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Best of Central Europe Travel Itinerary for First-Timers
Europe is incredible with much to offer. The possibilities for routes are endless and no matter what you choose you will have an amazing vacation. This Central Europe travel itinerary is designed for first-time visitors. It includes Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. This is a day-by-day travel guide, including, must-see cities, monuments, incredible day trips, and bucket list experiences. There is much to see and do through Europe’s central corridor, this outlines a 24-day trip (3 weeks of PTO). The trip is easily shortened by eliminating day trips or lengthened by adding Romania.
What cities should I visit in Central Europe?
Europe is huge. It is impossible to see it all on one international trip while working full-time. Sure, you could hop through the most popular cities on an amazing whirlwind trip. But, you did go through the hassle of obtaining a passport so why not use it and plan several trips? Travel does not have to be expensive. You could easily be traveling internationally every other year when you learn travel hacking strategies. Make a personal bucket list of regions you want to explore before creating an itinerary for an international trip. For example, Spain is an incredible country that deserves 3 weeks to explore.
This Central Europe itinerary includes Berlin, Munich, Dresden, Prague, Krakow, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. You will see the Berlin Wall, have a beer at the famous Hofbräuhaus in Munich, watch Prague’s astronomical clock on the hour, tour the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, wander Vienna’s architecture, dance to the Sound of Music in Salzburg and visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Day trips to the alpine village of Hallstatt, the Czech Republic fairytale towns of Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary and stops on Germany’s Romantic Road are included.
Save time by reviewing the following travel guides for the best time of year to visit, currency, budget, language, safety matters, public transportation, what to pack, food to eat, and travel tips specific to that country. I suggest printing this itinerary and plugging your dates into each stop. Then print the linked itinerary for each stop and supplemental things to do. Make adjustments to personalize your trip. Use the search box at the end of the post to find accommodation in your price point for the number of nights indicated. Prepurchase train tickets and organize day tours to ensure everything goes as planned.
Be sure to read each country’s travel guide for everything you will need to know for your visit, including tips, tricks, and interesting facts!
What is the best way to travel around Central Europe?
Europe is spread out and time is limited. Although driving in Central Europe is not difficult, it is not time efficient. With the exception of Poland, Europe is well connected by high-speed trains. This itinerary is fast-paced and includes travel every several days. When taking into account airport security, train travel is the best use of time.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Central Europe?
The shoulder season brings mild weather and fewer crowds, and late September through October is generally a great time to visit Central Europe. Bonus that Oktoberfest actually happens in September! Be sure to pack for chilly weather and bring a jacket.
Where Should I Stay in Central Europe?
This is a fast-paced trip with several day trips by train. I suggest choosing a hotel at your price point close to the central train station. Most European cities are walkable and the city center is often close to this train station. If you fly into a city the airport shuttle will transport you to this station. Day trips will depart from this station and you will be close for early departure when moving on. This eliminates dragging a suitcase through town and looking for an early morning taxi. Plus, you may get to sleep an extra hour in the morning.
How many days in Central Europe is enough?
Central Europe Travel Itinerary 10 days
If you only have 10 days plan to see no more than 4 cities. You will arrive the morning of day 1 and day 10 will be an international flight day.
Possibilities:
3 Berlin – 3 Prague – 3 Vienna, or
3 Prague – 2 Budapest – 2 Vienna – – 2 Munich, or
3 Munich – 2 Salzburg – 2 Vienna – 2 Budapest
Central Europe Travel Itinerary 17 days
It is possible to visit 6 major cities with a few day trips in 17 days. This will also be fast-paced with locations chosen by the quickest train travel. The last day of each itinerary is an international flight day.
Possibilities:
3 Berlin – 1 Dresden – 2 Prague – 1 Cesky Krumlov or Karlovy Vary – 2 Vienna – 1 Salzburg – 1 Hallstatt – 1 Innsbruck – 1 Romantic Road – 3 Munich
3 Berlin – 1 Dresden – 2 Prague – 1 Cesky Krumlov or Karlovy Vary – 2 Budapest – 2 Vienna – 1 Salzburg – 1 Hallstatt – 1 Romantic Road – 2 Munich
3 Munich – 1 Romantic Road – 1 Neuschwanstein Castle – 1 Innsbruck – 1 Salzburg – 1 Hallstatt – 2 Vienna – 3 Budapest – 1 Cesky Krumlov or Karlovy Vary – 2 Prague
Central Europe Travel Itinerary 24 days
You will need 24 days to see the best of Central Europe. Cities to visit are Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, Krakow, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Innsbruck, Munich, Bamberg, Nuremburg, and Rothenburg. Keep reading for a day-by-day itinerary.
