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Planning the perfect Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary for a 7 & 10 day break

If you are planning on spending a week in Europe, then we highly recommend visiting the Imperial capitals of Prague, Vienna, & Budapest. Each city is steeped in history, with grandiose architecture, mouth watering food, and a whole lot of culture. On top of that each of the capitals bring something a little different to the table so you get a real taste of Europe in a limited time.

Here we have put together the perfect Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary to help you plan your own European adventure. This guide includes all the information you need on getting between each city, and what to do when you get there.

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Why plan a Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary?

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You might be wondering why you should plan a Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary when there are so many amazing places in Europe. Whilst that is true, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are becoming European hotspots for travellers. One of the things that I’m drawn to with these cities is that their identities have been shaped by both Eastern European and Western European influences.

They are also quite a bit cheaper than their Western counterparts like Paris or Rome, which lets be honest in this economic climate is never a bad thing.

If you are tossing up between Prague or Budapest here is a helpful guide.

Or if you are trying to decide between Vienna or Budapest here is a helpful guide.

In our Prague, Vienna, Budapest guide we give you 2 example itineraries for a 7 day and 10 day trip. Obviously the longer you have in each city, the better. Each of them offer so much to see and do. If you only have 7 days we recommend 2 days in each city with a 7th day for travelling. And if you have a little bit longer 3 days in each plus a day of travel gives you a good chance to see the sights and get a taste of each city.

Of course we recommend spending much longer in Europe, especially because it is so big and each country is so unique. For more ideas, here are some sample 3 week Central Europe itineraries to give you some ideas.

So when planning a Prague Vienna Budapest itinerary, you might be wondering where on earth to start. The logical thing to do is either start in Prague, or Budapest. That way you can travel south from Prague or north from Budapest. Vienna is wedged between the other two destinations so it’s not an ideal place to start unless you want to go back on yourself.

Flying into Prague

If you decide the fly into Prague to start your Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary here, then you are in luck. It’s a very busy airport and a lot of European carriers including low budget carriers like Ryanair and Easyjet fly here.

Once you arrive at the airport we recommend getting a taxi because it is the easiest way to get to your hotel/ centre of Prague. It will take about 30-45 minutes in total and set you back around €30/736 CZK.

There are cheaper options but these do involve a bit of faffing around. For instance there is a bus however this will only take you to one of the city metro lines, where you will need to make your way into the centre from there.

There is also bus 119, which is every 15 minutes. If you are trying to get to the Old Town you can get this to Nádraží Veleslavín metrostation, and then its a further 6 stops on the metro to old town.

For the new town get bus 100. This stops at Zličín metro station on line B. From here you are looking at about 11 stops to the centre.

Despite the buses being a little bit of effort they only costs 1.20€ or 32 CZK, so this is a good option for those trying to do Prague on a budget.

Flying into Budapest

If you have decided to go down the Budapest, Vienna, Prague route, then chances are your trip will start at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. This is the city’s main airport. From here you can either get a bus or taxi.

A taxi is the most direct and honestly the easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel. It will cost around €30 each way, but saves you traipsing around with all that luggage.

Alternatively you can get the bus – the 100E which will get you into town in around 30-40minutes.

Here is our Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary breakdown including the best things to see and do in each of the cities. For the purpose of this itinerary we are starting in Prague.

Prague is by far one of our favourite destinations. It’s literally like walking into a fairytale with castles and cobbled streets. It is the perfect city to start your Prague, Vienna, & Budapest itinerary, but be warned you may never want to leave.

You can read more about our trip to Prague here if you want. Otherwise read on for our Prague highlights.

And if you are wondering if Prague is worth visiting this article might help.

In the meantime here is some information on Prague.

Country:  Czech Republic

Languages Spoken:  Czech but English is widely spoken

Currency:  Czech Koruna (CZK)

Famous for:  Old world architecture, it’s many spires, culture, and excellent beer

Visit if you like:  City breaks with history, and really beautiful places

Nickname : The City of a Hundred Spires

When visiting Prague you probably want somewhere between 2 days at a minimum to around 4 days to really get to grips with the city.

It is one of those cities that is best enjoyed at a slower pace, wandering the cobbled streets stopping every now and then for a drink. The good news is, a lot of the man tourist attractions are pretty close together, so you won’t spend ages travelling between sights.

Obviously if you are trying to see Prague, Vienna, and Budapest you probably won’t have a long time to spend in each spot. So book any must do tours well in advance to make the most of your time.

Where to stay in Prague

You will find accommodation to fit any budget in Prague. If you only have a short time in the city though you want to be close to the key tourist attractions, particularly the Charles Bridge and Old Town. We opted for a mid-range hotel located right near the Charles Bridge called  Lokal Inn . It was only a minutes walk from the bridge, and was close to lots of bars and restaurants.

Here is a breakdown on the best areas to stay in Prague to help you plan your own trip.

The Old Town or Staré Město as it is known in Czech would probably be our recommendation especially for a short trip. It’s beautiful, and there are lots of food and drink options. It’s also close to a lot of the main attractions.

The downside is that it can be touristy, and you can fall into the trap of food and drink that isn’t very good and super expensive. Just do your research beforehand is what we would say.

Accommodation is also a bit pricier here, so book well in advance for the best deals.

Lesser Town, is our second recommendation for areas to stay in Prague. It’s just across the river from the Old Town, and it just that little bit quieter too. It’s a quaint area to explore, and is close to places like the Lennon Wall, and the Charles Bridge. There are a lot of restaurants and bars in the area, and it is close to public transport too.

The New Town, is great if you are wanting to go clubbing, and have some crazy nights out in Prague. It’s right next to the Old Town, so it is still pretty central. It’s also less touristy than the Old Town. If you want a more authentic Czech experience where you are mingling with the locals, this is a great area to stay.

The Castle District has some of the best views over Prague, and is obviously close to one of the main tourist attractions, the Prague Castle. It’s a little bit further out though from the Old Town, but still easily accessible. We probably wouldn’t recommend staying in the area when you only have a short time in Prague, just because it’s away from a lot of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Things to do in Prague

Here are some of our highlights and top things to do when visiting Prague.

Probably one of the more instagrammable spots in Prague , the John Lennon Wall is a must on any visit to the city. Etched with graffiti that changes on a regular basis the wall is a symbol of political frustration but also freedom of speech. Make sure you get here early to avoid the crowds.

The first thing we noticed in Prague was the spectacular castle perched above the city, almost watching over it. The castle grounds contain gardens, palaces, and shops as well as the very dramatic looking St Vitus Cathedral. The views over Prague from the castle are also pretty incredible!

You can purchase your tickets online in advance , or purchase them on the day on the castle grounds.

If you do one thing on your trip to Prague, make sure you visit the Charles Bridge at sunrise. It’s so much quieter and you get some really amazing photo opportunities. The bridge connects Mala Strana (Little Quarter) and Stare Mesto (The Old Town) so it is a very beautiful way to get from one side of the river to the other.

Petrin Hill provides a bit of a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Old Town. Make sure you get the funicular up the hill, but remember to arrive early to beat the crowds. Once you are at the top of the hill you can stroll around the beautiful gardens and woodland, or if you are brave enough head up to the top of the TV Tower.

Whilst it is a sombre place to visit the Jewish Museum is one of the most visited museums in Prague. Here you learn about the history of the Jews in the city, and you get to explore the Old Jewish Cemetery too.

One of the more unusual things to do in Prague has to be visiting the Beer Spa. I mean why bathe in water when you can bathe in Beer? You also get to sip on beer (don’t worry not the stuff you bathe in because that would be gross), and there is an option to have a massage as well. You can book your tickets online in advance here.

I always love seeing a city from the water, so the Vltava River cruise was a must on our visit to Prague. There are a number of different river cruises you can do and we’ve included some in the links below.

A visit to Old Town is a must in Prague. The Old Town Square is probably one of the most photogenic parts of the city. The Xmas markets are held here in December and at other times it is a hive of activity with street performers and vendors selling Chimney Cakes and other treats. If you have time it is worth visiting the Old Town Hall Tower for some really wonderful views.

The Dancing House is one of the more modern sights in Prague. It’s apparently one of the most photographed modern buildings in the city, due to its quirky design. Basically it was designed to resemble a pair of dancers – hence the name.

It’s located in New Town, which is somewhere we didn’t spend a lot of time. There tends to be a high number of stag and hen dos in the area, so be warned.

St Nicholas’ Church located in Mala Strana is a Baroque masterpiece that you really have to visit. The inside is adorned with impressive artwork and intricate carvings, so we recommend you make the time to visit.

It was built between 1704-1755 it is now a hugely popular tourist attraction in Prague. It is also considered one of the greatest examples of Prague Baroque architecture.

A HUGE part of any Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary, has to food. Prague is no exception! The food is out of this world. You might find some of the cuisine in the 3 cities to be a bit similar, but each city has their own take on it.

Trdelník or Chimney Cake, is a popular sweet treat in Prague. Its roots are actually Hungarian, but you won’t be able to escape Prague without chowing down on this pastry.

Goulash is also a popular dish in Prague. Again you will find this in Hungary as well but the texture is different. In Prague it is far more stew like and served with some delicious dumplings.

If you have the time we recommend a food tour like this one , that way you get a locals view on the best things to eat and drink in the city. Or if you want to try food and drink, then this tour covers both .

Whilst I am on the topic of drink, I think it is fair to stay that Prague is well known for its beer. Make sure you visit one of the traditional beer halls, U Zlatého tygra is one of our favourites, although it does get busy so get there early.

There are a number of beer tours you can do, especially if you really do like your pints, and our suggestions are below.

Prague is a very easy city to navigate and truth be told we spent most of our time just walking around it. That being said there were times when we had to take public transport, and you might too.

Public transport consists of buses, trams, and the metro. You will need to purchase your ticket before boarding ay form of transport. You can purchase tickets at newspaper kiosks or hotels.

Upon boarding validate your ticket. For example on the tram you can get a stamp near the door to validate it. Ticket types vary and you can get a single ticket (which includes a 30 minute transfer window) or a day pass.

And if you want to know what it’s like visiting Prague in autumn this article might be handy.

So now we head to our second destination on our Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary. Vienna is full of lavish architecture, museums, classical music, and of course coffee and cake.

You can read more about Vienna here .

Or if you are tossing up between Vienna and Prague here is a helpful guide.

In the meantime here are some facts.

Country:  Austria

Languages Spoken:  German (a lot of people speak English though)

Currency:  Euro

Famous for:  Food (wiener schnitzel), culture, music, and history

Visit if you like:  Classical music, architecture, palaces, history and food

Between Prague, Vienna, and Budapest our personal opinion is that you can probably get away with allocating the smallest amount of time in Vienna. Of course this advice is dependant on what you want to see, but we found that we would have like more time in Prague and Budapest, and would have been happy to compromise for less time in Vienna.

That isn’t to say Vienna isn’t worth visiting. It absolutely is. And you might want more time here especially if you are planning on visiting the museums (and there are lots of them) or even the vineyards.

All in all we would say you need somewhere between 2-3 days in Vienna. This will give you time to see some of the main sights, eat some great food, and of course sip a few drinks along the way.

Where to stay in Vienna

If you are in Vienna for a short time, like we were then you will want to stay somewhere central and close to the tourist attractions. Innere Stadt and MuseumsQuartier and probably the best areas to stay in for a first time visit. You are close to the attractions and there are a number of hotels to choose from for all budgets.

We ended up staying a bit further out when we visited which in hindsight wasn’t the brightest idea on such a short trip.

Here is a quick breakdown on the best neighbourhoods to stay in Vienna.

This is in the very centre of historic Vienna, and it is close to a lot of the main attractions like St Stephen’s and the Spanish Riding School.

Accommodation can be a bit more expensive here, but transport links are excellent. This is ideal for first time visitors or those with a small amount of time in the city.

Slightly cheaper and a little less touristy is District 2. You are still pretty close to a lot of the main attractions, and it’s very close to the Prater Amusement Park. This is good if you are looking for slightly cheaper accommodation but still want to be in the thick of it.

This is perfect if you are a fan of culture and museums. There are a lot of bars and restaurants in the area, and this is probably a good choice if you do enjoy visiting bars in the evening as there is more here.

Things to do in Vienna

Here are some of our highlights when visiting Vienna.

Schonbrunn Palace is one of the top attractions in Vienna, giving you a flavour of imperial living in the city. Built in the 1630’s this former summer residence for royalty is now popular with tourists. You get the opportunity to tour the inside as well as exploring the palace gardens. You can book tickets online in advance to avoid the queues on the day.

It’s not a trip to Vienna unless you have visited at least one palace. Hofburg Palace is another great attraction. It was a winter residence for the rulers during the time of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

You do do some cool tours here including the museum or even the imperial apartments.

A visit to a coffee house in Vienna is a must due to their part in shaping Viennese culture. Treat yourself to some coffee and cake (Sachertorte is the most traditional) and read the paper like the locals do. If you want to learn more about the coffee culture in Vienna, or experience it with a local here is a great tour you can book.

Open from March – October every year. the Prater amusement park is home to one of the oldest ferris wheels in the world. The Riesenrad, is 212 ft tall and has these wooden gondolas that you stand in as the wheel goes around. This is a highlight in Vienna for sure.

Like you would assume with the name, the MuseumsQuartier is home to a number of art museums, as well as an architecture and design museum.

A quirky thing to see in Vienna is this colourful housing complex. It is a really unusual building built after an idea and concept by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, hence the name. If you are looking for an offbeat experience it is certainly worth a visit.  And of course it is a great place to get a few Instagram shots.

Hailed as one of the most important religious buildings in Vienna. This gothic style cathedral is a Roman Catholic church with intricate detail. It is well worth a look and make sure you go inside if you can. We recommend this tour that gives you a glimpse of parts of the cathedral where the masses cannot enter.

Vienna is renowned for its musical history so heading to an opera is high on the bucket list.

For a bit of history definitely consider visiting the Rathaus or Town Hall. It was constructed in the 1800s in a Neo-Gothic style to create more space for the city mayor. It’s a really beautiful building to visit, and gives off those opulent European vibes. If you want to go inside you can but only on certain days, and you have to book a specific tour.

We had no idea there were vineyards in Vienna and this was a pleasant surprise. It is a bit of a journey out of town and you will need to take a bus to Kahlenburg. But it really is worth doing and a real quirky thing to do in Vienna.

Another really quirky thing to do is to visit Vienna’s waste incineration plant. Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who also designed the apartment complex at the top of this list was tasked with designing the new plant.

You can do a tour of the plant which seems to be popular with school children who can learn all about the heating and cooling process. Even if that’s not your thing it will probably be the most beautiful waste incineration plant you will ever see.

Vienna feels a little bit like the posher sister of Prague and Budapest sometimes, and the food and drink in the city also make it feel like this. But there are a number of culinary experiences for everyone whether you are looking for something fancy or more laid back.

When it comes to food, Schnitzel is a must in Vienna. And if you aren’t sure where to eat it then you can do this cruise and Schnitzel tour where you can enjoy the dish whilst gazing out at views of the city.

For something a bit more relaxed we recommend Naschmarkt. There is a food tour you can do that is highly recommended or you can just explore yourself.

Finally when it comes to drinks in Vienna, craft beer is a big deal, and you will find so many cute little bars serving beers in the most extraordinary glasses. Here is a tour you can do if you are a craft beer fan.

If you aren’t a beer lover though, never fear because wine is also something that Vienna prides itself on. You can visit the vineyards as mentioned above or just enjoy an underground wine tour .

And if you are wondering is Vienna worth visiting here is a guide to help you.

Getting around Vienna is very easy. You can purchase travel cards for instance a 2 day card will cost around €15 per person. They are valid for travel on trains and trams.

Make sure you always have your pass on you as you will need to present this for inspection when asked.

The final leg of our Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary is of course the Hungarian Capital. It’s probably a little rougher around the edges than say Prague or Vienna, but filled with so much culture, history, and beauty it is another city you won’t want to leave.

For more things to see and do in Budapest check out this post .

In the meantime here are some facts about Budapest.

Country:  Hungary

Languages Spoken:  Hungarian – although English is also widely spoken

Currency:  Hungarian forint (HUF) – you can sometimes use Euro’s but we wouldn’t recommend it (more on that later)

Famous for:  thermal baths, incredible architecture, ruin bars

Visit if you like:  museums, quirky bars, cool buildings, fun and lively city breaks

Wondering if Budapest is worth visiting ? Here is a handy guide.

Out of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, we actually Budapest is the place where you will want to spend the longest amount of time. There is just so much to see and do here and things are a little more spread out than say Prague. Ideally you want to spend a minimum of 3 days in Budapest to around 5 days. This will give you time to see the main attractions, visit the ruin bars, and explore some of the neighbourhoods.

Where to stay in Budapest

We stayed on the Pest side at the  K+K Hotel Opera . The hotel was fabulous and the location was ideal. It is located on a quiet street so you are away from the hustle and bustle but within walking distance to bars and restaurants. Our room was spacious and comfortable, and it was a perfect place to rest our heads after long days exploring the city.

Here is a bot more of a breakdown on the specific areas.

District 1 includes the Buda Castle area. It is located on the west bank of the Danube, and is home to attractions like Fisherman’s Bastion, The Royal Palace, and Matthais Church.

It’s a more relaxed part of Budapest to stay, and there are a lot of luxury hotels in the area.

Across the Danube from the Buda Castle area is District V, which includes attractions like the Parliament Building and St Stephens Basilica. It’s very central and close to food, drink, and most importantly public transport.

We recommend this area for first time visitors and those only doing a short stay.

There are a ton of mid-range hotel options here, as well as a number of backpackers hostels.

This is probably your more cultural part of Budapest with points of interest such as the  Hungarian State Opera House, the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy, and the Operetta Theatre.

It’s great for culture lovers and those that want to go shopping. There are a few mid- range hotels as well as some more upmarket places. It’s very central and close to transport.

This is the heart of the Jewish Community in Budapest especially as it is home to the Dohany street great synagogue. Separately the area is a hipster’s dream filled with super cool cafes, street food, and of course the ruin bars. If you are planning to party during your in Budapest this is probably the area for you.

Things to do in Budapest

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Budapest to help you plan your own itinerary.

St Stephen’s is a must when visiting Budapest. The interior is stunning but its the views from the top which made it for us. You get book tickets online in advance or just purchase them on the day.

One of the notable buildings that stands out as you admire the skyline in Budapest has to the the Hungarian Parliament Building. You can do a tour of the inside when the National Assembly is not in session. We decided against a tour just because of time restrictions but if you do want to do this make sure you book it in advance.

Budapest’s ruin bars are a nightlife bucket list item. You will find them in derelict buildings, filled with groups of people enjoying their nights. Szimpla Kert is the biggest and most popular and I don’t think anything we read really prepared us for actually seeing it for ourself.

This is one of the most moving memorials we have come across. The Shoes on the Danube represent the thousands of Jews that were killed during World War II by the Arrow Cross militia. They were marched down to the Danube and ordered to take off their shoes before being shot by the edge of the river. Their bodies then fell into the river and were carried away. What makes it even more gut wrenching is that many of the shoes were children’s.

The House of Terror is a museum that centres around the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary in the 20th Century. It is an important place to visit, but be prepared it is also very emotional at times. The queues can get really long here, so we recommend booking a guided tour in advance . You can purchase cheaper tickets on the day that don’t include a guide.

This is the biggest and most popular of all the thermal baths in Budapest. Besides enjoying the baths you can also book massage treatments and use the saunas and the gym. You probably need a good day here to enjoy the spa and the treatments on offer. You can book in advance here.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is another must visit place in Budapest and chances are you will cross it at some point during your stay. It is one of the most prominent landmarks as it connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city. It’s also quite spectacular around sunset.

The Labyrinth is a series of tunnels under Buda Castle. These caves once held the infamous Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Count Dracula as a prisoner for 14 years.

Sailing along the Danube, particularly at night is a great experience. The city lights reflect magically off the river creating a wonderful atmosphere. Day or night though, it’s a great way to get a different perspective on Budapest.

You essentially get the chance to explore the underground caverns of Buda Castle which were turned into a working hospital in the late 1930’s in preparation for WWII. You can only enter the caves as part of a guided tour, but this gives you the chance to learn so much about the conditions that hospital staff had to work under.

You can book a ticket online in advance here .

The Fisherman’s Bastion is a stunning terrace located across the river from the Parliament Building. I think this was one of our favourite places in Budapest because of the sheer beauty of it. The terrace was actually built for the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian State, although it certainly looks much older. Nearby is the equally dramatic Matthias Church.

Located in the Budapest Castle the National Gallery houses collections of all types of Hungarian art. Even the building itself is spectacular and the views from the outside are breathtaking.

The funicular has been in service since 1870, so not only is it historical, but you also get some incredible views over Budapest. We highly recommend getting the funicular up to the National Gallery.

Budapest is a great place to sample some cheap food and drink. There are several food tours you can do (see below) or you can just make your way around the city yourself.

One of our favourite places to eat is the For Sale pub. They serve traditional Hungarian food and its popular with locals and tourists. You do need to book in advance to get a table, but it really is worth it.

Budapest is home to a number of those incredible old world style cafes and the New York Cafe is the best of the lot. Make sure you book this one in advance as it does get busy. And why wouldn’t it when you can order cappuccinos with gold leaf.

Another must eat food in Budapest is of course Chimney Cake which we mentioned in our Prague section of this post. Chimney cake is actually Hungarian, and if you want to learn about the history and how to make it you can do that here .

Another recommendation for things to do in Budapest is to do a wine tour . Hungarian wine is actually really nice, considering we hadn’t tried it before our trip. This tour is a great way to learn about where the wines are made, and what to pair them with.

Getting around Budapest is actually pretty easy, and a lot of attractions are close to each other, although chances are you will need to rely on public transport to get around.

You will need to purchase a ticket to use either the trams, buses, or the metro. There is usually a self service ticket machine at the metro station, or tram and bus stops. And they have an English option in case you were wondering.

Select your ticket type, which can be a single journey, or a 24 hour pass. You will need to validate your ticket at a metro station, or on a bus or tram

Here is a suggested Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary for 7 days. This is probably the minimum amount of time you will need to explore all 3 cities.

Day 1 Prague

Arrive in Prague and visit the John Lennon Wall in the morning and then spend the day exploring the Old Town. If the weather is nice do a boat tour in the afternoon. In the evening check out some of the bars in the area – Hemmingways is a favourite for cocktails whilst the Beer Museum is a must for, well beer.

Day 2 Prague

Get up for sunrise and head to the Charles Bridge (you can always go back to sleep after – trust us it is worth it). Head to one of the traditional cafes for brunch and then spend your second day exploring the Castle area.

Day 3 Travel to Vienna

Most of day 3 will be spent travelling to Vienna. Try and get an early train to arrive in Vienna around lunch time. Explore the MuseumsQuartier and see if you can listen to some opera in the evening.

Day 4 Vienna

For something a little different head to Hundertwasserhaus in the morning, before heading back into the centre and paying a visit to St Stephens Cathedral. In the afternoon head to Prater Amusement Park and make sure you ride the Ferris Wheel!

Day 5 Travel to Budapest

Head to Schonbrunn Palace in the morning and explore, make sure you save some time for some coffee and cake before you leave Vienna.

Grab an afternoon train to Budapest so that you are ready for a full 2 days of exploring the city.

Day 6 Budapest

Grab some breakfast in one of the city’s many grand cafes, then head to the Shoes on the Danube for a moment of reflection before crossing the bridge to the funicular. Ride the funicular to the National Gallery to enjoy some art. In the afternoon head to Fisherman’s Bastion. For dinner we recommend the For Sale Pub for dinner. Spend the evening exploring some of the ruin bars before calling it a night.

Day 7 Budapest

In the morning head to St Stephen’s Basilica and admire the views from the top. Then make your way to the Hungarian Parliament building for a tour.

Head to the House of Terror in the afternoon to learn about the history of the communist regime in Hungary. In the evening, we recommend heading to the ruin bars again, to keep exploring (and drinking).

For our Prague, Vienna, Budapest 10 day itinerary we recommend following the above 7 day guide, but adding an extra day in each city. Here are our suggestions for what to do for an additional day in Prague, Vienna, & Budapest.

Additional day in Prague

Use your additional day in Prague to explore Petrin Hill and the Jewish Museum.

Additional Day in Vienna

Use this additional day to head to the Vineyards to taste some Austrian wine.

Additional Day in Budapest

For an additional day in Budapest make some time to visit the thermal baths. we also recommend the Hospital in the Rock tour if you have the time.

The best way to travel between Prague, Vienna, & Budapest is by train. Trains are incredibly frequent and often the fastest way to travel between cities. The train from Prague to Vienna takes about 4 hours depending on whether you take an express train or not. Trains are frequent, and reasonably priced, particularly if you book well in advance.

The train journey from Vienna to Budapest is about 2.5 hours, and again if you book in advance the prices are pretty cheap. You can use booking sites like trainline.com or omio.com to book your tickets.

You might be wondering when the best time to plan your Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary is. Honest answer – it depends on what you want to get out of your trip.

The summer months in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are great if you want to see the cities come alive, with alfresco dining, and sip beers on the street. But summer months, particularly August tend to be the busiest for tourists. If you do visit during these months book your accommodation well in advance. Additionally if you want to eat at particular places you will need to book these in advance as well.

The best time to visit Prague, Vienna, and Budapest for us would be in either spring or autumn. Autumn is great because you get to see the leaves change colour in the cities, whilst comfort eating in the evenings to keep warm.

December is another popular time to visit the three cities, especially because they each put on a magical Christmas market. Just keep in mind that daylight hours will be much less than in summer months, and the weather will be cold.

Budgeting for your Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary is a tough one because it will obviously depend on what you want to see and do when you get there. But here are some tips for when you visit.

Prague has a reputation for being one of the cheaper European countries, although we will say it isn’t as cheap as it once used to be. That being said, it is still better value than say Copenhagen or Oslo .

On average we budgeted around £100 or 2967 CZK per person per day and we generally didn’t spend this much. I should also add that our budget does not include accommodation. Accommodation isn’t too bad though for mid range hotels expect to pay about €60 – €120 per night.

Throughout Prague and the Czech Republic, you will need to use Czech Koruna. Banknotes are made up of the following denominations 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 CZK, and coins consist of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 CZK. A lot of places in Prague will accept payment by bankcard, but you do get the occasional small shop that only accepts cash. Therefore we recommend you bring even just a little bit of cash with you during your 4 days in Prague.

Vienna is probably the most expensive of the 3 cities, but that being said it isn’t too bad.

On average you are looking at paying around €10 – €15 for a main meal in a restaurant. A pint of beer will probably set you back around €4 or €5 depending on where you are drinking.

All in all not including accommodation you should budget around €120 per day per person in Vienna. This will cover things like public transport, tourist attractions, food, and nightlife. On average a mid range hotel room will set you back around €120 a night. But this depends on location, and hotel quality.

Vienna is part of the EU and therefore the currency is Euro. One Euro is equivalent to 100 Cents. Euros are made up of a mixture of coins and notes. The coins tend to be Cents so you get 1,2,5,10,20 and 50 Cent coins, as well as a 1 and 2 Euro coin. Notes are made up of 5,10,20,50,100,200, and 500 Euros. With the notes we don’t recommend carrying around the higher denominations as some places won’t take anything over a 50 for security purposes. And honestly, I don’t think we have ever seen a 200 or 500 Euro note! So if you do find one let us know.

You can pay on card for most things in Vienna, but we do recommend carrying some cash on you. And coins are very useful especially if you need to use a public bathroom!

Budapest is another one of those places that has the reputation of being cheap, which is it, but maybe not as cheap as we had expected. Between us we probably budgeted around €180 between us per day (not including accommodation).

