Vienna or prague

There is no right answer - some people prefer one or the other and that's fine.

Personally, I preferred Prague. It just felt more charming and picturesque to me than Vienna. I'm not that much into museums etc. either. Prague's dramatic old town square might be my favorite in Europe.

I would expect Prague to be mobbed with tourists in June-July. The place can get very crowded in an unpleasant way.

Prague has a really interesting museum of communism and my husband was delighted to find a pill box and tank traps at the side of the road as you walked from the train station to Karlstejn Castle.

If you go to Prague consider staying in Zizkov or Vinohrady neighbourhoods. They are nice residential areas but only a couple of stops on the metro down to the main tourist sites.

This website has some good information about Prague during WW2 and which sites to see.

Do some google searches and see what’s going on in the summer. I know outside the city hall in Vienna they used to have an outdoor food experience (can’t think of right word) with food booths from different countries with tables to share with others. The university students usually work there. The have a huge screen where each night the would screen an orchestra or ballet or…..(this was precovid). You could walk the roof of St Stephen’s and go down their crypt.
I also liked Prague, their main square is beautiful. They have tours to explain the inner workings of their astronomical clock, and a tower climb.
Look at the individual city’s website to see what is happening and what piques your interest.

After spending so much time in Germany, you may find that Vienna is basically more of the same - language, sense of order, etc. Prague on the other hand will definitely feel like a foreign country - and you may find it a bit more difficult to navigate. We found Prague crowded in spots visiting several years ago in October - I can only imagine what it will be like this July. But it should definitely offer a contrast to what you'll have already seen. Check out the Living Prague web site for practical information and Jason's popular walking tours.

You might look into Cesky Krumlov along with Prague - a small town steeped in history.

For teenagers , the Prater Vienna amusement park, with its iconic Ferris wheel, would be a hit.

Vienna is for old people, honestly. Prague is for the young. I say this as a mom of teens and as someone who has lived in Vienna for 15 years and been to Prague multiple times.

I, too, would choose Prague over Vienna. Emily's comment is spot on (and I'm an old person, but I LOVED Prague).

Thank you everyone! I've changed to Prague. As you say, can't go wrong!

I would never agree to Emily's rating of Prague vs. Vienna.

Also agree Prague over Vienna. Vienna is a lovely and refined city and has much to offer. Prague was just more charming and interesting to us! The nighttime out and about old town square and bridge so socially fun and lit up gorgeous!!

By passing Vienna you will miss the Military History Museum, which is one of the best in the world; very possibly the best in Western Europe.

But I think your boys will be happy in Prague, as it's a much more walkable city than Vienna. For military history in Prague go to the Lobkowitz Palace; that's where most of the old armor and weapons are on display. You can also point out the Cernan Palace, now a Gov't building, which was the HQ for the SS during WWII.

Prague has become very touristy (they have a Hard Rock Cafe, Starbucks, etc) but you'll find a lot of old places off the main walks that are worth eating at. There's a path that walks along the river that's worth taking, if only for the public art and quiet.

Walk Prague at night. It's a whole different scene.

In Munich take the boys to the Deutsches Museum; cars, military equipment, tools, boats, everything in one place. I've known people to spend a whole day there. Best museum for boys in Bavaria. For food just go to the victual markt and let them choose between booths. And you should take them to a beer garden (they are not just for beer); remember legal age for beer is 16. If the weather is warm you should be advised the English Gardens have a couple places where clothing is optional, which tends to freak out Americans for some reason. I'll also suggest taking the boys to Therme Erding (google it).

In Salzburg stay at Botiquehotel am Dom. Fantastic location and an easy walk to most everything in the old city. The Armory in the Hohensalzburg is where to see sharp, pointy, things. Remember that on warm days the walk along the river will draw crowds, it's great for people watching.

If you're after a military site in Prague, I suggest the Military/Tank Museum.

Prague 100%.

Dont forget to visit the Asamkirche in Munich, and the Amalienburg at Nymphenburg palace - both were spared significantly damage in WW2, and dont feel like reconstructions.

For WW2 history in Munich: 1) Feldherrnhalle, where Hitler tried to stage the Beer Hall Putsch, and was turned into a Nazi memorial during the nationalist-socialist era. Behind it is the Viscardigasse street where people who did not want to give the mandatory Nazi salute would walk to avoid the monument 2) Haus der Kunst - still looks exactly how it did when it was inaugurated by the Nazis in 1937 as it wasnt bombed 3) Führerbau - Hitlers former offices and apartment where the Munich Accords of 1938 were signed.

Near Salzburg, be sure to visit the Berchtesgarden area for its scenic beauty, and WW2 sites including the Ealges Nest (dont plan on spending too long up there), and the ruins of the famous Berghof. http://www.thirdreichruins.com/obersalzberg.htm has excellent information on the region (including on the ww2-era train station, that still has the original mural on the side of a Bavarian who was holding a swastika flag - only the swastika has been marked out now. It is on the back side of the Burger King)

A very tardy note to say thanks for all the good feedback!

I would definitely choose Prague over Vienna. If your boys are interested in WWII history, then I would suggest a tour of Terezin with Pavel Batel. He is an amazing guide with a passion for history. https://terezin-private-tours.com/ We also took the Prague Jewish Tour with one of Pavel's colleagues, and that was also very professional. While in Prague, Munich and Salzburg, be on the lookout for the Stolpersteine plaques scattered throughout the cities.

It's a tough choice, I'm not a fan of either. In the summer I'd rather go for the natural attractions. But if you're in a city, you can visit Cesky Krumlov on the way to Prague. Prague, by the way, doesn't have much to see, it can be done in 1-2 days.
Vienna is a bit boring in my opinion, there are not many places to see. I say this as I visit it weekly for other reasons.
On the way there, the Bavarian Alps are the best.

Vienna is a bit boring in my opinion, there are not many places to see.
Prague, by the way, doesn't have much to see

Well , my jaw just hit the floor . Of course , taste is a personal matter , but with all the art ,architecture , history , and the interwoven fabric of culture , It brings to mind this quote from Shaw - " A picture gallery is a dull place for a blind man "