Planning to spend 2 weeks in Central Europe is one of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful towns and cities on the continent without breaking the bank. The countries of Hungary, Czechia, Poland, Austria and the like have so much to offer visitors including fairytale-like Old Towns, beautiful natural scenery, and unique national cuisines.
If you want an introduction to Europe, are keen to dip your toe into Eastern Europe or are just interested in this unique and beautiful part of the world, you can’t go wrong with exploring the lovely nations that make up Central Europe.

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How Many Days in Central Europe?
If you only have a short amount of time to play around with and want to get the most out of your trip to this region, I would recommend planning to spend no fewer than 10 days for your trip.
A 10-day Central Europe itinerary is enough to give you a good feel for the region, however, it will likely prevent you from digging deeper and visiting more offbeat areas or spending longer in various destinations.
If you can, we think that the ideal period of time for a short trip is 2 weeks. Spending a fortnight will allow you to hit some top cities in the region and also give you the chance to really get to know various countries and smaller towns and municipalities.
You can both get the opportunity to dig a bit deeper and gain a good understanding of the region while also still whetting your appetite for where you can visit next time you get a chance to travel to Central Europe.
One thing to keep in mind no matter how long you have to dedicate to your Central Europe travel itinerary is that it is impossible to see absolutely everything so make sure to prioritise what you want to visit.

Getting Around Central Europe
If you’re planning to rely on public transportation while on your Central Europe trip, then your best bet in most countries would be to plan to get from city to city by the wonderful train.
Train travel in a lot of Europe is some of the best in the world and, for the majority of Central European countries, this region is no exception.
Trains are typically reliable, reasonably quick, and comfortable and there are ample routes between major municipalities that you’re unlikely to be standard or have to make a million connections so long as you’re not going too far off the typically trodden path.

Trains are generally fairly affordable, however, if you want to get the best prices, it is always a good idea to book your journey at least a few days, if not a few weeks, in advance.
The bus is another good, viable option for intercity transit in Central Europe. Bus routes and plentiful and the typical quality of the coaches is good, as well.
Bus journeys tend to be slightly more affordable than train journeys, however, they are also not nearly as comfortable and tend to be a bit slower as you have to contend with traffic, etc.
I recommend booking through Omio for both bus and train routes.
If you want to have a bit more flexibility, have an easier time at getting off the beaten path, or simply don’t want to be at the mercy of inconvenient train or bus timetables, then renting a car could be a good option for you.
While you really don’t need a car in big cities and towns in Central Europe (all of the city centres are incredibly walkable and public transit is quite good), it can be really helpful if you want to get out into nature or visit some areas with fewer public transit connections.
If you’re interested in hiring a car in Central Europe, we suggest using Rentalcars.com in order to find great prices on a car rental.

Prague-Vienna-Budapest Itinerary
The most iconic route is arguably an itinerary through the incredible cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Visiting the capital cities of the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary is sure to leave you starry-eyed and ignite your wanderlust to explore the region in more depth.
Taking 2 weeks for a Budapest-Vienna-Prague itinerary is quite ideal as it allows you to explore these three incredible cities while also stopping at a few great places and smaller towns and cities in between.
Days 1-3: Prague
Start in the incredible, iconic Czech capital of Prague. This city is incredibly famous and popular for a reason: it is absolutely beautiful, deeply historic, easy to navigate and packed with fun and interesting things to do.
Because you have three full days to spend in Prague, you also have the opportunity to cover quite a bit of ground and really get to know this great city.
Of course, make sure to take the time to visit all the top spots in Prague including the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter, the Lennon Wall and much more. It’s also vital that you take the time to sample some traditional Czech cuisine and, of course, the inimitable Czech Pilsner.
Czechia has some of the best beer in the entire world and it is such an important part of the culture that you really can’t miss sampling some of this iconic beverage. Oh, a pint is also famous for being cheaper than a bottle of water — so make sure to enjoy those affordable prices in Prague!
If you’re interested in seeing more of the Czech Republic beyond its capital, use one of the days in this itinerary to go on a day trip. There are countless amazing places to visit from Prague and it is sure to give you a great view of what life is like in Czechia.
If you want to get a bit off the typical tourist trail, it is possible to head to the incredible town of Olomouc as a day trip. You could also head west and visit cities like Karlovy Vary or Pilsen.
After enjoying several great days in Prague, it’s time to head on to your next destination!
Where to Stay in Prague
Miss Sophie’s Downtown – A boutique hotel in Prague 1, this is a great base for exploring the Old Town and the rest of the city. There are several plush rooms on offer along with a fab buffet breakfast each morning.
Grand Hotel Bohemia – An opulent hotel in the centre of the Old Town, this place has beautiful rooms and suites to choose from, an on-site restaurant and bar and a superb breakfast.
Onefam Miru – This 40-bed hostel in the Vinohrady neighbourhood makes for a great base for exploring Prague. They offer a range of rooms to choose from and a central location within easy reach of the tourist sites but far enough away to give you a local feel.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Prague!

