Prices in Vienna, Budapest and Prague
 

We will be travelling to Vienna, Budapest and Prague in two weeks, and were wondering what to expect as far as prices in these 3 cities. Are they comparable to the US (we live in West Palm Beach, Florida) ? Is one city more expensive than the other?

Thanks,

Clau

Vienna is probably the most expensive of the 3, wiht the others a litle farther behind. Expect pries to be higher than at home - sometimes substantially - for hotels and upscale meals. Shoping will also be more for most things - since they have the same chains we do - but you won;t be paying in cheap dollars.

It depends on what prices you meant: I have been to thses three cities few times (but never been to Palm Beach), generally speaking, regarding food, accommadations & public transport, Vienna is more expensive than Prague and Budapest, Budapest is supposed to be the cheapest among the three.

Vienna probably the most expensive, Prague and Budapest not so much.

What kind of expenses are you anticipating - food, lodging, transport, entertainment, specialty shopping or souvenirs?

We were in Vienna and Prague (and Krakow and Munich) in October 08. Haven't been to Budapest in several years. Was VERY inexpensive, not sure now. Restaurants on the main city square were expensive, one block away, quite inexpensive (and good, maybe better because they weren't as tourist oriented). Concerts in Prague, downright cheap. Opera in Vienna can be expensive but fairly easy to find cheaply (don't use the concierge). Public transport in each city is an incredibly good value and convenient. Really good beer was cheap (cheaper than soda or water).

Our most expensive hotel was in Vienna, a fair distance from the town center (but very easy/fast by train) and mediocre. The least expesive was in Prague, 2 train stops from the town square and outstanding re service, breakfast and architecture.

Wonderful street market in Prague with local products, souvenirs, artisan goods, fresh fruits/nuts. Vienna market was more of a flea market and local produce, pricier and really uncomfortably crowded.

Vienna is the most expensive. Museums there are about €10 admission for most; though there are some combo tickets you can buy which give you a minor discount.

Budapest is cheaper, however, prices have been going up in the last few years. I was just there earlier this month, and my 2007 & 2008 guidebooks list prices which were routinely 20% lower than the current prices.

For food in Budapest, if you go to trendy places, the prices are comparable to many large Western European cities & US cities. However, if you venture off the touristy sections and go to local places, prices are much lower. For example, we stayed at an apartment in the VII district, and a local neighborhood restaurant offers 2-course dinner for 800HUF (~$4). However, a few blocks away at Oktogon Sq, a stir-fry beef udon noodle dish goes for 2000 HUF.

Both cities offer decent transport passes (strictly for public transport, not the Vienna Card or Budapest Card which are not good value). The passes are a good deal if you use public transport several times a day.

In Prague, you can easily spend $100 plus on a meal but if you eat as the locals do, you can get a starter and main course at lunchtime for 3-4 dollars. One drawback of Prague is the smoking is still allowed in restaurants. Some, but not all, of them ban smoking at lunchtime.
Jeremy
www.jeremytaylor.eu

lukehead - can you post the name of the hotel you stayed at in Prague or the link. Thanks!

I think the Prague hotel was Hotel Angelo. I will look up and repost.

It was Angelo Hotel Prague, Radlicka 1-G.. You might check out other traveler reviews at traveladvisor.com.