This did include us going out doing tours, having breakfast, lunch and dinner out, as well as enjoying a few drinks. So you can do it way cheaper if you want.

We found that accommodation was actually on the cheaper side, with good quality 4 star hotels costing under 100 Euros a night. 

The official currency in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint. You might see it abbreviated to HUF or Ft.  

Some places, especially the more touristy spots may accept Euros, but we highly recommend you pay in the local currency. This is because change will be given to you in Forint even if you pay in Euros, and the conversation into Euro’s isn’t always great so chances are you will probably end up paying more. Also not all places in Budapest accept card, so this is another reason to make sure that you have some Forint on you.

The currency is one of those that has a ton of zero’s in it so just keep an eye on what notes you are getting when you are given change etc. Notes consist of 500 Ft all the way to 20,000 Ft. Although with the larger denominations you may struggle to pay for things in some shops, so if you are carrying cash try and have some smaller notes as well as the larger ones.

There are also coins such as the 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Everything is in Forint. So for example in the US there are dollars and cents, or pounds and pence in the UK, but in Hungary everything falls under Forint

• Each country has different currency so make sure you stock up on Euros for Vienna, Koruna for Prague & Forint for Budapest
• English is widely spoken in all three countries, but be sure to brush up on some basics in each language
• Book your train tickets between cities in advance for the cheapest prices.
• Book any accommodation in advance for the best deals.
• If there are particular restaurants you want to visit book these in advance as well.

If you are wondering how best to break up your time when visiting Prague, Vienna, and Budapest then here is a bit of a FAQ section to help you decide. We have listed some of the common questions we get asked for each destination to help you decide which one is better for your trip.

Prague, Vienna, and Budapest each have a lot to offer if you are visiting as a family. Prague has a number of parks to visit, as does Vienna. Each city also has a number of museums to visit as a family too.

One cool thing about Vienna though is that it has the Prater Amusement Park, which is a fun way to spend the day as a family.

Again each city has so much to offer for couples, but if we had to choose we would go with either Vienna or Prague. They are both such romantic cities, with incredible architecture, and gorgeous cobbled streets. Vienna is great for opera, and romantic balls, whilst Prague just oozes romance even walking across the softly lit Charles Bridge.

You will have so many date night ideas in both places. There are incredible food options, trendy bars, and so much more.

All three countries offer a lot for solo travellers. For starters they are all relatively safe cities, with so much to see and do. There are so many tours you can book onto when visiting Prague, Vienna, and Budapest so even if you are travelling alone this gives you the chance to meet new people.

When looking at Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, we would say that Prague and Budapest are the best for budget travellers.

Prague and Budapest tend to be two of the cheaper capital cities in Europe, and you can definitely see them both on a pretty tight budget.

Vienna is a little bit more expensive, and more in line with the likes of Berlin and Hamburg in terms of expense. You can still do things cheaply, but maybe not as cheaply as Prague, and Budapest.

This is a tough one so in all honestly Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are all on par when it comes to history. The imperial cities have a little bit of everything, from royal palaces, grand churches, and so much more. This whole trip is really a history lovers dream.

In our opinion all three cities are perfect for culture lovers. There is so much to see and do in each of them. That being said, Vienna is the clear winner, as it has a long history of producing classical music, and operas. It’s also got some incredible museums and theatres, and let’s not forget the coffee culture that you have to indulge in.

Prague, Vienna and Budapest all have excellent options when it comes to nightlife. Vienna is full of cool clubs, and bars and there is a little something for everyone. It’s the same with Prague and Budapest.

Prague is great if you are into beer, and the city beer halls are a lot of fun. But for us Budapest really takes the cake when it comes to nightlife. The main reason is because yes there is a little something for everyone like the other cities, but the ruin bars really set it apart from the rest. They are so unique and really set Budapest apart from the rest when it comes to nightlife.

If you are on the fence about planning your own Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary, take this as your sign to go. I know that there are more popular places in Europe like Paris or Rome, and yes they are beautiful, but if you want something a little different head to Prague, Vienna, & Budapest.

Hopefully this guide has inspired you to take your own trip, and please don’t forget to pin this article for later.

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

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Table of Contents

Central Europe Itinerary: Prague -Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest

Day 1 – Arrive in Prague

There are excellent connections by road and rail with all the neighboring countries but this itinerary assumes arrival by air. Visitors coming by other means can join in from the point of booking into their hotels. Settle into your hotel and perhaps have a stroll around then retire to be ready for a busy day tomorrow.

Prague’s International Airport, Vaclav Pavel has three terminals and is located around 20 kilometers to the northwest of the City.

How to get to and from the airport:

Airport Express Bus : Czech Rail runs the best service, an express bus which runs directly to and from the main train station in Prague every 10 minutes between 5.30 am and 9.00 pm costing just 2 euros. Taxis : Authorized taxis are available at the airport and passengers get a 20% Discount Voucher for use if they need a return trip. Prices start at 16 euros. Private Transfers : Private transfers can be booked in advance and provide a door-to-door service. A private driver will meet you in the arrivals terminal with your name and a bottle of water. Welcome Pickups is a well-known, popular company with local, knowledgeable English-speaking drivers, who go through specific training in order to drive. We used Welcome Pickups during our three days in Prague and were quite happy with the service. Click here for more information and to book your private transfer. Public Transport : You can catch buses which link to metro stations from where you can travel to the City. The journey normally takes about 45 minutes. You can buy tickets from kiosks within the terminals. Credit cards other than American Express can be used for payment but the cost is only around 2 euros.

Where to stay in Prague

Klarov Hotel : A boutique four-star hotel in Mala Strana, housed in a former Baroque mansion. It is central to all of the city’s major attractions yet on a small street that doesn’t feel crowded or overwhelming. With just 25 bedrooms, the Baroque hotel is exclusive, yet welcoming and warm. Rooms are modern and luxurious, offering guests plenty of space and great views of the city or castle. Breakfast is included and is served in either the restaurant or garden terrace. Click here for more information and the latest prices. Prague Marriott Hotel : In the center of the Old Town close to Old Town Square, the Marriott is ideally located for you to enjoy the best of Prague while offering the quality amenities as you would expect. Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Old Town Hall Tower & the Astronomical Clock

Prague has the nickname ‘’The City of 1,000 Spires’’ and if you climb to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower, you will see why. The Tower is also home to the Astronomical Clock where the 12 Apostles appear over the dial on the hour, every hour. Within the Tower, there is a 14th Century chapel, a former prison, and some fine art.

The Jewish Quarter

Joselov has been transformed from a slum to a district of real interest. The Cemetery is small with stones stacked on top of each other while the Museum and Synagogue are both worthy of a visit. Art Nouveau apartments now make this a popular residential area.

Day 2 – Explore Prague

Charles bridge.

Charles Bridge is an attraction in itself. It connects the Old Town with the stunning Prague Castle on high. It is 520 meters long with plenty of statues and pieces of history as you cross the River. It took half a century, the second half of the 14 th , to complete.

Prague Castle

This was home to the Bohemian Kings and today, the President of the Republic. It dominates the skyline with great views from there back across the Charles Bridge. Guinness records it as the oldest castle in the world, dated 970. You should try to see the Vladislav Hall and the Lion’s Court as a minimum. It is lit up by night and looks spectacular from anywhere in the City.

Click here to book a guided tour to Prague Castle including admission tickets.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus is found in the Palace Grounds on the site of a Rotunda from the early 10 th Century. There is a mix of styles in a cathedral begun in the middle of the 14 th Century and completed centuries later. The stained-glass windows are an extremely impressive feature while the altar in the small chapel has 1,300 precious stones.

Wenceslas Square

This Square is the focal point of the new Prague. A statue of King Wenceslas, the Patron Saint of Bohemia has been standing on the same spot since the 14th Century, which is now the Square’s center. There is a host of bars and restaurants in the Square.

The National Museum

The National Museum looks down from the top of the Square. It opened in 1891 and with limited time, perhaps you should head for the Roman artifacts from the early centuries AD, as well as exhibits from the Bronze and Early Stone Age?

Day 3 – Prague to Vienna

The high-speed train for the 250 km trip to Vienna takes around 4 hours with prices varying between 68 and 85 euros. Services run throughout the day.

If you hired a car and driver to take you to Vienna, you can expect the total cost to be around 300 euros. It is still expensive if split 3 ways with no obvious advantages.

A ticket on Flixbus from Prague to Vienna takes just over 4 hours. It means an early start to have some time to see some of Vienna that day but early departures cost around 40 euros. Later in the day, that comes down to 16 euros. However, with time quite tight, the extra 24 euros is probably worth it. That would allow you to have a few hours of daylight in Vienna .

Where to stay in Vienna

Hotel Sacher Wien : This 5-star hotel opposite the Opera House was the place that inspired Graham Greene to write the film ‘’The Third Man.’’ Its classic interior dates back to its opening in 1876 yet it guarantees comfort at every turn. The location for seeing Vienna’s highlights cannot be beaten. Click here for more information and the latest prices. Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof : Perfectly located in the center of Vienna’s 1st District–a UNESCO World Heritage Site–many historic sites are within walking distance and friendly staff makes it a top choice. Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Day 4 – Explore Vienna

The Vienna Pass and a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus  ( free with the Vienna Pass ) service makes seeing Vienna a relatively simple exercise. The question is what to include.

Click here for more information and to book the Vienna Pass.

St. Stephens Cathedral

This cathedral built in the early 16 th Century sits on a site where a church has been since the 12 th . Entry is free but you have to pay to go upstairs to the Treasury. You can pay more to climb the 343 stairs to the top of the south tower or take a lift to the top of the south one. From either, you will get a closer look at the wonderfully colored cathedral roof.

Vienna has a wide range of museums; there is actually a museum quarter. The ones you decide to see will depend on your personal interests.

• Albertina – free with Vienna Pass : This museum/palace has a great collection of paintings including work from Picasso and Monet. It owns over 100,000 photographs which it displays in a rotation. You can enjoy the whole breadth of art from graphics to architectural, contemporary to modern. Click here to book your e-ticket.
• Natural History Museum & Kunsthistorische Museum : These two museums are close together beside the Hofburg Palace complex. The former opened in 1889 and contains everything from prehistoric exhibits to meteorites. The Museum of Art History, the latter opened a few years earlier. It contains many exhibits from the Hapsburgs including antiquities, sculptures, and paintings. free with Vienna Pass
• Military History Museum – free with Vienna Pass Austria’s military history is represented here, covering a period from the 16 th Century.

Belvedere Palace

While you are in the area, you should see this UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the late 17 th /early 18 th Century. The two buildings in the complex were built by Prince Eugene. The gardens and the Baroque-style palaces with a good art collection are well worth your time.

Click here for more information and to buy your tickets to the Belvedere Museum free with Vienna Pass

Day 5 – Explore Vienna

Schönbrunn palace.

You should make an early start on your other full day to get out of Vienna’s center to see this UNESCO World Heritage site. It merits a day but with limited time, perhaps a half-day will do? This Baroque-style palace was the 18 th Century Viennese Court, a place where Mozart played his first concert as a 6-year-old. There are 1.400 rooms and several hundred acres of grounds. The Carriage House, the Labyrinth, and the Palmhaus are just three of the highlights.

Click here for more information and to book your skip-the-line guided tour. free with Vienna Pass

Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace houses the Sisi Museum that holds a wonderful collection of the Austrian empress’s belongings throughout her life. The Imperial Apartments are lavishly decorated and they give an idea of the luxury that the family indulged in, as does the impressive silver collection on display.

Click here to buy your tickets for the Imperial Treasury in the Hofburg Palace. free with Vienna Pass

City River Cruise

The Danube and its canal flow close to the Old Town. There are a variety of tours of varying durations and you should look at the time available to make your choice. The 75-minute tour can be fitted in during this second afternoon.

free with Vienna Pass

The Giant Ferris Wheel

An excellent way to get a good view of the City is to take the Ferris Wheel which was constructed in 1897 although it required extensive repairs after World War II. If you take a ride just before sunset, better still. It is in Prater Amusement Park two metro stops from the cruise terminal.

Day 6 – Vienna to Bratislava

With Bratislava on the route down towards Budapest, it would be a shame not to stop and see some of its main sights even if time is limited. Bratislava is just one hour away from Vienna.

There is a regular train running at least every hour from Vienna to Bratislava. The journey takes only an hour.

There is also a good bus connection between the two capitals. The journey again is about an hour.

Where to stay in Bratislava

Mercure Bratislava Centrum : I stayed at the Mercure Bratislava Centrum Hotel an exquisite building located near many of the town’s main attractions, next to Bratislava’s train station. The hotel is designed with a contemporary flair which adds a unique contrast to the historic city it’s situated in. This luxurious hotel offers many helpful amenities like a restaurant that serves traditional Slovakian food. It also has a bar that serves a variety of interesting cocktails as well as an extensive wine list. Besides this, you’ll also find a library inside as well as free Wi-Fi access. Click here for more information and the latest prices. Falkensteiner Hotel Bratislava : This 160 room 4-star hotel is located near Bratislava Castle. Facilities include a fitness center, underground parking, bar, and restaurant. There is a range of rooms up to 75 square meters senior suites. Click here for more information and the latest prices.

The Old Town is the main attraction of Bratislava .  How much you can see during the rest of the day will dictate the time of your departure to Budapest. It can be covered in just a few hours and you should start here:

Church of St. Elizabeth

This art nouveau church finished in 1913 has been described as a marshmallow-like structure and although it has an impressive tower, it is its external appearance that makes it worth a visit.

A man peeping out a manhole, Cumil is a statue done 20 years ago to liven up the Old Town. The sculptor Jurai Melis has other work on display in the Old Town; Napoleon’s soldier is an example while you should look out for the Paparazzi by Radko Macuha.

The Main Square

This plaza is where you will find the Old Town Hall, a clock tower, and a Renaissance-style fountain. There are several interesting buildings including the Palugyay Palace and the French Embassy. Cafes are a place to watch life go by and at certain times of the year, there are special events and markets.

Michael’s Gate

Michael’s Gate is the last part of the medieval fortifications that used to surround Bratislava. It dates back to the 15 th Century and from there you get great views of the Old Town. Although Baroque in design these days, that was not its origins. There is a tower and a small museum within.

Clarissine Church

This Gothic Church was built in 1297 for the Order of Poor Clares, a very strict nun’s order. When it disbanded in 1782, it became a legal academy. Today, it hosts concerts and exhibitions.

Bratislava Castle

The 9 th Century Bratislava Castle is on a hill above the Danube River is a rectangular building with towers in each corner. It underwent renovation after World War II and today holds exhibitions.

St. Martin’s Cathedral

Another Gothic Church which was built in 13 th Century, pilgrims are regular visitors to this cultural monument. There are catacombs and underground passageways because the site is a former cemetery.

Day 7 – Bratislava toBudapest

Bratislava is 200 km from Budapest, mostly heading east.

Trains run between these two capitals throughout the day. The quickest train takes 2.5 hours with prices starting at 28 euros.

If you travel by car, it will take a similar time, but if you hire a car with a driver that can be seriously expensive.

Bratislava to Budapest is a 3-hour trip on Flixbus for 10 euros.

Where to stay in Budapest

Hotel Kempinski Corvinus : I had the pleasure of staying at this stylish hotel. It is in a great location; only a minute’s walk from the station. Within the hotel are restaurants and bars as well as a spa, an indoor pool, and a gym. Click here for more information and the latest prices. Hilton Budapest : Formerly an old 13 th -century monastery, this hotel is located opposite The Fisherman’s Bastion and provides full amenities including a restaurant, bar, gym, and sauna. Click here for more information and the latest prices. Promenade City Hotel : I stayed here on my first visit to Budapest. Located in a shopping street, this modern hotel offers Wi-Fi, a minibar, flat-screen TVs, and a complimentary breakfast. Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Visit the thermal baths

You have arrived at the final city of your Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary and it is time for a bit of relaxation. After settling in at your hotel I suggest a visit to one of the city’s famous natural thermal baths. There are many options to choose from. The beautiful Gellert Baths with stunning architecture can be found inside the Gellert hotel. The Széchenyi Baths are the most well-known and hold the title of the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Finally, if you are looking for the most traditional baths where locals go, I suggest the Kiraly Baths.

Day 8 – Explore Budapest

There are so many things to do in Budapest , which was formerly two cities, Buda on high and looking down on Pest across the Danube.

Buda Castle & Castle Hill

Buda has needed good defenses over the centuries; Castle Hill is naturally good to defense. A funicular takes visitors up to visit several major attractions including the Castle, a 200-room palace that replaced the original 13 th Century castle in the 18 th Century. World War II damage has been repaired and visitors can now go in to see the National Gallery and the History Museum. The whole hill is a UNESCO World Heritage site

Fisherman’s Bastion

Defensive walls were built by the Guild of Fishermen many centuries ago. Today’s structures and walls come from the end of the 19 th Century. The Statue of St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary, and reliefs recording events from his life are just two examples of interesting things to examine.

Mattias Church

Mattias Church opened in 1269 with the representation of her death added in the 14th Century. When the Ottomans took the region, the church became a mosque and remained one until they withdrew. The earliest major event at Mattias was the coronation of Charles I in 1309.

Great Synagogue & Jewish Museum

Once you leave Castle Hill, you should cross the Chain Bridge into Pest. There was once a major Jewish population in Budapest and its people suffered at different times. You can learn more about that in the Museum close to the Great Synagogue, the largest in the world outside New York.

New York Café

Few who have visited this impressive café argue with the claim that it is the most beautiful café in the world. You can have everything from breakfast to dinner though to eat after sunset, you may have to book. Get there before traditional dinner hours and enjoy the impressive menu and the small classical orchestra entertaining customers.

Day 9 – Explore Budapest

The Parliament buildings on the Danube are among the largest in the world. There are 20 kilometers of corridors and 700 rooms. Tours last around 90 minutes and you will see the Crown Jewels. There is good access but some areas are limited when parliament is in session.

Click here for more information and to book a guided tour to the Parliament.

Shoes on the Danube

Back out on the banks of the Danube, there is a wonderful memorial to those Jews shot on the banks and allowed to drift away down the River. That horror took place towards the end of World War II and the 60 pairs of steel boots and shoes bring home to visitors the horror of those times. Far more than 60 suffered that fate but the 2005 sculpture ensures the events will never be forgotten.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

The cathedral in Pest was begun in 1851 and consecrated half a century later. There was damage during the Second World War but that was repaired. The views from the top of the Tower are outstanding; there is a lift if you need it. The mosaics and the mummified hand of St. Stephen are among the things to see inside.

Central Market Hall

Locals shop at this huge market but it is also very much a tourist attraction. There is no doubt it is the best place in Budapest with fresh produce, meats, etc., over three floors.

Danube Cruise

You have already cruised on the Danube earlier on the trip but you should take to the water again in Budapest, day or night. You get great views of both banks of the river and cruise past many of the City’s highlights. With limited time, St. Margaret’s Island probably isn’t an option, nor is the lovely Calvinist Church on the opposite bank.

Click here for more information and to book a Danube Cruise.

Day 10 Flight home

You have packed in quite a lot into your journey through Central Europe’s finest cities Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and of course Bratislava. It may give you an appetite to see other parts of Central Europe and the Balkans. Talking of appetite, you should eat a good breakfast before heading from the City Centre out to Ferenc Liszt Airport 15 km away. Taxis are readily available and probably the most convenient way to get there.

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10 Day Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary Tour

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Imperial capitals and their captivating history are the highlights on this exciting Prague, Vienna and Budapest trip. You’ll also join a local Hungarian family in their winery for a hearty meal and be spellbound by the stunning views of Charles Bridge and Prague’s Old Town.

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VIP Admission to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna

Explore Prague, Vienna and Budapest with a Local Specialist

Visit St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Square of Prague, and the old Hungarian capital of Esztergom

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Prague, Vienna, Budapest – The Ultimate Central Europe Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

Categories Austria , Czech Republic , Europe , Guides , Hungary , Travel Guides

Prague, Vienna, Budapest – three of the most important cities in the glorious Austro-Hungarian empire, and three of the best places you can visit to experience the unique charm of Central Europe. Located very close to each other, but profoundly different, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest offer a multi-layered experience you can hardly find on any other European itinerary .

The three capitals are very conveniently situated just a few hours from each other. Vienna, being in the middle, is not the ideal choice to start your Central Europe itinerary from. If you come from overseas, Prague would be the most popular city, to begin with. If you want to do the Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary and you’re from Europe, I recommend starting with Budapest. The Hungarian capital is the birthplace of the budget airline WizzAir so finding cheap flights is easy.

The best tip I can give you is to try to book a return ticket from the last city you’re in. If you arrive in Prague and you need to go back to Prague for your flight back, you’ll not only waste money but also plenty of valuable time. Before we get to the detailed Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary, let’s see what should we expect on our journey.

Prague is a fairytale. I’m sorry, I know it’s one of the biggest cliches in existence, but there’s no better way to describe it. Yes, it’s a little bit overcrowded. Yes, it’s a little bit overpriced. Yes, the beer costs less than water. Wait. The last one is actually pretty awesome!

Anyway, Prague is a tourist gem that skillfully combines modern art with the classical, medieval look to present a magical mix that can rival any other city in Europe ( No wonder it’s in  the top 5 most visited cities on the continent ).

What to see in Prague

• Charles Bridge

The historic bridge is an iconic highlight of Prague and also one of the most famous bridges in Europe and a must see in your Central Europe itinerary. Completed in the early 15th century, Charles Bridge offered a reliable land connection establishing Prague as an essential trade route between Eastern and Western Europe. Today, the 516 meters long bridge is decorated by 30 ( mostly ) baroque statues that give the gothic bridge an extra dosage of awesomeness.

To truly enjoy Charles Bridge, I suggest a visit around sunrise. Yes, I know you’re on vacation, and you don’t want to get up early, but trust me on that – Charles Bridge ( and Prague as a whole ) reveals its true magic at dawn. See all of Prague’s best photo spots.

• Prague Castle

Deemed to be one of the most important cultural institutions in the Czech Republic, Prague’s Castle is more than just a castle. If you look at most of Prague’s pictures, you’d see a large building overlooking the city. This is what people refer to as the Prague Castle, but this is actually the St. Vitus Cathedral.

When you climb up there, you find out Prague’s Castle is a whole complex. It features the abovementioned cathedral ( which by the way is a definite must-see ), a Royal Palace ( where the president of the country still works ), the Golden Lane ( which offers a glimpse to the typical medieval alley ), and many more amazing things.

• Prague’s Astronomical Clock

Prague’s Astronomical Clock was first installed in 1410 and is the oldest clock still operating. Even though this fact shows the incredible craftsmanship of the bohemian watchmakers, once you see the clock, you won’t be that interested if it works or not. The Orloj is guaranteed to be one of the most beautiful machines you would ever see. Vibrant colors, incredible details, and stunning design. If you happen to be there when the clock strikes the hour ( from 9.00 AM to 11.00 PM ), it will even perform a little show for you.

The Old Town of Prague is the heart of the city. Have you read any of Grimms’ Fairy Tales? Well, walking around Old Prague is like stepping into one ( without the witches and the evil step-mothers ). There is a trick to find this charming place, though. Yes, it’s easy to see it on the map, and I’m pretty sure every single person in Prague has roamed around it. I’m also pretty sure very few found the charm I did.

Just like the Charles Bridge advice, if you want to get the best of the Old Town, to feel the enchantment of the winding alleys and taste the medieval beauty of the Bohemian Capital – explore it at dawn. Free of tourist hordes, just you and golden Prague. Priceless experience.

Yes, the beer is an attraction in Prague. A big one! Considered to be the biggest beer-nation out of the beer-nations, Czechia not only offers you million of different beers to try but also ( surprisingly ) gives it away cheaply.

There’s a saying that in Prague, the beer is cheaper than water. I’ve never actually taken that seriously, but imagine my surprise when I found out this to be true. Mostly because the water is overpriced ( a lot! ) but still. Besides fair prices, plenty of choices, and the most exceptional beer quality, Prague also offers different quirky beer-activities. You can go to a  beer spa , have a  beer airport   transfer  ( with unlimited beer ) or get a  beer bike tour .

Where to Stay in Prague

Mordecai Twelve

Psst: I have a  detailed Prague guide  with attractions, prices, and other accommodation options. Check it out and be prepared for every detail.

The second desitnation of our Central Europe itinerary has nothing to do with Prague. You won’t find middle age bridges or beer-drinking crowds in Vienna. Nevertheless, the imperial architecture, the lavish palaces, and the incredible museums of the Austrian capital are sure to take your breath away.

Being the capital city of the Holy Roman Empire and later – the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the city vibe is nothing less than…well…imperial. From Mozart to Sigmund Freud, Vienna offers a vast cultural heritage and is one of the most sophisticated and classy cities on the globe.

If you want to start your journey from Vienna, I suggest looking for plane tickets to the nearby capital of Slovakia – Bratislava. European budget airlines ( Ryanair, Wizz Air ) often offer flights to Bratislava for less than 20 EUR!

What to see in Vienna

• Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace used to be the home ( one of the homes I guess ) of Prince Eugene of Savoy. It was built in the 18th century and consists of two building units – upper and lower Belvedere – with a vast garden area in between. Today both buildings are art museums. Lower Belvedere hosts changing expositions while the upper Belvedere is home to a prominent collection of Austrian artworks.

The biggest highlight of the palace is Gustav Klimt’s awe-inspiring painting “The Kiss”. While you’ve probably seen it already ( I think only “Mona Lisa” is more mainstream than “The Kiss” ), experiencing this golden masterpiece in person is truly a fantastic treat to the senses.

• Schönbrunn Palace

The Schonbrunn Palace used to be the primary summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs. For more than 300 years, prominent figures like emperor Franz-Joseph, empress Sisi, and empress Maria Terezia used to spend plenty lot of their time in the 1,441- room mansion. Touring around the palace would reveal the most opulent interior you can imagine, genuinely worthy of kings ( in this case emperors ).

Besides the glorious building, Schönbrunn offers an enormous garden ( more of a park than a garden ) that hosts a few labyrinths and even a zoo.

• Hofburg Palace

Yet another palace, this one more diverse than the previous two. Located in the heart of Vienna, Hofburg is not a place you can simply tour. It’s just so big and offers so many different things to see that every one of them is a separate attraction.

You can choose from the Princess Sisi Museum ( dedicated to the most famous Austrian empresses ), the Spanish Riding School ( a horse ballet ), The Royal Treasury, The National Library (  this is a must-see! ), and The Butterfly House. I’m probably missing something cause Hofburg has just too much to offer!

• Vienna’s Museums

You may not be aware, but Vienna is one of the very best museum-cities in the world. Not much of a surprise considering the cultural past of the town.

Besides the abovementioned palaces, the capital of Austria offers one of the most recognizable Natural Science Museums ( with plenty of dinosaurs! ), the mesmerizing Museum of Fine Arts ( truly one of my favorite museums ), The Albertina Museum ( housing one of the largest and most important print rooms on the globe ) and many many others.

Visiting the Vienna museums should be the cornerstone of your city experience.

