10 Day Central Europe Itinerary: Budapest, Vienna, & Prague

For those who want to tour three of Europe’s great cities, this central Europe itinerary is perfect.

Start with Budapest, a gorgeous city known for its thermal baths, unique architecture, and stunning setting along the Danube River. Next, travel to Vienna, a sophisticated city rich in history and culture. End with Prague, the most beautiful of the three cities (in our opinion), laced with Gothic architecture that remained unharmed during World War II. We even added in a side trip to the quaint but incredibly scenic Ceský Krumlov, one of Europe’s great small towns.

This itinerary takes you through the highlights of these three cities. Throughout this guide, we will provide links to our more detailed city guides, which have more photos and travel tips. And of course, if you have any questions, let us know at the comment section at the end of this guide and we’d be happy to help.

10 Day Central Europe Itinerary Map | map adapted from Google

About this Central Europe Itinerary

This itinerary can be done all year. However, the best time to do this itinerary is from the end of April into early June and mid-September into late October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are below peak levels.

Summer is the hottest, busiest time to visit Europe. Vienna and Prague can stay relatively cool in the summer compared to other parts of Europe (Italy, Spain, and Greece, I’m looking at you), but in recent years, it is not unusual for heat waves to spike temperatures well above 32°C/90°F.

Winter of course is the coldest time to visit central Europe. Snow is likely in Austria and the Czech Republic from December through February. Vienna is one of the best places to visit in Europe for Christmas markets, but Prague is nice as well. If you want to visit the Christmas markets, plan your trip between the very end of November up until Christmas day.

For this itinerary, there is no need to rent a car. It is very easy to travel between Budapest, Vienna, and Prague by train. We also include a day trip to Cesky Krumlov, a fairytale-like town in the Czech Republic, and this can also be done by public transportation.

It may look like I put a lot of time into Prague compared to Vienna. The reason for this is that there is more to do in Prague, plus we think it is very worthwhile to have time to day to day trip to Cesky Krumlov. When we did this itinerary, Cesky Krumlov was one of our favorite experiences and it is not to be missed.

This Central Europe Itinerary is done point-to-point. It starts in Budapest and ends in Prague, but it can just as easily be done in the opposite direction. If you need to start and end in the same location (for example, if it is easier to find flights in and out of one airport), that can be done as well. You can travel between Prague and Budapest by train but be aware that it will take a nice chunk of the day, so you may have to add an additional day to this itinerary.

Central Europe Itinerary: Day 1

Arrive in Budapest

Depending on your flight, most likely you will arrive in Budapest in the morning or early afternoon. Check into your hotel, get settled, and do some exploring around your hotel. To get from the airport to your hotel, you can use public transportation, arrange for a private transfer, or used a shared shuttle service.

A wonderful, low-key introduction to Budapest is a cruise on the Danube River. 

Have dinner and go to bed early, doing your best to get adjusted to the time change as quickly as possible.

We recommend: Hilton Budapest in the Castle District. From your hotel window, gaze across the Danube River to the beautiful Parliament building, one of the icons of Budapest. The Fisherman’s Bastion is just a few minutes away, offering more of the best views over Budapest.

The view from Hilton Budapest

Central Europe Itinerary: Day 2

Budapest: Castle Hill, Pest Town & Gellert Hill

On this itinerary, you will spend two full days in Budapest. We have a detailed 2 day Budapest itinerary that you can refer to, but here is an overview of how to spend today and tomorrow in Budapest.

Budapest is “two cities,” Buda and Pest, that are split by the Danube River. Today, you will visit both Buda and Pest, starting in Buda.

9:00 am: Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church & Castle Hill

Start your day at Fisherman’s Bastion. From this beautiful spot, you have one of the best views of Budapest.

Fisherman’s Bastion

After enjoying the view, visit Matthias Church, which sits right next to Fisherman’s Bastion. This church has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in the past 800 years. Today’s version dates back to 1970. For twenty years, between 1950 and 1970, it underwent a major renovation to repair the damage sustained during WWII.