Day 4: Cesky Krumlov
Though often treated as a day trip, plan to leave Prague on your fourth day and head south to spend a night in gorgeous Cesky Krumlov. Known for being one of the most picturesque towns in the Czech Republic, you would be forgiven for thinking that you’ve been transported into a fairytale.
Cesky Krumlov is often struggling under the weight of overtourism, so it’s a good idea to spend a night here in order to minimise your impact on this small town.
And while you’re here, there is quite a lot to do. Take the time to get lost in the old town, wander through the massive Cesky Krumlov castle and simply enjoy the scenery along the Vltava River.
Where to Stay in Cesky Krumlov
Pension Kristian – This plush hotel is located a stone’s throw from the castle. They have plenty of great rooms and also offer free on-site parking for those on a road trip.
Pension Faber – Centrally located, this is a great mid-range option in Cesky Krumlov. Located in the Old Town, they have several comfortable rooms and a friendly and helpful staff.
Hostel Postel – Backpackers will love this hostel located right in the old town. They have both dorms and private rooms to choose from along with good self-catering facilities and common areas.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cesky Krumlov hotels!

Day 5-6: Salzburg
Over the next two days, it’s time to leave the Czech Republic and venture south into beautiful Austria. And your next stop will be the historic city of Salzburg.
Famous as the filming location for The Sound of Music and as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is also home to some of the most iconic Christmas markets in the region if you happen to be visiting in December.
With two days in Salzburg, you will have time to visit the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, wander through the old town, see the gardens at Mirabell Palace and maybe even visit a traditional Austrian beer all at the Augustiner Brau brewery.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
Gästehaus im Priesterseminar – Located in the centre of Salzburg, this mid-range hotel is an excellent choice in Salzburg. There are lots of different rooms to choose from and a fab breakfast available.
Boutique Hotel Auersperg – This boutique hotel is a good choice for those looking for an elegant stay in Salzburg. A family-run institution, there are several plush rooms available and an unbeatable location.
Yoho International Youth Hostel – Located in a lovely, local neighbourhood within easy reach of the top attractions, this hostel is great for backpackers They have a range of dorms and even show The Sound of Music nightly.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Salzburg hotels!

Days 7-10: Vienna
One of the most iconic cities to visit on any Central European trip is Vienna, Austria’s gorgeous capital. Known for its grand architecture, fantastic cafe culture and beautiful cityscapes, Vienna is really an incredible city to visit.
Take at least two days to explore the city to its fullest, taking in all of the main sites like the Hofburg Palace, Vienna State Opera House, Schonbrunn Palace, the Spanish Riding School, Belvedere Palace and many others.
Also, no visit to the Austrian capital would be complete without spending a least a little bit of time relaxing in a streetside cafe and experiencing the famous coffee and pastry culture that Vienna is so well known for.
It is also a great idea to go on a day trip. One of the most popular is to the Slovak capital of Bratislava, which is only about an hour from Vienna.
You could also head to Austria’s lovely second city of Graz, which is also a great place to visit as a day trip (or to spend more time if you want to extend your trip)!

