I'd go to Prague and Vienna but that has to do with my particular interests, which I'm sure are not yours (particular classical music composers and history, at least for Vienna, no, I'm not a fan of Liszt nor a lot of Hungarian classical music, except Bartok). Also particular points of history regarding Vienna and museums. I've been to all 3, and love Prague. I was only in Budapest one day so perhaps can't compare fairly but wasn't particularly sorry I wasn't there for much longer nor do I have a real interest in going back. A lot of people seem to love it though.

I really think questions like these can only be answered by you, yourself. You have to look at what there is to see/do in each city and decide for yourself, that's all, which is of most interest to you. Some other points may enter regarding logistics, etc., also. For example, I'm sure there are some good flight options back to the US (if that's where you are from) from Vienna but not as many from Budapest. I'm not sure there is a nonstop flight to the US from Budapest, for example.

I think either would provide a decided and delightful contrast to Prague, and like Christina, think that it's a choice that only you can make based on your interests.

From a logistical point of view the best city pairs are Vienna and Budapest(2 hours by train) or Prague and Vienna(4 hours by train).

I'd pick Prague and Vienna, but I have a particular dislike for Budapest but as others have said it's personal, so go where you're motivated to go...

Budapest is nowdays at least as crowded(if not more) than Prague back in 2004 and Prague is of course even more crowded.

That said, the "universal travel law" remains valid: 80% of tourists visit just 20% of the sights, leaving the rest of the sights(minor sights) mostly uncrowded for the discerning traveller.

A 5 minute walk from the castle of Prague heaving with masses of tourists gets you to a magical quarter of cobbled streets, old houses and so few tourists that you smile at each other when you see another. I'm not telling you where it is, but you can find it just as I did.

I've been to all three--Prague and Vienna once each, and Budapest twice. So, I guess that tells you which one city I'd absolutely include no matter what. It's a toss up between Prague and Vienna. My impression of Vienna is that it's a tad more formal and stuffy, while Prague is more casual.

Have you thought at all of limiting yourself to just one of these major cities and instead doing some of the lesser touristed but equally fascinating smaller towns in the area? That's what I would do. Honestly, my memories of those smaller, more intimate places are stronger than my memories of the larger cities. Europe has so much more to offer than just its large cities. Just a thought.....

Deleted several posts for off topic political arguments

My preference would be Prague and Vienna. I've been once to Prague and twice to Vienna and Budapest. Didn't find the Hungarians particularly friendly.

"Deleted several posts for off topic political arguments"

Thank you indeed, but in the process you also deleted a travel related discussion about the tourism history of Budapest.

Let me please repost this short YT video of a Beautiful Budapest in 1938 - A Fitzpatrick Traveltalk.

We lived in Vienna for seven years (just moved back to the US in June), and visited Prague and Budapest on numerous occasions. I like them all, but for reasons that may not match with yours. For food, Prague and Vienna, hands down. Prague's gastronomy scene is noteworthy (especially the farmer's market in Holešovice, Prague 7); while in Vienna it is entirely possible to enjoy Austrian cuisine that has nothing to do with Schnitzel or Sacher Torte, and across the price spectrum. For cafes, Vienna and Budapest get my votes.

For us outdoor time is essential, so I would give the edge to Vienna, and Prague the runner-up slot. The vineyards border the northern edge of the city and make for memorable wanders, followed naturally by a visit to a local heuriger; and there are 9 "Stadtwanderweg" (City Trails) to enjoy. We only wandered Vinořsky Park and Jenštejn in Prague (manageable by public transportation) and thoroughly enjoyed that.

In Hungary we found the little villages/towns of Sopron, Szetendre, Gyor, and Kőszeg (plus Gyorkony, but that was with friends to their press house) and its people to be more enjoyable and friendly than in Budapest, though we never did not enjoy Budapest proper. The same can be said of Vienna. The Viennese can be off-putting; though, since you will likely remain in the touristed areas of all of these cities there will be plenty of English spoken without attitude.

And honestly, Jules makes a good point. You could easily "limit" yourself to any one of these cities and take day trips. Before we moved overseas that was generally our m.o. We based in one destination and explored the area; it was nice to have the full-on tourist experience of whatever city we were in along with the quieter days of leaving said city.

​​​​​​​Happy Planning!

Or you could spend a night in a third city between Prague and Vienna instead of a daytrip. Brno is a stop on the direct trains between Prague and Vienna and it is a very nice, but underrated city where locals still outnumber tourists.

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...rnative-prague


https://brnodaily.com/2017/10/03/rel...of-big-cities/

Cesky Krumlov 👍

Prague is awesome. So much to see and do. Amazing architecture. Great foodie scene.

I am not a big fan of Vienna.

Thin,aristocrat 🥐☕