My friend is taking me to Prague for my birthday in March '02. <BR> <BR>Advice, please. We have a week in all, so it seems like there's enough to visit a second destination without rushing too much. <BR> <BR>Any thoughts between Vienna and Budapest? We haven't been to either. Budapest is a bit longer a haul, but that's not an issue --it seems you can drive there in about five hours. <BR> <BR>Appreciate the input.

Vienna, hands down. So much more to see and enjoy.

Budapest is the most beautiful city in Europe IMO. I spent 7 days there two years ago and could have spent longer. I liked Vienna but it doesn't compare.

I have been curious about Budapest for a while. Some people say it's great some say it's disappointing. Can anyone elaborate what makes Budapest "most beautiful". How does it compare to Prague & Vienna? Thanks.

One of the most impressing things about Budapest is its position on the Danube. The river splits the city in two. Buda, the hilly part to the west and Pest to the east side. It is a large city. Castle hill is terrific to wander around in. The national museum is one of the best I've seen. Andressa Street(Utca) is great to wander down. The Opera house is somewhat smaller than the one in Vienna but just as beautiful. The Jewish synagogue is the largest in Europe. The food is wonderful and very inexpensive (about $10 for a full dinner.) As i mentioned before, I liked Vienna but I liked Budapest much more. <BR>

R.P -- <BR> <BR>Just came back from a week in Prague and Budapest. Never been to Vienna but Budapest was just beautiful. Don't think you would be at all disappointed with it. <BR> <BR>If you want a trip report on both Budapest and Prague, I can send you ours. Just send me a separate email. <BR> <BR>Bob

I would say Vienna although I have relatives in Budapest so spent more times there. <BR>Vienna is much more expensive but much more poch and elegant than Budapest. <BR>In Budapest many buildings are not renovated thus they look much more shaby than you would like to see. You still feel the past on the city while in Vienna - well, I would say Vienna!

Both cities are beautiful but Vienna would be more appealing for the average tourist and less of a risk. In any case, you will enjoy whichever one you choose.

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All 3 cities were a part of the same empire so similar but different because Vienna has been in the west always, Prague embraced capitalism much earlier than Budapest, Budapest is the least touristy and is the most inexpensive. You would enjoy any 2 so whichever way you go will be fun. You could hit all 3 to just get a taste but you need at least 3-4 days to really get a feel for any one.

I have been to both and all I can say is... Budapest, Budapest, Budapest!

My husband isn't into any cities (Venice? too exhausting, Florence? hm, let's get outta here... He gets "museuem" legs, .... you get the drift). Anyways, he just came back from a trip to Vienna and Budapest, and that's what he had to say: "For a city, Budapest is very nice". He liked the markets, the atmosphere... <BR>On the other hand, my mother who is into every little church, museum, palace, castle ... also liked Budapest more. She went on a cruise down the Danube and would have loved to stay longer in Budapest. I don't know if weather is a consideration.

Make your vacation longer and visit all 3 cities. It is very possible! My family just went to Prague and Vienna in September. My wife liked Prague more and I like Vienna more. We've never been to Budapest. Vienna is closer to Prague than Budapest. There are many nice museums in Vienna and I really liked Karlskirche in Vienna.

Hey Fanta, <BR>didn't you just tell everybody not to travel to Europe until 2003? Now you suggest to stay longer!

Prague stands by itself in my opinion. If you give it less than three days, you really deprive yourself of a real feel for the City. Budapest is next and, again, requires a minimum of three days to really see/feel. Vienna is interesting, has some very beautiful sites, but lacks the Charm of Prague or Budapest.

RP, <BR> <BR>I did all three cities last spring. Prague was my favorite. The other 2 are very different, so based on your preference and budget it should be easy to make a choice. <BR> <BR>Vienna is significantly more expensive, but it has beautiful palaces and the music scene to enjoy on a short visit. The trip from Prague to Vienna is a plus. Stop in Chesky Kromlov over night and visit the castle then drive into Austria and to Vienna along the Danube. The river is lined with castles and Abbey's - plenty of places to stop for an hour or two. <BR> <BR>I thought Budapest was a friendlier city. As the poster above noted the two sides of the city are distict and both interesting. The city was almost completly destroyed during WWII and has been rebuilt beautifully. Budapest has some very unique sites - the thermal spa's, the caves under Castle hill and the Citadel. We drove via Vienna. I am sure there is a quicker drive path, but I do not know if it would be as pretty as the Danube in Austria. <BR> <BR>Have Fun! <BR>Aileen