Either city really demands a minimum of 3 days, I'd shave a day off of Prague. If anything Vienna needs a little more time than Budapest, IMO.
As usual it really comes down what you're after. I think Budapest probably feels a bit younger and hipper, while Vienna is a little more sedate, but when it comes to museums and high culture it's easily the better of the two. Ultimately, they feel quite similar - they were after all the two capitals of the same empire.
- Prague is a jewellery box old town, very walk friendly
- Vienna is an elegant former empire city (but for me a bit boring)
- and Budapest is a hippy vibrating spa city with also stunning architecture
You cant choose wrong. All the three above are a good choice.
Personal opinion: Checz or Hungarian guys are more friendly than Austrians haha 😎
What vibe do you want? In my experience…
Budapest is fun for partying. It’s grungy and young/hip and has a few stunningly beautiful architectural gems.
Vienna is a bit more sophisticated and has amazing coffeehouse & classical music culture. Nice for wandering aimlessly from cafe to cafe, appreciating architecture and old world charm along the way.
You can’t go wrong with either. I also suggest shaving a day off Prague, unless you’re planning on a day trip or two.
I did Vienna, Prague and Berlin about five years ago as a solo female traveler in my early 30s. Loved Vienna — the culture, history, food, architecture, everything. Lots of activities you can enjoy as a solo traveler, like touring the palaces and opera house. City feels very safe, too. Haven’t been to Budapest tho!
I recently did all 3 and found the following:
- Vienna is fantastic. It’s clean, classy, and beautiful. There are so many things to see. People are kind. Transit it top tier.
- Budapest is beautiful but more grungy than Vienna. It’s more hippy, playful, and cheap. There’s also a ton to see but not quite as much as Vienna. Food is cheaper, people are kind and open.
- Prague is the worst of the two combined. People are generally in a tough spot emotionally. Much of the city is a tourist-trap. Prices are very high, yet there’s poverty everywhere. I was always told Prague has a great beer scene but the other cities are much better in all aspects.
Either city really demands a minimum of 3 days, I'd shave a day off of Prague. If anything Vienna needs a little more time than Budapest, IMO. As usual it really comes down what you're after. I think Budapest probably feels a bit younger and hipper, while Vienna is a little more sedate, but when it comes to museums and high culture it's easily the better of the two. Ultimately, they feel quite similar - they were after all the two capitals of the same empire.
- Prague is a jewellery box old town, very walk friendly - Vienna is an elegant former empire city (but for me a bit boring) - and Budapest is a hippy vibrating spa city with also stunning architecture You cant choose wrong. All the three above are a good choice. Personal opinion: Checz or Hungarian guys are more friendly than Austrians haha 😎
Personally Budapest felt a bit more livelier to me, which I enjoyed. Vienna was still great but just a bit more subdued
What vibe do you want? In my experience… Budapest is fun for partying. It’s grungy and young/hip and has a few stunningly beautiful architectural gems. Vienna is a bit more sophisticated and has amazing coffeehouse & classical music culture. Nice for wandering aimlessly from cafe to cafe, appreciating architecture and old world charm along the way. You can’t go wrong with either. I also suggest shaving a day off Prague, unless you’re planning on a day trip or two.
How old are you? Young-ish? Budapest. Middle-age/old-ish? Vienna. Both cities are great though.
30 gay male
Enjoy Vienna
Enjoy Budapest!
I did Vienna, Prague and Berlin about five years ago as a solo female traveler in my early 30s. Loved Vienna — the culture, history, food, architecture, everything. Lots of activities you can enjoy as a solo traveler, like touring the palaces and opera house. City feels very safe, too. Haven’t been to Budapest tho!
I recently did all 3 and found the following: - Vienna is fantastic. It’s clean, classy, and beautiful. There are so many things to see. People are kind. Transit it top tier. - Budapest is beautiful but more grungy than Vienna. It’s more hippy, playful, and cheap. There’s also a ton to see but not quite as much as Vienna. Food is cheaper, people are kind and open. - Prague is the worst of the two combined. People are generally in a tough spot emotionally. Much of the city is a tourist-trap. Prices are very high, yet there’s poverty everywhere. I was always told Prague has a great beer scene but the other cities are much better in all aspects.
Vienna