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Central Europe and beyond

Central Europe Travel Guide: Plan Your Visit

Central Europe has quite quickly become one of the most popular regions to travel on the continent. Travelling in this dynamic region is met with the same ease as those countries further to the west but can offer some more offbeat and budget-friendly destinations, which is why this Central Europe travel guide is necessary. Most of the countries comprising this region were under Communist regimes until the early nineties, giving it a history and culture that is unique to its more western counterparts.

For the purposes of this guide, we will be concentrating on the countries of Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland.

If you’re after travel information on Croatia , Slovenia , or Serbia , be sure to check out our Balkan travel guide which will lead you to all of the information we have on those respective countries and the region as a whole.

Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our  privacy policy.

Table of Contents

Central European Countries

Central Europe can be an ambiguous term that has a few definitions in the region. While some may consider the countries of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to be “Eastern Europe,” it is far more politically correct and polite to refer to them as “Central Europe” instead.

Regardless if you want to visit Austria or any of the four aforementioned countries, there is no denying that you’re bound to have a wonderful time exploring this gorgeous and historic area of the continent.

If you already know where you want to visit in this incredible region, then make sure to browse our country-specific articles and guides.

Planning a Central Europe Route

A typical route through Central Europe covers the capital cities from Vienna to Prague to Krakow to Budapest. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with this itinerary, it does skip over all of the smaller cities and towns and lovely natural areas that lie in between these metropolises.

Whether you want to find the perfect multi-country route or are trying to narrow down which cities you should include or not on your trip, browse the articles below to help you plan the ultimate Central European adventure for your own travel style!

The Ultimate 7 to 10 Days in Poland Itinerary

Prague or Krakow or Budapest: Which City to Visit?

The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in Austria Itinerary

Salzburg or Vienna: Which Austrian City to Visit?

The Ultimate 2 Week Central Europe Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

The Ultimate 7 to 10 Day Czech Republic Itinerary

Places to Visit in Central Europe

The goal of this guide is to help you plan the perfect trip to Central Europe and to get the most out of every destination that you visit. There are so many incredible places to see, dynamic cities to explore and beautiful nature to lose yourself in.

If you’re wondering where to go in Central Europe and what to do while you’re there, you’re in luck. We’ve explored the region in-depth and don’t plan to stop any time soon.

If you’re looking for a detailed city guide or just want some inspiration on our favourite destinations in the region, have a look at the articles below to kick-start your planning.

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Salzburg Itinerary

The Perfect Day Trip to Salzburg from Vienna

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Innsbruck Itinerary

The Ultimate One Day in Hallstatt Itinerary

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary

The Perfect One Day in Graz Itinerary

12 Best Things To Do in Olomouc: A One-Day Itinerary

The Ultimate 3 to 4 Days in Prague Itinerary

Karlovy Vary Day Trip from Prague: A One Day Itinerary

The Perfect One Day in Cesky Krumlov Itinerary

Jeseniky Mountains Travel Guide: Things to Do & Where to Stay

Ostrava Travel Guide: Things To Do, Restaurants & Places To Stay

Hungary & Slovakia

10 Things To Do In Pecs, Hungary: A One-Day Itinerary

The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in Budapest Itinerary

Planning a Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna

The Perfect One Day in Poznan Itinerary

The Perfect 1 to 2 Days in Wroclaw Itinerary

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Gdansk Itinerary

Warsaw or Krakow: Which Polish City to Visit?

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Warsaw Itinerary

The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Krakow Itinerary

Best Time to Visit Central Europe

Like pretty much everywhere else on the continent, Central Europe experiences five distinct seasons.

The winters can be cold and snowy whereas the summers are hot and muggy. Spring and Autumn tend to both have mild weather, but can be rainy and chilly at times. You might also experience some beautiful and unseasonably warm days if you travel during these times of year as well.

If you’re planning on travelling to Central Europe during the summer, keep in mind that the months of July and August can get very crowded in Central Europe so you’ll likely have to plan and book your trip further in advance.

Summers can also get very warm in most Central European cities, and it’s rare to have air conditioning in your accommodation. If they have the means, many locals tend to flock to the mountains or seaside during particularly warm spells, so these areas can also be quite crowded.

Arguably the best time to travel to Central Europe is in the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to November. During these seasons, the weather is milder and the tourist crowds are considerably fewer.

Read More: The Essential Guide to Visiting Prague in Winter

Often, as well, accommodation and attraction prices can be reduced. Because there is less demand in general, you will also have a bit more room to be flexible in your itinerary. Another advantage of the shoulder season is that it lets you experience some of the great student towns in the region while the students are actually around!

There are some advantages to travelling during winter, with many cities in Central Europe having world Christmas markets as well as some fantastic and affordable skiing — especially in the High Tatras in Slovakia.

While the weather is very cold, travelling to Central Europe in winter is easily the cheapest season to visit the region. Because the tourist demand is low, accommodation and attractions costs will likely be discounted, but you may find that some things do not operate during the offseason. 

All in all, there is no absolute answer for the best season to travel in Central Europe, but if you want decent weather combined with a lack of tourist crowds, then visiting the region during the shoulder seasons is probably your best bet.

Cost of Travelling to Central Europe

Planning a Central Europe budget can be a daunting task, however, the region tends to be noticeably less expensive when compared to Western Europe. It is very easy to travel in this region while maintaining even the most strict of budgets, while there is ample opportunity to spend top dollar should you wish.

Accommodation costs can be quite affordable if staying in hostels or in a private room of a locally run guesthouse or hostel.

Food, again, can vary depending on your budget. If you plan on only cooking your own meals or relying on street food, you can eat quite well and prices will generally increase from there, depending on your habits.

One thing you can absolutely do on the cheap anywhere in Central Europe is drink! The Czech Republic especially is famous for its pilsners and, in many countries in Central Europe, a bottle of local beer in the shop will often time cost less than a bottle of water.

Although these prices are enough to turn the strictest teetotallers into alcoholics, please make sure to pace yourself and drink responsibly!

Is Krakow Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Krakow

Is Vienna Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Vienna

Is Prague Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Prague

How Much Will A Central Europe Trip Cost?

Is Budapest Expensive? A Budapest Trip Cost Guide

Currency in Central Europe

Despite all of these countries being in the European Union, only Slovakia and Austria use the Euro. The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland all still use their own currencies: Koruna, Forint, and Zloty respectively. This can make it tricky when trying to remember the exchange rate for each country, but using a mobile app like XE that you can also download offline if you don’t have a local SIM or international data plan can help.

Luckily though, unlike travelling the Balkans, these currencies are easier to exchange outside of their respective countries if you do get stuck with some leftover money after leaving! It is, however, good practice to try and make sure you use all of the coins because these are nearly impossible to exchange.

Also, avoid changing money in either the airport or a busy tourist centre because the exchange rate in these places is usually poor and you will end up losing a significant amount of money.

We suggest only withdrawing a couple of days worth of cash at a time in order to avoid having to exchange anything. Make sure you have a debit card without ATM or foreign transaction fees and this will also end up saving you some money.

ATMs are prevalent throughout Central Europe, even in the more rural areas so you shouldn’t have a problem. Many places also have credit card facilities, but it is always good practice to carry at least some cash on you just in case the place you’re visiting doesn’t accept cards.

You will notice that in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland some shops and restaurants will accept Euros in the tourist areas however it’s best to avoid paying in Euros as they will almost always give you an inferior exchange rate. It would also probably be best to avoid these places altogether, as they tend to be tourist traps.

Central European Cuisine

One of the highlights of travelling in Central Europe is sampling the local cuisine. Generally speaking, food varies little between the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia, but Hungary, due to its Magyar rather than Slavic influence, has its own unique cuisine.

Dishes like pierogi (delicious potato and cheese dumplings), potato pancakes, cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat, buckwheat groats, sauerkraut, all topped with sour cream are commonplace throughout Central Europe, though they may be called by different names depending on the country.

Hungarian cuisine is defined by paprika and peppers, with notable dishes including chicken paprikash, goulash, and the popular street snack of langos. Food in Hungary can be quite a bit more flavourful and “spicy” compared to the rest of Central Europe so it can be a welcome break from the bland world of boiled potatoes!

Transportation in Central Europe

The most convenient way to get around Central Europe is to use the extensive train network. It’s worth booking in advance for popular routes such as night trains as tickets can be considerably cheaper. During your trip, it’s worth also considering getting around using buses as whilst less scenic and comfortable than trains, they can be significantly cheaper.

To book buses or trains, we recommend looking at Omio where you can see timetables and routes available and book the best one for you. Booking buses through Flixbus can also be a great option as they have numerous affordable routes throughout Central Europe.

If you plan on using the train a lot during your trip to Central Europe, it can be worth looking into purchasing an Interrail pass or a Eurail pass depending on what your country of residence is.

If you want to visit a more rural or off-beat destination while travelling in Central Europe, then it can be worth renting a car. While the bus and train networks reach most places throughout all the countries in the region, the farther off the tourist trail you get the transit becomes more infrequent.

Rather than be at the mercy of erratic bus and train timetables, it can be a better value for your time to have your own means of transport. However, if you’re sticking to the bigger cities in Central Europe, a rental car isn’t really necessary.

Public transport in cities is extensive, affordable, and relatively easy to navigate. It can be helpful to stop by the tourist information office in whichever city you’re visiting and pick up a paper map. While this may seem outdated, sometimes popular navigation systems like Google maps don’t have accurate information about all of the public transport routes available to you.

Accommodation in Central Europe

Accommodation is widespread throughout the region and finding a place to sleep is easy in this region. Most capital cities have dozens of budget accommodation options making it a fantastic area for any backpacker. As for smaller cities, most have at least one hostel and, if not, Airbnb is always a viable option.

If you’re travelling on a higher budget, you will also be spoilt for choice in Central Europe. Most areas have some fantastic accommodation options, ranging from chic boutique hotels to family-run B&Bs.

One thing to keep in mind is if you happen to be travelling in the high season (June-August), make sure you book a bed at least a week in advance. Many of the capital cities get quite popular in the summer months and demand for accommodation, obviously, surges with this.

If you’re planning to visit Budapest while on your Central European adventure (and you should!), then it can also be tricky to figure out which side of the city best suits your needs. Have a look at the article below to help you make the best decision.

8 Best Areas to Stay in Prague For Tourists

Buda or Pest? Where to Stay in Budapest

Language in Central Europe

Polish, Czech and Slovak are all Slavic languages that have common words and phrases with Russian and many Balkan languages. The Hungarian language, however, has completely different roots to its neighbours and can, therefore, be quite difficult to pronounce and speak for western language speakers. The native language spoken in Austria is German.

English is widely spoken in Central Europe, particularly by the younger generation, and you generally shouldn’t run into much trouble communicating, particularly in larger and student cities. However, as you venture away from bigger tourist centres, the language barrier might become a slight issue. In more rural areas, English isn’t as widely spoken as in the cities.

A helpful tip to combat this is to use the Google Translate app which even allows you to download languages offline. As always, locals will appreciate it if you learn a few words of the local language and it will go a long way to enriching your experience!

Religion in Central Europe

Most countries in Central Europe have deep Christian roots, however, their modern-day observance varies dramatically. Poland is one of the most religious countries in Europe, with a large majority of Poles identifying themselves as Catholic. Slovakia and Hungary also both have Catholic majorities with Protestant minorities and in the case of Hungary, there is also a significant Jewish population — one of the largest in present-day Europe.

Because of the strong Catholic influence, you might find that many shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed on Sundays. Be aware of this and plan accordingly and it shouldn’t hinder your Central Europe trip in the slightest.

In the Czech Republic, the largest majority of people identify themselves as having no religion, however, there are still Catholic and Protestant minorities.

Hopefully, this travel guide will help you to plan the ideal trip to the region. The countries of Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia all have so much to offer visitors and they are very much worth exploring in depth.

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2 Week Central Europe Itinerary (No Car Required!)

Posted by Annick Lenoir-Peek | Updated on May 5, 2024 | Published on Oct 27, 2021 | Austria , Czech Republic , Europe , Slovakia | 0

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

While I’ve visited several countries in Western Europe (and even lived in France and Scotland), Central Europe has remained a bucket list destination for me. With airfares so low, September 2021 was the perfect time for a two-week trip through Central Europe. Here is an easy two-week Central Europe itinerary that I used. And you don’t even need a car!

A Complete Central Europe Itinerary

The trip started as one of my crazy itineraries – featuring five countries in a whirlwind trip. As mentioned in my travel during the pandemic post, the original plan went through multiple changes. Originally, the plan was to start in Budapest, moving to Bratislava, then Vienna and Prague, before ending in Krakow. 

But the airline company I was scheduled to fly home on canceled flights out of Krakow – Poland dropped off. As the date got closer, Budapest would not remove its prohibition on American tourists arriving by air. I was afraid that I would be turned away at the border if I took a train. I later learned that I would have been fine arriving by train. So, Budapest, I’m coming back for you!

So what did the two-week Central Europe itinerary look like? The itinerary includes Graz, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague. For those that prefer to see Budapest, the itinerary can easily be modified to include Budapest instead, though perhaps adding a few days to your trip would be better. In addition, this itinerary does not require renting a car (an unnecessary additional expense, in my opinion).

To maximize your sightseeing, I recommend booking your lodging close to the historic town centers of each city. While it may be slightly more expensive, affordable options allow you to easily walk to most of the points of interest. In addition, you’ll get the most bang for your buck by staying within walking distance of the sights. 

Day 1: Home to Graz, Austria

Technically, you may be leaving home the evening before and taking an overnight flight. I’m starting Day 1 with arrival in Central Europe. Fly into Vienna, Austria, and take the train to Graz, in southern Austria. Access to the train station can be found to the right of the airport terminal once you’ve collected your luggage. 

If you’re not comfortable using the ticket booths to purchase your ticket, buy your ticket at the manned counter. The booths have an English option to make it easier. The platform is directly below the terminal. Proceed to the right platform and board your train. Sit back and enjoy the ride. If you’d like something to eat, you can either go to the dining car or wait for the person with the snack trolley to come to your car.

Check into your hotel in Graz and take a nap if you need it. Then go explore the town!

Day 2: Graz, Austria

This is your day to explore Graz! The capital of the Styrian region of Austria, Graz is a blend of historic buildings mixed with modern architecture. This laid-back artists’ scene is a perfect start to your Central Europe exploration. Most of the city’s highlights are easily walkable and you can explore at your leisure. A more detailed Graz itinerary will be posted soon.

Day 3: Graz, Austria to Bratislava, Slovakia

There are multiple options to travel between the two cities. I opted for the train again. You will need to change trains in Vienna, but it is pretty easy to do. When you arrive in Bratislava, do not pay for a taxi to take you to your hotel/accommodation – you’ll be charged 20 Euros for a short trip as vehicles are not permitted in the Old City.

Check into your Bratislava lodging and go exploring. If you arrive in time, I highly recommend the Free Walking Tour that starts at 3:30 pm and lasts about two hours.

Day 4: Bratislava, Slovakia

Take another walking tour and explore some of the area’s history. Then, take a night-time Spooky Tour. Check out the best things to see and do in Bratislava .

Day 5: Bratislava, Slovakia to Vienna, Austria

Travel back to Vienna today. If you’re on a tight budget, consider taking the bus. If your budget has some wiggle room, a train is a great option. If you want a special treat, take the ferry between Bratislava and Vienna.

Days 6 to 8: Vienna, Austria

You could easily spend a month in Vienna and still not see it all! Prioritize your interests and what you want to see while in town. People watching and admiring the buildings are some of the best activities. Take a walking tour to get a lay of the land.

Don’t forget to visit interesting spots, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel. Vienna’s gastronomic scene is one of the best in Europe, so don’t miss visiting some iconic restaurants. A detailed post on what to do in Vienna if you’re not a museum-goer is coming soon. 

Day 9: Vienna, Austria to Prague, Czech Republic

Time for another train ride! There are several options, but generally, you won’t need to change trains.

Days 10 to 13: Prague, Czech Republic

Due to Prague’s location, multiple day-trip options exist. As a lover of UNESCO World Heritage sites , I opted for a day trip to Český Krumlov. I recommend the Gray Line Tour with Viktor, which also includes a stop in Ceske Budejovice. Ceske Budejovice is the capital of Southern Bohemia and the home to the original Budweiser beer. There are many other worthy day trips, including a tour of Kutna Hora with its strange ossuary, trips into Switzerland, and a few nearby concentration camps.

Prague is a beautiful city with plenty of culture. You’ll walk a lot, so bring comfy shoes! Don’t miss the Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, or even a visit to a market that has been around for hundreds of years. 

Day 14: Prague, Czech Republic to home!

This is the saddest day of the trip – you’re going home! Boarding for flights at the Prague airport is a little different than others. All the check-in kiosks are unassigned. Two hours before your flight time, a board announces which booth will handle your flight. It becomes a mad dash to the right counter. Ensure you have all your paperwork ready and use VeriFly if you’re traveling back to the US.

Have you visited Central Europe? What destinations should we explore next?

The following posts provide more detailed information:

• Bratislava Travel Guide
• Bratislava Souvenirs

Happy travels, Annick, The Common Traveler

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The Best 10 Days In Central Europe Itinerary: Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, and Budapest

Exploring Central Europe? This is the ultimate 10 day itinerary.

It takes you to Central Europe’s most illustrious cities: Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, and Budapest. It also gives you day trip options for visiting Cesly Krumlov, Bratislava Slovakia, and/or Austria’s Wachau Valley.

These spectacular Central European cities have emerged from the shadows of superstars like Paris, London , and Rome .

They boast rich and unique histories, remarkable architecture, stunning medieval squares, world class museums, and culinary delights. This 10 day Central Europe itinerary takes you to all the must visit sites, attractions, and landmarks in each city.

This 10 day Central Europe itinerary begins in Prague in the Czech Republic. From Prague, you’ll travel southeast to the elegant city of Vienna Austria.

Then, you’ll head to the fairytale town of Salzburg for a couple days. You’ll finish up in the exciting city of Budapest, basing yourself in the lovely capital of Hungary for the rest of the trip (unless you decided to extend your vacation!)

Here’s a day by day run down of what you’ll see in 10:

• Day 1 : Prague
• Day 2 : Prague
• Day 3 : Day Trip to Cesky Krumlov
• Day 4 : Vienna
• Day 5 : Vienna
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Wachau Valley or Bratislava
• Day 7 : Salzburg
• Day 8 : Salzburg
• Day 9 : Budapest
• Day 10 : Budapest

More Time? Head To Zagreb Croatia

For this road trip or 10 day vacation, you’ll have four bases: (1) Prague (3 nights); (2) Vienna (3 nights), (3) Salzburg (1 night); and (4) Budapest (3 nights).

You can do this Central Europe itinerary by car or high speed train. I give you tips for where to stay in each city.

Overview Of 10 Days In Central Europe

Length of Trip : 10 days or more

Start and End Point : Prague and Budapest

UNESCO World Heritage Sites : Prague Historic Center, Prague Castle, Cesky Krymolov Historic Center, Schonbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, Wachau Valley, Salzburg Historic Center, Budapest Castle District, Danube Embankment Budapest

You can make this Central Europe road trip itinerary shorter or longer, depending on your available vacation time or personal fast/slow travel pace.

You can also reverse the order and start in Budapest and end in Prague. If you want more time in the cities, skip Salzburg, which is some distance from Budapest.

The Best 10 Days in Central Europe Itinerary

Here’s what I think is the best way to explore the classic cites of Central Europe in ten days.

Day 1: Prague, Czech Republic

You kick off your ten days in Central Europe in Prague.

Dubbed the “City of 100 Spires,” Prague is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Prague is synonymous with over-the-top romance and evocative Old World charm.

Having escaped the bombings of the big wars, it’s a historic and well-preserved wonder. You may want to book a 3 hour guided walking tour for an overview of the old town and to get oriented.

Because of this, be prepared for crowds. Prague is not by any means a hidden gem in Europe any longer. And Prague has so many must visit attractions.

1. Prague Castle Complex

On day 1, spend your morning visiting the Prague Castle Complex . Located on Hradcany Hill, the UNESCO-listed Prague Castle dates from the 9th century.

Click here to purchase a skip the line entry ticket. Click here for an entry ticket + 12.5 hour guided tour of the castle.

Czech leaders have ruled there for a 1000 years. The complex is a 1,500 foot long series of courtyards, churches, and palaces.

The old Royal Palace is part of Prague Castle. This was the actual residence of the Czech kings and princes. It still serves as the residence of the Czech President.

Vladislav Hall is a must see beautiful late Gothic hall inside, topped with a vault with intertwined curved ribs. Don’t miss the magnificent sculpture of St. George and the Dragon in a courtyard by the southern wall.

2. St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral is part of the castle complex. It’s the most important religious monument in the Czech Republic. It’s a High Gothic and Neo-Gothic creation.

Inside, there are dramatic ribbed vaults. The centerpiece is Alfons Mucha’s beautiful 1931 Art Nouveau window. The gallery in the Great Spire offers a beautiful bird’s eye view of Prague.

You should also check out what’s hidden underground. Below are the uncovered foundations of two earlier churches and the tombs of the Czech kings and religious VIPs.

A door with seven locks protects the entrance to the Coronation Chamber. This room contains the Bohemian Crown Jewels , which are only displayed every 5 years.

The most valuable piece is the St. Wenceslas crown. It’s rumored to punish by death any thief who puts the crown on his or her head.

3. Charles Bridge

Then, in the afternoon after lunch, stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge. Built in 1357, the bridge has 16 sandstone arches. And it’s effectively an open air art gallery, adorned with bronze sculptures of Czech saints in the bridge’s pillar columns.

At both ends are fortified towers, part of the city’s medieval defense system. You can tour both towers.

4. Old Town Square

The historic Old Town Square is the heart of Prague, were both locals and tourists collide. The square is where many of the main sites and landmarks in Prague are located.

Check out the Astronomical Clock, mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall. If you have time, head into the grand Kinsky Palace .

It’s a Rococo style palace with a delicate pink and white stucco facade. The palace is home to the National Gallery.

4. Tyn Cathedral

Dominating the eastern side of Old Town Square is the stunning Tyn Cathedral , with intimidating twin Gothic spires. In the upper gable, is a statue of the Virgin Mary with a golden halo.

The original Gothic vaulting was destroyed by fire and replaced with Baroque decoration. There are 19 ornately carved altars.

Also step into the opulent St. Nicholas Church , the Czech Republic’s most beautiful Baroque building. There are often classical music concerts in both churches.

In the evening, indulge in the unique Czech cuisines. There are dozens of restaurants in and around the Old Town Square. It’s a good idea to make reservations. Try the Czech beer. It’s cheaper than water!

Day 2: Prague

1. jewish quarter.

Start day 2 in Prague with a visit to the historic Jewish Quarter, the evocative Josefov neighborhood. You can book a 2.5 hour guided tour that includes entry to the synagogue.

The compact Josefov has some of Europe’s most important Jewish sights, including 6 synagogues from the 16th and 17th centuries. Together, they act as museums, providing a history of Jewish customs and traditions.

One synagogue, the Pinkas, is now a moving memorial. It honors Czech Jews murdered in World War II. Just behind the Pinkas is Josefov’s ancient cemetery, with a jumble of grave stones.

Then, head to Our Lady of Victorious Church. Built in a classic Baroque style, it’s home to a statuette of the Christ child. The church is the site of alleged miracles performed after prayers to the Christ child.

Then check out the John Lennon Wall, a hugely popular Prague attraction. When the popular Beatle John Lennon was killed in 1980, the youth of Prague expressed their grief by covering the wall with colorful graffiti.

In Grand Prior Square, you can also admire Grand Prior Palace (a former monastery), the Church of the Virgin Mary, and the monumental Buquoy Palace.

15 minutes away from the square is Petrin Lookout Tower . It’s one of Prague’s most prominent landmarks, inspired by Paris’ Eiffel Tower. You can climb almost 300 steps to the top for jaw dropping views from Petrin Hill.

2. New Town

Then head to New Town Prague. Wenceslas Square is a must see site, created by Charles IV in the 14th century. It once served as an administrative and commercial seat.

This square is home to the newly renovated National Museum . It’s also pedestrian friendly and filled with shops and eateries.

Charles Square is the largest square in the Czech Republic. The two most notable monuments are the New Town Hall and the Church of Saint Ignatius.

Another marque attraction of Prague’s New Town is the Dancing House . Built in 1966, this is the most modern building in Prague. It was designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic. The restaurant terrace offers a superb panoramic view of Prague.

If you are looking for something to do in the evening, there area loads of options. You can (1) take a tour of medieval underground Prague ; (2) take in a concert at Lobkowicz Palace ; (3) go on an evening food tour ; (4) tour Prague Castle at night ; or (5) take a Vltava River cruise .