Where to Stay in Vienna
Motel One Wien Westbahnhof – A great, centrally located hotel that is situated close to the main train station. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms and there is an option to include breakfast in the morning.
Hotel Brauhof Wien – If you’re after a bit of luxury in Vienna, then this 4-star hotel is a great option for you. Centrally located, they have numerous chic, clean and comfortable rooms available and great amenities to make your stay in Austria’s capital a great one.
Hostel Ruthensteiner – A great, family-run hostel that is perfect for budget backpackers and solo travellers. They have both private rooms and dorm beds available and great common areas to meet other travellers.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vienna hotels!
Days 11-14: Budapest
One of the most iconic cities to have on any Central Europe itinerary has got to be Budapest. Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Budapest is full of incredibly interesting things to do and offers so much beyond its main sights.
Take your first few days in Budapest to visit the top sights un the Hungarian capital, including the Parliament Building, Andrassy Utca, the Citadel, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and Matthias Church, the Dohany Street Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter and the moving shoes on the Danube memorial.
Of course, no trip to Budapest is complete without taking the time to soak in a thermal bath in at least one of its iconic bathhouses, taking a leisurely stroll along the Danube River, and partying until dawn at the famous ruin bars.
There are so many things to do in Budapest during the time allotted in this itinerary that I wouldn’t even recommend taking a day trip during this time.

Where to Stay in Budapest
Butterfly Home Danube – A lovely boutique hotel located close to the banks of the Danube on the Pest side of the city. They offer a range of private rooms with breakfast included daily.
Monastery Boutique Hotel – A wonderful luxury option, this boutique hotel is located a stone’s throw from Fisherman’s Bastion in the quiet Buda side of the city. They are a range of plush rooms on offer and numerous other amenities to ensure that you have the best time in the Hungarian capital as possible.
Lavender Circus Hostel – A small cosy hostel that is well located and the staff go out of their way to ensure travellers meet each other and have a good time.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Budapest!
Have More Time?
If you have more than two weeks and want to expand on this Prague-Vienna-Budapest itinerary, then you have a lot of options available. First off, you could visit a few more places in the Czech Republic — including Olomouc, the second-largest city of Brno or the industrial city of Ostrava.
You could also extend by heading into Poland and exploring the cities of Krakow, Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Poznan.
If you’re interested in seeing more of Austria, consider heading south to the country’s second-largest city of Graz.

Hungary-Slovakia-Poland Itinerary
If you’re more interested in heading a bit off the well-trodden path, then this is a great route for you! Starting is the wonderful city of Budapest, this itinerary instead winds you through Slovakia, into the imposing High Tatras and onto some charming Polish cities.
Days 1-4: Budapest
Begin in Budapest, which is an excellent starting point when exploring this area of the world as it can act as a gateway to Eastern Europe.
And while I think that the more days you have to spend in Budapest, the better, the three full days allotted in this itinerary is more than sufficient to get a great feel for the city, see its top sites, and even venture a bit deeper into the Hungarian capital.
Days 5-6: Bratislava
From Budapest, hop on a train or bus (or rental car!) to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava! This capital city is quite small and often only visited as a day trip from Vienna, however, you can a bit more out of the city if you opt to spend a night and one full day here.
You can take your time when it comes to visiting the top sites and wandering through the charming Old Town, where you would be a bit rushed if you only had a day trip here.
While Bratislava certainly isn’t the most beautiful or exciting of Central European capitals, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth visiting and you’re sure to enjoy yourself in this lovely, compact city.
Where to Stay in Bratislava
Smart & Green Living by Ambiente – This is a wonderful place to stay in Bratislava if you want a clean and comfortable self-catering apartment with hotel-like amenities. There are a range of different apartments available and its central location is ideal for exploring the Slovak capital.
Hostel Folks – If you’re travelling on a budget or solo, then this hostel is an excellent choice. There are a range of dorm beds available, great common areas, and a convenient central location making it the perfect base to explore Bratislava.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bratislava hotels!