• Coffee & Sacher

Vienna was among the first cities in Europe to open a coffee house ( 1683 ). During the years, the Vienna coffee house tradition has grown to worldwide recognizable dimensions, giving the city a reputation of having some of the best coffee houses in the world. In 2011 it was even recognized by UNESCO who included the Viennese coffee house culture into their list of intangible cultural heritage.  Learn more about Vienesse coffee through the years

The heavenly dessert known as a Sacher-Torte is made with chocolate, apricot jam, and whipped cream. It was invented in Vienna in 1832 and to this day, remains one of Austria’s biggest accomplishments ( at least for me ). If you’re a big fan of the pastry, you can stay in the hotel opened by the son of the cake’s inventor, and try an original handmade Sacher-Torte.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Hotel Sacher Wien

• A legendary hotel where the first Saher pastry was invented • Still offers the best Saher pastries in the world • Perfect location in the center of the city – right behind the opera • Spacious rooms designed for emperors! • World-class spa • The hotel interior has world renounce paintings and antiques – basically, you are sleeping in a luxurious museum Check out the latest price

Hey there. Do you know I have a complete guide of Vienna, including all details of all the highlights, plenty of city tips, and even a map? Check it out and plan your Vienna adventure to the latest detail!

The last city on our Central Europe itinerary is Budapest. Maybe I should’ve said cities because the capital of Hungary is basically two cities merged into one. The aristocratic Buda stands proud on the west side of the Danube River while the modern Pest, party like no other, on the eastern side. 

Budapest is utterly different than Prague and Vienna. The architecture around the city varies from Braque, Neoclassical, and Art Neuvue while also offering the largest gothic building in the world – The Parliament of Hungary.  The history of the city ( which is among the gloomiest in Europe ) is widely shown via museums and memorials.

The nightlife is among the very best in Europe, while the cuisine is world renounced. Oh, one last thing. The city is one of the cheapest European capitals there are. Sounds amazing, right? Now let’s see what is there to see.

What to see in Budapest

• The Parliament Building

The Parliament Building is the symbol of the city. You may know nothing else about Budapest, but you’ve undoubtedly seen images of this enormous gothic beauty. Located right on the Danube river, the massive building offers one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.

Keep in mind that if you want to experience the Parliament from the inside, you need to pre-book your visit. There is no option to go inside on the spot unless you’re a Hungarian politician.

As I mentioned above, the Buda part of the city is the aristocratic part. You won’t find pubs and clubs there, but you will find one of the most beautiful churches on the continent, a glorious castle, and incredible panoramic city views.

Buda is located on a hill overlooking Pest, and the best way to enjoy it is to go straight to the Buda castle using the traditional funicular.

Once you have enough of the view, make your way to the nearby Fisherman’s Bastion. Alongside the stunning Matthias Church, you can find fairytale-looking structures and even more awe-inspiring panoramas.

• Budapest’s Thermal Baths

The capital of Hungary pride itself with its astonishing thermal baths. Sitting on more than 125 hot springs, Budapest has plenty of spas, baths, and pools. Basically, everything that includes how water and relaxation – Budapest has it.

The most famous bath in town is the Szechenyi Bath. With more than 100 years of history, this hot spring offers 18 pools where you can heal whatever hurt you have or just soak in warm water surrounded by beautiful old buildings.

One of the most essential tips for Budapest – make sure you pack your bathing suit!

• The Nightlife

This one caught me by surprise. Budapest has one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe. They even invented their own type of bars – ruin pubs. Hosted in old abandoned buildings, the ruin pubs offer awesome experience in a unique atmosphere.

There are also countless wine bars and clubs plus one of the richest street food scene I’ve encountered. Seriously, a little walk around the streets of Pest is enough to find food from all over the world. From Cambodia to Jordan, I saw a food-joint covering almost every country I’ve ever traveled to.

• Hungarian Cuisine

They may have food from everywhere in Budapest, but you still need to try the local Hungarian food. Famous all around the world, the most popular dish is the Goulash – a tasty stew made of meat and vegetables. The weirdest thing I tried was Meggyleves – a cold summer soup of sour cherries. It felt like a dessert, but you had to eat it before the main dish. Odd but delicious.

Where to Stay in Budapest

My Little Paradise

Classy rooms in a vintage old building located in the heart of Pest. The apartments have a beautiful modern design, a fully equipped kitchen, and fast wi-fi. The best part – you won’t even have to splurge a lot! A true definition of value for money, My Little Paradise is the perfect representation of Budapest. Check the latest prices

Hey there, It’s me again. Yes, I have a  detailed city guide for Budapest  too. Check it out and be prepared for every detail!

Castaway Fact Bratislava is a place you can easily add to your Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary. It’s very close to Vienna (like 1.5 hrs via bus), and there’s plenty of transportation options between the two cities. Ryanair and Wizz Air often have tickets as low as 16 EUR to the capital of Slovakia.

The Prague, Vienna, Budapest Travel Itinerary

Day 1 – Arriving

On the arrival day, I like to have an open schedule. You are tired from traveling, maybe even have jetlag, no need to stress yourself extra by running to some attractions. Just revel in walking around the city. Try some traditional Czech food and enjoy the sunset over the Vltava river.

Day 2 – Prague

Just like Budapest, the river divides the city into two main areas – Old Town and Mala Strana. For your first day of exploration, get up as early as possible. You’re going to hate me when the alarm goes off, but once you’re out on the empty magical alleys of Prague, you’ll see what I mean.

Walk around Charles Bridge and continue the wander around the Old Town. Wait until the Old Townhall opens and climb to the tower overlooking the famous square . Have  Trdelnik   for breakfast and continue by checking some of the small museums of the city ( my pick was the medieval torture instruments one ). They are not really museums but more of a theme park-styled expositions. Quite fun.

Make a quick stop at the National Library and get an awesome profile photo at the Idiom installation. The last attraction for the day is the Clementinum, where you can enjoy an astonishing gothic library and more panoramic views.

We end the day in a nice pub with a pint of beer. Totally deserved!

Day 3 – Prague

No need to get at dawn on day three, but still, better not waste your time in bed. It’s time to explore Mala Strana ( the western part of Prague ).

After the mandatory breakfast trdelnik, we make our way to the Prague Castle Complex. The place is enormous and would take you half of the day. Continue with another candidate for the most beautiful library in the world ( yes, Prague has two of them ) – the Strahov library. 

Once you get enough photos, go to Petrin Hill. A great outdoor area to spend the afternoon. You can even climb the tower to see the broadest panoramic view in Prague.

On our way back, we should take some time to visit the St. Nicholas Church ( the one on Mala Strana ). One of the most amazing churches in Europe!  Check out my in-depth Prague itinerary guide

Day 4 – Travel to Vienna

It’s time to leave Golden Prague and make our way to Imperial Vienna. There is plenty of transportation between the cities. The cheapest one is by bus, but it takes around an hour more than using the train. If you got a good deal, you could even fly to Vienna. I strongly recommend booking your tickets ahead of time. Bus ones tend to run out while the train tickets may become significantly more expensive if bought on the spot. The best place to find transportation in Europe is Omio ( formerly known as GoEuro ). Check the latest prices between Prague and Vienna

Once you arrive in Vienna, familiarize yourself with the city. Feel its vibe and try some of the local foods ( like schnitzel ).

Day 5 – Vienna

Our Vienna itinerary won’t be as packed as the Prague one. That’s because there’s a museum to cover in each of our days here and, well, museums take quite some time. 

Our first day of exploring starts with the most impressive museum in town – the Museum of Fine Arts. It’s a pretty big one, so try not to burn out. Once you think you have enough culture for the day – it’s time to leave. The second highlight is the most famous church in town – Stephansdom. Make sure to climb the tower to get an incredible view of the center and the colored rooftop. 

Once finished, make your way to the colorful Hundertwasser house ( the best way is via metro ) and enjoy one of the weirdest buildings in Europe. The last piece for day five is the oldest amusement park in the world – Prater Park – featuring the legendary giant Ferris wheel of Vienna.

Day 6 – Vienna

Our second day in the Austrian capital will start artistically at the world renounced Albertina museum. After you overwhelm your senses with Picasso and Monet, make your way to the Vienna Opera House. An absolutely stunning building worthy for the city that gave birth to the genius of Mozart.

Close to the opera is the Imperial Palace – Hofburg. As mentioned above, Hofburg offers plenty of attractions, and you’ve better already made your mind about what you want to see there.

The last attraction for the day is a bit creepy. The Habsburg’s Imperial Crypt – Kaisergruft. It may sound a weird place to go, but trust me, it’s impressive. The amount of craftsmanship in Maria Terezia’s sarcophagus is unrivaled by anything, anywhere in the world.

Day 7 – Vienna

Our last day in Vienna may have the least attraction on the list, but they’re also the most impressive ones. Start the day with the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Make sure to go there early, the place is enormous, and you have another palace later in the day.

Once finished, go and see the other Vienna heavyweight attraction – the Belvedere Palace. Unlike Schönbrunn, Belvedere is an art museum today, so don’t be afraid you’re going to get too many palaces for a day. It’s there where you can enjoy one of the most famous paintings in the world –  Gustav Klimt’s Kiss .

Two huge palaces should’ve taken their toll, and you’re probably exhausted. The last attraction in Vienna does not require a lot of energy. Karlskirche is this beautifully decorated church with a lovely park around it. Perfect place to relax after 3 long days in Vienna. See my detailed Vienna travel guide

Day 8 – Travel to Budapest

The train is the fastest and cheapest way to get to Budapest. Check all options to travel from Vienna to Budapest

Again, use this day to relax. Walk around town, try the local food, enjoy the city vibe. Don’t set yourself goals. The next two days would be enough for sightseeing.

Day 9 – Budapest

The attractions in Budapest are the complete opposite of the ones in Vienna. While in the Austrian capital we got a small number of attractions that took a lot of time, in the Hungarian one we have plenty but fast ones.

We start our journey on the Buda side, enjoying the views from the Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion ( if you’re going for the perfect IG photo, make sure you get to the bastion very early in the morning ).

We continue through the famous chain bridge, and we take a walk alongside the river on the Pest side. Pay your respect to the Danube Shoes and explore the beautiful building of the Parliament up close. Check out the top local church – St.Stephen ( climb to the top for a great photo ) before having some chill time at the small park next to the Budapest Eye.

The last items for the day are centered around Budapest’s famous nightlife. Explore the Jewish quarter ( which weirdly enough is the party neighborhood ) and check out the first ruin bar in town – Szimpla Kert.

Day 10 – Budapest

On the last day of our Central Europe itinerary, we’re going to learn a bit more about Budapest’s sad history and unwind. Those ten days were quite exhausting!

We start at the House of Terror – a museum dedicated to the victims of the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary. It’s a sad place but also a must-see in order to get to know Budapest and the Hungarian people. We continue through the Victory Square to find the beautiful Vajdahunyad Castle. Relax in the recreation area around it and decide what to do next. You may check the local Museum of Fine Arts or go for a dip in the Széchenyi Baths.

In the afternoon, check the stunning Szabo Ervin Library before finishing the day in one of the most quirky pubs in town – For Sale . Check out my detailed Budapest itinerary guide

Prague, Vienna, Budapest FAQ

How to travel between prague, vienna, and budapest.

Travel around Europe is easy and hassle-free. Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are pretty close to each other, and the best way to get around is by train. Some times, you may find cheaper fares via bus, but the journey would take at least an hour more.

If you travel via train, I strongly advise pre-booking your tickets as soon as you have planned your detailed itinerary if you don’t you risk the price to go way higher. Here is the best place to find transportation around Europe .

If for some reason, you need to travel from Prague to Budapest, maybe you should check out some of the low budget airlines ( Ryanair and Wizz Air ).

What currency do you need?

The most annoying part of the Central Europe journey is the currency. All three cities may be part of the EU, but only Vienna uses the Euro. In Prague, you’ll need Czech Kronas while in Budapest you’d have to pay in Forints.

A lot of places in Budapest accept Euro too, but they use their own rates, which are always abysmal. Try to pay as many things with a card. Some of the online banks that offer accounts in different currencies are perfect for this trip (I use Revolut and Transferwise). Here is an excellent currency converter you can use on your journey

How expensive are Prague, Vienna, and Budapest?

While Austria is one of the world’s wealthiest nations, Vienna is not that expensive. It’s definitely not London or Paris and slots a little bit over the average for the EU.  Check out some example Vienna prices

Prague welcomes millions of tourists every year, and everywhere in the tourist parts, the prices are massively inflated. Be aware of the mini-market-looking shops which usually offer cheap water, snacks, etc. In Prague, they are not cheap at all. A single bottle of water could set you back 8- 10 EUR in such a place. Look for the large supermarkets ( can be found in the metro stops ) to get water and snack at regular prices. Check out some example Prague prices

Budapest is the cheapest out of the three. Quite reasonable since the city is among the most affordable EU capitals. You will spend a lot neither for accommodation nor for food. Attractions are mostly free, and the paid ones are inexpensive. 40-50 EUR per day would be more than enough. Check out some example Budapest prices

Are Prague, Vienna, and Budapest safe?

All three cities are as safe as a big city can be. Vienna is even a little bit more. Violent crimes are extremely rare, but you should always be aware of the pickpocket tread in all crowded tourist areas.

Central Europe may be safe, but it does not mean you should go unprepared. Travel insurance is a must for every travel you have. It eases your mind and lets you enjoy your journey to the max. I currently use  HeyMondo  for my travels because they have proven themselves to me more than once over the years. The link above will give you a 5% discount, but If you have another favorite provider, that’s ok. Just make sure you have one because you never know what may happen.

When should you visit Central Europe?

All seasons are good for Central Europe. Shoulder seasons ( spring and autumn ) would give you the best prices with mild weather, while the summer would offer long sun-filled days. Prague is a bit overcrowded in the summer, but Vienna and Budapest are ok.

Winter is not my favorite time to travel around Europe, but Central European cities are famous for their Christmas bazaars and overall Christmas spirit, so December is wonderful for a visit.

Is English widely spoken in Central Europe?

I can’t speak Czech or German. I can’t pronounce even a word in Hungarian, but I didn’t have communication problems in either Prague, Vienna, or Budapest. English is widely spoken everywhere in those cities, even outside the tourist areas.

That’s all from me, I hope you enjoy your Prague, Vienna, Budapest adventure . ———————————— If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips! ———————————— I have 40 bucket list ideas for Austria, Hungary, and Czechia. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

Is Central Europe on your bucket list?

Some of the above are affiliate links and I will earn a percentage of the sale if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. This helps keep my site running – so thanks in advance for your support!

Cat Stoffel

Friday 19th of April 2024

I would like to inquire about a trip to Prague, Vienna, Berlin, spending more days in Prague. This would include guided tours, hotels and airlines.

Tuesday 23rd of April 2024

I do have a Berlin itinerary guide too. You can combine them.

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10 days itinerary for Central Europe – Budapest, Vienna, and more

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by gregor

If you’re looking to travel to Central Europe, but don’t know where to start, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for you! Visit beautiful world-class cities like Prague, Vienna , and Budapest , and experience the best views and best places that the region has to offer.

10 days Central Europe itinerary

Day 1: arrive in prague and explore the city center on foot..

After landing at Prague airport and collecting your luggage, it’s time to start exploring this beautiful city! Consider renting a car. The best way to do this is on foot, so head into the city center and start taking in the sights. Some of the must-sees include the Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock. If you’re feeling up for it, you can even climb the tower of the Old Town Hall for some stunning views of the city. After a busy day of sightseeing, you can stroll around, and relax with a Czech Republic beer or some traditional Czech food.

More about Prague: 3 DAYS IN PRAGUE: THE PERFECT ITINERARY FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Plan your 10 Days Central Europe Round-Trip?

• 🏨 Find the perfect accommodation on  Booking.com
• 🎡 Book the Best Guided Tour on  GetYourGuide
• 😍 Get more emotions from your trip with  Tripadvisor
• 🚘 Rent a car on  Rentalcars
• ✈️ Buy the cheapest flight tickets with  WayAway
• 🚂 🚌 ✈️ Best prices for Train, Buses, Cars, Ferries, and flights Omio

Day 2: Take a day trip to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Start your day with a delicious Czech breakfast of fresh bread, cheese, and fruit. Then, it’s off to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 2 hours south of Prague Castle. This charming town is set on the banks of the Vltava River and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Take a walking tour of the old town and see the 13th-century castle, then enjoy some free time to explore independently. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat ride on the Vltava River. Return to Prague in the evening.

Read my complete visitor’s guide of Český Krumlov here (Best Things to Do, Travel Tips, and Best Tours) :

EXPLORE ČESKÝ KRUMLOV ON A DAY TRIP FROM VIENNA

Day 3: Head to Vienna and explore the city’s museums and palaces.

There are so many things to see and do in Vienna that it can be hard to know where to start. A good way to get your bearings is to head to the city center and explore some of the most famous sights. Start with a visit to the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence, then explore the museums and art galleries of the Museums Quartier. If you’re feeling hungry, stop for a bite to eat at one of the many great restaurants in the city. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the gardens of the Belvedere Palace or visit the Vienna Zoo. If you’re up for it, end your day with a concert at the Vienna State Opera House.

More about Vienna: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING VIENNA

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT VIENNA?

ONE DAY IN VIENNA I THE PERFECT 1 DAY ITINERARY

TWO DAYS IN VIENNA I THE PERFECT 2 DAY ITINERARY

Day 4: Visit the Hofburg Palace and the Belvedere Palace in Vienna.

Begin your day with a visit to the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Take a guided tour of the palace to see the opulent imperial apartments, the impressive State Rooms, and the beautiful Spanish Riding School. Then, head to the Belvedere Palace, one of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions. Built in the 18th century, the palace is home to a world-renowned art collection, including works by Gustav Klimt. Spend the afternoon exploring the grounds of the palace, including the stunning Orangery Garden. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner at a local restaurant.

Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace was once a royal residence and seat of government but is now a large palace complex that contains museums (such as the Sisi Museum and The Imperial Treasury), the Spanish Riding School, and other well-known landmarks in Vienna. How long you spend here will depend on your interests. You can explore the complex for free, or visit one or more museums.

If you do plan to visit some museums,  you can skip the lines by purchasing your tickets to the Imperial Treasury .

The  Vienna City Card  offers a 7% discount on tickets to the Sisi Museum and Imperial Treasury. The  Vienna Pass  allows you to visit them for free.

Read my complete visitor’s guide of the Hofburg Palace here (Best Things to Do, Travel Tips, and Best Tours) :

THE HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE COMPLEX IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

THE EMPRESS SISI MUSEUM IN THE HOFBURG IN VIENNA

The Spanish Riding School

You will absolutely adore the chance to see the breathtaking performances and stunning horses of the Spanish Riding School.

Top Tip:  However, it’s one of the most popular destinations in Vienna and can book up exceptionally quickly, so it’s definitely something you will want to book in advance.

Address:   Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

The school opens at 10 am, and can even watch teen boys take on rides, and on Sunday there is a service as well.

Book your tickets here:   Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School

Another option is to book the  Vienna Spanish Riding School Guided Tour.  You will enjoy a look behind the scenes of the Spanish Riding School on this guided tour. Admire the stunning architecture of the centuries-old institution.

Visit Website

SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL IN VIENNA – SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS

Schönbrunn Palace and the Schönbrunn Gardens

The Schönbrunn Palace is a beautiful baroque royal residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was not only a residence of emperors and empresses, but also hosted important events and conferences. Famous people like six-year-old Mozart and Napoleon have been its guests.

The palace is one of Vienna’s most visited attractions, so if you want to take a tour inside it, you can  book a guided tour in advance and skip the lines .

Touring the Schönbrunn Gardens is free of charge, and you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around the gardens.

There are also  several other attractions  that you can visit ( for which there is an admission fee ):

• The historic Cafe Gloriette: Located on top of a hill, facing the beautiful gardens.
• The Imperial Carriage Museum ( you can get your ticket in advance here ).
• The Orangery Garden.
• The Maze Garden.
• The Palm House.
• The Privy Garden.

The  Vienna City Card  offers a 7%-20% discount on tickets to the palace, maze garden, Cafe Gloriette, Imperial Carriage Museum, and Palm House.

The  Vienna Pass  offers free entrance to the palace, maze garden, and Imperial Carriage Museum.

More about Schönbrunn Palace: A QUICK TRAVEL GUIDE TO VIENNA’S SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA AUSTRIA

Coffee & Cake – Viennese Café Houses

One of the best things to do in Vienna is to drink a cup of coffee and eat cake.

There are many  Viennese coffee houses  to choose from, making it difficult to decide which ones to visit (even if you have 4 days in Vienna and can go to multiple places).

I would, however, make sure to visit  Cafe Central (Herrengasse 14)  and K & K Hofzuckerbäkerei  Demel (Kohlmarkt 14) . It’s not just the amazing coffee and cakes but it’s the entire atmosphere that feels elegant, sophisticated, and inviting all at the same time.

For the Viennese cakes and pastries, I would advise the famous  Sacher Cake  at  Café Central  and the  Kaiserschmarrn (Austrian shredded pancake) at the Demel .

17 BEST DESSERTS IN VIENNA YOU MUST KNOW

Vienna State Opera

One of the finest operas in Europe, the  Vienna Opera House  is known for its first-class ballet and opera performances. Along with stunning Renaissance architecture that builds the perfect mood as you walk past some of the greatest artistic works in the world. 

If you want to see a concert, you can  purchase your tickets on the opera’s official website .

You can also  take a guided tour  and get to know the building’s history and how the opera house works behind the scenes.

Address:  Wiener Staatsoper GmbH, Opernring 2, 1010 Wien

T +43 1 514 44-2250

M  [email protected]

W  wiener-staatsoper.at

How to reach the Vienna State Opera by public transport?

Underground: U1, U2, U4 – Stop at KARLSPLATZ

Book your Ticket here :  Vienna State Opera Skip The Line Tour Ticket

I do have a full Visitors  Guide about the Vienna State Opera   so if you head over to my article you will get to know all the essentials, like Opening Hours, How to buy Tickets, and the Vienna Opera Ball which takes place once a year.

Day 5: Travel to Salzburg and explore the city’s baroque architecture.

Depart for Salzburg, Austria. This baroque city is located on the Salzach River and is known for its picturesque setting and musical history. Spend the day exploring the city’s many sights, including the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the DOM Cathedral, and Mirabell Palace. Be sure to sample some local cuisine, including the city’s famous Mozartkugeln chocolates. In the evening, enjoy a performance of classical music or opera in one of Salzburg’s historic venues.

Read more: ONE DAY IN SALZBURG ITINERARY, WHAT TO DO IN SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – A PERFECT DAY AND TOP SIGHTS

Day 6: Take a day road trip to the Hallstatt

On the sixth day of your Central European vacation, take a day trip to Hallstatt, the most beautiful village in the world. The Hallstatt village is located in the Austrian Alps,

To get to Hallstatt Village, you will take a 60-minute ride from Salzburg.

More Information: TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN HALLSTATT IN 2022, AUSTRIA

Day 7: Explore Innsbruck in Tyrol

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and board your private transfer for the approximately 2-hour journey to Innsbruck. 

Innsbruck is the capital city of the Austrian state of Tyrol and is located in the Inn Valley at the junction of the Wipptal (which it shares with the Italian province of South Tyrol) and the Stubai Valley. The city is an internationally renowned winter sports center and hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, as well as the 1984 and 1988 Winter Paralympics.

Upon arrival in Innsbruck, meet your local guide and begin your walking tour of the city center. Admire the baroque architecture of the Golden Roof, the symbol of Innsbruck and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Continue to the Imperial Palace, a former residence of the Habsburg Dynasty, before heading to the Maria-Theresien Strasse, the main shopping street in Innsbruck.

Later, enjoy some free time to explore Innsbruck at your own pace before returning to your hotel for the night.

Read my complete visitor’s guide of the Innsbruck here (Best Things to Do, Travel Tips, and Best Tours) :

16 BEST THINGS TO DO IN INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA – TOP INNSBRUCK ATTRACTIONS

Day 8: Explore Munich, including the city’s Hofbräuhaus brewery.

Munich is a city rich in culture and history, with plenty to explore. Start your day at the Hofbräuhaus, one of the city’s most famous breweries. Afterward, wander around the city and explore some of the many historical landmarks. Be sure to visit the Marienplatz, the city’s main square, and see the Glockenspiel, a large clock with figures that perform a dance. You can also visit the Frauenkirche, a large Gothic church, and the Residenz, a former royal palace. If you’re interested in art, be sure to check out the Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest art museums in the world. In the evening, grab a bite to eat at one of the city’s many restaurants, or enjoy a beer or glass of wine at a local bar.

More Info: Official Munich Tourism Portal

3 DAYS IN MUNICH – BEST MUNICH ITINERARY

Day 9: Drive to Budapest and explore the city

After breakfast, depart for Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Upon arrival, explore the city with a local guide. Visit the Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise on the Danube River. The evening is free to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Budapest.

Did you know Budapest is actually a blend of two cities – Buda (hilly side) and Pest (flat side)?

Buda and Pest were two separate cities until 1873 when they were united to form the city of Budapest. Although they are now one city, they still maintain their own distinct personalities. Buda is on the hilly side of the city and is home to many of the city’s historic landmarks. Pest is the flat side of the city and is the more modern and cosmopolitan side.

More on Budapest Travel Information:

BUDAPEST – TOP THINGS TO DO AND SEE FOR A MAGNIFICENT CITY TRIP TO HUNGARY (VIDEO GUIDES)

3 DAYS IN BUDAPEST – COMPLETE BUDAPEST ITINERARY

15 BEST PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN BUDAPEST, 50+ PHOTOS! HIDDEN GEMS! VIDEO!

Enjoy a Sightseeing City Tour in Budapest

Budapest Tuk Tuk Sightseeing City Tour.  Budapest Tuk Tuk is unique because it offers a totally private experience, only two people can ride the Tuk Tuk. You can choose where to go or you can change the planned route according to your individual taste. During the ride, the driver (who is also a professional tour guide)  tells all about the city including beautiful hidden spots.

More Information: BUDAPEST PRIVATE SIGHTSEEING CITY TOUR, TRAVEL GUIDE TUK TUK, HUNGARY

Day 10: Depart Central Europe.

After a final breakfast in Central Europe, it’s time to say goodbye and begin your journey home. If you’re departing from Prague, be sure to leave plenty of time to catch your flight. We hope you’ve enjoyed your time in this beautiful and historic part of the world!

How Long to Spend in Central Europe?

Assuming you would like to stick to the more central countries of Europe, we recommend spending at least 10 days in the region . This gives you enough time to explore the major cities and some of the smaller towns without feeling rushed. A suggested itinerary could include spending a few days in Prague to see the Old Town Square and other attractions, followed by stops in Vienna, Budapest, and Kraków. You could also add on other destinations such as Dresden or Munich if you have the time.

What cities should I visit in Central Europe?

If you’re planning a trip to Central Europe, there are a few cities you definitely won’t want to miss. Vienna , Austria is a great place to start – it’s full of culture and history, and there’s plenty to see and do. A day trip to Prague in the Czech Republic is also a must-see – be sure to check out the astronomical clock in the city center and the old town hall. And of course, no trip to Central Europe would be complete without a stop in Budapest, Hungary. The town hall is a must-see, and there are plenty of other sights and attractions to keep you busy.

DAY TRIP TO PRAGUE FROM VIENNA – ONE-DAY ITINERARY

When to visit Central Europe?

Central Europe is a region that is best visited during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall . This is when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, if you are interested in winter sports, then the best time to visit would be during the winter months.

Getting Around Central Europe

There are many ways to get around Central Europe. You can rent a car and drive from country to country , or take trains or buses between cities. If you’re planning a trip to multiple European countries, you may want to consider a Europe-wide itinerary. Vienna, Budapest, and Prague are all popular destinations in Central Europe, and there are many other European countries nearby to explore as well. 🚘 Rent a car on  Rentalcars

Plan your Road Trip?

Have you considered a road trip through Europe to experience European Christmas markets?

