dungar

My wife and I will be traveling to Eastern Europe next summer. We plan to start in Budapest for a few days, then drive to the Croatian coast for some time on the beach (in Vrsar), then drive to Vienna for a few days (including a day trip to Bratislava). The order of our destinations is fixed, but the amount of time in Budapest and Vienna is flexible. We have about 7 days to divide between the 2. I would be interested in hearing recommendations on how much time to spend in each city (and how to spend the time). Also, any thoughts on interesting places to stop on our road trip days (Budapest to Vrsar, Vrsar to Vienna) would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,
Dave

kja

I thought Budapest deserved at least 4 full days and Vienna a bare minimum of 5 full days, BUT it really depends on what you want to see and experience. You might want to review a few good guidebooks, identify the things you most want to see in each location, note their opening/closing times, and mark them on a calendar. Then pencil in your transportation, add some time on either side (for getting to/from the train/bus station or whatever, checking in/out, packing/unpacking, getting oriented, etc.), and see how things fit together.

If you have time, the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč is well worth seeing on your way to/from Vrsar.

jelopez33

Dungar:
I have been to both cities, three times to Vienna. IME Budapest at least three full days and Vienna at least five, day trip to Bratislava included. Those are minimums.
Both cities are excepcional, but I prefer Vienna,mand that is just me, of course.
Yours sounds like a charming trip......enjoy!

nytraveler

First of all - sorry - but this is CENTRAL europe - not EASTERN (that would be Russia and the Ukraine). Until the iron curtain fell Austria was western - when the only choices were western and eastern.

Vienna does have more to see and do but I prefer Budapest (after several visits to each) but I think that is because I find Vienna kind of triste.

I would say each city needs at least 4 full days (5 nights) for a first visit so you will have to decide what YOUR must sees are (try the Michelin Green guides for info) and make the cuts where necessary.

Cowboy1968

On your way from Vrsar to Vienna you could stop at Ljubljana (if you like historic towns) or Lake Bled (if you like scenic nature) - though Lake Bled will be a small deviation from the ideal route. But both will require more time than just a quick 1hr stopover - so not sure if you can squeeze either into your time budget.

In any case, do not forget to buy the proper motorway tax stickers before you enter any of the countries you plan to visit or transit through. You will need one for Austria, not sure about Croatia, Slovenia and Slovakia.
If you don't want the hassle of driving from Vienna to Bratislava for your day trip, you will also have discounted day trip saver fares by Austrian Rail (some 15 eur return) or the option to take the boat.

fourfortravel

As kja suggested, some research will help answer the "What should we see and do" questions. The discussions about the minimum number of days in Budapest and Vienna are irrelevant until you decide what interests you. We have had friends visit us in Vienna for everything from a weekend to 10 days, and all have found their holidays to their satisfaction. Some were immersed in the art; others were happy to spend a day at Schönbrunn and spend the rest of their time on day trips outside Vienna, and so forth.

For driving around Central Europe you'll need a vignette for Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Croatia has highway tolls that are payable as you travel. Some vignettes are available for purchase online; others still require one to stop at the border. Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia are on the Euro; Croatia uses the Kuna, and Hungary uses the Forint.

ÖBB (Austrian State Railways) offer €15 RT tickets to Bratislava that can be purchased at the Hauptbahnhof in Vienna on the day of travel. The trains generally run every hour; travel time one-way is 75 minutes. Once at the train station in Bratislava, the X13 bus will take you to the Old City. The train is preferable to driving; the scenery is not all that spectacular, but it does make up for the challenge of parking in an unfamiliar city.

Percy

I would divide the times equally.

You are not going to see everything in either place, so at least see all of the major places in Vienna and Budapest.

DebitNM

We just did so,e of this route and opted to stay in Bratislava with a day trip to Vienna and then onto to Budapest. We did 4 nights in Bratislava and same in Budapest. We did really like Vienna and would have spent another few days there, if our plans allowed. I know that isn't much help, but what I wanted to share with you is this wonderful blog I came across while doing research -

http://theworldinbetween.com