Deciding which comes out on top between Prague vs. Budapest is a challenging feat. Both of these European capitals find themselves on many a traveler’s bucket list, and for very good reason.
Either city can provide the goods for the ultimate city break. Whether you’re after a party, a relaxing retreat, a foodie indulgence, or a history buff geek out, both Prague and Budapest will serve you well.
Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” has an undeniable fairytale-like charm, and everything you want to see is so closely packed together for easy accessibility. Whereas Budapest, or the “Pearl of the Danube,” offers a lively atmosphere on a wallet-friendly budget.
I’ve personally visited both and can happily say I loved them equally but for different reasons. But if you’re interested in visiting either Prague or Budapest, but can’t fit both into your travel plans, how do you go about choosing?
Well, if you find yourself in such a dilemma, don’t fret! I’ve taken it upon myself to really delve into the highlights of both cities.
Major selling points like attractions, costs, and transportation options will be judiciously scrutinized. Then, using the information provided, you can then consider the top points for both cities and decide which one will ultimately win your vote.
TL;DR
| Category | Prague | Budapest |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Czech Republic | Hungary |
| Top Attractions | Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square | Buda Castle, Hungarian Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion |
| Size and Population | 496 km², Approx. 1.3 million | 525 km², Approx. 1.7 million |
| Day Trips | Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora | Szentendre, Visegrád, Eger |
| Culture | Famous for classical music | Blend of Eastern and Western influences |
| Cuisine | Roast Pork with Dumplings, Svíčková (Braised Beef) | Goulash, Lángos (Deep-Fried Dough) |
| Beer | Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen | Dreher, Soproni |
| Wine | Wines from Moravia region | Tokaji |
| Transport | Efficient public transport, walkable city center | Metro, trams, buses, and river cruises |
| Types of Travelers | History enthusiasts, architecture lovers | Partygoers, foodies, culture seekers |
Prague vs. Budapest Overview
Budapest
Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is technically two historic cities: Buda and Pest. Budapest drew 4 million tourists in 2022, less than Prague, but still an enchanting city in Eastern Europe that deserves a spot on your radar. With the stunning Danube River flowing through it, Budapest is a treasure trove of ample green spaces, diverse architecture, eclectic cuisine, budget-friendly activities, and captivating history.
Prague
The Czech capital of Prague is a brilliant option for a city break. Step back in time while exploring Prague Castle, enjoy the lively ambiance at Charles Bridge, or take the winding cobblestone streets to numerous museums and art galleries.
In 2022, just shy of 6 million tourists visited Prague. Its central location makes for easy accessibility to other neighboring cities. This, alongside its lively atmosphere and welcoming residents, makes it a popular spot for tourists far and wide.
See Related: Is Prague Safe? Important Safety Tips for Travelers
Prague vs. Budapest: Which is Better to Visit?
Size and Population
Budapest
Budapest is a large and sprawling city of 203 square miles (525 square kilometers). With a population of around 1.8 million, it feels open due to a modest population density of about 3,351 people per square kilometer.
Prague
Prague, on the other hand, is a bit smaller than Budapest at 192 square miles (496 square kilometers). With its smaller size comes a smaller population of around 1.2 million. However, the population density is greater at 4,600 people per square kilometer.
See Related: The Ultimate Backpacking Through Europe Itinerary
Culture
When debating Prague vs. Budapest in terms of culture, you’ll find that visiting either of these historic cities within Central Europe will provide a culturally rich experience for any traveler.
Budapest
The city of Budapest, on the other hand, will offer you an experience that opens the doors to the city’s impressive diversity. It might be one of the most unique cities in Europe. Historic splendor, the scars of communism, and cutting edge of modernism collide in a medley like no other.
- The thermal baths act as a homage to Budapest’s Turkish and Roman past.
- Its local heritage shines through landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle.
- Head to Budapest in the springtime to attend the Budapest Spring Festival. A hub for divulging in classical music, jazz, dance, opera, and theatre, it’s the largest cultural festival in Hungary and worth a pin in the calendar.