Get updated pricing and hours on the official website.

From Matthias Church, it’s a short stroll through the Royal Palace until you get to the top of the funicular (Budavari Siklo). Enjoy the view from the terrace. From here, you get another iconic Budapest view, the trio of the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Gresham Palace, and St. Stephen’s Basilica all in a perfect line.

11:00 am: Szechenyi Chain Bridge

Built in the 1800’s, this was the first bridge to unite Buda and Pest. It was completely destroyed by the Nazis in World War II but was quickly rebuilt. Take a stroll over this historic bridge, ending in Pest.

Gresham Palace, which is also the Four Seasons Hotel, is a symbol of the opulence of older Budapest. This grand, Art Nouveau building was refurbished in 1999 and it is gorgeous on the inside. If you are not staying here, it’s worth at least a quick peek.

Gresham Palace

12:00 pm: Lunch

From Gresham Palace, walk up Zrinyi Utca towards St. Stephen’s Basilica. In the area, Kollazs Brasserie & Bar, 0,75 Bistro, and Meatology Budapest all get great reviews.

Early Afternoon: Pest Town

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest Roman Catholic Church in Hungary.

If you want to see something unusual and somewhat morbid, check out St. Stephen’s mummified right hand that is preserved in a jeweled, glass case. Yes, this is a 1000-year-old hand. Every August 20th, which is Saint Stephen’s Day, this famous right hand is taken out of the basilica and joins the parade in Budapest.

For the best view of Budapest from the Pest side, climb the 364 steps to the top of the Panorama Tower.

Get updated hours and pricing on the official website.

Stroll through Pest

From St. Stephen’s Basilica, walk to Vorosmarty Ter. This square is the town center of Pest. If you are in the mood for a sweet treat, stop into Gerbaud’s. This fancy coffee shop sells amazing pastries and coffee if you need a pick-me-up for a busy afternoon of sightseeing.

It’s just a short walk back to the Danube Promenade. From here, enjoy one of the best views of Buda. Stretched out in front of you are Castle Hill, Matthias Church, and the Fisherman’s Bastion, where our day began.

Continue the walk through Pest towards the Great Market Hall along Vaci Utca.

The Great Market Hall

This is Budapest’s largest market and a great spot to do a little shopping. Popular things to try (and buy) are paprika, painted eggs, Tokaji wine, and Palinka (Hungarian fruit brandy). You can also try Unicum, a Hungarian liquor that is stronger and harsher than Jägermeister.

4:30 pm: The View from the Citadel on Gellert Hill

From the Great Market Hall, take the tram across the Liberty Bridge to the base of Gellert Hill. At the base of the hill are the Gellert Baths, one of Budapest’s most famous thermal pools.

Now it’s time to walk off the pastries, Unicum, and langos, for a walk up to the Citadel. Follow the shady trails uphill to the Citadel, located on top of Gellert Hill.

The view from up here rivals that of the Fisherman’s Bastion. Almost all of Budapest stretches out in front of you in one giant panorama.

After enjoying the view, walk along the top of Gellert Hill towards Elisabeth Bridge, the white bridge that crosses the Danube River. As you get closer to the bridge, you are treated to a wonderful view of the Szechenyi Chain Bridge spanning the Danube River.

Walk down the hill towards the Danube Promenade. From here, trams link you to the metro and to the rest of Budapest.

Optional Excursion: If the sun is getting low and photography is a hobby of yours, consider taking the tram along the Danube Promenade to Batthyany ter for sunset or evening views of the Parliament building.

Evening: Dinner

End the day with dinner and drinks. Notable restaurants include Onyx (an exceptional fine dining restaurant), Hungarikum Bisztro (a very popular Hungarian restaurant), Comme Chez Soi (French), and Bors GasztroBar (budget Hungarian street food).

