Fodor's To Europe!
The Best of Central Europe: Prague, Vienna, and Budapest
Back to European itinerary browser »
Fly into: Prague
Fly out of: Budapest
Total Duration: 9 Days
These are the pillars of Central Europe. Prague is the centerpiece, beautifully preserved, walkable, and full of mysterious cobblestone side streets. Vienna is the stately big brother, officious, Hapsburgian, and old-school, from the desserts to the Opera. Budapest is still the scruffy upstart, 20 years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the vibrant nightlife and traditional bathhouses make it the most foreign and inscrutable of the three.
- History
- Art and Culture
- Great Train Ride
This Trip's Top Experiences:
Days 1-3
DANIELA WEINSTEIN/Shutterstock
1 Prague
One of Europe's Most Beautiful Cities
- Sitting above the city is Prague castle; trek here for a beautiful view or to explore St. Vitus' Cathedral
- In the Old Town, wander through the Jewish Quarter and visit the cemetery, which dates to the 15th century
- Czech beer is justly famous; try a brew at an old-fashioned pub
Days 4-6
abxyz/shutterstock
2 Vienna
Palaces and Pastries
- From the Ringstrasse to the Opera, Vienna is full of imperial splendor
- Explore the cobblestone streets of Innere Stadt and St. Stephen's Cathedral
- At one of the city's opulent coffeehouses, try a pasty or fuel up with an espresso
Days 7-9
stevenallan/iStockPhoto
3 Budapest
Bathhouses and Bridges
- Things can get steamy at one of the city's many bathhouses; try the recently renovated Rudás or traditional Gellért
- The shopping can't be beat on Vaci utca and Andrássy út
- See the renaissance delights on Castle Hill, a UNESCO Heritage Site
Browse More Itineraries
