Budapest to Prague: The Ultimate 2 Week Central Europe Itinerary (with a twist)

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Planning a Central Europe trip and thinking about the classic Budapest–Vienna–Prague route?

This itinerary follows that same general path—but with a twist. Instead of rushing through big cities, we slowed down and added stops that gave our trip more depth, charm, and character.

Think: medieval towns, fairytale castles, thermal baths, beer spas, baroque wine valleys, and cozy cafés with dumplings and goulash on repeat.

If you’re looking for a 12–14 day Central Europe itinerary filled with both iconic highlights and under-the-radar gems, here’s how we did it.

2-Week Central Europe Itinerary Overview

Total Trip Length: 14 Days
Route: Budapest → Wachau Valley → Český Krumlov → Kutná Hora → Prague
Trip Style: Castles, wine, beer spas, scenic countryside, historic towns, Old Europe charm

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Budapest, Hungary (3 Nights)

We started in Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube—and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Where We Stayed:

⭐ Callas House (a Boutique Hotel, Elegant & Central – click here for details)

Perfect for: Travelers who want a central, authentic stay that feels more like a chic local apartment than a typical hotel. It gave us total “Grand Budapest Hotel” vibes.

• Vibe: Stylish and quietly elegant—set in a historic building across from the city’s iconic Opera House.

• Highlights: Cozy rooms with A/C, small private terraces, and a gorgeous on-site café where breakfast is served (and included). There’s even a slow-but-steady elevator to save you from hauling bags up the stairs.

• Note: The hotel occupies the top floors of an old apartment building, which adds to its charm. Staff were incredibly helpful and welcoming—offering food recs, local tips, and a warm start to our trip. The metro is steps away, and we walked almost everywhere from here.

Budapest Restaurants & Drinks we liked:

• Pontoon – bar on the water overlooking the Chain Bridge, feels touristy but great location for drinks

• Rézkakas Bistro Easy Terasz – higher-end Bistro recommended to us by locals, traditional food

• Gerlóczy Kávéház – another spot recommended, where we had Chickken Paprikash!

• Retro Lángos – where we had Langos! Great spot and close to Parliament

• Retek Bistro – very cool spot, a little more ‘hip’ but serves down to earth traditional food, book ahead

• Frici Papa – very traditional Hungarian, nothing fancy but has all traditional foods to try

• Twentysix – greenhouse restaurant, Mediterranean food & cocktails

• Szimpla Kert – the original ‘ruin bar’ – don’t miss it! It’s only a 5-minute walk from hotel

• Róma Ételbár – on the Buda side, only open for lunch (have Goulash here)

👉 Read the full 2 – 3 Day Budapest itinerary here (including more hotel and restaurant options)

Wachau Valley, Austria (2 Nights)

Villages of the Wachau Valley

There are 5 main towns to consider: Weissenkirchen, Krems, Spitz, Dürnstein, and Melk—each with its own charm.

• Krems – The largest town, with a walkable old town, shops, and easy train access.
  
• Weissenkirchen – Quiet and wine-focused, surrounded by vineyards and cozy guesthouses.
  
• Spitz – Laid-back and scenic, with a charming riverfront and plenty of wine taverns.
  
• Dürnstein – Small, picturesque, and packed with history—including castle ruins and iconic baroque towers.
  
• Melk – Known for the stunning Melk Abbey; good if you want more structure and sightseeing.

We based ourselves in Dürnstein and loved it for its postcard-perfect views, castle hikes, and relaxing pace.

Where We Stayed:

⭐ Hotel Richard Löwenherz in Dürnstein (it was historic & peaceful – click here for details)

Vibe: Medieval monastery turned riverside retreat—refined, serene, and full of character.

Perfect for: Travelers who want to slow down and unwind in a truly unique setting, with easy access to hiking, wine tasting, and castle ruins.

Highlights: Garden pool with river views, peaceful convent garden filled with roses and linden trees, and one of the best hotel breakfast spreads we’ve had—fresh pastries, fruit, mimosas, and more.

Note: Rooms are cozy and elegant (we booked one with a balcony), and while there’s no A/C, the thick stone walls and river breeze kept things cool even in summer. It’s just a short stroll to everything in town, and the on-site restaurant is excellent for sunset dinners overlooking the Danube.

Highlights from our 2 days here:

• Hike to Dürnstein Castle Ruins – Once imprisoned King Richard the Lionheart. Great views!
• Local Wine Stops – Walk through the small wineries in town and look for fridges with local wines and benches to sit and sip.
• Danube River Cruise – A scenic way to see the valley from the water.
• Apricot Brandy Window Shops – Yes, brandy served through a window (and try apricot-everything)
• Rent e-bikes and cruise along the Danube, stopping at wineries
• Walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets and visit the little shops
• Sunset Dinner at Hotel Richard Löwenherz – Schnitzel, goulash, apricot desserts, and river views.

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic (1 Night)

After Austria, we continued our road trip into the Czech Republic.

Before Prague, we’re spending some time in the Bohemia region known for its medieval towns, castles, beer culture and rich history.

After a 2-hour drive, we arrived in Český Krumlov: a perfectly preserved medieval town and UNESCO site that’s often a day trip from Prague (but staying overnight is worth it).

Highlights:

• Explore the Old Town – Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
• Český Krumlov Castle – Climb the tower for panoramic views.
• Evening by the River – After the crowds leave, the town feels magical.
• Czech Dinner – Try duck with red cabbage and dumplings or smoked meat-stuffed dumplings.

Where We Stayed:

⭐ 500-Year-Old Guesthouse (amazing riverside location – click here for details)

Perfect for: Travelers who want a truly local, atmospheric stay that feels like stepping back in time—without sacrificing comfort.

