Travel Itinerary
Budapest, Vienna
& Prague
Twelve days through Central Europe’s most storied capitals — thermal baths, imperial palaces, Gothic spires, and the world’s best goulash.
Budapest
Days 1 – 3Pest Side & Parliament
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Hungarian Parliament Building
Book a guided interior tour in advance — the Neo-Gothic halls are jaw-dropping. Walk down to the Danube embankment for river views.
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Heroes’ Square & Vajdahunyad Castle
Walk the grand Andrássy Avenue (UNESCO) to the monument, then explore the fairytale castle right next door in City Park.
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Ruin Bars — Jewish Quarter
Spend the evening at Szimpla Kert, the original ruin bar. Arrive before 9 PM to explore the rooms before the biggest crowds arrive.
Buda Castle Hill & Thermal Baths
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Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Go at 7–8 AM before the crowds. A quintessential Budapest experience inside a grand Neo-Baroque palace. Budget 2–3 hours.
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Fisherman’s Bastion
The most photogenic spot in Budapest. Stunning views of the Parliament across the Danube. Free to enter from the outside.
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Buda Castle
Take the historic funicular up from the Chain Bridge side. Explore the grounds and the Hungarian National Gallery inside.
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Dinner at Aranybástya
Glass-pod dining with panoramic views of the illuminated Parliament at night. Reserve well in advance — one of Budapest’s most memorable dinners.
Easy Day & Jewish Quarter
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Brunch at Mazel Tov
Israeli-Mediterranean cuisine in one of Budapest’s most beautiful courtyard restaurants. Reservations recommended.
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Afternoon at Leisure
Danube river cruise, Great Market Hall, or a wander through the elegant Belvárosi district. Budapest rewards slow exploring.
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Dinner at Fat Mama
Hungarian comfort food, live blues music, and great cocktails. No reservations — arrive by 6 PM or expect a wait. Worth every minute.
Vienna
Days 4 – 6Arrive & Imperial City Center
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Hofburg Palace
The Habsburg Imperial Palace. Visit the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments — book tickets online to skip queues. Allow 2 hours.
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St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Vienna’s Gothic masterpiece, just a short walk from Hofburg. Climb the South Tower for sweeping rooftop views of the city.
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Dinner at SIXTA
One of Vienna’s best-kept secrets — elevated Austrian cuisine in a warm, intimate setting. Book ahead. Note: closed Monday & Tuesday.
Palaces & World-Class Art
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Schönbrunn Palace
The Habsburg summer palace — get the Grand Tour (40 rooms) and hike up to the Gloriette for panoramic city views. Go early.
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Belvedere Palace & Klimt’s The Kiss
Home to Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss — one of the most recognized paintings in the world. The baroque gardens between palaces are free to walk.
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Dinner at Bauernbräu
Authentic Viennese schnitzel, gulasch, Apfelstrudel and house-brewed beer. A true local favorite, not a tourist trap.
Quirky Vienna & Prater
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Hundertwasser House
A wild, colorful apartment building that looks like a work of art — free to admire from outside. The nearby Kunst Haus Wien has more inside.
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The Prater & Riesenrad
Ride the iconic 19th-century giant Ferris wheel for classic views over Vienna, then explore the sprawling park.
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Viennese Coffee House Crawl
End the day at a historic Kaffeehaus — Café Central or Café Schwarzenberg. Order a Melange and a slice of Sachertorte.
Prague
Days 7 – 12Arrive & Old Town
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Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
Drop your bags and head straight here. Watch the mechanical clock show at the top of the hour — most atmospheric at dusk.
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Dinner at Restaurant Alma Prague
Modern Czech cuisine with excellent cocktails — a stylish and refined welcome to Prague. Book ahead.
Castle Hill & Charles Bridge
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Charles Bridge at Sunrise
Cross before 7 AM and you’ll nearly have it to yourself. The 30 Baroque statues and river mist are extraordinary in the early light.
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Prague Castle
The largest ancient castle complex in the world. Buy the full ticket including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. Allow 3+ hours.
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St. Vitus Cathedral
Inside Prague Castle — the Gothic stained glass windows, including Alfons Mucha’s Art Nouveau masterpiece, are breathtaking. Don’t skip it.
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Old Town Bridge Tower
Climb for spectacular views back toward the Castle and down Charles Bridge. Go at opening (10 AM) for 50% off tickets.
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Dinner at Restaurant Mlýnec
Modern European cuisine right on Charles Bridge with river views. Request a window table when booking — one of Prague’s most scenic dinners.
Vyšehrad & Farewell Dinner
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Vinohrady Neighborhood & Vyšehrad
Explore the charming Vinohrady district, then walk the Vyšehrad fortress and gardens overlooking the river for sweeping city views.
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Dinner at U Kroka
The best traditional Czech restaurant for goulash, svíčková, and kulajda soup. Slightly off the tourist trail in Vyšehrad — worth every step.
Flex Days
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Day Trip: Český Krumlov
A fairy-tale medieval town 1.5 hours from Prague — arguably one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe. Perfect for a full day trip.
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Or: Wachau Valley Wine Tour from Vienna
If your schedule allows a return, this scenic Danube valley wine region is a highlight of Central Europe — bike tours available.
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Or: More Time in Your Favorite City
Use the flex days to slow down in whichever city stole your heart — all three reward a second look.