If you’re looking for a unique Christmas experience, why not try a road trip through Europe to visit some of the continent’s famous Christmas markets? With their festive atmosphere and abundance of holiday cheer, these markets are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

There are Christmas markets all over Europe, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the most popular markets are located in Germany, France, and Austria. But no matter where you go, you’re sure to find plenty of festive stalls selling everything from traditional Christmas decorations to tasty holiday treats.

So if you’re looking for a festive and fun-filled Christmas adventure, be sure to consider a road trip through Europe to experience some of the continent’s best Christmas markets.

More Information: TOP 10 CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN EUROPE YOU NEED TO VISIT IN 2022

If you’re looking to explore some of the best that Central Europe has to offer, then this 10-day Central Europe itinerary is a great place to start. From the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps to the historic city of Prague, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

25 Magical Fairy tale Villages and towns in Europe

4 days in barcelona itinerary (best travel tips + map 2024).

Prague Vienna Budapest Itinerary 10 days: Central Europe

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One of the most affordable, and culturally intriguing destinations is in Central Europe. In this Prague Vienna Budapest itinerary 10 days, we will share how you can make the most of your visit exploring cities with rich history, stunning architecture, medieval town squares, traditions, and culinary delights. 

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Prague Vienna Budapest Itinerary 10 days + Tips for 12 days in Central Europe

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Here is a quick snapshot of Prague Vienna Budapest itinerary 10 to 12 days (optional)

• Day 1: Arrive in Prague. Stay in Prague here
• Day 2 : Explore Prague city highlights
• Day 3: Take a day trip from Prague to Kutna Hora or Cesky Krumlov
• Day 4: Arrive in Vienna. Book your stay here
• Day 5: Explore Vienna 
• Day 6 : Take a day trip to Wachau Valley from Vienna
• Day 7 : Head to Salzburg, stay here for the night
• Day 8 : Salzburg sightseeing and walking tour
• Day 9 : Arrive in Budapest, explore the main highlights. Stay in Budapest
• Day 10 : Explore more of Budapest, ruin bars, UNESCO sites.
• Optional Day 11 : Head to Bratislava. Stay in Bratislava for the night or return to Budapest on a day tour
• Optional Day 12 : Return

Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary 7 days

If you only have 7 days in Central Europe, consider the following itinerary,

• Day 1: Arrive in Prague. Stay in Prague here 
• Day 3: Arrive in Vienna. Book your stay here
• Day 4: Explore Vienna 
• Day 5 : Take a day trip to Wachau Valley from Vienna (you can skip this if pressed for time)
• Day 6 : Arrive in Budapest, explore the main highlights. Stay in Budapest
• Day 7 : Explore more of Budapest, ruin bars, UNESCO sites.

OR – 7 day Central Europe itinerary

• Day 5 : Travel day from Vienna to Budapest, explore the main highlights. Stay in Budapest
• Day 6: Explore more of Budapest, ruin bars, UNESCO sites
• Day 7 : Have breakfast, go on a half day trip to the artist’s town of Szentendre

Prague, Vienna, Budapest Map

Planning a trip to Central Europe

Arriving in Prague or Central Europe:

Prague is served by the Václav Havel International Airport. Connecting flights are available from the USA and Canada, connecting either via UK or Germany, depending on your departure city. 

From the airport, you can reach the city centre in about 40 minutes by train. We found a taxi or cab to be pretty affordable for two. The average price of a taxi ride from Prague airport to the city centre of Prague is about 694 CZK (or 27€). 

Budapest is also a good option to fly into. If that is what you prefer, then you can use this itinerary in descending order (starting with Budapest). Both Prague and Budapest are pretty affordable for food, hotels, and transport (trains and cabs). 

In this guide, you will find travel tips from visas to packing lists at the end of the itinerary. We have included walking, food and day tours which are pocket friendly, and conducted by local guides in each city, as well. 

Don’t wish to do all the planning? Prefer a vacation package? Check out these Prague Vienna Budapest trips with a tour director.

Day 1 of Prague Vienna Budapest itinerary: Arrive in Prague

The capital city of Czech Republic – Prague, is home to centuries old castles, cathedrals, bridges, showstopper squares and a charming river. It is a history and culture lover’s paradise, from medieval buildings to understanding the remnants of the Communist, and later the Cold War period. 

Arrive in Prague on day one of the Central Europe itinerary, and check in to your hotel. 

Where to stay in Prague?

For a short visit to Prague, we recommend staying in and around the city centre/old town district. Old Town / Staré Město (Prague 1) is home to all the prime attractions and you can walk to these sites, but restaurants and transportation are within walking distance too. Book your stay at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The area near Prague Castle is also popular. If you book hotels with a view, you can walk up to the Old Town sights from your suite. Recommendation: Prague Well

If you prefer staying away from the centre, then Hotel International is a good option. You can easily connect to the old town from here via public transportation. 

Kick start your Prague itinerary by wandering the old town and checking out the iconic landmarks such as the Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock, and ending the day with a tour of your choice. 

UNESCO site of Old Town Prague

Pague is known as the ‘city of thousand spires’ and its old town is recognized as a UNESCO site. The Vltava river flows through the medieval town. 

At the old town square, explore the Church of Our Lady in front of Tyn, the Old Town Hall and the Baroque church of St Nicholas, and more.

Astronomical Clock Tower

The astronomical clock is a popular attraction in Prague. The clock showcases a musical show every hour, called the “walk of the Apostles”. This spot is usually very crowded, and you have to be patient to click a crowd-free photograph. 

It is the third oldest astronomical clock, and dates back to 1410. 

Although the attraction is free to view, and watch the musical show, you have to pay an entry fee to visit the tower interiors. 

As you wander the old town, don’t forget to eat chimney cake or Trdelnik and go for some souvenir shopping.

Charles Bridge

You cannot miss the Charles Bridge in Prague. It was built by King Charles IV over the Vltava river. 

The Charles Bridge was the most important transport connection between Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town and adjacent areas. The bridge is decorated with 30 statues and figurines. The original statues were designed in baroque-style and are now replaced by replicas.

The main bridge is protected by three bridge towers, two of them are located on the Lesser Quarter side and one on the Old Town side, which is the Old Town Bridge Tower. 

Tours for the evening

Charles Bridge is constructed over the Vltava River. For your activities in the evening, you can enjoy an evening one-hour tour over the Vltava river .

You may also like this: Another tour with sightseeing and cruise over the Vltava.

If you prefer something spooky then opt for the Ghost and Legends of the Old Town Evening Walking Tour. This is a 1.50 hour tour, and it is filled with mysterious and intriguing stories and secrets of the city of Prague.

In this tour, you will wander through dark ‘spooky’ alleys and listen to horror stories of the past – from murders, monsters, to spirits. You can book this Ghosts and Spirits tour here

More Prague Night Tours here

After the tour, finish the night with a dinner of goulash!

Day 2 of Prague Vienna Budapest itinerary: More of Prague

Start day 2 of Prague, Vienna and Budapest itinerary with Prague Castle, and the modern historical landmarks. 

Prague Castle Complex

From your centrally located hotel, head to the Prague Castle and plan to spend 2-4 hours there. 

Prague Castle is the world’s oldest castle, and it is also a living castle. The Czech President actually resides here. Explore the marvels of Prague Castle district in a 3 hour guided tour – book it here.

The Prague Castle has a very intriguing past. Stories of traitors being thrown out of the castle windows (the word “defenestration” originated after this incident), jewel crowns stolen, churches named after dancing saints and the list goes on.

At the Prague Castle complex, do check out the following,

• Mihulka Powder Tower (Prašná věž Mihulka): This is the Power Tower located in Prague Castle, originally used as a gunpowder storage room. The viewing gallery of the powder tower offers mesmerizing views over the city of Prague.
• St Vitus Cathedral: St Vitus Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located at the complex. The church was constructed in Gothic style, and the interiors, including the altar are gorgeous.
• Golden Lane: There is a cute small lane located near the Castle, called the Golden lane. House 22 here belongs to Franz Kafka. This is where he lived there with his sister for many years, by Prague Castle.

Views from Prague Castle are wonderful, and you can capture the beautiful Vltava and Charles Bridge from here. There are vineyards located near the Castle. 

From the Castle complex, head back to the old town to take a guided tour of the Jewish Quarters. 

Jewish Quarters – Old New Synagogue

One of the oldest living Jewish synagogues is located in Prague. The Old New Synagogue in Prague dates back to the 13th century, and it has gone through so much history, fires and destruction. 

The synagogue still stands strong, and is a testimony to Jewish contributions to Prague.

In the Jewish Quarters, you will find six synagogues including the Old New Synagogue and an old Jewish cemetery. It is worth taking the time to visit them. Here is an entry ticket as well as a guided tour of the Jewish Quarters in Old Town. 

In the late afternoon, head to Letna Park. 

Letna Park is a beautiful park located on a hill called Letna and it offers amazing views over Prague Old Town, along with the Vltava river. It is a steep hike to access the park, but it is all worth it. 

You can also visit the “Hanavský Pavilion”, which is an exhibition hall. 

If you have wish to swap a climb to the Letna Park or something else, then here are a few recommendations,

• State Opera House: Prague’s State Opera House was constructed in the 19th century. This opera house was called the German Theatre previously, and today it is home to 300 performances a year. 
• John Lennon Wall: The John Lennon Wall is increasingly becoming a popular tourist spot in Prague. Prior to the death of John Lennon, it was a normal wall. When John Lennon died, the youth of Prague grieved his passing by pouring their heart out on this wall.
• Wenceslas Square: Wenceslas Square is part of the New Town Prague area created by Charles IV in the 14th century. This square was the originating point of the Velvet Revolution and currently, it is home to the National Museum.
• Dancing House: The Dancing House is a modern structure in Prague, and it is quite a hit with Instagrammers. The house is used as an office building, offering views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle. 

For dinner today, opt for a traditional Czech dinner of goulash, homemade bread or dumplings, beer, or wine at Czech Slovak Restaurant Lounge Bar.

Day 3 of Prague Vienna and Budapest Itinerary: Day trip to Cesky Krumlov 

On day 3, venture outside of Prague to the fairytale town of Český Krumlov. 

Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO heritage-listed town located in southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. This stunning town is bisected by the Vltava River, and is dominated by a landmark 13th-century castle. 

You can take the train, or book a full day trip to Cesky Krumluv with lunch.

On a day trip, do check out the castle which has pretty Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, and the 17th-century baroque theater.

Alternative option is to explore Kutna Hora for a half day trip. Kutna Hora is located an hour away from Prague and is home to two UNESCO heritage sites – St Barbara’s Church and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec.

Kutná Hora Bone Church is popular with visitors. This church is made up of 40,000 bones and has bone chandeliers inside too. Book your day tour to Kutna Hora here

Day 4 Vienna Prague Budapest Itinerary: Arrive in Vienna Austria

From Prague make your way to Vienna, the capital city of Austria. If you are driving, it will take you about 3.50 hours by road, and trains take a little over 4+ hours. You can also get on an overnight night. 

Trains leave at 10:30 pm from Prague, and arrive in Vienna by 06:40 am in the morning, so you will have the full day to explore (and also save on accommodation on day 3).

Where to stay in Vienna? 

We recommend the inner city for your accommodation in Vienna. 

Boutique Hotel am Stephansplatz is a 4 star boutique hotel in the heart of the city. All old town attractions are within walking distance from here. Book your stay here

Singerstrasse21/25 is a fuss-free hotel, located in the central district of Vienna and offering views of St Stephen’s Cathedral.  Book your stay here

If you prefer staying a little outside of the center, choose the Trend Austria Hotel . This location is also good, and you can access the old town via the Rathaus Underground Station (public transportation). Book your stay here

Once you arrive in Vienna head straight to the inner city. Check in to your hotel, grab coffee and breakfast. After breakfast, start your sightseeing in Vienna!

The Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace was the imperial seat of the Hapsburg Dynasty in Austria. It served as the prime residence for Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz II, and, for a while, even the German Emperor. 

The complex is spread over 59 acres and comprises 18 groups of buildings, close to 20 courtyards, and around 2600 rooms. The outside of the palace is as beautiful as the inside.

Heldenplatz is a public space located in front of the Hofburg Palace. This square was set up as a Heroes Square. 

St Stephen’s Cathedral

St Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The cathedral has stood the test of time, and has watched over the city for more than 300 years.The cathedral is decorated with Baroque altarpieces in the name of St. Stephen, the first martyr of Christendom.

For lunch or evening snack (depending on the time of time), hit the Graben Vienna. It is an upscale and trendy shopping street, and you will find cafes and restaurants for a meal. 

Prater amusement park

End the night with a ferris wheel ride at the Wiener Riesenrad, or Riesenrad. It is one of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions and is quite iconic to the city and the district.

Day 5 Vienna Prague Budapest Itinerary: More of Vienna

Day two of Vienna Itinerary is all about palaces – Schonbrunn and the Belvedere Palaces. 

Schonbrunn Palace

Schonbrunn Palace is one of Europe’s finest palaces, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in the early 18th century, in yellow-color highlighting the time of the preference of the Queen of the Hapsburg dynasty.

You can book a guided tour of the Schonbrunn Palace complex. This tour takes you to the palace and allows you free time at the gardens. This palace is massive with over 1440 rooms!

Belvedere Palace

After the Schönbrunn Palace, head to the Belvedere Palace. 

Belvedere Palace comprises two Baroque palaces – the Orangery and the Palace Stables, which is set on an expansive Baroque park on the south-eastern edge of its centre. The palaces date back to the 18th century. Get a tour of the Belvedere Palace 

Alternate option: If you only wish to pick one palace, we recommend the Schonbrunn Palace. And in the afternoon you can join a food tour. This tour is for 3 hours, and starts at 2:30 pm. Once you pick the date, you will see options for timing and a meeting point. 

Vienna State Opera & dinner 

For the evening and dinner, visit the Wiener Staatsoper or the Vienna State Opera. The Vienna State Opera is particularly unique as it caters to children’s performances. 

You can enjoy a concert with dinner at the Vienna Opera House.

More options: Prefer a Mozart Concert, with dinner and a romantic carriage ride, this is a ticket/tour to consider.

Day 6 Vienna Prague Budapest Itinerary: Day trip to Wachau Valley

On day 6 of the itinerary, head to the lower Danube Valley. Wachau Valley is known for its vineyards, ancient ruins, Benedictine Abbey, and the mesmerizing Danube River. 

Travel time is 1.50 hours by road or train. You can also book a full day tour with round transportation. Here is a day tour to the Wachau Valley from Vienna

In Wachau Valley, visit a vineyard and go wine tasting. Learn more about the wine tours here

In terms of attractions, Benedictine and the Melk Abbeys and the ancient ruins in Melk and Dürnstein are a must visit. 

Alternate Option : Book a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna, and check off another Central European destination. 

Day 7 Vienna Prague Budapest Itinerary: Arrive in Salzburg

Salzburg is also a day trip option from Vienna, but we recommend staying there for a night or two and enjoy the city. 

If you are driving it will take you 3 – 4 hours, trains take about 2.50 hours. The train station is located very close to the old town, so once you arrive check into your hotel, and then get ready to explore. 

Where to stay in Salzburg? 

Star Inn Hotel Premium Salzburg Gablerbräu, by Quality, is a good value accommodation located close to the Altstadt. Check out pictures here

Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Salzburg is another great option. It is a 5 star property housed in a building dating to the 14th century. Check prices here

On day one of the Salzburg itinerary, check off a few quick and easy attractions in old town.  

Mozart Square & Mozart House no 9

Visit the Mozart Square, where the statue of the composer – Mozart, is located. Mozart was born in Salzburg and this statue is dedicated to him and work. In and around the square, you will find souvenir stores, the Salzburg information center, and other shops.

If interested you can visit the Mozart house (House no 9), located a few blocks away. The house contains Mozart’s personal items, and history and information about his life. 

Cruise and Hellbrunn Palace Visit 

In the afternoon you can enjoy a sightseeing cruise ride on the Salzach River, and visit the Hellbrunn Palace. This entire tour is 2.50 hours, and will allow you to check off both in the afternoon. 

You can check out the tour here.

Hellbrunn Palace is a Baroque villa, dating back to the early 17th century. It was built by Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, who was the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg.

In the evening, enjoy a nice stroll at the Getreidegasse. Imagine this lane at Christmas time –  it looks beautiful and decorations and festive cheer in the air. 

Day 8 Vienna Prague Budapest Itinerary: Salzburg Austria

Salzburg is not only home to medieval buildings and all things pretty, but it is also surrounded by stunning landscapes and the Alps.

Sound of Music Tour

Popular movie ‘Sound of Music’ was shot in Salzburg, and you can experience the same magic live, by touring the movie locations. 

From epic locations to capture the best Instagrammable shots, you will love this tour. Here is the recommended 4 hour Original Sound of Music Tour

If the Sound of Music tour is not your thing, then visit the beautiful Mirabell Gardens instead. 

Mirabell Gardens

Part of the music scenes of the movie were shot at the Mirabell Gardens, and they are a part of the Mirabell Palace complex. The spot is a part of the Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In the old town of Salzburg, you must also check out the Salzburg Cathedral, and other historical sites.

Recommended : 2 hour walking tour of Old Town with access to Mirabell Gardens.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress is the iconic landmark of Salzburg. It was built by an archbishop to protect the city from enemies in the 11th century.  

Located atop the Festungsberg, you can take a funicular to reach the top of the fortress or hike to the top. Hohensalzburg is the largest medieval castle in Europe.

The complex is home to museums, chapels, and amazing city views from the top. 

Read : Our 2 day Salzburg itinerary

Day 9 Budapest Vienna Prague Itinerary: Arrive in Budapest

From Austria head to the capital city of Hungary – Budapest. You are left with 1.50 day to take in the city highlights.

Salzburg to Budapest is 5.50 hours by train, and by road/car. 

Where to stay in Budapest?

Danubius Hotel Astoria is a beautiful hotel located in the Budapest city centre. It has stunning suites, and there is also a pool onsite. Sightseeing attractions and transport connections are easy from here. Check out more photos here.

Another option is to stay at a mid budget iBis Style Hotel. It is a straightforward hotel, offering free wifi and breakfast, and cute drawings in the rooms!

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

After checking in to your hotel, head to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Budapest is known for its thermal waters. These baths have medicinal properties, and they promote health and wellness. Get your 1 day pass to the Széchenyi thermal bath here

Other thermal baths in Budapest include: Gellért Thermal Baths, Rudas Thermal Baths

Danube Sightseeing Cruise

After a relaxing bath, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Danube River.

In this tour, you will also get the opportunity to see all of the Budapest city attractions under the moonlight. We particularly enjoyed capturing the incredible Parliament building of Hungary and the Szechenyi Chain bridge at night. 

This is a great way to ‘see’ the city when you are pressed for time. 

Dinner cruises are for 2.50 hours. The cost of dinner cruises starts at 55 Euros or about 70 USD. Book your Danube dinner cruise here

Read about our Danube Dinner Cruise Experience and our 2 day Budapest itinerary

Day 10 Budapest Vienna Prague Itinerary: Budapest Hungary

On your final day in 10 day Budapest Vienna and Prague itinerary will be jam packed with activities. 

Hungarian Parliament

In the morning, take a trip to the Hungarian Parliament, which is one of the stunning and iconic landmarks of Budapest.  

Guided tours are available as well . If you are not interested in any tours, admire the beautiful building from the outside. Tons of photo opportunities here.

Dohány Street Synagogue & Ruin Bars

Next visit the Jewish Synagogue – Dohány Street Synagogue. It is the largest Jewish house of worship in the world. Also known as the Great Synagogue (or Tabakgasse Synagogue).

To make the most of your day, we highly recommend taking a walking tour that covers the synagogue, takes you to a ruin bar, and provides you with a history of the area and Budapest.

This 3 hour guided tour covers the Jewish quarters with a historian who is your tour guide, a drink at the ruin bars, and an awesome street art exploration. Book your walking tour here

Buda Castle district

Spend the remainder of the day at the Buda Castle District. 

This central area, in Budapest, along the Danube River is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes important sites like the Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Gresham Palace, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Matthias Church, Liberty Statue, and the Hungarian Parliament.

Do check out the stunning St Matthias Church (dates back to the 1015), designed in Romanesque style. 

Wander over to the towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion, and soak in views of the Danube, Margaret Island, Pest to the east, the Gellért Hill, and of course the stunning Hungarian Parliament. You can also book a guided tour of the complex to learn about its history. 

New York Cafe Budapest

Bid adieu to Budapest by grabbing a drink (or coffee and cake) at the stunning New York Cafe. 

Optional Day 11 Vienna Prague Budapest Itinerary: Bratislava

If you have additional 1-2 days in Central Europe, consider taking a day trip to Eger or Lake Balaton in Hungary. 

Prefer to add another country, opt for Slovakia. 

Vienna to Bratislava which is an hour drive one way is the most popular, followed by Budapest which is 2 hours drive away one-way. The main train station is located just 10 minutes from Old Town and the bus station is close by as well (just in the opposite direction).

You can also add this as a day trip from Vienna to Bratislava instead of the Wachau Valley on day 6. Here is a day tour option.

The Old Town of Bratislava is very compact. During your trip, you must visit the Old town square – Hlavne Namestie. Hlavné Námestie is free to visit and there are other buildings of historical importance that are located in and around it. 

Roland fountain and the national theater are located in the same area.

If you have time on your hand, visit the Bratislava Castle . Due to its location, and elevation you are welcomed to spectacular views of the Danube river valley, parts of Bratislava, and even Hungary.

You can either conclude the trip here and return to Budapest to fly out the next day. Or stay at Hotel iBis Bratislava in the city center. Book your stay here.

Optional Day 12 Vienna Prague Budapest Itinerary: Bratislava/ Budapest return

On your final day of Prague, Vienna Budapest itinerary 12 days, explore the Blue Church in Bratislava. The St Elizabeth Church is a secessionist church located in the old town. It is a superb example of nouveau architecture and the color blue just adds to its beauty.

Add one last item to your itinerary, which is the quirky UFO Bridge. Officially known as the Slovenske Narodne Povstanie Bridge, this bridge is an iconic landmark in Bratislava. 

It also has a UFO-like observation deck, and a restaurant. 

After sightseeing, make your way to Vienna or Budapest from Bratislava and fly back!

Must Read: 14 Day Central Europe Itinerary with Munich, Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava 

Planning for Vienna Prague Budapest Bratislava Itinerary 10 to 12 days

Quick information | tourist visa | currency | language .

In this section, you will find all the essential travel tips to prepare for your trip to Central Europe, 

Schengen Visa is accepted in all the 3 (including Slovakia) countries. This is a tourist visa required for non-visa exempt passport holders. 

If you are visiting only these countries and not leaving the Schengen area then a single-entry Schengen Visa with the right amount of days will be sufficient. Learn about the Schengen Visa application

US and Canadian passport holders can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. From 2022 onwards, an ETIAS, which is an online travel authorization system has to be applied prior to traveling to the Schengen zone of countries.

Budget for Prague Vienna Budapest 

Prague is the most affordable out of the 3 cities. Food and transport is incredibly cheap. Allot $95 USD per day per person (with food, transport, hotel on twin share).

For Budapest, set aside $110-$120 USD per person per day (twin share basis). 

Average travel costs for Vienna is about $140 USD per day per person (twin share basis). 

You can go for less, by staying in hostels. The prices listed here are for mid budget hotels, tours, and meals in a decent restaurant. 

When is the best time to go to Central Europe?

You can visit Prague Vienna and Budapest at all times of the year. However, there are a few seasons where the cities glow in festivities and seasonal experiences which will enhance your overall vacation.

All the Central European are an all year destination meaning the prime attractions are open daily (except for certain holidays). All the cities experience 4 distinctive seasons.

Summers and winters are a popular time to visit Central Europe. It is particularly a Christmas market bucket list favorite. Prague, Vienna and Salzburg are decked up for the festive season from end of November, and festivities continue until the first week of January. 

Springtime is a little tricky. Prague in March is great to visit for Easter markets, the same goes for Vienna – the weather is warming up, and flowers are springing up again. But Budapest is usually rainy, and you can expect overcast days.

You must carry a warm sweater or jacket in early spring days. 

If you wish to visit in the shoulder season, consider visiting in the autumn months . All the cities are beautiful in the fall, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds – allowing you to photograph landmarks and just enjoy them at your pace. 

What to pack for Central Europe for 10 days?

Prague and Budapest are beautiful cities. As a traveler, you can wear casual, but elegant clothes. Vienna is a little more fashionable and super stylish (as compared to Prague and Budapest). Locals are very well-dressed. 

We recommend wearing elegant and clean fabrics – without any large logos, or loud colors. Go subtle, and neutral colors. Accessorize with a scarf, beret or one statement piece of jewelry. 

There will be a lot of walking on cobblestones lanes, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is a must. 

We recommend packing and carrying items in a carry-on preferably a backpack because you will be traveling a lot by train – transiting from one country to another. 

We prefer to pack light and use our Pacsafe Venturesafe 45 L (45 litre) when we travel to Europe.

Pacsafe is made of anti-theft and slash proof material, and it keeps our belongings safe when we are using public transportation. 

What we like about this backpack is that it opens up from the side like a suitcase and makes it easy to store our packing cubes , and access items conveniently. It has pockets for organization to keep our charging cables, universal adaptor, notebook, and toiletries . 

Here is the entire list of packing items for trip to Central Europe

• Tops: Long sleeve shirts, blouses & tops (for her)
• Bottoms: Jeans (in dark colors), linen pants leggings 
• Dress: Flowy dresses . Nice sweater Dress for dinners out in the winter
• Comfortable walking shoes or winter boots (winter)
• Winter Parka, wool coat (winter)
• Lightweight waterproof jacket (all seasons)
• Sunglasses & sunscreen 
• Stylish accessories – Scarf, Gloves, beret
• Charger: Carry multi charging cables. They are so handy to charge multiple tech devices. This is our favorite.  
• Universal Adaptor: A universal adaptor is a must. Europe uses a plug with two round pins (type C), unlike the flat ones in North America. You can buy yours here
• Camera : Don’t forget your camera. Our camera gear – Sony Mirrorless Camera and Sony AR7iii. 
• SD Card: To back up all the photos you will be capturing in Europe
• Passport: Check the validity of the passport (not expired). Visa-related documents, if it applies. 
• Currency and Credit Cards : Don’t forget your credit cards and currency 
• Travel Insurance : Get travel insurance quotes for your trip here

Additional Tips: 10 to 12 days in Prague Vienna Budapest Itinerary

At a minimum, set aside 2 full days (each) in Budapest and Prague. This will allow you to spend one day at the Old Town, and set aside another day for experiencing some cultural and relaxing tours, and venture a bit outside of the centre.

You can easily explore all the three cities in as short as 7 days to a maximum of 14 days comfortably adding a couple of day trips from each destination as well.

Trains can be used to reach Vienna and Budapest from Prague. There are regular trains connecting Prague and Vienna (we recommend an overnight train – as Prague to Vienna train takes over 7+ hours long). Prague and Budapest are connected by Railjet high speed trains. This train departs from the central Prague rail station called Praha Hlavni Nadrazi and arrives at the central Budapest train station called Keleti. Prague to Budapest takes about 5.50 hours.  Vienna to Budapest takes about 3.50 hours by train.

We found an overnight train from Prague to Vienna one of the best ways to travel – saving time (for sightseeing), and saving money on accommodation. Next best option is to drive.

We have handpicked our top picks here

We hope you found this Vienna, Salzburg-Prague, Budapest itinerary useful in planning yours! Have more questions? Let us know in the comments

Pin: Vienna Prague Budapest itinerary 10 days to 12 days

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Your 7-Day Travel Itinerary between Vienna, Budapest, and Prague

Table of contents Show

Budapest (days 1-2), day 3-4: vienna, day 5-6: prague, day 7: departure, what is the best month to visit prague, vienna and budapest , day 1: hello prague, day 2: prague: history walk, day 3: discover vienna, the music city, day 4: vienna—imperial splendor, day 5: budapest, the danube pearl, day 6: budapest – celebrating history and culture, day 7: central europe goodbye, effortless travel between vienna, budapest, and prague with seamless train journeys.

