Is this trip realistically do-able in 5 days? Can anyone provide us with a trip report? We'll be driving (car rental), and want to go there sometime in Spring.

Hi dex,

You could do 3 days in Vienna and 2 in Prague, but I suggest the whole 5 days in one or the other.

Are you planning to pick up in Austria and drop off in Czech? That could be quite expensive.

Do you really want a car? It's about 4 1/2 hr by train. http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

Given the distance, you'll end up with at most two real days in each place.
I also say to choose one or the other, and my recommendation based purely on my own opinion is for Prague

Seconding elaine. Just visit Prague. And you'll have the added bonus of a cheaper vacation, too...

I just spent 3 days and nights in each (trip report forthcoming) and would choose one over the other if you only have 5 days total, especially if some of this is used to drive between the two. Three days was just about enough in Prague, not nearly enough in Vienna. Just MHO.

We spent five days in Prague last year, then took the train to Vienna for a couple of days and spent three more in Budapest, but we had two weeks. With just five days, there is no contest! Stay in beautiful, less expensive, interesting, musical, WONDERFUL Prague!

Can you possibly spend more time there? It's a shame to go all the way to Europe and not have enough days there to relax and enjoy.
Because I agree it would be disappointing to try to squeeze both cities into 5 days. We spent 5 nights in Vienna and 3 in Prague last June. It was exactly the right amount of time in Vienna, but we could have used two more nights in Prague.
Early June was a beautiful time to be in both cities. The weather was in the 70s during the days, and all the flower gardens were in bloom.
We loved both cities. Prague is still relatively 'uncommercialized', but becoming a very popular spot quickly. We'd heard it would be less expensive, but we thought their hotels were nearly as high as Vienna and a bit less nice.

Agree with all Prague for five days. the website www.jasoncholt.com will help you learn some/all of the reasons that Prague has so much to enjoy - - until you can get around to acquiring a proper guidebook from your local public library or bookstore.

You won't want or need a car in Prague.

Best wishes,

Rex

I would do Prague over Vienna any day of the week. Because it was affected so little by World War Two damage, it is very "original" and I love it. In addition, it is much cheaper than Vienna which is a really nice advantage. You won't need a car at all if you go just to Prague. JMHO

Thanks ira. Thanks one and all. I'll consider all suggestions, and really appreciate this. These boards are great.

Let us know what you decide. So much fun to plan a trip.
When considering Prague, look into the Prague excursion pass for train trips to and from Prague. I think it's a very economical way to go. We bought ours in advance, through Euraide.com, and were happy with their service. (Their 800 number is a plus.)

Will do. Thanks MaureenB.

We leave tomorrow for 3 nights Prague and 3 nights Vienna. I'll let you know how it goes time wise. We hustle and have done many long weekends in Europe. We fly between the cities so may save some time that way. It's free so why not.

We just got back from our 3 and 3 to Prague and Vienna. I personally like Vienna better. It was much less touristy and crowded. But as for time we had plenty to do most everything we wanted in each city. In Prague we did Old Town Sq and Wencelas Sq, Trekked out to Vyserad (High Castle),attempted to cross the Charles bridge and later saw it at night, The Prague Castle and St. Vitus, Loreto and Nerodova shops. Ate at David (but did not like the food although service was good). Last morning did the jewish Quarter.

Vienna we were very busy. Saw Kunthistoriches, Belvedere, Karleskirk and Secession Building day one. Day 2 did Schonbrunn and Hopburg. Day 3 did Opera tour and St. Stephans. Also had time to shop on Mariahilfer and Kartnerstrasse. Went to Rathaus and ate at Plachutta (also not good food although very popular and crowded). Before our flight we rode ubahn out to the Danube to see it.

We had 3 day metro passes in each city which were handy. We stayed at the Hilton in both cites because we had points. They do treat you well if you are a diamond member.

So if you want to do both cities then go for it. You will be rushed and not get to do everything but it depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for. My regret was not getting to do more museums in Vienna.

If you spend all 5 days in Prague then definitely go to Cesky Krumlov or Terezin for the day. The crowds are not charming in Prague.