Prague, Budapest and Vienna
 

Early September, husband and I are going to help a church rebuilding in Prague for a week, plus 3 days sightseeing, then go Budapest (by bus, recommended, because cheaper and very good) for 2 days, then to Vienna (not sure if by train or bus). I am checking if we can fly from Munich back home, instead of going back to Prague.
1) do you recommend bus? does anyone know how long from Prague to Budapest by bus and by train
2) What do you think in renting apt. it seems that is what people are doing in Budapest.
3) some suggestion on what to see, to eat in those cities, probably will not go outside of the town.

Thank you for all your comments.

In Vienna, for a typical eating experience with folk music, Zwölf Apolstelkeller, 3 Sonnenfelsgasse, for an apéritif with the rest of Vienna (our best experience), Zum Schwarzn Kameel Patisserie, and for an excellent Italian meal (the Austrian restaurants are pretty stodgy on the whole), Barbaro, Freyung 3/Palais Harrach,in a lovely setting.
We were also in Prague in September. We loved having an apéritif along the river. Just choose the view! Our favourite restaurant was Italian (again!) on a boat on the river: Matylda, Masarykovo nabrezi. Up on the hill overlooking the city with the Charles Bridge opposite, U Jezulatka. We also enjoyed Il Betlemske Kaple, Čtvrtek, 24 Květen. And the brasserie next to the Mucha Museum (a must) just for the ambiance.
Haven't been to Budapest!

If you're only in Budapest for 2 days I would stay in a hotel for the convenience.

Prague to Budapest by train is 7 hours. I would never recommend being stuck on a bus for 7 hours so I would take the train. You can look up the train schedules on this site:

http://www.bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/index.shtml

Since you are ending your trip in Vienna, why not fly home from there?

In Your Pocket guides (free download or free online!). Found them to be quite comprehensive for sights, restaurants, accommodations, etc. Updated regularly, you should download & print the latest version before you leave:

Prague - http://www.inyourpocket.com/czech-republic/prague
Vienna - http://www.inyourpocket.com/austria/vienna

Unfortunately they don't have one for Budapest, but there are loads of websites if you Google.

If bus is cheaper than not by much, train costs 19 euros.

Take the train for both trips. Budapest, use booking.com and find a good deal. Head for the Spas, take a tram, go to the castle area, eat torte and drink Tokji, go to the Opera. I think thats it

Thank you everyone,

1) we are taking trains
2) a good, reasonable hotel in Budpest, near to restaurants, shops, atractions, but quiet
3) Which is the one bath we should go?
4) Which is the one cafe we should go in Vienna?
5) Where to go for boat ride in the Danube, Vienna or Budapest?

This is not all we need to decide, so please any additional suggestions, we would love to have them. Thank you