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Original poster

Budapest or Bologna

27 replies

Travelcrazy · 22/09/2023 06:35

We are having a long weekend away at the end of November and can’t decide which to book. Can anyone please help us make a decision?
Thanks for any help.

OP posts:
TheBirdintheCave · 22/09/2023 07:41

I've not been to Budapest but have been to Bologna.

It's a very nice and pretty city with lovely food, it's quite small so perfect for a weekend BUT unless you really like art, I wouldn't say there's a lot to do there.

asecretslob · 22/09/2023 07:43

Budapest seems more to do but we did do a day trip to Florence from Bologna and the food is wonderful

BigSwigs · 22/09/2023 07:45

Budapest is a place of surprises but when I went in the late 90s I noted it felt very polluted. The buildings are beautiful but they all had a layer of grime on them.

Bologna strikes me as a more laid back option, it is on my list of places.

I imagine once you are there Budapest is cheaper if that is a consideration.

Original poster
Travelcrazy · 22/09/2023 07:52

So it looks like more to do in Budapest but better food in Bologna, still a hard choice then but thanks for your replies so far.

OP posts:
asecretslob · 22/09/2023 07:57

I watched Rick steins long weekend to Bologna and that inspired me to go

It's a great choice to have ! Both are good in different ways although Budapest had the Xmas market open and was very busy

I liked the chilled vibe in Bologna and like I said we did a day trip to Florence by train which keep us busy

Tinytigertail · 22/09/2023 08:02

I love both, but Budapest edges it for me. It's a great city to wander around in, lots of history, the wonderful spas, cheap beer(!) and I really liked the food.

111111111a · 22/09/2023 08:05

Not been to Budapest but really liked bologna. Very chilled. Great cheap spritz! You could incorporate a day in Modena and do one of the great food tours there. Basically if you like food it's great.

Wolfricbriandumbledore · 22/09/2023 08:08

I’ve never been to Bologna, but DH goes there for work and says it’s a small , laidback university city, very charming, with excellent food. Budapest was enormously interesting but the food I remember as being average at best, but I’m vegetarian, and it’s been a while. Yes, it does sound to me as if you are choosing between a greater number of attractions and eating well.

rainingsheets · 22/09/2023 08:12

Budapest is a great city, interesting contrasts (eg Buda and Pest are areas on opp sides of the Danube and are quite different) & history, beautiful buildings, friendly people, we had 3 days there and want to go back as wasn't enough time to explore properly.

Original poster
Travelcrazy · 22/09/2023 08:31

Has anyone been to the Christmas Market in either town?

OP posts:
TheBirdintheCave · 22/09/2023 08:37

@Travelcrazy No we went to Bologna in the summer.

KenAdams · 22/09/2023 08:44

Budapest is beautiful. I went in November and I'd highly recommend it.

TotalOverhaul · 22/09/2023 09:07

Never been to Bologna but I'd pick Budapest. It's a magical city.

WhatHaveIFound · 22/09/2023 09:10

I've been to both and would prefer a long weekend in Budapest. Lots to see and great restaurants too.

VeridicalVagabond · 22/09/2023 09:11

Both are marvellous, but Budapest has my heart. We go every year, multiple times sometimes. And we're going this November so might see you there!

Bologna does have great food but if that's the only reason to choose it, Budapest also has great food! Lots of variety and we're never stuck for something to try, cheap as chips too.

Original poster
Travelcrazy · 22/09/2023 11:49

@VeridicalVagabond which part of the city do you stay? have you been to the Christmas market before? yes we may bump into each other!

Thanks for all the replies it looks like Budapest is popular!

OP posts:
Kissmas · 22/09/2023 12:03

I've been to Budapest Christmas markets. Very small, nothing to write home about. The city, however, is brilliant.

If you want Christmas markets look at Nuremberg. I love Bologna but not in winter

WhatapityWapiti · 22/09/2023 12:05

Hee hee this feels like a game:
Cadiz or Cardiff?
Düsseldorf or Dubrovnik?
Estepona or Edinburgh?

WhatapityWapiti · 22/09/2023 12:06

To answer the question, I LOVED swimming in the baths in Budapest and you don’t get those in Bologna.

Buttalapasta · 22/09/2023 12:37

The Christmas market in Bologna is actually a French Christmas market and is tiny and ridiculously overpriced!

WhatHaveIFound · 22/09/2023 13:30

WhatapityWapiti · 22/09/2023 12:05

Hee hee this feels like a game:
Cadiz or Cardiff?
Düsseldorf or Dubrovnik?
Estepona or Edinburgh?

Faro or Frankfurt?

Original poster
Travelcrazy · 22/09/2023 13:30

Looks like we will go to Budapest then and forget about the Christmas markets although it would be nice if the decorations are up by then. We went to Warsaw a few years back and all the Christmas lights made it really special.
If anyone knows the best area to stay that would be a big help thanks.
I really appreciate all your help with this, thanks.

OP posts:
WhatapityWapiti · 22/09/2023 13:33

Genoa or Geneva?

WhatapityWapiti · 22/09/2023 13:36

Helsinki or Halkidiki?

Redskyatwhatever · 22/09/2023 13:43

Went to the Christmas market in Budapest last year, it’s quite spread out so adds a nice Christmassy atmosphere as you walk through the streets. Nice to browse and the eating / drinking market stalls seemed busy. Didn’t see much I wanted to buy though and I’m Christmas mad.