The Prague, Vienna, and Budapest 7-day itinerary will take you through the heart of Central Europe, revealing the rich history, cultural tapestry, and architectural wonders of three wonderful cities: Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. This painstakingly prepared Prague Vienna Budapest 7 days itinerary promises a beautiful blend of imperial elegance, dynamic urban life, and medieval charm, providing an outstanding experience.

A first-time visitor to the regions will enjoy spending most of their time seeing the famous landmarks in these towns, but if you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path attractions and day trips, you’ll find them in the fine print. 

The itinerary starts in Prague and finishes in Budapest, but keep in mind that these cities are not too far from each other, so you may easily rearrange the stops if you like. 

Read on for the best Prague, Vienna, and Budapest 7-day itinerary !

How Many Days for a Whirlwind Tour of Budapest, Vienna, and Prague

How many days in Budapest, Vienna and Prague? In order to see the main attractions  and to explore Budapest, Vienna, and Prague in a short amount of time, a 5- to 7-day plan would be ideal.:

• Stop by Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle to explore.
• Take a walk along the Danube Promenade and see the Hungarian Parliament Building.
• Take it easy at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
• Stop by the historic district and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
• See the gardens and Schönbrunn Palace.
• Marvel at the Belvedere Palace’s cultural treasures.
• Take a trip to the National Gallery, the Museum of Communism, or the Jewish Quarter.
• Delve into Petřín Hill and stroll idly by the Vltava River.
• Spend more time seeing any remaining attractions or enjoying some downtime.
• Leave the city of Prague.

This itinerary provides you with a taste of the top sights in each city, so you can see the architectural, historical, and cultural landmarks in a shorter amount of time. Modifications can be made according to individual tastes and the speed of travel.

Which is the best month to visit Prague, Vienna and budapest ? Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) are ideal times to visit Budapest, Prague, and Vienna. The weather is usually pleasant and moderate throughout these months, so it’s perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 

It is recommended that you verify the exact weather prediction for your travel dates since weather conditions can vary. Also, plan ahead, particularly during busy seasons, to secure a place to stay and entrance to famous sights, and keep an eye out for big events or festivals that could impact your trip.

Discover the Heart of Europe: A 7-Day Prague, Vienna, Budapest Itinerary

To make the best of your trip across the three beautiful cities,check out this Prague, Vienna, and Budapest 7-day itinerary. If you are  considering public transport which is very convinient, stop by the Prague ÚAN Florenc bus station .Remember that this is a general guide; you can customize it to your tastes.

Welcome to Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Start your tour in Prague Castle, the world’s largest ancient castle complex. Walk across the statue-lined Charles Bridge for stunning views of the Vltava River. End the day with the Old Town Square astronomical clock for its famed animated hourly spectacle.

Discover Prague’s rich history in Josefov, the ancient Jewish Quarter. Discover the hauntingly gorgeous Old Jewish Cemetery and antique synagogues. Explore Lesser Town’s charming passageways and St. Nicholas Church in the afternoon. Take a Vltava river cruise to see the city’s skyline to end the day.

Leave Prague for Vienna via rail. Lose yourself at Schönbrunn Palace’s gardens, the former imperial summer palace. Vienna’s big concert halls provide outstanding classical music concerts throughout the evening. Enjoy Mozart and Strauss’s music and the city’s musical tradition.

First, visit Vienna’s famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Before visiting a Viennese cafe, walk through Graben’s lively shopping district. Visit the Royal Hofburg Palace, once home to the Habsburgs. Finish your day at Belvedere Palace, home to Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.”

After leaving Vienna, take a picturesque train to Budapest, Hungary’s charming capital. Visit the architectural marvel Hungarian Parliament Building to begin your tour. The Danube River leads to Castle Hill, offering panoramic city views. Relax and refresh in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths after a day of touring.

The chilling House of Terror Museum depicts Hungary’s worst moments. The largest synagogue in Europe, brilliant street art, and lively ruin bars await in the Jewish Quarter. Immerse yourself in Hungarian culture with a traditional meal and folklore show in the evening.

On your final day, cruise the Danube River and admire the beauty. Enjoy a breakfast at one of Budapest’s riverbank cafes before leaving Central Europe. Keep memories of magical cities, fascinating history, and a desire to return.

With the help of our Prague, Vienna, and Budapest 7-day itinerary you were able to visit the three cities rich in history, art, and culture. This 7-day trip took you across Central Europe’s fairytale castles and beautiful landscapes. Your recollections from this journey will forever inspire you to seek more remarkable adventures. Pack up and prepare to discover a new world! 

Central Europe is a stunning destination, and traveling there has never been simpler. Vienna, Budapest, and Prague are now conveniently accessible by rail, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in their rich history, culture, and beauty.

Take advantage of a pleasant and interesting journey through Central Europe, as well as the opportunity to explore the gorgeous Central European landscapes, by taking a Prague Vienna Budapest train

What are some recommended local dishes to try in each city to experience authentic local cuisine?

Each city offers unique local dishes : Prague is known for its goulash and dumplings, Vienna for Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte, and Budapest for goulash soup and chimney cake. Trying these will enhance your cultural experience.

Are there any tips for navigating public transportation in each city, particularly for first-time visitors?

Public transportation is efficient in all three cities. Familiarize yourself with each city’s system, consider purchasing day or multi-day passes, and use apps for real-time information.

Can the itinerary be adjusted for travelers with mobility issues or disabilities?

The itinerary can be adapted for those with mobility issues. Major attractions in these cities are generally accessible, but it’s best to plan and confirm accessibility in advance.

What are some lesser-known attractions in each city that could be added to the itinerary for a more unique experience?

For a unique experience, explore lesser-known sites like Vyšehrad in Prague, Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, and the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum in Budapest.

How can travelers manage currency exchange and handle multiple currencies efficiently while traveling through these three different countries?

Manage currencies by using a multi-currency bank card or withdrawing local currencies at ATMs. It’s practical to familiarize yourself with the exchange rates and budget accordingly.

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Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Beyond: Epic Central Europe Itinerary

Prague, Vienna, Budapest: these illustrious capital cities of Central Europe have successfully emerged from the shadow of cities like Paris and London over the last few decades to become well-deserved tourist hotspots.

With their regal beauty, distinct personalities, and storied history, a trip through the cities Central Europe offers an opportunity to see a unique piece of Europe that folds seamlessly into the cultures that envelope it from all sides, and yet the region maintains its own identity that is neither western or eastern, northern or southern.

Table of Contents

How Long to Visit Central Europe

Prague: 2 days, vienna: 3 days, bratislava: 1 day, budapest: 3 days, more time in central europe, getting around central europe, the best time to visit central europe, central europe travel tip: currency changes, what to pack for a trip to central europe.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

We’ve included 4 cities in this Central Europe itinerary: Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, the lesser-known and yet extremely conveniently located capital city of Slovakia, which we think makes an excellent short addition onto this journey.

I’ve noted the minimum number of days we recommend spending in each city below, and with those numbers in mind, this Central Europe itinerary can be comfortably completed in just under 2 weeks.

However, there is a nearly endless list of incredible destinations at your fingertips once you arrive in the region, and if you have more than 2 weeks in Central Europe, you can easily fill up your extra days, weeks, or months, and we’ll give some suggestions on where else to go below.

Called the city of 100 spires for its remarkable architecture, Prague is known for being one of the most picturesque cities in Central Europe, and its skyline definitely delivers.

Walking around Prague feels like walking around in a (very crowded) fairytale, and simply drinking in its beauty (and its beer) is an unforgettable experience.

With views like that, spending a couple of days in Prague makes for a perfect first stop on your Central Europe itinerary!

Top Things to Do in Prague

Visit prague castle & st. vitus cathedral..

Dating from the 9th century, Prague Castle (and the impressive St. Vitus Cathedral that is nestled inside its courtyard) dominate the Prague skyline.

Be sure to visit to see some of Prague’s amazing architectural feats up close, and also to explore a piece of history.

The castle has served as a home to leaders of the Holy Roman Empire, of Bohemia, of the country of Czechoslovakia, and even today it serves as the office of Czechia’s president.

Book your tickets to visit Prague Castle now!

Take in views of Prague from above.

Prague’s skyline is one of its strong points, so be sure to seek out multiple angles on it during your visit!

Our personal favorite view is from the Old Town Bridge Tower, and admiring that view is one of our favorite memories from our first few days in Prague –it boasts an amazing view in each direction and is inexpensive and easy to access.

Stroll across the Charles Bridge.

A stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge is a must-do during any trip to Prague–but if you’d like to experience it without several hundred other people, you may want to consider visiting at dawn.

Check out the Old Town Square.

With its beautiful buildings, central location, and famous astronomical clock, Prague’s Old Town Square makes a great starting point for your visit, and many of Prague’s highlights are within easy walking distance of the square.

Things to Consider in Prague

Prague is not remotely offbeat, underrated, or unexplored..

There seems to be a myth that persists about Prague in travel writing that it is somehow still under the radar… but that is not the case.

While there are offbeat things to do in Prague , it is also small, significantly less expensive than many western European capital cities (looking at you, Paris), and arguably just as beautiful as many of them–so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is often extremely crowded.

If you can, plan your Central Europe trip outside of peak season–Prague in the summer is a very congested place.

Prague’s taxi drivers are notoriously dishonest.

Luckily, Prague’s public transportation system is more than adequate, and between that and the fact that Uber is available in the city, you can likely avoid using taxis altogether.

Beer really is cheaper than water.

… In other words, kick back and enjoy!

Czech beer is incredibly tasty and incredibly inexpensive, and the food in Prague –especially if you’re traveling in winter–is delicious as well, once you give it a chance.

Where to Stay in Prague

Central Spot Prague Apartments — If you want simple, clean lodging at a budget price and don’t want to sacrifice much on location, Central Spot Prague Apartments is a great option in the city.

Check rates & book your stay at Central Spot Prague Apartments!

Gorgeous Prague Rooms — You can’t ask for a better location than this! Spacious rooms, a perfect location, and a moderate price are a fantastic combination.

Check rates & book your stay at Prague Gorgeous Rooms!

Royal Route Residence — A beautifully decorated apartment just steps from the Old Town Square, plus wonderful views–what more could you ask for in Prague?

Check rates & book your stay at the Royal Route Residence!

Regal, refined, and stately are the first adjectives that come to mind when I think of Vienna–distinctly different from Prague and yet also incredibly beautiful in its way, the capital of Austria makes a fantastic next destination on your Central Europe itinerary. 

Top Things to Do in Vienna

Tour the palaces..

Between Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, and the museums they contain, you could very easily entertain yourself for days in Vienna exploring its imperial history alone!

Experience a Viennese cafe.

Cafe culture is strong in Vienna, where coffee and cake is served in elegant, glamorous settings.

Even if you’re a big coffee fan like us, be sure to set aside your caffeination fixation at least once in Vienna to order a cup of hot chocolate Viennese-style, with cream and cinnamon–you won’t regret it, and if you’re anything like us, it just may become one of your favorite things to do in Vienna !

Step inside St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Dating back to the 14th century, St. Stephen’s Cathedral boasts an impressive Gothic interior, a colorful tiled roof, and–perhaps best of all–beautiful views of Vienna from both its north and south towers.

Visit the Vienna State Opera.

If you’re a fan of the opera–or you’re just curious about it and want to have a glamorous night out–it’s hard to imagine a better city to visit than Vienna! The classical music culture in the city is unparalleled, and the opera house itself is a work of art.

Bonus: Visit Vienna’s Christmas Markets.

If you happen to be planning a late-November or December trip to Central Europe, you can’t beat Vienna’s Christmas markets! The city fills to the brim with them each season, boasting over 20 places to taste delicious snacks, sip hot drinks, and shop for beautiful decor and crafts.

Things to Consider in Vienna

The city is quite spread out–prepare to use public transportation regularly..

While many European capital cities are quite dense and walkable, that is not the case for Vienna: spending a few days there will almost certainly require at least a couple rides on public transportation each day!

Vienna will be the most expensive stop on your Central Europe itinerary.

While Vienna is far from the most expensive city in Europe, it does come with a higher price tag than Prague, Budapest, and Bratislava do. Prepare for a bit of sticker shock after your time in Prague, especially when it comes to the cost of lodging and tourist attractions.

Consider purchasing a Vienna City Card.

Because of these costs, if you’re planning on spending a few days in Vienna and hope to hit several of its highlights, consider purchasing the Vienna City Card –not only does it provide discounts of many attractions, but it includes all public transportation while the card is active, which can add up quickly at 2.4 Euros/ride!

Check rates on the Vienna City Card now!

Where to Stay in Vienna

Hotel Pension Baron am Schottentor — With tons of character and a central location, Hotel Pension Baron am Schottentor is a perfect budget option in Vienna (and yes–budget prices in Vienna are definitely more than budget prices in Prague).

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Pension Baron am Scottentor!

Apartments Spittelberg Gardegasse — Large, bright, and boasting city views, Apartments Spittelberg Gardegasse is perfect for people looking for an extremely central location in Vienna without paying luxury prices.

Check rates & book your stay at Apartments Spittelberg Gardegasse!

Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt — If you’re looking for a spacious, beautifully decorated hotel experience, complete with a delicious breakfast and a fabulous location, Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt is the place for you!

Check rates & book your stay at Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt!

Despite being located less than 2 hours by train or 1 hour by car from Vienna, Bratislava is often overlooked on Central Europe itineraries that tend to highlight Prague, Vienna, and Budapest–and that’s a shame.

True, Bratislava isn’t necessarily the showstopper that the other 3 cities are, but it’s charming, extremely inexpensive, easy to access, and offers a chance to get slightly offbeat and experience a European city less visited than the others on this itinerary.

You won’t need long here–but Bratislava is worth the detour.

Top Things to Do in Bratislava

Pay a visit to bratislava castle..

Bratislava’s beautiful castle looms over the city, standing high above the Danube River. On a beautiful day, you can see both Austria and Hungary from the castle!

Check out Michael’s Gate.

Dating back to the end of the 13th century, Michael’s Gate was once part of the medieval fortifications of the city. It was originally the smallest of four gates in Bratislava’s walls, but it is the only one still standing today.

Marvel at St. Elizabeth’s Church.

Also known as “the Blue Church” due to its unforgettable blue interior and exterior, this Hungarian Secessionist Church is a must-see spot in Bratislava–no matter how many churches you happen to visit as you make your way through Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, I guarantee that this one will stick out in your memory.

Wander through Bratislava’s picturesque Old Town.

Pastel buildings, winding roads, quirky museums, the main square, the Slovak National Theatre… the majority of the highlights of Bratislava are contained within its Old Town, making it the perfect place to base yourself during your stay.

Separate from any particular highlights, though, is the simple joy of walking around the small city–include some time for wandering during your stop in Bratislava!

Things to Consider in Bratislava

Bratislava is small..

You simply won’t need as long in Bratislava as in Vienna, Prague, or Budapest to cover the major highlights of the city.

If you want to splurge in Central Europe, consider doing it here.

Want to enjoy an upscale meal or attend a theatre performance, but also stick to a budget? Consider saving your splurge for Bratislava, which is the most inexpensive of the cities on this Central Europe itinerary.

Don’t hail a taxi on the street–call ahead instead.

If you’re hoping to save money on taxis in Bratislava (who wouldn’t be?), call ahead and wait for your taxi to arrive–you’ll end up paying far less than hailing a taxi on the street!

Like in most cities around the world, the easiest places to end up overpaying for a taxi are the airport and train station, so be particularly cautious if you want to take a taxi from those spots. If you’re comfortable with it, consider simply opting for public transportation instead.

Where to Stay in Bratislava

Manderla Bratislava — We stayed here on our 2017 visit to Bratislava and were completely satisfied for the price. The rooms were clean and reception friendly–the only downside was that the entrance is tucked into a courtyard and a bit hard to find.

Check rates & book your stay at Manderla Bratislava!

VIP Apartments — A cozy apartment, competitive price, and the convenience of having some of Bratislava’s top attractions right on your doorstep are all available at VIP Apartments.

Check rates & book your stay at VIP Apartments!

Hotel Avance — This sleek, modern hotel offers an excellent location, a tasty breakfast, and extremely clean and comfortable rooms.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Avance!

With its stunning views from and of the Danube, its unique thermal baths, and its remarkable architecture–not to mention its delicious food scene and low prices–Budapest is an unforgettable gem of a city, and the perfect finale to your Central Europe itinerary.

Unlike compact Prague and Bratislava, Budapest is worthy of as much time as you can give it, and you’ll never run out of things to do in the city (our longest trip there so far has been two weeks).

Top Things to Do in Budapest

Admire the view from fisherman’s bastion..

Popular Fisherman’s Bastion may look a bit like a Renaissance castle, but it was actually built at the end of the 19th century!

Boasting amazing views over the Danube–with the stupendous parliament building front and center across the river–Fisherman’s Bastion is unmissable during your time in Budapest. Just be sure to arrive very early in the morning if you don’t want to contend with the inevitable crowds.

Soak in Budapest’s thermal baths.

Budapest’s thermal baths are like nothing that you will have seen so far in Central Europe and are a completely indulgent and relaxing experience.

Ranging from formal and opulent (Gellert Baths) to popular and photogenic ( Szechenyi Baths ) to offbeat and less crowded (Rudas Baths), there’s a thermal bath in Budapest for any style of traveler.

Check out the impressive Hungarian Parliament.

Nestled right up against the Danube, Hungary’s incredible Parliament building is known as one of the most beautiful government buildings in the world.

If you’d like to take a tour of the grand and opulent interior, you’ll need to book a tour at least a few days in advance (and possibly more if you travel during the summer).

If you’d rather not fork over the forint, admiring the building up close from the outside is definitely still worth checking out while in Budapest.

Take a cruise on the Danube.

The Danube is one of Budapest’s most distinctive features, cutting beautifully through the city, with Parliament on one side and Castle Hill on the other.

A river cruise–whether an elaborate affair with dinner and entertainment or a simple sightseeing cruise–is the perfect way to admire Budapest’s beauty from a unique angle and appreciate how perfectly Buda and Pest are joined by the river.

This Danube River cruise  is well-reviewed and features live music!

Things to Consider in Budapest

If you want to visit the interior of the parliament, you’ll need to book ahead..

As I mentioned above, some advance planning is necessary to tour Hungary’s distinct and beautiful Parliament building–tours are given only at certain times, and to find one that corresponds with your preferred language can be a chore.

If you’d like to tour the interior of the parliament building while in Budapest, we recommend booking tickets as soon as you have finalized your dates.

Shop  affordable Hungarian Parliament tours  today!

You’ll want to consider a Budapest City Card.

Much like Vienna, Budapest’s sprawling nature and the resulting need to use public transportation makes a Budapest City Card definitely worth considering–and it’s much less expensive than Vienna’s!

Purchase your Budapest City Card now!

Do a little research on Hungarian food before you arrive.

Hungarian food tends to come with long, complicated names that are difficult for English speakers to pronounce… but it is absolutely delicious. Go beyond goulash and paprika (though both are magnificent) and do a bit of research on Hungarian cuisine before you arrive–your stomach will thank you.

Where to Stay in Budapest

Jackquaters  — Located right next to Vaci Utca and only 100 meters from the Danube, Jackquaters is the perfect location for anyone visiting Budapest. Budapest highlights like the Chain Bridge and Great Market Hall are within easy walking distance.

Check rates & book your stay at Jackquaters!

Hotel Erzsébet — With Central Market Hall and Vaci Utca at your fingertips, you definitely won’t go hungry while staying at the beautiful Hotel Erzsébet!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Erzsébet!

Hotel Mika Superior — Not only does Hotel Mika Superior offer beautiful rooms, fabulous service, and a delicious included breakfast, it’s located in the old Jewish Quarter of the city, near the Dohany Street Synagogue and Hungarian Opera House–which is one of our personal favorite neighborhoods to stay in while in Budapest.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Mika Superior!

Central Europe is absolutely packed with cities, towns, and regions that are begging to be explored–no one Central Europe itinerary could hope to cover them all!

If you still have more time in the region after visiting Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, here are just a few of the dozens of options at your fingertips–I have no doubt some of them will have you itching to extend your trip!

Dresden’s city center is so beautiful, you may be surprised to learn that it was completely destroyed at the end of WWII and rebuilt after the war!

Come here for stunning architecture, plenty of beautiful art, and a large helping of interesting history–the Kings of Saxony used to call this city their home, and Dresden remains the capital of the German state of Saxony to this day.

With delicious food, a storied history, and easy access to the Bavarian Alps (there are tons of great day trips from Munich , including to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle!), the capital of Bavaria makes the perfect place to kick off a Germany itinerary .

Kraków is one of my favorite small cities in Europe, and is absolutely worth a detour into Poland!

In addition to the stunning Wawel Castle, beautiful architecture, and competitive prices, Kraków is also the perfect jumping-off point to visiting the insanely impressive Wieliczka Salt Mines (ever stepped inside an underground cathedral carved entirely out of salt?), and the incredibly sad, yet moving and important, Auschwitz Concentration Camp .

Castles, crypts, and caves abound in and around Brno. This city in southern Czechia is perfect for adventure lovers looking to see more of the country while fleeing the crowds of Prague and is also incredibly easy to add as a destination between Prague and either Vienna or Bratislava.

There are far more things to see in Austria than Vienna–and if your Central Europe itinerary has room for another stop, Salzburg makes an excellent choice!

Salzburg is famous for two things: being the filming location for the Sound of Music, and being the hometown of Mozart. Add those benefits to the fact that Salzburg is a small, picturesque city that also boasts amazing viewpoints and an impressive fortress, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular to visit.

Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava are all located within an easy day’s travel of each other (and in the case of Bratislava and Vienna, it’s more like a morning’s travel).

The easiest and most relaxing way to complete this Central Europe itinerary is via train–trains run between each of these cities regularly and are easy to use.

If you’re trying to visit Central Europe on a budget, consider buses: Flixbus in particular is a popular and easy-to-use option to get between these cities.

We used it ourselves to travel from Bratislava to Budapest once, and though the bus was a bit late, it was a comfortable and easy ride.

Alternatively, you can look at flights to travel through Central Europe–budget airlines often offer great deals–but for these short distances, you’ll often find that they’re more trouble than they’re worth (and trains and buses don’t charge for luggage).

Each season brings a reason to visit Central Europe: whether it’s flowers and pretty weather in the spring, the warmth and liveliness of summer, the color changes of autumn, or the Christmas markets and snowy castles of winter, you can’t go wrong traveling to Vienna, Budapest, Prague, and Bratislava at any time of the year.

If you have absolute control over when you visit, we would recommend considering a fall trip (think late September through October), when the weather will still be mostly beautiful and the crowds far less than the summer.

Between Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, only Vienna and Bratislava use the Euro. In Budapest, you will use Hungarian forint, and in Prague, Czech koruna.

The easiest way to access new currencies is to withdraw from an ATM (preferably via a card that does not charge ATM or foreign transaction fees).

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in all the cities listed on this Central Europe itinerary, but you will want to have cash on hand to pay for small purchases like street food and entrance tickets to local museums.

Some tourist-focused businesses will accept Euros in Budapest and Prague… but the exchange rate will almost certainly not be favorable.

Travel Insurance  — We always recommend purchasing travel insurance: you never know what will happen during a trip, and having insurance can save not only money, but time and stress in the event that something goes wrong. We use and recommend Safety Wing  for trips to Central Europe.

Travel Adaptors for Central Europe  — If you’re coming from outside the EU, you’ll want to double-check that you have the right adaptors for your electronics before coming!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

4 thoughts on “Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Beyond: Epic Central Europe Itinerary”

So many amazing cities! I love Prague and Budapest but Vienna and Bratislava are definitely worth a few days as well. And so affordable, too!

Yes! Bratislava is such a bargain. The whole area is just gorgeous. <3

Hi Kate, I really enjoyed this article and all the pictures! My family and I will be travelling to Budapest next spring and this was very helpful. I am curious as to how you were able to start travelling to these amazing places for such long periods of time. My daughter loves to travel, as does our entire family. She would like to travel more and find a job that would enable her to do this. I was just curious as to how one would go about traveling full time. Any ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. You are so blessed to be able to see such beautiful places around the world!! Italy is my favorite as well. 🙂 Safe travels!

Sadly there is no one-size-fits-all option for travel jobs, but our story is essentially this: we left on a 6-month trip using our savings and got started that way. Later, we knew we didn’t want to go back to working 9-5 jobs, so we started working behind the scenes to both 1) have Jeremy pick up software development contracts, which is his trade, and 2) make this blog profitable. Now we earn our income through both of those sources, and we’ve been traveling 3+ years.

That being said, while we have worked and continue to work very hard, that’s not the easiest path to replicate and we definitely had a lot of advantages to help get us here!

We have a lot of friends and acquaintances who are long-term travelers as well, or were for 1+ years. Most start with some savings, though not all. Popular paths include moving abroad with a working holiday visa, teaching English abroad, living off savings while learning a skill, and increasingly, working “normal” jobs remotely from a laptop.

Good luck to your daughter, and I hope you guys have a wonderful time in Budapest!

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Adventure Family Travel

Prague, Vienna, Budapest Itinerary: 10 Days in Central Europe

In: Austria , Blog , Czech Republic , Europe , Hungary , Itineraries by Nicole Last Updated: June 4, 2021

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One of the best routes to see Central Europe is 10 days in Prague, Vienna and Budapest . These three cities offer uniquenesses with each of them and all bring out the distinct cultures of Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary.

Here is a great Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary that you can follow as you plan your trip to Central Europe.

When trying to decide which one is best among Prague, Budapest, and Vienna to visit, we couldn’t make a decision and with all the advice from those who had been there, we knew we needed to go to all three!

So instead of spending a long time in each city we decided to do 2 days in Prague , 2 days in Vienna , and 2 days in Budapest to be able to see all of them. So here is the best way to spend 10 days in Central Europe!

Prague, Vienna, Budapest Map

The above map outlines the location of each city on the Central Europe Itinerary through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary. As you can see they are all relatively close together so a 10 day itinerary is easily manageable.

Day 1: Arrive in Prague

First day, arrive in Prague, one of the Danube River cities, and be absorbed by the fairytale city. Settle into your accommodations and get your bearings for the city by doing a little exploring. Grab a local map, review a guidebook or wander the streets by your hotel to see a few sights.

Depending on when you arrive, the first day in a city is always great to seek out a great restaurant to try local food.

Where to Stay in Prague?

There are many hotel options close to the main attractions. I would recommend either to stay in Lesser Quarter , Jewish Quarter or Old Town . Honestly, anywhere in the Prague 1 area will work perfectly for 3 nights in Prague. We stayed in the Jewish Quarter at this hotel and found the location to be good.

You can check out some Prague hotels in the Prague 1 area with prices here.

Day 2: Prague

Prague castle, st. vitus cathedral, golden lane, lesser town & charles bridge.

The first full day in Prague go see the famous Prague Castle , St. Vitus Cathedral , Golden Lane which are all in Lesser Town . This will fill up most of your day exploring the castle, architecture and history of the city.

A Prague itinerary would be incomplete without walking along the Charles Bridge and admiring the Danube River while making your way across. If you have the chance to visit Charles Bridge both during the day and evening it is very much worth the effort since they view are different during the times.

Day 3: Prague

Old town square, astronomical clock, new town & wenceslas square.