Prague
Exploring the city of Prague, you’ll see evidence of a cultural heritage deeply rooted in music, literature, and the arts. This is the literal home of the Bohemian. You’ll also get to experience its well-earned reputation for high-quality beers that form a strong (drink responsibly) element of the city’s cultural identity!
- Experience Prague’s reputation for great beer on a night out, or go for something more unique at a beer spa!
- Attend the Prague Carnival, held at the end of February/start of March every year. The masquerade parade starts off in the Old Town and passes by the city’s many iconic attractions. This makes for a brilliantly absorbing activity if your time your visit right.
- Christmas markets are a wonderful German tradition that most of Europe now enjoys, and Prague’s Christmas Market scene is only enhanced by the city’s exceptional beauty. Without wanting to sound cliched, it’s a genuine winter wonderland!
See Related: Best German Christmas Markets to Visit This Year
Tourist Attractions
Both Prague and Budapest come with tourist attractions aplenty! From top museums to architectural marvels and unique landmarks, you’re going to be spoiled for choice.
Budapest
While Prague generally bests Budapest in terms of overall visitors, Budapest wins over Prague for travelers looking for a relaxing getaway with its numerous thermal baths.
- The Széchenyi Baths are the city’s most popular spot, but with popularity comes crowds. If you have the time to fit in more than one thermal bath, consider the equally impressive Gellért baths; slightly less busy, just as beautiful.
- You can also enjoy fitting in a visit to one of Budapest’s many other unique attractions. I personally enjoyed visiting the cave church on Gellert Hill and the Tree of Life in the Jewish Quarter.
- Also lovely for a nice stroll would be Margaret Island or a tour of Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion for a deep dive into Budapest’s cultural past.
Prague
Budapest may be the place to truly take a break, but Prague is an incredible city with many attractions available to enjoy, many within easy walking distance of each other.
- Prague Castle, for one, was an absolute top moment during my time in Prague. The castle was founded in the 9th Century, and while being one of the largest ancient castles in the world, it is a prominent symbol of Czech culture. Take a day out to explore over 70,000 square meters of this iconic landmark that dominates the city’s skyline.
- Another famous spot in Prague is Charles Bridge which connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town. Unless you visit at an unsociably early hour, expect significant crowds. You can spot vendors selling souvenirs along Charles Bridge. Just don’t let them divert your attention too much while you walk along and catch some wonderful city views from both sides of the Vltava River.
- Old Town is home to the Old Town Square, which is lined with terrific eateries, pubs, bars, and attractions, with none more prominent nor enchanting than the Prague Astronomical Clock (or Prague Orloj), which is the world’s oldest clock still in operation. Considering how intricate and complicated this clock is, that’s no small feat!
See Related: Virtual Walking Tour of Prague
Day Trips
Budapest
- Feel like a history day trip from Budapest? Visit Visegrád Castle. Not too far north of the city lies beautiful river towns around the Danube Bend. When venturing out this way, a stop-off at the highly photographed 13th Century Visegrád Castle is a must.
- Budapest is the best place to get a feel for urban life in Hungary. So how about absorbing some rural vibes? This cultural day trip embeds you in vast grasslands of the Puszta, featuring traditional horsemanship, oxen shows, and a plethora of traditional Hungarian food!
Prague
- Consider popping a day trip to Český Krumlov, one of the oldest cities in the Czech Republic. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once titled one of the most beautiful historical sites by National Geographic and might even give Prague a run for its money.
- Another great day trip from Prague is to the historic city of Kutná Hora, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among its claims to fame, the city is most famous for the chilling Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Bone Church!
See Related: Best River Cruises in Europe
Food
Budapest
Hungarian cuisine heavily features paprika, black pepper, onion, and garlic. Such strong ingredients lead to powerful flavors.
If visiting Budapest and hoping to enjoy a traditional meal, consider ordering the famous Goulash (which still lives rent-free in my mind). There’s a good chance it will be on the menu of any traditional restaurant you visit in the city.
Goulash is a hearty stew consisting of beef, and potatoes, cooked with paprika and onions. Some Hungarian regions will add their twist to the dish, but the basics remain unchanged. Other popular dishes you might try in Budapest would be Chicken paprikash (heavy on paprika) or Meat Pancakes.
