Prague or Budapest: Which city is better for my next break

Are you planning a trip to Europe and want to know if Prague or Budapest is better? Well this article is for you. We go through everything you need to know about both destinations including, attractions, costs, and safety to help you decide which one you should visit next.

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Prague or Budapest: Some background

Before we get into the nitty gritty of Prague vs Budapest let’s look at some background of both cities.

Prague

Located on the Vltava River, Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. The city itself is a complete mix of old and new, with the historic Old Town at the very heart. It is filled with gothic churches, baroque buildings, and much more. But if you wander past the old town you will be treated to a bustle modern metropolis.

Prague is famous for a lot of things, the incredible architecture being one, but also its culture. In fact it was once a place Mozart called home albeit it only for a short time. It’s also famous for its excellent beer, with locals consuming the most beer in the world per capita.

For some information on creating the best Prague itineraries you can checkout these posts:

2 days in Prague

4 days in Prague

Is Prague worth visiting?

Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, and is a city that came about due to the merger of 3 cities. Buda, Pest, and Óbuda essentially united to form the place we know today as Budapest.

Budapest is home to the world’s largest thermal cave system, and the largest medicinal bath in Europe. In fact under Castle Hill one of the more prominent tourist areas in the city, you will find a whole world of underground networks which are the result of the geothermal springs in the area.  It is no surprise that Budapest is sometimes referred to as the city of the spas.

For more information on visiting Budapest you can read our itineraries below:

1 day in Budapest

2 days in Budapest

3 days in Budapest

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for accommodation

Accommodation is a major factor when deciding where to stay in a city. Here we look at Prague and Budapest and decide which one has the better accommodation options.

Prague

Prague has excellent accommodation options to suit all budgets. From hostels, to mid range hotels, and even luxury options, you will find a little something for all types of traveller.

There are lots of great areas to stay in Prague with some of the best being the Old Town and Lesser Town. They are both incredibly close to top class bars and restaurants, as well as transport links and tourist attractions.

It might be touristy but our recommendation for Prague is to stay near the Charles Bridge. Mostly because it’s the perfect place to go at sunset, and let’s face it no one wants to be traipsing across the city at that time of the morning.

Budapest

Budapest is also an excellent city for accommodation. There are lots of great areas to stay in the city depending on your budget and what kind of holiday you are after.

Budapest itself if broken into two parts. You have the Buda side and the Pest side. They are split by the Danube River, but there is a bridge connecting the areas.

The city is also made up of 23 Districts. So when you are booking your accommodation you might see words like District I or District V.

To further simplify where to stay in Budapest, on the Buda side, you have locations like Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s a very traditional area, and there tends to be more luxury hotels in the area. If you are wanting a quieter evening, with atmospheric restaurants and cobbled streets, this might be the area for you.

On the Pest side, you tend to have a lot more options, and accommodation to suit all budgets. A lot of the backpackers hostels are on this side as well. On this side of the river you are close to attractions like the Houses of Parliament, and the famous ruin bars. This area very loosely is the best place to stay if you are wanting to enjoy the nightlife and party into the wee hours.

Prague or Budapest?

Prague and Budapest both have excellent options when it comes to accommodation. If we had to choose we would go for Budapest just because there is a little bit more choice.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for attractions

A huge consideration when visiting a new city is based on the attractions. Here we decide if Prague or Budapest has the better attractions.

Prague

Here are some of the best things to do in Prague.

Charles Bridge

The oldest and honesty most beautiful bridge in Prague is of course the Charles Bridge. It’s 621 metres long and about 10 metres wide and honestly is one of the must see attractions in Prague. Our top tip is to go at sunrise when it’s quiet and insanely beautiful.

Prague Castle

Perched on a hill looking down on Old Town is the Prague Castle. This is another must see attraction in Prague. Not only are the views spectacular from here, but there are so many museums and bits of architecture to explore.

John Lennon Wall

The John Lennon Wall was once, and still is in fairness a symbol of political expression and freedom of speech in Prague. When the country was under communist rule Beatles songs were actually banned so John Lennon and the Beatles represented freedom of speech and when Lennon died the youth of the city visited the wall to mourn – hence the name.

