kja, I took absolutely no offence.
Centraleurope; you brought up a great subject to pick apart. I am no expert when it comes to classical music, ballet, opera, etc. but I would bet that there are more A+ performances in Vienna than there are in Budapest. BUT, since I am no expert, but I do enjoy the genres, for me it isn’t all about every note being absolutely perfect; to a large extent it’s about the experience. Based on that principal consideration then then I would have to say that on average if you “enjoy” opera, classical, ballet; then you would be best served by heading to Budapest. Why? Well in Vienna the performances for the most part exist for the tourists. I would hazard to bet that at most performance the overwhelming majority of the guests are tourists and Viennese are the minority. In Budapest, as long as you stay out of the very cheapest seats, you will be surrounded by Hungarians who still flock to the venues. So from a cultural experience point of view Budapest is a better experience while for artistic excellence you might (only might) do better in Vienna. I have had some wonderful experiences with people that we share the opera and operetta box with and wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.

I would opt for Berlin. Less charming then Prague and less comercial. We found it quite amazing even after 17 years after our first visit. Even though you're not big on museums, they have some of the most amazing pieces such as the original Ishtar Gate from the Babylon. Berlin is reinventing itself, it's an ongoing change that even as a traveler you get to feel. Take a trip by taxi is the best, to East Berlin especially the Karl Marx Allee Avenue, this is quite something. Too bad none of the open bus tours include that area. Berlin Zoo is one of the best in Europe.

WOW - quite the discussion over this topic. I didn't realize there was such a rivalry between fans. I know I would love any of the cities - but my time is limited. I really appreciate all the advice and commentary! We will be traveling mid - to - late November so I'm excited to see the Christmas markets.

I think my final choice is 2 nights in Prague before the cruise and 2 nights in Budapest after. That's all I can swing with teenagers still at home!

I will definitely give a trip report when we return.

Well chosen Daffy. If you need help filling those two glorious days in Budapest I would be pleased to help you find things to do and see.

Well chosen Daffy. If you need help filling those two glorious days in Budapest I would be pleased to help you find things to do and see.

If you ever need soomething extra to do in Budapest, try a wine tasting in the Faust Wine Cellar. Half the fun is finding it.

Pjk

If you want to drink, hit up a ruin pub... The most famous is the best!... Szimpla kert.

If you want a drink hit the For Sale Pub, across from the great Market. Free peanuts.

Pjk

We will be on a wine-themed river cruise so I know my husband will be more than ready for a few good beers - the Budapest pubs sound perfect! Thanks Peter and centraleurope!

Bobandco - I would love some ideas. The last day of our cruise includes touring Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica and we spend the night on the ship, so we'll have that done before we check in to our hotel the next day....that leaves us time to explore the rest of the city.

PS - What is a "ruin pub"? I'm fascinated!

Hello daffy_traveller,

I would like recommend you to watch two of these short films about Budapest http://www.xxtravel-hungary.dk/#!budapest-/c2cb ... after that you will be sure, where you want to stay for an extra night ;) In the second film you can see what a ruin pub is. It is very popular among the locals and the tourists as well.

If you need any help to plan your stay in Budapest I would be happy to help you.
My name is Hanna and I´m from Budapest. In a past 20 years I have been living in Denmark and have a travel agency called XX Travel Hungary.
You are welcome to write me any questions to my mail: [email protected]

Best regards

I can recommend a very nice 4* hotel in a center of Budapest, just a minut from the Parliament which is not expensive at all.
You can see it yourself : http://www.xxtravel-hungary.dk/#!hot...-budapest/ck9y