Central Europe Itinerary: Day 3

Budapest: Parliament, New York Cafe & Szechenyi Baths

Today, spend all of your time on the Pest side of Budapest, visiting a few of the city’s must-see sights.

9:00 am: Danube Promenade

Take a stroll along the Danube Promenade on the Pest side of the river. Shoes on the Danube is a chilling memorial to the numerous Jews who were murdered in Budapest during Nazi occupation.

10:00 am: Tour of Parliament

Parliament is Budapest’s grandest building. The only way to see it is on a tour and tours sell out far in advance. Make sure you book your tickets well before you visit Budapest.

Tours last 45 minutes and cover the history of the building with a visit to the crown jewels and the House of Lords.

11:00 am: Andrassy-Ut

Andrassy-Ut is Budapest’s answer to the Champs-Elysees in Paris. It may not be quite as grand as the Champs-Elysees, but it is still a beautiful place to go for a walk.

To get here from Parliament: From Kossuth Lajos Square, take the M2 line to Deak Ferenc Ter. You can transfer to the M1 line, taking it one stop to Bajcsy-Zsilinszky ut, or walk three minutes from Deak Ferenc ter to the start of Andrassy-Ut.

The most famous place to visit on Andrassy-Ut is the Budapest Opera House (Magyar Allami Operahaz).

12:00 pm: Lunch at the New York Café

Stroll up Andrassy-Ut until you reach the Oktogon, the intersection of Andrassy-Ut and Terez krt. Take the tram to the New York Palace.

This is an over-the-top dining experience at one of Budapest’s most opulent restaurants. In 2011, it was awarded with the title of “Most Beautiful Café in the World.” Make your reservation in advance on the official website.

1:30 pm: More Sights in Pest

For the best history lesson on Budapest from World War II through the Soviet occupation, visit the House of Terror Museum. This is a very informative and sobering look at the atrocities that occurred during these times.

From the House of Terror Museum, take the M1 metro line 3 stops to Heroes Square (Vorosmarty utca to Hosok tere). Heroes Square (Hosok tere) is the “who’s who” of Hungarian history. Standing in the colonnades are 14 important Hungarian leaders.

Beyond Heroes Square is the City Park (Varosliget). This is a pretty place to go for a stroll, depending upon how much energy you may still have. It is worth walking over to Vajdahunyad Castle, a castle that was built in 1896 to resemble the castles of Transylvania, Romania.

5:00 pm: Szechenyi Baths

Budapest is built over thermal hot springs and all over the city these springs have been turned into thermal pools. The Szechenyi Baths are the most popular and most iconic in Budapest.

Join the crowds, relax in the healing, warm waters, and maybe even play a game of chess on the floating chess boards. Our favorite experience was swimming in the circular whirlpool.

7:00 pm: Dinner at Gundel

End the day with a gourmet dinner at Gundel, one of Budapest’s most famous restaurants. It is located just a short walk from the Szechenyi Baths.

Central Europe Itinerary Day 4

Travel from Budapest to Vienna, Tour Vienna

In the morning, take the train from Budapest to Vienna. High speed trains connect these two cities in roughly two and a half hours, so you can be in Vienna by lunchtime.

If you want to save money, the first trains of the day are cheaper than those midday, since demand is lower.

Rail Europe is an easy-to-use website to look up timetables and book your tickets. You can also book your tickets on the official website for the train journey you choose.

Be aware that there are multiple train stations in Budapest: Keleti, Kelenfold, and Budapest-Deli. In Vienna, trains arrive at the Hauptbahnhof Wien station.

Once in Vienna, walk, take the metro, or take a taxi to your hotel.

For hotel and restaurant recommendations, refer to our Vienna Travel Guide ↓

Vienna Travel Guide

How to Plan a Trip to Vienna: A Guide for First Timers

This guide covers where to eat, where to stay, things to do, how to get around, and how to plan your time in Vienna.

