Published 26th Jan. 2026
Written by Emily Heeks
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If you’re dreaming of a European escape rich in vintage charm, centuries of history and an exuberance of things to see and do, Prague and Budapest should be at the top of your list. The real dilemma, of course, is choosing between them – both capital cities have so much to offer, yet each retains its own special character. Boasting some of Europe’s finest architectural gems, Prague delights with storybook charm while Budapest spreads its appeal far and wide, offering a broader range of experiences and neighbourhoods to explore. And with that, the battle begins. Read on to discover whether Prague or Budapest comes out on top…
Budapest is a city with inexhaustible charm. Wander and be rewarded, with sights spread across the two sides of the city – Buda and Pest (you guessed it: together that makes Budapest). Once separate towns, until their unification in 1873, they maintain distinct personalities: Buda is known for its old-world grandeur, with rolling hills, historic castles and quiet streets, while Pest buzzes with lively squares, nightlife and cultural landmarks. Explore the Parliament Building, one of the largest government institutes in the world, home to 691 rooms and 365 towers – immense, and worth a guided tour if you’d rather not get lost. Climb the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion or descend into Hospital in the Rock – an underground museum once used as a secret hospital and bunker. After all that up and down, relax in one of city’s thermal baths, before letting the evening drift by on a Danube cruise with a glass of Hungary’s Tokaji Aszu in hand – sweet, sun-dried and simply divine. By night, explore Pest’s ruin bars, where buzzing energy turns old buildings into some of the city’s most memorable nightlife spots.
When in Prague, the place to explore is the Old Town – home to the Astronomical Clock and its hourly display, Charles Bridge, City Hall and the maze of Medieval lanes that give the city its signature charm. Its major attractions are concentrated here, offering a compact sightseeing experience, touring centuries of culture without breaking a sweat.
Image by Ana Kutija
Usually, a rainy day puts a bit of a dampener on holiday, but in Prague, it’s almost a bonus. Art is etched into the city’s Gothic spires, Baroque facades and ornate detailing and under a blanket of drizzle and mist Prague’s haunting beauty really shines. Hop from museum to gallery to café, letting the city’s art keep your spirits dry (and maybe your feet too). Check out the world-class collections of the National Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts or duck into quiet courtyards and cobbled side streets to mooch around smaller galleries. Alfons Mucha’s elegant Art Nouveau works, known for their ethereal figures, are celebrated at the Mucha Museum – the only official one in the world dedicated to his legacy. Add in the city’s beloved classics (such as Café Louvre) and it becomes clear that in Prague, art surrounds you at every turn.
Contemporary art more your style? Discover Budapest’s Ludwig Museum, Varfok Gallery and colourful street art.
Image by Bjoern Steinz/PANOS-REA
When considering whether to visit or Prague or Budapest for your next city break, it’s worth factoring in access to nature. After all, every city slicker needs a dose of greenery every now and again. In Budapest, right in the middle of the Danube, Margaret Island is a natural oasis, offering romantic walkways, a small zoo and a seasonal rose garden – perfect for a picnic or quiet retreat from the city. If you’re into hiking, head to Buda Hills, where forested trails wind past lookout towers and peaceful clearings that feel far removed from the bustle below. Wander past Vajdahunyad Castle or admire the lake in City Park, where you can feel like royalty one minute, relax like a local the next and get a little lost (all part of the fun) in its 302 acres of greenery.
Even if Prague is your city of choice, you won’t miss out on green spaces – the city is dotted with gardens and riverside paths that complement its extravagant architecture, from Letna Park with its sweeping views over the Vltava, to Stromovka, a former royal game reserve perfect for a stroll or cycle.
When it comes to the food face-off between Prague and Budapest, the decision isn’t simple – but we’ll give this round to Prague for its incredible variety. Try traditional Czech dishes such as kulajda (creamy mushroom and potato soup), svickova (marinated beef in a rich vegetable sauce), and buchteln (classic desert buns filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar). Beyond these dishes, Prague’s contemporary dining scene offers flavours from around the world, making it easy to satisfy any appetite while exploring its streets.
Budapest doesn’t offer as many international options, so it’s a good thing that Hungary’s traditional food is so delicious. Classics like goulash (paprika-spiced beef stew) and langos (deep fried flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and sour cream), will leave a true taste of Hungarian tradition.
Image by Bjoern Steinz/PANOS-REA
To round off our Prague or Budapest debate, we’re turning to something they both excel in: architecture. Prague enchants with landmarks like Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, Church of Our Lady before Tyn. Meanwhile, Budapest impresses with Buda Castle, St Matthias Church and Heroes Square. One important distinction lies in their histories – Prague was spared significant destruction during World War II, whereas Budapest saw nearly 80% of its buildings damaged. This makes the city’s architecture even more remarkable, and the re-constructed parliament building is the largest in Europe, second in the world to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Two cities, two stories and two equally unforgettable skylines. So whether you fall for Prague’s storybook charm or Budapest’s grand resilience, you’re in for something special.
Image by Adrian Botica / Unsplash.com
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