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

Original poster

Budapest or Venice

15 replies

frecklejuice · 29/06/2025 22:09

Hi. We always try to go away on Boxing Day for a few days and this year we are thinking of Budapest or Venice as we have never been to either. I know they are completely different places and to be honest we might do one this year and one next year but I was wondering if anyone has been to either over the Christmas period and if you would recommend it? Will be taking the kids aged 11 (nearly 12) and 17.

If you have any other suggestions that would also be great! We have been to Palma, Malta, Barcelona, Madrid.

Thanks.

OP posts:
cupfinalchaos · 29/06/2025 22:13

Nothing compares to Venice but I’ve been in December and it’s bloody freezing.. I’d probably save that for spring and do Madrid Boxing Day.

budgiegirl · 29/06/2025 23:39

I love Venice, but in the winter, I'd choose Budapest over Venice. IMO Venice is a warm weather destination, where you can wander the streets, sit in cafes by the canals, sipping wine.

Budapest will have Christmas markets, spas etc which are good even in the cold weather.

JDM625 · 29/06/2025 23:44

I was in Budapest early Dec last year. Never been to Venice so can't compare. Yes they had Christmas markets, but IMO, they were selling similar things and not great value. We enjoyed the Gellert hot springs which kids likely can't go in. Lots of other things to see and do though.

helphelpimbeingrepressed · 30/06/2025 07:09

Have you been to Prague? DH and I went a few times at that time of year and it is magical. Very very cold but so beautiful with loads to do.

TeamGeriatric · 30/06/2025 07:32

Budapest was chilly but bareable at that time of year. We went after Christmas in 2019, not sure of your timings but almost everything was shut on NYE and sites shut on their normal day too (often Monday). That meant some sites/museums were shut on 2 days during our visit, so just be aware of that. We did Madrid at that time of year in 2022, really enjoyed that too.

Branster · 30/06/2025 07:43

How about Vienna? It is a nice place all year around but would be quite magical at Christmas time.
As other have said, Venice is not as appealing in the winter.

reluctantbrit · 30/06/2025 07:54

Do check carefully as many markets will close on the 23rd, colleagues were disappointed in Vienna last year.

Also, NYE/NYD also are often days attractions/museums etc are closed and you also find issues with restaurants if you want to stay over these days.

Attictroll · 30/06/2025 08:04

Budapest is a wonderful city but never been in winter but imagine it would be v Christmasy and also check if some of the wonderful Turkish baths are open that would be just a glorious escape to relax for an afternoon

Original poster
frecklejuice · 30/06/2025 14:16

Great thanks for all of the replies, I think we will leave Venice for now and look more at Budapest. We normally go on Boxing Day for 3 or 4 nights, won’t be going specifically for Christmas markets so aren’t too fussed about those. I’ve checked and the thermal baths seem to be open during that period so that would be nice and then I realised that you can get a train from Budapest to Bratislava for the day so we may do that as well.

Also going to look at Prague and Vienna thanks to the suggestions here (already been to Madrid) so thank you!

OP posts:
AvidJadeShaker · 30/06/2025 14:59

I went to Budapest for New Year one year and really enjoyed it.

namechanged221 · 28/09/2025 23:09

Budapest.

It's very cold but beautiful. There are two Xmas markets, which are small and beautiful with lovely traditional foods and drink.

Terror Haus and Szechenyi thermal baths and pool are both unmissable!

Friendlygingercat · 29/09/2025 00:11

My vote is Venice and I have only ever visited in winter or early spring as I hate crowds. I travel solo and Venice is heavily policed and one of the safest cities in Europe. Yes it can be chilly but Italy is by no means as cold as UK. I was there a few years ago in mid December and I still sat outside for a coffee on most days. Get a warm sweater and a woolly hat that covers your ears! Another plus is that the locals are much more friendly when the crowds are gone and appreciate that you have come to see their beautiful city. Venice can be magical at Christmas, Even when the shops are not open there is plenty to see. Italians raise window dressing to an art form. Even kitchen stuff is nicely arranged. The mask and gift shops are wonderful. The only negative about winter is that it can flood although this is usually confined to St Marcos and the center.

Thistooshallpsss · 29/09/2025 00:17

Talin is beautiful stay right inside the walls of the old town

Perfectlystill · 29/09/2025 21:50

My friend just got back from Tallinn and said he locals were SO unfriendly, it really took the shine off his trip. I would go for Budapest

kiwiane · 29/09/2025 21:51

Budapest - be lovely in winter and there’s lots to see and do.

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