Old Town Square

For the life and soul of Prague head to the Old Town Square. It dates back to the 12th Century but it still a key meeting point in the city today. A top tip is to get some Trdelnik and eat it whilst taking in the sights and sounds of the square. Old Town Square is also one of the most photogenic spots in Prague so an absolute must for any visit.

Old Town Hall Tower

The top of the tower is a great place for incredible views of not only Old Town but Prague itself. There is a lift (before you ask)!

Astronomical Clock

Installed in 1410 this is one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world. Every hour the clock springs into action attracting crowds in the Old Town.

Beer Bath

Considering Prague is known for its beer, why not take the opportunity to have a beer bath. Here you can sip pilsner whilst bathing in it. And before you ask, no you don’t drink the beer that you bathe in!

Dancing House

Located in the New Town the Dancing House or the Nationale-Nederlanden building, is one of the most photographed modern buildings in Prague. It was designed to resemble a pair of dancers, hence the nickname.

Petrin Hill

Petrin Hill is another great viewing spot in Prague. You can ride the funicular to the top – which is part of the public transport network – and admire the views. The Petrin Tower is also located here, and you can access the top of the tower for some even more amazing views.

Jewish Museum

If you want to brush up on your Jewish history (and general history of Prague for that matter) head to the Jewish Museum. It is a sombre but fascinating place to visit. Tickets also include entry to the Old Jewish Cemetery were some prominent figures in Jewish history are buried.

Vltava River Cruise

A river cruise is a must in Prague! There are several cruise companies you can go with, and some offer dinner and drinks on board.

St Nicholas’ Church

Located in Mala Strana St Nicholas’ Church is a Baroque masterpiece that you have to visit. Built between 1704-1755 it is very popular with tourists and is considered one of the greatest examples of Prague Baroque architecture.

Budapest

Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Budapest.

Wondering if Budapest is worth visiting? Here is a handy guide.

St Stephen’s Basilica

For great city views head to St Stephen’s Basilica. The Roman Catholic Basilica is a distinctive part of the city’s skyline and was named in honour of Stephen the First King of Hungary. It is also one of the tallest buildings in Budapest alongside the Hungarian Parliament standing at 96 metres. You can either book tickets in advance online to skip the queues or on the day.

Hungarian Parliament Building

One of the notable buildings that stands out as you admire the skyline in Budapest has to the the Hungarian Parliament Building. The striking neo-gothic architecture is a favourite among tourists, with cameras in hand and poses at the ready.

It was designed by the Hungarian Architect Imre Steindl and opened in 1902. Along with St Stephen’s Basilica it is the other tallest building in Budapest.

Shoes on the Danube

This is one of the most moving memorials we have come across. The Shoes on the Danube represent the thousands of Jews that were killed during World War II by the Arrow Cross militia. They were marched down to the Danube and ordered to take off their shoes before being shot by the edge of the river. Their bodies then fell into the river and were carried away.

What makes it even more gut wrenching is that many of the shoes were children’s. As we made our way to the memorial the rain started to pour and this perfectly reflected the darkness of the crimes that were committed here.

Dohány Street Synagogue

The Dohany Street Synagogue also known as the known as the Great Synagogue or Tabakgasse Synagogue was built between 1854 and 1859 in the Moorish Revival style. The architect Ludwig Forster is Viennese with the inside designed partly by Frigyes Feszl.

The complex itself consists of the Great Synagogue, the Heroes’ Temple, the graveyard, the Memorial and the Jewish Museum. Another cool fact is that it is the largest synagogue in Europe and seats approximately 3000 people.

Szechenyi Baths

The Szechenyi Baths are another hugely popular attraction in Budapest. Built in 1913, the spa baths are considered medicinal and the water is supplied by two thermal springs. The water consists of a number of minerals including calcium, magnesiam, bicarbonate, metaboric acid and fluoride.

For a standard experience you get to spend some time in the large thermal pool. You might have seen those photos of people playing chess in the water, which is obviously something else you can do here. There are actually 18 pools to choose from, as well as 10 saunas, massage therapies, facial treatments and more.

House of Terror

The House of Terror is a museum that centres around the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary in the 20th Century. This is quite a difficult museum to walk around. It details the sheer horror of what the victims of these regimes endured.

Hungarian National Gallery

Established in 1957 as the national art museum, and it has collections covering Hungarian art in all genres. The interior is also quite spectacular and the dome is accessible at certain times of the year. You probably need a good 3-4 hours to have a good look in here.

