Ideal Prague/Vienna split
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: United, Marroitt, National
Posts: 1
Ideal Prague/Vienna split
I’m planning a trip to Prague in July. Debating whether I should do a solid 5 days there or make it a bit longer and split it up with Vienna.
If I choose the latter, how does getting into Prague via red eye on a Saturday, taking the train to Vienna Wednesday morning and flying back Saturday? I’ve never been to either city.
If I choose the latter, how does getting into Prague via red eye on a Saturday, taking the train to Vienna Wednesday morning and flying back Saturday? I’ve never been to either city.
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Bregenz, Austria
Programs: AA, BAEC, Alaska, Flying Blue, United, IHG, Hilton
Posts: 2,950
Quite honestly, it depends what type of traveller you are - i.e. whether you want a taste of a couple of different places, or whether you want to explore one place in detail.
Your plan would give you three clear days (Sun, Mon, Tues) in Prague and two clear days (Thur, Fri) in Vienna. This is definitely enough to get a taste of each place - although depending on whether you hit the ground running after the red-eye on Saturday, you may want to head to Vienna on the Tuesday and have the extra day there.
Budget is another consideration. Vienna is not on the scale of Zürich or Oslo, but it is a noticeably more expensive city that Prague.
Your plan would give you three clear days (Sun, Mon, Tues) in Prague and two clear days (Thur, Fri) in Vienna. This is definitely enough to get a taste of each place - although depending on whether you hit the ground running after the red-eye on Saturday, you may want to head to Vienna on the Tuesday and have the extra day there.
Budget is another consideration. Vienna is not on the scale of Zürich or Oslo, but it is a noticeably more expensive city that Prague.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
You don't explicitly state a couple things, so I'm going to note them just in case you haven't thought about them:
- Book an open jaw/multi-city flight so you fly into one city and out of the other.
- Take the earliest train you can bear from Prague to Vienna, as it's about 4-5 hours I believe. I tend to look for something around 8 am so I can arrive in the new city for lunch and still get half a day of sightseeing.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Jupiter, FL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Silver
Posts: 29,844
While I probably like Prague more than Vienna (kind of like choosing between a Porsche and a Benz), I would use the extra day in Vienna, especially if you are a foody or into museums. Mrs pbiflyer did both last year and felt that 5 full days total wasn't nearly enough.
Do the walking tour of Prague the first day, covers quite a bit and you can decide on what you want to go back to and see.
Do the walking tour of Prague the first day, covers quite a bit and you can decide on what you want to go back to and see.
#7
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,585
the wrong question
Why are you going to Prague? IME, Prague is a nice European capital which was not destroyed by WW II. But I would be tempted to spend as little time there as possible and instead move on to Vienna, Budapest and/or Bratislava.
#8
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 261
Either one week in Prague or a week split between Prague and Vienna should be excellent. If you spend the week in Prague there are plenty of interesting places to visit for day trips e.g Dresden, 2 hours away. I spent a 10 day trip divided between Vienna, 3 days, Prague 4 days,Budapest 3 days. I wouldn’t change anything about that trip. If you are going to Vienna I think your plan of going Wednesday imorning is what I would do.
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,054
I adore Prague. There is a ton of history, amazing food, gorgeous architecture, tons of things to do.
#10
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: UA lifetime gold; Hilton Gold; Marriott/SPG Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,954
I think Vienna has a lot more to offer than Prague
I did not enjoy Prague very much. Not sure what was the main problem but service in general is bad, lots of scams at tourists, pricey for what it is (second tier city in Europe).
Vienna on the other hand is regal.
If you must see both then I would divide the time 25/75 % or 30/70 % - with more time in Vienna of course.
Vienna is expensive in general but there are less pricey options for hotels, transportation, museums, music and food options.
I did not enjoy Prague very much. Not sure what was the main problem but service in general is bad, lots of scams at tourists, pricey for what it is (second tier city in Europe).
Vienna on the other hand is regal.
If you must see both then I would divide the time 25/75 % or 30/70 % - with more time in Vienna of course.
Vienna is expensive in general but there are less pricey options for hotels, transportation, museums, music and food options.
#11
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
I think Vienna has a lot more to offer than Prague
I did not enjoy Prague very much. Not sure what was the main problem but service in general is bad, lots of scams at tourists, pricey for what it is (second tier city in Europe).
Vienna on the other hand is regal.
If you must see both then I would divide the time 25/75 % or 30/70 % - with more time in Vienna of course.
Vienna is expensive in general but there are less pricey options for hotels, transportation, museums, music and food options.
I did not enjoy Prague very much. Not sure what was the main problem but service in general is bad, lots of scams at tourists, pricey for what it is (second tier city in Europe).
Vienna on the other hand is regal.
If you must see both then I would divide the time 25/75 % or 30/70 % - with more time in Vienna of course.
Vienna is expensive in general but there are less pricey options for hotels, transportation, museums, music and food options.
Vienna has a clean, safe feeling about it, while Prague is a little grittier. I like a little of each in my European trips. The OP shouldn't discount either city.
#12
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Florida
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy platinum
Posts: 89
Tour guides for Prague viennna and budapest
I am looking for a tour guides for both Vienna and Prague we will be in Prague three days and will be in Vienna for 4 days. if anybody has any good recommendations with names and emails I would appreciate it. tia