Afternoon: Vienna

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Start your tour of Vienna at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

This ancient cathedral was consecrated in 1147 and it is the centerpiece of historic Vienna. It sits on Stephensplatz, a large square surrounded by shops and restaurants. For the remainder of the day, you’ll be visiting the cathedral and walking the scenic pedestrian streets in heart of Vienna.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (plus a Christmas market)

View from the North Tower

There is a lot to do at the cathedral, from viewing the nave to touring the catacombs to climbing its two towers. For the full, detailed list, take a look at our Best Things to Do in Vienna article.

For free, visit the lobby to see the nave. If you only want to see walk through the nave to see the side chapels, you can do so for a small fee. If you purchase the All Inclusive Ticket, you get access to everything the cathedral. Climbing to the top of the North Tower or South Tower is one of the best things to do at the cathedral and your reward are spectacular 360° views of Vienna.

At the time of the last update, tickets could only be purchased onsite with cash (no online tickets are available). Learn more on the official website.

Historic Center of Vienna

For the next few hours, you can stroll the pedestrian streets of the Innere Stadt (the city center of Vienna).

Graben starts next to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and runs up Kohlmarkt. You can also take another stroll along Karntner Strasse. Go shopping, explore the side streets, visit St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) or visit a café or bar for a snack or pre-dinner drink.

The Ferstel Passage is a short but beautiful covered arcade lined with boutique shops and cafes.

If you are looking for a bar/restaurant with rooftop views of Vienna, visit SKY @ STEFFL, which is located on Karntner Strasse. This rooftop bar and restaurant offers a unique view of the roof of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You can also save this restaurant for dinner, or just have an early dinner here.

The view from SKY @ STEFFL

Evening: Dinner

Have dinner and drinks in Vienna. Cafes such as Café Central, Demel, and Café Sacher all serve dinner. Café Sacher is a great place to consider, as you can end dinner with a slice of Sacher Torte. Make your reservations in advance.

We had a great experience at Onyx, a sushi restaurant located on top of the Do & CO Hotel. This restaurant has floor to ceiling windows that offers a spectacular view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Stephensplatz. Here is the link to the official website so you can see the menu and make your reservation in advance.

If you want to try traditional Austrian food in a rustic setting, take a look at Puerstner. Dine on Wiener Schnitzel, goulash, pork medallions with a mushroom cream sauce, spatzle (a dots), and more. See the menu on the official website.

This evening, you also have the option to attend a performance at the Vienna Opera House. The cheapest option is to purchase Standing Room Only tickets but tickets for general seating are reasonably priced. See show times and purchase your tickets in advance on the official website. Be aware that the Opera House does not have performances in July and August.

Vienna State Opera

Vienna City Guides

Here are a few city guides on Vienna with more information about things to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

Vienna Bucket List: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Vienna

Dine at a Viennese café, visit the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace, have a slice of Sacher Torte, stroll along Vienna’s bustling pedestrian streets, and ride the oldest Ferris wheel in the world…these top the list of things to do in Vienna. Vienna is the largest city and the capital of Austria. It sits on […]

Best Cafés in Vienna: 10 Must-Visit Coffee Houses & Patisseries

Welcome to Vienna, a city of music, culture, and of course, charming cafés and coffee houses. Dining on elegant Viennese pastries paired with freshly brewed coffee is a quintessential experience for locals and visitors. Join us as we uncover the best cafés in Vienna, from iconic establishments to hidden gems. This guide starts with our […]

2 Days in Vienna Itinerary: How to Plan a Trip to Vienna

If you are planning your first trip to Vienna, this Vienna itinerary is perfect. With 2 days in Vienna, you have just enough time to see the highlights of this incredible city. Explore the historic heart of Vienna, tour Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces, dine in a Viennese café, and get a bird’s eye view of […]

Central Europe Itinerary Day 5

Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace, Opera House & a Museum of Your Choice

8:00 am: Viennese Breakfast

There’s no better way to start your day than having breakfast at one of Vienna’s famous cafés. Not only are coffee and pastries a delicious introduction to Vienna, but this is also a cultural experience.

