Prague from Powder Tower, with Our Lady before Týn, St. Nicolas, and St. Vitus Cathedral. Photo © Jiuguang Wang, licensed Creative Commons Attribution and ShareAlike.
Prague & Budapest travel maps by region.
Wondering where to go in Prague or Budapest? Kick-start your trip planning with this overview of travel-worthy sights and destinations in and around both cities.The Golden City is not only one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, it is one of the hottest destinations in the region as well thanks to its well-preserved historic buildings and laid-back, anything-goes attitude that continues to attract artists, foreigners, and anyone else looking for a bit of the Bohemian in their lives. Whether it’s the majesty of Prague Castle, the picturesque streets of Malá Strana, or the breathtaking beauty of Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, Prague is a city that never fails to leave an indelible impression on visitors.
The country’s largest region boasts plenty of pretty castles and sleepy towns that make for excellent day trips. Karlštejn, Konopiště, and Křivoklát are remarkable castles, unique in both architecture and beauty. Český Krumlov’s castle, meanwhile, is the second largest in the country and overlooks the stunning medieval town of the same name. Fans of the morbid will be fascinated by the macabre bone church in Kutná Hora, while those looking to heal amid gorgeous natural surroundings will be impressed by Karlovy Vary’s curative springs.
Moravia represents the country’s wine region. Steeped in tradition, Moravians are proud of their land as well as their capital, Brno, a fine place to visit for a couple of days. Aside from its historic old town, it’s also the scene of countless cultural events that add to the overall university-town vibe. Meanwhile, UNESCO-listed Telč has one of the prettiest squares in the country, and its surrounding lakes and forests make for a peaceful getaway. And don’t forget magical Mikulov, which has served as Moravia’s leading wine center for centuries.
The famed Danube River separates Buda’s hilly west bank from Pest’s bustling streets. In Pest, visitors can enjoy the remarkable St. Stephen’s Basilica and Heroes Square, as well as lingering romantic strolls along the Danube Embankment. Meanwhile, Buda’s ancient tranquility persists in tiny residential streets, the Royal Palace of Buda, and the serene and otherworldly Buda Hills.
It’d be a shame if you didn’t get beyond Budapest. The artist colony Szentendre, with its promenade, Mediterranean restaurants, and colorful shops, is a popular day trip. Esztergom, meanwhile, is a must for history fans, who’ll practically faint at the sight of the awe-inspiring Basilica. Then there’s legendary Lake Balaton. Central Europe’s largest lake attracts countless visitors looking for parties in Siófok or wine tasting in traditional villages up north, all easily accessible from Budapest.
Excerpted from the Third Edition of Moon Prague & Budapest.
