Hello all,
our plans have changed again and our vacation is shrinking. Now we have a good offer from a travel agent to either Prague or Budapest for this October. We are both 31 and we want to go somewhere where we can do some sighseeing, sample good food, look at some nice scenery, and maybe do a bit of shopping.

Thanks a lot

Also, we are slow-paced travellers

Both are very pleasant, but Prague feels a bit more overwhelmed by tourists whereas Budapest feels more like a real city (and is larger). I preferred the food in Budapest, and it's more about wine than Prague (which is more about beer).

Budapest also has the baths, if that's something that appeals to you.

I've only been to Prague but it stands out as one of our favourite trips so far. The city is just beautiful - there is amazing architecture everywhere you look and it's very affordable. We had some really great meals there and really enjoyed just wandering the streets.

Budapest is on our short list as a few of our friends have said they loved that city. Not sure you could really go wrong either way.

For scenery though, you will probably want to get out of the cities. Prague is beautiful but it's definitely a city (with tons of parks and a huge river) so if you want something tranquil I would look at the countryside around it - we spent a full week in Prague itself (and would definitely return) but we didn't go anywhere outside the city.

Call me crazy, but I like Prague, not loved it. The Charles Bridge, and the Jewish Qaurter were wonderful as was the architcture, and skyline, but it seemed like 1 long shopping trip to me.
On the other hand, I loved everything about Budapest, including the bridges, Jewish Quarter and the architecture. And from the Buda side, Prague has nothing on views that Budapest can't compete with.
There is just more to see and do, and it just seems so cosmopolitan, but with great history and museums and shopping! The food was excellent also. It was very easy to get around and it didn't seem as crowded.

zwho, I haven't been to budapest (it's high on my list, though), but I thought your characterization of Prague as one long shopping trip was funny - I don't recall shopping at all when we were there (not that I mind shopping, I just don't think that's how we spent our time)!!

Thanks for all the great advice. Can someone tell me which one offers more in terms of picturesque day trip villages/towns?

Thanks

lol,

Check out my trip report (Maitaitom's Central European Excursion) or adnil 1962 and her 30 Days in Prague Post.

There is plenty to do in five days (and we did not shop). We ate some great food, and there are even day trips to Kutna Hora/Sedlec or castles to break up your time for some countryside scenery. We loved Prague!

I've never been to Budapest, bur Prague was terrific for our first five days in Central Europe.

zwho wrote: "Call me crazy, but I like Prague, not loved it."

Okay, you're crazy. And so am I.

Prague scores for high visual impact, especially around the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Budapest cannot match those.

In every other respect, I prefer Budapest -- more to see, more to do, greater variety of sights, better value for money, better eating.

I have been to Prague twice, and consider it "done"; I have been to Budapest five times, and would happily go again.

But, as I said, I am crazy.

Have been to both several times.

IMHO Prague has more to see and do and an absolutely incredible music scene - of all types - at low prices.

Budpest is also charming and definitely worth a visit - but if you can do only one do Prague.

Since you are slow travelers, I think Budapest would be a great option and not so overwhelmingly touristy. You can do things leisurely everyday and then take moments to hang out. Side trips that I would take are to Godollo to see the palace, to Szentendre ( if you want to do a touristy destination, but the skanzen(open air museum was very interesting), a boat trip up the danube to Esztergom ( the Basillica is beautiful) is interesting and then take the train back, you can take the train out for a few days to the balaton if you want, to Eger to visit the castle and visit some vineyards....or you can hang out and explore Budapest...there's tons to do depending on your true interests, the restaurants are all kinds...just my 2 cents.

This is a tough question! We were in Prague earlier this year and our trip to Budapest goes back a few years-and we would return to both cities in a heartbeat. That said, I would give the edge to Budapest. Prague is much more touristed and can feel (and is) much more crowded than Budapest. Both cities, however, have excellent metro systems, so it's quite easy to get around safely and quickly. Prague has a very interesting Museum of Commumism (located over a McDonalds of all places), while Budapest has the House of Terror (which was the actual place where inhumane acts were carried out and is quite moving). Budapest also has Statue Park, which makes for a nice day trip. These are the statues that used to be in the city during the Communist days. Both cities provide opportunities for day trips (by all means include a trip to Dresden Germany if you can work that into your schedule if you choose Prague). For a get-a-way within each city, we preferred Budapest's Margaret Island over Prague's Kampa Island,

Finding wonder places to enjoy a meal won't be an issue in either city-we thought Budapest offered more dining options with scenic river views than Prague did.

Both cities have nice castle hill areas and you can easily spend a day wandering around the respective ones in each city.

English is widely spoken in both destinations.

You will definitely see nice scenery in and around either city and each will offer more than a bit of shopping.

This is a tough question that simply comes down to personal preference! Enjoy whatever destination you ultimately choose.

I have been to both Prague and Budapest several times. I have been to both places in October.I am usually in Prague in October. It is not really that crowded with tourist in Prague in October.

I would choose Prague of the 2 in October. I did not find much to do in Budapest in October. It is more spread out. Prague is a smaller town and easier to get around and more to see. You can spend days shopping in the small shops in the old town area in Prague.

Count in my vote for the Budapest option. I, too, liked Prague but LOVED Budapest....we were in both in March but Budapest was less crowded, more manageable, easier to get my bearings. And I can't understand the "not much to do" post??? Outside Budapest are the Danube Bend towns, including Szentendre which should not be very crowded in October, is my guess. Will confess I'm not a shopper so can't help much with that. If you go to Budapest be sure to have the streudel at Ruzwurm's on Castle Hill; also recommend restaurants Dio and Menza.

We took the boat to Szentendre this past May. Wonderful scenery but if you decide to take this, do it 1 way, boat up, train or bus back. The boat leaves from Budapest at 10am and doesn't leave Szentendre until 5pm. You will see most of the town in a few hours. If you do go, have lunch at the Golden Dragon. It was our best meal in Hungary.

In Szentendre, we enjoyed a restaurant named Rab Raby.