest, but if Budapest is what you wish see, go for it.

I was in Madrid 6 yrs ago and thought that was kinda boring unless you go to the suburb. I personally preferred Barcelona if i have to choose a city in Spain.

Having been to both Budapest and Madrid would really recommend Budapest over Madrid. In terms of variety of architecture, you can see different type of building such as baroque, communist and gothic next to each other that you usually do not see in other capital cities in Europe. There is also some great thermal baths in Budapest and a very lively night life and coffee cafe is pretty popular there as well especially the famous New York Cafe. Budapest is generally an under-rated place to visit in Europe but for me personally its one of the best city to have a short trip.

In terms of food, for me personally Spanish food is way better than Hungarian food and also if Art Museum is your liking, there are several big museum such as Prado and other notable museums. In terms of the locals, both Spanish and Hungarian are very friendly and warm. There is other better cities in Spain to visit such as Barcelona or Sevilla.

Another vote for Budapest over Madrid. Also want to mention that the Madrid airport is a long ride from the city.

That said, the point about seeing Cappadocia is a good one. We are heading to Turkey in April. We have a three week trip planned. At the beginning, we told the travel agent we would spend two weeks there and then fly to Barcelona for a week. She was adamant: if you have three weeks, spend all three weeks in Turkey. So we are.

Been to all the places you have mentioned with considerable time in Madrid. I would spend either two weeks in Spain or two weeks in Turkey.

I would choose Budapest (which we loved), even though I liked Madrid, too. What a wonderful choice to have to make!

Thanks so much everyone! I think I'll visit Madrid and save Budapest for a winter trip. I am very excited and appreciate your help!

Madrid is wonderful...art, architecture, cafés , night life, beautiful parks, day trips ( to Toledo or Segovia)
Cannot imagine more vibrant city !

I loved Madrid. The shops, the architecture, the museums and yes even the food if you go to the right restaurant. Plus there are numerous day trips you can make and since Madrid is the train hub of Spain it's easy to get to the other big cities.

Enjoy, I still dream about my trip to Spain and the cafe con leche.

Hi,

I have visited Budapest and Madrid too but I would not be able to tell you which is the better but I will tell you some things what I liked in them.

Budapest: The city is amazing: Royal Palace, Parliament, Margaret Island, Hosok Tere, the bridges...
I loved the food too in Hungary: gulas, stuffed cabbage, kurtoskalacs...
People are nice and the weather was amazing too.

Madrid: It is wonderful too: Retiro Park, Templo de Debod, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor...
Food is cool too: Cocido Madrileno, calamary sandwich, churros.
People are nice in Madrid too.
I did a tour in Madrid to visit the city and learn some things about it. It was amazing. I give you the webpage of the company if you are interested: http://madride.net/

Cheers

Kyle - the OP took the trip last July.

The best meals I've had anywhere, were in Madrid. Perhaps the worst - Budapest. We dine out in Europe 30-40 times each year.

Stu Dudley