We have a detailed guide to the best cafés in Vienna, but for breakfast this morning we recommend Café Central, Demel, or Café Sacher. For Café Central and Café Sacher, it is best to make a reservation in advance. Last we checked, Demel is walk-in only.

Cafe Central

9:00 am: Schönbrunn Palace

At 9:00 am, travel to Schönbrunn Palace. The easiest way to get to Schonbrunn is to take the U4 metro line to Schönbrunn.

Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) was the summer residence of the Habsburg family. On a visit here, you can tour the interior of the palace, stroll through the gardens, and visit the Gloriette.

For free, you can stroll through the gardens and walk up to the Gloriette, where you can view Schönbrunn Palace with Vienna as a backdrop.

To enter the palace, you will need to purchase a ticket. There are several tour options. We did the State Apartments Tour (at 25 minutes, this is the shortest tour) and for us, this was sufficient. Our favorite part of visiting Schonbrunn Palace is walking through the gardens.

Get pricing and hours on the official website. If you plan to tour the interior, book your ticket and time slot in advance. You can also take this skip the line tour, if you prefer to tour the palace with a guide.

Afternoon: Opera House & a Museum (or Two) of Your Choice

Around 12:00 pm, travel back to Vienna by metro. Have lunch at Gerstner Café, another popular café in Vienna (make a reservation in advance). It is located next to the Vienna State Opera.

Opera House Tour

One of the top things to do in Vienna is to tour its magnificent opera house. To visit the inside of the opera house and learn about its history, take a 40-minute guided tour (you are not allowed to walk through the opera house without a guide, unless you are here for a performance).

Book your tour time in advance because this is one of the most popular things to do in Vienna. 2:00 pm works well for this itinerary.

Be aware, however, that tours are not offered every day of the week, so in advance of your trip, look at tour times for when you will be in Vienna. You may find out that tours are not offered during your visit to Vienna.

Museum of Your Choice

Spend mid to late afternoon in a museum of your choice. Here are several to choose from:

Kunsthistorisches Museum: On display is an enormous amount of art which was collected by the Habsburg family (art by Michelangelo, Pieter Brugel, Vermeer, Klimt, Rubens, and Rembrandt, just to name a few). The building itself is also a sight to see, especially the grand staircase.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

Belvedere Palace: This Baroque Palace is now an art museum and its most famous piece is Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. This museum is located outside of the city center.

Belvedere Palace

The Albertina: Located across the street from the Opera House, this art museum has on display an amazing collection of Impressionist artwork.

The Imperial Crypt (the Kapuzinergruft): This small space contains the bodies of 145 members of the family, some of them resting in metal sarcophagi and remains of others in urns.

Imperial Crypt

Evening: Dinner

Refer to day 4 of this itinerary for restaurant recommendations in Vienna.

Austria Travel Guide

See all of our articles

Central Europe Itinerary Day 6

Morning in Vienna, Afternoon Train to Prague

Today, spend the morning in Vienna touring the Hofburg Palace. In the afternoon, travel to Prague by train.

Check out of your hotel and have your hotel hold your luggage while you visit the Hofburg Palace (you can also request a late checkout time). It will be a little bit of back and forth to your hotel today, but having the additional morning in Vienna allows you to see one of its most important sites and then gives you three full days in Prague.

Morning: Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace, also called the Imperial Palace, is a must-see while in Vienna. It is enormous with a long list of things to see and do.

Afternoon: Train to Prague

Return to your hotel, pick up your luggage, and use the metro or a taxi/ride share app to travel to the Hauptbahnhof Wien station.

Direct trains travel to Prague in 4 hours. Book your train tickets on Rail Europe or the OBB Railjet website.

Once in Prague, take the metro, taxi, or ride share app (Uber or Bolt) to your hotel. Check in, get settled, and have dinner.

For hotel recommendations, refer to our Two Days in Prague Itinerary.

For restaurant recommendations, take a look at our Prague Restaurant Guide.

