Vienna and Budapest were once the two capitals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, at times the largest power in Europe (and arguably in the world). Many artifacts in both cities are still indicators of that history and the connection between the two cities. As a result of World War I, the empire Austro-Hungarian Empire was split into many pieces, two one of them being modern day Austria and one modern day Hungary, with Vienna and Budapest as their respective capitals. (It also resulted in the creation of Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Romania, etc)
As a result of World War II, Hungary became part of the Sovjet empire and disappeared behind the Iron Curtain. However, even in the drab times of communist rule in Eastern Europe, Hungary was considered the "different kid", since its population enjoyed a few more freedoms than the rest of eastern europeans countries. Hungary was always *the* fun place to visit in the Eastern Block (since travel outside the Eastern Block was prohibited).
== Budapest ==
There are many, many great hotels in Budapest (and even more shitty ones - and I've stayed if in a few dozen), I'll only recommend one: the '''Corinthia Hotel Budapest'''. <br>
This place has it all: the glam, the history, one of the best restaurants in the whole country (Bock Bisztro, check it out), it's close to everything (esp. the 'Oktogon' subway station) and it has a awesome spa. It was also the blue-print for the movie "Grand Budapest Hotel".
==== Spa's and baths ====
Budapest, with its Turkish history, has some 600+ spa's. There Here are two a couple that are noteworthy :
# The '''Gellert Spa''' (http://gellertspa.com/), which although showing its age (and problematic Communist management in the past), it' still a must see. It's at the southern end of the Budapest downtown area, right on the Danube river at the '''Liberty Bridge'''.
# the '''Szechenyi Spa''' (http://www.szechenyibath.hu/) is what you'll typically see on any post card from Budapest. You'll have to spend a few hours there, just to marvel the architecture. If there is a long line, try to upgrade to a massage, you can skip the line that way.
# the '''Kiraly Baths''', one of the oldest still existing bath houses in Budapest, see http://en.kiralyfurdo.hu/ . It's located across the river from the Parliament building# if you went with my hotel recommendation, you'll have one of the best private spas in the basement of your hotel.
==== Opera house and St. Stephen's Basilica ====
==== Buda castle ====
This can be a day trip in itself, but it's on a steep hill, so use the funicular that starts at the '''Széchenyi Chain Bridge''' (literally a chain bridge) to get up there. After walking around up on the castle hill, perhaps paying a visit to the '''Torteneti Museum''' or the '''National Gallery''', make your way to the '''Fisherman's Bastion''' and the '''Mathias Church'''. There is a nice bar up thereat the bastion, have a drink and enjoy the view.
==== Gellert Hill ====
But since Vienna is also the city of music (Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and many more all got their big break here), if you feel inclined to see a opera performance, try the '''Volksoper''', they typically aren't sold out years in advance as the opera house is. You can get there via the "U6" subway. If the place looks familiar, yes, this was also a location in a Bond movie...
== Moving on... ==
Next stop is [[Prague and Dresden]], Prague being the medieval bohemian capital, and Dresden the capital of Saxony.
To get to Prague from Vienna is pretty easy, there are again '''RailJet''' connections every two hours. The trip in those fast trains takes about 4 hours. If you get going early (around 7:00AM), you're in Prague before lunch. The best connection is probably the one at 9:00AM, which gets you to Prague at 1:00PM, at which time your hotel room there should be ready for you.
There is food on the train, and it's not even bad. Since it's a long ride, you may wanna consider 1st class tickets to get a bit more room. At a minimum, you should make seat reservations, to ensure that you sit together. The train has plugs to charge your devices, and has also free Wifi.