Need help deciding between Vienna & Budapest
 

Firstly, thanks for reading.

Ok, so I have the option of taking 2 tours

1. Berlin, Prague & Vienna only. In this instance I could spend 3 full days and 2 half days in Veinna

or

2. I could spend a day and a half in Vienna and then continue to travel to Budapest.

So what should I do spend basically 3.5 days in Vienna or 1.5 in Vienna and 2 days in Budapest?

I can only pick from these 2 options, can't modify the itinerary. Do you think 1.5 (actually more like 1 full day and 2 half days) is enough in Vienna?

I've never been to any of these cities and am really excited to do either, but maybe I'll feel to rushed if I try to squeeze Budapest in? Is it worth it?

Peace,
Dominic

Do you have any interests which might have a bearing on this?

Well not especially, I've never been to either place. I'm leaning towards staying in Vienna for the extra days because it seems to be a substantial city. I've been to Rome, Paris, London etc. and can't imgaine just spending a day and a half there, but not sure if Vienna is comparable to those cities in terms of things to do (museums, landmarks etc.).

The reason I'm considering Budapest tho, is because I don't see myself in eastern europe anytime soon, so perhaps I should squeeze in Budapest if it's really worth it?

Our church choir did a Berlin/Leipzig/Vienna/Prague/Budapest trip, so admittedly, we spent little time in each city. With that said, I'd return to Budapest in a heartbeat; Vienna is lower on my list.

Agree with Missypie. I enjoyed Budapest much more than Vienna especially if you are not getting back to Eastern Europe soon. Budapest was more interesting and enjoyable than a trip to Prague which is saying alot.

I plan to visit Budapest for the first time this September, so, of course, I do not know about it firsthand. But, I did do a Prague/Salzburg/Vienna trip and I have to say that Vienna was my least favorite. It just didn't blow me away like the other cities.

I spend two weeks in Vienna every year and always look forward to going back. It's one of my favorite places in Europe.
If you are the type of traveler who can pack a LOT into 1.5 days and you really hanker to see Budapest, then go with option two. I would much prefer the first option. Less rushed and there is more than enough to see and do in Vienna to keep you busy for 3.5 days. Great culture, great food (don't make the mistake of limiting yourself to wienerschnitzel and sausage--there is MUCH more to Austrian cuisine than that), a beautiful city year round.

I spent about 1.5 days in Vienna about a year and a half ago, and really regretted not spending more time there (although it gives me an excuse to go back). It felt to me a lot like the other capitals of former European empires: lots of great architecture, museums, etc.

Vienna for sure! There is so much to see and do. Just soaking up the feel of the city is wonderful.

Budapest is nice too but a bit rough around the edges IMHO.

VIENNA!!! Its so elegant and beautiful.
Amaclise has got it in one - Budapest IS rough around the edges!
We were in Vienna in wintertime and cant wait to go in Summer when all the fountains are working.

Ok - I've decided to stay in Vienna for an extra 2 days. I really don't want to rush and see things for the sake of seeing, I want to enjoy myself and take it a bit easier than running myself ragged.

Thanks for all the input. I got a little concerned after a couple of disparaging posts about Vienna as compared to Budapest, but I'm sure I'll find a good way to spend those days.

I'm sure reading about peoples' experiences here will inspire me.