Central-Eastern Europe Travel Itinerary 27 Days
Have you thought about visiting Romania? Romania borders Hungary and is an easy add-on to this itinerary if time allows. To add Romania to this itinerary simply purchase a discount 1.5-hour nonstop flight from Vienna to Bucharest. Spend a day exploring the beautiful urban decay of Bucharest, visit the village of Brasov, and tour Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania. Then take a return flight to Vienna. Why Vienna and not Budapest? There are discounted nonstop flights from Vienna that save time and money. Visiting Romania adds 3 days to your itinerary.
READ Complete Guide to Romania
Central Europe Travel Itinerary, 3 Week Day by Day Guide
Duration: 24 days
Cities: Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, Krakow, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Innsbruck, Munich, Bamberg, Nuremburg, and Rothenburg.
Highlights: Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, East Side Gallery, Bruhl’s Terrace, Processions of Princes, Zwinger Terrace, Prague’s Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, Golden Lane, the Lennon Wall, Poland’s Wawel Castle, Poland’s Jewish Ghetto, Schindler’s Factory, Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, Szechenyi Thermal Bath, Bratislava Castle, UFO Bridge, Hofburg Palace, Austrian National Library, Schönbrunn Palace, Hellbrunn Palace trick fountains, Hallstatt Alpine Village, Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Munich’s Hofbräuhaus, Nymphenburg Palace, Dachau Concentration Camp, Germany’s Romantic Road, and Neuschwanstein Castle.
Arrival
Overseas flight. I know you are busy and tired. Trust me and book the flight out on the evening of your last day at work. Preparation is the key to surviving long-haul flights. Layout your airplane outfit and have your packed bag by the door ready to go. Zip home after work, change your clothes, wash your face, brush your teeth, and head to the airport. Enjoy a glass of wine and take an original strength Dramamine to sleep on the plane. You will arrive in Germany in time to check into your hotel, see some sites and enjoy a beer before going to bed.
Day 1-3 Berlin Germany
This itinerary begins in Berlin Germany. Arrive as early as possible on Day 1. Take the Airport Express to the Berlin Central Station. An ABC ticket is required to get to the city center. Check into your hotel for 3 nights. Grab an espresso and head to the Berlin Wall Memorial. Follow this 72 Hours in Berlin Germany itinerary and spend the next several days exploring the highlights of Berlin, including, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, Charlottenburg Palace, Reichstag Building, East Side Gallery, and more. If the schedule allows, add a day trip to Potsdam Palaces. Check the Germany Tourism Board for current festivals and events.
READ Complete Germany Travel Guide
Day 4 Dresden Germany
Take the 7 am train from Berlin to Dresden and arrive at 9 am. I do not normally recommend hotels, we all have different price points. I stayed at the Intercity Hotel across from the station and was provided a free transportation card to the city center. No thrills, clean, and super convenient, you might want to check it out. Check into your hotel for 1 night and head to the city center. Follow this 24 Hours in Dresden Germany itinerary to ensure you do not miss Bruhl’s Terrace, Dresden Castle, Frauenkirche, Processions of Princes, and Zwinger Terrace.
Day 5-6 Prague Czech Republic
Take another 7 am train from Dresden to Prague. Arrive at 9:30 and check into your hotel for 4 nights. Be sure to book your hotel for 4 nights (2 days in Prague plus day trips). Spend the day exploring Old Town Square and watch the Astronomical Clock. Be sure to visit Prague Castle, Golden Lane, the Lennon Wall, Dancing Houses, and Malá Strana. Follow this 48 Hours in Prague Czech Republic detailed hour-by-hour itinerary. Check the Czech Republic Office of Tourism for current festivals and events.