Days 7-8: High Tatras
After spending a day in the Slokavian capital, it’s time to head to the incredible High Tatras that straddle northern Slovakia and southern Poland. These beautiful mountains are popular retreats for locals but tend to see fewer foreign tourists, especially on the Slovak side.
If you’re interested in visiting the Tatras in Poland, one of the most popular and developed towns to is Zakopane, which is great as a summer retreat for hiking and mountain sports and also an affordable winter skiing destination.
On the Slovakian side, consider heading to sleepier Ždiar, which doesn’t get nearly the amount of tourism as Zakopane but has its own charm and is very much worth visiting. It is also a ski resort in the wintertime.
Days 9-12: Krakow
From the chilled-out vibes of the mountains, it’s time to head to another of the most iconic cities in Central Europe — Krakow. This beautiful city is compact and absolutely charming and very much worth exploring for a few days.
We recommend planning to spend 3 days in Krakow, which is plenty of time to see the Old Town and castle, explore the trendy Kazimierz quarter, visit some of the city’s moving museums and to go on a day trip or two.
If you’re visiting Krakow, note that it is within easy reach of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp museum. This makes for an excellent and important, though harrowing, day trip. Alternatively, consider visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine which is definitely more lighthearted.

Where to Stay in Krakow
Q Hotel Kraków – A great mid-range hotel, located a little outside the city centre but well connected by public transport. There are a range of clean and comfortable rooms to choose from with the option to include breakfast.
PURO Krakow Kazimierz – An excellent luxury option in Krakow, this cool hotel is located in the hip and trendy Kazimierz neighbourhood of the Polish city. They have a number of chic rooms available and even a spa and wellness centre to take the stress out of all of your travels.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Krakow
Days 13-14: Wroclaw
On your final stop, it’s time to get a bit off the beaten tourist path in Poland and head to one of the country’s most charming cities, Wroclaw. This city is compact but oozing with personality and classic Central European vibes that you’re sure to fall in love in the short time you have here.
Known for being a vibrant student city, Wroclaw also has a lot of quirks hidden throughout it’s classic Polish Old Town. One of the most fun things to do in Wroclaw is to go “dwarf hunting.” Basically, there are countless small dwarf statues scattered throughout the city centre and they’re always up to something different.
There are also many lush parks and even some islands in the river to hang out on, as well.
Where to Stay in Wroclaw
PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto – A modern hotel located a few hundred metres from the Old Town Square, this is a great place to stay in Wroclaw for couples or solo travellers. There is an option to include breakfast in the daily rate.
Grampa’s Hostel – A budget traveller’s dream as it offers free breakfast, free dinners some days of the week and also organises a range of great social activities that make it easy to meet other travellers.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Wroclaw
Have More Time?
If you have time, consider spending more time exploring Poland, including heading to the capital of Warsaw, onto the charming town of Poznan or even to the historic Baltic port town of Gdansk.
If you have lots of time to play around with, you can always combine this itinerary with the extended stops in Poland and then onto the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Czechia-Poland Itinerary
If you’re looking to dig deep into a couple of destinations during your time in Central Europe, consider spending time in both the Czech Republic and Poland. These countries have quite a bit to offer visitors and so many tourists don’t venture beyond the most popular cities.
Days 1-3: Prague
Begin this itinerary in Prague, the Czech capital. Spend your first couple of days exploring the city and then maybe another day on a day trip to one of the many places surrounding the capital.
Day 4: Cesky Krumlov
From Prague, head south and plan to spend then night in gorgeous Cesky Krumlov. There is a lot to love about this town and it’s delightful to wander around in the evenings, after the day trip crowds have dispersed.
Days 5-6: Olomouc
From Prague, hop on a train or bus to one of our favourite cities in the region, Olomouc! This small Czech city is absolutely beautiful and it has yet to be “discovered” by mass tour groups, so you can really enjoy all of its traditional charms.
Olomouc has a large student population that gives it a young and vibrant energy and a lovely old town that is sure to take your heart. There are lots of things to see and do in Olomouc and make sure you take the time to really enjoy the laid-back vibes of this unique and beautiful city.

