The proximity of these capital cities in Central Europe may beg the question of having to choose between the two. These neighbors used to be joined in the Austrian-Hungarian empire. They share similarities being in the same region, yet have clear distinctions. They are a short 2.5-hour train ride away, so if you find yourself needing to choose, take this quiz to find out which destination suits you best.
Instructions for how to choose between Budapest or Vienna:
Of course nothing is this binary in life, including these cities but try to tip the scale in one direction more than the other to help you decide. After you see the results you can use your answers to expand on your list of pros and cons.
1. A) romance B) action
2. A) bold B) soft
3. A) Paris B) London
4. A) cozy B) pristine
5. A) art B) literature
6. A) urban B) cosmopolitan
7. A) historic B) modern
8. A) challenging B) convenient
9. A) colorful B) neutral
10. A) rap B) classical
11. A) variation B) consistency
12. A) card B) cash
13. A) down to earth B) proper
14. A) socializing B) philosophical debates
15. A) eclectic B) orderly
16. A) more affordable B) more expensive
17. A) curves B) straight edges
18. A) emotion B) logic
19. A) empathy B) courage
20. A) taxi B) uber
21. A) timeless B) traditional
22. A) flexible B) efficient
23. A) elevated B) luxurious
24. A) wisdom B) knowledge
25. A) spontaneous B) planned
Results:
13+ As:
Budapest may be a better fit due to its varied landscape, its charm, and how welcoming it is. It is a city with juxtapositions that on paper don't seem like they'll work but they just do.
Budapest is the largest city in Hungary and is split down the middle by the River Danube. There is a mountainous side with trails, castles, a funicular, and caves called Buda and the flat side to the east of the river with museums, restaurants, bars and city life called Pest.
Known as the spa capital of the world, it's a must to soak in the healing thermal waters at these Turkish and Roman-influenced baths. The city has almost a dozen spas some of them with great history, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. There are also a number of Michelin-star restaurants so fine dining expectations are high.
13+ Bs:
Vienna may be the city for you due to its cleanliness, confidence, and efficiency. It is a gold-gilded, towering city that gives a sense of knowing who it is.
Vienna is the capital city that is bursting with culture, classical music, ornate buildings, museums, theaters, strudel, lavish palaces, history, and coffee. This urban area is surrounded by greenery and nature, allowing easy access to hiking.
This city was the hub of musical, philosophical, and psychological greats lending to its elevated, educational atmosphere. Its history and architecture are bold and grand with a strong, almost boastful presence.
If you suspect you're more balanced between the two, it's possible you may need to visit both after all to experience the likeness and differences between them firsthand. They are a short train ride away and while you're at it, you could even make a tour of it and check out Prague and Bratislava to get a better sense of the region.
*These questions aren't meant to stereotype the culture or people but to draw between high-level characteristics and details of the locations for comparison's sake.
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