Poland and Hungary itinerary

[vafoodie]

I am in the early stages of planning a trip to Poland and Hungary with Budapest being the primary stop in Hungary for the early fall (Sept or October) We will be spending 12-14 days in the region. Can anyone who has done a similar trip tell me about your itinerary or share any recommendations?

 

[Christopher13]

Just did a similar trip last fall—12 days split between Poland and Hungary. Highly recommend it!

Here’s what we did:

• 4 nights Krakow – beautiful city, walkable, rich history. Day trips to Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are worth it.
• 2 nights Zakopane – in the Tatra Mountains. Great if you want a change of pace with stunning nature and local charm.
• 3 nights Budapest – amazing city! Don’t miss the thermal baths (we loved Széchenyi), ruin bars, and a Danube evening cruise.
• 2 nights in Eger – wine region, very relaxed, and an easy train ride from Budapest. Great break from the big city.
• 1 night back in Budapest before flying out.

Trains between cities were easy and comfortable. September was perfect—great weather, fewer crowds. If you can, stay in central locations to make the most of your time.

 

[NoiseBoy]

I'll add another recommendation for Krakow, it has perhaps the most beautiful town square that I have seen. Pro tip; many of the museums are free on Tuesdays including the Czartoryski Art Museum which has da Vinci's "Lady With Ermine". Rick Steves has an excellent guidebook to Krakow that I recommend. Good food and good prices.

 

[Chuckanut]

In Krakow, I’ll second the Salt Mine tour and a trip to one of the tragic death camps.

In Budapest do walk across the Chain Bridge if you have time. Great views, and interesting bicycle chain construction.

 

[Teacher Terry]

Krakow is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s absolutely beautiful. In good weather the restaurants have tables outside by the town square. It’s huge and beautiful with shops, restaurants and a beautiful church.

I also second go to the Salt Mines as it’s one of the highlights especially the statues and chapels underground carved out of salt. I also don’t regret going to Auschwitz.

 

[Global Wizzo]

We have done a couple of trips that way. All driving from FRA or MUC. Always been treated well at the Krakow Sheraton. Salt Mines and Auschwitz are worth the trip. My wife still wants a return for a Zakopane cheese hunt.

Budapest has lots of great hotels and things to explore. We were back there a couple months ago. Great Marriott.

Have fun.

 

[conversationalphrase]

I will add to all the recommendations to spend time in Krakow. It is not to be missed. Be sure to have some potato soup and pig knuckles! Also Turin is a neat town to visit in Poland. It is the birthplace of Copernicus and they have his statue in town. There is a very cool bar at the top of an old stone tower, which leans, like the leaning tower of Pisa!

My only experience in Hungary is Budapest, but it is a fascinating visit. Be sure to enjoy the Palinka before dinner!

 

[FD1000]

Several ideas I have used
1) kimkim is an excellent site most never heard of. They have plans from 3 days all the way to over 20 days.
2) Many major cities have free walking tours. These are 2-3 hours tours by pro guides and you pay at the end what you want and it's much cheaper. We take all the available tours.
3) Warsaw have milk bars, a must visit. These are restaurants from the Soviet era. Very cheap, simple Grandma food and very tasty.
4) Both of these countries are amazing, and we love Eastern Europe. The food is great too. We ate perogies many times in Poland.
5) Frommer is another site with 1-3 weeks details plans what to see in each country.
6) Use booking.com and get excellent B&B. You want to immerse in the local culture and try what the local like. Don't be shy and ask the locals for help. People love to help. We never used organized tours, you can't experience and feel the local culture.