Buda Castle Hill Funicular

The Buda Castle Hill Funicular connects the area around the chain bridge to Buda Castle. It is worth a ride especially if you want to save your legs climbing up that hill! It only takes a few minutes but the views going up (or down) and really spectacular.

The funicular has been in service since 1870, so is quite historical, and a very popular tourist attraction.

Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion is a stunning terrace located across the river from the Parliament Building. There are several Romanesque look out terraces making it the perfect place to take pictures and enjoy the stunning views.

The façade itself is around 140 metres long and honestly is one of the most recognisable structures in Budapest. There are seven stone towers that are supposed to represent the 7 chieftains of the Hungarians who founded Hungary in 895.

The original walls were built in the 1700’s but the structure that we see today was built between 1895 and 1902 by Frigyes Schulek who also restored the nearby Matthias Church.

Matthias Church

Matthias Church sits right next to Fisherman’s Bastion, and is the most visited Roman Catholic church in Budapest. It’s is a mostly neo-Gothic style building that was established between the 13^th & 15^th Century although at the end of the 19^th Century it was renovated. It’s an important building in Hungary, hosting many a royal wedding, as well as a number of classic/ organ concerts.

Hospital in the Rock

The Hospital in the Rock is one of the more unique attractions in Budapest. You essentially get the chance to explore the underground caverns of Buda Castle which were turned into a working hospital during WWII. Construction begain in 1939 and was completed in 1944. The hospital staffed 40 doctors, nurses and assistants.

Initially it became a hospital for wounded civilians injured in airstrikes, and eventually soldiers too. Conditions inside the hospital were bleak. During the Siege of Budapest the hospital had to handle the wounded and dead, and were often without food or medical supplies. Staff had to sometimes reuse supplies, taking them from the deceased to reuse. It was only designed to treat 60-70 patients, but at one point there were 600 wounded soldiers being treated here.

You can only enter the caves as part of a guided tour, but this gives you the chance to learn so much about the conditions that hospital staff had to work under. This was one of our favourite tours in Budapest, so we highly recommend it.

Labyrinth of Buda Castle

The Labyrinth is a series of tunnels under Buda Castle. These caves once held the infamous Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Count Dracula as a prisoner for 14 years.

This attraction is a lot of fun and if you go after 6pm you can explore with an oil lamp for light. You basically get let loose in the underground tunnels and get to explore with little direction. In some parts its completely dark expect for phone torch lights, as you try to make your way through. 

Prague or Budapest?

You won’t be bored when visiting Prague or Budapest. There is maybe slightly more to do in Budapest as it is bigger, and the thermal baths are a real selling point so for this reason we think Budapest has the better attractions.

Prague or Budapest: which one is more picturesque

Europe has so many picturesque and quaint cities, but when it comes to Prague and Budapest you might be wondering which one is nicer.

Prague

Prague is incredibly picturesque. You only have to wander around the old town with its medieval style buildings to agree. It’s a very romantic kind of city with it’s beautiful river, gorgeous parks, and incredible viewpoints.

Walking around the Vltava is a magical experience. The tree lined streets perfectly complement the flowing river, with swans floating on by, particularly on an autumn morning. Make your way to the Charles Bridge at sunrise to see just how picturesque it can be.

Budapest

Budapest is also a beautiful city but in a more edgy way. There are several beautiful viewpoints across the city, and one of our favourites is at Fisherman’s Bastion. Here you are surrounded by some pretty impressive architecture and panoramic views of the city.

Of course you also have the thermal baths, that add to the beauty of the city, and the old world basilicas and synagogues, and other bits of architecture that add to the charm.

Prague or Budapest?

Prague is the winner when it comes to the most picturesque. Yes there are beautiful buildings in Budapest, particularly around the Fisherman’s Bastion, but Prague is just that bit nicer. The old town is really charming and atmospheric which adds to the beauty.

Prague or Budapest: which one has the better vibe

Judging a city based on vibe is a weird statement I get it but hear us out.

Prague

Prague has a very contemporary, and energetic vibe that we haven’t really felt in other cities. There is something really positive and exciting about the energy of the city and the people. It’s also got a very youthful and playful vibe, and once you mix that with its fascinating and often dark history it makes for a very interesting vibe.