Where To Stay In Prague

Prague has some truly gorgeous hotels.

You can check out the Four Seasons (amazing location), the Mandarin Oriental (medieval luxury), the Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa (Italian flare in the old town), or the Augustine (where monastic austerity meets modern luxury).

The Art Deco Imperial Hotel is in an impressive Art Deco building. It’s adorned with mosaics and hand painted tiles.

The Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague offers a unique Asian themed boutique stay. The BoHo Hotel Prague is a modern design boutique hotel.

Day 3: Day Trip To Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

On day 3, it’s time to day trip to the tiny medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. This quaint UNESCO-listed town is a 2.5 hour drive from Prague. Or, you can book a full day guided day trip tour from Prague .

The bus station is walkable from the town center. The train station is 5 minutes from Wenceslas Square. There’s also only one train per day, so going by train probably isn’t the best option.

You could stay overnight in Cesy Krumlov on day 2 of your itinerary instead of Prague, if you want to see the city early. That way, you take in some of the sites before the day trippers arrive and make the tiny town seems overcrowded.

The best way to admire Cesky Krumlov is to simply stroll around. It’s a town made for wandering and head swiveling.

There’s also a free walking tour that begins at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm daily, given by Wiseman Free Walking Tour . You can also book your own guided walking tour of the old town .

You should probably purchase the Cesky Krumlov Card . It will give you admission to all the town’s major sites: the Castle Tower, the Castle Museum, the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, and other museums and monasteries.

The Pesky Krumlov Castle s the town’s impressive main landmark. There are opulent rooms inside, including a beautiful preserved Baroque theater. You can also climb the tower (162 steps) for some stunning views. Or wander in the castle gardens.

The Church of St. Vitus is also quite lovely. Built in the 15th century, the Gothic church is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the town. It often hosts classical music concerts.

Day 4: Vienna

On day 4 of your 10 day Central Europe itinerary, you’ll make the 3.5 hour drive from Prague to Vienna. Or take one of the frequent high speed Railjet trains. With such a long journey, you’ll only have half a day or so in Vienna on your first day.

Vienna is such a fancy city, a beautiful open air museum really. It’s awash in imperial palaces, grand Baroque architecture, and seriously swoonful museums. It’s one of the best cities in Europe for art lovers .

Vienna is the capital of Austria, the birthplace of classical music, and home to the Habsburg dynasty and its rich heritage. The city center is pedestrian friendly, sprinkled with green parks, and crammed with quaint coffee shops.

And Vienna doesn’t just bask, unblinkingly, in its quaint fin-de-siècle glory. It’s become more hip since the last time I visited, with new and renovated museums, trendy boutique hotels and restaurants, and edgy neighborhoods. It’s cooler than you’d guess.

I’ve written a detailed 3 day itinerary for Vienna , so I won’t repeat it all here. On this day, follow the recommended itinerary for day 1. You may want to get things kicked off with a guided walking tour of the old town .

This will take you to the main sites in the historic center of Vienna: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, the Rathouse (Town Hall) and the Opera House. Be sure to stroll around the old town and down Graben street.

Indulge in Vienna’s specialty: the Sacher Torte, a delicious concoction of chocolate, cream, and apricot jam. The best places are Cafe Hawelka, Cafe Central, or Cafe Schwartzenburg.

For dinner in Vienna, I can recommend Salonplafond at the MAJK Museum, SIXTA, and Pramerl & the Wolf (Michelen). You can also click  here  to book a classical music concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Day 5: Vienna

On day 5 of your 10 days in Central Europe itinerary, you’ll stay in Vienna.

1. Museum Quarter

Vienna is also overflowing with world class museums. In the morning on your second day in Vienna, head to Museums Quarter for a cluster of them in a hip square teeming with cafes.

The Leopold Museum holds one of the world’s most important collection of late 19th and early 20th century Austrian art. It’s one of the world’s best small museums . Click  here  to buy a skip the line ticket.

2. Kunsthistoriches

Likely the grandest of Austria’s museums, in a sea of riches, is the Kunsthistorisches Museum . Opened in 1891, the Kunsthistorisches is Vienna’s Louvre. The museum is one of the world’s most impressive fine art museums, especially if you love old masters.

Click  here  to pre-book a ticket. Click  here  to book a guided tour of this magnificent museum.

Or, travel with a theme and ferret out Gustav Klimt paintings or Beethoven sites . If you want to pay homage to the mysterious Empress Sisi, visit the Sisi Museum is in the Hofburg Palace.

3. Belvedere Palace

After the Kunsthistoriches, my favorite Vienna museum is the Belvedere Palace . The Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s must see attractions and an important UNESCO site for its showy architectural ensemble. It’s also home to Austria’s most famous painting, Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss .

Click   here  to pre-purchase a skip the line ticket to the Belvedere palace. Click  here  to book a 2.5 hour guided tour of the Palace.

The Belvedere’s a haven of Baroque and Austrian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Its main claim to fame is the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including the world famous The Kiss .

It also boasts masterworks by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka, two important Expressionist painters.

READ : Complete Guide To Visiting Belvedere Palace

4. Schönbrunn Palace

In the afternoon, head to Schönbrunn Palace, outside Vienna. The palace is a UNESCO-listed site and the height of elegance.

 Be sure to purchase your  tickets online in advance. You can also hop on a guided   skip the line guided tour , book a  guided tour with a historian , or a  dinner and concert evening .

The swishy Renaissance palace was the summer home of the Hapsburg dynasty, the family that ruled the Austro-Hungarian empire for nearly 650 years. You’ll want to check out the palace itself and the extensive garden complex. Be prepared to walk.

Of Schönbrunn’s 1441 rooms, 40 are open to the public via audio guide or guided tour. The “Imperial Tour” takes you into 22 rooms, including the imperial apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and famous wife, Empress Sisi.

5. Staatsoper

In the evening, consider taking in a performance at the State Opera House, the Staatsoper. Vienna is also beautiful just to explore at night on a photo walk.

Or relax at a rooftop bar. If you’re visiting in the winter, the city is magical and lit up with fairy lights and Christmas markets.

READ : Things To Do In Vienna in Winter

Where To Stay In Vienna

Vienna is loaded with both grand hotels and adorable boutique hotels in centuries old neighborhoods.

One of my favorite hotels is the Palais Coburg . It’s a beautiful hotel in a 19th century palace. The lovely  Hotel Sans Souci Wien  is an elegant properly near Museum Quarter with a spa. The  Grand Ferdinand Hotel  is centrally located and has a unique rooftop pool and restaurant.

Of course, you can always check out classics like  Ritz-Carlton ,  Park Hyatt , and the elegant Hotel Sacher Wien .

You should also check out these lovely boutique hotels:  House of Time or  Palais Hansen Kempinski .

Day 6: Day Trip to Wachau Valley or Bratislava

On day 6 of your Central Europe itinerary, get out of the city. Head to either the small town of Bratislava in Slovakia. Or, for a more pastoral experience, head to the verdant Wachau Valley.

1. Option 1: Wachau Valley

The UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley is the verdant heartland of the Austrian Danube , a 24 mile stretch of pure loveliness between Krems and Melk. It’s less than an hour from Vienna. You can visit by driving, biking, or taking the shuttle boats.

You may also want to book a guided day tour from Vienna . Or a full day biking and wine tour from Vienna . I did this one and it was fantastic.

Wachau is an impossibly romantic valley overlooked by castle ruins, fortresses, and sleepy medieval hamlets. They nestle amid terraced vineyards and apricot groves.

The Wachau Valley goes from Krems to Melk. A highlight is the adorable town of Durnstein with craggy castle ruins. Here’s my guide to visiting the Wachau Valley . It covers all the must visit towns, historic attractions, and landmarks in the Wacvhau Valley.

2. Option 2: Bratislava

Bratislava is the tiny capital of Slovakia. It’s a little over an hour from Vienna and a popular Danube River cruise excursion.

Bratislava’s vintage-y old town is filled with pastel colored houses, cobbled streets, quirky bronze sculptures, and the world’s most adorable pastry shop, Konditorei Kormut.

Be sure to buy some honey at Medovy Obchod in the old town, where you can sample the honey yourself. I purchased some delicious vanilla and wildflower honey, along with some beehive candles and Bryndza cheese.

Bratislava also boasts a unique, almost over the top, blue church, the Church of St. Elisabeth. It’s a 10 minute walk from the old town.

Everything about the Art Nouveau church is blue — the interior (with added punches of yellow), the exterior, and even the tiles on the roof. Pretty isn’t usually a word I use to describe churches, but it’s apt here.

Even better, Bratislava is crowned with a historic castle, which is really the iconic spot in the town. Perched on a small hill and about a 15 minute hike, the castle is the best viewpoint over the old town.

Outside, it’s an elegant vision, with Gothic and Renaissance elements. Inside, there’s a museum of history.

Click  here  to book a full day guided day trip tour from Vienna to Bratislava. Or book your own  2 hour guided walking tour  for when you arrive.

Day 7: Salzburg

On day 7, you move from Vienna to Salzburg. It’s a 3:15 minute drive or 3 hours on the high speed train.

Leave early so that you can arrive mid day and have a half day of exploring Salzburg. You may want to book a guided walking tour with a historian to get oriented.

Who doesn’t love Salzburg? Well, possibly those who are allergic to tourists. Salzburg is indeed very touristy. But there is a reason for that.

Beautiful Salzburg is a dream worth dreaming, set on the fast flowing Salzach River. It’s studded with elegant domes and spires and crowned with a doughty clifftop fortress. It’s fairytale swoonful, and one of my favorite small cities in Europe.

Salzburg is synonymous with both Mozart and the Sound of Music . Personally, I’m only a fan of the former; Mozart is life. There’s so much to do in Salzburg, you could be busy for days.

Take in the regal Residenz and tSalzburg Cathedral in the Domplatz. The Residenz is full of opulent state rooms. It also have a collection of European paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Make the steep (but short) hike up to the well-preserved 900 year fortress, Festung Hohensalzburg . Click here to book an entrance ticket.

Or, take a riverside stroll along Elisabethkai. Or book a dinner and cruise down the Salzach River .

Day 8: Salzburg

On day 2 in Salzburg, visit Salzburg’s #1 attraction, the Schloss Mirabell and its lovely gardens. In 1606, Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich built the grand palace for his beloved mistress.

In gratitude, she produced 15 children. Mirabell was given the usual Baroque facelift in 1721.

The interior is exceedingly lavish. The highlight is the Marble Hall, flashy with marble, stucco marble, and gilded stucco. It almost looks like a painting. The hall hosts classical concerts and is a wedding venue — what a backdrop.

Much of the song “Do Re Mi “ from the Sound of Music was filmed in the Mirabell Palace gardens. You may even want to book a classic Sound of Music guided tour . You can also attend a concert at Mirabell Palace .

Hopefully, you’re there when the wisteria and cherry blossoms are in their full glory. The garden also offers fantastic views of Hohensalzburg Fortress.

No trip to Salzburg is complete with a stop into Mozart’s Birthplace. After all Salzburg is synonymous with Mozart. At the museum, you’ll find authentic memorabilia, portraits, and musical instruments.

Or, with the rest of your day, you could book an Austrian food tasting tour . You can walk in the footsteps of Mozart on a guide tour . Or take an architecture tour to take in all of Salzburg’s stunning buildings.

Where To Stay In Salzburg

Salzburg has some fantastic hotels. Check out the Hotel Sacher Salzburg , an extremely elegant boutique hotel on the banks of the Salzach River. The Hotel Bristol Salzburg is a beautiful hotel just steps from Mirabell Palace with an award winning restaurant.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch is another historic hotel just steps from Mozart’s birthplace. The rooms are furnished with antiques in a classic Austrian style.

Hotel Rosenvilla is a luxurious small hotel in the exclusive Aigen district, about a 10 minute walk from old town. Another cool boutique hotel is artHotel Blaue Gans right at the foot of Hohensalzbuerg Fortress.

In the evening, drive or take the high speed train to Budapest. The train takes about 5 hours, so you will arrive in Budapest late.

Day 9: Budapest

Beautifully situated on the Danube River, Budapest has a romantic and exotic reputation. It’s a a hot European city break and dubbed the “Paris of the East.”

Budapest is picturesquely divided in two by the river, with Buda on the west and Pest on the east. It has a sense of expansive grandeur.

Both sides of the city have different personalities and offer different cultural experiences. Buda is charming, classy, and quiet. It’s filled with museums, castles, and elegant homes on cobbled streets.

Pest is wilder and cosmopolitan, and where most of the tourist sites and ruin bars are located. Both are beautiful at night, illuminated by lights and cradled by the Danube.

I’ve written a detailed 3 day itinerary for Budapest . On day 1 in Budapest (day 9 of your Central Europe itinerary), start at the Central Market, where you can grab some breakfast. Cross Chain Bridge and head to the Buda section of Budapest.

There, you can admire Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, and visit the Hungarian National Museum.

Click here for a 3 hour walking tour of the historic Buda Castle district. Click  here  for a guided walking tour of Buda Castle.

2. Chain Bridge

Have lunch in Buda at Cafe Corvin or Baltazar . After lunch, head back across Chain Bridge to explore some of the sights in the Leopold district of Pest, saving the Parliament for the morning of day 2.

Facing Chain Bridge on the Pest side is the gorgeous Gresham Palace . It’s one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest.

Or anywhere really. It’s owned by the Four Seasons. But you can walk inside and admire the decor, including a gorgeous Dale Chihuly chandelier.

3. St. Stephen’s

St. Stephen’s Basilica, also known as St. Istvan, is Budapest’s largest church. It’s an eclectic mix of styles, reflecting its many architects.

There’s a viewing terrace at the top with wonderful views of the city. Click  here  if you want to book a classical music concert at beautiful St. Stephen’s.

St. Stephen’s Square, in front of the church, has been transformed from a former parking lot into a pretty public space.

The streets and lanes jutting out from the plaza are home to some of Budapest’s trendiest cafes and bars. You can stop for some gelato at the adorable Gelarto Rosa .

Budapest is renowned for its wine. Most of Hungary’s wines are white.

To the left as you leave St. Stephen’s, you’ll find DiVino’s Wine Bar . Have a cocktail.

For dinner, splash out on Onyx , Budapest’s renowned Michelin-starred beauty in the Gerbeaud building. Alternatively, you could go on a Budapest food tour .

If you’re a night owl, do a pub crawl of Budapest’s “ruin bars.” Budapest is renowned for its unique pubs in the Jewish Quarter where you can “get ruined.” Click  here  to book a guided pub crawl of Budapest’s ruins bars.

Day 10: Budapest

1. parliament.

On your the final day of your 10 days in Central Europe, begin your morning with a tour of Parliament. With its majestic location on the east bank of the Danube River, Budapest’s cream colored Parliament building is easily the most stunning piece of architecture in Budapest.

READ : Must See Attractions on the Danube River

Begun in 1885, it took 19 years to build. Its Neo-Gothic design is a forest of pinnacles and flying buttresses, topped by a Neo-Renaissance egg shaped dome.

Not surprisingly, the glorious pile was inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London . Not only is it the tallest structure in Budapest, it’s actually the largest in Hungary.

If you want to tour the interior — and you should — book a ticket online in advance. The building is open at 8:00 am. Tickets are often sold out.

Then, head to the Pest area, Budapest’s gritty heart. You can book a 4 hour guided walking tour to see the historic sites.

Walk through Vorosmarty Ter, an elegant square in the heart of Pest. It’s named after Budapest’s great Romantic poet, Mihaly Vorosmarty. His massive statue-memorial dominates the square.

Admire Gerbeaud Cafe . Peak inside or grab a cup of coffee. A few yards away, you’ll see the whimsical The Little Princess statue, a photographer’s favorite place. head down the pedestrianized Dek Utca, known as the “Fashion Street.”

The main tourist drag through Budapest is Vaci Utca. It’s very crowded and touristy, but there’s some lovely architecture. This is not the place to stop for a bit to eat. It’s very overpriced.

3. Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue is a gorgeous building, located in the slowly regentrifying Jewish Quarter of the Erzsébetváros district. Built in a Moorish revival style in 1859, like you’d find at Granada’s Alhambra , Dohany is the largest synagogue in Europe.

Located on Korut Street, New York Cafe isn’t far from the synagogue. Stop here for lunch (reserve ahead). The spectacular cafe was built in the late 19th century in a Renaissance style.

Click  here  to book a skip the line ticket for the synagogue. Click  here  to book a 3 hour tour of Jewish Budapest with a historian.

4. Gellert Hill

In the afternoon, take in the views and relax in a salty soak in the Gellert district. Gellert Hill is a magnificent viewpoint.

Gellert Hill takes more effort to climb than Castle Hill does. But it’s worth it. All of Budapest is before you. Coming down from the hill, you’ll find the bronze Empress Sisi statue near Liberty Bridge.

It’s time for a soak in Budapest’s famed thermal baths. The elegant Gellért Thermal Bath has grand hall is free to visitors, if you want a peak but not a soak. The baths are located near the Danube at the foot of Gellert Hill. They’re only open until 7:00 pm, so be sure to allot sufficient time for a pre-dinner soak.

As an alternative, if you want to visit Heroes’ Square (which I think is overrated), head to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths . It’s an even more elaborate, but crowded, bath house inside an iconic local building.

For post-soak drinks, head to the High Note Sky Bar at the Aria Hotel . Amid fairy lights, you’ll have epic views over St. Stephen’s Basilica and square.

For dinner, you don’t even have to move. Just head downstairs to the Liszt Restaurant , just opened in 2019. It serves up historic dishes with a nouvelle twist.

Where To Stay In Budapest

I love the  Aria Hotel Budapes t   in the historic Leopold neighborhood of Pest and loved it. I admit this part of Budapest felt a bit Parisian.

Some other fantastic options include:  Corinthia Budapest  (look like a chateau), the  Casati Hotel  (chic adults only option), the  Parisi Udvar Hotel  (restored Art Nouveau beauty), and of course the  Four Seasons Hotel in Gresham Palac e .

More Than 10 Days In Central Europe?

If you have more than 10 days in Central Europe, head to underrated city of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, for a couple days. The drive from Budapest to Zagreb is only 3.5 hours (or a more distant 6 hours by train).

Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia. It’s located in the northwest Croatia, along the Sava River.

Underrated Zagreb combines cobbled old street charm with edgy and elegant contemporary themes. And it may not be so underrated anymore. Zagreb is overflowing with museums and cafes, to satisfy both the culture vulture and the flaneur.

The photogenic Upper Town has many of Zagreb’s must see sites — the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gradec, and St. Mark’s Church.

The church has a stunning patterned tile roof depict the Croatian and Zagreb coat of arms. You’ll also find one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb: Lotrščak Tower.

Past St. Mark’s Church is one of Zagreb’s most iconic attractions, the Museum of Broken Relationships. The museum was the brainchild of Olinka Vistica and Drazen Grubisic. They developed an art exhibition concept that involved displaying the discarded tokens and momentos from failed relationships.

If you’d like to spend more time in Croatia beyond Zagreb, check out my 10 day itinerary for Croatia or my 10 day itinerary for Croatia and Slovenia

I have you’ve enjoyed my 10 days in Central Europe itinerary. You may enjoy these other itineraries for Europe:

• Bavaria Germany
• Croatia + Slovenia
• Southern Spain
• Basque Spain
• Spain: Madrid to Seville
• Spain: Major Cities
• Southern France
• Italy’s Classic Cities
• Italy: Milan to Rome
• Italy: Venice to Milan

If you’d like to need a 10 day itinerary for Central Europe, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on October 28, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

3 Weeks in Central Europe Itinerary

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I’ve always been kind of scared to travel around Central Europe because of its reputation for being expensive. Now that I finally visited this region of Europe, I can attest that it’s true – not only it’s expensive, but it’s actually very expensive.

I’ve travelled to Scandinavia , which is already known as a costly destination, but Central Europe is different. To be fair, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria are the three high-cost countries here. While Poland, Czechia, Hungary, and even Germany are reasonable,.

However, it’s so worth it though. The train rides around the Alps, the beautiful scenery, great beer, and overall experience, it has to be visited at least once in your life.

Central Europe is one of the regions stretching from the Baltic Sea to the north of the Adriatic . It has some of the world’s oldest and most well-preserved cities, including Berlin, Bratislava, Budapest, Geneva, Ljubljana, Munich, Prague, Vienna, Warsaw, Krakow, and Hamburg, among others.

Aside from that, Central Europe is very rich in heritage and has tons of languages because of the different countries comprising the region.

Central Europe consists of countries that tourists would be interested in seeing. This comprehensive itinerary is for 3 weeks in Central Europe and will guide you into clusters of lands next to each other, as well as the activities and tourist spots to enjoy.

BASIC TRAVEL TIPS FOR CENTRAL EUROPE

Before we proceed with the list of tourist destinations in those countries, let’s first discuss transportation in Central Europe. Just like with the rest of Europe, getting around isn’t hard at all as tons of public transport is available. You can get around by train, bus, plane, or rent a car.

Perhaps, you might want to consider travelling around Western Europe for 3 weeks during this trip or spend 3 weeks in South Europe .

When is the best time to go to Central Europe

Depending on what you plan to do, Central Europe could be a great place to spend your 3-week holiday any time of the year. If you want a proper beach holiday, you probably shouldn’t go to Central Europe. Enjoy your 3-week vacation in Italy or 3 weeks in East Europe where beaches are desired.

For winter, Central Europe is an incredible destination. If you want to do some skiing during your 3 weeks in Central Europe, you can head to the skiing capital – Switzerland. If that’s not within your budget, Czechia and Poland also have great slopes.

I like going during spring, just before summer, or just before autumn. During this time, the crowd is smaller, and the accommodations and flights can even be cheaper.

Getting around

Travelling by train is the most scenic way to travel in this region. When planning to ride a train, it’s better to book online. You can opt to buy point-to-point tickets if you’re just planning on a short trip, but if you’re travelling across multiple countries, getting a rail pass is better.

Travelling by bus is the cheapest option, but there’s a chance that you might sit on cramped seats and get off the bus for an inspection when crossing borders. 

If you prefer freedom of your time, renting a car and driving on your own is best. A summer road trip in Switzerland is such a scenic experience. If you go to Germany, you are probably curious about driving on the famous no-speed limit autobahn road.

If you’re heading to famous tourist destinations, book at least a month in advance, especially during peak season, which is the summer.

Language and Currency

The countries in Central Europe speak different languages except for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, which share the language of Deutch (however, different accents should be expected). All countries in Central Europe use Euro, while Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc.

Communicating in Central Europe is pretty straightforward. Most people, especially in big cities speak English. The only time you probably have to pull out your translation app is when you are in rural parts and need to ask for directions.

The road signs might be in the local language if you are driving a rental car. Simply ask a local if you need some help.

A travel visa is easy as well. If you are from North America, some parts of Latin America, Oceania, and Asia – you can enjoy a 90-day visa for free. If you need to apply for a visa, you will get a Schengen visa valid in all EU states and other non-EU countries, including Switzerland.

Although Europe is open to tourism in general, each country has their own entry requirements and policies. Some might request that tourists be fully vaccinated, while others allow non-vaccinated to follow specific protocols.

The same goes for wearing a mask. Some places might still require you to have your mask on while in public places while other countries have removed this mandate.

Other travel tips

Here are some quick tips on tools you might need when planning your itinerary for Central Europe. These are the websites I usually use when booking accommodation, renting a car, finding great tours, and more:

MUST-SEE PLACES IN CENTRAL EUROPE (pinned map)

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN CENTRAL EUROPE

Now that you should know all the basic things about travelling to Central Europe, let’s dive into two travel itineraries. You can follow this as you wish, get some insight, and create your own 3-week travel itinerary .

If you always have dreamed of visiting the Alps, heading to Central Europe is one of the best ways to explore this region. The Alps stretch from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and also Italy. Visiting in the winter means you can go skiing. You can hike the Alps if you visit from late April to mid-October.

When it comes to other parts of Central Europe, are you familiar with Wes Andersen’s The Grand Budapest Hotel? It is a fantastic film with surreal cinematography and a setting that is actually modelled on the Grand Hotel Pupp in the Czech Republic.

TIP: There’s also a 7-day tour for central Europe featuring Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Switzerland. It leaves from Frankfurt, which is perfect if you have limited time.

Itinerary #1: Germany, Poland, Czech Republic

The first triad country for a 3-week vacation in Central Europe is Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic since they are all neighbouring countries. It is easy to travel from one country to the other. 

Germany and Poland have some beaches for those who love the heat or are fond of taking a dip, but Czechia is landlocked.

