Prague vs Budapest? This is a question that many people face while planning a trip to central Europe and it’s a hard one to answer. Especially because you’re trying to choose the best of two beautiful destinations, but also because they’re as amazing as they’re different and appeal to different individuals.
Here we will discuss the postive aspects of each city today.
Naturally, both Prague and Budapest are technically medieval cities, but in terms of older, fairytale-style architecture, Prague has much more to offer. Although the “Buda” side of the river in Budapest is very ancient, in the 19th century, the “Pest” side saw its heyday, which is when famous structures such as St. Stephen’s Basilica and the beautiful Parliament building were constructed. Even in Buda, in European terms, traveler’s classics such as Fisherman’s Bastion are not terribly dated.
Prague vs Budapest On the Basis of Top Sights
Prague
1. Prague Castle
Castle complex dating from 9th century.
2. Charles Bridge
Iconic 14th-century structure with views
3. Old Town Square
Oldest square in the historic center
4. St. Vitus Cathedral
Oldest square in the historic center
5. Dancing House
Gehry-designed tower with restaurant
6. Lennon Wall
Graffiti covered wall inspired by Lennon
7. Staroměstská radnice
Old town hall & astronomical clock tower
VS
Budapest
1. Hungarian Parliament Building
Gothic Revival–style government building
2. Fisherman’s Bastion
Turreted fortress & city views
3. Buda Castle
Castle home of Hungarian art collection
4. Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Grand spa with in- & outdoor pools
5. Heroes’ Square
Major square with landmark statues
6. St. Stephen’s Basilica
Major square with landmark statues
7. Matthias Church
Late-Gothic Roman Catholic church
8. Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Iconic 1800s stone suspension bridge
9. Margaret Island
Parkland & Dominican convent ruins
Where to stay in Prague vs Budapest
Prague
Central Spot Prague Apartments
If you want easy clean accommodation at a budget price and do not want to sacrifice much on location, Central Spot Prague Apartments is a great choice in the region.
You can’t ask for a better spot than this one! A great combination is spacious quarters, a perfect venue, and a moderate price.
Only steps from Old Town Square, a beautifully decorated apartment, plus fantastic views-what more could you ask for in Prague?
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Budapest
Jackquaters is the ideal location for anyone visiting Budapest, situated right next to Vaci Utca and just 100 meters from the Danube. Budapest’s highlights are within reasonable commuting distance, such as the Chain Bridge and the Great Market Hall.
You will certainly not go hungry with Central Market Hall and Vaci Utca at your fingertips while staying at the beautiful Hotel Erzsébet!
It is situated in the city’s old Jewish Quarter, near the Dohany Street Synagogue and Hungarian Opera House, which is one of our favorite private neighborhoods to stay in while in Budapest.
Food comparison Prague vs Budapest
The cuisines of neighboring countries have both inspired and influenced Czech and Hungarian food. These lands have been the source of many of the cakes and pastries that are popular in Central Europe. Their contemporary cuisine is more meat-based than in earlier periods; its influence in regional cuisine has been enriched by the current surplus of farmable meat.
Prague doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to food. Let’s not beat around the bush here. They’re just dreaming of big stews with dumplings. Flesh with meat and more meat. Yeah, and there’s plenty of beer mixed in for good measure. Yeah, the food is like that, but it’s delicious too really. Hearty and wet, ideal in winter for a visit to Prague.
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Hungarian cuisine is hearty, and it’s tasty. There’s so much more to Goulash and paprika, but everything goes down better with a beautiful glass of Hungarian wine. Budapest has Gulyás, Paprikás, Jókai bean soup, Lecsó, Paprikás Csirke and Halászlé.
River Views
Prague has the Vltava River,
The longest river in the Czech Republic, the Vltava, starts in southern Bohemia before meandering northward toward Prague for 270 miles (430 kilometers). For centuries, the river has shaped the Czech capital, dividing Malá Strana (Lower Town) from Staré M to (Old Town) to the west and the new city to the east.
Budapest has the Danube River.
The Danube River, which passes through the heart of Budapest, is the lifeline of the capital of Hungary as well as its geographical center, separating the hilly Buda district on the western bank from the booming Pest on the eastern bank. Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasures, home to landmarks such as the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the Liberty Bridge, Buda Castle Hill, Matthias Cathedral, the Hungarian Parliament House, and Margaret Island, are all part of the striking waterfront.
Getting around Prague and Budapest
Getting around in Prague vs Budapest, Prague wins here, but this one is almost unfair, because it’s so easy to walk around Prague that you just don’t need public transport. The choice to just walk everywhere can’t really beat you.
On the other hand, Budapest has a few attractions that are clustered (for example, the castle district) and you can do them together but then some are far farther away. The good news is that Budapest’s public transport is absolutely fantastic! They are very very inexpensive, and you can easily and quickly jump on.
The nightlife of Prague vs Budapest
In the Prague vs Budapest battle of nightlife Prague and Budapest are both renowned for their nightlife and for having plenty of common things to do after dawn. While we’re not really wild parties, people assume you’re going to be pleased with what either city has to give in this respect. In particular, Budapest has its famous ruined bars, one of the city’s trademarks. There are old stores and warehouses that have been converted to trendy bars. Prague is known for its very wild and sometimes naughty parties.Budapest won this one for us but it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to party hard, then the better alternative is Prague.
Which is more expensive? Budapest or Prague?
Although both cities are cheaper than other European capitals, such as Paris, London or Berlin, Prague is certainly more costly than Budapest. Indeed, Prague’s prices have been growing steadily in recent years, both due to tourism and Czech economic growth.
You should prefer Budapest over Prague in hindsight if:
- In summer, you’re traveling;
- Your budget is tight indeed;
- You are a gourmand;
- You like to mingle with the locals;
- You want to discover exclusive features such as the Ruin Bars and the Thermal Baths.
You can on the other hand, prefer Prague over Budapest if:
- You want the city of a fairy tale;
- You’ve just got a few days to travel;
- You’re looking for nightlife in the wild;
- Everywhere you want to walk and make it incredibly accessible.
- With thousands of people having fun, you are the most lively and bustling city center.
Over to you!
Which would you choose – Budapest or Prague? Have you been to both cities and have a real preference for one verses the other? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
