You’re going to Europe. You’re pressed for time, or maybe you prefer staying longer in fewer places. Whatever your reason, you are currently facing a huge dilemma: should you visit Budapest or Prague?
Having been to both Prague and Budapest, I’m here to share with you the following things:
- 10 unique things to do in Budapest
- Day trips from Budapest
- 10 unique things to do in Prague
- Day trips from Prague
- Pros and cons of both cities
Both cities have a beauty magnitude that will leave you wishing you brought enough money to settle down there for the rest of your days. So, to answer your question quickly, visiting either city will result in an epic trip filled with history, culture, and a lifetime of memories.
Assuming that doesn’t settle it because, let’s be honest, you still have more questions floating around like “What makes each place unique from the other?” or “What are the pros and cons of each city?”
Keep reading to find out these answers, plus learn about exclusive experiences and what there is to do in nearby towns.
A quick tip before you continue. . .
If there is anything to learn before you go, that’s how to pronounce Prague and how to pronounce Budapest.
➔ Prague (Pra-ha)
➔ Budapest (Boo-da-pesht)
10 Things You Can Do in Budapest That You Can’t Do in Prague
1. Have your Harry Potter moment at Fisherman’s Bastion.
This neo-Romanesque style building instantly reminded me of Hogwarts. Plus, the top offers incredible views of the city.
2. Relax by day and party by night at Schezenyi.
This one-of-a-kind natural thermal spa is breathtaking and frequented daily by locals and visitors alike.
3. Have a drink at one of many ruin bars.
The most famous ruin bar in Budapest is Szimpla. What is a ruin bar? The name is exactly what it means. They are clubs/bars that took over abandoned (ruined) buildings.
4. Walk across the historic Chain Bridge.
More than a photographic moment, the Chain Bridge once hosted protests against Soviet rule.
5. Take a risk and do a shot of Palinka.
Palinka comes in different flavors (i.e. grape and cherry), but the alcohol is so strong you can hardly tell the difference.
6. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Yes, another gorgeous church in Europe, but for good reason. The marble, ceiling decor and views overlooking Budapest are the best in town!
7. Stroll through Gozsdu Udvar for some good times.
The courtyards of seven buildings have turned into a walkable hub for restaurants and nightlife with lights strung over the walkways throughout.
8. Go “caving.”
Step beneath the hustle and bustle of the city and tour one of the many incredible caves.
9. Visit the largest Parliament Building in continental Europe.
Since the United Kingdom is technically an island you will quickly learn that Hungarian’s are proud to be the biggest and best in all of “continental Europe.”
10. Enjoy lunch at the most beautiful cafe in the world.
You can’t miss New York Cafe. Come for proper afternoon tea or a late-night snack. Either way, you have to see the interior of this cafe.
Day Trips to Take From Budapest
Budapest is surrounded by gorgeous landscape and colorful towns. Car rentals can be found in Budapest](https://www.skyscanner.com/car-rental) for cheap. Check out these places for a fun day trip:
Budapest to Godollo Palace
Visit Godollo Palace, one of the largest Baroque palaces in Europe. Spend the day strolling through stables, impressive gardens, and take a tour to learn about the history.
Budapest to Szentendre
Explore the colorful, cobblestone-filled streets of Szentendre. If museums and art galleries are your thing, a day there will be wildly entertaining. Make sure to stop by the famous Open Air Museum.
10 Things You Can Do in Prague That You Can’t Do in Budapest
1. Visit the Lennon Wall.
This is probably the most recognized attraction in Prague. But until you’re standing in front of the wall listening to random strangers play John Lennon songs on their guitar, you will never fully appreciate how amazing it is.
2. Relax in a one-of-a-kind Beer Spa.
These spas are known to ease muscle tension and reduce stress.
3. Enjoy a Pilsner Urquell in its native country.
No beer ever tastes as good as it does in its home fresh, from the tap. No cans allowed! Plus, they run about $1 USD. Can’t beat that happy hour.
4. Hang out in the most beautiful square.
Head to Old Town Square, a unique square that caters to the tourists but is still a great place to spend the afternoon.
5. See the Astronomical Clock in action.
Good news, this is also located in Old Town Square.
6. Walk across Charles Bridge.
This is one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in all of Europe.
7. Get a beer delivered to you on a train.
A miniature train that is. At Vytopna Restaurant, there’s a tiny railway that reaches speeds up to 20km per hour and delivers drinks right to your table.
8. See the grave site in the Jewish Quarter.
This area is also home to some of the most beautiful houses in all of Prague. Many cities have their Jewish Quarter, but they’re nothing like Prague’s. The history of this place will blow you away.
9. Take a vintage car tour.
To see the most of this fairytale-like city, book a tour in a historical car and feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
10. Climb the hill up to Strahov Monastery.
You’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the city while sampling their house-made St. Norbert beer.
Day Trips to Take From Prague
Prague may be the largest city in the Czech Republic, but it’s surrounded by beautiful, lesser-known towns and sites that are well worth a short train ride to see.
Prague to Brno
Visit the Moravian wine region in Brno. The Czech Republic is known to most of the world for its beer, but wine is just as big. Brno is the second largest city in the country offering historic landmarks, squares, shopping, food, and of course, wine!
Prague to the Cesky Krumlov Castle
The Cesky Krumlov Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a day taking a tour throughout the property and exhibitions.
Pros and Cons of Budapest and Prague
Recognizing everyone has their own subjective opinion when it comes to likes and dislikes of destinations, here are my pros and cons of Budapest and Prague:
Budapest
PRO: Food markets spread all around the city offering a better range of options than Prague.
PRO: Bigger city with more grounds to cover on both the Buda and Pest side.
CON: Budapest has a younger nightlife crowd compared to Prague, in my opinion. I felt like I was always surrounded by college kids in Budapest and walking into a bathroom with no toilet paper or soap.
CON: Getting from the airport to city center is difficult. There’s only taxis and buses, no trains or Uber.
Prague
PRO: Prague’s walking tours are better. They really touch on the cultural aspect of Prague and I left feeling more knowledgeable about Prague.
PRO: Better beer gardens including the lively Naplavka area.
PRO: Wi-Fi on newer trams.
CON: It’s smaller than Budapest so you might run out of things to do. All the more reason to mingle with locals.
CON: The subways need serious updating.
Well, that’s it! Hopefully, you have a better picture of what to do in both Budapest and Prague. Again, both cities offer amazing options. If you are short on time, Prague will be the better choice seeing as it’s a smaller, walkable city with better day trip options.
If you have a little more time and happen to love food, Budapest will give you a few more options to fill your days, plus, the thermal spas are world-class.
Once you decide which city you’re visiting, check Skyscanner to figure out the best time to book flights to your top pick and set a Price Alert to get notified the minute that flight prices drop.
Look for your flights today. 👇
About the Author
Allison Judkins // Seeking Neverland
Allison is the energetic travel blogger behind Seeking Neverland. With no plans to slow down her life of adventure, she spends most days getting lost in foreign places, collecting photographs, and sharing all her findings with you. Check out her blog for city guides and travel tips.
