Budapest, Krakow or Prague in February?

[Babydust00]

All crazy cheap on Loveholidays. Under £300 for two people (flights and hotel included) for two or three nights.

Which gets your vote? I am vegetarian so always factor in veggie food when choosing a destination!

All are lovely. All will be very cold. Budapest probably has the widest range of food options.

DH and I found the reception in Krakow to be very rude and sometimes abrasive.

I loved Prague and DH loved Budapest. I'd probably pick Budapest out of the three based on what DH told me (he went in October).

Been to all 3 and Budapest is my favourite! Lots to see (go INSIDE the Matthias Church, no one bothers but it’s stunning) and great and many many food options. Loads of great bath options- everyone does the famous Szenchyi baths but try a less famous one for a relaxing experience!

we also enjoyed Krakow but it was FREEZING and one of the key “to dos” is a day trip to Auschwitz so consider whether that’s of interest. Very cheap food, we ate pierogi for dinner for less than £10 for 2! Very walkable but less to do “in town”.

Prague I went to in summer, enough to see/do for 3/4 days but I just didn’t love it and food options weren’t as good as Budapest. Very similar to Budapest in terms of things to do but no spa and less food choice!

I haven’t been to Krakow but have been to the other two for new year and February. For me Prague is much better, there is so much to do (I’m actually there now for the second time). Definitely book three nights instead of two.
Regarding vegetarian food options Budapest is better than Prague.

Been to all 3 in Feb and it was freezing. It was so bitterly cold I was in pain at Auschwitz and that seemed apt. All 3 are lovely and I would recommend all of them.

We absolutely loved Budapest and we went in January so it was cold! So many gorgeous very cheap restaurants and places to see. Even the spa in our 5* hotel was very reasonable.

Budapest. The spas are wonderful in the winter

Budapest is my favourite. We did Prague in feb and it was so cold my jaws and teeth hurt. You'll be lucky to do it for £300 though

Very easy to do a 2 person/3 night trip to Budapest in Feb for less than £300 including flights + 4 star centrally located hotel. The flights though won't be ideal ie maybe either early or late, small cabin baggage only, and no seat reservations.

Any of those but take many layers !

I’ve just booked a week in Krakow (but in August!) for myself and dd. Was mulling it over for a while but had another look today and it just looks so interesting, we’re both history buffs. I’ve gone Airbnb as there are so many lovely ones. Slightly twitchy about Putin but he’s such a madman I’m not planning my life around worrying about his next move!

Budapest - and go to Szenchyi as it's popular for a reason!

I was so cold in Prague in February that it made me cry! I do get cold quickly though. It was snowing, and beautiful, but oh my god the cold.

Been to all 3 and all lovely but I agree that Budapest is the best by far.

Also, despite them all being similar costs to get there you will find Budapest significantly cheaper than Prague as not on euro and their currency hasn't done well in the last year or so.

The thermal baths in winter are amazing!

Lots of great veggie options too.

Also I agree with this poster. Széchenyi baths are worth seeing but always so busy. For a more relaxing winter day I recommend Lukacs baths. They also have outdoor pools. Do take a swim cap though as otherwise you are restricted as to which you can use. Same at Gellért baths. You can't swim in the most picturesque pool without one. Always take one with you to Budapest.

Which hotel did you stay in? I'm looking for recommendations. Planning to go in April/May with my 87 year old Mum!

Sorry, that was supposed to be in reply to @Startuplife . Was wondering where you stayed in Budapest?

@Geilenk we stayed at the New York Palace which we absolutely loved but it was a few years ago now and it looks like it’s now being run under a different brand.
The bonus was having breakfast in the stunning New York Cafe which usually you’d need to book or queue for if you weren’t staying in the hotel.

Wow. That looks amazing. I'm now dreaming of winning the lottery and staying in the presidential suite.😍I shall definitely check it out. Thank you.

All are lovely. Personally I think Prague is more for strolling around and therefore better visited when the weather is kinder. I'm 50/50 on Budapest and Krakow, Krakow is geared up for winter, Budapest perhaps less so but as others say it does have the baths.

Budapest hands down, its my favourite European city and I've been 9 times now I love it that much. I went once in February (in 2019) - it hovered around the freezing mark the whole time so dress for the cold. Hungarian food is very traditionally meat based, but there are vegetarian options around as long as you are happy with halloumi, goats cheese and beetroot - I went once with a veggie friend and she was a bit miffed to find every meal she had consisted of at least one of the above.

I've been to Prague in February and just got back from Budapest this weekend. Neither were overly cold. In fact Budapest was light coat weather during the day, maybe a slightly thicker one at night as the river brings along some cold fog but not unbareable.

Both lovely cities. We spent three days in Budapest and feel like we barely scratched the surface. But I did prefer Prague.

Budapest! I think it’s the biggest of the three. It has a lot of indoor stuff to do if the weather is cold. Plus the spas to keep warm! Nothing like sitting in an outdoor hot spa on a cold day.

Im vegan and DH is veggie and Budapest was great for food - we’re real foodies and had some great meals there. Lots of options (do you use Happy Cow?).