How about going to Vienna via Bratislava by boat at least for some days? There is a daily boat connection.
April in Paris is famous, too.
The mediterranean islands like Mallorca, Malta or Sicilly are great destinations for walking in April. What else would you like to do?
The boat is an interesting idea. Someone down thread says they've heard it's boring -- have you been on the boat, what do you do on it?
Probably a little soon for a repeat on Paris with so many other options, but I'm sure it's beautiful in the spring.
The mediterranean islands are a great suggestion. Should be warmer anyway -- we'll definitely look into those.
Having just got back from Prague, I would recommend going there because in April you wont have the throngs of humans crowding the Charless Bridge and etc.
From Prague a lovely day tour is to the spa townof Karlovy Vary, simply gorgeous. It is easy to get a bus tour to there that picks you up, drives for about two hours, gives you lunch, a long walk down the promenade for a couple of hours, a tour of the Moser glass factory, and then home. This little trip oitside of Prague is nice because you will see some countryside as well as architecture that is smaller and more colorful than that same in Prague, but just as lovely.
If you go to Prague, the Hotel Pariz is amazingly gorgeous with old brasses and other Art Deco and Art Nouveau decor. also, every floor is an art gallery, the place has 150 pieces of original art. The restaurant is very high quality.
Good point about tourists, and thanks for the Prague tips. It's definitely on the list for someday one way or the other, so I'll keep your notes for whenever we go.
Also, I have not been to Croatia but it is popular right now, and it looks introguing to me.
I would say go to Transylvania if I was sure that weather would be decent. Spring in that moutainous countryside would be glorious. Transylvania has fabulous castles, medieval villages, and mountains. It would be a nice counterpart to your city experience of Budapest. If you do go there, get out of
Bucharesti as soon as you can. Probably you would fly into Bucharesti, but you could get out of town and withhin 3+ hours drive be in the wonderful olde town of Sibiu.
Ooh, there's a thought I would never have thought of. Dracula! I suppose that's probably a sore subject for them.
It sounds like driving is really the only way to see it?
How long are you going for? I’ll tell you, I loved Budapest. It is now one of. My favorite cities. I wish I had spent more time there. Rent bikes, ride around, take in the parks and baths. Easy city. And I know everyone says Prague, but outside of the Charles Bridge, not the biggest fan.
We'll be in Budapest for 5-6 days. I'll mostly be on my own for that. After that we'll probably travel around for 2 (maybe 3) weeks more.
My wife (who is more well travelled than I am) also didn't really like Prague. She wants to give it another try because everyone seems to love it, but
it was cold and wet when she visited in college, so it didn't leave the best impression. Hopefully we can rectify that.
I'll be there in April too! Following to see the suggestions you get.
I'm thinking of taking an overnight train to Krakow as my side trip. But I like the Bratislava by boat idea.
What a coinkidink!
What makes you want to add Krakow as your side trip? What have you learned about it?
Just came from Vienna today and loved it! Even though it was cold. The museums were top notch (especially Belvedere and Natural history). We did Bratislava too, just for a day trip and it was adorable but small, good for 1 day.
We've learned that we're not really "museum people" as we usually prefer wandering around and museums just kind of start bleeding together for us, but we do like to sprinkle in a few, so thanks for mentioning the two you liked best!
There is plenty to see and do in budapest and the surrounding area to keep you busy for 3-5 days. Vienna is 2 hrs away on the train (skip the boat, it is supposed to be boring). If you go there for 5 days, I would do these 2 together.
Prague is beautiful, if you go in april you will be able to see more as it is usually packed with tourists. I also suggest checking out transylvania if you are in the area (skip bucharest, that is a dump, there is a train from budapest to the main cities, and also planes), the old German cities are lovely (sibiu, brasov and the surrounding medieval villages). We went there this summer and it was fantastic. Pm me if you want to go there, i can dig out the contact details of our English speaking guide or the taxi driver who drove us around in the villages for like 50 a day.
Cool, I'll be in Budapest "on my own" for 5-6 days while my wife is otherwise occupied, so I might have to take it a little slow, but I'm sure I'll be able to entertain myself. Any particular suggestions?
Second Transylvania suggestion. Sounds like a car or someone to drive you around is the only way to do it?
There is plenty to see and do in budapest and the surrounding area to keep you busy for 3-5 days. Vienna is 2 hrs away on the train (skip the boat, it is supposed to be boring). If you go there for 5 days, I would do these 2 together.
Prague is beautiful, if you go in april you will be able to see more as it is usually packed with tourists. I also suggest checking out transylvania if you are in the area (skip bucharest, that is a dump, there is a train from budapest to the main cities, and also planes), the old German cities are lovely (sibiu, brasov and the surrounding medieval villages). We went there this summer and it was fantastic. Pm me if you want to go there, i can dig out the contact details of our English speaking guide or the taxi driver who drove us around in the villages for like 50 a day.
We did a Transylvania tour last September, and l we loved the places you mention!
Ok, here is our travel expert who planned our trip and drove us around. He is absolutely top notch:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294458-d7300102-Reviews-BookToursRomania_Private_Tours-Bucharest.html
Thanks for the tip! How much did he charge?