The second day in Prague will take you through the Old Town Square where you will find the Astronomical Clock and Old Town Hall. It’s the place where everyone seems to gather with buildings that line the square with remarkable artwork to admire. Enjoy lunch at a cafe and enjoy the atmosphere.

Afterwards, head over to New Town and Wenceslas Square and seek out some amazing street sculptures and try the Prague sweet treat of Trdenik.

• Day 1 in Prague is indicated in Yellow.
• Day 2 in Prague is indicated in Purple.

For more details on 2 Days in Prague, you can read a full-length post here!

Day 4: Prague to Vienna

Day 4 on the Central Europe itinerary you will travel from Prague, Czech Republic to Vienna, Austria. The two cities are approximately 330 km apart and should take less than half day for travel time.

Arrive in the city of music, Vienna and check into your hotel with enough time to see the city at night and enjoy dinner.

Where to Stay in Vienna?

I would recommend staying in either the Inner Stadt (District 1) or MuseumQuartier (District 7) areas of Vienna for the closest proximity to attractions, restaurants and sights. We stayed at the Wieden (District 4) , which also worked great for being close to the train station. This was the hotel we stayed at in Vienna and would recommend the area if you are taking the train and more economical but a bit further out from the center of Vienna.

You can check out some Vienna hotels in the city centre area with prices here.

Day 5: Vienna

Schonbrunn palace, old town, butterfly house & state opera house.

For your first day in Vienna, you must visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Schonbrunn Palace . This exquisite palace and gardens are breathtaking as you take a tour of the Schonbrunn Palace and grounds.

In the afternoon, visit Old Town (Innere Stadt) and walk along the streets to enjoy the architecture and make your way through to the Butterfly House on this Vienna itinerary.

Finish your evening in Vienna by attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera House and enjoying all the lights and atmosphere of Vienna city centre.

Day 6: Vienna

House of music, st. stephen’s cathedral, burggarten & museum quarter.

Spend the day amongst the music of Vienna and all that inspired great composers. Visit the House of Music and then make your way to St.Stephen’s Cathedral .

Wander around Burggarten with all the beautiful gardens and then over to the Museum Quarter to see some amazing monuments that explain the history of Vienna.

• Day 1 in Vienna is indicated in Yellow.
• Day 2 in Vienna is indicated in Purple.

For more details on 2 Days in Vienna, you can read a full length post here!

Day 7: Vienna to Budapest

The next travel day for this itinerary will take you from Vienna to Budapest, which is approximately 250 km. Another half day travel time to get moved from one city to the next.

Where to Stay in Budapest?

I would recommend staying anywhere that is a 5-10 minute walk from the Danube River. All the main attractions to be visited on your first time in Budapest is centred around the river.

Two areas that would work well for 3 nights in Budapest are either District 5 , which is close to the Parliament Buildings on the Pest side, or District 1 , which is close to Buda Castle on the Buda side. We stayed at this hotel in District 5 and the location was fantastic !

You can check out some Budapest hotels in the city centre area with prices here.

Day 8: Budapest

Budapest has the famous Danube River running through its city center. For 2 days in Budapest, it is best to split your days to explore attractions on each side of the river. Pest side on one day and Buda on the other day.

Hungarian Parliament Building, Thermal Bath, City Park, Elizabeth Square & Danube River Night Cruise

Spend the first day of your Budapest itinerary on the Pest side of the city. Enjoy the Parliament Buildings , Szechenyi Thermal Baths , City Park and Elizabeth Square during the day.

Then for the evening hop on a Danube River Evening Cruise and see the spectacular lights of Budapest from the Danube River. A must see in Budapest!

Day 9: Budapest

Buda castle, matthias church, fisherman’s bastion, funicular, funiculare & chain bridge.

The second day of Budapest should be spent on the Buda side, which has the UNESCO world heritage site of the Buda Castle . Visit the beautiful Matthais Church and get views over Budapest from Fisherman’s Bastion .

Ride the Buda Hill Funicular to reach the top and get views of the Szechenyi Chain Bridge as you make your way up.

Either before or after your visit to Buda Hill, walk across the Chain Bridge and enjoy the views of either side of the Danube river and all the river cruises coming underneath.

Budapest Map

• Day 1 in Budapest is indicated in Purple.
• Day 2 in Budapest is indicated in Yellow.

For more details on 2 Day in Budapest, you can read a full length post here!

Day 10: Depart

This will conclude your Budapest, Vienna, Prague trip! Either head back home after an amazing 10 days in Central Europe , or if you are lucky enough to keep travelling then onto your next destination in Eastern Europe!

Options for Travel Between Cities

There are a few different options to travel from Prague to Vienna and Vienna to Budapest .

If you are going to travel by train consider staying by the train station for your accommodations. We went from Vienna to Budapest by train and really enjoyed travelling by train.

We purchased our tickets that day when we arrived and researched for an early departure on the train website . There are trains that you can take all the way from Prague to Budapest and make the stop in Vienna on the way.

Hired Driver Or Shuttle Service

If you have more than two people, hiring a driver can actually be more cost-effective than by train.

We hired a private driver from Prague to Vienna for 4 people and it was cheaper than taking the train. We got picked up and dropped off at our hotels in the cities so we saved from cost for taxi/bus in each of those stops. It took approximately the same time, got to see the country side and could arrange whatever time worked best for us.

Drive Yourself

If you live in Europe, then travelling by car can make the most sense and save you money on transportation. But, if you are not from Europe and travelling from another country I wouldn’t advise taking a car unless you are doing a longer European road trip. In that case, you can check out some pricing of car rental here and what company we used when we were in Europe.

Public transportation is fantastic in all of these cities and most of the attractions are all easily accessible and most likely your vehicle will be parked for the 2 days in each city. Parking will cost you money for your vehicle as well.

You can fly between each of the cities, but I wouldn’t advise it as you will take more time than any other transportation mode.

If you are looking for your flights into Prague you can search for deals here and set up notifications for price drops to get the best rate.

View this post on Instagram As I’ve been trying to sort through all our photos to find great ones to put up in our home (which are bare walls right now since we moved in), I’ve realized I didn’t have one photo on our Instagram with Budapest 🤦‍♀️ How did that happen? How do I miss an entire country we’ve been to? Well, the reality was the following week I started homeschooling the kids on the road… which took priority over posting photos. So here’s one from 🇭🇺 Hungary! #budapest #hungary #szechenyibaths A post shared by Passport Kids Adventure Family (@passport_kids) on Oct 31, 2019 at 9:07am PDT

When to go to Central Europe

The Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September – November) are usually the best time to go to Central Europe because the temperatures are more comfortable for touring around the cities. The shoulder seasons also have fewer tourists, shorter queues and usually better hotel rates.

Travel Tips for Central Europe

• All of the cities (Vienna, Budapest, Prague) are all in countries that part of the Schengen Area, so most travellers don’t need a Visitors Visa as you have up to 90 days in any 180 day period in these countries.
• Currencies – Hungary is Forint, Austria is Euro, and Czech Republic is Koruna. Be sure to exchange your Foriant and Koruna in each of the countries back to the Euro before leaving, as some places further away in Europe will not exchange the currency.
• Don’t forget to have travel insurance for when you are visiting from out of the country. We use World Nomads for our insurance and highly recommend it. Really easy to get a quote! You can read our entire review of World Nomads for travel insurance here .
• If you are looking for apartments to rent in each of the cities you could use VRBO , we used this for many other stays in Europe.
• We also buy a guide book for every place we visit , which helps make it easy to look things up, a map and information about the places we are visiting without using phone data. Some of our favourites are Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and Rick Steve’s for Europe.

In what order should I visit Vienna Budapest and Prague?

This Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary can be reversed if you are wanting to go from Budapest first and make your way up north, but regardless Vienna should be in between Budapest and Prague due to location. My suggestion would be to check and compare flights to see what could be the cheapest route.

Staying Longer in Central Europe

11 days in central europe or more.

Day Trips from either Budapest, Vienna or Prague can be a great way to add on 1 more day or 2 more days to your itinerary. There are so many great day tours that you can take to explore another city or area.

• Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna
• Salzburg Day Trip from Vienna

More Planning Information for Your Trip to Europe

• United Kingdom : 5 Days in London
• Croatia: 2 Week Itinerary of Croatia
• France: Beach life in Biarritz, France
• Malta: 2 Week Itinerary of Malta

View this post on Instagram Even if palaces aren’t your thing, the gardens alone should take you to visit Schonnburn Palace! Did you know this was the first place #Mozart had his first concert – at age 6! #Schonnbrunn #vienna #Austria #familytravel #amazing . . . . #Passportkids #familytravel #kidstravel #ftb100 #tinytravels #familytrip #familytraveltribe #tbscommunity #havekidswilltravel #tmom #lpkids #travelwithkids #familymemories #kidswhotravel #worldschooling #unschooling #trekarooing #familyjaunts #travelkids #cntraveler #travelingwithkids A post shared by Passport Kids Adventure Family (@passport_kids) on Aug 29, 2017 at 7:25am PDT

We did this 10 day Central Europe itinerary of Vienna, Prague and Budapest during our European leg of our 1 year of fulltime travel with our kids. If you are curious about all the places we went to in the world you can check out our World Trip Itinerary here .

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More Info:  Disclosure

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Janine Herrera Herrera says

December 31, 2019 at 12:59 pm

WoudWould DO you happen to have linked the privatecar company you used.

The Passport Kids says

January 6, 2020 at 8:16 pm

We used a few different ones, but if you search on Get Your Guide they have car services that can take you from each city or transportation from the airports. Most of the airport transfer services will also have transport to other cities. https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=NFFE5DD . We used https://www.prague-airport-transfers.co.uk/ for another transfer too!

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Best of Budapest, Vienna & Prague | 2-week Central Europe Itinerary (2023)

Budapest, Vienna and Prague are the must-sees of a Central Europe itinerary. Wander the streets to discover dramatic history, fabulous culture and incredible architecture, then sample some of the best food and drink in Europe. If you like a bit of everything, this 2 week Central Europe itinerary is for you.

This 2-week Budapest, Vienna and Prague itinerary is the exact route that I took on my first Central Europe trip, so I know it’s a good one! It’s a classic, and almost every tourist you meet along the way is doing this itinerary in one direction or the other.

For most people, it makes sense to start in either Budapest or Prague, visiting Vienna in the middle. If you opt to create a Central Europe itinerary starting in Vienna, you’ll have to spend extra time backtracking.

I began my Central Europe trip in Budapest, then went to Vienna and finished in Prague, but you could easily adapt this itinerary to the opposite direction.

This Budapest, Vienna and Prague itinerary is also a journey through the complicated history of these cities, from the threads that bind them together to the events that ripped them apart. Few places in the world allow you to see so clearly what an arbitrary line on a map can do to the people on either side.

All once part of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna was the only one of the three cities to escape being hidden away behind the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain after World War II. Despite now all being part of the EU, there are really interesting differences as a result.

To me, Prague and Budapest felt as though they were young cities, just beginning to work out their place in the world, despite sharing so much outwardly in common with Vienna’s much more mature vibe. I honestly think this is one of the most fascinating parts of the world to visit.

So get ready for a fabulous couple of weeks of adventuring. Walk some of Europe’s prettiest streets, sample some of the world’s best wine and beers, learn about the dramatic history of this region and enjoy some incredible food.

Everything you need to plan your own feast for the senses is in this 2-week itinerary through Budapest, Vienna and Prague. All the Central Europe itinerary highlights are here, from what to do, where to stay and suggestions for dining.

CENTRAL EUROPE ITINERARY ESSENTIALS

How to travel | Public transport is excellent, and this itinerary can be done using only the train

When to go | Aim to visit in spring or early autumn for cooler temperatures and fewer people

What route to take | Start in Budapest or Prague with Vienna in the middle

Best for | Foodies, history buffs, classical music lovers and anyone who loves a thermal bath!

Gellert Hill and Ruin Bars

Hungarian parliament, pest walking tour, wine tasting.

• Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Thermal Baths, River Cruise
• Jewish Quarter, House of Terror, St. Stephen's Basilica, Rooftop Bar

District VIII, Memento Park, Kunsthistorisches Museum

Walking tour, schönbrunn palace, vienna state opera.

• Food Tour, St Stephen's Tower

Hofburg Palace, Sisi Museum, Spanish Riding School, Heurigen Winery, District VII

Riverside walk, lennon wall, rooftop bar, charles bridge, petrin hill, walking tour, astronomical clock, powder tower, food tour, museum of communism, prague castle, st nicholas bell tower, jewish museum, classical music concert, brunch, mucha museum, prague metronome, eska, budapest, vienna & prague itinerary | 2 weeks in central europe.

The features in this post were hand-selected by a picky diva (that’s me) and some of them are affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a commission on some of these awesome recommendations at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your wonderful support – Cat.

CENTRAL EUROPE ITINERARY

Here’s your Central Europe Itinerary for two weeks at a glance. If you’re short on time, I managed to do all of this in 10 days. It did make for a packed schedule, so I would definitely recommend taking the full 2 weeks if you can.

Day 1 – 5 | Budapest

Start your Central Europe itinerary with 4 days in beautiful Budapest . Enjoy the sunrise at Buda Castle , explore the city on foot and visit the Hungarian Parliament . Learn about the history of WWII in Budapest and visit the Jewish Quarte r. Sample Hungary’s famous wines in a local wine-tasting class and visit the unique ruin bars . Finally, indulge in a relaxing soak in one of Budapest’s wonderful thermal baths .

Where To Stay | I recommend the Matild Palace . This luxury hotel has a great central location, really easy for walking to all of Budapest’s top sights. There’s a stunning rooftop bar and also a restaurant from Michelin-star awarded Wolfgang Puck. Check availability and book here .

READ THIS | 4 Day Budapest Itinerary

Day 6 – 8 | Vienna

My Central Europe itinerary gives you 3 full days in Vienna , just enough time to get a taste of everything this stunning city offers. Learn about everything Hapsburg at the stunning summer Schönnbrunn Palace and their city-centre alternative, the Hofburg Palace . Enjoy the beautiful art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum and enjoy a night at the Opera .

Don’t miss a fantastic food tour or the views from St Stephen’s Cathedral Tower . Take the opportunity to venture out to the Vienna Woods to visit a Heuriger or tiny Buschenschank winery perched on the hills overlooking the city.

Where To Stay | I recommend 25hours Museum Quarter . This cool hotel is close to public transport links, all the museums and easy walking distance to some of the hippest districts of Vienna. Check availability and book here .

READ THIS | 3 Day Vienna Itinerary

Day 9 – 14 | Prague

Finish your Central Europe itinerary with 4 days in Prague , probably my favourite of the three cities you’ll visit on this trip. Take a sunrise stroll over the Charles Bridge before heading up every Prague viewpoint in the city.

Explore the Jewish Quarter and the Museum of Communism to discover more about the recent history of Central Europe. Visit Wenceslas Square , where everyday people started a protest that would eventually lead to the fall of the Soviet Empire.

Enjoy the incredible foodie scene in Prague with a food tour, and don’t forget to try some delicious Czech beer before you leave. They even managed to convert me – a dedicated wine drinker!

Where To Stay | I recommend the Hotel Century Old Town . Located in a beautiful Neo-Baroque building, this hotel is perfectly located near both tram stops and the subway line. It’s in the heart of Old Town and a perfect location for exploring on foot. Check availability and book here .

READ THIS | 4 Day Prague Itinerary

Who is this Central Europe itinerary for?

My Central Europe itinerary was made for independent female travellers who want to dig a bit deeper into the history and culture of the region when visiting for the first time.  There’s a focus on food, wine and walking because those are the things I like to do!

I think that it’s also great for any solo travellers, couples and families who want the opportunity to create an independent trip through Budapest, Vienna and Prague.

There’s a big focus on meeting local people, learning about the local history and culture and enjoying the restaurants and bars locals visit. It’s not written by a local, but I hope it’ll make you feel like you want to become one!

This entire Central Europe itinerary was created using only public transport, so that’s all you’ll need.

BUDAPEST, VIENNA, PRAGUE ITINERARY

Day 1 | budapest.

I’ve assumed you’ll arrive around lunchtime for this Central Europe itinerary since most flights seem to arrive in the morning. Head to your hotel by public transport, shuttle or private transfer and get settled in before finding somewhere to get a light lunch.

In the afternoon, stretch your legs by walking up Gellert Hill to the citadel and the Freedom Statue that dominates Budapest’s skyline.

Budapest is the fusion of two cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the ribbon of the Danube River. From the Gellert Hill viewpoint, high on the Buda side of the river, you get gorgeous views down over Pest.

Have dinner and, depending on how you’re feeling, either get an early night or head to one of Budapest’s famous Ruin Bars . This is a must-do on any Central Europe itinerary.

Ruin bars are unique to Budapest and started with a couple who turned a derelict building in the Jewish Quarter into a bar decorated with quirky second-hand finds. The concept became so popular that several are now scattered throughout the district.

The original is the famous Szimpla Kert .

Day 2 | Budapest

Start your day with a visit to the Hungarian Parliament , a beautiful building you can only enter on a guided tour. Touring the parliament building is one of the most popular things to do in Budapest , and tickets do sell out, so be sure to book yours at least a few weeks before your trip.

TIP | Go to the Hungarian Parliament website to order your tickets in advance.

Next, enjoy a walking tour of the Pest side of the city. I think this is the best way to hear about the history of Budapest, and I learned so much about what happened here during World War II and the subsequent Soviet Era.

Most tours take you past the evocative Shoes on the Danube memorial , commemorating the Jewish people killed during WWII. If your tour doesn’t go here, you should visit independently because it’s a beautiful memorial in the city.

READ THIS | The Best Things to do in Budapest (coming soon)

After your morning activities, I’d suggest going to District 7 (the Jewish Quarter) to get some lunch. I really enjoyed Macesz Bistro and Gettó Gulyás , but there are plenty of great cafes in the area.

In the evening, learn about Hungary’s famous wines at a local wine-tasting class . There are several available, but I highly recommend this Hungarian wine tasting . A local sommelier runs the tasting, where you’ll also have the chance to taste a selection of local meats and cheese.

Day 3 | Budapest

Fisherman’s bastion, matthias church, thermal baths, river cruise.

Today, get up early to be at Fisherman’s Bastion for sunrise. It’s one of the most famous sights in Budapest, so you’re not going to have it to yourself, but sunrise is your best chance for quiet!

In the morning, explore the rest of Buda Castle , enjoying some of the best views down over Budapest.

I took a great walking tour, which was the most enjoyable way to see the area. I could ask questions, gain some local insight and see hidden gems that I’d otherwise have missed.

WALKING TOUR | This 2-3 hour walking tour of Buda Castle with a local historian is the best way to see this part of Budapest. It also includes entry to Matthias Church.

Once you’ve finished your tour, walk or take the funicular down the hill and head to one of my favourite cafes in Budapest for lunch, Franziska .

Now it’s time to enjoy one of Budapest’s highlights, the thermal baths . There are several scattered throughout the city centre, so see which appeals to you the most.

I think the best baths in Budapest are Gellert Baths or Rudas Baths , but they’re entirely different. Gellert is ornate, with beautiful mosaic tiling and a vast indoor swimming pool. Rudas is a much more traditional Turkish-style bath, dating from the mid-sixteenth century.

READ THIS | Ultimate Guide to Budapest Thermal Baths (coming soon)

Tuesday is women-only in the Turkish bath area of Rudas Baths, which may influence your decision of which location you visit. Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the largest and most well-known bath, but that also makes it the busiest, and really not my vibe!

Once you’ve eased yourself into a state of calm relaxation, it’s time to get over to the Pest side of the river and the ferry wharf up near Margaret Island. You can take public transportation or use the opportunity to walk over the famous Chain Bridge (closed to pedestrians for refurbishment until mid-2023).

Next up is one of the highlights of this Central Europe itinerary, a cruise on the Danube .

TIP | Time your Danube river cruise with sunset so that you get to enjoy Budapest’s riverside in golden hour and also as the lights come on after dark.

If you’ve not eaten yet, Pozsonyi restaurant is a very traditional, cash-only, Hungarian restaurant conveniently located near the ferry wharf.

Day 4 – Budapest

Jewish quarter, house of terror, st. stephen’s basilica, rooftop bar.

Have a leisurely start to the day, because it’s likely that this one will be emotionally affecting. The opportunity to learn about how recent history continues to shape the world is part of what makes a trip to Central Europe so compelling.

I understand that confronting war and oppression isn’t what everyone wants to do on their holiday. Still, I genuinely believe that it’s a vital part of understanding local culture and beliefs. If you don’t think this part of my itinerary is for you, you could try out another of the thermal baths or cafe hop through the city centre instead.

In the morning, take a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter with a local who will tell you personal anecdotes of what it was like to live in Budapest throughout WWII and the subsequent Soviet occupation. You’ll see a very different side of what most people know as Budapest’s “party district”.

WALKING TOUR | This is the Jewish Quarter small group walking tour that I recommend. Your tour guide is a local historian and offers incredible insights and knowledge.

Pick up lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area before making your way down Andrassy Street, past the ornate Hungarian State Opera building, to the House of Terror Museum .

The museum takes you through the events in Budapest from the beginnings of WWII through the Soviet occupation of Hungary, right up to the fall of the Soviet Union.

What makes everything harder is that the museum is housed in a venue used by both the Nazis and the Soviet forces as an interrogation facility. The knowledge that you’re standing in the same spot where some of what you’re learning about actually happened makes this an almost visceral experience.

TIP | You’ll get the most out of your museum visit using the audioguide available for hire or by touring with a local guide . I wouldn’t recommend simply walking through it independently, as many exhibits won’t make sense.

Once you’ve finished at the museum, return to St Stephen’s Cathedral (St Istvan in Hungarian). You can take a tour inside, but the real highlight is a climb up the tower for the views over Budapest.

TIP | The cupola is only open April-October. Buy your ticket in advance as lines can be long.

Enjoy your final evening in Budapest at one of the beautiful rooftop bars before having a last dinner in the city.

Day 5 – Budapest to Vienna

Aim for a reasonably early start, beginning your day with a stroll through Budapest’s lovely Palace District ( District VIII ). This is my favourite part of the city and is lovely to explore in the early morning before the streets start getting busy.

Next, get a taxi or hop on public transport to the weird and wonderful Memento Park , aiming to arrive for the 10am opening time.

LOCAL TIP | Budapest doesn’t have Uber, but you can use Bolt instead. Alternatively, flag down a local yellow taxi with prices displayed on the doors.

Memento Park is very much a one-of-a-kind open-air museum. When the Soviet Union fell, there were hundreds of public statues venerating the Communist ideal all over the country. Understandably, most people didn’t want the visual reminder of oppression staring them in the face and wanted the statues gone.

Instead of destroying them, they were all transported to Memento Park, where you can now wander between Lenin and Marx while looking at the propaganda on display.

To follow my Central Europe itinerary, aim to return to central Budapest train station in time for a departure to Vienna before 1pm. The train from Budapest to Vienna takes just under 3 hours.

On arrival in Vienna, take a taxi or public transport to your hotel to drop off your bags and then make a beeline to the Kunthistoriches Museum for a very different art experience to this morning! The museum is home to one of Europe’s most important art collections, including works by Raphael, Titian, Vermeer and Caravaggio. The building itself is also stunning.

LOCAL TIP | The Kunthistoriches Museum is closed on Mondays, so if your visit to Vienna starts on a Monday, go up St Stephen’s South Tower today instead.

For something different for dinner, try Tian Bistro am Spittelberg, a fantastic plant-based restaurant in Vienna.

Day 6 | Vienna

Start your day with brunch because you’ve got a busy day ahead of you. You may have noticed by now that I don’t really do chill holidays! I recommend Joseph Brot , which has two locations in Vienna and has excellent food. See which menu suits you best!

The rest of your morning involves a walking tour of Vienna, and I suggest a free walking tour with Good Vienna Tours . In Vienna, even the guides of free tours have to be fully licensed, so you’re getting what would usually be a pretty expensive option for tips only.

If you can’t afford to pay for a tour, then these guys are fabulous, but if you’ve got the cash then please consider a good tip because you’re still getting amazing value considering how much information you get. I’ll have my fingers crossed that Wolfgang is your tour guide because he’s hilarious.

TIP | You can opt to take this top rated small group walking tour of Vienna that can be customised to your own interests and is an excellent option if you want to avoid crowds.

The walking tour takes a couple of hours, and you’ll finish up near the cathedral. From here, it’s 30 minutes on the metro to your next destination, Schönbrunn Palace .

READ THIS | The Best Things to do in Vienna (coming soon)

Schönbrunn Palace was the summer home of the Imperial Hapsburg family, and it has a gorgeous park in addition to the palace building. I highly recommend taking a tour of the interior to allow you to get the most out of your visit.

I genuinely think I had the best guided tour of my life here! My notes actually say, “guided tour with Michael absolutely bloody excellent”. So there you go.

TIP | Buy your ticket for the afternoon guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace in advance so you don’t have to queue.

Once you’ve finished your guided tour of the palace, head back into the city and get an early dinner so you can make it to one of the quintessential Viennese experiences – the opera!

Now, I’m one of those people who adores opera, thanks to my mum raising me on a steady diet of classical music. If you’ve got no experience with opera, then this is one of the best places in the world to try it.

READ THIS | How to Buy Tickets for the Vienna Opera (coming soon)

If, of course, you’ve tried going to the opera before and hate it, then enjoy a leisurely dinner, find a great rooftop bar or have an early night.

Day 7 | Vienna

Food tour, st stephen’s tower.

Whatever you do, don’t have breakfast today. Instead, caffeinate, wear your most comfortable sneakers and loosest-fitting trousers and get ready to stuff your face. It’s food tour day.

A quick Google search will show you dozens of food and wine tours in Vienna, but I’m pretty sure I’ve found the absolute best. Wolfy’s food tours have been carefully curated so that you get to enjoy the local side of Vienna.

READ THIS | The Best Food Tours in Vienna (coming soon)

Rather than heading to the city’s tourist traps, you’ll go where the Viennese go and eat what they eat. And it’s a bloody treat, let me tell you. You’ll get a bit of a tour of the city simultaneously, and the guides are all awesome. This tour runs from 9:30am to about 3:30pm.

I was fortunate enough to have Wolfy himself as a guide, and it was great to see all the owners and vendors of the various places we went greet him like an old friend. It was clear that this tour had been put together to support local businesses as well as give us a great taste of the city.

TIP | Don’t be worried if you’ve got dietary requirements. Advise your tour operator in advance; they can almost always cater to them.

You’re going to be stupidly full after your food tour. Or, at least, I was. That’s possibly because I have zero self-control, but let’s pretend we’re all like that, ok? Don’t tell me if you’re one of those people who can stop before their plate is empty because I’ll probably judge you. And be jealous.

So, let’s assume we’re all stupidly full. Ok? Cool.

Now we need to work off some of those calories, and what better way to do that than walk up a million stairs at St Stephen’s Cathedral?

That’s a rhetorical question because it’s the best way. And it’s not a million steps; it’s just 343 in a tight spiral, but there comes a moment where you’re pretty sure somebody couldn’t count.

However, please persist because when you get to the top, you’ll be deposited in a chamber with the most beautiful views across the Vienna skyline. As a bonus, you get a close-up of the beautiful tiles that cover the roof of the cathedral.

TIP | The South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) has the best views, but if you can’t make it up all those steps, you can get great views from the North tower, where there’s also a lift (elevator). Be sure to arrive before 5:15pm so you don’t miss the last entry.

If you’ve somehow managed to practice moderation earlier in the day, find a restaurant near the cathedral for dinner. I recommend Reinthaler’s Beisl , which serves lovely Austrian food and where you might find some locals despite being in the middle of the tourist path.

