Both cities are stunning, but they offer different types of beauty: Prague is often considered more "fairytale-like" with concentrated, pristine medieval, Gothic, and Baroque architecture that survived WWII. Budapest offers a grander, more sprawling landscape, characterized by dramatic 19th-century architecture along the Danube River and iconic thermal baths.
Budapest is more spread out and grandiose in terms of architecture and overall landscape. Nightlife and especially food is much better than in Prague. I also find that Budapest has more notable attractions and landmarks, including the Parliament, Heroes Square, oldest continental metro in Europe etc.
According to the surveyed people, Prague was recognized as the most beautiful city in the world, beating out Paris, New York, Rome and Chicago. Time Out magazine particularly praised Prague's architecture, with styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau.
Prague's 1.2 million, Budapest feels, and is, a lot more sprawling than Prague. While in Budapest, at times you feel the need to hop on a bus or indeed the historic metro. Prague has a lot of hidden gems and it's great that it feels eminently more walkable with its attractions closer together.
Lunch: Budget-friendly lunch options range from €6 to €12. You can enjoy Czech classics like goulash or svíčková at casual eateries or opt for international fast food. Dinner: Dinner at a budget restaurant costs around €8 to €16, with hearty portions and plenty of variety.
What is officially the prettiest city in the world?
✨ Chester has officially been crowned the 'prettiest city in the world'! 🌍💫 A recent study analysed over 2,400 buildings across cities worldwide using the Golden Ratio, a timeless measure of beauty, ranking Chester highest — even ahead of Venice and Rome.
Regarding public safety, Budapest is slightly less safe than Prague. According to Numbeo data, Budapest's Crime Index is 34.06, while Prague's is 24.5.
Go to Prague if you only have a few days and want to see one of the most beautiful cities anywhere. You can't beat Prague's highlights. See my list of 50 Things to Do in Prague. Go To Budapest if you have a little more time and want to spend time doing cultural stuff (as well as sightseeing).
– Euro is not in official use. – Some shops, restaurants, and hotels accept payments in Euro and other currencies but usually with an inconvenient exchange rate. – It is recommended to change your Euros at the bank and pay for everything in Czech Crowns.
Prague is often mentioned when people are discussing or voting for the prettiest cities in the world. With so many beautiful buildings and cobbled streets close together, it undoubtedly has a hint of romance that, in our opinion, Budapest can't quite match.
What is the number one tourist attraction in Prague?
Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is the No. 1 tourist attraction in Prague and Czechia, and the largest ancient castle complex in the world. It comprises palaces, grand halls, state apartments, churches, viewing towers, museums, art galleries, great courtyards, gardens, and St. Vitus Cathedral.
While Prague has countless hidden treasures and could easily fill a week of exploration, a three-day visit is sufficient to experience its magic. By focusing on historic sites, cultural experiences, and local neighborhoods, you can create a balanced, memorable trip.
In Prague, tipping in restaurants is customary, but the expectations are modest compared to some other countries. A tip of 5% to 10% of the total bill is considered polite and sufficient in most establishments. For casual dining or smaller bills, rounding up to the nearest convenient amount is also a common practice.
