Budapest? Prague? best day trip choice?

Of those I've been to Prague and Salzburg. I liked both, but adored Prague. It has layers upon layers.

Mmmm, I'd have to go with Prague I think. Budapest is beautiful too, but if you have to choose one of the two, Prague is da shiznit. Bring an electric zapper against all the tourists though. Well, depending on when exactly you'll be there I suppose. And they're everywhere, Budapest just as well.

Since the prices drop rather drastically November 1st, I suspect the tourist crowd situation won't be too dire.


ok - 2 for Prague


Is one of the options more of an East-West transition - culturally?

I went to both in very early (March? I forget) gloomy spring, and Salzburg was much prettier and quainter and seemed to cater to tourists a lot. Prague was more just doing its own thing, vaguely distrustful/ annoyed by tourists.

Some amazing stylistic transitions between gorgeous old Prague and gray, hulking, forbidding Communist "new" (not so new anymore) Prague. "New" Prague was more of a culture shock for me (stayed in a youth hostel there, dingy dingy).

Budapest! I'd say Budapest first, Prague second, the rest doesnt compete.

OK, I havent actually been to any of the rest. But I'm sure they dont compete anyway

Depends though. If you're really just going for the one day, Prague might be better. It gives itself readily, so to say - its an instant hit. You walk through the old town, across the Charles Bridge, up the Castle Hill - you know, the first things you'd do as a tourist - and it just serves its charm up to you in eager helpings.

Budapest's sights are further apart from each other, and apart from the obvious (eg Castle Hill), the city's charms give themselves a little less readily. Example: the river. The Danube is broad and mighty, but in most places there's a tramway and busy road separating the pedestrian part from the actual riverside. In Prague, you can stroll along the very waterside and there's swans. It's like they're cheating.

But seasons matter. In high season, Prague is infested with tourists. The above-mentioned areas feel almost like you're walking through some fair, at least on the main streets, its really not fun anymore. Probably got to do not just with the number of tourists, but with the ratio residents:tourists in a given place - Paris or London seem to absorb or disperse them better. Budapest rarely ever feels that way.

But in low season all thats much less of an issue.

Hmmm... ok.. <this is costing me trouble to say> .. if it's in November, just for the one day.. perhaps Prague.

Oh, re cultural East-West transition - I cant imagine that playing much of a role anymore. Yes, Vienna is more dolled up, you know, every house in perfect cosy colour - while in Budapest you may still find the odd house with bulletholes from 56 or 45, say. But the people who work in hotels, cafes, restaurants or tourist shops - well, they're much the same in every large city, arent they.

Communist-era suburbs are another matter, of course (I once stayed in this "sport hotel" in Chodov..). But since you're talking 3- or 4-star hotels, that shouldnt come into play.

Did you see my reply to you on the Hungary thread, btw?

Prague really is very nice - if you don't find drunken British to much disturbing. (Since it's especially cheap in October/November, there are even more there at that time).

Graz, Klagenfurt, Salzburg are really nice places - when you are on an Austria holiday - and especially in summer. Inssbrück is fine in winter as well (as are the three others).

If you only have one choice, I'm with nimh and Budapest.

I've never been to Prague, but agree with Nimh re. Budapest.

I've recently seen a TV programme about the drunken Brits in Prague making a bit of a nuisance of themselves, which obviously makes me feel proud.
It would seem that it's the "in" destination for "Stag" weekends for our young lads.
Cheap flights, cheap beer (well, cheaper than Britain) and lots of interesting girls waiting for them, who are usually paid by the hour.

The programme featured this website (one of many) which apparently demonstrates how "Prague is the new Amsterdam".

Ho hum.

Exactly why I finally came to my response, LE. :wink:

Ooh. I was there (Prague) something like 15 years ago (geesh, is that possible?), so my impressions may be out of date. No drunken Brits to speak of at the time.

Yes, Prague got dolled up, too.


I think nimh concluded, however, that if it's for one day, Prague might be easier to do... It is kinda instant. You just walk through it. In Budapest you have to work for it a bit. I have grown closer to Budapest than Prague myself, but I, too, think that Prague is easier.
There is a cheap but clean hostel on Opletalova Street - just between Masaryk and Main train stations (i think the number is 38, anyway it's the third school of medicine)...but it sure ain't a three star facility. i think showers are common, for example. but it's a perfect choice for finer backpackers and such...

Krakow seems to become "the new Prague" - drinks are there even cheaper.

Krakow is beautiful, but rather small. There are always the salt mines and Auschwitz nearby, hence things to do... I find it very similar to Bratislava in its atmostphere - hill with a castle, river...all that.... And Bratislava is less than one hour away from Vienna. :wink: You can just hop on a train, be there in an hour, spend a night and off you go to Prague in the morning. Or Budapest. It's close to everything. It's the bellybutton of the world really.

just sayin.... not suggesting anything...

Whats the colorful pile of a building in the pictures in the top row?

More to think about.

Thanks!

Given how inexpensive the options are, we'd probably do Budapest/Prague/whatever for a couple of days. Bratislava's a quick train ride away - so it could be a separate day trip.

mulling

nimh, that's some new hostel of some sort in Blava.

Bethie, people come even for fun night out to Blava - dinner and drinks are still faaaar cheaper than in Vienna. Train tickets, too, but that won't help you much...since you are going from Vienna and all... anyhooo, whatever you do I'm sure it will be tremendous fun.

"Toontown hostel"

Just to plop something random here..

Hold the press! Radio Prague has breaking news:


Planning to, let's say, take some concrete steps towards starting up within two to three years time. Hold the date.