I'm trying to decide between a tour of the Bohemian side (Czech) or the Saxon side (German) of the national park. Which one has the "better" views? I want to see the Bastei Bridge, but I also heard the boat ride through the Gorges on the Czech side is really peaceful. Can you do both in one day, or is it too much rushing?

It is a very long day, but if you are determined, it’s definitely doable!  Most people start early (around 7 AM) and get back late. Vienna is much more spread out than Prague, so the challenge is getting from the train station to the palaces and back without getting lost.

For a one-day "speed run," an organized tour is actually a very smart move because they have a bus that takes you directly to the main sights like Schonbrunn and the Belvedere, saving you hours of navigating public transit. You can find these "Vienna in a Day" itineraries at the link https://alle.travel/en/prague/category/day-trips. You’ll have enough time for the palace and a coffee at a traditional Viennese cafe. It’s a lot of sitting in a bus, but seeing the Habsburg grandeur is a great contrast to the Gothic vibes of Prague.

Just be prepared for a long day and maybe sleep on the way back! 

That's awesome that I can do both! I was worried I'd have to pick one and miss out. The "Best of Both" itinerary sounds like exactly what I need. My camera is already packed!