A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Prague for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Hanoi or Prague?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Prague can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a historical, fascinating, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Prague

Prague is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Prague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Prague?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Prague than Hanoi. While Hanoi is larger than Prague, Prague has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Prague is better known for its nightlife, music, and impressive beauty, while Hanoi is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Prague is more touristy than Hanoi and is known for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. Also, Prague is famous for The Prague Castle. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy.

How is Hanoi different from Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Prague and Hanoi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hanoi or Prague?

Plenty of people visit the fantastic sights and museums in both Hanoi and Prague.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Prague has many famous sights for visitors. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum.

Is the Food Better in Hanoi or Prague? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hanoi is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hanoi. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Hanoi or Prague Better for Nightlife?

Prague is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Prague is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

Many people head to Hanoi for the nightlife scene. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Is Hanoi or Prague Better for Music?

Prague is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Prague The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.

Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Is Hanoi or Prague Better for its Old Town?

Both Hanoi and Prague have fantastic historic old towns worth visiting.

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Prague offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Prague?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.

Is Hanoi or Prague Better for Families?

Prague is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Prague is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Hanoi or Prague Better for Couples?

Prague is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Prague is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Hanoi or Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi and Prague are fantastic places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hanoi. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

A large number of backpackers visit Prague, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

Is Hanoi or Prague Better for Students?

Prague is renowned for students. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Prague is a very popular city for students. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

Many students visit Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Is Hanoi or Prague Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Prague is renowned for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Prague has a great public transit system. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Prague a more walkable city?

Prague is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Prague on foot is easy. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

For even more information, also check out Is Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Prague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Prague or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Prague?

Both Hanoi and Prague have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Prague than in Hanoi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-7 days is enough time in Prague.

Families should spend more time in Prague than Hanoi. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Prague, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Prague than Hanoi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Prague that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague than Hanoi if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Prague.

One day in Hanoi or Prague?

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Prague, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hanoi or Prague?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Prague. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Prague?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Prague is a fun place to experience. In Prague, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Prague?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Hanoi. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Prague, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this fun-filled big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Prague, we can see that Prague is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia and Prague is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Prague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Prague than you might in Hanoi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Prague Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Prague?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Prague. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Prague, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Hanoi or Prague?

Prague has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Prague in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Prague. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Prague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hanoi is much warmer than Prague in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Prague fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Prague. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Prague in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Prague. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Prague in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Prague. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Prague averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Prague. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Prague in the Winter?

Both Prague and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Prague for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Prague can be very cold during winter. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Prague fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Prague. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Prague in the Spring?

Both Prague and Hanoi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Prague because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Hanoi is much warmer than Prague in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Prague fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Prague. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Prague and Hanoi