i know they're incredibly different, but our travel agent says they happen to both be available for the bigger trip we're taking to europe. any votes for one over the other?

What time of year are you going? This may affect whether you want to go north or south. There will be different holidays, local fesitvals or art and music activities at certain times in both places. Where else will you be going in Europe? If you are already seeing other Eastern European countries, Spain may be a nice change. If you are going Spain or Portugal or the Pyranees area of southern France, then Prague would be very different from Southern Europe. Also, flight times and whether non-stop flights are available will depend on where you are coming from. <BR><BR>

good point -- forgot to include it. it would be for mid-april.

Where is the rest of the trip going to be? I love both cities, but would make my decision based on where your trip would be. Prague has more of a flavor of Central Europe.<BR><BR>

Barcelona will be about 10 degrees F warmer than Prague, if that makes a difference to you. Both will be caught up in the Easter festivals at that time, although I am not 100% sure that Prague may actually celebrate under the Orthodox calendar where I think Easter is a different date. In Barcelona, many shops and museums will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, may be the same in Prague.<BR><BR>The cities are actually somewhat the same, as a lot of time is spent looking at amazing architecture as well as great art in museums. Both have recently emerged from the shadows of communism/facism (Franco), so that is interesting too. You may get more outdoor caf&eacute; society in Barcelona at that time as it will be warmer (still only high 50s on average so hard to tell). Prague has great music festivals, but I don't believe any are scheduled for April (check out whatson.com for listings in both cities.)<BR><BR>IMHO I would go for Barcelona first as I just think the Gaudi architecture is really incredible. Also love tapas and Catalonian culture. Prague is also a wonderful city, don't get me wrong, but if I had to choose between the two, I would go for Barcelona. Also does depend on where else in Europe you will be as you would not want to have just the experience of one culture. The slightly better weather is important to me too, as I would do Prague in June or the fall.<BR>

That's a tough choice - I've been to both and they're both beautiful cities - but different tone. Being that Barcelona is on the Mediterranian I felt there was more of a &quot;party atmosphere&quot; - more festive year round. Prague - (I was there at the end of Oct. 2002, very subdued due to floods) - strikes me as being lively in the summer. The architecture for both is incredible. I would be inclined to say that Barcelona is a bit more relaxed - alfresco? - than Prague. Yet Prague has a certain mideval magic that Barcelona does not. Let us know your choice and how it plays out.

Hi<BR> Have you checked to see if Prague has recovered from the floods?

thanks all. i think we're going with prague since it's all around cheaper and the hotels look nicer there. we're also hitting all major cities of germany (many, many flights to spain from there b/c it's the most popular tourist destination for germans so that's why they were equally possible).

I have not gone to Prague (am going in May), but I didn't particularly care for Barcelona. It may have some beautiful buildings, but on Las Rambles (a main strolling area) we must have seen, at least 3 incidents (in 1 day) where the police were talking to tourists who had been robbed. There was a couple, an older couple, and the 3rd were 2 guys. Another time we witnessed an unsuccessful attempt. I felt like I had to look over my shoulder every step I took. Guess I was too busy worrying about being robbed to enjoy anything Barcelona had to offer.

I've been to both cities and agree with the majority of comments above. Prahgue has certainly pretty much recovered from the floods (I was there last August just before the floods and again this past November 2002)..metro is still partially closed down but extra trams have been put on ther streets to try to cover that. The &quot;old town&quot; and castle areas were really not affected as far as I could tell..the castle certainly wasn't affected at all! I think you'll enjoy the city..hope so, anway.

Prague is a definatly a better city. The weather maybe slightly colder but the magic of the city is much more felt when the crowds are less abundant. I was there for Easter in 2002 and the city was alive with festive activities in the old town square. I am biased though because Prague is one of my favorite cities. If time allows you take off into the countryside and visit Cesky Krumlov, the town is great, and not full of tourist as it is in the warmer months. When I was there in early April the place became a ghoast town at night, there is something magically about walking the cobble stone streets down from the castle on the hill and not having another soul around. I hope you enjoy your trip where ever you go, but I vote for the Czech Republic.