Week 1: Germany for 7 days

I’m sure that you’re excited now that we’ve unveiled the first triad countries, and you’ll even be more excited once you read about some of the exciting things about Germany. Starting with food, this country has more than 1,000 varieties, so foodies wouldn’t run out of sausages to sample. 

Oktoberfest originated in this country and is a must-attend event for beer lovers. There are more than 20,000 castles in this country. There’s so much to explore. If you have been to Germany before or you don’t enjoy big cities, there are a lot of German cities that you can visit and still want the whole German experience minus the crowd.

You can also read our itinerary for 3 weeks in Germany if that’s the only place you want to visit during your trip.

Must-see places in Germany :

• Berlin: River Spree , TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm), Jewish Museum , Madame Tussauds , Museum Island, Body Worlds , Pergamon Museum , Natural History Museum , Berlin Wall , Berlin Story Museum
• The Black Forest
• Cologne – Cologne Cathedral , Melaten Cemetery , Chocolate Museum , VR Time Travel
• Miniatur Wunderland
• Munich – Old Town and Viktualienmarkt , WWII Walking Tour , Segway Beer Tour , Food Tasting Tour
• Brandenburg Gate
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle – south of Munich, book a full-day trip

Week 2: Poland for 7 days

Poland is the fifth most populous member state and has the sixth-largest economy in the EU. It currently has 17 UNESCO world heritage sites filled with WWII history and medieval architecture. So much so that you’ll feel as if the time has turned back.

The best way to get to Poland from Germany is by train. You could also ride the bus or fly, which is the fastest but most expensive option. 

Must-see places in Poland

• Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine , Auschwitz-Birkenau Camps , Schindler’s Factory , Old Town Segway Tour
• Malbork Castle
• Warsaw: Chopin Concert , POLIN Museum , City Tour
• Crooked Forest

Week 3: Czech Republic for 7 days

The Czech Republic or Czechia, has the most castles in Europe and is the seventh safest country to live in the world. It also has the largest ancient castle; its most popular sport is ice hockey. What I love most about the Czech Republic is the capital city Prague.

This city offers the classic European experience; cobbled stones, castles, tasty beer, and yummy dishes. All without spending too much compared to Germany or Austria. Once you finish exploring all the historical sites of Czechia, don’t forget to treat yourself to a nice dinner (or two!) at one of the best restaurants in Prague .

Coming from Poland, start your trip to Ostrava or travel all the way to Brno and spend 3 days, then finish your trip in Prague and spend 4 days. Just like the transportation from Germany to Poland, the most recommended form of transport from Poland to Czech is via train or bus. Other options include driving a car rental or flying.

Must-see places in Czechia :

• Prague: Evening Cruise , Prague Castle , Sedlec Ossuary, Old Town and Astronomical Clock . St. Vitus Cathedral
• Association of Czech Paradise
• Cesky Krumlov Castle
• Sedlec Ossuary
• The Konopiste Castle
• State Castle and Chateau Český

Itinerary #2: Switzerland, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

The second cluster of countries for your 3-week holiday in Central Europe are Austra, Slovakia, Hungary, and Switzerland.

The winter months in these countries are from December to February, so the perfect months to travel to these countries if you want to enjoy the snow and do some snow-centric sports and activities are from late December to late February. 

Week 1: Switzerland and Austria for 7 days

3 weeks in Central Europe is simply incomplete without visiting stunning Switzerland. It is a mountainous country with numerous villages, lakes, and the high peaks of the Alps. That’s why the perfect mode of transportation when getting around this country is by train so that you’ll get a chance to take in all of the scenic routes.

It is also home to two of the world’s most liveable cities, Zurich and Geneva. Here’s a more detailed Switzerland itinerary for 7 days .

Another country on this list is Austria. This country is also mountainous, like Switzerland. And along with Switzerland, they form what people call the neutral core of Europe. Austria has the world’s oldest zoo in the world and is well-known for its mountain railways and trains. 

Must-see place in Switzerland and Austria

Switzerland:

• Mount Pilatus – you can enjoy a cable car ride and cogwheel train or t ake a day trip from Zurich
• The Matterhorn
• Grindlewald and Interlaken – combine these two spots in one trip
• Jungfraujoch
• Join a city tour of Zurich
• Lake Lugano and Ticino
• Take a cruise on Lake Geneva
• Lindt Home and Museum – get your ticket
• Lake Oeschinen
• Rhine Falls – exciting boat tour
• Tandem Paragliding over Interlaken

Austria: Get a hop-on, hop -off bus ticket for Vienna to travel around easier, if you enjoy exploring on your own, get the Vienna Pass to must-see places in the city.

• Attend a Mozart Concert – at Vienna Golden Hall
• Altstadt Salzburg
• Giant Ferries Wheel Rides – get a skip-the-line ticket
• Melk Benedectine Abbey
• Mozart House and Museum – enjoy a classical concert
• Belvedere Palace – get your ticket
• Vienna Central Cemetery – join a spooky tour
• Schönbrunn Palace – book a tour
• Vivaldi’s Four Season Concert – at Karlkirche
• Swarovski Crystal Worlds – buy your entrance ticket

Week 2: Slovakia for 7 days

Slovakia is a country filled with historical cities, enchanting castles, and wine-growing valleys. This country has the highest wooden altar in the world, the Basilica of St. James, which is located in the town of Levoca. You can also find the tallest cave column here, called Krásnohorská cave. Both of these became UNESCO world heritage sites. 

For art lovers, they have the second-largest collection of Andy Warhol’s works. The recommended mode of transportation to get to Slovakia from Austria is through riding a bus. Aside from that, you can also board the train, drive a car rental, or use rideshare.

Must-see places in Slovakia :

• Bojnice Castle
• The Blue Church
• Bratislava – bus tour or walkin g tour
• Alpine Skiing
• Dobsinska Ice Cave
• High Tatras
• Devin Castle – join a tour
• Slovak Karst National Park

Week 3: Hungary for 7 days

Hungary is a landlocked country where the world-famous city of Budapest is located. It has a cityscape filled with neoclassical buildings, castle hills, and other architectural landmarks. It is one of the oldest countries in Europe, founded in 895.

Budapest has the most thermal springs in the world, ideal for those who want to unwind and relax. The recommended option to travel to Hungary from Slovakia is via train. Other than that, you can also ride a bus, drive a car or use rideshare.

Must-see places in Hungary

• Danube Cruise – Night Cruise or Day Cruise
• Buda Castle
• Szechenyi Thermal Bath – full-day spa tour
• The Great Synagogue – book a tour
• Anna Cave of Miskolc-Lillafüred
• Hungarian Open-Air Museum
• Eger Castle
• Visegrad Royal Palace
• Basilica of Esztergom

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN CENTRAL EUROPE ITINERARY

You’re now familiar with the various tourist destinations in Central Europe. But before we end this article, I want to provide you with some tips when going to central Europe, especially for first-timers.

First, make sure that you check if visas are required for each country because while some of them don’t, there are still some that require them, and it might ruin your 3- weeks in Central Europe vacation plan.

Next is to travel during the off-season because that’s when accommodations are less expensive and you can also avoid crowds. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes as you’ll do a lot of walking if you want to explore scenic cities.

I hope that you found these itineraries for 3 weeks in Central Europe holiday helpful in creating your own itinerary.

SAVE THESE ITINERARIES ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARD:

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.

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Central Europe Itinerary: The Best 7 Day trip (2024)!

Car Rental In Central Europe

✅ Book your rental car here to explore the beautiful region of Central Europe!

Thinking of some holiday destinations and wondering about the best Central Europe itinerary?

Can you imagine a region with old castles, cobblestone streets, delicious food, beautiful scenery, and lively towns? Well, you’ll find all of this in Central Europe! So, how about a very nice Central Europe itinerary?

From the towns with lots of history in Poland to the green mountains in Slovakia, it’s a treasure trove of different things to do.

Central Europe is ready for you, no matter what kind of traveler you are. The question if this region is worth visiting is basically the underlying foundation of my blog. This is my favorite region together with Eastern Europe and The Balkans to live in and travel to!

You might push your luck a tiny bit with this itinerary so you might want to add one or two days of rest in between.

So, let’s dive in and I’ll tell you why and how you should plan your next trip here.

7-Day Central Europe Itinerary

Let’s step into the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and beautiful landscapes all come together. We will go on a 7-day trip through Central Europe that will be one of the highlights of your life so far.

As I only focus on four countries in Central Europe at the moment, here are my seven top places to visit in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary , and Slovakia that you absolutely must see:

Central Europe Itinerary Day One: Warsaw

Start your trip through Central Europe in the lively city of Warsaw, which is the capital of Poland and a mix of old and new.

Start your first day by going to the beautiful Royal Castle, which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Spend about 2 hours looking around the luxurious rooms and taking in the amazing views of the city.

After that, eat at Zapiecek, a neighborhood restaurant known for its traditional Polish dumplings (pierogi).

After lunch, you can spend the afternoon in the peaceful Lazienki Park, which has castles, an orangery, and a statue of Chopin. Spend about two hours strolling at your own pace.

Finish your day on Nowy Swiat Street, one of the most famous streets in the city. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere, cute shops, and bars. Try some of the best food in the area for dinner at a place like Manekin.

Where to stay in Warsaw

For your stay in Warsaw, I would recommend the Polonia Palace Hotel :

✅ Book your stay here!

Central Europe Itinerary Day Two: Krakow

Krakow is a city full of history, art, and music that will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time.

Start your day by going to the famous Wawel Castle, which is a sign of Polish pride. Spend about two to three hours taking in the history and the beautiful buildings.

Go to the Main Market Square after eating lunch at Morskie Oko, which is known for its rich Polish food. Spend a couple of hours visiting the shops, the Cloth Hall, and St. Mary’s Basilica.

Spend the end of the day in the moody Kazimierz District. It’s a great place to spend a fun evening because it has a lot of unique bars, shops, and food stands.

Where to stay in Krakow

For your stay in Krakow, I would recommend the Metropolitan Boutique Hotel:

Central Europe Itinerary Day Three: Prague

You can discover what makes Prague one of the most beautiful places in Europe (at least, that’s my humble opinion). Walk along streets with cobblestones and explore the city’s long history.

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and is a Gothic and Baroque wonderland that is often called the City of a Hundred Spires .

Start your day in the famous Old Town Square, where you can look at the Astronomical Clock, visit the Tyn Church, and eat breakfast at one of the lovely local cafes.

In the morning, you should have plenty of time to take a relaxed walk across the Charles Bridge and enjoy the city views as you go.

Spend the afternoon looking around Prague Castle, a beautiful old building with amazing views of the city. A restaurant near the castle serves classic Czech food for lunch.

When it gets dark, go to Wenceslas Square, a lively area with shops, bars, and places to go out at night. You can end your day with a trip on the Vltava, which will give you a unique view of the city lit up at night.

Where to stay in Prague

For your stay in Prague, I would recommend the Hotel Pod Vezi:

Central Europe Itinerary Day Four: Cesky Krumlov

Get away from the capital city and visit Cesky Krumlov, a small and charming town. It’s a day full of beautiful buildings, winding river views, and streets with cobblestones.

Start the day by going to the amazing Cesky Krumlov Castle, where you can look around the historic rooms and enjoy the views from the castle towers. Grab a late breakfast or early lunch at one of the town center’s cute cafés.

Spend the afternoon wandering the old town’s narrow, winding streets and stopping in shops and galleries along the way. Don’t pass up the chance to float down the Vltava River in a raft or boat.

Finish the day with a delicious meal at one of the places along the river. You could even try some traditional Czech food.

Where to stay in Cesky Krumlov

For your stay in Cesky Krumlov, I would recommend Hotel Ruze:

Central Europe Itinerary Day Five: Budapest

Budapest is a famous city that is split by the Danube River into the ancient district of Buda and the modern district of Pest. The city never gets boring to me!

Start your day at Heroes’ Square, where you can look at images of Hungary’s most important leaders. You can go to the nearby City Park and Vajdahunyad Castle from there. Try a close café to get a traditional Hungarian breakfast.

In the afternoon, you can go to the Buda part of the city. Visit the Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion, all of which are important parts of Castle Hill’s history. Grab a late lunch in the Castle District and try some classic Hungarian dishes.

Take a peaceful bath in one of the city’s famous thermal baths, like the Széchenyi or Gellért Baths, in the evening. Take a ride down the Danube at the end of the day to see the city lit up at night.

Where to stay in Budapest

For your stay in Budapest, I would recommend Hotel Metro:

Central Europe Itinerary Day Six: Eger

Visit the charming Hungarian city of Eger, which is still largely undiscovered but is known for its old castle, beautiful classic buildings, and good wines. Keep this secret between us!

You can spend your morning at Eger Castle, which has great views of the city. Then take a walk to the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle.

In the afternoon, go to the Szépasszony Valley, a.ka. the Valley of the Beautiful Woman, to taste wine at the local caves. Don’t miss the famous red mix Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), which is one of Hungary’s most well-known wines.

Back in the town centre, go to one of the classic Hungarian restaurants for a hearty meal. You can spend the rest of the evening strolling around the beautiful streets of the town.

Where to stay in Eger

For your stay in Eger, I would recommend Hotel Korona Wellness:

Central Europe Itinerary Day Seven: High Tatras

Explore the beauty of the High Tatras, the highest mountain area in the Carpathian Mountains, and spend your last day outdoors.

To me, the High Tatras in Slovakia are the most beautiful part of the Carpathian Mountains. If you like the outdoors, you’ love it because you can go climbing in the summer and ski in the winter.

Start your day with a walk to one of the High Tatras’ beautiful hills, like Kriváň or Rysy. You can eat a packed breakfast while taking in the beautiful views of the mountains.

Visit Štrbské Pleso, a beautiful mountain lake, in the afternoon. You could also take a cable car to the second highest peak in the High Tatras, Lomnický štít.

In the evening, you can relax at your hotel or have a warm meal at a nearby mountain hut restaurant that serves traditional Slovakian food.

Where to stay in High Tatras

For your stay in High Tatras, I would recommend Hotel FIS:

Itinerary Map of Central Europe

You can use this Google Map to find your way around Central Europe quickly and get the most out of your trip.

Central Europe 7 Day Trip: FAQs

This section will help you prepare for your trip with related questions and my answers.

Is Central Europe worth visiting?

Yes, it really is!

Central Europe is a great mix of different cultures and important historical events. This area has the best of both the old and new worlds, with centuries-old traditions and modern attractions that work extremely well together. When you travel here, you get a full experience that is both relaxing and educational.

Central Europe’s past is one of the most interesting things about it. From castles from the Middle Ages to museums from the 20th century, each site has a unique story to tell about its past and gives a glimpse into the world’s history. If you’re a history fan, you’ll love it here.

Central Europe also has a variety of landscapes, which is another good reason to go there. It has many beautiful natural features, like tall alpine peaks, tranquil lakes, and beautiful woods. There are plenty of beautiful views that would make anyone want to take pictures.

Central Europe is also known for having some of the best food in the world. Each country in this area has a unique culinary practise that comes from their own culture.

I can tell you that here, food isn’t just something to eat; it’s also a huge part of the culture. I love the food my Czech mother makes!

What are the countries in Central Europe?

This is a question that I get quite often. It would be good to break down the countries located in the Central European region as I know it.

However, I only focus on four countries in Central Europe but there are actually several countries that make up the heart of the European continent. Thinking of this region, I only write about Poland , the Czech Republic , Hungary and Slovakia .

The other countries in the heart of Europe are Germany (a country where many poets and philosophers come from), Austria (known for its sophisticated culture and beautiful architecture), and Switzerland (known for it’s natural beauty and elegance).

Each of these countries adds its own special touch to Central Europe, making it a rich and varied place that just begs to be explored.

What is the best way to travel around Central Europe?

What I really like about Central Europe is the fact that the region has a very good network of roads, trains, and airports. This makes getting around the area easy and fun for you.

Travel by Train:

In Central Europe, trains are often thought to be the best way to get around. The train system is big, works well (almost always on time!), and isn’t too expensive. The trip through different scenery is also beautiful and fun. Eurail and Interrail both offer flexible rail passes that can save you money if you want to visit more than one city or country. You can also save time by taking the night trains, which let you sleep during the trip and wake up in a new place.

Car Rental :

Renting a car can be a great choice if you like to be in charge of your plans and like to explore places that aren’t as popular. But keep in mind that each country has its own rules and laws about driving. Also, if you rent a car in one country and drop it off in another, you may have to pay foreign drop-off fees.

Travel by Air

Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air can get you between big cities quickly and often for a low price. But don’t forget to think about extra costs like baggage fees and transfers from cheap airports, which are often far away.

Travel by Bus

Busses are a great way to get around if you want to save money and you don’t want to take a train. Companies like FlixBus give a lot of routes and good prices all over Central Europe.

Travel by Boat

Last but definitely not least, don’t overlook the boats! Even more so in Hungary, where a boat ride along the Danube gives you a unique view of the countryside and towns like Budapest.

It’s important to remember that public transport in Central European cities is usually fast, cheap, and well-connected, with trams, busses, and, in some cities, metros.

Tip : make sure to check your ticket before you travel on public transport to avoid getting fined!

How much is the average cost of traveling in Central Europe?

The average cost of travelling in Central Europe can vary a lot depending on things like how you travel, the countries you visit, the time of year, and your own personal tastes.

But here is a general idea of how much you might pay in these countries in Euros:

• Accommodation : prices for places to stay can be very different. Hostels on a budget start at about €12 – €20 per night for a shared single room. A private room might cost €25 – €40 per night. Mid-range hotels can cost between €40 and €80 per night, and high-end hotels can cost more than €120 per night.
• Food : this is another factor where you have a lot of control over how much you spend. Street food and cheap meals cost between €4 and €8, while a meal at a cheap restaurant might cost between €8 and €12. At a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal can cost between €16 and €32.
• Transportation : these costs will depend on how far you need to go and how you want to get there. Most tickets for public transport in cities cost between €0.80 and €2.40 per trip. Long-distance train rides between cities can cost anywhere from €16 to €48, based on how far you’re going and if you choose a high-speed train. If you’re going to travel by train a lot, you might want to buy a Eurail or Interrail pass.
• Sightseeing : prices to get into museums, historical places, and other attractions can range from €4 to €16 per site. Some towns give you tourists cards that let you get into many attractions and use public transport for free for a certain amount of time.

As a middle-class traveler, I would say that you can usually expect to spend between €55 and €100 per day. This includes the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and entry fees.

Remember that this is just a rough estimate from my side/experience and that prices can change. It’s always a good idea to plan your trip and make a budget ahead of time to avoid extra costs.

Best time to visit Central Europe?

The best time to visit Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia depends a lot on your tastes and what you want to do during your trip. Spoiler alert, I love this region in every season!

However, here are some things for you to think about:

• Spring (April to June) : Central Europe is a great place to visit in the spring. The weather is getting warmer, the beautiful surroundings are getting brighter, and the number of tourists is still decent. This is a great time to go on city trips, explore the countryside, and enjoy cafes with outdoor seating.
• Summer (July to August): Summer is the most popular time for tourists to visit these countries, and it’s also when the weather is hottest, with temperatures often going above 30°C. Big towns can be crowded, but they also have a lot going on, like festivals and other events that take place outside. But if you’d rather not be around as many people, summer might not be the best time.
• Autumn (September to October): Another great time to visit Central Europe is in the autumn. This period can be very beautiful, especially in rural areas, where it makes beautiful scenery. The weather is cooler than it was in the summer, but it’s still nice enough to do things outside. Like in the spring, there are fewer tourists in the fall than in the summer.
• Winter (November to March): During the winter, it can get very cold(!) in Central Europe, with temperatures often going far below 0°C. But if you like to do things in the winter, it’s a beautiful time to go. In Slovakia, for example, the High Tatras are a great place to ski. During the holiday season, there are also charming Christmas markets, which are especially popular in Poland and the Czech Republic. These markets make the area feel festive and lovely.

So, the best time to go to Central Europe depends on what you like. In Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, each season has its own special things to do. In the spring, you can see flowers blooming, in the summer, there are festivals, in the autumn, the leaves change, and in the winter, it’s full of winter wonderlands.

Is it safe to travel to Central Europe now?

Yes ! It’s very safe to travel to Central Europe.

In general, Central European countries that I focus on are very safe and have low rates of crime. But, as with any place you visit, it’s important to take basic safety measures if you’re going to big cities like Prague or Krakow .

Some of these to keep in mind are:

• Making sure your personal belongings are safe.
• Be careful in busy places to avoid getting pickpocketed.
• Following the rules and customs of the area.
• Late at night, you should avoid places that aren’t as busy and aren’t well lit.

If you are worried about your health, make sure you have travel insurance that covers hospital costs. Also, it’s best to be up-to-date on your regular vaccinations and any extra vaccines that are recommended for the places you’re going.

I would say that Central Europe is a safe place for you to visit. But knowing what to expect and taking sensible measures will go a long way towards making sure your trip goes smoothly and you have a good time.

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What is the most beautiful country in Central Europe?

It’s almost as hard to choose the most beautiful country in Central Europe as it is to pick your favorite kid. Every country has its own special beauty.

However, if you would ask me personally, then I’m hesitating between the Czech Republic or Slovakia.

But then, my final pick would be the Czech Republic (and it’s not because I have lived here for over six years or would get into trouble with my Czech wife if I would pick something else).

Do you want to know why? Check out my other posts about beautiful Prague , the best places to live in the Czech Republic , and Prague versus Budapest .

The Wrap-Up: Why Travel to Central Europe?

For me, Central Europe has a unique mix of beautiful history, different scenery, rich culture, and delicious food.

This beautiful area has something for everyone, from the busy streets of Warsaw to the impressive castles in Slovakia .

But there are many more great places to visit like Gyor and Pecs in Hungary, Bratislava and Trenčín in Slovakia, Plzen and Brno in the Czech Republic and Zakopane (best time to visit) as well as Malbork in Poland. And still, there is so much more to see when it comes to nature!

Traveling to Central Europe isn’t just a holiday; it’s a journey that gives you a fascinating look into the heart of Europe. So, why wait?

Start your trip to Central Europe right now and enjoy it!

Your restless voyager,

Hey! My name is Dustin, a restless voyager, married to my Czech wife Jana, living in the Czech Republic with a huge passion for Central & Eastern Europe (including the Balkans). Due to my experience of traveling and living in this region, I am happy to say that I am helping tens of thousands of people in many different ways who want to know more about this fascinating region with my blog.

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Central Europe

• 1 Countries
• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 5.1 Germanic languages
• 5.2 Slavic Languages
• 5.3 Hungarian
• 5.4 Romance languages
• 5.5 Other languages
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 7.2 By train
• 7.4 By plane
• 8.1 Itineraries
• 10.1 Dishes
• 12 Stay safe

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Central Europe is one of Europe 's most beautiful regions. Long divided by the ambitions of warring empires and then Cold War tensions, this region was deeply influenced by the Holy Roman Empire , the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire . It was also influenced by the formation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth , Austria-Hungary , Yugoslavia and the German Empire . With the exceptions of tiny Liechtenstein and staunchly neutral Switzerland , the countries in this area are now EU members, so travelling between them is a breeze. Whereas just over three decades ago, barbed wire and walls and unfriendly border agents would hinder free movement, today frequent rail and bus connections, cheap flights and excellent roads make getting around easier than ever before. But before you plan your "Central Europe in two weeks" trip, do consider the many small towns and beautiful unspoiled nature reserves that would fall by the wayside were you to concentrate on the many top highlights.

Croatia and Lithuania may also be included in the definition of Central Europe. At Wikivoyage they are handled as part of the Balkans and the Baltic states , respectively.

There are way more cities of interest in Central Europe than would be convenient to list in one article. Below is a list of nine of the most notable:

• 52.516667 13.383333 1 Berlin — divided by force for 45 years during the Cold War, the capital of reunified Germany since 1990, and now an international cultural centre
• 48.144722 17.112778 2 Bratislava — Once known as "Pressburg", this city has seen both Austro-German and Hungarian influences and has thankfully survived the world wars largely unscathed
• 47.498333 19.040833 3 Budapest — made up of old Buda and Pest on both sides of the Danube, this old Austro-Hungarian co-capital is famous for its thermal baths and was the second city in the world to get a metro
• 46.2 6.15 4 Geneva — Switzerland's second city is very much a global city with its location close to the French border and the countless international organisations from CERN to the Red Cross headquartered here
• 46.051389 14.506111 5 Ljubljana — the picturesque Alpine capital of Slovenia and a charming baroque city with stunning architecture and dynamic nightlife
• 48.1375 11.575 6 Munich — Bavaria's beautiful capital city, its slogan is 'world city with a heart' (Weltstadt mit Herz), the site of the famous Oktoberfest, Hofbräuhaus, many beer gardens and the gateway to the Alps.
• 50.0875 14.421389 7 Prague — home of Kafka and castles and one of the centres of power of the medieval Holy Roman Empire, as well as seat of the oldest university north of the Alps, Prague today draws countless young tourists for its affordable and tasty beer
• 48.208333 16.3725 8 Vienna — An erstwhile imperial capital famous for its coffee houses, the arts and culture, this city looks at least two sizes too large for the tiny country it sits in
• 52.23 21.011111 9 Warsaw — capital of Poland, and one of the EU's thriving new business centres; the old town, nearly completely destroyed during World War II, has been rebuilt in a style inspired by classicist paintings of Canaletto.