READ Complete Czech Republic Travel Guide
Day 7 Cesky Krumlov Czech Republic
Take a day trip to Cesky Krumlov. Cesky Krumlov is an easy day trip from Prague and has all the makings of a fairy tale. The castle overlooks the town of narrow, cobblestone streets curving along the Vltava River, streets are full of frescoed buildings, red rooftops, and rolling green hills. There are many organized tours to Cesky Krumlov that include visiting the castle, a walking tour of the city, and lunch. It is also possible to DIY this trip by booking a train ticket from the Prague Central Train Station to Cesky Krumlov with 1 change in at České Budějovice. The train departs as early as 6 am and arrives at 9 am. It is a 10-minute walk from the train station to the town. Pro Tip: Be sure to bring your passport, the train conductor does ask for it.
Day 8 Karlovy Vary Czech Republic
Take a day trip to Karlovy Vary. Karlovy Vary is a spa town two hours outside of Prague known for its 300+ hot springs of healing water and medical treatments. The city sits along the Teplá River and is full of cobblestone streets and pastel Art Nouveau buildings. The easiest way to DIY this day trip is by a 2-hour bus ride. Buses depart next to the train station. Flixbus leaves Prague at 8:30 am and arrives in Karlovy Vary at 10:40. It is a 10-minute walk to the city center. The return bus leaves at 6:30 pm and arrives in Prague at 8:40pm.
Days 9-10 Krakow Poland
Take the earliest discount flight available from Prague to Krakow Poland (check KLM). Take the airport train to the Kraków Main Train Station. Check into your hotel for 2 nights. I stayed at the PURO Krakow Stare Miastro and it was very convenient. Follow this 48 Hours in Krakow Poland itinerary and spend the next several days exploring Market Square, Wawel Castle, the Jewish Ghetto, and Schindler’s Factory. Book an organized day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mine for day two. Pro tip: tickets to Schindler’s Factory sell out, be sure to prepurchase. Check the Poland Office of Tourism for current festivals and events.
READ Complete Poland Travel Guide
Days 11-12 Budapest Hungary
Take the earliest discount flight from Krakow to Budapest Hungary (check LOT). Check into your hotel for 2 nights. Follow this 48 Hours in Budapest Hungary itinerary and spend the next several days exploring: walk across the Chain Bridge, tour Parliament Building, check out the view from Fisherman’s Bastion, visit Buda Castle, relax at Szechenyi Thermal Bath, and have a drink in a Ruin Bar. Check the Hungary Office of Tourism for current festivals and events.
READ Complete Hungary Travel Guide
Day 13 Bratislava Slovakia
Train tickets from Budapest to Bratislava are not available online. You must purchase the train ticket from Budapest Nyugati Station to Bratislava Main Station in Budapest. Take the earliest train available. Store your bags outside of the train station on platform 1. Take bus number X13 or a taxi to the city center. Follow this 24 Hours in Bratislava Slovakia itinerary and spend the day wandering the old town. Be sure to visit Bratislava Castle, see the Presidential Palace, and check out the view from the UFO Bridge. Return to the train station, collect your bags, and continue another hour on the train to Vienna. Pro tip: I spent the night in Bratislava, a better use of time is to continue on to Vienna on Day 13 in order to sleep in a little on Day 14.
READ Complete Guide to Slovakia
Days 14-15 Vienna Austria
Arrive in Vienna in the evening and check into your hotel for 3 nights. Follow this 48 Hours in Vienna Austria itinerary and spend the next several days exploring: Spend the next two days visiting the Hofburg Palace, Austrian National Library, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Charles Church, Vienna Opera House, Belvedere Palace, and Hundertwasserhaus. Vienna is the place to indulge, be sure to allow time to sit and relax with chocolate cake at as many outdoor cafes as you can fit into your schedule. Check the Austria Office of Tourism for current festivals and events.
READ Complete Austria Travel Guide
Days 16-17 Salzburg Austria
Leave Vienna on the 6:30 am train to Salzburg and arrive at 9 am Check into the hotel for 3 nights. Follow this 48 hours in Salzburg itinerary to explore the city. Do not miss Hohensalzburg Castle, Mirabell Palace, Residenzplatz, Hellbrunn Palace trick fountains, Salzburg Cathedral, and Sphaera. Pro tip: if you are needing to eliminate a stop, Salzburg is an amazing city and is not the one to cut out.
