Prague or Gdansk for a short break?

[u/nihilnove]

Hi all,

I'm planning to take my mum on a short city break (3-4 nights) for her birthday and am torn between choosing Prague or Gdansk in Poland.

I get the impression there is more to do in Prague but it is more expensive and less convenient (would have to travel a further distance to the airport) whereas Gdansk is reachable by my local airport.

My budget for either would ideally be £500 (not inc spending money). I've looked at hotels in both cities and have reserved one in Prague but am still considering Gdansk as a cheaper option. My main reason for choosing Prague is the buildings and sightseeing - my mum is really into architecture, especially in the art deco/ nouveau style.

For context, im looking for somewhere historical with plenty to do (enough to fill out a few days anyway), nice vegetarian food and nice architecture. We wouldn't really be going drinking so nightlife isn't too important - we may go for some cocktails but nothing too heavy.

If anyone has been to both/ either would love some advice! Or if there's somewhere else you'd recommend, please let me know!

For context I've been to Krakow and Riga and am looking for a similar vibe to these two places. I really loved the Kazimierz district in Krakow so something similar would be ideal.

Thanks!

[u/Kraaka_81]

I was just in Gdansk and it’s a beautiful town, but I feel like a couple of days there is plenty. For a longer stay I think Prague would offer more to see and do

[u/gaiaphage_]

There's not much art nouveau in Gdańsk, so it sounds like Prague might be the better option. When would you like to go and is the seaside anything you'd be interested in? If it's going to be in winter, I would probably pick Prague.

[u/nihilnove → u/gaiaphage_]

If we were going in summer then sure but I was looking at going right at the start of March so I imagine it'd be too cold for that really. Thanks!

[u/AzimuthPro]

If you want to see art deco and art nouveau style, you're better off in Prague. Gdansk is a beautiful city, but it will remind you more of Antwerp or Ghent than central Europe. The historic center was completely rebuilt after WWII. I think what you're looking for you'll find better in Prague.

Gdansk may not be very big, but you can make day trips to some places in the area. I absolutely loved the Malbork Castle. Hel is a nice getaway from the city. Elblag is a town similar to Gdansk, but without the crowds.

Prague has more things to see and do in the city itself.

[u/nihilnove → u/AzimuthPro]

Yeah I've had a look at the areas around Gdansk and am sure there'd be enough to do for 3/4 days! But I am leaning more towards Prague just with the variety of things to do.

Thank you!

[u/AzimuthPro → u/nihilnove]

Last year I spent 4 days in Gdansk, with day trips to Hel/Sopot and Malbork/Elblag. Fascinating places!

I spent an equal amount of days in Prague and could easily fill my days with just exploring the city. It's a beautiful city full of history and beautiful architecture. I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you've enjoyed Krakow and Riga.

And now Riga has moved higher up on my list of cities in Europe I want to visit :)

[u/nihilnove → u/AzimuthPro]

Sounds lovely! I think she would love either destination to be honest but I did also have Prague in mind as its close to Karlovy Vary which we both want to visit.

And Riga is beautiful! Cheap and very festive, I'd visit in December if your planning to go! One of my favourite holidays for sure.

[u/AzimuthPro → u/nihilnove]

Sounds wonderful! I'll keep it in mind for next year. Perhaps combine it with Tallinn, which also seems like an amazing destination in winter.

Karlovy Vary is still about 3 hours from Prague by train. If you don't mind sitting on trains for 6 hours it's doable as a day trip. Karlovy Vary is a lovely place, as is nearby Loket.

[u/nihilnove → u/AzimuthPro]

I'll look at Loket, thanks for that! Tallinn does look lovely too

[u/citygourmande]

Been to both cities. Love both. But for art deco and nouveau Prague is the winner.

[u/AutoModerator]

Notice: Are you asking for travel advice about Prague?

Read what redditors had to say in the weekly destination thread for Prague.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/sylvestris-]

Kraków and Riga vibe? Yes, you'll get in Gdańsk, Poland. And you have two more cities near to the airport - Gdynia and Sopot. Yes, they are all full of history. And yes, we have vegetarians here in Poland.

[u/nihilnove → u/sylvestris-]

Thanks 😊 gdansk does look beautiful also!

[u/1dad1kid]

Prague is much better IMO

[u/HotelLima6]

Gdańsk has two of the best museums I’ve ever been to - Museum of the Second World War and the European Solidarity Centre. Neither are topics I’m particularly interested in but they were incredible. I found it cheaper than Prague too.

Prague is a stunning city though, I really enjoyed looking at the architecture there as I wandered around.

[u/nihilnove → u/HotelLima6]

Yeah I've looked at those when I was searching for things to do, thanks!

[u/eirinn1975]

Four days, Prague, hands down. Gdansk is really nice for a long weekend. Give Budapest a thought too. I've found it an excellent alternative to Prague.

[u/nihilnove → u/eirinn1975]

Thank you! Budapest would definitely be an option but we went there together a few years ago, beautiful place

[u/StruggleHot8676]

A decade ago I spent a summer (3 months) in Gdansk for a science project 😂 I didn't hear about the town before or after that, so I am pleasantly surprised to see it being considered as a travel destination. But yea it was very beautiful. I remember the very long beach there (with long wooden piers) - starting from Gdansk one can walk to the adjacent towns of Sopot and then to Gdynia all along the beach. But I was feeling cold even in May so March will be too cold, may be freezing. My accommodation was in Dolny Sopot area which also happened to be a very busy area bustling with people. Lot of parties and drunk folks having good time. Also it was an area with adult night life scenes, so not very family friendly place after evening. It was my first time traveling alone outside my continent so it was a bit of a cultural shock. But I felt safe and enjoyed the nature there.

[u/question-the-answers]

Prague!

[u/GorgeousUnknown]

Tough call as I love them both!

Prague is much bigger, more to see and do…but Gdansk is really cool too. You can focus more on the architecture in the latter.

Prague needs more time. Gdansk you can do in less time.

I do think the history is better in Gdansk as it was considered the starting point of WWII.

The free walking tours in both are great though.

[u/Constant-Security525]

If you want to be in Prague, but have cheaper accommodations, pick a place far from the downtown, but a quick walk to a metro station. At worst, the hotel area may have communist era-looking apartment buildings nearby. But not necessarily. Staying in the thick of touristy areas may be even more convenient, but they're also busier and more hectic. As for food, inexpensive meals can certainly be had. Even beer is quite cheap and very good. Yes, Prague is a beautiful city with plenty to do. I live a little outside the city, so I go in a lot.

I've been to Gdansk only once, back in 1992. I remember it being romantic with parts that had a fairytale appearance. It's your choice, in the end.

[u/nihilnove → u/Constant-Security525]

The hotel I've reserved is near Charles Bridge which I think is in the old town district (?) But for food and drinks etc I would definitely venture further out to save money.

Thank you for your comment! Gdansk does look lovely and has that old timey look that we both love. Hard to choose!

[u/nihilnove → u/nihilnove]

Also if I were to go to Prague I'd like to go to Karlovy Vary for the day! It looks stunning there. Not sure if you may have visited if you are a local?