Prague or Budapest for Christmas??
 

Hi,

I will be traveling very last minute to Eastern Europe over the holidays. We are trying to decide which city is better to spend Christmas in, Budapest or Prague? Ideally we would like the place with the most open and would also love to maybe see the ballet.

What is the best, most efficient way to get from Prague to Budapest or visa versa? Is there a cheap airline? The train looks like it takes about 7 hours, we would like to avoid spending so much time traveling. Also, we could drive, even though dropping off a car in another country is very expensive, though it may be the same in the end to take a train or fly and drop the car off.

Also, we are looking to travel to Eger and Tokaj, so any advice on wineries or hotels there would be great.

Thank you

I spent Christmas in Budapest last year and saw the Nutcracker at the Opera House. Great Experience and not very expensive. I rented a car and drove from Munich. Pretty easy (but about 7-8 hours long) drive as long as the weather is good. I returned to Munich to drop off the car.

Three years ago, spent Christmas in Krakow. Best time ever. The whole town becomes alive on Christmas day and celebrates as a community. Went to several church services, saw a free nativity play (with live animals) in a courtyard, and the Christmas market remained open.

Dear sara,

You will get differing opinions, but we spent last Christmas/NYE in Prague and had a wonderful time. I prefer (by a lot) Prague to Budapest in general. Prague has a wonderful spirit about it, lots of charm, great music. You will love it. (Be prepared for the cold and the crowds.)

I would guess flying would be a lot cheaper than training it. Check out Air Berlin, Lufthansa, Swiss.

Have a wonderful time.

gruezi

Budapest.

Thank you for the responses thus far- agedude- how did you secure the nutcracker tickets? I think I would want to buy them online prior, if possible.

Thanks!!

Nutcracker tickets @ the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest can be purchased online via Jegymester. http://www.jegymester.hu/index.jsp?place=298&lang=ENG

It's the equivalent of Ticketmaaster. I've purcheased tickets via Jegymester and it's a reputable and reliable website.

Looks like apart from Nutcracker, if you like opera, they are playing Marriage of Figaro on Dec 25 and La Boheme on Dec 26.

Like YK said. Bought online without issue.

Great, thank you for all of the information. I think we will stay in Budapest. Are there any special things or places we should do there during Christmas? aside from the Nutcracker? Special dinners, etc?

Thanks again!
Sara