Charles Bridge in Prague

Prague City Guides

Here is more detailed information about Prague: things to do, great restaurants to try (plus where you can dine at the top of a Gothic tower), and how to plan your time.

Prague Bucket List: 30 Best Things to Do in Prague

Prague is renowned as being one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Unlike many cities in Europe, Prague emerged from World War II unscathed, with its historic architecture and cultural treasures intact. Climbing its gothic towers, visiting its ancient cathedrals, and strolling the colorful streets all top the list of things to do in Prague. Prague […]

Best Prague Restaurants, Cocktail Bars & Beer Gardens

Many people visit Prague to visit its historic squares, climb the Gothic towers, stroll across the Charles Bridge, and tour its castle, but Prague is also home to many great restaurants and bars. In fact, one of the best things to do in Prague is to visit a beer hall. Whether you want to dine […]

2 Days in Prague: How to Plan the Perfect Prague Itinerary

Stroll across Charles Bridge, gaze across Prague from its Gothic towers, stroll through the Old Town and Mala Strana, visit Prague Castle, and try a few Czech foods. With 2 days in Prague, you have just enough time to visit this city’s must-see attractions and landmarks. We want to help you plan the best visit […]

Central Europe Itinerary Day 7

Prague: The Old Town & Jewish Quarter

On this itinerary, you have two full days in Prague. I recommend looking at our 2 Days in Prague Itinerary (it will open in a new tab). Here is a brief overview of things you will see and do in Prague today.

Morning: The Old Town

Start the day in the Old Town Square, one of Prague’s most iconic sights. See the Astronomical Clock (at the top of every hour starting at 9 am it puts on a brief show), photograph the Týn Church, visit the Old Town Hall, and climb to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower for one of the best views of Prague.

Prague Old Town Square (photo taken from the Old Town Hall Tower)

Týn Church

Make your way to the Vltava River and climb the Old Town Bridge Tower for another breathtaking view of Prague. Go for a short stroll on the Charles Bridge before getting lunch.

View from the Old Town Bridge Tower

Have lunch at Restaurant Mlýnec (a fine dining restaurant with a view of the Charles Bridge), Restaurace Mincovna, or FAT CAT Burgers and Craft Beer.

Afternoon: Jewish Quarter

Spend a few hours in the Jewish Quarter, visiting the Pinkas Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Old New Synagogue (Europe’s oldest active synagogue), and the Spanish Synagogue.

Spanish Synagogue

Central Europe Itinerary Day 8

Prague: Prague Castle & Mala Strana

Today is an exact copy of day 2 of our 2 Day Prague Itinerary.

Most of the day will be spent on the west side of the Vltava River, visiting Prague Castle and Mala Strana (the Lesser Town). In the late afternoon, take your pick between returning to the Old Town for shopping and dinner, visiting Petrin Tower, or taking a food or walking tour of Prague.

Morning: Prague Castle

Prague Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important places to visit in Prague. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the largest castle complex in the world.

Here’s how to plan your visit, with ticket options, how to get here, and a recommended itinerary ↓

Prague Castle

Visiting Prague Castle: 10 Things to Know Before You Go

How to plan the perfect visit to Prague Castle.

Golden Lane at Prague Castle

Central Europe Itinerary Day 9

Cesky Krumlov Day Trip

Located in Bohemia, Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town escaped the bombings in World War II, which is the reason why the old city is so well preserved.

This city is a delight to walk through. It is small and compact and very, very photogenic.

This is our favorite day trip from Prague and just may be one of your favorite experiences of this entire Central Europe itinerary.

Cesky Krumlov

How to Day Trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague and Vienna

Everything you need to know to plan your day trip to Cesky Krumlov.

We have a guide on How to Day trip from Prague to Cesky Krumlov ↑, which covers transportation options and things to do. You can also take this highly-rated tour which includes your transportation to and from Prague.