For the rest of us, there’s the option of dessert for dinner at one of Vienna’s famous cafes , Demel or Cafe Sacher . Otherwise, head to the riverside to indulge in some bar hopping and people-watching.

Day 8 | Vienna

Since you’ve already been to see the Schönbrunn Palace, it makes sense to go and take a look at the Hofburg, the city residence of the Hapsburgs. Much of the palace has been repurposed but still houses the Spanish Riding School, the Sisi Museum , Imperial Treasury and Imperial Apartments.

Right now, you might not know anything about Sisi but trust me, you can’t go 5 minutes in this part of the world without hearing about her. Officially the Empress Elizabeth of Austria , Sisi supposedly hated Viennese court life and was instrumental in bringing about the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Most of Sisi’s adult life was spent travelling Europe, riding horses, and refusing to have her photo taken or portrait painted after the age of thirty. There’s a darker side to her story too, but I’ll let you discover that for yourselves.

Many of you visiting Vienna will want to see a show at the Spanish Riding School since it’s a unique attraction in the country. I chose not to do this because watching animals perform isn’t really for me, but it’s a top-rated thing to do in Vienna.

TIP | Book a tour at the Spanish Riding School to learn about the architecture and history or a performance ticket well in advance. The training sessions are reportedly rather boring and people report being disappointed.

If you opt out of going to the Riding School, then I highly recommend going to the Sisi Museum instead. You’ll have heard a bit about her life on your tours in Budapest and at the Schönbrunn Palace , but this is an opportunity to get a deeper insight into her personal story.

As with all the museums in Vienna, your entry ticket comes with an audioguide, so you get to learn a lot about the personal objects in the museum. If you want to visit both the Spanish Riding School and the Sisi Museum today, you can. Just return to the museum in the afternoon.

TIP | The Sisi Museum opens at 9am in summer and 9:30am in winter. Be sure to pick up your audioguide or download it from the official website in advance. I’d highly recommend booking your ticket online in advance.

From the Hofburg Palace, go to the Vienna Woods at Heiligenstadt to indulge in something completely different. From April to September, the local wine growers set up temporary outlets amongst the vines on the hills surrounding Vienna.

These pop-up wineries, known as Buschenschanks or Heurigen , are usually open only on weekends during the season. Get a glass (or bottle) of the latest vintage and a food platter, then sit amongst the grapes to drink it with amazing views of Vienna. This was my favourite spot.

If you’re visiting during the winter, then you won’t be able to drink amongst the vines, but you can still have an excellent Heuriger experience in this part of the city. This is more like a wine tavern with food available, but it’s cosy in the winter and still full of locals.

In the afternoon, head back into the heart of Vienna and either visit the Sisi Museum if you missed it this morning or take a walk through District VII . This area of the city is a great place to find some funky local shops, cool cafes and great restaurants.

There are still loads of other great things to do in Vienna, and I’ve left this afternoon relatively free for you to either relax or choose your own adventure! Enjoy your final night in Vienna because we’re getting an early start tomorrow. I know, something new and different for one of my itineraries – I promise I don’t hate sleep, I just have epic FOMO.

Day 9 | Vienna to Prague

The train from Vienna to Prague takes 4.5 hours, and I’d recommend aiming to get to Prague by lunchtime or early afternoon. Check in to your hotel and then take a walk through the UNESCO world heritage site of the old town of Prague to orient yourself.

Prague is the easiest of the three cities on this Central Europe itinerary to fall in love with. Its charms are immediately apparent, with beautiful architecture, cobbled streets and the castle complex perched high on the hill overlooking the city.

READ THIS | The Best Views in Prague (coming soon)

This afternoon is an excellent time to investigate some of the lesser-visited spots of Prague. You might want to stop by the gigantic silver Kafka head which rotates in a hypnotizing fashion at a quarter past the hour.

Nearby, see if you can spot Freud hanging from a post high above the streets. Walk across Legion Bridge and wander along the pretty riverside, enjoying the weird and wacky sculptures and art in Kampa park.

Make your way to the Lennon Wall before returning to the city via Charles Bridge. At this hour, the bridge will likely be packed with people, but don’t worry because you’ll be back here for sunrise without the crowds tomorrow! It is, however, an excellent time to go up the Old Town Tower Bridge for the views of Prague Castle.

Next up is one of my favourite things to do in Prague: watching the sunset from a rooftop bar. This one is more of an adventure than most, though! You pay a fee to take the Paternoster lift to the top floor, where another world awaits. When I arrived, there was ballroom dancing happening in addition to wine, cocktails and beautiful views!

TIP | Head to the Lucerna Palace from 3pm Saturday to Monday in summer armed with 150CZK in cash and hunt for the paternoster lift to find the rooftop. Closed in winter.

If you’re doing this Central Europe itinerary in winter, check out the Glass Ba r at the top of the famous Dancing Houses . You can pay an entrance fee for the views or have a drink, in which case the fee is deducted from your purchase. Make sure you get there with plenty of time to spare for sunset, as it can get busy.

I’d recommend going to Tiskárna Jindřišská Restaurant for dinner – it’s where I had my first meal in Prague, and it truly set the standard for what was to come. It’s reasonably priced, given the superb food quality, and the staff are delightful.

Now, you know what’s coming, right? A reasonable bedtime because you’re setting your alarm for a sunrise photo call tomorrow!

Day 10 | Prague

This is a busy day, but the pre-sunrise alarm is worth it, I swear. The Charles Bridge is much more magical without hoards of other people, and it’s a treat to have the streets almost to yourself.

Depending on what time it is once you’re finished at the bridge, you can either go and get a coffee or head straight up Petrin Hill . The hill is relatively steep in parts, but if you’ve got a reasonable level of fitness you’ll be fine. The best views on the way up are from the terrace of Petrinske.

LOCAL TIP | For the easy way up Petrin Hill, take the funicular which runs from 8am – 10pm

Up at the top of Petrin Hill, you might be surprised to discover a tiny Eiffel Tower. This is Petrin Tower , and just like its bigger sister in Paris, you’ll get fabulous views if you make the effort to go to the top. The tower opens at 9am.

Make your way down the hill for a walking tour of the city with a local guide. There are lots of themed walking tours in Prague which you’ll need to book in advance. Otherwise, take a free walking tour that covers loads of the history of the Czech Republic as well as the architecture and some hidden gems of Prague.

READ THIS | The Best Things to do in Prague (coming soon)

If you didn’t make it on your walking tour, swing by the Astronomical Clock, Prague’s marvel of 14th Century engineering! The Town Hall Tower is a beautiful vantage point overlooking the Old Town Square.

Assuming you’re not cursing me by now for sending you up every high point in Prague, now’s the time to head to the Powder Tower for its beautiful views over both the old and new parts of the city. From there, explore the Clementinum with a guided tour of the fabulous Baroque Library .

All this walking has been worth it, though, because it’s time for your Prague Food Tour . As well as sampling some great local food, wine and beer, you’ll get a local taking you around the parts of Prague that they love.

READ THIS | The Best Food Tours in Prague (coming soon)

Once you’ve finished your food tour, it’s time for a well-earned sleep!

Day 11 | Prague

Start your morning by trying one of Prague’s best cafes for coffee and a pastry.

Next, visit the Museum of Communism , where you’ll find some interesting and moving exhibits covering the period from WWII through to the fall of Communism here in 1989. This was one of my favourite museums on this entire Central Europe itinerary, and there are more than a few to choose from!

In the afternoon, explore Prague Castle on a private guided tour . Finish your day by going up St Nicholas’ Bell Tower in the Old Town, which has phenomenal panoramic views of the city and is one of my top things to do in Prague .

Day 12 | Prague

By this stage of your Central Europe itinerary, you’ll have noticed a few common themes that connect Budapest, Vienna and Prague. The food is similar, and the Old Towns have similar architecture, but it’s their shared recent history that leaves the greatest impact.

Today focuses on the Jewish experience in Prague during WWII and Communism, visiting the Jewish Museum and the Old Jewish Cemetery.

TIP | I highly recommend starting at the Pinkas Synagogue and arriving at opening time so you can experience this extremely moving memorial in quiet solitude.

Although it’s called a museum, the Jewish Museum is actually several sites in the city, primarily in the old Jewish Quarter. It’ll take you about 3 hours to visit all of them, and I’d recommend that you take a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.

Have a quiet afternoon before enjoying one of the many classical concerts happening every evening around the city. You’ll have seen dozens of venues advertising by this stage, so pick one that looks good to you and enjoy!

Day 13 | Prague

So listen, I know I like to throw around superlatives with a casual disregard for grammar, excellence and how to be a discerning human, but you’re about to have the most incredible brunch of your life.

There are a lot of excellent places to eat on this Central Europe itinerary, but Bockem has got to be right up there as one of the best restaurants in Prague . The menu is limited and simple, but the service is phenomenal, the food is out of this world and the whole experience feels like something out of the Great Gatsby. It’s a 12/10 recommendation from me.

TIP | Bockem is cash only, but you can scan a QR code to pay on your phone if you’re not carrying cash.

If you haven’t already, take the opportunity to go and have a look at Prague’s famous Dancing Houses before heading back to the New Town and the Mucha Museum . Here, you’ll find a beautiful selection of work by the Czech Republic’s most famous Art Nouveau painter.

In the afternoon, go up to the Letna Park Beer Garden (make sure you have cash) and then continue to the Prague Metronome for what I think is one of the best sunset viewpoints in Prague.

You’ll finish the day as you started – at one of Prague’s many excellent restaurants. For dinner, I’m suggesting Eska, where you can opt for a highly recommended degustation menu or sample their signature dish – potato in ash. It sounds strange, but I promise that it tastes incredible!

Make your way back to your hotel because it’s the last night of my Central Europe itinerary, and you’re departing tomorrow!

Day 14 | Depart Prague

Sadly, this Central Europe itinerary has to come to an end, and it’s time for you to catch your flight home or head to your next destination. If you’ve got some more free time, then I highly recommend a trip to Brno or Central Bohemia in the Czech Republic.

Central Europe Itinerary | Prague Vienna Budapest Map

To make things easy for you when you follow this Central Europe itinerary, I’ve created a map with all the locations mentioned.

To save this map to your own account, just click on the little star next to the title.

How Many Days is best for a Central Europe Itinerary?

I think 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time to spend in Central Europe, but it’s possible to cut this itinerary down to spend 12 days in Budapest, Vienna and Prague.

My first trip here was only 10 days, but I did have to be pretty ruthless about cutting things off my trip. Of course, if you’re living in Europe then it’s easy to make a return visit, and a shorter trip is totally feasible.

If you’re visiting from Australia, Asia or the Americas, then I think 10 days is the minimum amount of time you should budget to fit everything into your Central Europe itinerary.

When is the Best Time to Visit Central Europe?

As with all things Europe, August is high season, and the kids are all on holiday. If that’s the only time you can visit, be prepared for crowds and peak pricing.

For the rest of us, spring is beautiful, but late summer into autumn is forever my favourite time to visit. The weather is usually much more settled, and you can still have lovely warm days through to late October.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BUDAPEST, VIENNA & PRAGUE | May – June or September – October

Planning a Central Europe Itinerary

If you don’t want to follow my exact Central Europe Itinerary (although, why wouldn’t you?!), then start with my article on Important Things to Know When Planning a Trip to Central Europe (coming soon).

In this guide, you’ll get itinerary planning advice, including how to create an itinerary that lets you see what you want without feeling rushed.

I hope you found this 2 week Central Europe itinerary helpful for planning your own visit. Please let me know if any of this information is outdated or you’ve got a great option that you’d love to see here!

Here are some other posts to help you plan a visit to Europe:

CENTRAL EUROPE | Have an incredible experience with my 3 day Vienna itinerary , 4 day Prague itinerary and 4 days in Budapest

ITALY | Plan a perfect visit and extend your European trip by heading to the Dolomites

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing .

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store .

ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here .

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5 Comments on “Best of Budapest, Vienna & Prague | 2-week Central Europe Itinerary (2023)”

We would like to visit Budapest, Vienna and Prague during in last 3 weeks of December. I ve heard that Budapest and specially Prague is so magnificent during this time.

Any input specially dates and place is greatly appreciated

can you guide hoe to visit inside city. Any travel agent or guide required

You can visit all these places by yourself without a guide! I just prefer guided tours to give me information along the way.

Hi! Your itinerary looks fabulous. I’d be doing this trip solo, so a bit nervous but ready! I’s there a travel co you could suggest to arrange the itinerary? It’s too much to figure out on my own . Thanks!

Hi! I did this whole thing on my own so I’m afraid I don’t have a company to recommend for you. It’s actually quite easy to arrange for yourself though!

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Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, 15 Days of Must See Sights & Local Scenes

15 day tour of prague, vienna and budapest.

• Tour Prague Castle, cross the Charles Bridge, and relish the sight of Old Town from Petřín Hill
• Make an evening visit to Žižkov, Prague's hippest neighborhood, and drink world-renowned Czech beer
• Get your thrills at Vienna's Prater amusement park and ride its famous Giant Ferris Wheel
• Sip coffee & people watch in Vienna's elegant cafes and visit vineyards in the Wachau river valley
• Ascend Budapest's Castle Hill and experience the Gothic architecture of the Matthias Church
• Enjoy a glass of Hungarian wine in one of city's famous "ruin bars" such as Szimpla Kert

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Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip map & itinerary.

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrive Prague

To Be Determined:

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Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Charles Bridge

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

Maltese Square & Lennon Wall

See a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.

The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.

The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a&nbsp;UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country.&nbsp;

Chapel of the Holy Rood

Tour a closely-guarded and jewel-encrusted chapel decorated with amazing medieval art.

The most important and impressive part of the castle, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, is open only to special guided tours due to the fact that its walls are literally covered in precious jewels.

Mill Colonnade

Taste the famed waters of Karlovy Vary beneath a neo-Renaissance collonade.

This beautiful collonade overlooking the river contains five springs, of varying temperatures, flowing with therapeutic waters which can be tasted by the visitor. It also hosts orchestras and is a favorite spot for photos.

Diana Funicular Railway

Ride an inclined railway to a scenic overlook above Karlovy Vary.

The funicular takes you up to a wooded hill overlooking the city. You can ascend the Diana Lookout Tower for a particularly breathtaking view. This is also a good place from which to take a hike. You can explore an animal preserve, discover more look out points, and experience a wooden boardwalk above a pristine meadow.&nbsp;

Moser Glass Factory

Tour the factory floor of the world-famous Moser crystal company.

The tour gives you a first-hand view of how its worker's handcraft their prized Bohemian crystal. The factory also hosts a museum of crystal which is included in the tour.

Petřín Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is one of the most visited places of Petřín.

During late summer a large rose garden blooms here. Adjacent to the garden is a small planetarium.

Prague to Vienna

Explore the twisting narrow lanes of this delightful monastery town.

Named for the castle that overlooks it,&nbsp;D&uuml;rnstein is probably the most-visited stop in the Wachau valley. Reached by an ancient tunnel leading from the boat docks,&nbsp; it is well-known for its wine as well as the beautiful blue church tower of its Augustinian monastery.&nbsp;

Dürnstein Castle Ruins

Hike to the dramatic ruins of a medieval castle built in 1100's.

The hike leading to the castle is steep, but the amazing view you are rewarded with makes it all worth while. The fascinating ruins are extensive and can be freely explored. The castle was made famous by its most illustrious prisoner, King Richard the Lionhearted of England, who was held there for ransom.

Tour a huge and splendid Baroque monastery.

Founded in 1089 when the Austrian duke gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks, Melk Abbey is now both a place of pilgrimage and a major tourist attraction. Visitors come for the museum of religious artifacts, the jaw-dropping library, and the sublime church. The town square below the abbey is also a great place for a meal or wine.

Stop to taste the wine in a postcard-pretty town surrounded by vineyards.

Spitz is a favorite stop due to its bucolic atmosphere and abundance of wine taverns and restaurants. It is also home to the Tausendeimerberg or "House of a Thousand Buckets" (so named for the abundance of wine fields) and the castle ruins of Hinterhaus, which make for a nice (if steep) hike from the village.

Belvedere Palace

Stroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".

Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.

Karlskirche

Many argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.

Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power.&nbsp;

Vienna to Budapest

Schönbrunn Zoo

Join local families enjoying one of Europe's best zoos.

With an entrance directly connected to the Sch&ouml;nbrunn palace gardens, visiting the zoo can be a great addition to any trip to the palace. Founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest continually operated zoo in the world, and today is home to many rare species such as giant pandas.

Schönbrunn Gardens

Get lost in the huge imperial gardens.

The beautiful park is a mix of formal gardens and woodlands, and is dotted with enchanting statues &amp; fountains, including a massive fountain of Neptune. The Gloriette pavilion sits on a rise opposite the palace and commands a wonderful view. Kids will love&nbsp;the labyrinth, racing to find the tower at the center of the maze.

Discover why this pedestrian walkway along the Danube River, with it's beautiful views of the river and castle, is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike.

This promenade above the river embankment was the place to see-and-be-seen in 19th century Budapest. Cafes and luxury hotels lined the promenade, taking advantage of stunning views of the castle. They were destroyed in WWII and replaced with large modern hotels, eliminating some of the charm. The view, however, is still incredible.

Central Market Hall

Shop in a huge market hall built in the late 19th century.

This restored neo-gothic Market Hall is a favorite with visitors but also still visited by locals for its outstanding food stands and grocery stalls on the ground floor. On the upper levels, you can shop for souvenirs and traditional Hungarian goods &amp; crafts.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Váci Street (Váci utca)

Walk one of Budapest's main pedestrian thoroughfares, which is very popular with shoppers and tourists.

The street is lined by shops, boutiques, caf&eacute;s, and restaurants. Many elegant buildings line the street, most dating to the late19th century. Numerous courtyards and passageways branch off from the street. Although touristy, it is an integral part of the city and an interesting place to stroll.

Fő tér (Fő Square)

A colorful pedestrian square in the heart of the town.

You will find restaurants and shops lining the cobblestoned square. Also on the square is the Szentendre Gallery, which is located in the ground floor of a building dating back to 1720. The Orthodox church adjacent to the square is also definitely worth a look.

Szentendre Skanzen Village Museum

A Hungarian folk culture open-air museum

The museum consists of an entire village, taking visitors back in time to 18th- to 20th-century rural and farming life. You can see reconstructed farm dwellings and a museological collection.

Belgrade Church, Szentendre

A baroque Orthodox church and museum with stunning Orthodox icons and other religious art.

The museum features art collected from Hungary's formerly Serbian churches. The churches were closed as Serbs emigrated to Serbia or integrated into the Hungarian population, and the finest art from the churches was saved and sent to Szentendre. An 800 HUF admission covers both the church and the museum &ndash; you may even have the museum to yourselves.&nbsp;

Templom tér

A square overlooking the town that is missed by many visitors.

The Templom square above Fő square provides a nice viewpoint from which to admire the town, and the Church of St. John is also worth a peak if open. Also on the square is a small art museum dedicated to B&eacute;la Cz&oacute;bel (1883-1976), a Hungarian avant-garde painter.

Former Museum of Ethnography

This building once housed the Hungarian Supreme Court and the Ethnographic museum. The museum is relocating to City Park and will open in 2022.

It was the second place winner in the competition to design the Hungarian Parliament. Many believe it is as beautiful at the Parliament, especially it's interiors.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Reflect at a waterside sculpture of shoes memorializing the victims of fascism who died at this spot.

This moving memorial consists of empty shoes by the riverbank. Near the end of World War II a fascist party took control in Hungary. Jews were lined up along the river bank, forced to step out of their shoes (so they could be collected later), and then machine gunned into the river.

Hungarian Parliament

Tour this massive and stunning Gothic Revival–style edifice with a guide.

The Parliament is ostentatious, but undeniably grand and beautiful. A teeming mass of spires, arches, and towers surrounds the central dome, beneath which the royal crown of Hungary lies under armed guard. Tours of the lavish interiors include the crown, parliament chambers, and grand entry hall. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended as they often sell out well in advance.&nbsp;

Depart Budapest

What's Included In Your Trip

Pre-Paid Tours and Activities:

• Prague Castle & Royal Route Guided Walk
• Prague Wine Tasting
• Excursion to the Spa-Town of Karlovy Vary
• Guided Hike to Konopiště Chateau
• Guided Walk through Vienna's Inner City
• Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds
• Cultural Culinary Guided Walk in Budapest

Pre-Paid Transportation:

• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Prague to Vienna
• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Vienna to Budapest
• Public Transport Tickets for Vienna
• Private Transfer from the Budapest Rail Station

Accommodation:

• 6 nights at a hotel of your choice in Prague
• 5 nights at a hotel of your choice in Vienna
• 6 nights at a hotel of your choice in Budapest

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Explore cities in more detail

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a charming little town in South Bohemia. It might be small, but it’s full of whimsical character and mystery. Walking through the narrow streets and across the bridge, the views of the medieval Cesky Krumlov Castle will take your breath away. At night, street musicians serenade visitors on the bridge where you can dance beneath the stars and the watchful eye of the magnificent tower.  Dozens of unique local artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants are woven among the winding streets. In the summer, the city is lush with life and greenery. Rafters race down the river, stopping in the center along the way to enjoy a hearty meal before continuing their journey. In the winter, the main square transforms into a magnificent Christmas market and light blankets of snow cover the rooftops. This quaint little town will exceed your expectations and you may never want to leave.  

Nearly every wall and rooftop in Dresden seems to be finished with a flourish. Defined by its ornamental baroque architecture, a power statement of Saxon royalty, Dresden is made all the more miraculous considering the city was leveled by firebombing in WWII. After the war, the city was reconstructed, brick by painstaking brick. Even under East German-Soviet rule, which usually eschewed frivolous design, buildings like the Semper Opera House were pieced back to their former glory. Restoration of the majestic Zwinger Palace and bell domed Church of Our Lady slowly followed, with the Frauenkirche only fully repaired in 2005. Arguably there is no other city in Europe that cherishes its hard-won architecture as much as Dresden. Although it is a compact city, so many of its buildings will stop you in your tracks that architecture fans will easily lose a whole day in the Old Town area. Especially during the winter months, Dresden sparkles with a joyous, uplifting ambiance. The city is recognized as having the best-ever Christmas market in all of Europe. Between the twinkling lights, the scent of hot wine and gingerbread, and the towering Christmas tree, it’s worth going out of your way to see Dresden at this time of year.   

One of the most authentic, storied German destinations, Nuremberg's picturesque old town, glorious castle, and buzzing Christmas Market makes this city a time-true classic. The ideal gateway to old Bavaria, Nuremberg offers a primer in German history before you embark on the lovely journey through old Bavaria, known as the Romantic Road. Considered the capital of the Holy Roman Empire in the middle ages, Nuremberg would have felt like the center of the world as a procession of kings and emperors passed through its magnificent gates. When the German Renaissance came, Nuremberg was at its heart. Albrecht Dürer, the great German master artist, was born here, and Martin Luther called Nuremberg Germany's 'eyes and ears'. Skip forward a few centuries, and the city took a dark turn, as Nuremberg became a gathering point for the German National Socialists. Slightly outside of town, you can still find the Nazi Party Rallying Grounds, a sobering reminder of the not so distant past. If it all gets too heavy, you can end the day with a glass of rotbier (red beer) and mull it over. Nuremberg is a must-see for anyone who wants to delve into Germany's past. 

The city of Prague is indisputably the gem of Central Europe. Full of history, culture, and classic Czech pubs around every corner, Prague is teeming with nooks and crannies just waiting to be discovered. The narrow cobblestone streets and warm red rooftops give the city a homey feel, while the well-preserved medieval architecture transports you back in time. Walking across the Charles Bridge with the view of the Prague Castle will make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale, and you might as well be.    As an up-and-coming destination, Prague is a perfect mix of classic and modern. New trendy cafes and bistros are always popping up, and you can always find a group of lively locals chowing down on goulash and quaffing pivo (the best beer in Europe!) at traditional Czech restaurants across the city. The clash of modernity and tradition, preservation and innovation, gives this city a mysterious air that you won’t soon forget.

Artistic and musical, historical and elegant, Vienna is the definition of class. The seat of the Habsburg monarchy for over six centuries, it's no wonder this city is still fit for royalty. Baroque buildings and imperial palaces dominate the cityscape, while locals stride gracefully through the streets, likely on their way to a classical music concert or art exhibition. Visitors from all over the world flock to Schonbrunn Palace, historical museums, and local eateries for authentic Viennese schnitzel.  Vienna is also home to world-class wining and dining. Famous dishes include Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef), and apfelstrudel (apple strudel), all of which pair well with a glass of fine Austrian wine. No matter how long you spend in Vienna, you'll leave with a new appreciation for the finer things in life. 

Situated at the heart of Europe, Budapest is the capital of Hungary, appropriately named 'The Pearl of the Danube,' for its fixating and almost haunting beauty. Formerly two separate cities, Buda and Pest were forged into one by time, occupation, and the eight bridges that anchor them together today. From the Romans to the Communists, each occupier left its flavor profile in Budapest, evident in the famous spicy Hungarian stew known as 'goulash.'  Budapest is a melting pot of history, culture, and taste, from the magnificent Baroque and neo-Gothic architecture to the Turkish thermal baths. After a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of Tokaj, what King Louis XIV of France referred to as the "Wine of Kings, King of Wines". Budapest has a flavor to satisfy any taste.

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Vienna Budapest Prague Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Vienna Budapest Prague. We've got 287 trips going to Vienna Budapest Prague, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 45 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.

250+ Vienna Budapest Prague tour packages with 1,326 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Imperial Capitals ( 6 days )

This tour was a great, convenient way to see some incredible European sites. The optional dinners were well worth it with a chance to try cultural food and enjoy authentic entertainment of music and dance from the countries you visit. However, there were times when the tour felt a bit rushed and I would have enjoyed longer free time periods. Overall I really enjoyed this tour and a would like to say a huge thank you to the amazing tour guide, Teresa. She was so friendly, welcoming and inclusive and her bubbly and charismatic personality made the tour so fun and enjoyable for everyone!

Cycle the Danube

Great way to visit europe

• In-depth Cultural

Vienna and Budapest ( 4 days )

Hotel in Vienna Prinz Eugene was so so and Breakfast buffet did not have much choice for vegetarias, but Budapest hotel Novim Cenrum is good. Overall city Tour of Vienna and Budapest with local guides are goid. especially local guide Mario in Budapest was very informative.

Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Everything is excellent . We will use tour radar again for our future travels. I will also recommend your company to my friends and relatives. Thank you. The Velbis family

Prague & Budapest

Enjoyed every moment!!! Hotel was great, just wished it was closer to Old Town.

• River Cruise

Classical Danube (Passau - Budapest - Passau)

the staff was very helpful and the communication with them was easy. The price of the trip was affordable

Journey through Central Europe & Romania

• Coach / Bus

Ultimate European (Greek Islands, Start Paris, 45 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Prague Vienna and Budapest (10 Days)

It was a very good trip. Prague, Vienna and Budapest are very beautiful cities and it was great to get into the museum in Vienna before it was open to the public. We also did Schonbrunn Palace early and avoided the crowds. I think the highlight for me was the Budapest evening cruise and dinner as it was just stunning and the food was excellent. We picked this tour because of the amount of free time it offered, but if you were to take up all the optional tours, there would be very little free time left for wandering these marvellous cities. We did half the tours on offer so we could head off on our own and do things that weren't on the optional list.

A Taste of the Danube (Westbound)

First class ship, excellent Cruise Director and crew, splendid food, very high standard of guides on included excursions, brilliant virtuosity and entertainment from Pressberger Duo,optional concert in Vienna superb.

