Dylan and Maddy
- June 4, 2025
- 7:54 pm
- No Comments
Prague vs. Munich: Which Central European City Should You Visit?
When planning a trip to Central Europe, it’s easy to feel torn between two of its most iconic cities: Prague and Munich. Both have a special place in our travel memories—Prague for its storybook charm, Prague Castle, and budget-friendliness, and Munich for its lively spirit and Bavarian culture. If you’re struggling to decide, you’re definitely not alone! In this honest comparison, we’ll break down the best of both cities, drawing from our own adventures to help you pick the one that fits your travel style.
Why Compare Prague and Munich?
We get it—there’s something magnetic about both cities, and they do have some similarities. Prague’s spires and cobbled lanes feel straight out of a fairytale, while Munich’s beer gardens and vibrant squares pulse with energy. Over the years, we’ve explored both and found that each offers a totally unique vibe. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned European traveler, this side-by-side guide will help you answer the big question: Prague or Munich?
1. Architecture & Landmarks
Prague: Fairytale Scenery at Every Turn
If you’ve read our 2 Days in Prague itinerary, you know how obsessed we are with Prague’s Old Town. Waking up early to see the Astronomical Clock before the crowds, wandering across Charles Bridge as the city wakes up, and catching sunset views from Prague Castle—these are moments that stick with you. The city’s mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture is simply magical. Prague is one of the most medieval cities we’ve visited in Europe, and the vibes walking around are incredible.
Must-See Landmarks in Prague:
- Charles Bridge
- Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
- Church of Our Lady before Týn
- Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral
- Saint George’s Basilica
- Letná Park (killer city views)
- The quirky Lennon Wall
- Dancing House (New Town)
Munich: Bavarian Grandeur & Green Spaces
Munich, on the other hand, is all about grand plazas, ornate churches, and a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe. We loved starting our days at Marienplatz, watching the Glockenspiel, then grabbing a pretzel and exploring Olympiapark Munich. The city’s palaces and beer halls are iconic, but so are its leafy parks and riverside walks. If you want to learn more about the best things to do in Munich, check out our 10 Best Things to Do in Munich Travel Guide!
Must-See Landmarks in Munich:
- Marienplatz & the Glockenspiel
- Mariensäule
- Hofbräuhaus
- Nymphenburg Palace
- Olympiapark Munich
- English Garden
- Frauenkirche
2. Food & Drink
Prague: Heavy Fare, But Great Dessert
We’ll be upfront—Czech cuisine didn’t totally win us over. Most traditional dishes in Prague are on the heavier side (think lots of dumplings, stewed meats, and thick sauces). After a few meals, we found ourselves craving something lighter. That said, there was one treat we absolutely fell in love with: Trdelník.
This sweet, cinnamon-sugar pastry, cooked over an open flame and often filled with ice cream or Nutella, was hands-down our favorite snack in Prague. We made a point to grab one almost every day—it’s the perfect pick-me-up while exploring the Old Town! On the other hand, we didn’t like the different chocolate-flavored ones (pictured below), so just stick with the traditional Trdelník. We don’t know how we forgot to take a picture of us with the traditional ones!
Our honest tip: If you’re not into rich, meaty dishes, you might find the food scene in Prague a bit repetitive. But don’t skip the Trdelník stands—you’ll thank us later.
Munich: Schnitzel, Pretzels, and Food We Actually Crave
Munich, on the other hand, totally surprised us with how much we enjoyed the food. Even though we don’t drink beer (controversial, we know!), we found plenty to love at Munich’s iconic restaurants and beer halls. The schnitzel here is tasty, and the giant, chewy pretzels are basically a meal in themselves. We loved sampling traditional Bavarian fare at spots like Ayinger am Platzl and Glockenspiel am Münchner Rathaus, and even the legendary Hofbräuhaus is worth a visit for the atmosphere and food.
A few Munich favorites:
- Ayinger am Platzl: Amazing schnitzel, cozy vibe, and friendly staff.
- Ratskeller: Great spot for a meal right in Old Town.
- Hofbräuhaus: Great food and atmosphere.
Our honest tip: If you’re looking for food that’s consistently delicious and a little lighter on the palate, Munich is our pick. You don’t need to be a beer fan to have an awesome culinary experience here—just bring your appetite for schnitzel and pretzels!