Other destinations

• 46.578056 8.615 1 Alps — probably one of the most important winter destinations in the world, that is home to summer resorts too.
• 50.035833 19.178333 2 Auschwitz-Birkenau — Nazi death camp that was the centre of the Holocaust for European Jews during World War II.
• 52.766667 23.866667 3 Białowieża National Park — a UNESCO world heritage site, this is the largest remainder of Europe's primeval forest.
• 48.3 8.15 4 Black Forest — known for cuckoo clocks and cherry cake, this region also offers stunning landscapes.
• 50.519722 15.170556 5 Bohemian Paradise — unique geographical formations within the oldest protected parkland in the Czech Republic.
• 46.85 17.72 6 Lake Balaton — a large but shallow lake that was a favourite with Easterners during the Cold War.
• 47.566667 10.7 7 Neuschwanstein Castle — built by eccentric Bavarian King Ludwig II this castle has been inspiration for Disney.
• 49.166667 20.133333 8 High Tatras — Europe's smallest high mountain range is slowly being "discovered" as a hiking and skiing destination beyond its immediate vicinity.

While ethnically different, the countries of Central Europe share a similar culture and history throughout the ages. In the Middle Ages, the region was dominated by the Holy Roman Empire, a patchwork of feudal fiefs, city-states and other smaller entities, until it lost much of its power in the Thirty Years War . The region was dominated by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth , the Austro-Hungarian Empire , and later the German Empire. German was the lingua franca of the region well into the 20th century.

While the ethnic mosaic of the region was not a major source of conflict until the 19th century, nationalism and racism made it an increasingly divisive issue ultimately resulting in the horrors of the Second World War and the Holocaust . During the Cold War the region was divided between east and west by the figurative Iron Curtain, but since the revolutions around 1990, Germany has been reunified, most countries in the region have joined the European Union (except Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which have close ties to the EU), and border controls are absent or casual.

Economic and cultural gaps remain in the region, even between neighbours (while many Polish people are devout Catholics, Czech people are rarely religious), and within countries such as Germany. In general, the west is wealthier and more cosmopolitan than the east; though since gaining EU membership, some cities of the east, such as Warsaw and Ljubljana, have seen tremendous economic growth.

The regions of western Ukraine, Transylvania (Romania), Kaliningrad Oblast (Russia), Alsace and parts of Lorraine (France), and South Tyrol/Alto-Adige province (Italy), not covered by this article, are sometimes also considered Central European. This is due either to their current or past ethnic makeup or previous political histories. The Kaliningrad oblast spent most of its history as a German speaking region and South Tirol remains a largely German-speaking region in northern Italy maintaining strong cultural ties to Austria. Even though Ukraine is predominantly an Orthodox Christian country, its westernmost part for the centuries was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later passed to Austria-Hungary which to some extent influenced its unique culture.

Central Europe has temperate climate with four seasons. The further inland, the greater are temperature differences between summer and winter. Summers have more daylight than winters, with difference increasing further north: in Hamburg, sun sets at 16:00 in December, and 22:00 (DST) in June.

Central Europe has much linguistic diversity with a wide spread of the Germanic, Slavic, Uralic and Romance language families.

Germanic languages

German has the largest number of native speakers in the region and acts as the official language for Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, and is co-official in Switzerland (alongside French, Italian and Romansh).

In Switzerland, Swiss German is the mother tongue of over 60% of the population. However, standard German is taught in school and is used in signage and formal settings. There are small German-speaking minorities to be found in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Many people throughout the region can also speak German as a second language.

Low German is spoken by rural communities or as a second language by a few in most federal states of northern Germany and still has a significant role to play in the city states of Bremen, Hamburg and Lübeck and in the states of Niedersachsen, Schleswig-Holstein and particular in the eastern federal-state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Frisian is closely related to English and Dutch and is spoken by a few thousand people in parts of the German states of Schleswig-Holstein and Niedersachsen and a lot more people in the Dutch province of Friesland.

Slavic Languages

The Czech and Slovak languages are closely related, with the Sorbian language spoken in eastern Germany near the Polish frontier also a close relative.

Polish is the main language of Poland, although the country does host some minority Slavic languages such as Kashubian (in the region ) and Silesian in southwest Poland.

Slovenian is the official language of Slovenia, but it is also spoken by the Slovenian minorities in southern Austria, northeastern Italy and western Hungary.

There is also a small Croatian minority in Austria's Burgenland.

While Russian is not endemic to the region, it was taught in schools east of the Iron Curtain.

A Uralic language, Hungarian is an outlier in Central Europe, and considered one of the most difficult languages for English speakers to learn due to its complexity. There are 5 million Hungarian speakers living outside Hungary in regions of neighbouring countries such as eastern Austria and southern Slovakia, plus in Romania (Transylvania) and northern Serbia.

Romance languages

French or Italian are spoken by the majority of the population in the western and southern regions of Switzerland respectively, while German is commonly taught as a second language. Similarly, German-speaking Swiss often learn French as a second language.

In the Swiss Canton of Graubünden or Grison, Romansh is spoken as a regional language and notable for being very close to Latin. Given that almost all Romansh speakers speak either Swiss German and/or Italian it is unlikely to be encountered.

Other languages

Finding people who speak and understand English is not a problem in most regions of Central Europe, with quite a few people also speaking German and Russian as second languages. Generally speaking, foreign language proficiency is greater the further west and north you go, and in urban areas in general, while people from wealthier regions tend to have better fluency. With the notable exception of Russian and German, which were more commonly taught two or three decades ago, young people will often speak foreign languages better than older people.

The best entry point to the region depends mostly on your travel plans and itinerary. Prices for flights can vary significantly depending on the airport you fly into and due to the excellent transportation connections you have a wide selection available. Cross border train tickets are sometimes sold by several different railways under varying prices and conditions, so shop around a bit.

By far the busiest and best connected airport in the region is Frankfurt Airport in Hesse , Germany, which offers connections to all inhabited continents and to most airports of any importance in Europe. Zürich , Munich and Vienna airports also see their share of intercontinental travel with Vienna in particular having a focus on connections to the Middle East.

Some of the minor airports may also offer a limited number of direct flights to destinations mostly in other parts of Europe, North Africa or the Middle East. Seasonal flights to "sunny" destinations like Antalya or Mallorca are pretty common even at the most minor airports that otherwise only have feeder flights to one or two hubs.

Central Europe has a dense high-speed rail network:

• InterCityExpress ( ICE ) trains offer connections across Germany, but are also run in partnership with the Austrian, French and Dutch railways.
• The French TGV connects France with Geneva , Berne , Basel and Zurich . Also there are connections to Karlsruhe , Stuttgart , Munich and Frankfurt .
• Thalys trains connect Cologne with Brussels and Paris
• RailJet connects Vienna with Zürich, Munich and Budapest. The Czech Republic has also acquired some Railjet-trains to connect Prague to the rest of Europe, mostly Austria.
• Pendolinos are run in Slovenia and the Czech Republic with connections to neighboring countries.

In addition, there are numerous night- and other express and regular trains that connect Central Europe with the rest of continental Europe, and travel as far as Istanbul or Moscow . Check the homepage of the Deutsche Bahn , which has an excellent overview of the European rail system.

The long and slow decline of the Central European sleeper train seems to have been stopped for now with ÖBB operating the lion's share of them under the Nightjet brand. There are also some night trains run by other railways, mostly east of the former Iron Curtain.

The days of long lines at the border are thankfully largely over due to increasing European integration. That said, even 25 years after the end of the Cold War there are still bottlenecks for traffic across the former Iron Curtain.

Buses used to be a niche market if that, mostly catering to immigrants from the Balkans and their descendants. However, since a liberalisation of the market in Germany (and subsequently in France), more and more bus companies offer domestic and international routes throughout and in and out of Central Europe. As a rule of thumb, short hops can be incredibly cheap with prices like €5 not unheard of, but the longer the distance and the later you book, the more expensive it gets. While routes like London-Cologne are offered, they don't necessarily offer much of a saving compared to a flight or train.

Central Europe is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

Roads are generally in good to excellent condition and the Czech Republic and Poland in particular have been investing a lot in road construction to deal with the pent up demand since 1990 when cars became much more common. That said, there are some issues with congestion, particularly in large cities. Crossing borders with your own car should be no problem whatsoever, but rental car contracts sometimes have limitations, especially for German or Austrian cars to be taken east - those usually don't apply the other way round, so read the fine print carefully before committing to anything. If you plan to visit large cities, you should try working around having a car on the days you'll be there or forego one entirely as cars are more of a headache than a useful tool in cities of roughly 500 000 or more inhabitants.

The Czech Republic, Switzerland and Germany are among a handful of countries variously listed as having the densest railway network in km of routes per square km of area and as such most communities of any size and even many natural attractions are easily reachable by train. Poland neglected its railway during the later communist era, but has started investing in rail transport again. It's still a good option to reach big cities in Poland with reasonable comfort and speed. Train tickets in Germany and Switzerland can be expensive, but there are discount cards and early bird offers that can be used to reduce the damage. The sleeper train network has suffered a lot, but thankfully Austrian Railways (ÖBB) has picked up the baton from DB and now runs Nightjet , a reasonably modern and comfortable Night Train through the region. Booking in advance can net you real bargains, but popular routes and times or last minute booking might mean you'll pay significant amounts of money.

The bus did not play a major role in intercity transportation in this area until 2012 when Germany opened its domestic market. Poland and the Czech Republic had fairly deregulated markets prior to that, but with few exceptions those companies never made a major foray into Germany even after the market was opened. Major players include Flixbus and Student Agency .

Domestic flights are mostly aimed at business travellers and due to the excellent railway network, they can be sparse or non-existent on some routes. In general they are hardly good value in terms of money and not always a major time-saver either. That said, bargains can still be had on some routes and for larger distances, flying might save you a day in transit.

• The English Garden and the huge Deutsches Museum in Munich
• The massive Dom in Cologne
• The modern architecture of Berlin 's Potsdamer Platz
• The modern skyline of Frankfurt and Warsaw
• The natural skyline of the Alps in Innsbruck
• The natural beauty of Lake Constance and its three national shorelines

Itineraries

• the Elbe Radweg follows the eponymous river for most of its course from the Czech Republic to the North Sea near Cuxhaven - popular with expert and novice bikers alike as the route is mostly flat and well maintained.

• Ascend the Reichstag Dome in the Berlin district of Mitte
• Hike the mountainous areas of " Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland" south of Dresden along the Elbe/Labe
• Walk around historic Rothenburg ob der Tauber complete with city walls
• Visit a beer hall , the Olympic Park , BMW museum and don't forget the colorful central pedestrian zone in Munich
• Visit Hitler's infamous Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps with a good museum on the Nazi Crimes
• Tour the Black Forest and maybe buy a cuckoo clock or just eat a torte!
• Cruise the river Rhine and enjoy the world-famous wine
• Ride the post-modern monorail in Wuppertal
• Stroll through the old town centre of Salzburg and visit the imposing fortress of the Archbishop
• Float down the river with the locals in the Swiss capital of Berne
• Ride a cable car up to Gimmelwald , eat at the Piz Gloria restaurant, go out on the Jungfrau glacier, see a churning waterfall, or hike one of the countless Swiss mountain ridges
• Stroll through historic Vienna and visit the Prater district
• Go skiing or snowboarding in Switzerland, Austria or Bavaria
• Go up Castle Hill and admire the view of the river and city in Budapest
• Relax in a Hungarian Turkish style spa
• Visit the world's largest castle complex and tour the old and new towns of Prague
• Visit the historic and elegant port city of Gdansk and it surrounding Baltic resorts
• Spend a night camping under the stars and moonlight on the German Baltic island of Rügen
• Stroll Warsaw 's old town and old Jewish Ghetto, and take a glance at the Soviet inspired Palace of Culture and Science
• Tour the historic old town and castle of Kraków , and visit the Soviet worker's suburb of Nowa Huta
• Holocaust remembrance : Be moved by a visit to a Nazi concentration camp and memorial such as Auschwitz , Bergen-Belsen, Dachau or Treblinka
• Tour the Old Town of Dresden and see the reconstructed "Frauenkirche" a symbol of peace and reconciliation
• Visit the historic spa town of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) in Bohemia in the Czech Republic and "take the cure"
• Experience the wild nightlife in Berlin , Prague , Munich and Budapest until the wee hours of the morning if you can!
• Visit Nuremberg for a castle, a charming medieval old town , one of the best known Christmas Markets in the world or the chilling history of the Nazi rallies at Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelände - the former Nazi party rallying grounds, now a superb museum
• "Jazz nad Odrą" in Wroclaw
• "Jazz Jamboree" in Warsaw
• Dixieland Festival Dresden
• Oktoberfest Munich

While Central Europe spans different nationalities and climates, some culinary traditions can be found all across the region. Overall, Central European cuisines tend to be simple and hearty, with an emphasis on meat and starch, a diet which helped people survive the harsh winters in the olden days. Poland, Germany and Austria are rightly famous for their various types of sausages, and it would take a generous academic grant and a lot of time to sample them all. In the Alps , the cuisine has taken a lot of inspiration from high mountain cattle farming and is thus heavy in savory cheese or durable dry ingredients like muesli (or müsli outside of Switzerland). The haute cuisine of France and staples of Italian food have made a big impact on Central European cuisine as have the culinary traditions of immigrants from Turkey , the Balkans or (South) East Asia, and restaurants serving such cuisines exist at varying price, quality and authenticity in almost all major cities in the region.

The North European Plain has a temperate climate, allowing for rich grain harvests and dairy farming. Fruits and vegetables have traditionally been fewer than south of the Alps, and have traditionally been dried or pickled for preservation. The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth dominated the region during the early modern era and was over time displaced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire . The Austrians developed a haute cuisine inspired by France and Italy. While the potato was introduced in the 17th century for its flowers, it took some centuries to become the most important staple crop.

Ashkenazi Jews used to be a significant minority in Central Europe. Most of them emigrated to the Americas and Israel in the 19th or 20th century, or perished in the Holocaust . Dishes such as bagels and gefilte fish originate from Central Europe.

The region was divided during the Cold War . While the west got an influx of imported food and foreign cuisines, the eastern countries depended on domestic ingredients, many of which were rationed. The abundance of tropical fruits such as bananas in West Germany, compared to the scarcity in the East, was one of the most visible differences between the countries.

With the fall of the Iron Curtain and the expansion of the European Union , most of the world's foodstuffs are available across the region.

• German cuisine has local varieties such as Bavarian and Franconian cuisine . Germany might be among the most cosmopolitan countries in Central Europe, with a high presence of foreign cuisines, particularly Turkish and Italian.
• Switzerland combines German, French and Italian flavours. It is famous for its cheese , with fondue as its national dish.
• Austria is known for high-end cuisine from the Austro-Hungarian Empire with great pastries and confections such as the Sachertorte .
• Liechtenstein has a cuisine similar to Switzerland and Austria.
• Poland is famous for its kluski (unfilled boiled dumplings) and pierogi (fried filled dumplings).
• The Czech Republic stands out for sweetened main courses. It is the world leader in beer consumption per capita, as the home of Pilsner beer from Plzen beer and famous lagers including Budvar from České Budějovice .
• Slovakia has a cuisine typical of the region with halušky , a potato dumpling, as an iconic dish, and sheep milk products.
• Hungary has the spiciest food in the region, with paprika as an omnipresent seasoning. Its Austro-Hungarian heritage is evident in its coffeehouses and rich pastries.
• Slovenia is the crossroads of the three major European cultures, with flavours of Austria, the Balkans and Italy.

Most meals are based on meat , with pork being most common. There is a rising vegetarian /vegan community, especially in the western and more cosmopolitan cities. Lamb, mutton and game are common in mountain regions. Sausages are common across Central Europe. Schnitzel is a meat dish with varieties around the region.

Dairy products such as cheese are common, made from cow, sheep and goat milk.

Seafood is common in the coastal waters of Germany and Poland, with freshwater fish appearing inland.

Bread of different cereals is a staple in Central Europe, and served as part of most meals.

Pastries and cakes such as the Strudel are common.

Potatoes are the most common staple beside bread; they are boiled, fried, mashed or used as potato flour.

Dumplings are based on flour or potatoes, filled or unfilled, boiled or fried.

Fruits and vegetables are traditionally fewer and more savoury than in southern Europe. They are usually pickled, and occasionally fermented, such as in sauerkraut . Hungary makes great cucumber salad ( uborkasaláta ).

While wine is made in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Hungary is the region's best known wine country. Tokaji is a famous wine region in Hungary and Slovakia, known for sweet wines.

• Beer – The golden beer drunk throughout the world was developed in this region, and arguably it is here that it is still at its best. The Czech Republic has a grand brewing heritage and Pilsen is the place were the technique was pioneered, creating the Pilsner style that is reproduced around the world. The low cost of beer in the Czech Republic makes it easy to get a taste of many of the fabulous beers, from the well-known Pilsner Urquell, Budvar (Budweiser) and Staropramen, to local favourites such as Kozel, Bernard and Gambrinus. Many have a few different varieties and a Cerny Pivo (Black Beer) these can be as good if not better than the standard beer. Slovakia has many beers of high quality with Zlaty Bazant being highly regarded. Hungary , Poland , and Slovenia all have very good national examples sometimes on a par with those from the Czech lands. Germany , Austria and Switzerland have a similar brewing heritage, but can throw in several different types of beer. Weissbier, (Wheat Beer) is a refreshing style popular in summer but drunk year round. There are a huge amount of varieties and local specialties are nearly always worth seeking out. Generally, the further north one travels in Germany, the more bitter or hoppy the beer becomes adding to the north-south cultural divide. Bavaria , "the Holy Grail of Brewing", located in southern Germany, has over 600 breweries alone and even more accompanying beers to sample!
• Wine – The region produces a wide range of wines from superb world famous regions, down to inexpensive local plonk. Possibly the finest region in the area is the Tokaj-Hegyalja region shared between Hungary and Slovakia that is world-renowned for its sweet dessert wines as well as more standard whites. Germany has several wine regions; the Rhine and Moselle Valleys are well known for their fragrant white wines. Saxony in the east is home to a small wine-growing region on the riverbanks of the Elbe. Austria and Switzerland also produce some very high quality products. In the other countries like Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, local wines can throw up some very good varieties and it is always worth investigating local produce.
• Each country has a range of distilled beverages . Plain and seasoned vodka is popular in the Slavic countries. Pálinka , brandy often made from apricots, and slivovitz , a plum liquor or liqueur, are also popular. The quality of Polish vodka is among the best in the world. The high quality product can be very different to the industrial stuff you may buy in your local shop and is well worth a try. Zubrowka is a variety of vodka flavored with a cinnamon-like grass and is delicious when combined with apple juice. Some claim it to be so good it produces no hangover, but you might not want to test that.

The western part of this region is probably one of the safest in the world with violent crime being rare in Germany, Poland, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. While the situation in some parts of countries that used to be east of the iron curtain is by no means bad, certain neighbourhood in the bigger cities do have the typical big-city issues and also some crime arising from it. Unfortunately racism is an issue to varying degrees in all of these countries. Antiziganism (hatred towards and discrimination against Sinti and Roma "gypsies") is particularly common in parts of the area with large Sinti and Roma populations but can be found in most of Central Europe to saddening degrees. Political rallies by extremist groups can get violent, as can bigger left-wing counter-demonstrations.

Despite the tendency by many around the world to refer to all countries formerly behind the Iron Curtain as "Eastern Europe", inhabitants of Central Europe will be flattered and pleased if you describe their countries as "Central European" both geographically and culturally. Remember that Austrians, Liechtensteiners and most Swiss and Luxembourgers speak German but are not German! Czech, Polish or Slovakian may sound similar to Russian, but inhabitants of these countries will not take kindly to assumptions of cultural overlap. Lastly, keep in mind that the Czech Republic and Slovakia once shared a country as well and Slovaks in general are very proud of their new found independence, which will show especially if there is an opportunity to beat the Czech at soccer or ice hockey.

Performing a Nazi salute is a criminal offence in Germany, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The penalty for doing so in these countries is typically a fine; however, in Germany and Austria, any person caught performing a Nazi salute can not only be fined, but imprisoned too. In Switzerland, use of the salute is not a criminal offence in itself, but doing so for the purpose of actively promoting Nazi ideology is considered to constitute hate speech. Displaying the Swastika is also a criminal offence, though in Germany, exceptions are made for religious Swastikas.

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What Your 2 Week Central Europe Itinerary Could Look Like

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There’s no question that Central Europe is one of my favourite regions of Europe to travel to. Central Europe is a region that has so much potential for tourists, while also being relatively easy to explore independently. It might not be as classically recognisable as Western Europe or the Mediterranean, but that leaves more opportunity for exciting and unexpected destinations on your Central Europe itinerary.

For some reason, two weeks seems to be the most common length of time people wish to allow to explore the region. For an area that covers so much space, that’s not long. As such, a 2-week central Europe itinerary can only cover so much. I would personally allow longer or narrow my focus, but I do believe a whirlwind tour of Central Europe is possible. Here’s how.

Table of Contents

Where is Central Europe?

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s agree on where we’re talking about. Regions like Western Europe, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe are usually quite loosely defined and mean different things to different people. Some people only look at Europe as East and West based on the Iron Curtain, but I don’t think that reflects modern Europe very well.

When I talk about Central Europe, I mean the following six countries: Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. Other people may extend the region to include Germany and Switzerland, or Croatia, or the Baltic, but to me, it’s these six. Arguments for the other countries are perfectly valid, but I tend to categorize them differently.

Besides being actually geographically central, there’s one other trait that these countries share. There’s a shared history, with all having ties to the Habsburg Empire in the 17th century. But there are also similarities in their cultures, their cuisine, and their landscapes that unite these destinations in a real way.

Planning a Central Europe Itinerary

So you have two weeks. Fourteen days. Six countries. That math isn’t very favourable, especially when you factor in travel time. But assuming you want to get at least a taste of each country, that only leaves room for one or two stops in each. If this is your first time in the region and you only have so much leave, that may be all you can hope for.

There are many ways to go about getting a feel for a country, but going to big cities that are easily reachable is the only way this works. This is more like a tour of Central Europe’s capitals, as below you’ll find five of the six capital cities listed (sorry Warsaw). I’m tempted to create an alternative itinerary with smaller cities, towns, and villages, but I think this article is going to be long already.

How to Travel Around Central Europe

Public transport in this region of Europe is quite good. Nearly all of my extensive travels here have been by bus and train. However, for the sake of time, I highly recommend a car for this kind of trip.

You can expect to spend at least half a day getting from one destination to the next, with several long travel days. Doing this with public transport will take longer and mean spending a lot of time on buses and trains . The benefit of driving is that it lets you see more along the way and travel at times that suit you.

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14-Day Central Europe Trip

The design behind this itinerary is that you can make it a circuit starting and ending from any of the cities. That way, flights work out easier . Because you have to start somewhere, I’ve made it start in Vienna, arguably the largest and easiest place to reach . The destinations on this itinerary are:

• Vienna and Salzburg in Austria
• Bratislava in Slovakia
• Budapest in Hungary
• Ljubljana and Lake Bled in Slovenia
• Prague and Cesky Krumlov in Czechia
• Krakow in Poland

Vienna – 3 Days

Vienna is easily one of the most popular destinations in this part of Europe. The Austrian capital has no shortage of things to keep visitors entertained, thanks to its grand architecture, countless museums, and cultural touchstones. It’s a city I know very well at this point, so I have plenty of advice for visiting Vienna .

After arriving and settling into your Vienna accommodation , begin exploring the city with the First District. There in the city centre, you’ll find attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral , Graben, and the Opera House. With time a factor, consider taking a sightseeing tour of Vienna to cover more ground.

Over your first two days gradually work your way further and further from the centre. Start with close-in attractions like the Town Hall and Karlsplatz, then hit up Imperial classics like the Belvedere Palace and Schönbrunn Palace . Break up these traditional sights with the bizarre Hundertwasser Haus and the family-friendly Prater amusement park.

