Budapest or Venice in November?

[UniBallEye]

Where would you pick? 4 day city break, it's my birthday treat...
Help!

Venice!! Without a doubt. I’ve been to both, but I’ll always go back to Venice, I’ve been there so many times and there is so much to see, I feel I’ve barely covered it. It’s so bright and sunny in the day and eerie and spooky at night (maybe I’ve watched Don’t Look Now too many times), it’s the most romantic place in my opinion. Budapest is nice, I really enjoyed it, but it’s not a patch on the magic of Venice and all the amazing islands.

Thank you everyone!
We have been to Lisbon in early December a few years ago and it was an incredible 18 degrees! We really loved it and it was on the list this time round too...

As I said we have been to Venice, but not at this time of year, mainly September or April / May and we now have plans to go back there in the spring.

So Budapest it is...that ice-skating rink sounds amazing!!

Please keep suggesting things, I'm making a big list now and getting very excited!

@Miliao I totally agree that Venice is utterly magical and one of my favourite places in the world!

Budapest. Definitely.

I can't comment on Budapest but Venice in November meant we could walk the city without queues, likewise the biennale and really enjoyed idling with locals in bars and restaurants. It was cold and wet when we went but that isn't a negative for me and I loved the quiet streets and ability to visit whatever one wanted without a wait. No pavement cafes of course.

Stay at the New York Palace if you can. Budapest is so cheap that you get incredible quality for the price.
The High Note Sky Bar is fun for drinks
Zeller Bistro brilliant for dinner and music
The restaurant at the top of the Hotel Rum for brunch and cocktails
Open top bus is good if you get chilly and still want to sightsee

Budapest. The Cathedral is lovely. Opera House is beautiful too. Boat trip on the Danube a must.
And as the currency is Forint your pounds go far. A lot of restaurants do a set lunch at a bargain price, make sure you ask about that when checking out the menu they don't always advertise that to tourists. I only found out about it as my brother has lived there for years. I think I need to visit next spring thanks for prompting me!

Are we allowed in Budapest now??

Budapest for sure!

Lived there and it’s a stunning city.

Christmas markets tend to start end of November from memory.

@FizzyPink I'm looking at booking the Rum Hotel! It looks fab. Good to hear the brunch/ cocktails are good!

@bestbefore

Are we allowed in Budapest now??

I think so. I’ve friends flying in and out on business that haven’t been until now.

I LOVE Budapest! Recommendations

I preferred the Gelert baths over Schezyni

Dracula caves - so good!

#monument park
#river cruise (but don't bother with the indoor market)
#ride their subway
#the Buda old town, palace, cathedral etc
#the opera

Theres so much to do - a wonderful place!

This thread is totally inspiring me to visit Budapest - sounds wonderful!

I've been to both but in November I'd prefer Budapest as being in the hot springs baths outside will be nice - although not all of the spas have their outdoor pools open but some do.

Not sure when Venice is more likely to flood - think it's February but definitely double check that it's not November if you're leaning towards Venice.

Ive been to Venice 3 times in winter and twice in spring. 3 years ago I went in December. One year it flooded slightly but only in some parts of the city. Venice is magical in winter - chilly and misty. Christmas is so festive looking. The Italians have a real gift for decorating the shops. Italy is never too cold for British people. You will find that although some tourist attractions close, many are so much more friendly to tourists in the off season time. And its worth it to avoid the cruise crowds.

Budapest has a 100 year old restaurant (round the corner from M&S) that does amazing strudel…
www.szazevesetterem.hu/eng/

Budapest, go to the Schechenyi baths in the snow, just incredible!

Oh! Go to the ballet. It is cheap as chips and absolutely fantastic. I watched the Hungarian national ballet at the Erkel theatre because the proper theatre was closed for renovations and it was amazing.

I think the tickets cost £17 each and we were in a box. Your hotel might be able to sort out tickets or you can buy direct (I used a concierge as part of a airport transfer package and he sorted it all out for me).

Go to the New York Cafe, the most beautiful cafe in the world.
Talk to the waiter about which cake to go with which hot chocolate.
HERE
Photo attached.

Walk down the river to the shoes.

The Christmas market was so pretty and not over hyped or expensive.

We did the river trip which was lovely but freezing!

A guided bus tour that we got off early as it was very boring! But that was a bad choice on our part.

I wish we had done a walking tour instead.

Photo of New York cafe didn’t post.
Oh and I am talking about Budapest.

I'm very jealous you are going to Budapest! We went for a special occasion right at the end of October one year and it's was amazing. We stayed at the Corinthia which was perfect (with a basement spa).
An evening river cruise
The Széchenyi thermal outdoor spa just for the experience!
We enjoyed Paprika for dinner
And of course as many Kurtoskalacs you can eat!

I recommend the ladies restaurant near the zoo, but can't remember the name of it. And another restaurant we liked was called Fatal I think? But I'm jealous too, Budapest is a favourite of mine.

The women's restaurant is Bagolyvar.

Thank you for all the replies, it's overwhelmingly in favour of Budapest! This was my personal preference too so I am delighted. I have booked the flights this morning - woohoo!!! I am now looking at hotels and making notes of all your amazing suggestions. I am beyond excited, it feel such a long time since I've been able to plan and research a trip and for me, that's definitely a huge part of the pleasure of travelling!

Please keep making suggestions if you have anymore - they are really appreciated!

I can personally recommend hotel moments. Great Central location, lovely helpful staff and fantastic breakfast!