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Trip Report

A quick trip through Central Europe

A quick trip through a few capital cities of Central Europe

  • Budapest+ 6
  • Budapest
  • Budapest
  • A quick trip through Central Europe
travelbugz
About Me:I caught the travel bug early and have been looking for new adventures since then. My traveling has evolved over the years, and these days I have been trying to travel more slowly and in a more eco-friendly manner. read more

EuropeHungary, Austria, Czechia13 days / December 2017

Highs & Lows

This area is a wealth of history!

Going in December means cold temperatures.

Itinerary Overview

Budapest

As the legend goes, early Hungarian people were part of a tribe in Central Asia. When they were searching for lands to settle, an eagle landed in present day Hungary and that was where they settled. Today, Budapest is the capital city of country. Here, you can see both old Hungarian traditions, influences of the country’s time as a satellite state under the USSR, and a modern youthful culture.

 

Must Sees:

  • A traditional bath house: located throughout the city, these traditional bath houses have large communal pools and saunas. It’s really a gathering place for everyone.
  • Visit both sides of the city! Technically, Budapest is comprised of hilly Buda and flat Pest by a beautiful bridge. See both sides to get a better idea of the city.
  • Have a drink in one of the “ruin pubs” - rundown vibes but with some cool art installations

Must Eat:

  • Central Market Hall: sample some of the local delicacies like goulash and langos from this popular market.

Vienna

Vienna has the grandeur of France but with the practicality of Germany. Well designed and similarly brimming with history, Vienna is a beautiful place to visit.

Must Sees:

  • Watch a classical music show: With Vienna being the home to previous residents such as Mozart and Beethoven, you feel inspired here! Go to any one of the symphony walls to spend a night listening to some beautiful classical music.
  • St Stephen’s Cathedral: climb the 343 steps up to towers to be rewarded with unforgettable views of Vienna
  • Hofburg Palace: Once the seat to the mighty Austro-Hungarian empire and belonging to the Hapsburg until 1918, an elegant palace to visit.

Must Eats:

  • Drinks at the Christmas Markets: Just like Germany, Austria does it big during the winter with its Christmas Markets. Keep yourself warm with some mulled wine or ciders spiked with something a bit harder.
  • Cake at Cafe Central: Try one of the cakes at this world famous cafe and you won’t regret it!

Prague

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is known as the city of one hundred spirals, and you can certainly see that when you arrive! The ornate Romanesque architecture transports you to another world. On our trip to Prague in the winter, we spent most of the time exploring and taking pictures of all the beautiful buildings with the wide walls and spiraling towers. Plus, because it was winter time, we also enjoyed the Christmas markets!

Must-Sees:

  • Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock: probably the most popular place in town and really the heart of the city. Watch the clock strike on the hour for a beautiful surprise.
  • Prague Castle: the largest ancient castle in the world deserves a visit, and till the seat of the President of the Czech Republic.
  • Charles Bridge: also an interesting place for architecture, a bridge with statues of life size Catholic saints bordering both sides

Must Eats:

  • Trdelnik, or chimney cake: They sell this all over the Christmas markets, and the warm bread covered in sugar and cinnamon is perfect for a cold day.

A warm pastry with some mulled wine - the perfect way to end our trip in Central Europe!

  • 5 Nights: Budapest
    A distinct culture located in the middle of Europe
  • 3 Nights: Vienna
    Experience the grandeur of Austria
  • 5 Nights: Prague
    See the dramatic spirals of Prague
Budapest - A distinct culture located in the middle of Europe
1

Budapest A distinct culture located in the middle of Europe

Budapest - A distinct culture located in the middle of Europe - null
Budapest - A distinct culture located in the middle of Europe - null
Budapest - A distinct culture located in the middle of Europe - null

As the legend goes, early Hungarian people were part of a tribe in Central Asia. When they were searching for lands to settle, an eagle landed in present day Hungary and that was where they settled. Today, Budapest is the capital city of country. Here, you can see both old Hungarian traditions, influences of the country’s time as a satellite state under the USSR, and a modern youthful culture.

 

Must Sees:

  • A traditional bath house: located throughout the city, these traditional bath houses have large communal pools and saunas. It’s really a gathering place for everyone.
  • Visit both sides of the city! Technically, Budapest is comprised of hilly Buda and flat Pest by a beautiful bridge. See both sides to get a better idea of the city.
  • Have a drink in one of the “ruin pubs” - rundown vibes but with some cool art installations

Must Eat:

  • Central Market Hall: sample some of the local delicacies like goulash and langos from this popular market.

 

Vienna - Experience the grandeur of Austria
2

Vienna Experience the grandeur of Austria

Vienna - Experience the grandeur of Austria - null
Vienna - Experience the grandeur of Austria - null
Vienna - Experience the grandeur of Austria - null

Vienna has the grandeur of France but with the practicality of Germany. Well designed and similarly brimming with history, Vienna is a beautiful place to visit.

Must Sees:

  • Watch a classical music show: With Vienna being the home to previous residents such as Mozart and Beethoven, you feel inspired here! Go to any one of the symphony walls to spend a night listening to some beautiful classical music.
  • St Stephen’s Cathedral: climb the 343 steps up to towers to be rewarded with unforgettable views of Vienna
  • Hofburg Palace: Once the seat to the mighty Austro-Hungarian empire and belonging to the Hapsburg until 1918, an elegant palace to visit.

 

Must Eats:

  • Drinks at the Christmas Markets: Just like Germany, Austria does it big during the winter with its Christmas Markets. Keep yourself warm with some mulled wine or ciders spiked with something a bit harder.
  • Cake at Cafe Central: Try one of the cakes at this world famous cafe and you won’t regret it!

 

Prague - See the dramatic spirals of Prague
3

Prague See the dramatic spirals of Prague

Prague - See the dramatic spirals of Prague - null
Prague - See the dramatic spirals of Prague - null
Prague - See the dramatic spirals of Prague - null

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is known as the city of one hundred spirals, and you can certainly see that when you arrive! The ornate Romanesque architecture transports you to another world. On our trip to Prague in the winter, we spent most of the time exploring and taking pictures of all the beautiful buildings with the wide walls and spiraling towers. Plus, because it was winter time, we also enjoyed the Christmas markets!

Must-Sees:

  • Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock: probably the most popular place in town and really the heart of the city. Watch the clock strike on the hour for a beautiful surprise.
  • Prague Castle: the largest ancient castle in the world deserves a visit, and till the seat of the President of the Czech Republic.
  • Charles Bridge: also an interesting place for architecture, a bridge with statues of life size Catholic saints bordering both sides

Must Eats:

  • Trdelnik, or chimney cake: They sell this all over the Christmas markets, and the warm bread covered in sugar and cinnamon is perfect for a cold day.

A warm pastry with some mulled wine - the perfect way to end our trip in Central Europe!

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    It gets cold in December - bring more layers!
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    Find boots that are both waterproof and comfortable to walk in.
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Try all the foods in the Christmas markets.
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Take the free walking tours in each city - there’s so much to learn!
  • Transportation Tips?

    Walking and the bus are the way to go.
  • Any surprises?

    Learn why Hungarian is unlike any other language in Europe