WHAT WE DID: Our first trip to Central Europe was in 2011 (we have since been back multiple times). We did a very similar itinerary to this 10-day Central Europe Itinerary, with one exception. On the day we left Vienna, we rented a car, visited Cesky Krumlov on the drive, and dropped the rental car in Prague. It worked very well. The reason this itinerary is different is because the drop fee has become incredibly expensive, I’m talking hundreds of euros. You can still look into renting a car or using the CK Shuttle and doing something similar, but it most likely will be cheaper to do the Cesky Krumlov day trip from Prague.

Central Europe Itinerary Day 10

Depart Prague

Catch your flight home or continue on to your next destination.

Modifications to this Itinerary

Doing this Itinerary in the Opposite Direction

Day 1: Arrive in Prague
Day 2: Prague
Day 3: Prague
Day 4: Cesky Krumlov day trip from Prague
Day 5: Morning train to Vienna, afternoon in Vienna
Day 6: Vienna
Day 7: Morning in Vienna, afternoon train to Budapest
Day 8: Budapest
Day 9: Budapest
Day 10: Fly home

Adding in Cesky Krumlov between Vienna & Prague

This is how we originally wrote this itinerary, and exactly what we did in 2011. On day 7, we rented a car, drove from Vienna to Cesky Krumlov, spent a few hours in Cesky Krumlov, then drove to Prague that afternoon and dropped off the rental car.

We have since rewritten this itinerary since drop fees have become incredibly expensive, ranging from 200 to 400 euros. For many people, this cost does not make it worthwhile and it can actually be cheaper to visit Cesky Krumlov on a day trip from Prague.

However, if that cost does not discourage you, here is how to do the same Central Europe itinerary but visit Cesky Krumlov between Vienna and Prague.

Day 1: Arrive in Budapest
Day 2: Budapest
Day 3: Budapest
Day 4: Travel from Budapest to Vienna, see Vienna
Day 5: Vienna
Day 6: Vienna
Day 7: Drive from Vienna to Prague, visiting Cesky Krumlov on the way
Day 8: Prague
Day 9: Prague
Day 10: Fly home

With More Time

Do you have more than 10 days? Here are some nearby destinations that you can add onto this central Europe itinerary, whether you have 1, 2, 3 or more days.

With one extra day:

Bratislava makes a great day trip from Vienna. Learn more in our post Top 10 Things to Do in Bratislava.

With two days:

Salzburg is 3 hours from Vienna. With two days, you can travel out to Salzburg, visit the town, spend the night in Salzburg, and then travel back to Vienna or continue to Prague. It takes 6 to 7 hours by train to travel to Prague, but another option is to spend more money for a direct shuttle service.

Get the full details on how to plan your visit to Salzburg in our post One Perfect Day in Salzburg.

With three days:

Add one more day onto your visit out to Salzburg and visit Hallstatt, a fairytale town that has become quite popular in recent years. Learn more about what to do and how to plan your time in our post One Perfect Day in Hallstatt.

On this full day tour from Vienna, visit Hallstatt from Vienna. This tour includes your transportation and you will visit Hallstatt, Salzkammergut, and take a boat cruise on Hallstätter See (in the summer).

With Less Time

If you have 9 days, remove the Cesky Krumlov day trip.

If you have 8 or less days, pick two cities and spend your time in these. Vienna + Prague and Vienna + Budapest work well since they are located near each other. With 8 or less days, I think you will move too quickly to get to three cities, so it is best to save one and include it on a future trip to Europe.

Advice on Planning Your Central Europe Itinerary

If you are planning your central Europe itinerary, I recommend you read our article 7 Things to Know When Planning a Trip to Europe. In this article, get itinerary planning advice, including how to create an itinerary that lets you see what you want to see without being too rushed.

If you have any questions about this 10 day Central Europe Itinerary or how to visit Budapest, Vienna, and Prague, let us know in the comment section below!