The cuisine you’ll find in Budapest is a real clash of cultures, deeply influenced by Eastern and Western food. You’ll find characteristics of Turkish, Austrian, and Slavic culinary traditions in local dishes. A foodie walking tour is the best way to learn how the city’s past has led to such rich and creative flavors.
Prague
While Hungarian cuisine is heavy on bold flavors and diverse dishes, Czech food has a simpler approach to spices and favors creamier sauces and instead. For those familiar with Polish or German cuisine, you’ll be right at home.
Czech cuisine also features hearty dishes, focussing on meats and starches. A typical dish to try when visiting Prague would be Koleno – pork knuckle roasted over several hours. Speaking of “K” named foods, I recommend going on a voyage of Kolache (or Koláč), the scrumptious traditional Czech pastry, coming in all shapes, sizes, and flavors.
Prague is unquestionably the place to go to try a good beer or two – or ten. The Czechs have been brewing beer for over 1000 years! If you’re new to lager, a local brewery tour will help you understand the positive reputation of Czech beers.
See Related: Weird, Bizarre Foods from Around the World
Nightlife
Budapest
The Ruin Bars of Budapest make for a brilliant night out. If traveling solo, it’s easy to find a great bar crawl to join and meet a few new friends! Just be careful; if the beers get you clumsy, ensure you’ve got some decent travel insurance ready to enjoy your night out with peace of mind.
Beyond the ruin bars of Budapest lies modern trendy clubs and rooftop bars, especially around the Jewish Quarter. You could even attend nighttime spa parties at the thermal baths to mix that party atmosphere with an evening dip.
Prague
Prague may not have the same ambiance as the ruin pubs of Budapest, but that’s not to say there’s no nightlife. In fact, it’s often considered to have one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe.
The historic Old Town of Prague features the best nightlife scene for travelers. You’ll find a mix of trendy bars, traditional pubs, and many clubs to bust a few moves. Moreover, Prague is known for some top-tier local brewing, so you can easily find a beer garden or pub to savor world-famous Czech beers.
Should you desire something more upscale, Prague has that too. Cocktail bars and rooftop lounges provide a different ambiance from the hip bars and underground clubs. Enjoy a cocktail or two while enjoying striking scenes of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
See Related: Best Nightclubs in Amsterdam
Accommodation
Both Prague and Budapest offer bountiful accommodations for all travel budgets and purposes. The variety in terms of location and style is also pretty handsome, so no matter what you seek, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding it.
And to sweeten the deal? Both cities are pretty cheap! Here are a few of my top picks:
Budapest
Of the two cities, you’re generally going to get a little more bang for your buck in Budapest. The city is also seeing growth in its vacation rental industry if you desire a little more independence.
- Budget – NETIZEN Budapest Centre – Hostel dorm well situated with an on-site bar for the thrifty traveler looking to be in the heart of the action.
- Mid-Range – Emerald Hotel – Offers a prime spot just a short walk from the river for an exceptionally sensible price
Prague
In terms of sheer variety, Prague takes the Koláč when it comes to accommodations. You’ll also find some of Eastern Europe’s finest hotels here!
- Budget – Brix Hostel – A truly Bohemian, sustainable hostel option offering a comfortable stay just outside of the city center.
- Mid-Range – Golden Angel Suites by Prague – Perfect for families, Golden Angel sits right in the city center with easy access via a lift and handy amenities like a fully equipped kitchen.
- Luxury – The Grand Mark Prague – This palatial 5-star option will allow you to enjoy 17th Century timeless elegance in the heart of the city. Book for a once-in-a-lifetime stay!
Transportation
Public transportation in Prague or Budapest will not cost you much at all. Also, both cities are very well connected with extensive and easily accessible options to get you easy access to all the top spots you might want to visit.
Budapest
In Budapest, you’ll spend about $1-2 for a ticket on public transportation like trams, buses, and the metro. Alternatively, get yourself a travel pass for about $36 if you know you’ll be depending on public transport.
