Number of Days in Budapest/Prague?

I think you can see the sights in Prague in 2.5 days. I'd definitely plan on at least 1 day more in Budapest than in Prague, if only because you'll be jetlagged and going at a slower pace at the beginning of your trip. If you're a wine drinker, allow some time for tasting in Budapest, Hungarian wines are excellent.

Because you are arriving to Budapest give Budapest at least one day longer to recover from jet lag. Either city needs at least three days which you will have.

Two wonderful cities - exciting, atmospheric, picturesque - and very unlike each other. From a visitor's perspective, it is my opinion that Prague is the more traditional European. Museums, churches, galleries, historical locations and nightlife abound - all with a wonderful Czech spirit but not too far removed from Vienna's feel. You'll love it - everyone does. Excellent public transportation, wonderful shopping districts and great beer, everywhere - and reasonably priced. I could stay for weeks just strolling the streets.
I would suggest allocating one or maybe two extra days in Prague although, I must say, much as I love Prague, I love Budapest more. Maybe I'm reluctant to recommend a longer stay in Budapest because it may not be to your liking. Simply put - Budapest is like no where else. The food, language, cultural influences - once you're there, you'll get a sensation that this is a special place. Not that it is at all similar, but Budapest is a bit like New Orleans in that, when you are there, you realize there is no where else like it. You are practically guaranteed to have a marvelous time in both. Rick's guidebooks for both cities are excellent. And, for the youthful perspective another excellent guidebook is Andy Steves' EUROPE - written by Rick's son. Both Prague and Budapest are covered in detail.

Yes, Blue 439, you got it. Budapest has that classic feeling - it was one of the two capitals of the Austrian Hungarian Empire but it also got that Oriental feeling. it was occupied by Ottoman Empire for over hundred years. So it is kind of mix of two major influences.

I have been to both, and have already returned twice to Budapest, planning my 4th trip there for next spring already...so I'd say spend 5 nights there and fly to Prague on Tuesday, maybe even Wednesday if you can get an early flight. Prague is spectacular but also incredibly hectic, and Budapest just has a much more pleasantly busy vibe with plenty of places to escape the throngs of tourists and yet still be in the midst of it. Both places have easy day trips to make; Budapest to Szentendre, Prague to Kutna Hora, if you want to venture out a bit.

Do some research to see what things in each city are the most appealing--I spent 3 1/2 days in Prague and that was satisfying and allowed me to visit all the museums I wanted (Mucha, Communism, National Gallery, Kafka, Castle Hill area and museums there) and explore the Jewish neighborhood and synagogues, saw The Marriage of Figaro at the opera one night.

As the replies indicate, there's plenty to see and do in both cities and however you divide your time, you'll easily fill up every day and inevitably leave some sights unseen.

The only thing I can add is to consider switching the order. Budapest is lower key and is a good place to wind down after the crowds and hectic pace that can be Prague. Fly Czech Air from Prague to Budapest for about $125.

Thanks to all of you for the great information and ideas. I really appreciate all of the responses!

I just spent 5 nites, 4 full days in Prague. Because I did two full day tours, Cesky Krumlov and Konopiste, I really only had two days devoted to Prague and I think you need three just for the old town.

I had three full days in Budapest. It was my second trip there but if it's your first time I'd try to allow four days.

Oh, and one thing about Lufthansa....they feed you all the time - even on short hops. The flight attendant on our recent Munich to Budapest flight had sandwiches in our hands almost before the landing gear was up. I've never flown Norwegian, but I will by the time of your holiday. I'm on a non-stop from Oslo to LAX in early August. I'll report back if you wish, although my perspective may be of limited value. I'm 6'6" so most of my flying recollections are nightmares due to my height and pettiness regarding upgrades to more luxurious accommodations.

Blue439, you made me laugh - at that height, I don't think it's petty, they really should give you an upgrade! I'm pleased to hear about the food on Lufthansa, because I love eating! Thanks to everyone's great comments, I decided to just split everything evenly - 4.5 days in each city, and I'm flying one way on Lufthansa and the other way on Swiss. If I decide that I have too many days in either city (and I don't think I will), I can do a day trip out of town. Now I have to dive into the abyss of the hotel search...

Hm, I must be the weirdo that prefers Prague over Budapest (I've been to both twice). Budapest is great, but I have no pressing desire to go back a third time, whereas this post made me think, "Man, I've really gotta get back to Prague." I think there's more to see and do in Prague than Budapest, so I'd allocate 1 extra day in Prague, except for the jet lag factor.

I'm mixed on whether or not flying will save you that much time. When you consider going from hotel to airport, arriving 2 hours before flight time, the actual flight, and then getting from the airport to your hotel - it's kind of hard for even the shortest hop flights to not eat up at least 5-6 hours because of the other transit/waiting. If it's cheaper than the train to fly, go for it, but otherwise I'd consider an early morning train ride out of Budapest.