Save on Sightseeing: Pick up a Vienna City Card to save on public transport to get around.

Where to Stay: Look at these accommodation options in Vienna , or consult this guide to where to stay in Vienna .

Bratislava Day Trip

Vienna is a convenient distance from many of the stops on this itinerary, but none so more than Bratislava. Allowing just one day to visit a country isn’t ideal, but time is the biggest limitation of this itinerary. Fortunately, a day trip to Bratislava lets you see most of the city’s highlights and at least give you a sense of what Slovakia is like.

Bratislava is one of the smaller capitals, with most of its main attractions relatively close together. Once you arrive in the city, head to its Old Town where you can walk its narrow streets and admire its main square. From there, walk up to Bratislava Castle for great views over the city’s rooftops.

Find a restaurant for lunch to try some local cuisine and then press on to see sights outside the immediate old town area. The Blue Church is a popular choice, as is the Presidential Palace and Slavin Memorial. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for its scattering of playful statues.

Vienna to Bratislava Transport – Options abound for getting to Bratislava and back in about an hour each way. Bus and train from Hauptbahnhof are easy and affordable; taking the hydrofoil lets you enjoy a river cruise. Of course, there’s always a tour from Vienna if you prefer a hands-off approach.

Budapest – 2 Days

Journey to yet another capital city on the Danube River and travel to Budapest in Hungary. Of all the cities on here, I feel like Budapest is the best able to appeal to any kind of traveller. You’re just as easily able to find cultural attractions here as you are cool places to get food and drink.

After arriving in the city and getting rid of your bags, start by exploring the eastern side of the city called Pest. Attractions in this half of the city close to the city centre include St. Stephen’s Basilica , the Dohány Street Synagogue , and of course, the signature Hungarian Parliament Building . Maybe finish up with a cruise along the river to admire the view and head out to one of the city’s “ruin bars” for a drink.

Waste no time on Day 2 and cross the river to see Buda Castle. While there is the castle museum there, more popular sights include the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church. Across the city, don’t miss a ride on the old-fashioned M1 metro out to Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad Castle. It’s there that you’ll also find the Széchenyi Thermal Bath , one of many thermal spring baths in the country.

Vienna to Budapest Transport – Taking the train to Budapest from Vienna is really easy and takes roughly 2.5 hours. Going by bus also works, but it isn’t really faster or cheaper.

Save on Sightseeing: Pick up a Budapest Card if you’re planning to visit a lot of its included attractions.

Where to Stay: You won’t have any trouble finding places to stay in Budapest .

Ljubljana – 3 Days

I think one of the most underrated and unassuming capital cities in Europe is Ljubljana. Certainly, it’s one of the least iconic tourist destinations on this list. And yet it’s a place that I’ve grown fond of because it’s just such a nice place to visit.

Getting to Ljubljana is going to occupy a lot of your first day there, which is why I think you need three nights here. After arriving, orient yourselves with a stroll along the riverfront. This area is the beating heart of the city and is pretty both day and night. The fun really begins though on the next day, when you’ll want to do all your sightseeing, possibly with a sightseeing tour to make the most of your time.

Start with Prešeren Square and cross into the old town area on the eastern bank of the Ljubljanica River. Make sure to visit each of the river’s bridges as you do, especially the city’s signature Dragon Bridge. Then it’s time to head up to Ljubljana Castle , either on foot or by funicular. The castle has some museum exhibits inside about Slovenian history, but it’s also a great place to see views of the city.

After that, I’d say head to the peaceful Tivoli Park or check out the Metelkova Art Center. Finish up with a drink at the Nebotičnik rooftop bar for a nice view up to the castle.

Budapest to Ljubljana Transport – This is going to be a long day if done by public transport. You’ll spend 7.5 hours on the train getting to Ljubljana from Budapest, whereas driving only takes 4.5 hours.

Save on Sightseeing: Pick up a Ljubljana Card if you’re planning to visit a lot of its included attractions.

Where to Stay: Take your pick from accommodation in the centre of Ljubljana .

Bled Day Trip

It will likely be the busiest place you go in Slovenia, but Lake Bled is worth the visit. With a day trip to Lake Bled , you’ll get a chance to see Slovenia’s mountains a little closer and enjoy the serene lake setting. I’d say start by walking along the lakeshore round to Bled Castle. There you get incredible views of the area, plus a pretty, but small, castle to explore.

How you spend the rest of the day is up to you. A relaxed approach is to return to Bled town to take a traditional pletna boat across to the lake’s island church. It’s a relaxing experience and the island has a very special feeling to it. Another relaxing Bled activity is to visit a cafe in town and indulge in a Bled Cream Cake.

A more active option is to walk a lap of the lake to see it from different sides. The circuit around the lake is mostly flat, so it’s more a matter of time than energy. Things start to get more challenging if you visit the Mala Osojnica viewpoint, as it’s a steep and uneven walk up.

Ljubljana to Bled Transport – Although there are both bus and train options to get to Bled that take a little over an hour, I highly recommend going by bus . That’s because the train station is actually in Lesce, the next town over, so you’ll need to get a local bus into Bled. Alternatively, you can actually see more of the area with a tour to Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge from Ljubljana.

Salzburg – 1 Day

Salzburg is an incredibly charming city in northwest Austria. But the main reason I’ve included it in this itinerary is as a transit stop between Ljubljana and Prague. Otherwise, you’d probably just be stopping in at Vienna again, which feels like a missed opportunity.

Once you account for travel time, you won’t have more than half a day to explore Salzburg. While that’s a shame, Salzburg doesn’t need long to wow you. Start with a walk along the riverfront and make your way to Mirabell Palace for the above view ( side note: a great place to see a concert ).

With more time I’d suggest walking up the Kapuzinerberg for its city panoramas, but instead make a beeline for the old town. There you’ll see the city’s cathedral, Residenzplatz Square, and maybe even the house where Mozart was born. Visiting Fortress Hohensalzburg is worth doing if you can, but I don’t suggest rushing to the point of just ticking boxes.

Ljubljana to Salzburg Transport – Cross the Alps by bus or train to reach Salzburg from Ljubljana . Taking the 4.5-hour train ride is the fastest way to get there, but going by a 4-hour bus can work in a pinch too. For this travel day, it’s all about timing to allow some sightseeing time in Salzburg.

Save on Sightseeing: Pick up a Salzburg Card if you’re planning to visit a lot of its included attractions.

Where to Stay: Pick somewhere nice to stay for your one night in Salzburg.

Prague – 3 Days

There’s something about Prague that even its name conjures up imagery of a grand, perhaps moody city.

The Czech capital is rightly popular with tourists and is sure to overwhelm you with attractions to see and neighbourhoods to explore. I’ve visited the city three times now and am sure there’s more yet to see. If this is your one chance to see the Czech Republic , Prague is the way to go.

With whatever time you have during your first day there, I’d say it’s best to focus on starting with the Old Town .

Head straight to the Old Town Square, because there you’ll see several of the city’s most iconic landmarks. While some people think the Prague Astronomical Clock is overrated, it’s still a must-see timepiece . Then there’s the Church of Our Lady before Týn and buildings like The House at the Minute.

Your next day is going to feel like a whirlwind, so buckle up.

Start with the city’s Jewish Quarter to see the Old Jewish Cemetery and Klausen Synagogue. Then it’s time for a walk across the famous Charles Bridge to the Malá Strana neighbourhood. There’s plenty to see in this area, such as the Lennon Wall and the neighbourhood’s main square.

But it’s also the way to reaching Prague Castle , where you can spend hours, not to mention the beautiful Strahov Monastery.

Salzburg to Prague Transport – Expect another long travel day here. Trains via Linz take 6 to 7 hours, while early morning buses take around 6 hours as well. There is an expensive alternative, which is to take a private transfer like this one with a stop in Cesky Krumlov . However, most only go the one-way from Prague to Salzburg, not vice versa for some reason.

Save on Sightseeing: Pick up a Prague Visitor Pass if you’re planning to visit a lot of its included attractions.

Where to Stay: Prague has accommodation for every budget, so take your pick of hotels, hostels, and more .

Cesky Krumlov Day Trip

Take the chance to see more of Czechia with a day trip to Cesky Krumlov . If you’re looking for a fairytale town full of old-world character, then Cesky Krumlov is going to delight. This town in South Bohemia is not huge, so it’s best to temper expectations about how much there is to see and do.

That said, you certainly won’t be bored here. Start with a walk into the historic centre past the regional museum to visit the main square and walk around a little. Walk down to the southern bridge to see its view of the Church of St. Vitus, then head north across the other bridge. There you’ll see Cesky Krumlov Castle looming above you.

A walk through Cesky Krumlov Castle is going to make an impression, especially if you take the time to visit inside and go up the tower for its observation deck. But for me, it’s once you continue climbing up past the Cloak Bridge that you get the classic town view. A walk in the lovely Castle Garden won’t hurt either, before returning to the town centre for food, museums, or more wandering.

Prague to Cesky Krumlov Transport – Part of the reason it’s so common to do a day trip to Cesky Krumlov, is how easy it is. Bus is the quickest approach , taking less than 3 hours each way. Going by train is slower, regardless of whether you transfer to the bus in Ceske Budejovice. But the easiest option is going with a tour to Cesky Krumlov , because then it’s all handled for you.

Krakow – 2 Days

While it’s a bit of a trek to add Krakow to this itinerary, trust me it’s well worth the effort.

This city in southern Poland is full of history, both harrowing related to the Holocaust, but also earlier stuff. And its historic centre, home to many of the highlights of Krakow , is exactly what you picture an old-fashioned European city looking like. You won’t always find that in Poland, which makes Krakow all the more special.

Again, take whatever time you have after arriving to see the historic centre . Visit the Rynek Główny Square to see the Cloth Hall, the St. Mary’s Basilica, and the rest. The next day you can explore more thoroughly, from seeing the Barbican and the park where the city walls once were, to strolling down the picturesque Kanonicza Street.

But there’s more to Krakow than what was behind its city walls. Wawel Royal Castle is not to be missed, with its mish-mash architecture and history. Down below the castle, you’ll find the cave where the city’s legendary dragon was said to live. Heading away from the centre, you’ll find the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, and attractions such as Oskar Schindler’s Factory and Plac Bohaterów Getta related to the Holocaust.

Prague to Krakow Transport – Unfortunately this is a long day again. Going by train takes 6.5 hours, but there’s only one daily service. Buses take even longer at roughly 8 hours. While it’s not very eco-friendly, I’d almost consider flying this leg to save time. This trip is where I’d add an extra day if I had more time to stop somewhere like Wroclaw or Olomouc to break it up.

Where to Stay: Walk right into the Old Town with these places to stay in Krakow .

Getting Back to Vienna

If you’re planning on completing the loop, then you’ll want to know about Krakow to Vienna transport options. Strangely there are only overnight buses between the two, so I’d say taking the train is the best option . Whether direct to Vienna or transferring to Katowice, the journey is going to take 6 or so hours. That may not sound great, but return flights are generally much cheaper and easier to organize than multi-city ones.

Central Europe Itinerary Alterations and Inclusions

There are countless ways you could change this itinerary to meet your needs. You can add extra days to it, drop day trips, change individual stops, or adjust the shape of it entirely.

One option is to make this Central Europe itinerary a one-way trip and have a little more time in the process. For that, I’d suggest starting in Krakow and then travelling in the following order: Krakow, Prague, Vienna, Ljubljana, and Budapest. Or do the opposite and go from Budapest to Krakow. This way you don’t have to return to your starting point. Plus, it allows you to remove Salzburg and free up another day.

Now, if you’ve already spent some time in Central Europe, you may want to change out places you’ve visited. Been to Krakow before? Try Warsaw or Wroclaw instead. Seen the sights of Vienna? Replace it with Graz and stay in Bratislava for a couple of nights. You could do this with any destination and just fine-tune the itinerary as a result. You’ll find plenty of ideas for other Central Europe destinations on my blog.

Have you ever tried to do your own 2 week Central Europe travel itinerary? Did you feel rushed or were you glad to see what you could in that amount of time? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

David is the author behind the Travelsewhere travel blog and is always on the search for the quieter, less-visited corners of the world.

You are absolute wrong about Croatia because it played a big role in Habsburg Empire. Look it up in history books.

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Discover the enchanting charms of central europe: a traveler's guide.

Central Europe, with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture, beckons travelers with promises of unforgettable experiences. Nestled in the heart of the continent, this region offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern marvels. From fairytale castles to bustling cities, and picturesque countryside to captivating folklore, Central Europe has it all. In this travel guide, we'll take you on a virtual journey through some of the most enchanting destinations this region has to offer.

Ke ytours Vacations travel packages are fully customizable. Add a day, a week, a sightseeing tour, another destination or let our expert travel consultants design something truly unique. Browse our website for great ideas or schedule a consultation with one of our expert travel consultants.

1. Prague - The City of a Hundred Spires

Our journey begins in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. Known for its stunning architecture, Prague's medieval Old Town Square transports visitors back in time. The magnificent Prague Castle, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the city. Don't miss the iconic Charles Bridge, adorned with statues of saints and offering a magical stroll along the Vltava River. Interested in traveling to Prague? Check out our Prague Vacation Packages

2. Budapest - Where History Meets Luxury

Crossing over to Hungary, we arrive in Budapest, a city that straddles the Danube River. Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands proudly on the Buda side, while Pest, on the other bank, boasts elegant boulevards and vibrant nightlife. Take a dip in one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért, for a rejuvenating experience like no other. Interested in traveling to Budapest? Check out our Budapest Vacation Packages

3. Vienna - A Symphony of Culture

4. Krakow - Poland's Timeless Gem

Heading north, we find ourselves in Krakow, Poland's historic jewel. The medieval Rynek Główny (Main Market Square) is a bustling hub of activity, with colorful buildings and lively market stalls. Explore the hauntingly beautiful Wawel Castle and pay your respects at Auschwitz-Birkenau, a solemn reminder of the region's tumultuous past. Interested in traveling to Poland? Check out our Poland Vacation Packages

5. Bratislava - The Quaint Capital of Slovakia

Our next stop is Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, nestled on the banks of the Danube. With its cobblestone streets and charming squares, Bratislava offers a more intimate and laid-back vibe. Climb up to the Bratislava Castle for panoramic views, and explore the quirky Čumil, the "Man at Work" bronze statue that has become a beloved city symbol. Interested in traveling to Slovakia? Check out our Slovakia Vacation Packages

6. The Scenic Beauty of the Austrian Alps

Venturing into the heart of Central Europe's natural wonders, we find ourselves surrounded by the Austrian Alps. Whether you visit in the snow-capped winter or the lush green summer, the Alps offer outdoor enthusiasts a playground for hiking, skiing, and simply soaking in the serene beauty of the mountains. Interested in visiting Austria? Check out our Austria Vacation Packages

  Central Europe is a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the grandeur of Prague and Vienna to the quirkiness of Bratislava, and from the solemnity of Auschwitz to the breathtaking Alps, each destination in this region has something unique to offer. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey of discovery through the enchanting charms of Central Europe. Your heart will be forever captivated by the beauty and allure of this mesmerizing part of the world. Happy travels!

Choose Keytours Vacations, your experts in personalized travel experiences, and make your next vacation one to remember! Customize your vacation or choose one of our packages!

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Central Europe Itinerary 2 weeks: Munich Prague Vienna Budapest Bratislava

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European countries are so very charming and they pull us like a magnet. We love visiting Europe for its history, culture, cobblestone lanes, food, and overall vintage vibes. Here is a look at our first Central Europe itinerary 2 weeks.

We chose Munich Prague Vienna Budapest Bratislava for a reason. Budget and history were the two main reasons. For a budget of $3200 USD per person, we were able to explore 5 countries and stay in Europe for 2 weeks. This Europe travel itinerary is also great for first-time visitors.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Every year, we have been checking off a FEW European countries at a time. We look at the proximity of each country and how well they are interconnected by public transportation such as trains, road trips, or even day tours. We love maximizing our stay when we travel for a LONG distance from Canada.

2 week Central Europe Itinerary: At a glance

• Day 1: Arrive in Munich and explore the city highlights. Stay overnight in Munich
• Day 2: Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle or Dachau + English Gardens 
• Day 3 : Visit Nuremberg, and start for Prague in the evening. Stay in Prague
• Day 4: Explore Prague old town
• Day 5 : Take a day trip from Prague to Kutna Hora or Český Krumlov
• Day 6 : Arrive in Budapest, and explore the main highlights. Stay in Budapest
• Day 7 : Explore more of Budapest, ruin bars, UNESCO sites
• Day 8 : Head to Bratislava. Stay in Bratislava for the night
• Day 9 : More time to explore Bratislava
• Day 10: Arrive in Vienna, and check off a couple of city highlights. Stay in Vienna
• Day 11: Explore Vienna 
• Day 12 : Take a day trip to Wachau Valley from Vienna
• Day 13 : Head to Salzburg, stay here for the night
• Day 14: Salzburg sightseeing and walking tour

There are so many reasons why you should take a trip to Central Europe for 2 weeks. It is better value for money spent – you can cover SOO much for a smaller budget.

As compared to popular European Itineraries for 2 weeks like those covering Paris, London, Amsterdam, French Riviera, Barcelona or Rome, Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre in Italy, by traveling to Central Europe you will be experiencing the MOST popular tourist destinations as well as the offbeat.

Prices for hotels and sightseeing are cheaper than in countries of Western Europe.

Thinking of Charles Bridge or the Hungarian Parliament? Well, ghost tours, ruin bars, and concentration camp memorial sites are sure to keep you busy.

Flying to Munich is a money saver and also gives a lot of flexibility as there are TONS of flights available from the US and Canada to Munich Germany.

Local transport and sightseeing passes are affordable in all the 5 countries mentioned in this Central Europe Itinerary. (Average cost less than 2 USD for local bus fares.)

Food is cheaper too. And you will be trying different cuisines here – schnitzels, chimney cake or tradelnk, goulash, sachertorte, and BEER (lots of it). You will probably forget macaroons and red wine. Or pizza (no I love pizza)

Central Europe is an amazing region to explore and check off multiple countries from your travel bucket list. Here are the places that we will cover in 14 days in Central Europe Itinerary – Munich, Nuremberg, Prague Vienna Budapest Salzburg, and Bratislava.

By starting your trip in Munich, you are opening up to affordable flight options as well as a variety of flight schedules to meet your busy lifestyle. Although not the capital of Germany, Munich is a MAJOR European destination. You will find TONS of history, architecture, castles, and beer in Munich.

Day 1 Munich Germany Europe Itinerary

Start your first day in Munich by exploring the old town of Marienplatz . Head to Mary’s Square for a walking tour, and walk the cobblestone streets and learn about the history of the Wittelsbach.

Pro Tip : Walking tours are for 2 hours or so and can be taken in the afternoon as well if you are arriving by noon in Munich. There are trains available from Munich airport to Marienplatz (station of the same name)

At the heart of the old town of Munich is Mary’s Square (or Marienplatz). A historical square in Munich, Marienplatz had witnessed the Thirty Years War and Hitler’s Purge.

At the center of Marienplatz is Mary’s Column – this column was set up in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years War.

As you look around, you will see the New Town Hall of Munich. It is home to the singing clock Rathaus-Glockenspiel – a miniature knight show that enacts 2 stories from the 16th century.

Odeonplatz is another square in old town Munich, located within walking distance from Mary’s Square. Odeonplatz was the site of many rallies and demonstrations in modern times Munich including Hitler’s Beer Purge of 1923.

Up next is the Munich Residenz hall and explore the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach Kings of Bavaria.

If you are hungry, head to the Central Market – Viktualienmarkt, which is the oldest market in Munich. A food tour is a great idea to sample many Bavarian delicacies, before exploring the city further.

The Opera House is also located in Old Town Munich.

EPIC views of Munich should be one of the highlights of your visit and yes, we are getting there. St Pete Church in Munich towers are open to the public for 3 euros – to climb up 309 stairs to reach the top to view Munchen’s amazing city-scape and yes red and orange rooftops.

Did you know Munich is derived from the word, “old Monk” or Monken or Munchen?

Late afternoon or evening, you can head to the Hofbräuhaus or the Royal Brewery for a drink or two. If you are staying in the city centre (which is probably a good idea), you can opt for a Bavarian dinner at Haxnbauer.  Or make your way to the Marienplatz for some live music, a stroll, and street food.

We stayed at TRYP Munchen Hotel, now known as Hotel München City Center , and would definitely recommend it. Great location and the rooms were big and clean.

Day 2 Munich Germany – Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

For day 2 in Munich, take a day trip to Neuschwanstein castle. We recommend taking a day tour of 7-8 hours, which covers your return trip, a guided tour of the Castle interiors, and a light lunch. Book your day tour to the Neuschwanstein Castle here

You can also drive to Fussen via the romantic road and explore the castle. Remember a guided tour is a must for accessing the castle interiors. Book early if you are visiting in peak seasons, from late May to August.  Read about our day trip to Neuschwanstein

If the Neuschwanstein Castle is not your thing and you wish to stay close to Munich, then consider paying a visit to the Dachau memorial camp.

You can visit Dachau via train or drive and spend 2-4 hours there learning about the dark history of Germany under Hitler’s regime. Free audio tours are available on site.

Read about our experience at the Dachau Concentration Campsite

Train: Central Munich to Dachau train station is 25 minutes.

Day tour:  Book a half day tour to Dachau from Munich with a guide here

For the second half of your day, explore the beautiful English Gardens. Take a stroll and admire the Chinese Tower Beer Gardens, which houses the oldest beer gardens in the whole of Munich. Read our 5 days in Munich itinerary.

Day 3 Nuremberg Germany to Prague Czech Republic

Pack up your bags as today we will be leaving for country no 2. BUT…but before that, we will explore Nuremberg – a medieval town in Bavaria.

Munich to Nuremberg is –

• 2 hours by car
• 1.50 or less by train (the fastest train will take you there in an hour). Fare $35 to $55 USD one way
• 2.50 hours by bus (Flixbus). $10+ USD one way

Spend time in the old town of Nuremberg. Explore the market square and the iconic Church of our Lady – Frauenkirche. This is a perfect example of brickwork in Gothic architecture.

The market square here comes alive in December and is the host of the finest Christmas Markets in Europe.

Nuremberg Castle and the Museum of the Dolls are some of the other tourist attractions that are worth visiting. Definitely take a stroll along the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to experience this medieval town and know why it is considered the unofficial Holy Roman Capital.

Find out everything that we did on a day trip to Nuremberg

After a late lunch, drive or take a train to Prague – the capital of the Czech Republic. Depending on when you arrive in town, if you are feeling adventurous, head to the Charles Bridge in the old town square or settle in for a quiet supper, as the next day will be LEGENDARY.

Before hitting Moravia from Bavaria, you will notice the change in landscape with wineries’ and windmills.

Day 4 Prague Czech Republic Europe Itinerary

Prague is still one of my favorite places on earth (and this is me saying after 4 years of travel to many European countries), so be EXCITED! (For me at least)

Spend the day in the historic UNESCO site of Old Town Prague on your first day. Cross over the Vltava river and arrive in the heart of the old town.

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

Explore the astronomical clock – a popular attraction in Prague. The clock showcases a musical show every hour, called the “walk of the Apostles”.

In the old town, you will also find one of the oldest living Jewish synagogues. The Old Synagogue was built in the 13th century and has so much history to it.

Eat some chimney cake or Trdlnyk and go for some souvenir shopping.

Charles Bridge is a definite item to explore in Prague. It was built by King Charles IV over the Vltava River.

The Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town and adjacent areas. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and figurines, originally erected in baroque style but are now replaced by replicas.

The main bridge is protected by three bridge towers, 2 of them are located on the Lesser Quarter side and one on the Old Town side, which is the Old Town Bridge Tower. Take a one-hour tour over the Vltava river. 

Here is another tour with sightseeing and cruise over the Vltava.  Try out some goulash in the old town or get a lunch cruise over the Vltava . 

After a heavy belly, are you ready to walk up to Letna Park for some epic views? I am sure you are.

Letna Park is a beautiful park located on a hill called Letna and it offers amazing views of the Old Town, along with the Vltava river. You will have to hike to hit the top of the hill to get to the park.

The John Lennon Wall is increasingly becoming a popular tourist spot in Prague. It is an interesting tourist spot in Prague. Prior to the death of John Lennon, it was a normal wall. But when John Lennon passed away in 1980, the youth of Prague grieved his passing by pouring their heart out on this wall.

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

Our hotel for the night’s stay was Hotel International. This is a vintage hotel. Very spacious and clean. There are grocery stores and restaurants close by as well. Read more on the best place to stay in Prague

Day 5 Day trips from Prague Czech Republic 

Option 1 : Kutna Hora

For your second day in Prague, you can either make it fast paced or slow it down and relax a little.

