Prague or Budapest?

I love them both, but I would choose Budapest as my second favorite big city. Prague being third and Istanbul first (it knocked budapest out of first) I have been to Budapest twice and would return again (and I have never even visited the baths)
There is a lot to see here and it is a beautiful city with a wonderful history and seemed a little less crowded and touristy than Prague. I loved the food in Budapest as well and the market is great. You will love either. There was a fun boat trip that I took to the Danube Bend one time and last trip we took a very long boat trip from Budapest to Vienna which was a nice relaxing time.

I liked Prague better, more attractive, but I also had better weather there than Budapest. I felt there was more to see and do in Budapest, though. My train from Budapest to Vienna was about 2.5 hours, from Vienna to Prague was just under 5 hours.

I prefer Prague over Budapest. Prague is my 5th favorite city I have visited in europe. The only cities I liked better were Paris,Rome,Amsterdam,and London.

I too prefered Prague but obviously opnions will differ. Rather than ask which city people preferred why not look at the logistics of Vienna - Prague - Venice and Vienna - Budapest - Venice. See which of these work better and then deceide. I haven't looked into this but the choice might me obvious once you check airfares/train schedules/bus schedules.

For what it's worth, I would vote Budapest. There is no question Prague is lovely. If you like looking at pretty older buildings, there may not be a nicer city in Europe. But, I felt no sense of Czech life or culture in Prague. It felt a little like an extravagant set piece built for tourists. I thought Budapest was amazing. Yes, being eastern and post-Soviet, it has some grittiness, but not much - and anyway, that just makes it more real, in my opinion. The Fisherman's Bastion in Buda is a great place to return to each night and the city park/baths is a great place to go during the day that the kids will love. The market hall is fun for all, too. Most importantly, when you walk the streets, you will at least occasionally see a local NOT engaged in trying to sell you something, which can't be said about central Prague. You really can't go wrong with either, but I suspect Budapest would instill the stronger positive memories.

Randy said what I did not verbalize or even realize about what I felt was missing in Prague... it was definitely the 'unique culture' factor... it did feel more like a beautiful big city instead of the czech republic. I had been there about 7 years ago and felt more connected then, but I returned this May and it had changed. However, still beautiful. (just to give you a bit of insight to judge my opinions.... I have been to most major European cities more than once and none of them rank as my favorites....so if Paris or London are your favorites our tastes may run different) However see you are heading to Venice, which I love.... after the day tourists leave or off season..

I agree with everything Randy said. Given the choice between the two, I would go back to Budapest.

As much as I love Prague, I usually lean toward Budapest for many of the same reasons given by previous posters. However, considering your interest in classical music, I think you might really enjoy Prague. They have many music festivals throughout the year, several great music venues, free concerts in churches (at least when I was there around Christmas), and it's considered the adopted home of Mozart. But either way, you can't go wrong. http://www.inyourpocket.com/czech-republic/prague/concerts-culture-events-entertainment/concertsopera

Budapest. Prague is lovely, but extremely crowded. Once you've toured the main parts of the city (took me about 2 1/2 days out of a 5 day stay), you have seen pretty much everything, unless you take a day trip elsewhere. I stayed 4 days in Budapest and never even made it to Buda. The boys will love the baths, as well as the extremely well done Terror Haza, a museum in the former Arrow Cross and AVH headquarters. I'm in agreement with the others who say that Prague is missing a "Czech" feel. I heard very little Czech spoken in Prague. I heard lots of Hungarian in Budapest. The food in Budapest is also miles better than in Prague.

Lisa, I see why you would want to go to Budapest. The Baths, the travel time, the culture, etc. I imagine Budapest to be more relevant for hydrologists (river), history fans and families, and Prague to be more enticing for young party-goers and city night life lovers. I can't help but think this decision and competition (Prague or Budapest?) has been going on for years.....hopping from one generation to the next. -Chee

I haven't been to Budapest, only Prague, but I think the logistics of Budapest seem better for your trip. Also I agree with the others about the lack of Czech life in Prague, however, my husband and I sat with a lovely Swiss couple for coffee in Prague one day and talked about it. The city is still trying to overcome it's soviet roots and getting back on it's feet. The Swiss gentleman described the city as bleak and gray even 10 years ago, but especially 20 years ago.
There are interesting sites in Prague, but I think you'll enjoy Budapest just as much. Save Prague for the next trip.

My vote goes to Budapest also. We had wonderful meals there and found it to be a much friendlier city than Prague. Prague is beautiful but I found it to be the least friendly city I have ever been to. Store clerks often became angry when I became confused over their money. As someone said, the crowds in Prague are huge-at least that was true when we were there in October 2009. I actually had people walking on my heels and bumping into me. I think the people in Prague are not used to tourism-a new experience for them.

Thank you so much for all you replies! Left on our trip (shortly after the last post)...and now in Vienna, with wifi (smile) and I can report that we are headed to Budapest after this stop. We are excited!

Have a wonderful time!

I prefer Prague. Budapest is a large dirty city (buildings covered in soot) in my opinion. It did not impress me at all except at night time. The bridges light up and look very nice. I was really disappointed and wish I stayed only 2 nights instead of 4. I tried Szechenyi Bath and it was gross. There is gunk between the cracks on the wood benches in the saunas. There was stuff floating in the thermal bath!