Hey Jakes.....
Get with James E....he is the guru of Budapest, and can recommend locations and accommodations with sincere appraisals. He has posted a wonderful reply to a first time Budapest traveller regarding restaurant selection. His list is an excellent resource. I used it to make what was a memorable experience at a small family run restaurant near Parliament.
Regarding air travel....I'm the one who is petty. My over/under on flight misery is....do I pay for a seat upgrade - which is the equivalent of an extra night's stay to avoid 8 or 10 hours of discomfort? Give me an extra day in Budapest or Prague, and I'll ride in the baggage compartment.

The flight time thing. We have this argument all the time. I do a lot of short flights in Europe every year and for me, and my sensibilities, they work very well.

The fastest train from Budapest to Prague that arrives at or before noon so I can get a least half a day in the city; is 6:41 long (5:25 to 12:06). By the time you get to the hotel, get checked in and are ready for the day it is 1pm or later.

Add to that:

20 minutes to get to the train station
20 minutes early arrival because I don’t know the station and I want to be sure I can find the track
20 minutes from the train station at the other end to the hotel.
So, 7:41, Maybe 7:30 if you know the station or are very confident.

The flight is 1:25 and will get you to Prague by 10:45 giving you the entire afternoon to explore Prague.

Add to that:

35 minutes to the airport
2 hour early check in
1 hour getting off the plane and getting to your hotel.
So the trip is 5:00 long more or less.

Of the 2.5 hours spent pre-flight I credit at least 30 minutes towards my breakfast at the airport while I wait for my flight to leave. So the 5:00 is functionally just 4:30. Then the significant other goes shopping or we go to one of the private lounges and relax.

So by my math the flight is at least 3 hours faster and would get me to Prague at a better time of day. And yes, I do the math for each trip. My time is worth the extra cost of the flight. We also spend a lot of time traveling in countries with less than terrific train systems which makes the flights even more attractive. London to Paris? Hands down, take the train. Anything involving a London airport or Paris’ Chucky D airport; take the train. Departing out of Prague I might be inclined to add 15 minutes to the flight time; etc….. We can argue 30 minutes here or there, but its tough to get to 3 hours.

I booked the flight. I prefer trains when they are four hours or less. More than that and it just feels long. At least with the flights you are moving between modes of transit, waiting in an open airport, near food options. I may get screwed with baggage costs because I bought the Czech Air flight on priceline, and I don't know if baggage is included or not, but added to the total cost of the trip, it doesn't feel like so much overall.

James E., I found your restaurant list on another post - thank you. I suspect I may have some difficulties being a vegetarian (pescatarian, really), but I'm used to that.

I think you can make arguments for/against. I take a lot of flights too, and I'm blessed in that my home airport is so tiny and never has a security wait that I usually show up 30 minutes before boarding (1 hour before flight time).

For me the factors include how close/easy the airports are to public transit/city center (great in Stuttgart, phenomenal in Frankfurt for example, Paris, Stanstead/Gatwick are horrible), how close my lodging is to the train station, etc. If the train trip is less than 5 hours, airport time savings become erased in most cases, 6-7 hours it's a matter of convenience.

For instance driving/training to Berlin for me is 6 hours, the flight takes about the same amount of time. Costs being equal I'd take the train because it's less stress. You can also grab something to eat at the station and take it on the train, too. However I do end up flying a lot because prices are often cheaper than taking the train unless I booked the train a long time out.

Anyway, it was just a thought. i personally prefer high speed rail when possible/efficent.

Jakes, a traditional dish is carp soup. Personally I don't much care for it. Other than that, its a long way to the sea and fish selection can be limited. I do have one idea for sea food, i will put it in the next post.

There are a few vegitarian restaurants in town and a lot of restaurants will have a decent soup and salad menu. I do have a friend who is a vegetarian and if you like I can ask for some suggestions.

Jakes, I hate to send someone to a Spanish restaurant in Budapest, but this place opened next to our home a few months ago and it has some of the most amazing food we have had anyplace, much less Budapest. There is fish on the menu, the atmosphere is good but it is a tad pricy for Budapest.

https://patanegra.hu/en/asador/menu/

They have two other locations that appear to be more like tapas bars from the web descriptions. Worth checking their menus too.

We spent 5 nights in Prague last week and felt it was not enough time. There are so many things to see and do in Prague - we plan to go back soon. And so many restaurants to try! We flew from Zurich via Swiss Air and the staff was friendly and efficient.

As for how many days in a place. Have you decided the sights that interest you yet? I start by exploring the options, then plan two must see sights a day, one in the am, one in the pm with lunch in between. I keep some extra sights in my back pocket if I have time - but those are sights I may skip if I don't end up with extra time.