If you are like us and LOVE to cover more areas, then head to Kutna Hora for a half day trip. Kutna Hora is only an hour away from Prague and is popular for the two UNESCO heritage sites – St Barbara’s Church and the Cathedral of our Lady at Sedlec.

But the Kutná Hora Bone Church is what pulls tourists here. This church is actually made up of 40,000 bones. There are bone chandeliers inside too. You can explore the city on foot (cobblestone streets).

Other attractions in Kutna Hora include – Italian Court, Silver Museum.  Book your day tour to Kutna Hora here

For the second half of your day, relax and leisurely explore the Prague Castle grounds.

Prague Castle has a very intriguing past. Stories of traitors being thrown out of the castle windows, jewel crowns being stolen, a church named after dancing saints, and the list goes on.

You can take a tour of the gardens, the Golden Lane, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the vineyards.

Strolling through the vineyards, was one of my favorite memories in Prague. The views from up there are marvelous.

Relax for the evening (we went back to the old town Prague for some drinks) or take a beer and dinner tour in Prague

Option 2 : Český Krumlov

A second option is to spend a full day in Český Krumlov. Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO heritage-listed town in southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. This stunning town is bisected by the Vltava River and is dominated by a 13th-century castle.

The castle has Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque elements, an 11-hectare garden, and an original 17th-century baroque theater. Book a full day trip to Cesky Krumluv with lunch. 

Read our 2 day Prague itinerary and tips 

Day 6 Budapest Hungary Europe Itinerary

A new day and a new country – arrive in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Prague to Budapest is a 4-hour drive away. You can take the train as well.

The fastest train will take you there in 6.50 hours. One option is to take an overnight train in Prague at 09:00 pm and arrive in Budapest by 6:30 am, this will give you a FULL day’s exploring if you are up for it.

Most likely you will arrive in the afternoon if you are driving. Today you only have half a day of exploration – so we will definitely check out the city highlights.

Budapest is divided into Buda and Pest and we stayed in the Pest area in the cutest hotel – Hotel Ibis Castle Hill

Before that, COFFEE FIRST! As we are checked into the hotel in the Pest area, it is the perfect opportunity to grab a coffee (and a bite to eat) at the stunning New York Café.

The Budapest New York Café is the number one coffee place in the world. Their interiors are gorgeous and this place is vintage and has a long legacy.

The cafe was built in Renaissance style and has a hotel included in its vicinity (the hotel is called Boscolo Budapest Hotel). The New York Café was very popular among writers and influential people of the early 20th century.

The cafe was ignored during the 2nd World War. Once the war ended, the cafe was used as a sporting goods store and later was renovated and restored to its original splendor. Since 1954, the cafe has remained open.

After coffee, head to Heroes Square. Heroes Square or Hősök tere is one of the major squares in Budapest and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important leaders.

This complex also hosts the Museum of Fine Arts and the Műcsarnok . Visit to the Square is absolutely free and is open 24×7.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a relaxing time at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. It is one of the must-do items in Budapest. These baths have medicinal properties, other than being of relaxation and entertainment value. They promote health and wellness.  Get your 1 day pass to the Széchenyi thermal bath here

Budapest has tons of options for thermal baths. Other notable baths include – the Gellért Baths, Király Baths, Lukacs Baths, and Rudas Baths.

For today’s dinner plan, opt for a Danube river cruise. Budapest’s beauty lies in the historic river Danube that flows through the city and splits the capital into Buda and Pest.

Take a romantic dinner cruise and get introduced to Budapest! You will see the Hungarian Parliament, as you drink Tokaji wine and a three-course meal over the Danube.

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

Day 7 More sightseeing in Budapest Hungary 

For day 2 in Budapest, you will be busy. Probably very busy with all the sightseeing.

Take a trip to the Hungarian Parliament. Probably one of the stunning and iconic images of Budapest is the Hungarian Parliament building. 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

From the Parliament, head to the Jewish Synagogue – Dohány Street Synagogue. Also called the Great Synagogue (or Tabakgasse Synagogue) is the largest Jewish house of worship in the world.

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 hours guided tour covers the Jewish quarters with a historian, a drink at the ruin bars, and an awesome street art exploration. Book your walking tour here

Ruin bars are a THING in Budapest. These bars popped up in dilapidated buildings, selling cheap/budget alcohol. You know places where cool kids hang out.

Read : Complete Budapest Food Guide with tips on visiting the famous ruin bars

Up next is the St. Stephen’s Basilica – a Roman Catholic basilica, which is named in honor of Stephen who was the first King of Hungary.

The basilica was once one of the largest churches in Hungary. At one point, it was also a theatre. Today, it is still the third-largest church in Hungary and often hosts music recitals.

From the St Stephen’s Basilica, head to the Buda Castle district.

The 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.

At the Buda Castle, you will be welcomed by the St Matthias Church. This church was built in Romanesque style in 1015 and the tiles on it are super stunning. A few steps away from the church is the Fisherman’s Bastion.

The towers in the Fisherman’s Bastion refer to the seven Magyar tribes of Hungary. From these towers and the terrace, you can get a spectacular view of the Danube, Margaret Island, Pest to the east, the Gellért Hill, and of course the stunning Hungarian Parliament.

The Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum are located at the Buda Castle. To learn more about the Buda Castle District, take a guided tour with a historian. Book your tour here.

From the Buda Castle, head to the Central Market Hall for souvenir shopping. Vasarcsarnok: Central Market Hall is a vibrant shopping area.

Shop for paprika, embroidered knickknacks, and crystals. You can shop for souvenirs for 1-10 Euros. You will find tons of restaurants here for dinner too. Learn about our 2 days in Budapest Itinerary here

Alternate sightseeing option : For culture and folklore lovers, you can visit the Hortobágy National Park, located only 2 hours away from Budapest. 

Day 8 Bratislava Slovakia Europe Itinerary

Day 8 of your Central Europe Itinerary starts in Budapest but ends in Bratislava Slovakia. Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia with an incredible history.

In Bratislava other than the old town, you will find remnants of historical figures from Germany, Hungary , and of course Slovakia. Bratislava is a small country, but it ranks higher for its wealth (third-highest GDP in 2017).

Many tourists visit Bratislava as a day trip from its popular neighbors – Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. Vienna to Bratislava which is an hour’s drive one way is the most popular, followed by Budapest which is 2 hours drive away one way.

With 2 days in Bratislava (well actually 1.50 days) you will be able to explore a lot in Bratislava. 

Start early morning from Budapest to Bratislava. It takes 2 hours to reach Bratislava by car.

There are trains and buses available as well. The main train station is located just 10 minutes from the Old Town and the bus station is close by as well (just in the opposite direction).

Train fares are about $26+ USD and it takes 2.50 hours. Buses are a cheaper option – less than $10 USD and it takes 3-4 hours to arrive (depending on the schedule you choose).

As soon as you arrive in Bratislava, pat yourself on the back as this is your fourth country of visit in this Europe Itinerary, and then head to W Cafe for some breakfast/brunch. After some fuel for the belly, head to the Old Town – this is where you will be spending the most time today.

Book: Take a one-hour walking tour of Bratislava

The Old Town, although compact has tons of things to see. The Old Town Square – Hlavne Namestie is a must. The square will remind you of Prague, it is surrounded by historical (colorful) buildings.

Hlavné Námestie is free to visit and explore . You will also see the Roland fountain at the square – it was built by Maximilian II, the king of Hungary. There is a national theater located in the same area.

St Martin Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church and it is located in the western part of old town Bratislava. Above the cathedral is the Bratislava Castle.

Historically, Bratislava Castle had witnessed many pages of history including the coronation of the king in the 1670s, and a fire in the 1880s, and had functioned as the seat of administration.

The castle grounds are open for visitors and you can access the castle from 4 gates. Due to its location (and elevation), you can view the Danube River valley, parts of Bratislava, and even Hungary.

There is a Slovak National Museum located close by if you wish to learn more about their history.

After the Bratislava Castle, proceed to the eastern part of the city – to view a beautiful Blue Church. The St Elizabeth Church is a secessionist church located on Bezrucova Street in the old town. It is a superb example of nouveau architecture and the color blue just adds to its beauty.

For the last sightseeing item of the day, head to the UFO Bridge – yes, you heard it right.

Named the Slovenske Narodne Povstanie Bridge – it is the most iconic landmark in Bratislava. There is a UFO-like observation deck. You can also dine here for the evening. This bridge reminds me of the Esplanade Riel Bridge in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Stay at Hotel iBis Bratislava in the city center. Book your stay here.

Day 9 Bratislava Slovakia Central Europe Itinerary

For day 2 of the Bratislava itinerary, let’s venture outside of the old town and explore the Presidential Palace. The Presidential Palace was built in 1760 in the late Baroque (Rococo) style.

Entry to the inside of the castle or palace is not allowed, but you can explore the gardens and view the architecture from the outside.

For the afternoon, drive about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away from Bratislava to the winery town of Svatly Jur. You will see the Slovak countryside and its architecture and taste some fabulous food and wine – this is a perfect lunch date!

In the late afternoon/evening, wander the neighborhood of Petrzalka. A colorful neighborhood, this is a photographer’s paradise. There are SO many stunning buildings to see here.

Head to Modra Hviezda for supper and bid adieu to the Slovak capital of Bratislava.

Day 10 Vienna Austria Europe Itinerary

For day 10 of the Europe travel itinerary, off we go to the fifth country – Austria. Vienna is one of the most stunning European cities we have been to.

Bratislava to Vienna travel time is less than one hour. There are many options to take a day trip to Vienna from Bratislava and vice versa.

You can also take trains to Vienna from Bratislava for 11 euros one way. The drive also takes the same travel time – 1 to 1.25 hours.

Pro Tip: For sightseeing in the city, you can either opt for public transport or use the Vienna pass for 2 days . Using a hop on and hop off service is also an option.

Once you arrive in the morning, head to the inner city. This is where most of the sightseeing attractions are located in Vienna and it is also perfect for a coffee fix and breakfast.

Let’s start the day with the Hofburg Palace. The Hofburg Palace was the imperial seat of the Hapsburg Dynasty in Austria. The outside of the palace is as beautiful as the inside.

There is a lot of history that has happened in this palace and had 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. This is definitely an iconic landmark of Vienna Austria.

Tip: If you prefer you can book a 1 to 2-hour performance of the Lipizzans at the Spanish Riding School (at the Winter Riding Hall of the Hofburg Palace) with awe-inspiring music and grandeur! Find details here

Heldenplatz is a public space located in front of the Hofburg Palace. This square was set up as a Heroes Square. Take a walk and spend time at the complex grounds.

Up next is St Stephen’s Cathedral. It is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The Cathedral is located at Stephenplatz, 1010 Vienna, providing visitors with the stunning architecture of the Hapsburg and other Austrian rulers.

The cathedral has stood the test of time. It has watched over the city for more than 300 years.

There is the Giant Gate, which dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest parts of the cathedral. The cathedral is decorated with Baroque altarpieces in the name of St. Stephen, the first martyr of Christendom.

Read: Most beautiful churches in Vienna Austria

After St Stephen’s Cathedral, a few blocks away is the Graben Vienna. It is an upscale and trendy shopping street in the heart of the inner city. This is a perfect place to shop or rest for lunch.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Vienna, then you can take this guided walking tour .

After lunch, venture to view the Hundertwasserhaus. The Hundertwasserhaus is an apartment building located in Vienna. This is unique as it was built after the idea and concept of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

The outer landscape is multi-colored, hap-hazard, and uneven, making it an interesting piece of art.

This evening in Vienna will be EPIC. Today we will spend time at the Prater amusement park in Leopoldstadt, the 2nd district in Vienna.

Prater Park has one of the tallest Ferris wheel called 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.

For a night’s stay, choose the Trend Austria Hotel . We loved the location as it is close to the city center and can be accessed via the Rathaus Underground Station (public transportation). Book your stay here

Read : Where to stay in Vienna for the first time | 4 days in Vienna itinerary

Day 11 Explore more of Vienna Austria

On your second day in Vienna, it’s time to explore their gorgeous palace – one of Europe’s finest – the Schonbrunn Palace.

Schonbrunn Palace is the most popular tourist spot in Vienna. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so because of its rich cultural history and association with the Hapsburg royalty.

Built in the early 18th century, this gorgeous yellow-colored palace reflects the changing styles and interests of the Hapsburg dynasty.

You can easily spend 3-5 hours at the Schonbrunn Palace complex. There is a guided tour available to explore the interior of the beautiful palace. Keep in mind, they have 1441 rooms! 

The sculpted garden is beautiful and is adorned by 32 sculptures of deities. Book a guided tour of the Schonbrunn Palace

After the Schönbrunn Palace, head to the Belvedere Palace. It is a historic building complex consisting of two Baroque palaces – the Orangery and the Palace Stables. These buildings are set in a Baroque park landscape in the third district of the city, on the southeastern edge of its centre.

The palace also houses the Belvedere Museum. The palaces were built in the 18th century.

Get the entrance tickets to the Belvedere Palace

For the evening and dinner, pay a visit to the Wiener Staatsoper or the Vienna State Opera. This opera house is one of the busiest in the world with over 350 performances. It was opened for the first time in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”. 

The Vienna State Opera is particularly unique as it caters to children’s performances. The opera house used to showcase children’s productions, in the bygone era, which was performed in a tent on the roof of the Staatsoper.

Presently the opera house has an opera school for boys and girls. Here is a Mozart concert and dinner option for Vienna.

Resources: Get the 2 day Vienna Itinerary

Day 12 Vienna Austria (Wachau Valley)

As a day trip from Vienna, Wachau Valley is a great option to explore more of the Austrian countryside. Wachau Valley is known for its vineyards, ancient ruins, Benedictine Abbey, and the mesmerizing Danube River.

You can reach Wachau from Vienna in 1.50 hours by car or take the train. We did the Wachau Valley tour with a local guide and enjoyed a full day of nature, history, and relaxation. Book a tour here

Some of the things that you can do in Wachau are

• Explore the vineyards and wine tasting. Wachau Valley is very popular for its wine. Learn more about the wine tours here
• Visit the Benedictine and the Melk Abbeys and the ancient ruins for some amazing views of the river valley
• Take a bike tour across the river valley and admire the nature surrounding you. Book a bike tour here
• Danube River Cruise with lunch to the Melk and Dürnstein. Take the tour here

If you are driving to Wachau, then refer to this handy post about all the activities we did on a day trip from Vienna to Wachau Valley.

Day 11 Salzburg Austria Europe Itinerary

This is your last city in the Central Europe Itinerary agenda. Salzburg is a medieval town with beautiful views of the Austrian Alps. It is definitely a romantic destination, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Vienna to Salzburg is a 3 – 4 hour drive.  You can take a direct train in the morning from Vienna and arrive in Salzburg in 2 to 2.50 hours and then start exploring the city. Train fares start at 28 euros one way.

The train station is located very close to the old town, so head to the old town for a quick bite to eat or take a rest from the train journey and relax.

There are TONS of options to eat in Old Town. Some of our favorites are Gasthaus Schachlwirt, Meet2eat Salzburg, and Uncle Van. You can also eat 3 euros chilly pretzels in the old town (and they are quite filling).

Take a walking tour of Old Town Salzburg

For easy access to the old town, proceed to the statue of Mozart, located in the heart of Salzburg. Mozart was born in Salzburg and this statue is a contribution to his work.

You will also find souvenir stores, the Salzburg Information Center, and other shops in and around Mozart Square.

There is a Mozart house located at house no. 8 in Mozart Square, just a few blocks away. This house belonged to Mozart’s wife – Constanze Mozart-Nissen and it is a testimony to his work and life. It is worth visiting the house.

Salzburg’s joyous lanes – Geteidegasse is filled with unique decorations all along. The shops are very beautiful with a vintage vibe to them. Imagine how it will look around Christmas time – very wonderful right?

Salzburg’s iconic landmark is the Hohensalzburg Fortress. It was built by an archbishop to protect the city from enemies in the 11th century. You can take a funicular to reach the top of the fortress and explore.

The funicular ride is 8 euros round trip. We decided to hike and walk up to the fortress and to access the fort, there is an entry fee of 15 euros.

It is definitely worth it, as you will be welcomed by amazing views of the town of Salzburg, the mountains, and the valley. There are many look-out points to view the mountains and the cityscape.

There is a restaurant and many souvenir shops within the fortress grounds. As you walk through the corridor of the fortress you will see cannons and information about the fort itself.

There is a church and a museum inside too.

In the evening, you can relax at a restaurant by the Love Locks Bridge.

If you wish to combine a tour of the fortress, a cruise, and dinner, then book this tour.

For Salzburg accommodation, we stayed at the Salzburg Austria Trend – it is a mid-budget hotel and is very clean and spacious. Breakfast was included in our stay. There is a premium outlet mall located nearby if you like to shop.

Day 14 Salzburg Austria 

For your final day in Salzburg, take a musical tour of the city – the Sound of Music tour.

The movie, Sound of Music was exclusively shot in Salzburg. In this tour, you will not only learn about the movie and the on-scene locations but also explore the countryside and the town of Salzburg beyond the old town area.

Book the Sound of Music and surroundings tour

The tour lasts 2-3 hours. You can also extend sightseeing with salt mines combined tour with the Sound of Music tour. Learn more about the tour here.

Depending on the timing of your return flight, you can either leave today or the next day to Munich. Salzburg to Munich is 2 hours only.

Or you can book a flight from Salzburg airport – Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart – to your home country. Close to the Salzburg airport is the Red Bull and Formula One museum and exhibition hall. Definitely visit if you are a fan and have some time before catching the flight back home!

Optional : You can also take a 6-hour tour to Hallstatt in Austria from Salzburg. Book your Hallstatt day tour here

Central Europe Itinerary 2 Weeks – More Itinerary Samples

This 14 day Central Europe travel itinerary can be customized to fit any traveler. You can skip a few cities to fit your travel Europe plan into a week’s trip.

Here are some European itinerary options for less than 2 weeks.

10 day – Prague Vienna Budapest

10 days are enough to explore the 3 capital cities plus take 1-2 day trips of your choice. You can stay in each of the 3 cities for 2-3 nights.

Read: 10 days in Prague Vienna Budapest itinerary

7 day – Prague Vienna Budapest or Bratislava Vienna Budapest

You can do Prague Vienna Budapest in as little as 7 days or one week in Europe by spending 2 days in each city. Or a combination of 3 countries among Vienna Budapest Prague and Bratislava

3 – 5 days Central Europe Itinerary

If you have 3 – 5 days on your hands, doing 2 countries will be easy.

For 5 days, opt for Munich (2 days), Prague (1.50 days), and Bratislava (1-day trip) or Munich (1.50 days), Prague (1.50 days), and Salzburg (1.50 days). This way you are covering 3 countries.

For a 3-day visit, explore Munich for 2 days then take a day trip to Salzburg. Or visit Vienna or Budapest for 2 days and then take a day trip to Bratislava.

More 2 week Europe Itinerary samples

Read our 2-week European itinerary samples to other regions,

• Balkans Itinerary : 2 weeks in Balkans itinerary, with or without a car
• Spain, Portugal & Morocco : Spain and Portugal itinerary , with Morocco and/or other European nations

Planning Tips for 2 Week Europe Itinerary 

For your Central Europe trip Itinerary for 2 weeks, here are some of the important travel tips to remember. If you are traveling to Europe for the first time, read our Europe planning tips here

Flights and Travel

Because all 5 countries are located close to each other, you can pretty much start your trip in any country where you find the cheapest flights.

We found it easier to fly to Munich as flight connectivity and schedule options were great from Canada to Germany, as compared to the other countries.

Length of stay

Munich Germany and Austria are not cheap for staying long-term if you are planning for a budget vacation. But Prague, Budapest, and Bratislava are.

We would recommend extending your stay to Prague or Budapest if you do not wish to spend a lot on accommodation in Austria or more than 2 days in Munich. But spend at least 2 days in each to enjoy the city to the fullest. One day will be an injustice to both places.

Read: 3 days in Munich itinerary

Tours, Trains, and Driving

Many of the cities mentioned in this Central Europe Itinerary 2 weeks can be done as separate day tours from one city to another. We have included the list below so that it is easier to review and book.

You need not book a packaged tour, this way it is cheaper and you can better control your trip with some local guidance.

Taking hop-on and hop-off tours for 24 or 48 hours is a great option and we recommend that as we have found these tours to be a convenient way to hit all spots in a short period of time.

We also ignored bus services, where hop-on and hop-off services were located near our hotel (as it was convenient for us). In some cities, you might have to choose a combination of the tour, bus, and a walk.

Driving is always an option. You can use this itinerary for a road trip as well and can extend it to one month and travel at your own pace.

Throughout the itinerary suggestions, we have included train options as well. This was our first trip to Europe and we didn’t utilize much of the inter-country trains, except for the trains in Munich city and intercity.

We explored using a combination of guided tours, day trips, hop-on and-off tours, and individual sightseeing like the Danube cruise or Schönbrunn Palace entry, etc.

Train travel guide – To connect to Central European countries like Prague, Vienna, and Budapest you will not find any Thalys (high-speed) trains. These trains are mostly inter-city or regional trains. They are clean and spacious.

You can travel from Vienna – Prague – Budapest – Vienna or Vienna – Prague – Salzburg – Vienna with a Rail Triangle Pass. These tickets can be purchased online and tickets will be shipped to you. It is issued as a second-class ticket only. The train ticket costs $189 USD per adult traveler.

Prefer a packaged tour? Here are the best Prague Vienna Budapest tours

Travel Documents and Travel Insurance

Non-visa-exempt passport holders can apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to all 5 countries mentioned in this post on Central Europe Itinerary 2 weeks.

If you are visiting only these countries and not leaving the Schengen area to explore London or some of the Eastern European countries, then a single-entry Schengen Visa with the right amount of days will be sufficient. Learn about the Schengen Visa application

Ensure you book the flights, hotels, and activities ahead of time and prior to applying for a visa. Include medical insurance as well, as it is a requirement. Get travel insurance quotes for your trip here

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however, from 2025, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel. 

Here are some of the additional Europe Travel resources that you will find useful in planning your trip

• More Europe itineraries :  Get itinerary samples for one week in Europe
• European cities : Most beautiful cities in Europe
• Prague in March : Read all about visiting Prague in Spring – March, and April
• Vienna in a day : One day in Vienna
• Austria Destinations : Most beautiful places in Austria
• Budapest in a day : One day in Budapest itinerary
• Hungary Destinations : Best places to visit in Hungary
• Europe in winter : Beautiful places to visit in Europe in winter
• Other Europe Destinations 

Pin: Central Europe Itinerary 2 weeks: Munich Prague Vienna Budapest Bratislava

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

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13 Comments

I did the same itinerary (minus Budapest) in two weeks and felt so rushed! Especially in Vienna and Munich, there’s just so much to see! I would love to return to Vienna and stay for a whole week 🙂 (with a side trip to Budapest, of course!)

Your photos are INCREDIBLE. I already wanted to go, but after seeing your pics now I want to go even more! Thanks for including so many helpful details, too.

This is great! I’m doing a two month road trip through Europe and this basically….just solved half of my problems! haha

This Central Europe itinerary is so charming! Love the mix between cities, smaller towns, and destinations I haven’t heard of before. And I love the idea of focusing on a particular region/close set of countries. I’m so excited for my next Europe trip!

I have just booked and wondered what my itinerary would be? and now I have it thank you. Have you gone from Salzburg to Italy we have 4 weeks in total. I will do the first 2 weeks of your itinerary then make our way to Rome. Open to suggestions. Thank you

Hi Tania – thanks for stopping by. I am glad the itinerary was helpful. You can travel from Salzburg to Venice (Italy) in less than 7 hours, via fast train. We have not explored Venice yet, but its on our list, which is our next trip. We thinking of flying to Venice, and then Rome. Keep Rome as a base for take day trips to Florence or Naples.

Happy travels!

I’m still learning from you, as I’m making my way to the top as well. I certainly enjoy reading everything that is written on your site.Keep the posts coming. I loved it!

That’s great! Thanks so much

Hello! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

This is exactly what we plan on doing next May. Thank You for this post! I have a question if I may…We are a family of 4: 2 adults, 2 teens. Would we do better just renting a car from Munich and returning it in Salzburg, the last stop? It seems that a car would give us the most flexibility to travel between countries… Many thanks… Madelyn

Hi Madelyn,

Yes, you can. Car rental companies charge a ‘cross-border’ fee (it is a different amount for different companies), so I would ask and confirm with the provider. 10 – 20 euros per rental is the usual fee when requesting this option.

