Budapest or Prague ??? (European, castle, easy, cities)

[swisswife]

I am planning a weekend (4 days) away with a friend in Aug. We will fly out of London and can't decide between Budapest or Prague. We are both early 40's, he is more interested in shopping than I am but we both like to visit historic buildings/churches etc. Good food and wine is very important so some trendy restaurants and bars would be great.
Has anyone been to both and can make my decision any easier. My husbands suggestion that they are both 'must sees' didn't really help as we don't have time to go to both....

I just looked at the advice on another thread for Budapest - it looks quite cool....

[chielgirl]

Either is good. I spend more time in Prague because it's a day-trip for me.

I don't do a lot of shopping but there's tons of it in both places. Bata shoes are from Prague; it's a small and easy town to get around in.

Budapest is, of course, larger but manageable in 4 days.

I'm with your husband, they're both must sees.

Sorry I can't offer anything more.

[swisswife]

Originally Posted by chielgirl

Either is good. I spend more time in Prague because it's a day-trip for me.

I don't do a lot of shopping but there's tons of it in both places. Bata shoes are from Prague; it's a small and easy town to get around in.

Budapest is, of course, larger but manageable in 4 days.

I'm with your husband, they're both must sees.

Sorry I can't offer anything more.

Thank-you - more research into restaurants and bars is maybe needed to make a decision then. Failing that tossing a coin !!!

I thought hubby was just being unhelpful because he wasn't invited

[Ol' Wanderer]

My wife and I spent a week in each city, and decided that we liked Prague better than Budapest.

Shopping: We spent the same amount of money (a lot) in both cities, though for different things (crystal in Prague, linen and lace works in Budapest.)

Walk score: Prague. We walked through the entire city of Prague several times over and enjoyed it every time. We only covered perhaps half of Budapest, not because it's too large for walking, but because our interest waned after the third day.

Food: Prague.

Coffee and drinks: Budapest.

Local flavoured outdoor markets: Budapest. The large one in Prague is tourist-catered.

Nightlife: From observation, not first hand experience: Prague.

Historical sights: Prague.

General atmosphere: Prague.

[SNEwx_46]

from what I've heard, Prague...

[intelfan11315]

I have never been to either, but the castle-medievel feel of prague seems awesome. It is one of the top european cities on my travel list .

[Embla]

I have been to both several times. If I were you, I would chose Prague. The city centre is quite small and has an unique atmosphere. And i think the temperature there might be more pleasant in August than in Budapest.

[chielgirl]

If you decide on Prague, maybe I'll drive over to meet you. Let me know.

[NinaN]

Been to both. Prague hands down.

[Febtober]

I've been to both and had a great time in each. I'd probably vote for Prague. It's quite walkable and I suppose would be more "trendy" than Budapest, but who knows...

I had some great meals there!