• Sightseeing

This is the perfect trip to go on if you’re not looking to meet anyone and enjoy a proper group experience. If you’re not looking for value for money then this is honestly the best trip to pay for. Google is really complicated so paying someone to send you recommendations on how to spend your day is a lifesaver. Sometimes it’s really nice to stay in some really horrible accommodation so don’t you worry. This trip is the bees knees when it comes to horrible accommodation. I honestly couldn’t recommend this trip enough. Personally love it when it’s nothing like you’d expected. It ticks every box when it comes to not enjoying a trip. Will definitely book this again.

Budapest & Vienna

Thank you so much, Shaun Hoffman, for a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this tour company and our guide for a lifetime experience.

Czechia Unesco Tour – 7 Unesco Sites in 6 Days, Max 6 People Per Tour

My sister and I just completed the UNESCO tour with Marek. The tour exceeded my expectations. Marek ‘s English was very good and he was very good about checking with us to see if we needed anything or wished to stop at a shop. The sites were all interesting, I especially enjoyed St Barbera’s Basilica and our stops in Telc and Trebic. The cost seemed reasonable considering all we did. There is a lot of walking, so pack comfortable shoes! I highly recommend the tour.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Private Tour: 3 Countries in One Week: Prague - Vienna - Budapest

It was our trip after 20 years from our wedding and it was amazing, Europe is gergeous and we absolutely fell in love with Prague.

Scenic Central Europe

What people love about vienna budapest prague tours.

Wonderful cities, well-organised, and great value. Shout out to our guide, Jacob, who was as informative and professional as you'd expect, but also adaptable when things out of his control were going wrong (traffic, weather, etc.) And the driver, Nathan, who was always helpful and reliable - almost like a second tour guide.

Sasa Tour Guide and Andro the driver were great. They took care of the group with their jovial attitude and ensured that individual's needs were met. They provided easy to follow directions and kept the group together. There were occasions when things would have gone wrong but Sasa and Andro ensured that they are there on every step along the way to make it trouble-free and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend intrepid tours and would consider future tours through Intrepid.

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Explore Hungary, Austria & The Czech Republic at Your Pace On This 10-Day Guided Tour

See the iconic capital city sights of Budapest, Vienna and Prague as your local Travel Director takes the reins on this 10-day adventure. Starting with a spot of Budapest sightseeing, your introduction to Hungary’s capital tracks through the cobblestone streets of the Castle district to the sweeping city views from the Fisherman’s Bastion. Journey along the Danube to Vienna—the home of the Habsburg royals. The regal grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace gives way to an abundance of local dining in Vienna and the chance to taste Austria’s most delectable dishes. In the Czech Republic, the fairytale town of Český Krumlov delights with its ageless charm and in Prague, your Local Expert guides you through the city of a hundred spires.

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Prague, Vienna and Budapest Itinerary 7 days

This itinerary will help you to plan a trip to Prague, Vienna and Budapest. We visited during Christmas season so each city was filled with festive magic.

Europe Austria, Czechia, Hungary 8 days / November - December 2018

Highs & Lows

Beautiful cities, great food, good airbnbs, great number of days

It was freezing, extreme cold weather

Itinerary Overview

• 2 Nights: Vienna Important city to visit More
• 3 Nights: Prague Prague is such a beautiful city and has a unique look to it More
• 3 Nights: Budapest we wanted to visit the thermal baths More

Vienna Important city to visit

One of my best friends and I were living abroad and decided to plan a little trip before the holidays. We planned a 9 day vacation to Vienna Prague, and Budapest. The tickets to Vienna were relatively average (we were travelling from France) and rented and Airbnb. We arrived to Vienna at night so the first thing we did was to find a restaurant to eat. We went to a known restaurant called Gelateria Castelletto, the food was okay, you can find something better. Then we took a uber to the Airbnb and were greeted by the host, very kind and helpful. The next morning, we woke up and realized it had snowed all night. The streets and the city were covered in snow and ice. It looked beautiful but let this be a cautionary tale and bring shoes fit for snow. Since as soon as we stepped out with our normal shoes with slipped on the ice and fell. We arrived to the tram station and bought tickets, at first it is very confusing but it is always better to ask someone for help. Then we visited St. Stephen's Cathedral and walked around the plaza. We visited the Jewish Museum, but I don’t really recommend it unless you are really into Jewish culture. Then we went to Kaisergruft and visited the crypts, they were very interesting and fun to look at. Then at night we headed to Rathausplatz to visit the Christmas Market. I highly recommend visiting during this time of year purely because of this market. It is stunning, it is filled with many stands that sell candy, hot drinks, food, and Christmas handcrafts. The whole place has Christmas lights and even has an ice-skating ring. Then after a night of Christmas activities we took the tram and went to sleep. The next morning we had to catch the bus to Prague, the bus was super cheap but a bit hard to find, but eventually we did and headed to Prague.

Prague Prague is such a beautiful city and has a unique look to it

We arrived to Prague at night and headed to the center to meet with our Airbnb host so that he could hand us the keys to the apartment, that was kind of annoying. Then we walked took a cab to the apartment and unpacked. I highly recommend this Airbnb is very nice. Then we went to have dinner to a bar downstairs. The next day we went out and had breakfast at Marthy's Kitchen, the food was very good. Then we visited Church of Saint Ludmila which is very beautiful and continue walking to Old Town Square. We walk through Na Můstku 9 street if you want to do any shopping it is filled with huge stores like Zara and Bershka. Then we continued walking through beautiful and colorful streets and took some pictures and finally arrived to see the Prague’s Astronomical Clock. Then we continued to explore Old Town Square, it is truly magical and feels like a medieval city. Here you can also see various cathedrals and gothic arquitecture and it is filled with very interesting shops. Then we crossed Manes Bridge, which was stunning and Malá Strana. There we visited various shops and walked around; it is beautiful and saw the pissing sculpture. The Kafka Museum Is near this area if you want to visit. Then we headed back through Charles Bridge which was the best part of the trip. Walking through this bridge is a surreal experience, the sunset, the city and all the scenery is unbelievable. It was already nighttime, so he headed to the Christmas Market which was huge and magical. We then tried some of the most famous food like Trdelník and the Grilované klobásy, it was all very delicious. The next day we visited the John Lennon Wall and the St. Vitus Cathedral. These two locations are very close, and it is great to walk around since the cathedral is also near many castles. Then we had dinner and headed home to catch a bus the next day to Budapest.

Budapest we wanted to visit the thermal baths

We arrived to Budapest and located the Airbnb. We also arrived at nicght so we went out to have dinner, we went to Padthai Wokbar in Buda which I highly recommend. The next day we headed straight to Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion. Both locations are right next to each other, so we walked around and took pictures. Then we had lunch and we continued to walk around Buda. The next day we took the tram to Pest and visited the Shoes on the Danube Bank sculpture and walked along the river. Then we visited the Hungarian Parliament Building and walked around, there is an underground museum there, but we didn’t go. We had lunch at a coffee shop and then headed to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. We had bought the tickets online but there wasn’t any line. You get a locker to leave your stuff and you can change in the bathroom. The thermals were cool but during winter they are not as hot as you would expect so we didn’t stay long. Then we went back to pest to visit the Christmas market and had dinner. We had very good pizza, and then we went for cake to Vintage Garden, a very instragramable restaurant.

What would you have changed?

Restaurant recommendations, tips you would give a friend, packing tips, transportation tips, any surprises, booking details.

Airbnb: "Stunning Apt near central station/Metro/P&R" https://abnb.me/uf1GnwEzrjb

Airbnb: "Great apartment for family vacation!" https://abnb.me/6eqiHzizrjb very big apartment, clean and very pretty, super comfortable, and good location.

Airbnb in Buda, good apartment, comfortable, good wifi.

Prague, Vienna & Budapest Itinerary

Central Europe, a tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, has long been a favorite destination for travelers from around the world. Among its most celebrated jewels are three cities that have stood the test of time, each one offering a unique blend of past and present, tradition and innovation: Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.

You may be interested in: Day Trips From Budapest and Day trip from Budapest to Vienna .

Prague, known as "The City of a Hundred Spires," beckons with its fairytale-like ambiance, cobbled streets, and iconic architecture. Vienna, the Imperial City, speaks of opulence, grandeur, and an unparalleled musical legacy. Lastly, Budapest, aptly termed "The Pearl of the Danube," is a city of thermal baths, grand boulevards, and a confluence of cultures. These cities, while distinct in their offerings, share a rich tapestry of history, having seen empires rise and fall, and having been at the crossroads of cultures and epochs.

For travelers seeking a journey that combines the allure of ancient history with modern sophistication, this trio offers an unparalleled experience. This itinerary is designed to guide you through the best of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest in a seamless travel experience, ensuring you soak in the essence of each city and leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a unique travel experience, this journey through the heart of Central Europe promises to be unforgettable.

Table of contents

General travel tips for prague, vienna & budapest, vienna: the imperial city, budapest: the pearl of the danube, optional day trips from each city.

Central Europe, especially the cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, offers an enriching travel experience with its mix of history, culture, and modern vibes. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, here are some general travel tips tailored for these destinations:

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) : Mild temperatures and fewer tourists make these periods ideal for exploration.
• Summer (July to August) : Peak tourist season. Expect larger crowds, especially in popular spots, but also vibrant events and festivals.
• Winter (November to February) : Cold, yet enchanting, especially if you enjoy festive lights, Christmas markets, and fewer tourists.

Transportation Options Between Cities

• Trains : Efficient and scenic, the train network connects these cities conveniently. Consider the Railjet service for a faster connection.
• Buses : Often more economical than trains, with companies like FlixBus and RegioJet offering comfortable services.
• Flights : Quick but usually unnecessary given the close proximity of these cities. Also, you might miss out on the scenic countryside.
• Car Rentals : Ideal for those who wish to make stops in smaller towns or explore the countryside. Ensure you're aware of cross-border rental policies.

Local Currency and Payment Methods

• Prague : Czech Koruna (CZK). However, Euros might be accepted at some touristy places.
• Vienna : Euro (EUR)
• Budapest : Hungarian Forint (HUF), but like Prague, some places might accept Euros.
• Tip : Always keep some local currency for places that don't accept cards. However, credit/debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available.

Language Tips and Common Phrases

• While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases can enhance your experience:
• Czech (Prague) : Děkuji (Thank you), Ahoj (Hello)
• German (Vienna) : Danke (Thank you), Hallo (Hello)
• Hungarian (Budapest) : Köszönöm (Thank you), Szia (Hello)
• Invest in a translation app or pocket dictionary for more complex interactions.

Safety and Etiquette

• All three cities are generally safe, but like anywhere, be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Tipping: In restaurants, it's customary to leave a tip of around 5-10%, unless service charge is included.

Connectivity

• Prepaid SIM cards are readily available for tourists, offering good data packages.
• Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, restaurants, and some public areas. However, using a VPN is recommended for added security.

Packing Tips

• Comfortable walking shoes are a must, given the amount of exploration on foot.
• Carry a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella.
• For winter travel, pack warm clothing, including gloves, scarves, and hats.

Stay Informed

• Check for any public holidays or events that might affect the opening hours of attractions.
• Stay updated on any travel advisories or local regulations, especially if traveling during uncertain times.

With these general travel tips in hand, you're all set to embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Enjoy the perfect blend of the old-world charm and contemporary vibes that these cities offer. Safe travels!

The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna has long stood as a symbol of grandeur, culture, and elegance. A city where every street corner whispers tales of emperors and composers, Vienna seamlessly marries its imperial history with a modern and vibrant arts scene. Here's an itinerary to experience the best of Vienna in 3 days:

Day 4: Vienna’s Historic Center

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral : A Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city. Climb its tower for a panoramic view of Vienna.
• Graben & Kohlmarkt : Wander through these historic shopping streets lined with luxury boutiques and traditional coffeehouses.
• Afternoon break at a traditional Viennese coffeehouse : Try Café Central or Café Demel for an authentic experience. Order a Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel for a sweet treat.

Day 5: Palaces and Art

• Belvedere Palace : Home to Austrian art including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”. The palace's gardens offer a peaceful retreat.
• Museumsquartier : This innovative space hosts a range of museums, from the Leopold Museum with its extensive collection of modern Austrian art to the contemporary MUMOK. End your day at one of its trendy cafes or bars.

Day 6: Music, Riversides, and Modern Vienna

• Naschmarkt : Vienna's most popular market. Try some local delicacies or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
• Danube Canal : Take a leisurely walk or bike ride. Along the way, you'll find street art, pop-up bars, and restaurants.
• Prater : End your day with a visit to this large public park. Its iconic Giant Ferris Wheel offers an unmatched view of the city, especially during sunset.

Eating in Vienna:

• Breakfast : Start your day with a 'Wiener Frühstück'—typically coffee, bread, butter, and jam.
• Local Delicacies : Don't miss out on trying Wiener Schnitzel, Goulash, and for dessert, the aforementioned Sachertorte.
• Dinner : Visit the historic Grinzing neighborhood for traditional Heuriger (wine taverns) where you can enjoy local wines and Austrian dishes in a cozy ambiance.

Note on Music in Vienna : This city is renowned as the "City of Music". Consider booking a concert, perhaps at the Vienna State Opera or at the Musikverein, for a quintessential Viennese experience.

With its magnificent palaces, world-class museums, and rich musical heritage, Vienna offers travelers an immersive dive into a city where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a music aficionado, Vienna has something to captivate every visitor.

Straddling the majestic Danube River, Budapest is a city of thermal baths, grand boulevards, and architectural wonders. The fusion of two historic cities, Buda and Pest, this Hungarian capital offers a unique mix of the old world and contemporary European vibrancy. Dive into the allure of Budapest with this 3-day itinerary:

Day 7: Buda - The Historic Heart

• Fisherman's Bastion : This neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque terrace is perfect for those postcard-like photos of Budapest.
• Matthias Church : Located near the Bastion, its striking architecture and colorful roof tiles make it a must-visit.
• Gellért Hill : For a bit of a hike, ascend this hill to find the Liberty Statue and enjoy another breathtaking view of the city.

Day 8: Pest - The Urban Beat

• St. Stephen’s Basilica : Climb to the dome for a 360-degree view of Budapest.
• Andrássy Avenue : A UNESCO World Heritage site, this avenue is lined with Neo-Renaissance mansions and luxury boutiques, leading you to the Heroes' Square and City Park.
• Széchenyi Thermal Bath : In the City Park, unwind in Europe's largest medicinal bath, an iconic part of Budapest's spa culture.

Day 9: Culture, Shopping, and Nightlife

• Dohány Street Synagogue : The largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world, this is a testament to Budapest's rich Jewish heritage.
• Ruin Bars : As the evening sets, explore Budapest's unique nightlife scene by hopping between its famous ruin bars, abandoned buildings turned into hip bars and clubs.

Eating in Budapest

• Breakfast : Enjoy a hearty Hungarian breakfast often consisting of fresh bread, cold cuts, cheeses, and boiled eggs.
• Local Delicacies : Indulge in goulash soup, chicken paprikash, and pörkölt. For dessert, try the dobos torte or the creamy somlói galuska.
• Dining : The Jewish Quarter in Pest offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Hungarian to trendy global cuisines.

Bonus Tip : Consider taking a cheap Danube River Cruise . It’s especially magical in the evening when landmarks like the Buda Castle, Parliament, and bridges are illuminated.

Budapest, often dubbed as the "Paris of the East," is a city that comes alive with its history, culture, and infectious energy. Whether you're soaking in thermal baths, admiring the Danube's views, or relishing its culinary delights, Budapest promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

When exploring Central Europe's iconic cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, it's worth considering a few day trips to the surrounding areas. These excursions provide a chance to experience the rich landscapes, historical sites, and unique cultures outside the bustling urban centers.

From Prague:

• Český Krumlov : A UNESCO World Heritage site, this picturesque town features a stunning castle, winding streets, and Baroque theaters. The Vltava River meanders through, offering opportunities for rafting.
• Karlštejn Castle : Just a short train ride from Prague, this medieval fortress was built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and holds a collection of holy relics and crown jewels.

From Vienna:

• Wachau Valley : Renowned for its wine, picturesque landscapes, and historic architecture, the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Consider a Danube River cruise or bike tour for a delightful experience.
• Graz : Austria's second-largest city offers a mix of new and old, with a well-preserved old town, innovative art museums, and the impressive Schlossberg—a hill with clock tower and fortress remains.

From Budapest:

• Szentendre : A quaint town known for its museums (like the Marzipan Museum and the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum), art galleries, and Serbian Orthodox churches. Its cobbled streets and Mediterranean vibes make for a relaxed trip.
• Lake Balaton : Often called the "Hungarian Sea", Lake Balaton is Central Europe's largest freshwater lake. The town of Tihany, with its famous Benedictine Abbey, offers panoramic views of the lake.

While the primary cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest each pack a wealth of experiences, these day trips will further enrich your Central European journey, offering a blend of nature, culture, and history. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or education, there's a destination awaiting a short distance from each major city.

Central Europe, with its meld of history, culture, and scenic beauty, is truly a traveler's delight. The cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, each brimming with its own unique charm, present a harmonious blend of past and present. From Prague's fairy-tale allure to Vienna's imperial grandeur and Budapest's Danube-draped elegance, every step in this region promises an encounter with awe-inspiring architecture, compelling stories, and vibrant local life.

But beyond the well-trodden paths of these urban centers lie the equally enchanting day-trip destinations. Whether it's the bone-adorned chapels of Kutná Hora, the rolling vineyards of the Wachau Valley, or the serene waters of Lake Balaton, these places further weave the intricate tapestry of Central Europe's diverse landscapes and cultures.

In embarking on this journey, travelers don't merely visit destinations; they step into living narratives, each chapter revealing a new facet of the region's rich tapestry. With every bridge crossed, every palace explored, and every local delicacy savored, one not only discovers the heart of Central Europe but also often finds themselves leaving a piece of their own heart behind.

In essence, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, along with their surrounding treasures, are not just places on a map. They are timeless experiences, waiting to be lived, cherished, and revisited, time and again.

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The Budapest, Vienna & Prague trip

For the love of

EUROPE BY TRAIN ​

SCHNITZEL & SACHERTORTE ​

ROYAL PALACES ​

COFFEE CULTURE ​

LIFE ON THE DANUBE ​

SPIRES IN THE SKY

RUIN BARS ​

BEER SPAS ​

MOZART MAGIC ​

THREE COUNTRIES, THREE CAPITALS ​

BUDAPEST, VIENNA &  PRAGUE

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our small group trip to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s looking to cross off the trifecta of Central Europe’s cultural treasures. 

Over eight days, we’ll be hopping trains and riding the rails between three of the coolest capitals on the continent. First stop, Budapest—a city where you can soak away your worries in thermal baths and then sip craft cocktails in ruin bars while deciding if you want goulash or langos for a midnight snack. We’ll cruise the Danube and explore the countryside before making our way to Austria for a taste of Vienna’s opulence: classical tunes in Mozart’s hometown and the Habsburg high life. Eventually, we’ll wind up on Prague’s cobbled streets to wrap things up in storybook fashion. After crisscrossing the Old Town, throw down a few pilsners with the locals and cheers to one epic adventure.

For culture trippers, this is a cross-continental adventure into the heart of Europe and an immersive experience through three of the region’s most exciting countries.

8 days/7 nights

starting at $3,299 USD

Limited single room upgrades starting from $659 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.

Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installme nts.

7 night accommodations in shared rooms (single room upgrade available on request)

Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Train tickets: Budapest to Vienna and Vienna to Prague

24 hour public transportation tickets in Vienna and Prague

Guided historic Budapest walking tour 

Traditional Hungarian cooking class led by a local chef

Evening Danube River cruise with views of Budapest’s historic skyline

Károlyi Castle experience in Hungary’s countryside

Local wine tasting in a traditional family-run Hungarian vineyard

Classical Viennese concert in one of Vienna’s oldest concert halls

Visit to Habsburg’s opulent summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace

Walking tour through Prague’s old streets

Unique Czech beer spa experience

FTLO Trip Leader

*Activities are weather-dependent on all Budapest, Vienna, Prague trips; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.

not included

Flights to Budapest and from Prague

Mandatory trip insurance

Meals not mentioned (Budget around $200)

Incidental expenses

*Itinerary is subject to change

    Day 1 - Budapest Boo-Da-Pesht

Originally split by the Danube into Buda and Pest before uniting in 1873, Budapest is a one-of-a-kind capital with neoclassical architecture, paprika-rich cuisine, and a persona that’s just the right amount of rough around the edges.

Kick things off near the city center on the eastern Pest side of the river with a crew of new friends and welcome drinks to get your Central European adventure started right. From there, we’re off to the lively old streets of the Jewish Quarter for our welcome dinner and your first taste of Hungarian cooking.

After a bite, head out for a nightcap (extra points if you try a shot of pálinka, a local fruit brandy guaranteed to give you a warm Hungarian welcome), or take a romantic stroll along the Danube as you wander back to the hotel.

    Day 2  - Budapest

Crosstown cuisine.

After catching up with the crew, we’re off to see Budapest and all her beauty on a walking tour. We’ll check out everything from the bell towers of St. Stephen’s Basilica to Fisherman’s Bastion and the Medieval architecture of the Castle Quarter.

You’ll need a bite after all that, so up next, it’s time for a cooking class led by a rockstar local chef to whip up Hungarian specialties like chilled soups and sweet desserts. The afternoon’s free, but as this is the City of Baths, it’s only fitting that you head to Széchenyi for a soak. 

Round out the day in romantic fashion with a Danube River cruise for golden views of the historic skyline before we head toward Budapest’s famous ruin bars to check out the graffitied grit that sets this capital apart (think dive bars taken to a whole new level).

    Day 3 - Budapest wine Country

Today, we’re heading out of the city and journeying through Hungary’s small towns for a deep cut of the country. 

Get things started in the land of Counts and Barons as we take a private tour of the massive 19th-century Károlyi Castle and its grounds. We’ll grab a bite after exploring the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and then it’s time for a few glasses of Hungarian wine at a nearby family-run vineyard. Cheers to our last day in Budapest, or as the Hungarians say, Egészségedre (no worries if you botch that one).

You’ll get back to the hustle and bustle that evening, where your night is free. If you didn’t figure it out yesterday, Budapest hits a whole new level when the sun sets. Hit up a jazz club with the crew or roam back to more of those eclectic ruin bars.

    Day 4 - Budapest & Vienna A Moment for Mozart

After a leisurely morning in Budapest, we’re heading west to Vienna for Mozart, Wienerschnitzel, and the second leg of our central European excursion.

Try your first Sachertorte (Austria’s delicious chocolate cake) and stroll the romantic old streets for an experience that is oh-so opulent. With almost theatrically ornate Baroque buildings everywhere you look, Vienna’s the suave, sophisticated big brother of our capital trio: this is where Freud pontificated, Beethoven composed, and the FTLO crew hits high class.

This is also the City of Music, home to the greats of 18th and 19th-century classical tunes. So, after meeting up with everyone for a pre-show dinner, we’ll head to one of the city’s oldest concert halls for a bit of Mozart magic performed by an incredible orchestral ensemble.

    Day 5 - Vienna Kings and Queens

Now that you’ve reached high society, it’s time to step back in time. Today, we’re heading to Schönbrunn Palace—a marvel of European grandeur—to immerse ourselves in the lavish fairytale lifestyle of a bygone era.

Originally a 17th-century hunting lodge for the Habsburgs, this giant Baroque estate (a UNESCO site) is the pinnacle of old-school wealth. Explore historic, luxurious rooms filled with priceless works of art and act like you belong in the Great Gallery or the amazing Blue Chinese Salon. After mingling with the royal palace upper crust, we’ll need to recharge, so we’ll kick it local with your first Wienerschnitzel at a traditional Austrian tavern. 

The afternoon and evening are free to roam; take a spin on the world’s oldest ferris wheel at Prater Park or check out the scene at Rathausplatz.

    Day 6 - Vienna & Prague Czech it Out

After a bite at the hotel, we’re heading west on the rails past dense forests and meandering rivers en route to what may be the most picturesque city on the whole continent. 

Between the red-tiled roofs, Gothic cathedrals, and Renaissance Palaces, the Czech capital is unfairly, almost unrealistically, spectacular. Grab a hometown pilsner at one of the leafy green beer gardens before you meet up with a local for a tour of the town. With our expert guide, you’ll eat and drink like the Czechs, marvel at the Old Town’s 15th-century astronomical clock, and twist through a labyrinth of secret Castle District streets way beyond the tourists.

Prague’s home to some of the finest beer in the world, so cap off the evening prowling for pints through cozy streets with the crew.

“To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches, and rivers, in fact, to see life.” - Agatha Christie

    Day 7 - Prague Beer Bath

After laughing off a late night and soaking up one too many drinks with a hearty breakfast, we’ll get right back to what Prague does best: beer! 

However, today’s a special day, so we won’t just be drinking a pint or two; we’ll be bathing in it. Yup, join the rest of the crew for a unique Czech experience—unwind in a tub of suds (there’s a wine option, too!), and let the beer bath soothe your senses. You’ll even follow it up with a salt cave session to rejuvenate your soul.

Your afternoon’s free, so after that boozy therapy, take a stroll along the Vltava River or dive into Czech history at the National Museum. That night, we’re all meeting up for a delicious farewell dinner at one of our favorite spots to round out an amazing week. 

    Day 8 - Prague Eurotripped

Three countries, three capitals, one epic adventure!

In just eight days, you’ll have crossed Central Europe with a crew of new friends and, in doing so, traveled over 500 kilometers by train. You’ve explored hidden old town streets, marveled at grand palaces, and soaked up Mozart’s finest tunes.

If you’ve got more time to spare in Prague, cross the Charles Bridge once more for some final views of one of our favorite romantic European capitals. Or, if you’ve got even more time to travel, consider a trip to Portugal for some more culture or a fast-paced outdoor experience in Iceland!

Just for fun

King Stephen I of Hungary was so important that his mummified right hand is kept in St. Stephen’s Basilica!

Visit Vienna for croissants. The delectable breakfast treat actually originated in Austria, not France.

On average, Czechs drink more than 180 liters of beer per person each year. That’s the most in the world!

There are limited single rooms available on our Budapest, Vienna, Prague trips. Book early if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.

More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restriction s on the trip can be found h ere .

About Budapest, Vienna, and Prague

The capitals of Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic each boast their own unique charm and character. Budapest straddles the Danube River, offering a diverse blend of architectural styles, historic thermal baths, and lively ruin bars. Vienna, Austria's imperial jewel, exudes elegance with its grand palaces, classical music legacy, and coffeehouse culture. Prague, the Czech Republic's fairytale city, captivates with its beautiful buildings, medieval streets, Gothic architecture, and lively beer gardens. Together, these cities form a cultural triangle rich in history, art, and culinary delights.

Good to Know

In Budapest, the currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). 

In Vienna, the currency is the Euro (EUR). 

In Prague, the currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK).

Hungarians speak Hungarian, Austrians speak German, and the Czechs speak Czech.

Public transport in all three cities is fantastic.

Some smaller shops and attractions in all three cities may be closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Not only is this trip deeply cultural, but as we get around by train, it’s a more sustainable way to see Central Europe.

Tipping is not required, but 10% is customary in any of these cities.

Fly into Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD)

If you’re flying in on day 1, you should arrive at Budapest Ferihegy International Airport by 1:00pm to reach the hotel by 4:00pm.

Fly out of Václav Havel Airport Prague Airport (PRG)

Check out of the hotel is at 10:00am, but you can fly out at any time.

Want to check out flights for your trip?

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*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.

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Our first trip isn't until june, but...

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