ro

Okay Fodorites I need your help. After a week of skiing in France my family wants to go to Vienna and or Prague. I know nothing about these places - are they tooooo cold in January? Are they worth the trip?? I know that someone on this site will be able to help. If we decide to go - what is the best way to get there and where do we stay?

SloJan

They are both beautiful cities and visiting in January ensures that they will not have hordes of tourists. Both are very cold and temps could be anywhere from -15 deg. C to 10 degrees C (if you are lucky).

As far as getting there, check out www.whichbudget.com I would fly a budget airline assuming you are not lugging skis.

Better yet, I would choose an alternate destination closer to the ski resorts and just drive...but that's just me!
Cheers,
Jan

tcreath

I was in Vienna last year, although it was in February not January. I will admit that it was very cold and windy. It was hard for us to really gett o know the city because it was just too cold to walk around outside for very long. The city is beautiful though, and it was definitely void of the throngs of tourists that probably take over during the summer months. As cold as it was, I would take Vienna in the winter over not taking it at all!

Tracy

BTilke

It depends. I've been going to Vienna in February for 5 years in a row and most of the time, I liked it. It was usually cold, with some snow, and temps around or just below the freezing mark. If you've been skiing for a week, then this kind of weather shouldn't be off-putting. And of course, in Vienna, you are usually close to a museum, shop or cafe where you can dash in to warm up.
BUT my trip to Vienna this winter (trip report very overdue!) occurred during a time when it was dry but colder than usual and WINDY. I felt chilled to the bone several days. I kept hoping it would snow to bring the temps up.
I think Vienna is always worth the trip What's your hotel budget? You can get some great deals on hotels by traveling in winter (assuming your visit doesn't coincide with a major convention). This year, I stayed at the Meridien for 140 euro per night (excluding breakfast). You could get a nice double including breakfast for that rate at the always popular Kaiserin Elisabeth or at the new, very modern and aptly named Style Hotel. For a little more, you can probably find a room at one of the five star luxury properties like the Ambassador or the Grand. If you check the sofitel.com web site, I wouldn't be surprised if you found the Sofitel or the Dorint for about 100 euro a night, possibly including breakfast.
When traveling in winter, I like to stay as close to a ubahn or tram stop as possible. For that reason (among others), I'd recommend the Grand in the luxury end; in the moderate price category either the Kaiserin Elisabeth (traditional) or Style Hotel (modern).

jamie1984

I was in Prague in February and it was cold and snowy. The snow made it even more magical. Apparently the winter months are the "low season" as far as tourists go, but when I was there it seemed like there were lots of tourists. I can only imagine the "high season". I definitely would go, though. I can't help on hotels b/c I stayed in a hostel. Have a good trip!

Steve_James

Ro - I was in Prague a couple of years ago in the snow - it was just magical.

If you don't mind sub-zero temps - go for it!

Steve