A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Prague vs. Rio de Janeiro for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Prague and Rio de Janeiro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Prague

Prague is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of Prague is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Prague travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a multicultural, festive, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Prague and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Prague, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rio de Janeiro is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Prague is known for its music and historical sights. Prague is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. Rio de Janeiro is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also home to Christ the Redeemer.

How is Prague different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

Plenty of people visit the fantastic sights and museums in both Prague and Rio de Janeiro.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Prague are among the most recognizable in the world. 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. Throughout the Old Town you'll see the spires of the many churches which define the city's skyline. The Prague Castle is not to be missed as it's the largest castle complex in the world.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rio de Janeiro has many famous sights for visitors. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Is the Food Better in Prague or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Rio de Janeiro, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Prague or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Both Prague and Rio de Janeiro are fantastic when it comes to partying.

The nightlife in Prague is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a world class party destination. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro Better for Music?

Prague is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Rio de Janeiro is not a live music destination.

In Prague you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well. Many visitors specifically come just to experience the world class music scene.

Rio de Janeiro is not a live music destination.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Prague is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Prague is not a beach destination.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Prague is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Prague is revered around the world. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world. It truly feels like something out of a fairytale. Most of the tourists spend the majority of their time exploring the old town, and after a full day of wandering, you can cozy up with a strudel and a drink in one of the many cafes.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Prague is not a hiking destination.

Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Prague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

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. You'll find tons of souvenir and trinket shops throughout the area.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Prague and Rio de Janeiro are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in Prague as well. The city is filled with beautiful historic architecture and stunning landmarks. It's a truly historic and impressive city.

Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Both Prague and Rio de Janeiro are very good family-friendly destinations.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rio de Janeiro. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Prague is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Rio de Janeiro is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Prague and Rio de Janeiro are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Prague. 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.

A large number of backpackers visit Rio de Janeiro, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Prague is a world-class destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Prague is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Prague can get you around easily. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Prague or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Prague is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Rio de Janeiro is very walkable. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Prague Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Prague?

How long in Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

Prague and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Prague than Rio de Janeiro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Prague, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague than Rio de Janeiro 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 Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Prague is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Rio de Janeiro. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

Prague is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Five days in Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Prague. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

A week in Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Prague is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Prague and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Prague is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Prague is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Prague. When comparing the sizes of Prague and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Prague or Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Prague has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Prague or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Prague and Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Prague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Prague is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Prague in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Prague usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Prague gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Prague or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Prague as well as Rio de Janeiro. The autumn months attract visitors to Prague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In October, Prague is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Prague average around 11°C (52°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Prague usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Should I visit Prague or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Prague are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Prague this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Prague in the winter. Prague is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Prague averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Prague usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Prague or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Prague during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Prague for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Prague is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Prague in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Prague usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Prague gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Prague