More Information for Your Trip to Europe

Europe Travel Itineraries: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

Europe Itineraries If you are seeking exciting and unique ways to explore Europe, you’re in the right place. Whether you dream of touring iconic cities or immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, there are countless options to plan the perfect trip to Europe. Here are some inspiring ideas to help you get started. […]

Prague Bucket List: 30 Best Things to Do in Prague

Prague is renowned as being one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Unlike many cities in Europe, Prague emerged from World War II unscathed, with its historic architecture and cultural treasures intact. Climbing its gothic towers, visiting its ancient cathedrals, and strolling the colorful streets all top the list of things to do in Prague. Prague […]

How to Visit the Europe Christmas Markets

European Christmas Markets As the Christmas season approaches, cities and towns across Europe transform into winter wonderlands with twinkling lights, cozy wooden stalls, and the scent of mulled wine wafting through the air. Christmas markets, a cherished tradition that dates back centuries, spring up in cities throughout Europe. From the bustling squares of Vienna to […]

How to Plan a Trip to Vienna: A Guide for First Timers

The city of Vienna is renowned for its UNESCO-listed historic city center, café culture, world class museums, and opulent palaces. On a visit to Vienna, you can explore this city’s historical and cultural treasures, learn more about the Habsburg family as you tour Hofburg and Schönbrunn palaces, and indulge on pastries and cakes at a […]

Two Days in Budapest: The Perfect Budapest Itinerary

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Visit the exquisite Parliament building, walk across the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, dine in the opulent New York Café, and admire the Art Noveau grandeur of Gresham Palace. This is a city with a tumultuous history but an optimistic view of the future. With two days […]

Best Cafés in Vienna: 10 Must-Visit Coffee Houses & Patisseries

Welcome to Vienna, a city of music, culture, and of course, charming cafés and coffee houses. Dining on elegant Viennese pastries paired with freshly brewed coffee is a quintessential experience for locals and visitors. Join us as we uncover the best cafés in Vienna, from iconic establishments to hidden gems. This guide starts with our […]

2 Days in Prague: How to Plan the Perfect Prague Itinerary

Stroll across Charles Bridge, gaze across Prague from its Gothic towers, stroll through the Old Town and Mala Strana, visit Prague Castle, and try a few Czech foods. With 2 days in Prague, you have just enough time to visit this city’s must-see attractions and landmarks. We want to help you plan the best visit […]

Best Views of Prague: 10 Iconic Photography Locations (+ Map & Photos)

With its stunning setting on the Vltava River, gothic towers, and elevated viewpoints, Prague is a gorgeous city to visit and photograph. One of the best things to do in this “city of a hundred spires” is to climb its towers for panoramic views. In this guide, we list the 10 best views of Prague, […]

2 Days in Vienna Itinerary: How to Plan a Trip to Vienna

If you are planning your first trip to Vienna, this Vienna itinerary is perfect. With 2 days in Vienna, you have just enough time to see the highlights of this incredible city. Explore the historic heart of Vienna, tour Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces, dine in a Viennese café, and get a bird’s eye view of […]

Czech Republic Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to the Czech Republic

Czech Republic Travel Guide Visit the Czech Republic for its captivating blend of history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. From the fairytale charm of Prague, with its medieval streets and iconic castle, to the picturesque towns like Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking sites. Explore centuries-old castles, sip world-renowned Czech beer, […]

Vienna Christmas Markets 2025 | Where to Eat, Drink & Shop

If you have plans to visit Vienna in December, you are in for a holiday treat. The Vienna Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe. In mid-November, Vienna transforms into a magical wonderland. Small markets spring up on famous squares and in front of historic buildings. For sale are holiday gifts, arts and […]

Christmas in Prague | Best Christmas Markets & Festive Things to Do (2025 Guide)

Prague is a magical place to visit at Christmas. In December, Christmas markets spring up around the city, shops and hotels are adorned with festive decorations, and add in a dusting of snow, and Prague becomes one of the best cities to visit in Europe during this holiday season. A year earlier, we spent a […]