Budapest and Prague have become two of the most popular cities to visit in Europe. They are both incredibly beautiful cities which makes it hard to decide which one to visit. Here is the ultimate comparison to help you decide between Budapest or Prague.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Budapest
Budapest is the largest city in Hungary with 1.75 million people living here. It is known for being a picturesque city with large palaces and beautiful architecture. The Hungarian Parliament building it one of the most incredible buildings in all of Europe. The city is also known for its thermal baths scattered throughout the city. The city is split in half by the Danube River with Buda in the west and Pest in the east. The riverfront is one of the best in Europe.
Prague
Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is often regarded as being the “Heart of Europe” because it is the capital of the country that is closest to being smack dab in the middle of the continent. Prague is a city straight out a storybook. Charles Bridge and Prague Castle are two landmarks that are so photogenic that people travel across the world to see them. The city is the 4th most visited city in Europe, so there are quite a few tourists roaming around but for good reason.
Places See
Budapest
Buda Palace is a large baroque palace overlooking the Danube River.
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most magnificent buildings in Europe. Sitting directly on the water’s edge adds to its beauty.
St. Stephen’s Basilica was named after Stephen, who was the first king of Hungary. It is one of the largest churches in the country.
Szechenyi Thermal Bath is one of the most famous thermal baths in Budapest. It is also one of the largest baths.
Vajdahunyad Castle is right in the middle of Budapest’s largest park. The park is absolutely stunning in the warmer months.
Matthias Church is a Catholic church located on the same hill as the Buda Palace.
Prague
Prague Castle was built in the 9th century and is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic.
Charles Bridge was the only way to cross the Vltava River for centuries. Construction started on the bridge in 1357.
Old Town Square is one of the most historic and well-recognized town squares in the world.
The Prague Astronomical Clock was originally installed in 1410. It is the 3rd oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working.
Wenceslas Square is in the New Town of Prague and is the part of town where many city events are held.
Food
Budapest
Langos are a very popular Hungarian staple food. They are deep-fried flatbread with sour cream and cheese. Kürtőskalács, also known as chimney cakes, are Hungarian treats famous in Budapest. Sausages are a staple in the diets of Hungarians. You need to try some local sausage during your time in Budapest. One of the most popular forms varieties of sausages is the csabai kolbász, which is a spicy paprika sausage.
Prague
Sausages are very traditional in Prague as well. There are many varieties of sausages the Czech people like, including pickled sausage. Goulash is one of the most famous dishes to come from the Czech Republic. Roast pork served as an entrée is another favorite here. The Czech Republic is home to the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. Pilsners originated in the Czech city of Pilsen so it is no wonder they drink so much beer.
Getting Around
Budapest
Budapest has a network of public buses, trolleys, trams, and the subway. The subway in Budapest runs on the honor system but be sure to buy your tickets anyway because they do random checks. Walking the riverfront and the beautiful parks are excellent ways to spend the day here. I have never walked more in a single day than I did in Budapest (37,000 steps).
Prague
Prague has a great network of different modes of public transportation. For traveling shorter distances in here you should consider walking or using the trams. If you want to travel a longer distance, you will want to take the metro. Once you leave the center of the city you can use the city’s bus line. Most of the city center is very walkable, however.
Nightlife
Budapest
Most of the nightlife in Budapest can be found in the center of the city on the Pest side of the river. There are many different options for nightlife here. Ruin bars are some of the most unique places to party in Budapest. Ruin bars are old Soviet buildings turned in bars and clubs that can be found throughout the city. During the warmer months, people will bring their own booze and socialize in the area surrounding the Budapest Eye. Budapest has a nightlife is one of the most unique in the world and should be on anyone’s party bucket list.
Prague
Prague is full of bars and pubs but many of them are just tourist traps. Most locals will stay away from the bars deemed as tourist traps. If you are into the club scene, you should definitely check out Cross, Palac Akropolis, Lucerna Music Bar, and Roxy. Even though the Czech people drink A LOT of beer, the club scene can be just as big of pull to the Prague nightlife as the bars. The biggest takeaway here is to try to go to establishments that have more than just tourists there because the locals know what places are best.
Day Trips
Budapest
Esztergom was once the capital of Hungary. It is only 46km from Budapest and sits on the Slovakian border.
Godollo Castle was the favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary.
Balatonfüred is a resort town on the largest lake in Central Europe. Lake Balaton is often referred to as the Hungarian Sea.
Vienna and Bratislava are just a few hours away from Budapest as well.
Prague
Cesky Krumlov is a picturesque town to the south of Prague. You could easily spend the night here because of its beauty.
Český ráj, otherwise known as Bohemian Paradise is an area of protected land worth exploring.
Karlovy Vary is a popular resort town because of the thermal springs it sits on. It is about 2 hours from Prague.
Kutna Hora is a small town to the east of Prague. It is known for St. Barbara’s Church which sits on the hill above the town.
Within a few hours of driving from Prague, you can also visit major German cities like Dresden and Nuremberg.
Overall
Budapest and Prague are two of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. People often try to decide between the two cities when they are planning their adventures. Prague is more touristy but also more tourist-friendly. Budapest is more authentic as a city because tourism hasn’t taken over yet. You should really try to fit both cities into your travel plans if at all possible. I hope this helps you decide between Budapest or Prague.