Prague, Budapest & Vienna in April
Mar 26th, 1998, 09:08 AM
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I went to all three a couple of years ago. In Prague , musts are the castle complex, the whole area of Mala Strana which is very beautiful, Old Town Square, and the Jewish District, along with Wenceslas Square (actually a street - not spectacular but must see since has been very important in the city's history), and of course Charles Bridge. Go to the castle early, because it is the most crowded area. See the Old Jewish Cemetery and maybe a couple of Synagogues (the oldest in Europe is here). Shop for crystal around Old Town Square. If you have more time walk around parts of the Art Nouveau New Town (Nove Mesto) area, near the National Theatre and Vysyrhad (close on the spelling - there is a beautiful cemetary there that includes the graves of two famous Czech composers). You also must see Old Town and the area along the river at night.
In Budapest the Palace complex is the best. You may also want to walk around Pest, where there are some good shops and important churches. The art museum at the Palace is world famous. Climb Gelert Hill for a tremendous view of the whole area (it is a tough climb). Didn't get to Hero's Square, but that is a must if you can get there. Try a bath house. They can be confusing to use, but it makes for a relaxing and unique experience. The Opera House is beautiful, and you can get tickets there cheaply. I saw the Hungarian State Symphony for way under $10. Just get tickets at the opera. I asked my hotel and was told it was soldout, but they were not at all.
In Vienna, definitely go out to Schonbrunn, a small Versailles. Go to the top of the steeple on St. Stephens for a great view. The Art History Museum is one of Europe's best. The Hofburg is a real must too. It can be expensive to tour the inside. If you have to choose among what to tour there I would see the Treasury (I think that's the right name), which has a magnificent collection of robes, crowns, sceptres, and other items relating to the Habsburgs. Try a coffee house. Go to the Hotel Sacher, where you can eat delicious Sacher Torte outside at one of the city's greatest hotels. You might enjoy an evening at the opera or at the Prater (a large park with a ferris wheel and other entertainment). Hope this is all helpful.
In Budapest the Palace complex is the best. You may also want to walk around Pest, where there are some good shops and important churches. The art museum at the Palace is world famous. Climb Gelert Hill for a tremendous view of the whole area (it is a tough climb). Didn't get to Hero's Square, but that is a must if you can get there. Try a bath house. They can be confusing to use, but it makes for a relaxing and unique experience. The Opera House is beautiful, and you can get tickets there cheaply. I saw the Hungarian State Symphony for way under $10. Just get tickets at the opera. I asked my hotel and was told it was soldout, but they were not at all.
In Vienna, definitely go out to Schonbrunn, a small Versailles. Go to the top of the steeple on St. Stephens for a great view. The Art History Museum is one of Europe's best. The Hofburg is a real must too. It can be expensive to tour the inside. If you have to choose among what to tour there I would see the Treasury (I think that's the right name), which has a magnificent collection of robes, crowns, sceptres, and other items relating to the Habsburgs. Try a coffee house. Go to the Hotel Sacher, where you can eat delicious Sacher Torte outside at one of the city's greatest hotels. You might enjoy an evening at the opera or at the Prater (a large park with a ferris wheel and other entertainment). Hope this is all helpful.