Budapest

Budapest has a slightly more gritty vibe. It’s history as a former communist country is on show and makes it more edgy and unnerving at times. Prague also has a similar history but there is more of an intimacy about Prague, whereas Budapest can feel cold at times. At the same time it has a lively fun and lively side waiting to be explored especially once the sun goes down.

Prague or Budapest?

We preferred the vibe in Prague. It has more of a brightness and positivity around it. I don’t know if it is because its smaller but it has this intimate and romantic kind of vibe that really draws you in.

Prague or Budapest: which one is easier to get to

Getting to your destination is obviously something that will impact your decision to visit. Here we look at whether Prague or Budapest is easier to get to.

Prague

Prague also has an international airport where a number of international and European carriers fly to regularly. Once you arrive at the airport, the easiest way to get from here into the centre will be via taxi. It usually takes in the region of 30- 45 minutes to get into the centre depending on traffic, and a fare will set you back around €30/ 736 CZK. You can also take a bus which will involve some changes to a metro line eventually.

Budapest

The main airport in Budapest is the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. This is the city’s main airport. There are a number of flights from around the world and Europe that fly here daily. To get into town from the airport you will need to get either a bus or a taxi. There are a couple of buses you can take into town, or alternatively you can get a taxi for under €30.

Prague or Budapest?

Budapest is probably a little easier to get to especially when it comes to making your way from the airport into town.

Prague or Budapest: which one is easier to get around

Wondering if Prague or Budapest is the easier city to get around. Well read on.

Prague

Prague is a walkable city, so you may not need to use public transport that much. If you do though the good news is, is that it is cheap and easy to use.

Public transport in Prague consists of the metro, the tram, the bus, and the funicular. You can either buy tickets that cover one trip or longer time periods like 24 hours. Make sure you purchase your tickets before using public transport and validate your tickets upon boarding. For more information you can visit the Prague Public Transport website.

Budapest

Budapest is really easy to get around. Public transport is excellent and a ticket will allow you to ride the metro, bus or tram.

You can purchase public transport tickets from any self service ticket machines located at most metro stations, or bus and tram stops. And thankfully there is also an English Language option you can choose when doing so.

You then select your ticket type, so for example you could opt for a single journey ticket, or get one for 24 hours. Don’t forget to validate your ticket either when you enter the metro station or on the bus and tram.

You will probably do a fair bit of walking in Budapest as well. A few of the attractions are near each other, so sometimes it can be easier to just walk.

Prague or Budapest?

Budapest is a bit easier when it comes to using public transport. It’s much easier to purchase a ticket, and with the help of Google maps you will be off in no time.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for architecture

If you love buildings and admiring the architecture a new city has to offer, then you might be wondering if Prague or Budapest is better?

Prague

Prague has some really amazing architecture. The main architectural styles throughout the city are, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo. What is really cool though is the fact that you often get different styles right next to each other in the city.

Old town is one of the best places to checkout the picturesque buildings in Prague. The designs are striking and so photogenic.

On a side note if you are looking for the most instagrammable places in Prague this article is for you.

It’s not just the old world architecture that makes Prague, there is also some pretty cool modern styles. One of the most popular buildings in the new town is the Dancing House which is supposed to be modelled on Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire dancing together.

Budapest

Some of the main architectural styles in Budapest are Neoclassical, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque Revival styles.

The city really knows how to do striking buildings. I mean you only need to look at Fisherman’s Bastion or the Hungarian Parliament Building to see this.

Prague or Budapest?

Prague and Budapest are both excellent places to visit if you love architecture. If we had to choose we would go for Budapest only because the style is a little bit more out there than in Prague.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for history lovers

Are you a history buff and want to know if Prague or Budapest is better for you? Well make sure you read on.

Prague

You only have to step foot in Pragues old town to see the appeal for history lovers. You have buildings like the Powder Tower, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Kinský Palace, the Astronomical Clock which incidentally happens to be the oldest clock of its kind in the world.

Delve a little deeper and you can see some of the results in post Soviet rule. The Lennon Wall for one is an important symbol of freedom of expression in the city.

Budapest

Budapest is a post-communist city like Prague, although it’s a bit rougher around the edges. This makes it a great place for history lovers. There are so many fascinating historical sights in the city.

