Prague or Salzburg
 

Hi! I'm working in Vienna and have the opportunity to visit either Prague or Salzburg for the day on a weekend. I understand it will be a short trip, however, I want to see something while I'm here. I did Budapest last weekend. Any suggestions on either location? Do you like one over the other? I like shopping and sight-seeing. I also wanted to see something a little different than what Vienna looks like. Help! Thanks :)

Prague would be my absolute choice. It is a gorgeous historic city and I think more of a contrast with Vienna than Salzburg is.

I've never been to Salzburg (or Vienna for that matter), but I'd go back to Prague in a heartbeat. Once was not enough to visit such a wonderful city. If you have a chance to go there, even just for a short trip, take it!

I have been to both cities. Salzburg is smaller, more pokey. Therefore, it would be better for a day trip. There is too much to see in Prague. You need at least 5 days.

While I agree Prague deserves 5 days, if you only have a weekend I'd still say go. Get a taste of it and then you'll know you want to go back someday. I liked Salzburg well engouh but it can't compare with Prague. Prague is much more beautiful, interesting, more to see, more to do. I'm glad I went to Salzburg but I was bored after two days, and it certainly isn't memorable in the way Prague is.

PRAGUE ! No questions asked. Prague is a beautiful, romantic, and extremely historic city. I tend to believe that Salzburg is a bit commericalized. You won't regret a trip to Prague !

I've been to both and while a huge Sound of Music fan I would still vote for Prague.

And, they are both two different feelings!

I have been to both and agree with others that Prague has much more to offer.

But, with a mere day to visit and your interests of shopping and site-seeing I would chose Salzburg.

Visiting the castle, taking in Mirabel gardens and wandering through the shops will be a full day in a consolidated location. You will enjoy the day.

Simply choosing what to do and where to go in Prague is a bit daunting. Save Prague for a three day weekend.

Have a great time.

We visited Prague, Vienna, Fussen and Salzburg last June. I'd recommend Prague over Salzburg, but it doesn't sound like you have enough time. I think it's a 5-hour train ride each direction to Prague from Vienna, isn't it? That's way too much for just a single day trip. You wouldn't have any time to see the fabulous city, and it deserves a leisurely visit of at least three nights. Salzburg is very nice, and the fort overlooking the town is interesting. And we thought Fussen was a prettier, smaller town set in more spectacular scenery even than Salzburg. The Neuschwanstein castle there is worth a visit, too. Fussen is about a 2 hour train ride from Vienna, as is Salzburg. (Be sure to look into the Bayern Pass for those train trips. I think it's 22EURO/day for up to five people round-trip-- can't beat that price.)