Prague
Prague also offers transport passes to make traveling within the city super accessible. The official Prague visitor pass is valid for 48, 72, or 120 hours and starts at about $82. What’s more, in addition to being useful for public transportation, the pass can be used at numerous attractions within the city.
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Cost
Accommodation costs aside, both Prague and Budapest are very affordable European cities to visit.
The cost of food in both Budapest and Prague can vary. Budapest edges past Prague with its greater assortment of budget-friendly options. Not only that, Hungarian cuisine is more varied than Czech. Yet, Prague takes the lead on cuisine diversity. You’ll find much more international restaurants in Prague, which incidentally leads to more expensive dining.
For those looking for a cheaper option for attractions and excursions, you might prefer Budapest.
Both Prague and Budapest offer diverse attractions and entertainment options. But the entry fees to things like museums, tourist attractions, and historical sights may be cheaper in Budapest.
Additionally, travelers to Budapest can enjoy more competitively priced tours and excursions. Additionally, shopping might be a little more affordable with a broader range of options. Here’s a breakdown of the general costs:
| Category | Budapest | Prague |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | Generally affordable public transport with metro, buses, and trams. Day pass: $5. | Efficient public transport with metro, trams, and buses. Day pass: $6. |
| Food | Reasonable prices for meals at local restaurants. Average meal: $10. | Affordable dining options with local cuisine. Average meal: $12. |
| Activities | Entry to attractions and museums: $8 to $15. River cruise: $25. | Entry to attractions and museums: $10 to $20. River cruise: $30. |
| Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels available. Average per night: $30. | Wide range of accommodations. Average per night: $40. |
| Beer | Local beer at bars and restaurants: $3 per pint. | Local beer at bars and restaurants: $3.50 per pint. |
And while both of these wonderful European cities provide budget-friendly visits, unforeseen costs can arise whenever you travel. Some friends of mine in Budapest had to replace cameras and passports while visiting the city. So, having the right travel insurance with reputable insurers like SafetyWing is an absolute must!
See Related: Cheap Places to Visit in Europe
Prague vs Budapest: Which is the Best?
It’s tough to give a definitive answer on which is best, Prague vs. Budapest. Whether you visit Budapest or Prague, you’re in for a memorable and valuable experience in either city.
Choose Budapest if you’re traveling more on a budget and want to stretch your pennies further. Choose Prague if you’re after that historical elegance and some top-tier local beers. These beautiful cities feature castles, delicious cuisine, bopping nightlife, and unique activities.
Having visited Budapest and Prague, I can happily say my experience of these two cities was positive and enriching. I wouldn’t trade one for the other. Budapest’s thermal baths were a major selling point and did not disappoint. Similarly, my time at Prague Castle was a highlight of my whole European inter-railing adventure.
The question of which is the best to visit, Prague vs. Budapest ultimately comes down to personal travel preferences, trip expectations, and budget. Either way, you’re a winner!
See Related: Best & Most Beautiful Cities in Europe to Visit
FAQs
Which is cheaper, Prague or Budapest?
Budapest edges slightly ahead of Prague when it comes to which of the two cities is cheaper to visit. Both provide the same variety of accommodation options for the shoestring traveler, right up to those looking to splurge. But other costs of visiting, like transport, food, and activities, are generally on the cheaper side in Hungary’s capital.
What is the best time to visit Prague and Budapest?
The best time to visit Prague or Budapest falls in their shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. The warmer summer months see hoards of tourists and significant spikes in accommodation costs.
However, during spring and early autumn, you can still enjoy agreeable weather but with fewer crowds and potentially better bargains. Of course, both Prague and Budapest are brilliant options to visit for Christmas markets! It’s a popular time and bound to draw in crowds, but you’re almost guaranteed snow for a truly magical Christmas in either city.
How can I travel from Prague to Budapest?
It takes shy of seven hours on the train to get from Prague to Budapest and a little closer to eight hours if traveling by bus. No overnight trains are available; however, traveling between the two cities is super easy, with four direct trains to pick from. It’s also reasonably priced at about $20 to $128 for a one-way ticket on the train and $35 to $41 for a one-way bus ticket.
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