You have your thermal baths, and imperial buildings in the Castle District. But you also have the raw and gritty communist era reminders. The House of Terror is by far one of the best museums we have visited, as is the Hospital in the Rock.

Prague or Budapest?

Both Prague and Budapest are historical European capitals and quite frankly history lovers will enjoy both places. Budapest is a bit rawer and rough around the edges which is great for history lovers though, so for that reason Budapest might be just that little bit better.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for food

If you are anything like us a massive part of travel is centred around food. But in the battle of Prague vs Budapest which one is better for foodies.

Prague

If you love stodgy, meaty, type foods you will love Prague. For starters they have some excellent bakeries with pastries and coffee to get you going in the morning.

There is a lot of choice when it comes to good food in Prague, but if you want to try some of the authentic dishes go for things like goulash and pork knuckle. You should also try Chlebíčky which is a traditional open faced sandwich.

Do your research when it comes to good places to eat in Prague, particularly around the old town. A lot of places around here tend to be complete tourist traps with expensive and lower quality food.

Budapest

You will not go hungry when visiting Budapest that is for sure. For starters there are a number of excellent traditional style coffee houses that are perfect for breakfast. One of the most opulent has to be New York Cafe. Here you can sip coffee with gold on the top.

There is a lot of traditional food you can buy too, whether it’s in the form of street food, or restaurant quality. Our top tip for traditional food in Budapest is the For Sale Pub. You get big portions at decent prices.

Also don’t forget to indulge in some chimney cake whilst you are in Budapest. They also sell them in Prague, but traditionally it is a Hungarian dessert.

Prague or Budapest?

Budapest is a bigger more spread out city, so when it comes to food the choices are endless. You also get fewer tourist traps than in Prague.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for nightlife

If you are looking to party the night away you might be wondering if Prague or Budapest is better.

Prague

Prague has a really incredible nightlife scene with a little something for everyone. For starters you can visit a traditional Czech drinking den like U Tygra, or sip fancy cocktails in the Hemingway Bar. You also have some pretty epic clubs that you can dance the night away in. If you want to party Prague well and truly has you covered.

For us the highlight in Prague in terms of nightlife was the beer halls. It is known for it’s top quality pilsners, so you have to give them a try.

Budapest

Budapest is also a great choice for a night out. And again there is something for everyone. From your high end cocktail and wine bars, to your clubs and discos.

One of the cool things about Budapest though are the ruin bars. They are found in repurposed derelict buildings, and are filled with groups of people enjoying their nights. Szimpla Kert is the biggest and most popular. It is kind of like a playground for grown ups where instead of swings and slides you have random fixtures and cheap drinks.

Prague or Budapest?

Prague and Budapest are both excellent nights out. But we think Budapest is the winner, only because of the ruin bars. They are so atmospheric and such a cool concept that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for safety

Safety is a big consideration when travelling, so between Prague and Budapest which one is safer?

Prague

For us Prague felt totally safe, although realistically we did spend most of our time in the old town and surrounding touristy areas. Like any big city you should have your wits about you, but from what we have seen tourists don’t usually have too much trouble in Prague.

One of the main issues for tourists in Prague is falling victim to pickpocketing or petty scams. Make sure you keep your valuables hidden away. We’ve also heard stories of people being ripped off using ATM’s so just make sure you that you are using legitimate cash machines in well lit areas.

Budapest

Again this is one of those places where you just need to have your wits about you and you should be fine. Tourists areas are usually fine, although you need to watch for things like pickpocketing and petty theft.

If you are walking around at night stick to well lit and crowded areas.

Prague or Budapest?

Maybe it’s just because Prague is a bit smaller and a lot of the tourist spots are close together, but we felt that it was safer. For big cities though they are both relatively safe, and you should take your usual precautions like you would anywhere in the world.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for couples

If you are planning on visiting Europe with your significant other you might be wondering if Prague or Budapest is the better option for couples.

Prague

We travelled to Prague as a couple, and we can honestly say it is such an incredible place to go for a romantic break. The cobbled streets, and incredible architecture makes it the perfect place for a romantic stroll.

There are also so many cosy bars and restaurants, that make for a fantastic date night. Although our top tip for something to do as a couple is waking up for sunrise and visiting the Charles Bridge. This was one of our favourite moments from our trip to Prague.

