Vienna and Budapest are two incredible cities on the Danube River. Vienna is known for its palaces and for being a hub for art and music. Budapest is known for its grand landmarks, its majestic riverfront, and the world-famous thermal baths. If you are trying to decide between Vienna or Budapest, here is the ultimate guide to help you decide.
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Vienna or Budapest Overview
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city in Austria with 1.9 million residents. It is best known for its beautiful architecture and world-renowned palaces. It quickly becomes obvious that Vienna was one of the wealthiest cities in the world for centuries. Vienna is often ranked for having the highest quality of living in the world. It is also regarded as the World’s Capital of Music due in part by the fact that Mozart, Beethoven, and Johann Straus called Vienna home. Vienna is located in the middle of Europe making smelting-pot for travelers from all over the world.
Budapest
Budapest is the largest city in Hungary with 1.75 million people living here. It is known for being a picturesque city with large palaces and beautiful architecture. The Hungarian Parliament building it one of the most incredible buildings in all of Europe. The city is also known for its thermal baths scattered throughout the city. The city is split in half by the Danube River with Buda in the west and Pest in the east. The riverfront is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Places to See
Vienna
Schonbrunn Palace was the main summer residence for the Habsburg rulers. It has been open to tourists since the 1950s.
The Hofburg used to be the imperial residence of the Hofburg rulers. It is now the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the biggest churches in Vienna and is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna.
Belvedere Palace is another large palace within Vienna. It is known for its beautiful gardens.
The Austrian National Museum is the largest museum in Austria. It was established in 1368 and now has over 12 million items in the collection.
Budapest
Buda Palace is a large baroque palace overlooking the Danube River.
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most magnificent buildings in Europe. Sitting directly on the water’s edge adds to its beauty.
St. Stephen’s Basilica was named after Stephen, who was the first king of Hungary. It is one of the largest churches in the country.
Szechenyi Thermal Bath is one of the most famous thermal baths in Budapest. It is also one of the largest baths.
Vajdahunyad Castle is right in the middle of Budapest’s largest park. The park is absolutely stunning in the warmer months.
Matthias Church is a Catholic church located on the same hill as the Buda Palace.
Food
Vienna
One of Austria’s most famous dishes is Wiener Schnitzel. Wiener Schnitzel is breaded veal that is pan-fried in butter. Vienna Sausages are also known around the world. Vienna Sausages are traditionally made using pork and beef stuffed into sheeps’ intestine. When it comes to desserts, Apfelstrudel or apple strudel, is one of the most popular tasty treats to get in Vienna.
Budapest
Langos are a very popular Hungarian staple food. They are deep-fried flatbread with sour cream and cheese. Kürtőskalács, also known as chimney cakes, are Hungarian treats famous in Budapest. Sausages are a staple in the diets of Hungarians. You need to try some local sausage during your time in Budapest. One of the most popular forms of varieties of sausages is the csabai kolbász, which is a spicy paprika sausage.
Getting Around
Vienna
Vienna is known for having a great network of public transportation with the subway, train, tram, and bus systems. Some of Vienna’s biggest attractions are on the outskirts of the city so you will want to use public transportation during your time here. It all runs on the honor system so there are no ticket barriers on any form of transportation. Though it runs off the honor system, you should buy a ticket because random ticket checks are common and you could get a hefty fine without a ticket.
Budapest
Budapest has a network of public buses, trolleys, trams, and the subway. The subway in Budapest runs on the honor system but be sure to buy your tickets anyway because they do random checks. Walking the riverfront and the beautiful parks are excellent ways to spend the day here. I have never walked more in a single day than I did in Budapest (37,000 steps).
Nightlife
Vienna
Vienna was ranked as one of the best cities in the world for young adults so it is no wonder there is a thriving nightlife scene here. There are also over 200,000 university students in Vienna which ensure that the nightlife is alive and well. There are many bars here that have live music every night of the week. There are also quite a few clubs to choose from. Two of the best clubs are Volksgarten and Grelle Forelle.
Budapest
Most of the nightlife in Budapest can be found in the center of the city on the Pest side of the river. There are many different options for nightlife here. Ruin bars are some of the most unique places to party in Budapest. Ruin bars are old Soviet buildings turned in bars and clubs that can be found throughout the city. During the warmer months, people will bring their own booze and socialize in the area surrounding the Budapest Eye. Budapest has a nightlife that is one of the most unique in the world and should be on anyone’s party bucket list.
Day Trips
Vienna
Liechtenstein Castle is only 20 minutes from Vienna, making it a very easy journey.
Melk Abbey is a large Benedictine abbey that is perched on top of a hill in Melk. It is roughly 50 minutes from Vienna.
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. The city is only an hour away from Vienna and would be excellent for exploring for a day or two.
Budapest
Esztergom was once the capital of Hungary. It is only 46km from Budapest and sits on the Slovakian border.
Godollo Castle was the favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary.
Balatonfüred is a resort town on the largest lake in Central Europe. Lake Balaton is often referred to as the Hungarian Sea.
Since Vienna and Budapest are less than three hours away from each other, you may just want to visit both if you have the time to do so.
Overall
Vienna and Budapest are both capital cities on the Danube River. Vienna is known for its palaces, modern architecture blending with traditional architecture, and for being a hub for art and music. Budapest is known for its grand landmarks, its majestic riverfront, and world-famous thermal baths. You could easily spend nearly a week in either city without getting bored. If you are into museums and palaces, the obvious choice is Vienna. Budapest is cheaper and gives you a taste of Eastern Europe, also offering a picturesque riverfront and incredible thermal baths.