would you spend more time in Prague or Budapest? any charming hotels in either?

Both cities are very interesting. I'd just split the time equally. Prague is more "picture postcard perfect", but Budapest is fascinating for the difference in culture. <BR> <BR>In Budapest I recommend Hotel Victoria on the Buda side. It is a modern hotel, but every room has a view of the parliament building and the chain bridge, both of which are lit at night. We found the staff very helpful. It should be under $140 USD a night. <BR> <BR>The Hotel Pariz in Prague is art nouveau gforgeous, but expensive and a staff-from-hell. People have been recommending some smaller places in Mala Strana.

Agree with splitting the time equally, but don't know how much time you have. If you have to make a decision with unequal time, this is my opinion about how much time is needed to see both (if you want to see most sites). Prague - 3 days (can be done in 2); Budapest 3-4 days. Between the two I prefer Prague for its beauty. Budapest seems like a bigger city and is a little more spread out.

Man, I totally disagree! I would even SKIP Budapest in order to spend more time in Prague. I know this kind of comparison is entirely personal, but the beauty and ambience of Prague is exceptional. Let me put it this way...Budapest is interesting and Prague is heaven. If I had all the money in the world, I would spend three days in Budapest and six weeks in Prague. Maybe more. I've been to both once, four days each, so I'm not an expert, but that is my opinion.

Kay has certainly demonstrated that it *is* a personal matter <BR> <BR>I agree Prague is heaven. The center of town is about as perfect as you can get. [If you can avoid the mounting "scams"] The architecture is glorious. <BR> <BR>Budapest is spread out and dirtier and less renovated. I don't feel as "comfortable" there as Prague. But I like to push the envelope on occasion [when I'm not being what my husband calls a "salubrious sea slug" in a reclining deck chair next to a pool] and Budapest as the "other" Hapsburg capital city is absolutely fascinating. I don't go to Budapest for "charm" [although it is there - especially in the small town of Szentendre nearby], I go to explore a long, rich, different and difficult culture and history. [But then you have to remember I spent my "spring break" in Skopje, Macedonia!] <BR> <BR>Depends on what you want at a given time I think.

I don't know if we really disagree, Kay. I do much prefer Prague over Budapest, but I think it takes longer to "see the sites" in Budapest. If you want to spend more time in the place you are likely to enjoy the most, then you probably are better off budgeting more time in Prague.

Hi, Dan. You and I often see things from the same perspective, I've noticed. Must be our historical bnet.

Hi, Dan, since we often agree, I'm glad to see you could come up with that clarification. Must be our history backgrounds.

<BR>For preferring Budapest to Prague <BR>I have been called a bit of a dog <BR>The guylas is great <BR>I *never* gain weight <BR>But thanks for clearing the fog <BR>

Bea, <BR> <BR>I just returned from 4 days in each city. I agree with Kay and Dan. Budapest is very spread out. The castle area and museum deserves a day. Prague is more walkable. We just fell in love with the picturesque town of Prague and the beautiful buildings and churches. There are fantastic classical music events in several locations every night and very reasonable and top quality. We were steadily drawn to Charles Bridge and Old Town. <BR>We stayed in Marla Strana - Dum u Cervenho Iva (House of Ref Lion) . It's on the main street Neurodova 2/3 of the way up the hill to the castle. About $140/night double with breakfast. You need good legs getting around the hills and stairs.