Budapest

Budapest is a great place for couples as well, particularly when you are strolling around the Castle District. There are also so many incredible food and drink options here making it the perfect date night location.

If you want a romantic hot chocolate we recommend Rengeteg Romkafe. It’s a quirky little cafe that serves the best hot chocolates we have ever tasted. Perfect for a date!

Prague or Budapest?

The atmosphere and surroundings in Prague are just that little bit more romantic than Budapest. We have said this before but there is more of an intimacy in Prague, which kind of adds to the romance of the city.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for families

If you are planning a visit to Europe with kids you might be wondering if Prague or Budapest is the better option.

Prague

If you are travelling with kids Prague is a good choice. There are so many beautiful parks to stroll in, and there is so much that your kids can learn about in regards to history. But the best thing about Prague is that there are several museums and attractions perfect for kids, like the Lego Museum. Also a fun fact, there is an island located in the river called Children Island, that has a traditional playground that is perfect for younger children.

Budapest

Budapest too is a great destination for kids. There are lots of great parks that are fun for the whole family to explore. You also have Aquaworld which is a water park with 17 pools and some thermal baths for the adults too.

The city is also a good choice for kids because there are several cave and labyrinth tours which will be sure to fascinate them.

Prague or Budapest?

We don’t have kids so this is a hard call for us to make, but from what we have heard from other travellers Prague is a little bit more child friendly and is the better option.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for solo travel

If you are travelling alone you might be wondering if Prague or Budapest is the better option. Here are our thoughts.

Prague

Prague is a great place to go if you are travelling solo. For starters you will never have a dull moment in this city. There are so many amazing things to do in Prague to keep you entertained. It’s also relatively safe, again making it a great city for solo travel.

It’s also really easy to get around and is very walkable. You have option to book tours too if you want to see the sights and meet people in the process.

Budapest

Budapest is also good for solo travel. It’s relatively safe, and easy to get around using public transport. If you are wanting to visit the ruin bars but don’t want to do it alone you can book onto pub crawl style tours which is always handy.

There are so many great things to see in Budapest that you will not be bored here as a solo traveller.

Prague or Budapest?

Both cities have their pros and cons when travelling solo. There is much to see and do in both. Prague is the easier city to get around just because things are close together. But they are both pretty on par otherwise. The main thing is they are both relatively safe, so you shouldn’t have too much of an issue as a solo traveller in either city.

Prague or Budapest: which one is cheaper

Money is a big consideration when visiting a new city. So is Prague or Budapest cheaper?

Prague

Prague is one of the cheaper European capitals, although it isn’t as cheap as it once was. To give you an idea on costs a pint of beer will set you back 72.38 Czech Koruna or €3. A meal at a restaurant for 2 will cost around€20/€30 – which again as a European standard is pretty cheap.

It’s easy to see Prague on a budget and you can really bring down costs depending on the kind of accommodation you book, where you eat, and the attractions you wish to see.

On average we budgeted around €100 or 3000 CZK per person per day. We didn’t usually spend this much but it might help you plan your own budget in the city. For us this included things like tours, cocktails and beers, dinners, and transport. This didn’t include accommodation though, as we paid for that well in advance.

Budapest

For a capital city in Europe Budapest is pretty cheap. We were able to do Budapest on a budget and spent around 175,130 Hungarian Forint between us over 3 days. This wasn’t including accommodation.

This budget included us eating out every night and we had a fancy breakfast each morning. I mean when in Budapest right? So, you can definitely do things a whole lot cheaper. Especially if you just wanted to pick up some pastries and coffee for breakfast. Nightlife is also a lot cheaper than other European cities, especially if you are hanging around the ruin bars.

We found that accommodation was actually on the cheaper side, with good quality 4 star hotels costing under 100 Euros a night. Although we didn’t travel in peak season, so if you do decide to visit smack bang in the summer months this might be a little more expensive.

Prague or Budapest?

Budapest is the cheaper city, particularly when it comes to things like food and accommodation. Prague is a bit more compact and for this reason you tend to find a lot of tourist traps across the city. Budapest is more spread out which also gives you the chance to see different neighbourhoods, and enjoy local restaurants.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better for nature

If you want to get close to nature you might be wanting to know if Prague or Budapest is the better option.