Hope this helps! Have a great trip 🙂

Hello Salil and Mayuri, Thank you for the 2-week itinerary for central Europe! I am planning the trip with my daughter towards last week of August from Los Angeles. What month did you visit? What different would you recommend today, after other Europe trips since this one? My daughter wants to visit Auschwitz, how can we achieve that without much altering the trip itinerary. Appreciate your time to reply to this post. Thanks!

That sounds amazing! You can start your trip in Poland – Warsaw, and then continue on to Munich to follow the suggested itinerary.

You can visit Auschwitz from Warsaw (day trip via Krakow). We visited from Warsaw early this year and although it makes for a long day, it was totally worth it. You can also consider staying in Krakow instead (distance wise Krakow is closer to Auschwitz than Warsaw. But lots of day tours are available from either city to Auschwitz).

If you are pressed for time, you can remove some of the day trips from Munich and cut short your time in Bratislava, when following our itinerary.

Enjoy your trip! We did this itinerary/these countries again this year, but spent time in Poland instead of Munich/Germany 🙂

Hope this helps!

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Travel Guide to Central Europe

Countries covered: Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia & Poland

Once having partnered with Austria to form one of Europe’s most powerful empires, later loosely a part of the “East” and now gradually transitioning itself while serving as a fully fledged member of the grander European Union, Hungary is home of culturally proud people who are ultimately unique to the region. Outside of the capital, provincial lifestyle characterizes the scene. Unrefined and vibrant Budapest is quite different, a place where the East, West, and Balkans all meet and make their presence felt. Read more

Given its wealth of castles, chateaux, and medieval towns, and otherwise considering the allure of Prague, the Czech Republic is quite fortunate in having avoided most of the physical damage that centuries-long warring left behind in Central Europe. With most Czechs fully aware of their fortunes, the nation seems keen on preserving cultural and architectural heritage while adjusting to the times and its surroundings. Quite popular with Europeans and international travelers alike, for all the Czech Republic has to offer it is surprising just how relatively affordable it still is.

Poland truly is one of Europe’s most rewarding-to-visit destinations. Featuring architecturally stunning and nightlife-filled urban centers and home of a charming countryside dotted with wooden residences and churches, graced with mountains, hills, woodlands, lakes and rivers, and otherwise offering outdoor activities such as kayaking and canoeing, Poland’s attractions are undoubtedly quite diverse.

Continuing to lure the sightseeing type are Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Torun, Poznan, and Lublin, all of which have either been restored well enough or are in the process of being so. Devoutly Catholic yet also containing a rich Jewish heritage, Poland also draws in crowds intrigued by the country’s religious background. This Central European state also appeals to history buffs who wish to explore the many World War II-related monuments and museums. Not least are the Baltic Sea resorts, which are especially popular with families and the youth. Visit a country that is just as culturally rich and fascinating as anywhere in Western Europe but nowhere near as expensive.

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Travel Guide to Western Europe

Travel Guide to Eastern & Southeastern Europe

Travel Guide to Southeast & Northeast Asia

Travel Guide to South America

Travel Guide to Mexico & the Caribbean

The Tricks Only Travel Experts Know

Testimonials.

The best part about your travel books are the up-close-and-personal stories about your experiences in each country. Using what you said in your Central Europe itinerary, I was able to mimic my trip to be somewhat like yours: amazing! I even made friends with locals because of your advice on how the population behaves. Your research is what lead me to have one of the best experiences of my life. I can’t thank you enough, Charlie.

My biggest regret in life, at least for a few years, was the fact that I had never been to my family’s homeland to see the historical monuments and religious shrines of my ancestors. My husband and I tried planning a trip several times, but we would become overwhelmed by the sheer number of sites to behold. Until we bought your itinerary, we had no idea where to begin. You helped guide us from one side of the country to the other, and we felt like we really got to see the side of Central Europe we came to witness. Because of your hard work and research, my family and I were able to discover things about our ancestors we never knew.

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3 Week Central Europe Itinerary For Active Travelers

A trip to Central Europe offers travelers an opportunity to step back in time. It’s a destination where ancient history and modern culture collide, awakening the curious corners of the mind, pushing you to explore as much as possible.

That being said, in this 3 Week Central Europe Itinerary , we’re covering a number of countries and cities that provide an immersive travel experience. It’s an active itinerary that will take you through 4 countries and at least 8 cities . Each provides an opportunity to be wowed by the scenery, witness ancient history, expand your palate and discover unique culture.

While this Europe itinerary is designed for 3 weeks, feel free to extend or shorten your stay in the locations we recommend. In addition to recommended stops, we’ll be covering flights and transportation, recommended hotels and activities. We’ll also recommend additional cities in each country we mention that you might consider adding or swapping into your itinerary.

Getting To Central Europe & Travel Logistics

For the sake of this particular itinerary, flying into Geneva makes the most sense given the direction of the route. You’ll be heading West to East, although you could of course reverse the stops. This direction is an enjoyable experience that allows for an evolution of language and culture. You can take a look at the current best flight deals into Geneva and get flight deal notifications with Airfarewatchdog . Browse beautiful hotels to any of the locations mentioned below right here .

We designed this route for active and adventurous travelers. It’s our recommendation that you rent a car for the majority of this trip, as opposed to taking a bus, train or other forms of transportation. This will give you the flexibility to explore at your own leisure, and also go a bit off the beaten path and have a more immersive travel experience. The only exception to this would be taking a train from Vienna (Wien) to Prague, as it’s a lengthy ride.

If you’re considering renting a car, Auto Europe has some great deals as does Sixt Rent a Car . You can also browse car rentals on Expedia for other companies. Given the amount of car travel you’ll be embarking on, spending the last leg of the trip on the train is a relaxing way to wind it down. Book a cheap train ticket with GoEuro .

1st Stop: Geneva, Switzerland (3 Days)

Switzerland is a stunning and interesting country. It’s a wonderful first stop in Central Europe because you’re going to experience a multitude of languages, cultures, and sights.

Geneva is one of the most beautiful regions in the country, between stunning Lake Geneva, the terraced UNESCO World Heritage vineyards , and the quaint snow-capped mountain villages and towns — you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more diverse assortment of beauty.

It’s also the region in Switzerland where French is spoken more than German. As you continue to travel East, you’ll notice that the local languages spoken will change. In fact, if you venture through the Ticino region, you’ll even hear some Italian.

We recommend staying in Geneva for about 3 days. This gives you enough time to explore the city, the lake, the reformation wall, the museums, and of course, see the famous Jet d’Eau water fountain. In addition, Geneva also serves as a good home base to take day trips to other nearby areas. In particular, we highly recommend driving to visit Lavaux — the famed wine-growing region that is so impressively beautiful, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Top Tours & Things To Do Near Geneva

Walk Around Lake Geneva

See The Reformation Wall

The Birthplace of the United Nations

Visit the Lavaux UNESCO World Heritage Vineyard Sites

Witness the Jet d’Eau Fountain

Where We Stayed in Geneva

The Kempinski Hotel

Located right along the shores of Lake Geneva, the Kempinski offers an unparalleled 5-Star experience. Easy access to the ferries and tram stops make it an ideal home base for navigating the city from a lakeside perspective. The rooms are sleek, clean, modern and upscale. Views from the hotel include but are not limited to the Jet d’Eau fountain and the French Alps in the distance. 

RELATED: Learn All About Switzerland’s Wine Regions & Wines

2nd Stop: Grindelwald, Switzerland (4 Days)

Grindelwald is an ideal second stop as you continue progressing East. It’s within the now relatively popular Jungfrau region of Switzerland, by the Bernese Alps. Given its proximity to several other beautiful and exciting destinations, as well as its affordable accommodation, we recommend using it as your home base in Jungfrau. 

The village of Grindelwald itself is gorgeous. You can sit outside your hotel surrounded by snow-capped mountains while sipping on a glass of Chasselas wine. While we were recently there, we even encountered an avalanche in the distance as the sun was setting!

We recommend spending 4 days here. On the first day, take some time to explore the village itself. In the winter, this is a popular ski destination. In the Spring and Summer, it’s the perfect village for hiking and witnessing the nearby waterfalls. 

On your second day, head about 30 minutes northeast outside of town to Lauterbrunnen , and hike around the waterfalls that careen off of the cliff faces throughout the valley.

On the third day, drive about 30 minutes northwest to Interlaken (German for “Between Two Lakes”). This is one of the more famous resort towns in Switzerland. It’s a town that quite literally sits between two lakes — Brienz and Thun. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with dense foliage, there are beautiful meadows and glaciers nearby. The two lakes themselves are colored with a deep emerald blue hue, unlike anything else in the world. We definitely recommend the short 20-minute ride east to Brienz for a day, which offers stunning lakefront dining experiences and excellent hiking. The town of Spietz on Lake Thun in the other direction is also worth the short 20-minute drive in the other direction.

Top Tours & Things To Do Near Grindelwald

Hike Around Grindewald and Witness the Eiger Mountain

Hike Around Lauterbrunnen

Explore Interlaken

Helicopter Skydive in Interlaken

Explore the Village of Spietz

Explore the Lakeside Town of Brienz

Where We Stayed in Grindelwald

Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald

One of the more pleasant experiences we had while visiting Switzerland, the Sunstar offers an assortment of room options at affordable price points. I was blown away that you could walk out the back of the lobby and sit within just a couple hundred yards of the Swiss Alps. The staff were incredibly courteous, the rooms were comfortable and practical and the hotel even has somewhat of a wine theme to it. I had some of the best Chasselas in Swizterland while staying at the Sunstar. 

3rd Stop: Zurich, Switzerland (2 Days)

This cosmopolitan yet medieval city is a must-stop when traveling through Switzerland. Just approaching Lake Zurich alone as it shines in the sun and you emerge from Old Town, with the snow-capped mountains beset in the background, are reason enough to make a stop. 

Take a stroll by the lake, enjoy a glass of Swiss Chasselas or Blauburgunder wine and take in the crisp alpine air, or stroll through the back alleyways of Old Town with its cobblestone corridors and quaint shops and restaurants. If you’re in more of a spending mood, take a leisurely stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s world-famous (yet expensive) shopping street. You can also take a boat cruise across the lake , or explore the city by bicycle. If you’re looking for a sweeping and stunning view of the city, stop by Lindenhof Hill . 

Zurich has more to offer than its beautiful views and upscale shopping scene. There’s a bohemian side to this city creeping up (in a good way) within Zurich’s Industrial Quarter. Venture on over to Frau Gerold’s Garten, which is pretty much a small neighborhood constructed out of shipping containers. There are several bars, shops and eateries here that offer a completely unique perspective of Zurich.

Top Tours & Things To Do in Zurich

Walk the Limmatquai Promenade

Go Wakeboarding on Lake Zurich 

Take in a view of the city from Lindenhof Hill

Explore Altstadt (Old Town)

Explore Grossmünster Church

Where We Stayed in Zurich

25hours Hotel Zürich West

This was by far the most practical hotel we stayed at while in Switzerland. Not only were the staff incredibly friendly and accomodating, especially with helping to navigate the city, but the hotel is conveniently located across the street from the tram. It made waking up and traversing the entirety of Zurich in just a couple of days incredibly easy. The 24Hours Hotel Zurich West is also one of the most affordable hotel options in the city for what you get.

The rooms are also large, very clean and very cute. The staff went so far as to write me a handwritten happy birthday card and leave me with treats in the room while we spent the day out exploring. 100% highly recommended, a must-stay. 

4th Stop: Munich, Germany (2 Days)

As you continue to progress along your route, Munich makes for an ideal stop while en route to Austria. It’s positioned not far from Germany’s southwestern border.

As you drive towards Munich (also known as München in German), we recommend stopping at Neuschwanstein Castle — the same castle that inspired Walt Disney to create Sleeping Beauty. Among other attractions worth visiting for a couple of days are the Allianz Arena, Marienplatz, and the Deutsche Museum. Take some time especially to explore Marienplatz, Munich’s most well-known square and its architecture.

RELATED: 11 Beautiful Destinations To Visit in Germany and Why

We feel that two days in Munich is enough to explore the bulk of the “must-dos” in the city as well as sample some of the essential cuisine, though feel free to increase the duration here as you see fit.

Top Tours & Things To Do in Munich

Stop by Neuschwanstein Castle

See the Allianz Arena

Walk Marienplatz

See the Deutsche Museum

Where We Stayed in Munich

The Cortiina Hotel

This was a gem of a find to stay at for a brief stint in Munchen. It’s conveniently located not far from Marienplatz, just about 5 minutes. It’s also a short walk from the famed Viktualienmarkt farmers market. The rooms are very modern, the breakfast buffet is high-end and free, and they have one of the best wine bars in the city attached to the hotel, aptly dubbed — “Grapes.” 

5th Stop: Hallstatt, Austria (3 Days)

I’m not sure how many of you are history and archeology buffs like I am, but as I was walking towards the skywalk above Hallstatt, I looked to my left and this beam of light starting shining on a hill where they uncovered over 5,000 Celtic graves (pictured above), many several thousand years old. But this isn’t just any gravesite, it’s one of the most significant finds in Europe. It wasn’t the skeletons they found here that are so interesting, it’s what was buried with them.

This site was a special place because of the salt rocks mined just beneath the Alps here, and these salt rocks were traded and mined for over 7,000 years, as far as Asia. Because of the natural resource here, the Celts became wealthy and were buried with their riches. In some cases, they were buried still sitting in their chariots with their armor and weapons. I came to Hallstatt specifically to see the history for myself. I even wandered around the forest and mountain streams here looking for artifacts. 

Long story short, Hallstatt is one of the most significant historical sites in Central Europe. But aside from the history and archeology, it’s also an incredibly pleasant place to explore and take in the views. This is a hiker’s paradise, a history buff’s dream, and for those who enjoy a good glass of Grüner Veltliner , o ne of the best places to enjoy Austria’s most famous white wines with a view.

Top Tours & Things To Do in Hallstatt

Take a Tour of Salzwelten (The Salt Mine)

Hike Around The Town

Have a lake-side schnitzel meal and glass of Gruner Veltliner

Walk the Hallstatt Skywalk

Take the Funicular Above the Town

Tour the Hallstatt Museum for Celtic Archeology

Walk Old Town

Rent a Small Boat on the Lake

See the Hallstatt Ossuary

Where We Stayed in Hallstatt

Hallstatt Heritage Hotel

Accommodation is relatively scarce in Hallstatt, given its increasing popularity and small stature of a town. We found extreme comfort and a remarkable view at the Hallstatt Heritage Hotel. The rooms were large and clean, and the staff were attentive. Keep in mind that this hotel maintains two buildings, which are a hundred or so yards apart. Depending on the room you receive, you may be positioned lakeside or slightly more inland in town. However, both buildings are upscale. The breakfast buffet is located by the lakeside building and is included. 

6th Stop: Vienna, Austria (3 Days)

I wasn’t fully sure what to expect when I visited Vienna (also known as Wien in Austria). I knew from guidebooks and my Instagram feed that it was certainly one of the more iconic locations to stop at in Austria. What I didn’t know was how impressed I would be by it. 

After checking into my hotel, the 5 Star Sans Souci , and receiving several dozens of recommendations from the concierge, I was immediately overwhelmed. Unfortunately, I only had 1 day to traverse Vienna. I quickly found out that this was a mistake, which is why I’m recommending that you all stay in Vienna for at least 3 nights. 

Vienna is a white city, from its quaint cobblestone back alleys to its wide-angled streets, the buildings themselves offer dramatic views to digest. The wealth of this place becomes obvious within minutes. But it’s not just its modern wealth that makes Vienna so iconic, this is also a medieval place, with ancient archeology just beneath the modern streets. 

Among some of the best things to do in Vienna, be sure to marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, walk by Schonbrunn Palace, explore the Museum Quarter, and definitely either see a performance or take the guided tour of the State Opera House ( Staatsoper). You can also go on a guided bike tour for a couple of hours to get a real sense of the city and cover more ground.

 Top Tours & Things To Do in Vienna

Visit St Stephen’s Cathedral

Walk the Schonbrunn Gardens

Witness the Architecture of the Rathaus Town Hall

Visit the Museums in the Museum Quarter

See a show at the Opera House

Where We Stayed in Vienna

Hotel Sans Souci

Arguably the most upscale experience we had on this Europe trip was our stay at the San Souci Hotel in Vienna. This 5-Star property was incredibly accomodating and comfortable, with a generous front-desk staff willing to divulge all of the city’s secrets. The rooms themselves are complete with high ceilings, and everything from the molding to the bedding is luxurious. You can even watch TV directly in your mirror. It’s a 3-minute walk from the Museum Quarter and conveniently located by the Hofburg Imperial Palace. A complimentary champagne breakfast buffet is also included.

7th Stop: Prague, Czech Republic (4 Days)

“The Golden City” as it’s often referred to and we like to call it, is one of eclectic culture, architecture, cuisine, nightlife and history. As you traverse this bohemian atmosphere (which happens to be one of the top 5 most visited cities in Europe currently), you’ll fall in more love with it every corner you turn. From navigating the Old Town square and witnessing Prague’s Astrological Clock — for which mentions go back as early as 1410 — to exploring the world’s most beautiful library — the Klementinium — you’ll be in awe. 

For a detailed breakdown of how to best navigate Prague, the best things to do throughout the city, in addition to trying Czech beer and wine, take a look at our Essential 4 Day Guide to Exploring Prague here .

Top Tours & Things To Do in Prague

Visit Castle Hill

Walk Staré Mesto (Old Town Square)

Walk The Jewish Quarter

See a String Quartet at the Klementinium

Tour the Klementinium Library

Walk and Visit The Charles Bridge

See The Dancing House

See the John Lennon Wall

Eat at Hotel U-Prince

Where We Stayed in Prague

Majestic Plaza Prague Best Western

Don’t let the fact that the Majestic Plaza is a Best Western fool you. This upscale property is elegant and located just a couple of kilometers from the Charles Bridge. The rooms are somewhat rustic, yet elegant, comfortable, and clean. Staying here will also get a complimentary champagne breakfast buffet. 

Questions, suggestions? Let us know in the comments! Note that this itinerary is more of a high-level guide to help you plan a perfect route through the above 4 countries. We go into more specific recommendations within our city travel guides.

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Leave a comment, ask a question or share a review cancel reply, comments ( 7 ).

It’s been a long time since I was there but I loved Zurich and Munich. Prague was a lot of fun, a few years ago I spent 30 days in Prague and had a great time walking around and exploring. The trains there are also great and I did a few day trips to nearby towns and even a one day trip to Dresden Germany. Great itinerary, You took in a lot in 3 weeks.

We are heading back to this area next summer, bookmarking for reference!

The Lavaux wine region around Lake Geneva is absolutely stunning – a must do!

I’ve wanted to go back to Switzerland specifically to visit the wine regions for quite some time. We discovered Swiss wine years ago on our first trip, and there are lovely hiking trails right through the vineyard and such.

It’s been a while since we visited Munich and Zurich. I adore Zurich, we spent a weeks there and had enchanting trips to Lucerne and Salzburg. I would love to get back. I think Hallstatt and Vienna will have to be on our itinerary also! Thank you for the great recommendations!

Looks like you hit up some amazing destinations during this trip. Munich is one of my all-time favourite cities. We have only briefly been to Switzerland but the high prices were enough to keep us from exploring too much. Great article great cities great suggestions

Some great spots you visited here, and a great itinerary to follow. I really want to visit Switzerland as it looks so pretty ? 3 weeks is a perfect amount of time too for the spots you suggested.

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3 of the Best Two-Week Central Europe Itinerary Ideas You’ll Love

• April 28, 2021

Table of Contents

There is no doubt that Europe is arguably the best travel destination in the world. The region has it all – economic prosperity, rich culture, overall ambiance, and breathtaking environment. However, a certain area in Europe seems to stand out – Central Europe. It has been a point of curiosity among numerous travelers, so the guide below details all you need to know about the region and three Central Europe sample itineraries you can use for your trip.

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What is considered central europe and what special about this part of europe.

Unsurprisingly, the Central region of the European land is termed Central Europe . Typically, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Poland, Slovakia, and Switzerland are grouped when defining states of Central Europe. Similar historical, socio-political, and cultural identities mark these countries quite similar, which is fascinating to witness. Plus, the region offers excellent value for money by providing its visitors an unending variety in terms of experiences and attractions. From food to art and architecture to strong traditions to breathtaking landscapes – the region has it all and flaunts all!

What is the best way to get around Central Europe?

It is no hidden fact that European countries are extremely well-connected. You can travel between them by whatever means you find best, may it be road, air, or rail. However, if you want to restrict yourself to the Central European region, the best way to commute between countries is via trains. The rail network here serves to be the most reliable, cost-effective, efficient, and convenient source of traveling and should, therefore, be opted for.

Three Central Europe Sample Itineraries

1. prague – vienna – budapest.

Perhaps the most iconic Central Europe itinerary, the Prague–Vienna–Budapest trio, will introduce you to the classic best offerings of the Central European region. Your 2-week Central Europe itinerary begins in Prague , a city you should dedicate the first five days of your trip. Prague is famous for being phenomenal, especially in terms of its well-preserved history, traditions, art, and architecture. The city is very easy to navigate through and is extremely walkable, meaning that it is the perfect place for you to ditch your maps and lose yourself in.

Put on a comfortable pair of shoes and visit all top destinations in the city, including Prague Castle , the Lennon Wall, the Astronomical Clock , and the Charles Bridge . Indulge in savory delights and hop from café to café, restaurant to restaurant tasting delicious local cuisines. You will lick your fingers to the bone!

The next stop in your 2-week Central Europe itinerary is Vienna , another great city worth your time and dedication. Plan to spend about three days in this wonderful city, where you spend your days commuting between the countless attractions it has to offer to its visitors. You will fall in love with its distinct café culture and its grandiose architecture.

You should make arrangements to visit its top sites like Vienna State Opera, the Spanish Riding School , and the Schonbrun Palace . When you are tired from all these explorations, consider taking a delightful break in its lovely cafes that offer excellent ambiance.

Your Central Europe itinerary cum trip to heaven on earth ends in Budapest . Arguably one of the most beautiful and glamorous cities in all Europe (and the world!), Budapest will captivate you with its exquisite offerings and green surroundings. Since it is listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, you can expect it to offer remarkable things. Being one of the most historic cities on the planet, with settlements dating to the Stone Age, the city has some fantastic historical displays that will leave you in awe.

Visit its iconic bathhouses , its St Stephen’s Basilica , and Matthias Church to experience Europe as you have never experienced before. When the sun sets, head towards its famous ruin bars and party like there is no tomorrow!

Travel Guide & Resources for This Central Europe Itinerary:

Enjoy this two-week Central Europe itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Also, you can browse for the  best hotels in Prague , Vienna , and Budapest  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your 2-week or 14-day Central Europe itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Prague , Vienna , and Budapest in addition to what already mentioned here.

2. Bern – Munich – Bratislava – Krakow

This Central Europe 2-weeks itinerary idea combines the classic countries Poland, Germany, Slovakia, and Switzerland into one fun-filled and exciting journey. Starting from Bern , the capital of Switzerland and the city to which you will be dedicating the first four days of your trip.

There are a countless number of things you can and should do in the city. For instance, you must take advantage of the city’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore its cobbled streets, arcade sidewalks, and a preserved Old Town. You should also visit its many art galleries and museums like Kunstmuseum , the Einstein Museum , and the Historical Museum of Bern .

Following Bern, you should head to Munich , a classic destination in its own right and home to some of the most fantastic attractions one could hope for. Take a walk through its gorgeous English Garden or wow at its glorious Nymphenburg Palace , or be amazed at the grandeur of the Munich Residenz. No matter where you go, you will be amazed at the sites’ sheer capacity to fascinate. You will need four days to explore your surroundings comfortably, so don’t rush through the attractions and experiences!

The next step in your Central Europe itinerary is the lesser-known (but remarkable regardless) Slovakian city. While the city may not be as popular as other Central European destinations, it is a stop you must make on your way to Krakow. Bratislava is a compact, little city with charmingly narrow cobblestone streets, stunning historic architecture, and a very pleasant culture. The people are delightful and indulge in an outdoor café culture that you must experience while you are here. Some of the popular destinations include the Bratislava Castle , Michael’s Gate, and Slovak National Gallery.

Your Central Europe itinerary of 2-weeks ends in Krakow. Relax a little, and then buckle yourself up, for the sheer number and scale of attractions in the city are going to blow you away. There are so many things you must not miss in Krakow, including the incredible Kazimierz Neighborhood and the St Francis’s Basilica.

