Comparison · Budapest vs Prague · Hungary / Czechia
Budapest vs Prague
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Visions of Domino, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Budapest for Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament; choose Prague for Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 442 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 442 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Budapest
- April–May and September–October
- Best time for Prague
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Budapest | Prague | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Hungary | Czechia |
| Known for | Thermal baths, Hungarian Parliament and Danube views | Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Astronomical Clock |
| Best time to visit | April–May and September–October | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$210 | $120–$220 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 2°C (36°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BUD | PRG |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Budapest for…
Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament. Budapest straddles the Danube: hilly Buda on the west bank has the Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion, while flat Pest on the east holds the Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the old Jewish Quarter and most hotels, restaurants and bars. The city sits…
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Choose Prague for…
Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Prague's historic centre survived the 20th century largely intact, so Gothic, baroque and Art Nouveau buildings line both banks of the Vltava. Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral crown the hill on the west bank above the baroque palaces of Malá Strana…
Top sights compared
| # | Budapest | Prague |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hungarian Parliament Building | Prague Castle |
| 2 | Buda Castle | St Vitus Cathedral |
| 3 | Fisherman's Bastion | Charles Bridge |
| 4 | Matthias Church | Old Town Square |
| 5 | Széchenyi Thermal Bath | Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock |
Food compared
| Budapest | Prague |
|---|---|
| Goulash soup | Svíčková |
| Chicken paprikash | Roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut |
| Lángos | Czech goulash |
| Chimney cake | Fried cheese |
Which is cheaper?
Budapest and Prague cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $110–$210 in Budapest and $120–$220 in Prague (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Budapest on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Budapest and Prague are about 442 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Budapest and 4 in Prague.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Budapest or Prague cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $110–$210 in Budapest and $120–$220 in Prague (estimates).
+Is Budapest or Prague better for a first trip?
Pick Budapest for Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament, or Prague for Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
+How far is Budapest from Prague?
About 442 km in a straight line.