Prague vs Budapest: fairytale architecture or thermal baths?
Prague is an intact medieval fairytale with gothic towers. Budapest has thermal baths from the Ottoman empire and ruin bars in the old Jewish quarter.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Prague for fairy-tale streets and cheap beer. Choose Budapest for thermal baths and ruin bars. Flights from the Netherlands take about 1 hour 30 to Prague and about 2 hours to Budapest. On price, are similarly priced. For a first visit most travellers pick Prague.
Prague
Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful and cheapest city break destinations. The fully intact medieval centre is on the UNESCO list and a beer still costs you under €2.
Flight from NL: €70 return
View Prague →Budapest
Budapest is the Pearl of the Danube: thermal baths from the Ottoman empire, ruin bars in old ghetto buildings and the most beautiful illumination in Central Europe.
Flight from NL: €60 return
View Budapest →Prague vs Budapest at a glance
| Prague | Budapest | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €70 return | €60 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 1 hour 30 | about 2 hours |
| Coast / beach | No | No |
| Museums | Good | Good |
| Nightlife | Lively | Lively |
| Winter weather | Cold | Cold |
| Best months | May, June, September | April, May, June, September, October |
| Ideal length | 3 days | 3 days |
| Price level | € | € |
Prague and Budapest are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Prague is known for fairy-tale streets and cheap beer, while Budapest is about thermal baths and ruin bars. On price, are similarly priced. Prague ideally needs 3 days, while you can see Budapest well in 3 days. The best months are May, June, September for Prague and April, May, June, September, October for Budapest. Want to combine them: Train or bus takes about 7 hours; a short flight is an option too. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Prague
May, June and September are perfect: 18-25°C with little rain. April and October are quieter and cheaper. December has the beautiful Christmas markets on the Old Town Square, a real recommendation. Avoid July/August (too busy, too warm in the narrow streets).
Budapest
April-June and September-October: 18-25°C and the baths are perfect to combine with beautiful weather. December is fairytale-like with Christmas markets and thermal baths in the snow. July/August is hot but the baths are the ideal way to cool off.
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Prague
From Schiphol to Prague-Václav Havel (PRG) in 1 hour 35 minutes. KLM and Smartwings fly daily. Locally: metro/tram ticket €1.20 (90 min), 24-hour pass €4.30.
Budapest
From Schiphol to Budapest-Ferenc Liszt (BUD) in 2 hour. KLM and Wizz Air. To center: bus 100E €3, or train. Locally: metro/tram €1, 24-hour pass €6.
Costs compared
Prague
Hostels from €15, mid-range hotels €60-90, vacation rentals €70 per night. Food: gulašsoep + beer for €8, dinner in a restaurant €12-20.
Budapest
Hostels from €12, mid-range hotels €50-80, vacation rentals €60 per night. Food: lángos €3, lunch goulash €8, dinner €15-22, a beer €2.
Who is it for?
Choose Prague if you are...
An architecture lover, into romantic trips, a Christmas market fan.
Choose Budapest if you are...
Looking for something unique (thermal baths), a party-trip lover, on a lower budget.
Our verdict
Budapest is on average 20% cheaper. Prague is easier to navigate for first-timers. Best months for both: May-June and September.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Prague or Budapest
Is Prague or Budapest cheaper?
Which is better for a first city break?
Prague or Budapest with kids?
Which city has better weather in winter?
How long should you stay?
Can you combine Prague and Budapest in one trip?
Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.