Prague vs. Budapest
My wife and I want to meet her family in either Prague or Budapest for a week. Our concern is that her mother has trouble with stairs and won't be able to walk a great deal because of a knee problem.
Which city would be easier to enjoy and get around for someone with physical challanges?
Timothy
Ventura, California USA 1/29/12
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I would probably say Pest, the flat side of Budapest, would be the easiest to get around. There are trams all over the major streets, and if you go to Buda, there is a car to get up the Castle Hill. Plus, if you go for a week, you can take a side trip to Vienna, as it is only 2 1/2 hrs away by train! Budapest is also less crowded than Prague, and, IMO, has much better food! Have fun.
Thank you, Emily. This is very helpful. We were considering Budapest rather than Prague, but wanted to have some confirmation. Having even more specific insight regarding Pest is extremely helpful.
Love both cities but uphill downhill is about the same. I think Prague is easier to walk. My wife just had double knee replacement three weeks after our Paris trip. Walking a flat city like Paris didn't seem to lessen the pain. If she is willing and the vacation is long enough go to both. Take a bus tour of Budapest and it will take you up to the Castle Hill area. It will show you the things people write about here. Yes the Buda side is flatter but it is walking distances that also cause big pain. Use the transportation systems, I think they are much better in Prague. If you decide on Budapest use the spa's that is help with the pain. Good luck have a great trip either place.
I would also say Prague. Old Town is flat, medieval, on relatively small area a lot of to see. Sightseeing in Budapest involves much more walking.
Thank you, Michael and Ilja. From what I understand, Budapest has hop on and off bus tours that should allow us to view the city. From our experience in Rome and Paris, we have found those very helpful when touring landmarks. Is that not similar in Budapest?
I think either one could be equally difficult but doable with careful planning. Personally, if I could do only one it would be Budapest. Prague is a very young, happening city. I'm going out on a limb but I would guess that the average tourist is about twenty years old. Budapest is less exciting but, in my view, has much more to offer.
I was more impressed with Prague than Budapest and to me Prague would be an easier walking city than Budapest.
Prague and Budapest both have a hill side and a flat side. To me Prague has so much more to offer than Budapest. Old Town side of Prague is very flat with nice wide flat walkways.
Go look at photos of both cities www.flickr.com Prague is so beautiful at night. Do a search Prague Night.
Having visited both cities this fall I'd have to say Prague is the better choice.
Tim
Budapest has the better hop on hop off. Prague not so because you cannot get the bus in the center of the city where alot of the sights tourists visit are located. Budapest has wider streets and sights are along the bus routes. In Prague the best tour's are the walking ones. If you do go to Budapest makes sure and don't miss the night river cruise. The best in Europe, IMO. I do think that Prague has better concerts available.
OK, these are two of my favorite European cities, so it's a tough call. For me Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, and with the widest range of architectural delights, since in escaped the bombs of the WWII. The tourist sights are confined to a smalled area in Prague.
Budapest (and Hungary in general) has the most interesting food in Eastern Europe (my opinion) and a fantastic Danube river cruise.
Prague has tons of classical music options but Budapest has the gorgeous Hungarian State Opera House (among the most opulent in Europe but also among the most affordable).
Avoid the peak summer months when Prague will be very busy.
Here's a Czech friend of mine who is a FANTASTIC tour guide (and only hires fantastic guides). They may be able to arrange some tours of Prague by car or minivan to make it easier on your mother. http://www.prague-guide.info/about/allguides.html
I hope, whatever your decision. you have a fantastic time!
I have been to both cities--I think both are equal in terms of the physical challenges and the touring opportunities. I'd go with my gut and pick the city that is most interesting to you personally.