Where to Stay in Olomouc
Miss Sophie’s Hotel – An excellent boutique hotel in a renovated house that offers a range of private rooms suitable for couples and families. There is the option to include breakfast in your daily rate and the staff can help organise your time in Olomouc.
Long Story Short – A funky hostel that is spread across two floors in a renovated apartment in central Olomouc. There’s a large common room and the staff have plenty of recommendations on things to do and day trips in the area.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Olomouc
Days 7-10: Krakow
From Olomouc, it’s time to head to Krakow and enjoy a few days exploring this iconic city. Make sure to take in the main site, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and trendy culture, but also take the time to learn about its heartbreaking history.
Spend three full days in Krakow before heading onto…
Days 11-12: Wroclaw
End your itinerary in the charming city of Wroclaw and enjoy its more laid-back vibes and quirky personality.
Though we love Wroclaw and actually find it to be one of our favourite cities in Poland, you can also choose to end this itinerary in the Polish capital of Warsaw.

Days 13-14: Warsaw
End your 2 weeks in the Polish capital of Warsaw, a bustling metropolis with a lot of history and things to offer visitors. Despite being the largest city in Poland, visitors can easily explore the highlights within the confines of two days, so it makes for an excellent place to visit to round out your itinerary.
Spend one day exploring Warsaw’s old town (which was entirely reconstructed after being demolished during WWII) and seeing the Royal Castle. Of course, no visit to the city is complete without indulging in your body weight’s worth of pierogi!
For the rest of your time in Warsaw take in some of the city’s top museums (such as the Warsaw Uprising Museum) and lounge in Lazienki Royal Park.
Have More Time?
If you have more time to devote to this itinerary, then you can easily spend more time and see more cities and towns in both the Czech Republic and in Poland.
In Czechia, consider visiting some other cities like Brno or Ostrava or even heading into nature with some hiking in the beautiful Jeseniky Mountains.
In Poland, head onto charming Poznan and spend some time wandering through beautiful Wielkopolska National Park.
If you’re interested in history and seaside charms, then consider venturing further north to explore the Baltic port city of Gdansk.

