carsnoceans

Due to pricing and award availability, I am having to make a 24hr layover in either AMS/VIE. Solo, male in 30s... AMS would be logical. But it would be great to get a second opnion.

-Do either of airports provide a locker facility for leavings bags?
-Local transportation in city and to airport so I dont burn too much on cabs.
-Weather issues? although it cant be worse than Chicago...
-Ease of security and passport control at airport.

Any other comments welcome!

helosc

Weather would be about the same, I think (cold).
Both airports has easy public transport from/to the airport.
Vienna has very nice Christmas markets.
Both cities are good choices though.

helosc

Locker facilities :

http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/At...ageLockers.htm

http://www.viennaairport.com/jart/pr...dienste_en.pdf

Christmas markets Vienna :

http://www.wien.info/en/shopping-win...istmas-markets

http://www.austria.info/uk/winter-ho...a-1428274.html

JBord

I have about a 36 hour layover in AMS in early December, similar situation but I made it a stopover instead.

Just my opinion as a solo male, roughly the same age, also from Chicago:
- Easier to use the subway in VIE, but in AMS you can take a bus or train from the airport right to Central Station. I assume the train station has lockers at least.
- You can walk everywhere in Amsterdam. A lot more walking in VIE if you want to sightsee. At least it seems that way to me.
- Vienna has the Christmas market.
- Lots of nice casual cafés and bars in AMS. Personally I love Vienna but prefer the vibe in Amsterdam for hanging out and having a couple beers.
- Weather will be similar.

My vote would be AMS. My plan is to visit the Van Gogh museum (never been), have some drinks, wander the city, and find a good dinner in Jordaan, then more drinks, sleep and back to the airport on the train.

Whichever you choose, you really can't go wrong though.

ToGo

i am from VIE if you have some additional questions ask me.
yes i never have any problem with.Winter = Cold, Snow,...?! Like every Winter in VIE...2,20€ each way to the City Boarder +
Shopping Ticket Valid between 8.00 -> 20.00 = 6,10 €
24h Card* = 7,60 €
48h Card* = 13,30 €
* maybe not full 24h/ 48h i have to ask on facebook if you want this ticket.

or on an railway station (exept Airport...) http://www.oebb.at/de/Reiseplanung/G...rung/index.jsp

carsnoceans

I am leaning towards AMS too. After last year's wrath of winter gods, I doubt AMS winter is gonna be too much bother. Just wanted to know if their windchill is quite as brutal as ours.

JBord

Agreed, after 25 years in Chicago, another winter like that and I'm outta here. December in AMS averages a high in the 40s however. VIE actually averages a few degrees colder.

They're both in my top 5 European cities, so again you can't make a wrong decision.

mfkne

We do get snow in AMS, and sometimes not just a dusting. Of the last 7 years only one had no snow at all, and that was last year.

CMK10

I was in Vienna a few years ago in December. It's a nice enough city but not one I think you need too much time in. You'll be able to eat well and see some good sights and not feel like you missed out on the Vienna experience with a short trip.