3. Budget & Value
When it comes to travel costs, both Prague and Munich landed somewhere in the middle for us. Neither city felt outrageously expensive like Switzerland, but they weren’t as budget-friendly as some places in Italy, either. If you’re expecting rock-bottom prices, you might be surprised, especially in the more touristy parts of both cities.
Our honest take:
Accommodation: Both cities offered a similar range of options, from hostels to mid-range hotels. We found decent deals, but nothing that felt like a huge bargain.
- Hostel bed: $25–50/night
- Mid-range hotel: $90–180/night
Dining: Eating out was pretty average in price—definitely not “cheap eats” territory, but you can still find affordable meals if you seek out local spots and avoid the biggest tourist traps.
- Casual meal or pub food: $15–25 per person
- Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: $50–80
- Coffee and pastry: $5–7
Attractions & Transit: Entry fees and public transport costs were reasonable, and we never felt like we were overpaying, but we also didn’t score any jaw-dropping deals.
- Major attraction entries (castle, palace, museum): $12–20
- 24-hour public transit pass: $6–10
If you’re used to Western European prices, both Prague and Munich will feel manageable. If you’re coming from somewhere like Italy or Portugal, expect things to be a notch or two pricier. We’d rate both cities as “average” for Central European travel costs: not a splurge, but not a steal.
Quick Tips:
- Book accommodations early for the best rates, especially in peak season.
- Take advantage of city transit passes for savings on getting around.
- Eat a mix of sit-down meals and quick bites to balance your budget.
4. Day Trips
Prague: Medieval Towns & Hidden Gems
We didn’t get to make it to Český Krumlov ourselves, but it’s at the top of our list for next time. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s often described as a real-life fairy tale town—everyone we know who’s been absolutely raves about it. There are plenty of other great options for exploring beyond Prague, whether you’re into history, castles, or even crossing into Germany for the day.
Top Day Trips from Prague:
- Český Krumlov – The ultimate medieval town experience
- Kutná Hora – Famous for the hauntingly unique Bone Church
- Karlštejn Castle – A stunning Gothic castle just outside the city
- Dresden, Germany – A vibrant city with beautiful baroque architecture
Munich: Castles, Alps & Lakes
Munich is a dream base for some of the best day trips we’ve ever done. Our visit to Neuschwanstein Castle honestly felt like stepping into a Disney movie—it’s one of the most magical places we’ve seen, and we’d recommend it to absolutely everyone at least once in their life. Another highlight for us was Salzburg, Austria. It’s a quick and easy trip from Munich, and we loved it so much we wrote an entire One Day in Salzburg travel guide about it! The region is also packed with history, natural beauty, and charming towns.
Top Day Trips from Munich:
- Neuschwanstein Castle – A fairytale castle in the Bavarian Alps
- Salzburg, Austria – One of our all-time favorite day trips
- Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial – A sobering, important historical site
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber – A picturesque medieval town that feels frozen in time
5. Culture & Vibe
Prague: Dreamy, Edgy, and Endlessly Walkable
Prague is one of those cities that’s made for wandering—and honestly, that’s exactly how we loved to experience it. We spent entire afternoons just getting lost in the maze of cobblestone streets, with no real plan, and those ended up being some of our favorite memories. There’s a romantic, almost mysterious energy here—especially in the early morning or as the sun sets behind the spires. We found ourselves drawn to the Charles Bridge at sunrise when it felt like we had the city to ourselves, and then later, discovering random art installations or ducking into cozy cafés for a break.
What stood out to us most was the contrast: Prague is beautiful and historic, but there’s also a slightly gritty, bohemian edge that keeps things interesting. The city comes alive at night—street musicians, lively squares, and a contagious buzz that made us want to stay out just a little longer. It’s a place where you can follow your curiosity and always find something unexpected.
Munich: Relaxed, Green, and Community-Focused
Munich, on the other hand, felt like the definition of easygoing. We loved how much of life here happens outside. Whether it was watching locals cycle through the English Garden, seeing families picnic along the Isar River, or just people-watching in Marienplatz, there was always a sense of community and warmth. Even though we’re not beer drinkers, we totally got the appeal of the beer gardens—everyone just relaxing together under the trees, sharing pretzels and stories.
One of our favorite Munich experiences was wandering through Olympiapark. The combination of history, open space, and city views made it a great spot to just slow down and soak it all in. Munich feels incredibly safe and welcoming, and the pace is perfect for travelers who like to explore without rushing. Even outside of festival season, there’s always something happening—open-air markets, street performers, or spontaneous celebrations in the parks. It’s the kind of city where you feel invited to join in, whether you’re traveling solo or as a couple.
