From Dawn C. in Florida: “My friend and I are planning a trip to Europe in July- we have friends in Vienna, and want to spend time in Budapest and also Prague while we are there. Have you written any guides for this area? If not, any places you would recommend that you’d consider not to miss, OR to avoid? Thank you for your assistance- I loved your book on Paris. It helped me find some fabulous little out of the way spots that made me feel like an insider 😉“

Do I have books on these cities? No. My Prague book has been on the backburner so long it’s not even warm. That aside, here are some destination-specific recommendations:

Vienna Travel Tips

Since you have a local friend, I’ll keep it succinct. Vienna is all about museums, castles/mansions and churches. Spend plenty of time in all three, but don’t ignore its wonderful parks. Otherwise:

• Do: Day trip to Bratislava by boat. Bratislava may just be Europe’s most beautiful overlooked city (Lucca, Italy disagrees!), and it’s well worth a leisurely float down the Danube.
• Eat: Naschmarkt, Café Sperl, Restaurant Giorgina, Demel, Esterházykeller, Zattl.

Prague Travel Tips

I like staying in the Jewish Quarter or the Mala Strana. Prepare yourself for crowds, lots and lots of crowds. In peak season, Prague is best enjoyed in the early morning while the previous night’s revelers sleep it off or atop Letna Park for sunset drinks at the canteen underneath the metronome.

• Do: Strahov Monastery (mandatory beer or wine on terrace afterwards), live music at St. Nicholas Church, Spanish Synagogue, Convent of St. Agnes.
• Eat/Drink: Lokal, Naše Maso, Bakeshop, Brevnov Monastery Brewery, Dva kohouti.
• Watch: the Honest Guide YouTube channel for KILLER local tips.

Budapest Travel Tips

Probably more tourist traps per capita than even Prague. Choose wisely. I like staying in central Pest despite the crowds. The thermal baths are as much an immersion in humanity as they are in hot water, but you gotta try at least one.

• Do: Gellért Thermal Baths, Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Fisherman’s Bastion, Hospital in the Rock, House of Terror.
• Eat/Drink: Szimpla Kert (or any “ruins bar”), Spíler Original, Kontakt coffeeshop, Central Market Hall, Mantra Specialty Coffee, Rustico Étterem, ÉS Bisztró, Belvárosi Disznótoros.

Well, I hope that cannonball-run review of three of Europe’s top cities helps. At the very least, you won’t go hungry!