Enjoy this two-week Central Europe itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Bern, Munich, Bratislava, and Krakow. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Bern , Munich , Bratislava , and Krakow  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your 2-week or 14-day Central Europe itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Bern , Munich , Bratislava , and Krakow  in addition to what already mentioned here.

3. Berlin – Brno – Salzburg – Liechtenstein

Another exciting Central Europe itinerary of 2-weeks, the Berlin-Brno-Salzburg- Liechtenstein route, will keep you completely engrossed, entertained, and on your toes. Starting from Berlin , the heart of Germany and home to some of the most fantastic attractions in Europe, you should spend five days roaming around the city, doing justice to it. Remember that you have ample time on your hands, so no need to rush through anything. Some of the must-visit destinations include The Brandenburg Gate , Museum Island, and the Berlin Wall .

Following Berlin, make your way to Brno , a fantastic Czech city usually put to the backseat by Prague. Dating back to the prehistoric era and having seen several ruling powers come and go, the city serves as a cradle for countless cultures, traditions, and historical sites. If you are into architecture, the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul will leave you in awe of its architect’s ingenious. Other than this, Moravian Karst and Caves , Dietrichstein Palace , and the Veveri Castle will interest you too.

The next step in your Central Europe itinerary is Salzburg . Being a city lying on the Austrian-German border, it presents a fascinating blend of cultures and civilizations that will amaze you.

Although all destinations here are worth your time, a few claim the limelight owing to their splendor and attractiveness. The Fortress of Hohensalzburg is one of them. Other than this, you would also love visits to St Peter’s Abbey , St Peter’s Church , and the Salzburg Cathedral . These may be odes to the city’s religious roots, but they offer extraordinary insight into its early people’s architectural and artistic minds.

Liechtenstein marks the end of your Central Europe itinerary of 2-weeks. While you may be sad that this is coming to an end, you can rest assured that you will be doing this in the best possible way – by visiting Vaduz . Visit its state-of-the-art Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein Art Gallery , its fantastic Gutenberg Castle situated in the heart of lush green mountains, and the Liechtenstein National Museum . These are a few trips you will cherish and hold dear in your memories!

Enjoy this two-week Central Europe itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Berlin, Brno, Salzburg, and Liechtenstein. Also, here you can also browse our list of the  best hotels in Berlin , Brno , Salzburg , and Vaduz  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your 2-week or 14-day Central Europe itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Berlin , Brno , Salzburg , and Liechtenstein in addition to what already mentioned here.

Video Guide: 2 Weeks in Central Europe. 3 Amazing Central Europe Itineraries!

Related Posts

Travel resources for planning a multi-city two-week trip to Central Europe

To make planning a trip to Central Europe easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in each destination during your trip to Central Europe.

Agoda : Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.

CheapOAir : You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!

Kiwi.com : What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “ Nomad ” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.

JetRadar : You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.

Agoda : Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.

Hotellook : They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.

Transportations:  

Airport Transfers :  KiwiTaxi ,  Viator

Train :  EuRail ,  Trainline  or  RailEurope  

Bus :  Flixbus : Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.

Car Rentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking  (Bikes & scooter rentals) 

Transportation Comparison :  Omio  (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)

Tours & Activities :

TakeWalks  (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.

Tiqets : Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.

Musement : They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.

GetYourGuide : A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities

Viator : The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.

Need help planning a trip to Central Europe ?

Want to plan a trip to Central Europe but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a multi-city trip to Central Europe are our specialties.  Contact us  today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can  personalize your multi-city vacations   at the best price.

Don’t want to start from scratch and need some trip inspiration? Check out our  marketplace  for customizable pre-designed packages available right now for many amazing destinations.

To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “ How It Works ” page or check out our video on  “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in  5 Easy Steps”   here.

Have questions for us?  Schedule a FREE Call  with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at  [email protected] , call/text us at  (888)223-2316  today.

Private Travel Coaching & Consulting Call

Want to plan and book your upcoming trip yourself? If this is your first time traveling to any of the European destinations or you are new to multi-city, multi-country travel but prefer to manage every part of your trip on your own, this option is for you! 

For just  $150 per hour , our destination expert can answer any questions you might have as you plan and book your dream trip. From assisting with route planning, and destination selection, recommending the best areas or places to stay, the best transportation options, things to do and see, saving tips and so much more! 

Ready to plan your trip with our help? Book your private coaching session with our destination expert now and we’ll confirm your appointment within 24 hours!

More Travel Inspiration & Guides

7 of the Most Amazing Day Trips from Geneva

10 of the Best Places to Visit in the Balkans You Will Love

2 Days in Lisbon Itinerary: How to Spend Amazing 48 Hours in Lisbon, Portugal

10 of The Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik You Will Love

7 of the Most Amazing Day Trips from Brussels

10 of the Best Places to Visit in Slovenia

7 of the Best Spanish Islands You Will Love

Travel resources for planning your own trip.

To make planning your European trip on your own easier, in addition to what already mentioned in our travel guide, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in any destination using these travel resources:

European River Cruises:

Uniworld River Cruises : The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, Asia, and Peru. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

Pre- and Post-cruise/Tour Extensions:  Uniworld curated pre-and post-cruise/tour extensions make it easy to add a few days to the front or back end of your trip while leaving the planning to them

The packages include a variety of hotel options, transfers, and a dedicated destination expert to escort you along the way.

Airport Transfers & Transportations:  

Airport Transfers: GetTransfer offers both airport transfers & car rentals with a personal driver. Other airport transfer options are KiwiTaxi and Viator.

Train :  EuroRail ,  Trainline ,  or  RailEurope are all great sites for train tickets as well as Rail Passes if you would like to add more flexibility to your trip. They are good for most trains throughout Europe. For trains in Italy, we like and recommend ItaliaRail . As for Portugal, you will need to go to the official website for Comboios de Portugal (the Portuguese train company) to book your train tickets when traveling in Portugal.

CarRentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking is a great site for bikes & scooter rentals

Travel Insurance:

Travel Guard :  Their comprehensive travel insurance programs, starting at $30, include per-trip & annual plans, coverage for trip cancellation , trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, baggage loss & more! Travel Guard provides 24/7-customer service with a personal touch through its World Service Center.

DISCLAIMER : Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links, MultiCityTrips may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Trip by Travel Experts

Need help planning a trip and find the best vacation package for your multi-city trip to Europe? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-city, multi-country European vacations, and complicated itineraries are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize an amazing multi-city trip to your dream destinations in Europe.

Ready for a trip? Check out our planning options and get in touch with us today!

Featured Pre-Designed Packages

These air-inclusive, pre-designed multi-city European vacation packages can be personalized to suit your needs!

9 Nights/ 10 Days Signature Escape to Rome, Florence and Venice

6 Nights/ 7 Days Signature Escape to Athens and Istanbul

8 Nights/9 Days Signature Escape to Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Porto

6 Nights/ 7 Days Signature Escape to Amsterdam and Brussels

Schedule a FREE Consultation

Not sure or can’t decide which planning option is right for you? Schedule a free 30-minute call with one of our travel experts to discuss your travel needs today!

Central Europe Travel Guide

Central Europe is where the thriving economies of Europe rule. From cultural extravaganzas to historical tokens, Central Europe has delights for all travelers. It is hard to identify clear boundaries for the region. Hence there are many countries that people consider to be members of more than one region. Poland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Liechtenstein as well as Switzerland are in Central Europe. 

Previously the Czech Republic comprised nearly half of Slovakia. However, the division awarded the Czech Republic beautiful landscapes and monuments which attract visitors. Hungary is not only a modern country but also a natural one. The graceful lakes and impressive skyscrapers come together to bewitch visitors.

Central Europe has a vibrant ecosystem which needs to be preserved. Poland does everything in its power to protect this natural heritage with numerous national parks.

Magnificent castles and intriguing caves characterize the charming countryside of Slovakia . Travelers will love the rustic yet elegant ambiance of the country. Many of us think that the photographs we see in postcards are just fantasy. However, Liechtenstein will make your fantasies come alive with its unspoiled beauty.

Germany , Austria , and Switzerland are the heart of tourism in Central Europe. Without their architectural glam, partying hotspots, and cultural diversity, Central Europe would lack the same appeal to visitors.

The Baltic Sea coast has many incredible beaches. You can find these beaches in both Germany and Poland. The Alps are an enigma, proud and aloof. Adventure seekers are curious and willing to hike the heights of this Enigma. Lake Balaton, Black Forest, and East Frisian islands are small but worthy attractions in Central Europe.

Getting Around:

Driving around on Germany’s Romantic Road is on the itinerary of many travelers. Plus, seeing the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany will make you believe in fairy tales all over again. From German to Croatian, there is a diversity of languages throughout the region. Even so, many people speak English. Lastly, getting around in Central Europe is no big deal if you own a tourist visa.

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December 4, 2016 9:45 am Published by Staff Writer

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Central Europe Itinerary: Top 3 Must Visit Country

Last updated on May 5th, 2024

Planning on Central Europe itinerary? Perfect Central Europe itinerary with 13 days in the top 3 must-visit countries. Don’t miss Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Hallstatt, Vienna, and Budapest on your travel.

While most the people are choosing Central Europe for their holiday living expenses are considered low compared with Northern Europe like Norway, Denmark or Paris, Switzerland. The best thing to do in Central Europe is to enjoy traveling without hurting yourself too much in your wallet.

The historical cities with unique architecture and stunning settings, quaint towns with incredible scenes, splendid cafes with nice coffee and dessert; make Central Europe one of the must-visit places in life.

The Top 3 must-visit countries in Central Europe are the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. Planning to visit these three countries required at least more than 10 days for slow travel. You can also add on side visits to Germany to Munich and Fussen for Neuschwanstein Castle; Bratislava in Slovakia and places nearby.

The Perfect Central Europe Itinerary

Depending on your flight, we highly recommended you start and end in Prague or Budapest. This Central Europe itinerary is free to add and remove places based on your interest and travel date. We have listed down the detailed 13 days Central Europe itinerary, which we think is an excellent duration for your travel journey.

How to spend 13 days For Central Europe Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Central Europe and head to Prague. Spend time in Prague Old Town. Day 2: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle (Czech Republic) Day 3: Petrin Tower, Wenceslas Square. From Prague to Cesky Krumlov. Day 4: Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic) Day 5: From Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt. Visit Salzwelten Salt Mine (Austria) Day 6: World Most Beautiful Town, Hallstatt. From Hallstatt to Salzburg by train. Day 7: Salzburg Old Town (Austria) Day 8: From Salzburg to Vienna. Spend time in Cafe Central and the opera show in Staatsoper Vienna. Day 9: Schönbrunn And Belvedere Palace (Austria) Day 10: From Vienna to Budapest by train. Spend time in Danube Bank Budapest (Hungary) Day 11: Buda Hill, Budapest Day 12: Pest City, Budapest Day 13: Goodbye Central Europe Trip.

For quick access to our Central Europe itinerary in interesting countries as below:

• Czech Republic : Three days in Prague , One day in Cesky Krumlov
• Austria : Traveling to Hallstatt , Salzburg , and Vienna within 5 days
• Hungary : Three Days in Budapest

With more time? Some nearby places that you can add to your itinerary, even for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days.

• Slovakia : Day trip from Vienna to Bratislava
• Germany : From Salzburg to Berchtesgaden

Day 1: Prague, Czech Republic

Prague: Old Town Square, Old Town Hall, Astronomical Clock, Church of Our Lady, farmer’s market

On the first day arriving in Prague after long hours of traveling, try to minimize your places visit by wandering around your hotel. We suggest staying in the old town area with top city sights nearby. Getting from Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) to the city with public transport, taxi, or private transfer. For hassle-free transfer, consider taking the private airport transfer at a reasonable price.

Settled everything, have a nice local Czech cuisine (we love V Cipu Restaurant), and rest early. Visit and wander around in Old Town Square or visit the farmer’s market for some snacks and beer if you have time.

Where To Stay in Prague : Rott Hotel which is strategically located in the old town square. The Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock are just three minutes of walking distance. Helpful staff, clean and comfortable. Their wide range of breakfast is a plus!

Don’t forget to check out the essential Prague travel tips with things to do and not to do in Prague .

Day 2: Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, John Lennon Wall

Head to Charles Bridge early to avoid the crowd. A morning walk across the 14th Century Charles Bridge is one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of visiting Prague. You can choose to visit Charles Bridge during the evening if you not planning to wake up early.

Next, have a nice breakfast before touring the World Most Biggest Castle, Prague Castle. Spend your day visiting St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower. You may meet the changing guard ceremony at each entrance on the hour, while the best one is at the main Prague Castle entrance. Admirer the Prague city view before leaving the castle hill and slowly back to the city area.

Have a great meal at Lokal U Bile Kuzelky for its pilsner and local Czech cooking. Take some rest before proceeding to John Lennon Wall or take a paddleboat ride at the Vltara river.

Don’t forget to get a trdelnik, local Czech street food. And we feel the Best Trdelnik in Prague is from TRDLO, located at Staré Město near Charles Bridge.

End your day with a sunset walk across Charles Bridge or pub crawl to experience the nightlife in Prague.

Day 3: Petrin Tower, Wenceslas Square

Prague: Petrin Tower, Wenceslas Square; getting from Prague to Cesky Krumlov

Start your day by exploring the modern view of Prague. Climb up to Petrin Tower, Old Town Hall, or Powder Tower for a different view of Prague from the top. Posing at the dancing house, or walk to Wenceslas square for strolling around.

That’s the end of the perfect three days itinerary in Prague .

The next destination visit in Central Europe Itinerary is Cesky Krumlov. Some people choose to take a day tour from Prague to explore the other parts of places nearby. Well putting Cesky Krumlov as part of the Central Europe Itinerary is the best and well plan ideal, something you would be missed!

Day Tour from Prague : Český Krumlov , National Park Bohemian Switzerland , Kutná Hora , Dresden .

From Prague to Cesky Krumlov , you can take a day tour, train, bus, rent a car, or shuttle service. The most common and cheapest option for getting to Cesky Krumlov from Prague is by Student Agency Bus from RegioJet. It is very comfortable and costs about 6.5 euros for early bird promotion.

Where To Stay in Cesky Krumlov : For a couple of travelers, choose the Hotel Grand . While group travelers or family, we highly recommend the Apartment Soukenicka 44 , a Gothic cultural monument with wood-beamed ceilings and hardwood floors. A very nice pension stay in Cesky Krumlov at central of town.

Day 4: Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov: Castle Complex, Castle Tower, Old Town

A picturesque old town is something you shouldn’t be missed on your Central Europe itinerary. Cesky Krumlov is like a fairy tale town that comes into reality. In the morning, take a visit to Cesky Krumlov Castle for its colorful painted castle courtyard.

Climb up to Castle Tower, the highest viewpoint in Cesky Krumlov. From here, get a bird’s eye view of CK town with its colorful street, Baroque castle, and snaking river. Take another panoramic view from the “Mantelbrücke” bridge and lastly walk to the castle garden.

Spend the rest of the day wandering around the old town, exploring the handmade shops, or have a nice beer at the best riverside restaurant.

Dinner at Krčma v šatlavské Ulici , a unique tavern dining experience for local Czech cuisine. Prepare for a medieval feast and watch the meat being cooked on the roaring fire in front of you. Longline is always outside so do make a reservation to avoid disappointment.

Day 5: Salzwelten Salt Mine, Hallstatt

Getting from Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt; Hallstatt: Salzwelten Salt Mine, Welterbeblick Skywalk observation deck

Next is Hallstatt, the world’s most beautiful town in Austria which is no longer hidden away in the Salzkammergut region. Well, the public transport is not well-connected between Cesky Krumlov and Hallstatt. Consider taking the private or share shuttle service to get from CK to Hallstatt with less hassle and more comfortable.

Once reach Hallstatt, take a funicular ride to the top of the Hallstatt for the Hallstatt Salzwelten tour, one of the oldest salt mines in the world. Don’t forget to Hallstatt Skywalk observation deck for a 360-degree panorama view above the Hallstatt village.

Where To Stay in Hallstatt : Seehotel Gruner baum , probably the best lakeside hotel in Hallstatt. Staying in Hallstatt is not cheap but a lot of people are still willing to pay to stay in Hallstatt. The best thing to do in Hallstatt is wandering around in the early morning when most day-trippers leave.

Day 6: World Most Beautiful Town, Hallstatt

Hallstatt: Market Square, outside (Badestrand) and upper Hallstatt; getting from Hallstatt to Salzburg

Start your day early to explore the hidden gem of Austria. Take a postcard-perfect photo of the quaint lakeside town starting from north to the south end, and continue to walk outside or climb upper to see Hallstatt at different angles.

Enjoy the charming lake view with a nice lunch outside of Seehotel Gruner baum or Seewirt Zauner . Try Hallstatt’s specialty, freshly caught fish from Hallstatt Lake. Before leaving Hallstatt to Salzburg by train, enjoy the prime moment across the Hallstätter See with the ferry ride. The wonderful Hallstatt itinerary day is ended with two hours train ride to Salzburg.

More time to spend in Hallstatt? Explore the Dachstein Krippenstein’s Giant Ice Cave and Five Finger.

Where To Stay in Salzburg : ACHAT Plaza Zum Hirschen . Location is the main reason for choosing the accommodation in Salzburg. Salzburg is a great base for exploring the places nearby. A traditional 4-star hotel with less than 5 minute walks to Salzburg Train Station.

Day 7: Salzburg Old Town, Austria

Salzburg: Untersberg, Schloss Hellbrunn, Mirabell Palace, Hohensalzburg Fortress

Start your one-day itinerary in Salzburg to Untersberg for a majestic view at the peak of the mountain. Proceed to Schloss Hellbrunn and take a Wasserspiele Tour at Trick Fountain. Spending the rest of the days wandering around Salzburg town. Firstly, stop by Mirabell Palace to see the scene in the “Sound of Music” scene or take a visit to Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse street. Lastly, take the funicular ride to Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Salzburg Travel Tips : Get a Salzburg Card ( 24 / 48 / 72 hours) where you can have free admission to all the top Salzburg attractive and free public transportation.

More days to spend in Salzburg:

• Day trip to Berchtesgaden, National Park in Germany
• One day in Munich from Salzburg

Day 8: Cafe Central And Staatsoper Vienna

Getting from Salzburg to Vienna; Vienna: Stephensdom, Graben, Cafe Central, opera music at Staatsoper

The train journey from Salzburg to Vienna is about two hours. Once we reached the Vienna train station, take a metro to the hotel. Spend the afternoon touring around Vienna downtown. Visit Stephensdom, one of the most impressive landmarks in Vienna, or walk down to Graben, the most famous shopping street in Vienna. Late lunch or early dinner at the most famous Figlmüller, served the biggest schnitzels in town.

One of the must-do in Vienna enjoys the opera music at State Opera House, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Want to know how we only spend €15 for a seated ticket to enjoy the world-class at Staatsoper? Read more on our Vienna money-saving tips.

Have a coffee tour to Julius Meinl, Café Central, Café Demel. We love spending our afternoon with a nice cup of coffee and a great dessert at Cafe Central, the Top Ten World’s Most Beautiful Cafe . The Sacher Torte at Cafe Sacher is also a great ideal for afternoon tea.

Where To Stay in Vienna : Motel One Wien-Hauptbahnhof . Perfect hotel with strategic location, walking distance to train station. Spacious and clean room with friendly staff. 

Day 9: Schönbrunn And Belvedere Palace

Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, Hofburg Palace, MuseumsQuartiers, hop on hop off bus, Prater Park

First of all, get the 1-Day Vienna Pass if you planned to tour Vienna with ease. While the entrance to most of Vienna’s top city sights is expensive, consider getting the Vienna for money saving.

Visit Schönbrunn Palace and join the Imperial or Grand Tour to the summer residence of Hapsburgs. Proceed to Belvedere Palace to admire World Famous’s Kiss of Klimt and the collection of Gustav Klimt’s art. Both palaces have a very beautiful and spectacular garden if you wish to take a leisure walk.

Return to the city center and visit the Hofburg Palace, and MuseumsQuartiers or ride on the hop on hop off sightseeing bus. Everything is covered by Vienna Pass. If time is allowed, you can also take the Giant Ferries Wheel in Prater Park. Anyway, choose and visit that attraction that you are interested in.

The day ended with a mouth-watering dinner with juicy ribs and cooling beer at Ribs of Vienna. But remember to reserve your table as easily get full.

Central Europe Travel Tips : Spend your day with Vienna Pass to enjoy free entry and even Fast Track Entry to over 70 of Vienna’s most popular attractions and museums. Check on Vienna Pass from Klook for more information.

Day 10: Danube Bank Budapest

Getting from Vienna to Budapest; Budapest: Széchenyi lánchíd (Chain Bridge), Shoes on the Danube Bank

Take a train from Vienna to Budapest, remember to reserve your seat as the train sometimes are full. Buy the Budapest transportation pass for getting around in Budapest. Check in to the hotel and wander around along the Danube bank.

Follow the Danube river and walk along the promenade. Along the Danube bank, you can cross the Széchenyi lánchíd, meet the Shoes on the Danube Bank, or the Houses of Parliament.

What to Eat :  Dinner at Kiskakukk étterem with delicious local Hungarian cuisine

Where To Stay in Budapest : D8 Hotel Budapest . Newly open, D8 Hotel is a perfect stay in Budapest with a strategic location and comfortable room. Walk to Chain Bridge, Deák Ferenc Tér Square, as well as Vaci utca for shopping.

Day 11: Buda Hill, Budapest

Budapest: Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, New York Cafe

Spend your day wandering around Buda city. Firstly, take the bus (#16) to the castle hill, and get down at Fisherman’s Bastion. Get some of the magnificent Pest views from the fairy tale lookout point. Take a visit to Matthias Church and explore the Buda Castle at the castle hill. Slowly walk from castle hill or take the funicular down to the ground. Walk across the Szechenyi Chain Bridge to the Pest side.

Have a nice break at New York Cafe, World’s Most Beautiful Cafe after the long day’s walk.

Day 12: Pest City, Budapest

Budapest: St Stephen’s Basilica, Costes Downtown, Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Have a good rest and kick start your day with Bussiness Lunch at Costes Downtown , One Star Michelin restaurant in Budapest. We loved their food and rated it as one of the best meals we’d ever eaten in Budapest. Highly recommended to dine in Costes Downtown for wonderful lunch or dinner.

Next, take a visit to St Stephen’s Basilica, a Roman Catholic Basilica to burn some of the calories before proceeding to the next location. Lastly, try on your first thermal bath in Budapest, at the most famous Széchenyi or Gellert Spa Thermal Bath. You will stay inside for a longer time than you expected.

Get Skip The Line Ticket Discounted Ticket from Klook. Easy redeem and cheaper compare onsite:

• Gellért Spa Skip The Line Ticket
• Széchenyi Spa Fast Track Ticket

End your day at Szimpla Kert, the very first and Best Ruin Bar in Budapest .

Day 13: Goodbye Central Europe

Budapest: Central Market; take the flight back home or your next destination.

Spend your last day in Central Europe itinerary by shopping in Central Market Budapest. Pick some souvenirs, paprika, and Tokaji to bring back home here.

How Long Should You Spend in Central Europe?

The best duration should be 10 to 14 days as you find yourself in a tired mood after a long time of travel. The general rule is spending at least 1-2 days in small cities and 3-5 days required for the largest European cities. There is a nearly endless list of incredible destinations that can be added to your Central Europe itinerary. No one of the itineraries can cover all. You can flexibly add in any extra days or places if you think most suitable for your travel.

Central Europe Travel Tips

We hope our Central Europe itinerary is helpful. Based on the top 3 must-visit countries in Central Europe, make an absolute ideal for your wonderful trip.

The Top 3 must-visit countries in Central Europe are the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary.

We recommended at least 10 to 14 days to visit Central Europe for a relaxing trip.

Definitely worth visiting Central Europe. It is full of cultural heritage, natural beauty, a splendid cafe with a nice coffee, and delicious traditional local cuisine.

Traveling in Central Europe does not have to be an expensive experience. Depending on your interest, it can range from $100 to $200 per person per day at a minimum budget.

Lastly, feel free to continue to read on our Central Europe itinerary to the beautiful places in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. Our Central Europe travel blog is included!

• [Czech Republic] Three Perfect Days in Prague
• [Czech Republic] Day Trip to Cesky Krumlov
• [Austria] Hallstatt, World Most Beautiful Town
• [Austria] Salzburg, City of Mozart and Sound Of Music
• [Austria] Vienna, City Full of Art, History and Fairy Tales
• [Germany] Berchtesgaden, The Hidden Natural Gem
• [Slovakia] Bratislava: A Charming Unpolished Old Town in Slovakia
• [Hungary] Best Things To Do in Three Days of Budapest

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