6. Getting Around
Prague: Easy on Foot
We absolutely loved how walkable Prague is. Honestly, it’s one of our favorite things about the city. Most major sights are within a 20-minute walk of each other, and we barely needed to think about public transport. There’s something special about wandering from the Old Town Square to the castle or across Charles Bridge on foot, taking in the atmosphere as you go. We found ourselves just strolling for hours, popping into little cafes or stopping for Trdelník whenever we needed a break. Not having to worry about subways or buses made everything feel spontaneous and relaxed.
Munich: Great Public Transportation
Munich is a bigger city, so you can’t quite rely on walking everywhere, but honestly, we didn’t mind at all. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn networks are incredibly efficient and spotlessly clean—we were genuinely impressed! Buying tickets was easy, trains ran on time, and we never felt overwhelmed (which isn’t always the case in big cities). We also noticed how many locals get around by bike, and the dedicated cycling lanes make it super safe and accessible. If you’re up for it, renting a bike is a fun way to see the parks and neighborhoods at your own pace.
7. Which City Is Right For You? (Quick Guide)
Our Honest Take
Winner: We genuinely love both cities, but for different reasons. If you want to stretch your budget, soak up romantic old-world vibes, and explore quirky corners, Prague is unbeatable. If you crave hearty food, legendary beer, and easy access to the Alps, Munich is your spot. Both share some wonderful similarities—historic squares, European charm, and stunning architecture.
But if we had to pick just one for a few days, we’d go with Prague. We love the walkability, the iconic landmarks, and the overall vibe. Prague easily lands in our top 5 cities in Europe, and for good reason. Don’t get us wrong, we love Munich (especially for its day trips!), but for us, Prague just has that extra something.
Final Tips
Combine Both! They’re only 4-5 hours apart by train—why not visit both?
- Book Early: Especially in Munich during festival season or in Prague’s summer peak.
- Stay Central: Walking is the best way to experience both cities and this cuts down the amount of public transportation you need to take!
- Try Local: Skip the chains, eat where the locals go, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost.
- If you can only choose one, go with Prague!
Ready to plan your trip?
If you have questions about either city—or want more tips from our personal experiences—drop a comment below or reach out on Instagram @zutelltravels! And if you want more honest, in-depth travel guides like this, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and “Stay In The Loop!”
FAQ: Prague vs. Munich
1. Is Prague or Munich better for first-time visitors?
Both cities are fantastic for first-timers, but we’d give Prague the edge if you love walkable cities, fairy-tale vibes, and iconic landmarks all close together. Munich is also welcoming and has a great mix of history and green spaces, but it’s a bit more spread out.
2. How easy is it to travel between Prague and Munich?
It’s super easy! Direct trains run between the two cities and take about 4.5 to 5 hours.
3. Which city is more affordable: Prague or Munich?
Honestly, we found both cities to be pretty similar in price. Neither is as cheap as some places in Italy, but they’re definitely more affordable than Switzerland or the Nordic countries. Expect average prices for accommodation, food, and attractions in both cities.
4. Can you visit both Prague and Munich in one trip?
Absolutely! In fact, we recommend it. The train ride between them makes it easy to split your time—spend a few days soaking up Prague’s old-world charm, then head to Munich for Bavarian culture and day trips to castles or the Alps.
5. What’s the best time of year to visit Prague or Munich?
Late Spring and Early Fall are our favorite times—fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful scenery in both cities. Summer is lively but busier (especially in Munich during festivals), and winter brings Christmas markets and a cozy vibe, especially in Munich.
More to explore
The Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 8-Day Road Trip Adventure
Plan the ultimate adventure with this 8-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary! Discover waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, and hidden gems—with travel tips, must-see stops, and budget advice included.
Florence vs. Rome: Which Italian City Should You Visit?
Torn between Florence and Rome? Discover the key differences in landmarks, food, day trips, safety, and more in our honest, firsthand comparison of Italy’s two most iconic cities.
27 Things to Know Before Visiting Brussels, Belgium
Planning a trip to Brussels? Discover 27 essential things to know before visiting Brussels, from the best time to go to hidden gems and must-see attractions, all designed to help you make the most of your experience in Belgium’s vibrant capital.