Planning out the ideal trip to Central Europe can be an overwhelming experience with so many different routes available. While there are countless things to see and cities to visit, spending 2 weeks (or more!) in this region is never something you’re going to regret.
Are you planning a trip to Central Europe? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Hi,
My husband and I are planning a 2 week, 14-16 day trip to Europe in May 2025. we want to visit multiple cities and do some travel through the countries. I want to go to either Amsterdam, Prague, Copenhagen, or Vienna. I have never been to these cities but my husband has, and he only wants to revisit one city again and go to other places he has not visited. We have a friend in Berlin and may want to go there and/ or Munich too. We were thinking or somewhere in Switzerland but heard that Zurich is expensive, and we don’t want to overspend. Any itinerary suggestions and what cities would be best? We may want to take an over night train if possible. Thank you for your suggestions.
Hi Rebecca, each of these cities has something super unique to offer so I can understand why you’re having trouble choosing where to visit! You could very easily do a trip over two weeks that includes Prague, Vienna, Berlin and Munich as all of these destinations are easily reached from each other. Both Copenhagen and Amsterdam are a bit further to reach and, you are correct, Switzerland is an expensive country to visit! Hope this helps and you’re able to plan a wonderful trip!
Hi, looking to do a 2 week trip starting in Krakow and ending in Budapest. Mid September 2025. I have been to Prague but my wife has not. I’m fine revisiting. Would like your thoughts on some other sites and surrounding towns and a suggested itinerary.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan – a good option may be doing the second itinerary listed in reverse. Start in Krakow, then go to Wroclaw, Slovakia and end in Budapest. Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Hi,
First let me thank you for the wonderful and of course very useful trip guides that you’ve been helping passionate travellers, with !!
My wife and I (both in our mid sixties) are weighing two options for a fortnight’s trip in early January 2025 –
1) – PRAGUE – SALZBURG – VIENNA – BUDAPEST
I have read your wonderfully detailed suggestions including visiting out and staying at OLOMOUC or KARLOVY VARY as well as CESKY KRUMLOV. Visting cities like GRAZ etc.
With not too much of a restriction on time, we can plan so as to cover the most at a comfortably easy pace.
The hurdle for us is TRANSPORTATION and daily commuting – We are most comfortable with a guide cum chauffeur who will take us along as our Man Friday of the trip. This is how we have covered Greece, Jordan, Central Asia, African countries etc. Renting a car on a self-drive would be something I would love to avoid.
It would be a very big and relieving assistance if you could please suggest some service providers from whom we could avail this facility ?
Alternatively
2) HELSINKI (including Porvoo and Turku) – ROVANIEMI (including Ivalo)
Here again we would like the same services of a Chauffeur driven car both for Helsinki and the Lapland region.
Sorry to bother you with such a lengthy post !
Regards
Soumitra Choudhury
India
Hi,
Me and my wife are planning to visit central Europe for 10-14 days to cover the most in one trip. We are flexible to include new destinations. We must have Prague, Budapest and some beautiful cities in Poland. Can you please help us with a good itinerary, where to stay, for how long, mode of travel etc. We shall be travelling from Colombo, Sri Lanka and need to keep Greece in the itinerary.
Very helpful information. We are working on a two week winter trip that (we think) needs to begin and end in Vienna. Is there a circular path that you would recommend that accomplishes that? Krakow seems too far, and we’ve been to Salzburg, although we could revisit. Would appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Margaret, thanks for your comment! A great Central European route that would work for two weeks could be Vienna-Graz-Maribor-Ljubljana-Vienna. Not too long of journey times between cities, they’re all absolutely lovely and you can easily get a lot out of them in a two-week period. Alternatively, you could head to Prague and travel a bit around the Czech Republic as well. Hope this helps!
Maggie and Michael. Wonderful to get your latest thoughts on Europe, especially with pictures. With more countries opening up it is certainly getting our travel mojo moving. Even here in Canada there is more talk of tourism. And those of us with 2 shots are very anxious to travel. Thanks again for the very motivational communication.
Happy to hear that you’re fully vaccinated and getting ready to travel again, David! Hope that you can hit the road and explore someplace new soon.
Hi Team,
We are travelling to Eastern central Europe, July 2019
we have booked sail trip around Croatia, though we have 3 days before we sail, we could fly from Prague to Zadar, or do a 3 day tour from Prague to Zadar through Bled, Lubjiana, Zagreb then plitvic lake Zadar, but having trouble working out the options.
Help
Hi Peter, I think 3 days isn’t enough to see all of Bled, Ljubiana and Zagreb! I’d suggest either picking one place to stop on the way or flying between Prague and Zadar and spending more time in the Czech Republic. Hope you have a great trip!
Hello Michael,
I am interested in your Poland Itinerary. You haven’t included Gdansk, is it worth visiting this place or is it better to discover Wroclaw instead?
I am interested in Warsaw and Krakow of course.
Is late April/early May a good time to visit Poland?
Look forward to hearing from you
Thank you,
Peter
Hi Peter, I haven’t been to Gdansk before, however, Wroclaw is my favourite city in Poland so I definitely recommend visiting there if you can! Weather can still be variable at that time of year but crowds will be a lot less than the summer months. Hope you have a great trip!
Gdansk is such a beautiful city, I would totally recommend to visit it. However, it is located in the very north of Poland which could become an inconvenience in terms of times and schedules