Interrailing Eastern Europe - money and sights?

[drspouse]

I'm going Interrailing with DD over Easter and we will be in Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia.
Two questions: 1. any top tips for things to visit in Krakow and Budapest with an 11 year old? I've already decided we are going to Schindler's factory and that we probably won't go to a spa (as there's little there for 11 year olds). Likewise Vienna. I haven't been to Vienna for years.
I know Berlin fairly well and we won't be in Bratislava for long so will just look at castles/eat - if it's pretty and has nice food DD will be happy.

1. re currency - with only a couple of days in Poland and Hungary each, what to do about money? Will I need cash or can I get away with using just a card? The other places will be fine as in the Eurozone I know.

Been to Poland & Budapest in the last year. Didn’t need cash for either. My back up is to have some Euro notes. Also some Euro coins. I did need some coins to buy a postcard in one of the Jewish sites in Prague.

Brilliant - we have Euro coins lying around and will no doubt get some in change in Germany which is first.

There are spas and spas in Budapest. Some are very adult- oriented, and some are more for families. For example, we went to Palatinus Baths on Margrit Island and it had outdoor thermal pools, normal pools, saunas, plunge pools, a playground etc, and it was all open to all ages. However, it was quite pricey and very crowded! (It was August, in a heatwave). There are others though, that are less well known and cheaper.

We planned to go to Fishermen's Bastion, which looked good, but we were on a brief stop on our own Interrail trip in a heatwave, and the DC voted No More Sightseeing. We did take a tram that goes the length of the Danube from which you can see the bridges, parliament etc. I also thought the Children's Railway sounded interesting. I don't think we saw a forint in our 24 hours there.

Germany is the place that surprised us in terms of cash only places- we came across a few, especially at street food places.

The Polonia wax museum in Krakow is worth a visit - it’s very central and so bad it’s just really funny! Eating in the main square is nice from an atmosphere point of view but the prices are a rip off - try Hevre in the old Jewish district. It’s a converted synagogue and the food is good with plenty of kid friendly options and it won’t break the bank. Down by the river, the Father Bernatek bridge is lit up at night and is really pretty.

Following with interest - we are starting Gdansk in the summer and then Vienna, Slovakia, Slovenia and Budapest. Can’t wait!

I didn't need any cash in Budapest in October last year. Only needed a euro coin to access toilets in the food hall. I would print a map of the hidden-mini-statues-budapest/ and tick those of buddypest.com/mini-statues and combine with sight seeing. Very walkable.

Most public toilets in Polish cities are payable and not all accept cards.

However you can get small denomination notes worth under a fiver from bank machines without charge so I'd do that. I find it useful wherever I am to carry a bit of cash as there's usually inconveniences (no pun intended) to having no cash at all.

Definitely prepare for independent restaurants etc included. Germany being cash only.

Those look lovely @timoteigirl !

I've also bought this for Berlin but it doesn't do any of our other destinations.

https://avontuura.com/products/architecture-guide-to-berlin

Can you get (buy) one of those downloadable treasure hunts for any of the cities you visit? I think they're under £10 each.

We tried one for the town we live in and there were too many things out of date or that had moved!

Shame!

We went to Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Poland and Czech Republic on a trip recently and didn’t use any cash at all. Everything was tap.

The Schindlers factory has an insane queue on a Monday because it’s free (like, as far as the eye can see) so don’t plan it for that day.

Budapest - you must do a night time river trip, the buildings alongside the river are beautifully lit.
The island in the river has a nice park with fountains that move to music and it is a good place to hire a street bike and cycle around.
I'd go to the main spa as it is a great experience to be in the warm thermal water surrounded by the beautiful buildings.
Krakow- the salt mines are wonderful and unique and within a lovely village.

An 11 year old will absolutely love the salt mines which are a 20 minute tram ride from Krakow
Really interesting with whole rooms, including chandeliers and statues carved out of salt. A small gift shop and cheap cafe on site
https://www.wieliczka-saltmine.com/

If your DD needs a break from doing cultural stuff MountMitte high ropes in Berlin is great.

The Prater amusement park in Vienna also good - you don't pay an entrance fee -just for the individual rides so as the parent you feel less ripped off.

I went to Vienna once in the 90s with work and I think I remember seeing the amusement park!