Budapest or Prague
 

I will have a few extra days after a tour to visit either of these two cities. I have wanted to see both, but will only have the time and $ to do one this time around. Which would you pick and why; for a first timer? I will be traveling as a solo female if this would make a difference. All comments, pro and con, much appreciated. Thanks. Gailellen

Prague is a magical city, especially at night. Hitler liked it, so the Germans did not bomb it during WW2. As a consequence, it has all of its historical charm.

Prague is really beautiful. Around every corner is another lovely building.

Actually Hitler did not bomb Prague during WWII since Chamberlain handed Czech over to Hitler before the war to try to appese him and prevent the war. (And we all know how well that went.) It wasn't until the Poles stood up for themselves that the war actually started. ( I always tear up at the film of their mounted cavalry trotting out to meet Hitler's tanks - and the fliers who took as much of the polish ariforce as they could and flew to England to continue fighting.)

I would definitely do Prague since it is the only sizale city in middle europe that was not destroyed in WWII - and has a unique architectural Heritage (get an old town architectural walking tour at the town hall) as well as a cultural one (being approximatley 1/3 each catholic, protestant and jewish until Hitler got there). Defiitely tour the remaining Jewish buildings which are tremenduosly moving. (I was ver intersted to see my mother's last name - her father's family was Czech, but Catholic, among the list of names lost. Apparently there was much intermarriage and names were no proof of /background.)

Sorry - Budapest is facinating too and well worth a visit - but if you can do one I think prague is more unique.

Just notices you have two threads running with the same topic - which is confusing and nonproductive.

Perhaps you can ask the editors to combine them into one.

Prague, it is much easier to walk around and see the major places.

Budapest is lovely also, but the major places are more spreadout..... where as in Prague, any place you walk will be great.

both fantastic. can walk everywhere in prague. can take good trams everywhere in budapest. both great spots for a single traveller.

i might give the edge to budapest, however because of the thermal water. just loved going to the ancient baths-- and to the amazing public pool in the park.

let us know what you decide!!

Prague-like the others said, it is a walkable city with fantastic sights. I like Budapest, but I much prefer Prague.

I think Budapest has better spas and fewer tourist crowds.

Haven't been to Budapest, but we spent a few days in Prague and found it to be one of the most enjoyable places we've been to. Great public transport, amazing sights, very liberal culture. We were also surprised by the great nightlife....