Things to see and do in Prague, Vienna and Budapest: The Ultimate Central Europe 7 Day Itinerary
There are dozens of fantastic destinations to visit in Central Europe. Deciding on your itinerary for a break that covers Prague, Vienna and Budapest can be tricky, given the wealth of things to see and do. Don’t worry; we’ve put this handy blog together to give you plenty of ideas for a memorable seven-day escape.
Across these three capitals, there are beautiful buildings in a variety of architectural styles, delicious local delicacies and drinks to try for the first time and so many magnificent views you’ll never forget.
Whether you’re planning to travel with your partner, as a family or on your own, there’s something for all ages and interests in each of these popular holiday spots.
Our picks for Prague
Family fun
The vast complex of Prague Castle is great for an adventure and is educational at the same time. When you’re looking for a more interactive experience, Prague Zoo is home to over 700 species of animals, including elephants, hippos, gorillas and penguins. Taking a Prague Venice boat ride on the River Vltava is another exciting way to spend quality time as a family, and you can look out for local wildlife on the water, including swans. These are just a small selection - there’s an abundance of things to see and do in Prague for families.
A bite to eat
Prague has plenty of options when you’re looking to grab a tasty snack to fuel your sightseeing. Smažák is an indulgent fried cheese delight often served with ketchup and bread, simple yet utterly delicious. Beef and pork klobása are types of Czech sausage typically accompanied by mustard and sold by street food vendors in the popular Old Town area. For something sweeter, we’d recommend trdelník, a pastry served with ice cream, sugar, nuts and other toppings.
Must-sees
One of the many brilliant things about Prague is the fact its top attractions are all within walking distance of each other. Highlights include the world’s oldest working astronomical clock, Charles Bridge with its 30 statues, and Dancing House - a unique architectural marvel.
Something a bit different
Prague has many unique buildings in different architectural styles, but the colourful 15th-century miniature houses at Golden Lane are fun, quirky and definitely something you’ll want to post snaps of on your social media.
Explore Vienna’s culture
Family fun
The giant pandas at Schönbrunn Zoo are worth adding to your itinerary if you’re travelling with your children. The Museum of Illusions is another great place to visit, and you’ll likely still be talking about what you’ve seen days afterwards. If you’re all feeling brave, there’s a giant Ferris Wheel ride you can go on for stunning city views. And nearby, you’ll find Madame Tussauds with celebrity waxworks of Beyoncé, Katy Perry and Johnny Depp, amongst others.
A bite to eat
When it comes to street food, sausages are a staple of Vienna’s offering. You can try a wide variety from Würstelstands across the city, including bratwurst, currywurst and frankfurters. Schnitzelsemmel is an affordable sandwich option that’s ideal for grabbing on the go. These are just two of the most famous street foods in Vienna; there are many others from around the globe that might whet your appetite.
Must-sees
Schönbrunn, Belvedere and Hofburg Palaces are extraordinary buildings you should make time for on your central European trip. You won’t have seen anything like them. At 136 metres tall, there’s no missing the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the centre of Vienna. We’d also recommend a stroll through the Naschmarkt - an open-air market with all kinds of fantastic food and drink to try or buy to take home
Something a bit different
If your muscles are aching after pounding the streets, you should stop off for a relaxing dip and sauna at Amalienbad, a 1920s swimming pool with an art deco vibe. It’s a truly stunning building and a great place to unwind for an hour or so.
Discover the best of Budapest
Family fun
Hungary’s capital has plenty of magical places for kids, including Budapest Zoo, Capital Circus and Budapest Children’s Railway - operated by children and located in the Buda Hills. There’s also a brilliant science centre known as the Palace of Miracles with hundreds of interactive and educational exhibits.
A bite to eat
You’ll be spoilt for choice regarding street food in Budapest. While there are plenty of excellent international restaurants, you might want to sample the local fare on the move. Tempting dishes such as soups, stews, goulash, and langos (a fried bread dough served with various toppings such as sausage, cheese and ham) are firm favourites with locals and tourists.
Must-sees
Carrying on with the food theme, Great Market Hall is a beautiful place to browse. There’s a tasty selection of local delicacies, souvenirs, clothes and more to wander around. The Hungarian Parliament building is another of the city’s top attractions. It enjoys a picturesque setting on the banks of the Danube and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buda Castle is a cultural hub and home to the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. The castle was first built in 1265 but has undergone several changes over the centuries.
Something a bit different
If you’re keen to indulge in a bit of nostalgia, then Flippermúzeum might be right up your street. As you may have already guessed, it’s a pinball machine museum where you can spend hours playing and reliving your youth.
That brings our quick tour of Central Europe to an end. There are plenty of things listed above to help you shape your ideal seven-day itinerary for Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Before you start making a list, don’t forget to book or call us to learn more.