Day 18 Hallstatt Austria
Take a Day Trip to Hallstatt Austria. Hallstatt is a picture-perfect lakeside Alpine village with half-timber homes climbing up a cliff. Hallstatt’s lake is full of swans, the streets are lined with balconies of flowers and there is a waterfall backdrop to the entire scene. It is possible to DIY this trip but it requires a few connections. You have saved a lot of money DIYing the rest of the trip so splurge on this one. There are several organized tours available based on your preference. I chose the tour that included a trip to the Five Fingers viewing platform in the Alps. There are options that include a trip to a salt mine with a slide or to an ice cave with frozen waterfalls. Pro tip: all locations are on top of the mountain and a long walk from the cable car drop-off, you will need a coat and possibly mittens.
Day 19 Innsbruck Austria
Take the 7 am train from Salzburg to Innsbruck. Check into the hotel for 1 night. Immediately take the shuttle from Innsbruck Hbf to Swarovski Crystal World. Photograph the Giant and explore the Chambers of Wonder. Return to the city at noon and have lunch in a café on Maria-Theresien-Straße, wander the old town and photograph the Golden Roof, visit Hofburg Imperial Palace and Hofkirche Church before taking the Nordkette Cable Car up the mountain for sunset. Here is an itinerary for 24 Hours in Innsbruck Austria.
Day 20-21 Munich Germany
Take the 7:20 am train to Munich. Check into the hotel for 4 nights. Use this 72 Hours in Munich itinerary to spend the next 2 days exploring the city and add a day trip to Dachau Concentration Camp. Be sure to visit Hofbrauhaus, Marienplatz, Munich Residenz, Eisbachwelle, the English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, Karlsplatz.
Day 22 Nuremberg, Bamberg or Rothenburg Germany
Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Rothenburg Germany are Bavarian fairy tale towns reached from Munich by train. Nuremberg is the second-largest city in Bavaria and is well known for its incredible Christmas markets and infamous Nuremberg trials. Do not miss Konigstrasse, the Imperial Castle, and the city walls when visiting the city. Nuremberg is an easy train ride from Munich, direct trains are 1.5 hours. Here is how to spend a day in Nuremberg Germany
Bamberg is Insta-famous for its Altes Rathaus set in the middle of the river. Do not miss the Bamberg Cathedral, Hofhaltung, Neue Residenz, and Klein Venedig before leaving the city. Bamberg is an easy train ride from Munich, direct trains are 2h 20m. Here is how to spend a day in Bamberg Germany
Rothenburg is Insta-famous for Plönlein Corner. The city is full of half-timbered homes with wooden bay windows and turrets, red rooftop views from the city walls and towers, metal signage, and year around Christmas. A DIY day trip to Rothenburg from Munich by train requires at least one train change, takes 5+ hours, and is expensive. I chose to book an organized day trip that included a stop at Harburg Castle. It was a long day on a bus but I’m glad I did it. Here is how to spend a day in Rothenburg Germany
Day 23 Neuschwanstein Castle
Is Neuschwanstein Castle on your bucket list? This castle is one the most recognized in the world thanks to Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. The visit includes 2 castles, a waterfall, and an alpine lake. The town at the bottom of the hill is super cute and worth a look as well. This is at the end of your journey and chances are high you will be tired, tours to Neuschwanstein Castle are available from Munich. To DIY this trip, first, take a train from Munich Hbf to Füssen. Trains run hourly and it is a 2.5-hour ride. Next, take bus 73 or 78 from Füssen to Hohenschwangau, this is a 10-minute ride. Now switch to a private bus up the hill to the castle, then walk about 15 minutes to the entrance. Pro tip: it might seem like a good idea to walk up the hill. Be aware it is a 45-60 minute walk and parts of the hill are steep. Your entrance ticket is timed and if you miss your time you won’t be allowed in. Actually, you might be allowed in if you swallow your pride and cry (like I did), but the ticket person is very stern. Here is how to plan a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
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