Prague

Prague itself is a bustling city so if you are a nature lover then you might want to get out of the centre. That being said there are a lot of green spaces and parks in Prague where you can immerse yourself in nature, and take a break from the chaos of the city. A great place to go in Prague itself is Petrin Hill where you can explore the beautiful gardens and woodlands.

If you want to completely immerse yourself in nature, then there are a number of day trips from Prague that you can do. One of the most popular is to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park which is situated in the North West of the country and near the German border.

Budapest

Similarly Budapest has some great parks, but it is a busy city. If you want to get out and explore some of the natural beauty in Hungary you do need to get out of Budapest.

Prague or Budapest?

We are going for Prague on this one but that is because of its proximity to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better in summer

If you want the perfect summer holiday getaway you might be trying to decide if Prague or Budapest is better. Here are our thoughts.

Prague

If you are considering visiting Prague in the summer, this is a great time of year to go. The days are long and temperatures are mild. Average temperatures in Celsius range from 15- 26. It’s perfect for wandering around and enjoying everything the city has to offer.

Summer is also peak travel season, and August is particularly busy due to school holidays. Just make sure if you are visiting at this time of year that you book accommodation and tours well in advance.

Budapest

Peak season in Budapest is around June – August. This coincides with the summer months, but also the school holidays. Hotel prices are also at their highest around this time, so again book well in advance to secure the best deals.

The pros of visiting in the summer months though, is the fact that Budapest as a city really comes alive. You’ve got plenty of al fresco dining options, and sipping a beer in the sun is way better than sipping one in the cold. Your daylight hours are much longer as well.

Temperatures range from around 20 degrees Celsius up to 30 degrees Celsius. You tend to get heatwaves in August so that is something to consider when visiting.

Prague or Budapest?

Budapest is our choice for summer destinations. There are so many great things to do and the city really comes alive. You have several festivals and events but you also have a lot more al fresco drinking and dining options.

Prague or Budapest: which one is better in winter

If travelling in winter is more your thing, you might be wondering if Prague or Budapest is the better holiday option.

Prague

You might think winter is a no go for visiting Prague, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Admittedly it is cold, with temperatures ranging between minus 2 to 5 degrees Celsius.

Even with cold weather though you will find a lot to do in Prague. Plus there is a certain charm about visiting at this time of year. For starters the Christmas Markets are in full swing in December, serving mulled wine and pastries. And snow in Prague adds a little extra magic.

And if you want to know what it’s like visiting Prague in autumn this article might be handy.

Budapest

The winter months in Budapest do tend to get quite cold, so expect temperatures to get below freezing at times. It gets darker earlier so the amount of time you have in a day to visit attractions is a lot less. Some attractions also close in the winter months, so it is best to double check before you visit.

December is a popular time to visit Budapest though, due to the Christmas markets. The atmosphere is really lively as people get ready for the holidays and sip mulled wine in the cold.

Prague or Budapest?

Prague is the better choice when visiting in winter, simply because the colder weather adds to the magical atmosphere of the city.

Prague or Budapest: which one is for me

Well done for making it through this article in the battle of Prague vs Budapest. Hopefully you have decided which city you should visit for your next break. But if not let’s do a final recap.

Prague

Prague is a beautiful place to visit, and we honestly fell in love with it the moment we landed. The cobbled streets, and romantic atmosphere make it the perfect location for city break no matter what time of year.

If you love old world charm, atmospheric streets, and easily walkable destinations Prague is for you.

Budapest

Budapest is also a beautiful place to visit. It’s bigger than Prague, so you might need a bit more time here to navigate your way around the city. It’s another city making a name for itself post communist era, and is great for history lovers, and those looking to enjoy a night out.

Prague or Budapest?

It’s a hard decision but we preferred Prague over Budapest. For us it came down to the atmosphere. Prague is a little smaller and has this intense intimacy that you feel when you walk down the cobbled streets or stroll by the Vltava. But honestly if you get the chance to visit both cities then take it. They are incredible and you won’t regret it.

Here is a handy article if you do visit Prague and Budapest.

If you are trying to decide between Vienna or Budapest here is a helpful guide.

Or if you are tossing up between Vienna and Prague here is a helpful guide.

We hope this guide has helped you decide if Prague or Budapest is the better option for your next trip.

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Happy travels!