Amsterdam or Prague?
 

Hi guys,

Going to Germany in May (whole trip will be about 11 days). Want to take a side trip to another country, and heard great things about two cities, Prague and Amsterdam.

If you had to choose one, which would it be and why?

Thanks! I took a trip to Spain this past May and I got some great advice here! Cheers.

WHere in Germany will you be? Makes a difference as to which city you choose I think.

It depends what you want to do.

Culturally; Hamster-jam wins hands down - for the Rijkmuseum alone.

In terms of night life both are wild (and both can do classy) and the cloggies have coffee shops if that's of any interest.

Prague's a fair bit cheaper outside the tourist traps

Both are bloody awful for food - The dutch do at least have indonesian restaurants. The gregorys only have red cabbage. Both have good beer and a beer drinking culture.

Both are full of pissed brits and yanks making arses of themselves.

One thing I would stress is if you plump for Amsterdam make SURE you book your accommodation. There isn't a lot of it about and it gets booked solid quite early on.

Second CW, in AMS, besides Rijkmuseum, Van Gogh Museum is world class also.

I have been AMS quite a few times, never run out of things to see; but can't really say that about Prague.

Depends on what part of Germany you're in and what your interests are.

I love Amsterdam -and have been at lest 6 times - some on business. Very cute and walkable, some great museums - and also some great food (if you're willing to pay for it).

but Prague is unique in that it has a midieval center not destroyed in WWII (since Chamberlain just handed Czechoslovakia over to the Nazis). So the architecture in incredible, the town is charming, the music scene is enormous, of all types and very inexpensive. We also found the food to range from very good to excellent (and at prices much less than western europe). We had one fantastic meal from amuse bouche through dessert including water and a very nice wine that was only about $150. In NYC - or any western european capitol it would have been at least $300. And we found a lot of moderate places that were good as well - you just need to avoid the tourist traps. And the little waffle shops are a huge temptation.

Oh - and do drink the local beer - it's great. For wine go only with imported.)

I would pick Amsterdam for much more to do. And if you can move up your trip to include April 30 you will enjoy Queen's Day debauchery. Also, the Keukenhof Garden will be open until mid May. Fantastic.

Have been to both, I'd pick Amsterdam. We've been there twice and would go again, not sure about re-visiting Prague. The architecture in Amsterdam is wonderful and the markets are good too. Accommodation can be hard to get and pricey too so I'd get that first then book flights.
Kay

You have a difficult choice but both are great cities.
I would consider your travel time to each destination as well as how much time you have to spend in each.
AMS is a larger city with many museums, canal tours, Anne Frank house, tourist sights including the red light district and coffee houses, etc. It is a busier city with much hustle and bustle.
Prague is a gem, but on a smaller scale. It's absolutely beautiful with spectacular architecture, a beautiful castle, lovely churches, and fabulous music. We found the people to be very gracious. It's probably less expensive than AMS. No Euro yet. Oh, we loved the food in PRG much more than AMS.
You'll be happy with either city.