I know what a difference. Two friends in 30's wanting to take last minute trip for a week. Leaving from the DC area, I believe neither destinations allow us a direct flight. Interested in the usual tourist things, historical sights, culture. One of us wants to go to Turkey the other obviously Prague and Vienna. Which would you choose and why. Thanks for your insights.

My wife and I have been to all three cities. With Prague plus Vienna you get fantastic architecture and truly magnificent art. Istanbul has good mosques, Hagia Sophia, good food, friendly, helpful inhabitants, and a slightly exotic feel. In our experience, the food and lodging in Istanbul are less expensive than in Prague and Vienna. Hope this helps.

sjj thanks a lot for your insight, exactly what I wanted to hear.

Istanbul's location by the water is also visually more appealing.

both are world class....istambul is more exotic, prague is more majestic...

its a huge decision....you would be happy with either....what time of year might help the decision....istambul can get very hot...

It's a tough decision but I would choose Prague and Vienna as both are more beautiful than Istanbul. Those pastries in Vienna are outstanding! Vienna is a joyous city. Try to stay on the Graben so you're near many the sights.

If you're interested in music - opera, concerts then Prague and Vienna are the places to go.

Been to Vienna, been to Istanbul. Vienna is more.. regal,refined, arts and museums, cool and collected...My last memory was having a cheese stuffed sausage at night in one of the main squares..while a large screen TV played a classical music concert. Very...european

Istanbul is more...metropolis, multi-cultural, hectic, jammed with history, busy...First key memory..standiing in square in front of Blue Mosque when loudspeaker from mosque blared call to prayer, followed by other mosques repeating it. I had shivers.

I've been a bit of everywhere in Europe. Vienna was "europe". Turkey was europe, asia, and so diffrent than other european locations.

ISTANBUL!!!!

I don't even have to think about it.

And, yes, I have been to all three cities.

I do love Praha, but Istanbul is so unusual and exotic.

I HATE HATE HATE Wein. It is too "formal" and "aloof" for me.

Thin