Drv

We will be spending a week in and around Munich at the end of April and are planning a 2 day trip to either Progue or Vienna.

Of these two cities, which one would you visit for 2 days?

We had heard from several folks that Prague was much less "destroyed" by WWII and offered a more picturesque location. Recently another person told us that Prague was "an old dirty city" and that Vienna would be his choice.

We are not music officianados nor are we particularly interested in climbing up into old castles. We do like wandering around old cities and seeing unique shops and crafts.

We are 60 and do like adventure - this is what attracted us to Prague - thinking that this country is more intriguing - having been pretty much "behind the Russian barrier" for so many years.

Thanks,

Don

Maria_H

Whilst I enjoyed Vienna, if I had to choose between the two cities, Prague would win every time. We have been several times now and I never tire of wandering round Prague, soaking up the atmosphere. Crossing Charles Bridge at night with the castle floodlit in the distance is a magical experience.

Intrepid1

You are correct...Prague did, in fact, emerge from WWII pretty much unscathed unlike Dresden which was virtually flattened.

I find Vienna to be a very "grand" city along the lines of Paris whereas if you want to see a city that looks, at least in the older parts, absolutely medieval to this day and has enough baroque adornment in churches, etc., to last a lifetime, then consider Prague. Once you get there you'll see why it has been used for so many movie exteriors, especially period pieces like "Amadeus" and even more "modern" stories such as "The Bourne Identity" when it doubled for Zurich.

People are friendly, LOTS to see and do, and perhaps a bit cheaper than Vienna, too.

Bill1960

We had a similar scenario 3 years since, our solution living in UK was to go to both 1 each year, my favourite by a distance was Prague as was my wifes. Prague is more likely to lose some of its old charm as it gets more popular, so now is the time to go, where as Vienna is there established and very nice.Prague also was a bit more rustic and real.

mmfromam

Dear DRV,
I'm just back from Prague- a long weekend with my colleagues (of the age from 21 to 64 years). It's such a charming town, much different than it was in the communist period. I'm Czech living 17 years abroad, so I can compare things with the past. It's very busy there nowadays with tourists, but you must get up early or to walk at night through the old town and then you have all for yourself.
It has then an atmosphere of a town a few hundreds year ago. If you choose a suitable place and a suitable period of the day to visit it, of course.
Vienna is a little bit musty, no, a bit too proper. But it's a personal meaning....and after all I'm maybe a little bit proud of Prague.

Giovanna

The decision for me would be no contest--Prague, Prague, Prague! It's a wonderful, unique city with much to see and do. Our trip in 2003 was to Prague, Vienna and Budapest, one of the best of our European trips, and Prague was our favorite, then Budapest and lastly Vienna.

Annalise

Another vote for Prague, no question! It is indeed magical, as Maria H says. Vienna is amazing as well, very sophisticated and well worth another visit, but this time definitely go for Prague.

amyb

I just visited both Prague and Vienna in a week last fall. I too vote that Prague should be your destination. There's really no comparison, and Prague is indeed quite magical.

zbjoon

Hi Drv - you said in your post "We do like wandering around old cities and seeing unique shops and crafts."

I have been to both Vienna and Prague. You may want to choose Prague then. Since you have 2 days, stay in the center close to the Charles Bridge and Old town square. You can easily spend 2 days exploring the city on foot without going too far. And there are enough shops with the local Czech crafts (Garnet jewelry, crystals, etc.). Have a great time.

eurogoer

Two years ago I went on a trip to Vienna and Prague; I thought I'd spend six nights in each city. Turned out that after five nights I was ready to move on from Vienna and so I added another night to Prague instead, and I have no regrets about that! I loved using the Cadogan Guide for Prague--it includes several city walks, including a hike up Petrin Hill (I went even farther up from there--I climbed to the top of that mini Eiffel Tower). You'll love Prague!

SAnParis

Prague, no contest...Can we get a harder question ? LOL

mveet

I've never been to Prague (or Budapest)
but while they seem to be wonderful European cities, I thought maybe they were just the cheaper option for people who don't want to spend as much as they would in Paris, London or Vienna. Yes, Vienna is located in central Europe, but it's definitely not less sophisticated or less expensive than Paris.

detraveler

I've been to both and enjoyed both but given what you say you want to see and do you want to go to Prague.

risab

I was in Prague and Vienna last year. Vienna was lovely but Prague is really unique and special. I didn't find Prague dirty...it was filled with beauty and charm- it is like walking through a museum.
I would highly recommend Prague over Vienna.

chocobon

I LOVE Vienna but was enthralled with Prague. Of course, you are closer to Vienna and the drive to Prague takes about 4 1/2 hours and is rather a harrowing one. I'm on my way to Vienna this weekend and always find it interesting. Prague however, is a special place. We spent 5 days in Prague last year and it wasn't enough! It is a super walking city and a car isn't needed there.

MelissaHI

Having been to both (from Munich!), I also vote for Prague. Vienna was nice, but Prague is really different and interesting.

ThinGorjus

I vote for Prague. Also, since the Czech Republic still uses the koruna, whilst Austria uses the euro, the American dollar is MUCH stronger in CR. You can dine in Prague for $10 a person. When I was in Prague this summer, I bought nice bottles of Czech wine for about $5. You can't buy a glass of wine in Vienna for $5.

The best sites in Prague: The Jewish Quarter, St. Vitus, Loreto, Charles Bridge, Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Sternberg Collection.

absolutkz

A harder question? I too couldn't decide between Vienna and Prague. Obviously we missed something in Prague. We hated it. Yes, it is pretty, and cheap, but it's also very commercialized. Who wants to spend the money to travel to see signs for McDonald's? We LOVED VIENNA. There is so much to see and do. Did not find it expensive. Not sure where others are going. We went to a wine bar down the street from St. Stephan's, which is absolutely gorgeous, and tried 8 wines for under $30, and that included a generous tip. One can only look at so much garnet, change bureaus, McDonald's and casinos. I cannot wait to take my parents to Vienna.

ThinGorjus

You must be daft or blind or maybe both. There are McDonald's in Vienna, sweetie. I know because I ate breakfast in one. There are also cambios and "signs" all over the place, especially in the Graben area by St. Stephen's.

Would you tell people not to travel to London because of Piccadilly Circus?

zbjoon

I am really surprised to hear your comments as well.

Right in front of Vienna Opera House they have a Starbucks and it was crowded anytime I passed it. Starbucks in Vienna where they are famous for their coffee and even made the CNN news when it first opened. One block down there was a Casino. And all locals I talked to were complaining about how expensive Vienna is after they changed to Euro. I thought it was definitely more expensive than Prague.