Ultimate Central Europe Itinerary – Berlin, Prague, and Budapest Adventure
This itinerary includes three of my favourite cities that I can visit over and over again: Berlin, Prague and Budapest. I’ve written individual blogs about these cities, so if you plan to visit only one or two cities check them out:
But if you want to see more while you’re in Central Europe, I hope this blog can help with your travel planning. As usual, I will include some hidden gems and some scenic, unique travel photography spots.
Backpackers love this route since it’s easy to include in your European or Around-the-world itinerary. All three cities are still quite budget-friendly and have some great nightlife. Berlin serves as the Gateway to Central Europe and Budapest allows for easy onwards travel to Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
Discover Three Iconic Cities in Central Europe
The itinerary spans eight to nine days, with two to three days in each city. Berlin is the starting point as the airport is well connected with a good selection of international and intercontinental routes. Budapest has some good connections as well, especially if you are coming from Asia, Australia or New Zealand. Whichever direction you are travelling you’ll have a great time.
As always when visiting Europe, the best time to visit is Spring (April to June) or Autumn (September to November). Though all three cities have some great Christmas markets worth stopping by in December. But then it can get either rainy or snowy. Believe me, nothing beats mulled wine at a Christmas market when it snows.
It’s easy and comfortable to plan and travel between the cities by train as there are frequent trains every two hours.
Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
Day 1-3: Explore Berlin’s Rich History and Vibrant Culture
As mentioned, I would start in Berlin. If you arrive by plane, the city is easily reachable by S-Bahn or Bus. If you arrive by train, you either arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main train station) or Berlin Ostbahnhof. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is in the centre, and you can quickly get to other parts of town by S-Bahn, U-Bahn (subway), tram, or bus.
Berlin offers plenty of options for accommodation, be it Hostels, Hotels or Short-term rentals. If it’s your first time in town, best stay in Berlin Mitte as you’ll have easy access to all major attractions and public transport. More budget-friendly alternatives are hostels and hotels around Alexanderplatz. If you’re looking for a more local experience check Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.
Day 1 – Historical Gems along Unter-den-Linden
On your first day, explore the historical sights and places along the Unter-den-Linden Avenue. It’s the main street leading from the Brandenburg Gate all the way to the Museumsinsel, with Alexanderplatz being quite close too.
Start at most iconic sight: the Brandenburg Gate. Surrounding the Gate, you have a huge square and the infamous Adlon Hotel. Once you pass the gate from Pariser Platz, turn right towards the Reichstag. You can visit the Reichstag for free and go-up the Dome for some incredible panoramic views. You will have to make a reservation, but this can be easily arranged through the website. Afterwards, if you have a bit more time, make your way to the Siegessäule (Victory Column). The observation deck here is less crowded, offering equally stunning vistas. A spot you should not miss if you like travel photography.
After making getting back to the Brandenburg Gate, walk along Ebertstrasse to the south to visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. It’s an impressive maze-like structure with 2,710 columns. In the centre you’ll find some exhibition rooms documenting the persecution and extermination of the Jews of Europe.
Next head back to Unter-den-Linden and stroll along this impressive avenue. Make sure to get some food in one of the many restaurants along the way or in the side streets close by – I can recommend the area around Gendarmenmarkt.
From there it’s a short walk to the Berliner Schloss (Humboldt Forum), the German Historical Museum and the Museumsinsel. All these museums are worth a visit, but as you have limited time, I would recommend the German Historical Museum, the Altes Museum if you’re interest in ancient Greek and Roman history, or the Alte Nationalgalerie if you like paintings. The Pergamonmuseum is a must as well, but unfortunately, it’s temporarily closed for renovations.
For the end of day one, visit the Berliner Dome, also on the Museumsinsel. The cathedral is an impressive masterpiece from the 18th century and features an observation deck too. For dinner, head to Alexanderplatz or the area around the Hackescher Markt.
Day 2 – The Berlin Wall and a Tale of Two Germanys
The second day is dedicated to the recent history of Germany, in particular the separation of Berlin and Germanys. If you haven’t been yet to the German Historical Museum, I would start there. From the museum, make your way to the Tränenpalast. This is the former border station between East and West Berlin. It doesn’t just depict the tedious process Eastern Germans had to go through to enter the Western part, but also what the daily live looked like in East Germany. To be honest, it is that accurate that it was not easy to visit the first time, as it revoked quite some memories of when I passed this station before the reunifications when visiting West Berlin with my family.
