How I Explored Budapest, Vienna & Prague in 6 Days – Full Travel Itinerary

From architectural wonders to historic cafés, scenic river cruises, and vibrant street life—my journey through Budapest, Vienna, and Prague was nothing short of unforgettable. Here’s a glimpse into my 6-day Central European itinerary filled with travel tips, must-see attractions, and budget-friendly stays.

🏰 Days 1–2: Discovering the Charm of Budapest

Where I Stayed:

Hotel: Budapest Museum Central (€30–50/night) | View on Agoda
Located right next to the Hungarian National Museum, my apartment stay was super convenient. The neighborhood is lively yet calm, well-connected to the metro and walking distance to major attractions.

Day 1 Highlights:

I began my Budapest journey by strolling through the local markets, soaking in the vibe of this charming city. The architecture is simply stunning, with historic buildings lining the streets.
I explored souvenir shops, grabbed a few unique Hungarian keepsakes, and indulged in local street food—delicious and surprisingly affordable.

Note on Currency:
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro. I recommend keeping some cash for local shops and markets, although cards are widely accepted too.

Day 2 Itinerary: The Iconic Budapest Sights

Morning Time:

Chain Bridge – The perfect morning stroll connecting Buda and Pest.
Buda Castle & Fisherman’s Bastion – Incredible panoramic views and fairy-tale towers.
Hungarian Parliament Building – One of Europe’s most beautiful government buildings.

Afternoon:

Heroes’ Square – A historical monument worth visiting, especially at sunset.
St. Stephen’s Basilica – Don’t miss the Gelarto Rosa, famous for its flower-shaped gelato!

🌃 Evening Vibes:
I wrapped up the day at the Ruin Bars in the Jewish Quarter—an absolute must-do for nightlife lovers. Unique, artsy, and buzzing with energy.

💡 Getting Around Budapest:
I covered most places on foot, but also took a cab a couple of times—they’re cheap compared to Western Europe. Public transport is great too.
🎟️ Tip: Book your activities via GetYourGuide.com for skip-the-line access and curated experiences.

Videos About Budapest Travel

🎨 Days 3–4: Vienna – A City of Art, History & Elegance

🚆 Getting There:

I took a train from Budapest to Vienna—a smooth, scenic ride lasting just a few hours. Highly recommend it!

You can easily check schedules and book tickets online via Omio – Train Ticket Booking & Schedule: Budapest to Vienna.

Omio compares all options and helps you find the best deal.

Train ticket price: €50-60 (Book your tickets in advance to get cheaper prices—early morning trains usually cost less too (€20-30).)

For more details watch my Youtube video: Budapest To Vienna by Train.

Hotel Link: Pension Lerner (€100–120/night) – View On Agoda

Hotel Review: Pension Lerner is a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to stay in the center of Vienna. It’s perfect for travelers who want to be close to all the main sights without spending too much. The staff is friendly, the breakfast is great, and the rooms have everything you need. It’s not fancy, but it’s a great value for the price.

Day 3 Itinerary:

Morning:

Hofburg Palace – Former home of the Habsburgs, a history lover’s dream.
Spanish Riding School – The Lipizzaner stallions are majestic; book your spot in advance.
Kunsthistorisches Museum – Incredible art collection, one of my favorites.
MuseumsQuartier – Modern, artsy contrast to Vienna’s classical side.

Evening:

St. Stephen’s Cathedral – A Gothic masterpiece.
Café Central – Historical café with the most delicious cakes and classic Viennese ambiance.

Tip: Vienna is very walkable, but you can also get a 24-hour public transport pass via wien.info or the WienMobil App.

Also Read: Vienna Travel Guide : Best Things to Do, Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

Day 4 – Vienna Farewell Day

Hotel Link: Prize Hotel | View On Agoda

Hotel Review: Prize hotel (€80-110) Vienna-City is a clean, modern, and affordable hotel just a 5-minute walk from Vienna’s main train station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). It’s about 10 minutes by tram or subway to the city center, so getting around is very easy. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the location is perfect for travelers who want good transport access without spending too much.
Schönbrunn Palace – Stunning royal residence with expansive gardens.
Albertina Museum – World-renowned art pieces from Monet to Picasso.
Vienna State Opera – Even if you’re not into opera, the building itself is worth admiring.

Again, I highly suggest pre-booking your tickets on GetYourGuide to save time.

🏰 Days 5–6: Magical Prague – The City of a Hundred Spires

🚆 Getting There:

Another smooth train ride brought me from Vienna to Prague.

You can easily check schedules and book tickets online via Omio – Train Ticket Booking & Schedule: Vienna To Prague.

Omio compares all options and helps you find the best deal.

Train ticket price: €30-50 (Book your tickets in advance to get cheaper prices—early morning trains usually cost less too (€20-30).)

🏨 Where I Stayed:

FLEUR DE LIS HOTEL (€65–100) | View On Agoda

Fleur de Lis hits the sweet spot for budget‑minded travellers, Rooms typically run €65–100 a night with breakfast included, making it an attractive mid‑range option for Prague.

About 2–3km (roughly 15–20minutes) from the Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge While technically outside the bustling historic core, it offers a quieter, mostly residential setting with cafés and local restaurants nearby—a peaceful alternative for those preferring to stay slightly off the tourist path.

Day 5 – First Impressions of Prague

In the afternoon, I visited Old Town, explored the vibrant squares, and did some shopping—there are plenty of local shops offering souvenirs, crystals, and traditional Czech items at decent prices.

Evening Highlight:
The Vltava River Cruise gave me a mesmerizing view of Prague’s skyline at night. It’s a bit pricey, but totally worth it for the unforgettable sunset views.

Book Here: Prague: Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner

💡 Transport Tip:
Prague’s public transport system is reliable and budget-friendly. You can get a 24-hour or 72-hour pass that covers metro, tram, and buses.
If you prefer ride-hailing, Bolt and Uber are both available in Prague and are comparatively more affordable than in many Western European cities—making them great options for short trips or airport transfers.

Day 6 – Iconic Prague