Where should I spend my birthday?
 

I'll already be traveling for work and it's approximately equal in terms of time/money for me to get to any one of these cities to add on 1.5 days to my trip on my birthday in December. Which one would you pick? Naples, Munich, Vienna or Prague.

I don't like to be cold so I'd choose Naples for that reason alone. But you may have other criteria you haven't mentioned. ???

I would like to eat a great dinner, which also probably puts Naples at the top for me. I have never been to any of these cities (though I have to been to Germany and Italy). Just looking for something fun and memorable overall...

I've been to all those cities and Naples is my least favourite.


When in December will you be travelling? If it's before Christmas, I'd pick one of the other cities and enjoy the Christmas Markets, gluhwein, gingerbread, etc.

Yes, it is before Christmas. Thanks.

I've been to Vienna and Prague. 1.5 days isn't very long, and if it is equidistant, you must be in Switzerland or something? In which case you already have cold-weather clothes with you.

So I'd choose Prague or Vienna as both are cities with enough easy to do in 1.5 days to keep you occupied and you don't have to go far from the Old Town center, either.

I haven't been to Munich, so don't know its attractions for a day, but that could be fine also as none of those are large cities, so fairly easy to get to the airport. Vienna is probably the largest. I do imagine the food is better in Naples, though, but that depends what type of food you like, of course. I much prefer Italian food to German/Czech or AUstrian.

I have not been to Munich, but of the other three, I would choose Prague, especially if traveling alone. Prague is quite compact and it's easy to navigate the main sights on foot. Plan to stay near the Old Town Square for best use of your time.

Munch's city sights can easily be seen in a day and a half. However, the more interesting sights in Bavaria are a day trip from Munich (Neuchwanstein, for instance). I'd leave Munich for when you have more than a day and a half to explore a new place.

I'd head to Prague given your time constraints. The city is compact and easily to navigate and if you plan wisely, you'll hit the key spots in a day and half. Vienna is bigger and will need more time, especially if you want to visit Schönbrunn. If you have no desire to visit Schönbrunn [or museums] a day and a half if planned wisely will hit the key sights, albeit at a sightly more hectic pace than covering Prague's sights in the same time frame.

How do you plan on getting to either of these cities? Train? Flight? And, will be flying out of the EU from one of these places?

Yes, I plan to fly from Milan, and then fly back to the US from the city I choose.

I had a wonderful time in Naples in December. Food is fantastic, coffee and pastries out of this world, town is maginficent, sights are amazing. Weather was pleasant for walking around and sightseeing. There is no place like it in Europe, and the people are so warm. If you tell them it is your birthday, they will knock themselves out.

I spent all my time museums in Munich, and otherwise wouldn't go. Vienna is pretty and has memorable cakes -- so that might be a reason to visit for a birthday! But the rest of the food? Meh. I also see it as great museum town, though, if you enjoy art museums.

Never been to Prague.

I enjoyed Prague more for outdoor sights, architecture, etc. If I had to spend most of the time indoors because of cold/wet weather or darkness, I'd rather be in one of the other cities. FYI, sunset will be around 4:00p with Naples later than the others.

But where are you coming from and where do you need to go after the quick visit? I haven't traveled in Europe in December, but I think I'd rather deal with trains at that time of year.

Coming from Milan and going home to Washington DC after. Flying seems quicker and cheaper.

Thanks for the input, Prague and Naples are now the frontrunners...

Fly to Salzburg, take in the Christmas market. Have a sacher torte. Go home happy.

Magical and priceless.

You can get good or even great food in any of these cities. In december I would do Prague or vienna - as being the most seasonal and having Christmas markets and lots of festivities.

I have no problem with Naples but to me it is a part of spring/summer touring.

nytraveler, but you've never been in Naples in December! Its Christmas markets are in swing and its fireworks are on display, there are plenty of festivities and music concerts, and visiting places like Pompei in the cool, mild weather is more pleasant than when it starts to get hot.

I wouldn't visit Naples and skip the Amalfi Coast. December isn't the right time of year to head the Amalfi Coast and the op doesn't have enough time to see what the region has to offer in a day and a half.

sandralist you are a good salesperson! I am torn between Prague and Naples. Since I will already be in Italy for a week, and have never been to the Czech Republic at all (and heard good things about Prague from many sources), Prague seems a good choice. But your descriptions are very tempting!

Forgot to add that flights to Salzburg are much more expensive and there are no direct flights, so that's out.