From the train station Friedrichstrasse take the S-Bahn to Berlin Ostbahnhof and walk down to the East Side Gallery. This memorial preserved parts of the Berlin Wall with the graffiti from more than 100 artists. Perfect for some unique photos for your collection. Not far from the East Side Gallery, you have Markthalle Neuen, perfect for your lunch break. On the way there, don’t miss the Oberbaum Brücke with its unique towers, another great opportunity for travel photographers.
After lunch, head over to Checkpoint Charlie, connect to metro U6 and get off at stop Stadtmitte or Kochstrasse. This is the border point where back during the Cold War, tanks faced each other. Here you will also find a metal strip in the ground that marks the former border between the divided Germany. Close by, you have the Topography of Terror, a centre documenting the horrors of Nazisim. The building is the former Gestapo headquarters.
After all this history it’s time to explore one of the most vibrant and spawling neighbourhoods in Berlin: Kreuzberg. Visit one of the local beer gardens or, if you want to try the famous Currywurst (Berlin version of it at least), check Curry 36 on Mehringdamm. Craving a great Ramen? Go to Hako Ramen. Jazz-lovers make sure to stop by Yorkschlösschen for some great live music. For some crazy cocktails and a unique atmosphere, check out Zynkalibar.
Day 3 – Last-minute Adventures Before Heading to Prague
Depending on if you want to leave early for Prague or prefer to spend some more time in Berlin, you have different options. If you want to spend a bit more time in Berlin, Kurfürsten Damm (Ku Damm) is a great option for the morning. It’s the main shopping street in Berlin and offers something for everybody. Here you also find the remains of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
The train journey to Prague takes around 4 hours, so plan to leave in the early afternoon. One tip: make sure to sit on the left-hand side of the direction of travel to see the beautiful Saxon Switzerland along the river, after you pass Dresden. Perfect for travel photography, so get your camera ready.
Prague Castle at night
Day 3-6: Welcome to Prague: The Heart of Bohemia
After some history-laden days in Berlin, it’s now time to explore and enjoy another gem in Central Europe, loaded with history too, but also some amazing food and some of the best beer in the world: Prague.
As a first-time traveller to Prague, you should plan to stay in the Old Town or close to Wenceslas Square, which makes exploring much easier. For returning visitors, check the area behind the train station called Zizkov.
Day 3 – Evening Strolls and Initial Impressions
As you left Berlin in time to arrive in the early evening, you will have some time to settle into your accommodation and have a quick walk around the Old Town Square with the famous Astronomical Clock. The square and the buildings around it are beautifully lit up after dawn and definitely offer some great unique travel photos. Close to the square, you also have the Jewish quarter with some great places for dinner. Check Kolkovna V Kolkovně or Lokál Dlouhááá.
Day 4 – The Majestic Old Town and Castle District
After breakfast, start your visit with the Prague Castle. A short walk from the castle, you’ll find St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane. All of them are great for travel photography, and especially behind the castle you, have a stunning view over the city, including the iconic Charles Bridge.
Afterwards, make your way down to Mala Strana (Lesser Town). There are some great places for food – my favourite one is Lokál U Bílé kuželky. After lunch, explore the medieval part of town and don’t miss the John Lennon Wall.
Once done, either cross the Charles Bridge (if you haven’t done so yet) or Manes Bridge. Both options offer quite interesting perspectives of the Charles Bridge. Before or after dinner, stroll around Old Town. Make sure to walk along the river as well to have some great views and photo opportunities of the lit-up castle.
Day 5 - Jewish Heritage, Art, and Culture
Prague has a great Jewish heritage and played quite a significant role in Jewish life in Central Europe. Start the day with a visit to the Old Jewish Cemetery and some of the remaining Synagogues: Old New Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, and Maisel Synagogue. Don’t miss the Franz Kafka statue close to the Spanish Synagogue. The narrow streets with the beautiful buildings are perfect if you like street photography.
In the afternoon, visit one of the great parks in Prague. I like Letná Park and the park around Petrin Hill. Take a relaxing walk in either and take in the stunning panoramic views, ideal for travel photography. I prefer Petrin Hill as you have also the Petrin Tower (modelled after the Eiffel Tower), Vrtba Garden (a manicured baroque garden), and Strahov Monastery (for some great beer). You can either walk up the hill or take the funicular.
For dinner and the evening, explore Vinohrady district. You will find some trendy restaurants and cafes. There are some great bars and clubs too if you want to go out afterwards. Alternatively, you can take a boat ride with some dinner and enjoy some cocktails afterwards along the river.
