Comparison · Prague vs Vienna · Czechia / Austria
Prague vs Vienna
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Moyan Brenn from Italy, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Prague for Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, lower day-to-day costs and free sights; choose Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses. Prague is generally less expensive, and the two are about 251 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 251 km
- Less expensive
- Prague
- Best time for Prague
- May–June and September
- Best time for Vienna
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Prague | Vienna | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Czechia | Austria |
| Known for | Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Astronomical Clock | Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses and Klimt and Schiele |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$220 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 25°C (77°F) | July, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 2°C (36°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | PRG | VIE, BTS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Prague for…
Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. 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…
Choose Vienna for…
Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses. The Habsburgs ruled from Vienna for more than six centuries, and their palaces, museums and churches still define the city. Inside the Ringstrasse, the old centre holds St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg and dozens of traditional coffee houses; just outside…
Top sights compared
| # | Prague | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prague Castle | Schönbrunn Palace |
| 2 | St Vitus Cathedral | Tiergarten Schönbrunn |
| 3 | Charles Bridge | Hofburg Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum |
| 4 | Old Town Square | Spanish Riding School |
| 5 | Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock | St Stephen's Cathedral |
Food compared
| Prague | Vienna |
|---|---|
| Svíčková | Wiener Schnitzel |
| Roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut | Tafelspitz |
| Czech goulash | Sachertorte |
| Fried cheese | Apple strudel |
Which is cheaper?
Prague is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $120–$220 per person there, against $170–$300 in Vienna (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Prague on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Prague and Vienna are about 251 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Prague and 4 in Vienna.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Prague or Vienna cheaper?
Prague is usually less expensive: about $120–$220 a day mid-range against $170–$300 (estimates).
+Is Prague or Vienna better for a first trip?
Pick Prague for Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, lower day-to-day costs and free sights, or Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses.
+How far is Prague from Vienna?
About 251 km in a straight line.