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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Amsterdam or Vienna?

13 replies

octopusrus · 17/09/2017 19:05

Has anyone been to both and preferred one over the other particularly?

We will be going with no DC for 2 nights.

Flying from Heathrow.

Would love to have any feedback as I've not visited either!

OP posts:
Fauchelevent · 17/09/2017 19:09

When are you going and what kinds of things do you enjoy? Amsterdam in November was just dreadful, way colder than London. In fact I didn't enjoy it one bit and would love to go to Vienna, so for that reason I'd go to Vienna

Original poster
octopusrus · 17/09/2017 19:49

Hello, good questions!

Late nov/early Dec.

Would Vienna be much warmer at that time then?

We want to see the Christmas markets, wander round the city, couple of museums, long lunches....not necessarily 'do' too much if you know what I mean.

OP posts:
Fauchelevent · 17/09/2017 19:54

I'm not sure about the weather, but Budapest in Mid Nov I could get away with a jumper and felt toasty walking around. Amsterdam in many many layers i still felt so cold i only wanted to stay inside.

Christmas markets and food def Vienna. Amsterdam you wouldn't visit for the food at all, but the museums are decent

SunSeptember · 18/09/2017 10:04

I have not been to Vienna and did this same research a few years ago, Amsterdam pipped V to the post at that time.

I adore Amsterdam now, and went back this year, its compact, so pretty has a very chilled vibe to it, people really friendly, good service, brilliant art galleries, unique museums, amazing restaurants.
Amsterdam you wouldn't visit for the food at all Shock

there are so many incredible restaurants there!

juneau · 18/09/2017 11:22

If you want Christmas markets, then Vienna definitely. Amsterdam is lovely, but in winter it has a damp cold from all the canals that gets into your bones. Vienna will also likely be cold, but it's a drier version of cold and there are so many wonderful cafes that it's nice to have an excuse to go into them and eat cake.

Hoppinggreen · 18/09/2017 11:25

Like both but given a choice it would be Vienna

user1483387154 · 18/09/2017 11:26

Vienna, especially if you want to do Christmas markets. It is so vibrant at that time of year and the atmosphere at the markets is lovely.

DownHereInTheHorridHouse · 18/09/2017 11:29

I really dislike Amsterdam - the whole place is so seedy and unpleasant. I get bored there pretty quickly too, although that might be because I go a fair bit for family reasons. Rijksmuseum is good for kids though as they put a fair bit of thought into making it engaging for them. But definitely Vienna!

Backinthebox · 18/09/2017 11:37

Vienna all the way! Especially if the Christmas markets are on. The one in front of the Rathaus is fabulous, and there are usually some lovely ice rinks set up too, perfect for buying lovely Christmas decorations and having a mug of gluhwein. (My most prized hand painted glass bauables came from this market nearly 20 years ago.) The main palaces are beautiful, the Spanish Riding School is awesome, the art galleries and museums are impressive. And you mustn't forget to stop off at one of the cafes, the Sacher Cafe and the Demel being the 2 best for lovely finger sandwiches and amazing cakes.

I've spent 15 years travelling round Europe for work and Vienna is one of the cities on my list of trips to take the kids on (Budapest is right up there behind it, but Amsterdam doesn't feature.)

bugsonmydesk · 18/09/2017 11:43

Have been to both - Amsterdam in October (it was pretty mild) and Vienna in the summer (absolutely boiling hot). Would love to go back to both but in December I would suggest Vienna. It is absolutely beautiful and very walking friendly. Make sure you have sacher torte (or any other type of cake!) with hot chocolate when browsing the Xmas markets - fabulous city. As a previous poster mentioned try and see the Spanish Riding School - and maybe take in a concert or the ballet - really atmospheric.

Original poster
octopusrus · 19/09/2017 10:14

Thanks so much for all the replies!! Really really useful. We are definitely going to go for Vienna considering all your recommendations!

How exciting! Thanks again Flowers

OP posts:
Blogwoman · 28/09/2017 23:19

Been to both - great choice OP. Don't miss Cafe Central! www.cafecentral.wien/en/ Have a great trip.

Ricekrispie22 · 29/09/2017 05:41

Every hour, a professional pastry chef hand-bakes original Viennese apple strudel at the demonstration bakery in Schönbrunn Palace’s Café Residenz. The strudels can be sampled and everyone gets given a copy of the recipe.
It's also worth going on a tour of the Schnapps Museum and visiting the Imperial Butterfly House.
I hope you have a lovely time, whatever you end up doing

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