Day 6 – Departure Preparations and Last-minute Sightseeing
On your last day in Prague either relax or explore the city a bit more. Visit Vyšehrad fortress or, if you haven’t visited the Petrin Tower yet, hike up there for some great morning views. If you want to leave only in the early evening for Budapest, you can also squeeze in a day trip to Kutná Hora to see the famous Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary).
The train ride to Budapest lasts between four and five hours, depending on the train you take. Ideally you leave in the early afternoon to arrive not too late in Budapest. Another alternative is the night train that will get you there overnight and will safe you one hotel-night in Budapest.
Parliament in Budapest
Day 6-8: Experience Budapest: The Queen of the Danube
Next, after some fun days exploring Prague, is Budapest. Budapest is known as the Queen of the Danube for good reason. The city is one of the most eloquent and majestic cities I know.
First-time visitor should stay on the Pest side, ideally along the Danube River or the Jewish Quarter, if you want to explore some of the fun nightlife and meet some fellow travellers. In these areas, you have easy access to the main sights and some of the best restaurants. Some of my favourite restaurants are in this area – I can recommend Kék Rózsa Étterem (The Blue Rose Restaurant), Gettó Gulyás, Kőleves Vendéglő and Mazel Tov (mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in a stylish setting).
Day 6 – Evening Walks and First Impressions
Once you dropped of your stuff in your accommodation, head out for an evening walk along the Danube Promenade for stunning views of the Parliament Building and Buda Castle lit up at night.
Day 7 – Discover Buda and Pest
Start of your first day in Budapest by heading up to Buda Castle – either hike up, take the bus, or funicular. Explore the castle and the surrounding buildings, but make sure to stop by the balcony with the stunning panoramic views. Perfect for travel photographers and some nice images. Then, stroll through the lovely cobble-stoned narrow streets to Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion – another spot for some great pictures.
Before heading down to the Chain Bridge, have lunch around Matthias Church. Cross the bridge and make your way to St. Stephen's Basilica. Inside the cathedral, take in the stunning interior and head up to the observation deck for some great views. After the Basilica, explore the Jewish Quarter and it’s streets, including one of the biggest synagogues in Europe: Dohány Street Synagogue (Great Synagogue). The Jewish Quarter is also great for dinner after exploring the town, and then some nightlife. Don’t miss out on the Ruins Pubs like Szimpla.
Day 8 – Relaxation and Exploration
After all the exploring and walking around Berlin, Prague and Budapest, take advantage of the many thermal baths in Budapest. Relax in the famous Széchenyi Baths (especially fun with the outside pool) or Gellért Baths.
After lunch, take a stroll along Andrássy Avenue and stop by the Hungarian State Opera House. Stunning if you love architectural or city-scape photography. From there, you can then take a ride in one of the oldest European metro lines to Heroes’ Square. The square itself offers many opportunities for some unique images. Next to the square is the Museum of Fine Arts and the City Park with Vajdahunyad Castle, a collection of historical buildings from around Hungary.
In the evening, take a river cruise on the Danube or try some more of delicious food in town.
Day 9 – Final Day Highlights and Farewell
On your least day in Budapest depending on when you have to head out, either go straight to the Airport or Train station or take advantage to explore a bit more of Budapest.
If you have some time left, visit the Great Market Hall for some last-minute souvenir shopping or lunch. You can also visit the Hungarian National Museum for some art and culture. If you have even more time, go on a day-tip to Szentendre for some more scenic street and travel photography.
Additional Tips
Essential Train Travel Tips for Central Europe
The easiest way to travel between the three cities is by train. You can search and book your tickets on one of the national carriers’ websites:
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and České dráhy (CD) for the Berlin to Prague route, and
České dráhy (CD) or MAV (Hungarian Railways) for Prague to Budapest.
Booking tickets in advance will get you better deals and preferred travel times.
Currency Tips: Navigating Berlin, Prague, and Budapest
Even though the Euro is widely used and accepted in Central Europe, only in Berlin the Euro (€) is the official currency. In Prague, you have the Czech koruna (CZK), and the Hungarian forint (HUF) in Budapest. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some local currency on hand is useful.
Wrap-Up: Making the Most of Your Central Europe Adventure
For sure, one week is not enough to experience and capture everything that Berlin, Prague, and Budapest have to offer. The outlined travel itinerary ensures a well-rounded mix of history, culture, and relaxation, making it a memorable journey through Central Europe.
If you have more time and want to explore the cities more, read the individual blogs for Berlin, Prague, and Budapest.
I hope with all the above, I could help you plan your next trip to Central Europe. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out if you need help with your travel planning.
For some visual inspiration, here are the links to my Berlin, Prague, and Budapest sites which hopefully give you some ideas of what to expect.
