Tale of Two Cities
 

If you have 5 days in mid November and could choose between Prague or Budapest, which would you choose?
Ive not been to either. Always wanted to go to Prague, but never made it and now have lost momentum to do so! My mom went to Prague 4 yrs ago and liked it, so said she doesnt mind going back there with me.I assume its more touristy - as Im worried we might run out of things to do in Budapest. I dont really want to try to do both as if my mom does come, it might be a bit too tiring for her (as the train is quite long, isnt it?)

I know it will be cold in both :)

There's plenty to do in Budapest! Prague might be less touristy in November - I thought it incredibly crowded in summer. For my second visit to Budapest see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35096856

We spent four nights in both cities in October a couple of years ago and enjoyed each. You can't go wrong but I think I would pick Prague.

Definitely Prague. Pest is not attractive, although it does have a Burger King on almost every block. Buda is beautiful, but a lot of it was destroyed during WWII. It's a bit depressing reading signs about places that no longer exist. Prague is the most visually stunning city I have ever seen in Europe. I gasped out loud at my first glimpse of Charles Bridge. Old Town is simply amazing. You won't run out of things to do in Prague!

brodypetey wrote: " Pest is not attractive, although it does have a Burger King on almost every block."

I disagree. There is a lot of good stuff in Pest, and you exaggerate the impact of Burger King on the city.

I have clocked up more than 30 days in Budapest, and know there is still stuff that I have not got around to (granted, I don't rush through things); I would be happy to go there again at any time.

I agree that Prague has exceptional visual impact, but the interesting part of the city is relatively small. My tally of time there is about 15 days, and I consider it "done". About five of those days were taken up mainly with business, or I might rate it "overdone".

I agree with Paidraig; I think Budapest is lovely and has lots to see and do. I think the view of the Chain Bridge over the Danube competes with the Charles Bridge in Prague. My niece says there is no bad weather; just bad clothes so be prepared for cold.