• Vibe: Cozy, old-world charm with unbeatable views and a lived-in, local feel.

• Highlights: Just three rooms in the entire guesthouse, a sweet and welcoming innkeeper, and a private balcony overlooking the river with postcard views of the town.

• Note: The building dates back to the 1500s, so ceiling heights on the main floor are low (upstairs is fine!). It’s a short walk to the castle, tower, restaurants, and everything in the old town.

Kutná Hora, Czech Republic (3 Nights)

Another 2 hour drive through the beautiful Bohemian countryside and we arrived in Kutná Hora: a relaxed, under-the-radar town with deep history and fewer crowds.

Top Things to Do:

• St. Barbara’s Cathedral – Gothic beauty that took 600 years to complete.
• Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) – A chapel decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people.
• Trosky Castle Day Trip – Ruins perched on volcanic spires with incredible countryside views.
• Cathedral Wine Garden – Quiet spot among the vines for regional wine tasting.

Where We Stayed:

⭐ Apartment Hotel Near St. Barbara’s (it was quiet & spacious – click here for details)

Perfect for: Travelers who want space to spread out and enjoy a slower pace—ideal for longer stays or anyone craving a break from typical hotels (no stairs here!)

• Vibe: Renovated, modern-meets-historic apartment hotel in a peaceful part of town.

• Highlights: Large living space with a full kitchen, massive bathroom, A/C, and a location that’s literally a 10-second walk from St. Barbara’s Cathedral.

• Note: It’s a super walkable area with easy access to all the major sights, and a great base for eating your way through Czech cuisine without the crowds.

We also loved staying in Kutna Hora because it gave us the chance to really dive into authentic Czech food before being overwhelmed with choices in Prague!

Must-Try Foods:

• Camembert with lingonberries
• Potato garlic soup
• Pork and dill dumplings
• Beef goulash with gingerbread dumplings
• Garlic dill soup
• Beer… and more beer

Pro Tip:
Learn your Czech beer foam styles (and the locals will love you!)

• Hladinka – Mostly beer, classic pour
• Šnyt – Half beer, half foam
• Mlíko – A glass of foam (yes, really!)

Favorite Restaurants in Kutna Hora:

• Restaurace V Ruthardce: we would have eaten here everyday! beautiful garden spot and where we had the traditional dumpling filled with smoked meat and cabbage (and ordered the different beer foam)

• Restaurace Dačický – Medieval tavern vibes, very authentic dishes, try the gingerbread dumplings and the Korma (mead with beer)

Pro Tip for Visiting Kutna Hora

If you love the sounds of Kutna Hora but are tight on time, you can easily do a day trip from Prague.

I recommend booking this small tour, where you can enjoy the gorgeous Bohemian countryside by train and explore Kutna Hora’s medieval history with a guide.

Prague, Czech Republic (4 Nights)

After our time in the countryside, we made our way to Prague—returned the rental car and officially switched back into city mode for a few days of exploring.

Things We Loved in Prague:

• Private Wine Cruise at Sunset – Floating past Charles Bridge and Old Town with a local wine expert (this is another 5-star similar tour)
• Beer Spa – Soak in a hot tub of hops and yeast while pouring your own draft beer (unlimited, of course). I loved this so much!
• Medieval Dinner & Show: 5-course meal, unlimited beer & wine, in a middle ages cellar!
• Old Town Tower – Great views and cheaper if you walk up.
• Prague Castle & Gardens – Massive, historic, and easy to spend an afternoon exploring.
• Vrtba Gardens – A peaceful baroque garden hidden in the middle of the city.
• Cappuccinos & People Watching – In the Old Town Square, one of the best spots in Europe to sit and soak it in.
• Organ Concert – At a historic church where Mozart and Dvořák once played.
• Prague Beer Museum – A fun stop that dives into Czech beer history.

Where We Stayed:

⭐ Residence U Malvaz (Little King Hotel) (perfectly central & character-filled – check it out here)

Perfect for: Travelers who want to be in the heart of the action but want a spacious, modern room with unlimited coffee and a huge included breakfast.

• Vibe: Boutique-style hotel, steps from the Charles Bridge.

• Highlights: Spacious rooms with A/C, strong coffee, a great shower, and an included breakfast served in the attached restaurant. Bonus: you exit through the restaurant directly onto the main pedestrian path that leads you to the bridge. 

• Note: There’s no elevator, but the staff carried our bags to our room. The location is truly unbeatable—you’re walking distance to all of Prague’s top sights, and the view at sunset is just a few steps from your door.

Best Tours & Things to Book in Prague:

Prague Old Town Underground Tour: 3 hours, an a unique perspective of Old Town Prague

Medieval Dinner and a show – honestly, so fun! It really feels like you’re back in the middle ages!

Prague Castle Tour:  it’s a big place with so much history, so I highly recommend a tour

The Beer Spa: this is my #1 must-do in Prague, such a unique and uniquely Prague experience!

Prague Walking Tour with Authentic Czech Lunch: perfect to do on your first day (especially if you only have 1 or 2 days).

Mozart Concert & Dinner: a 3-course Czech and Austrian dinner in a historic ballroom with music from Mozart’s operas

Must-Try Foods:

• Beef goulash
• Potato soup
• Duck with cabbage
• Dumplings (all kinds)
• Beer ice cream

Restaurants We Liked:

• U Pivrnce: funky spot, serves traditional Czech dishes + must try the beer ice cream!

• Kolacherie Celetná: must try the traditional poppyseed pastry: koláče (kolache) – pairs well with coffee 

• Beer Restaurant U Zlatého Hada: feels a little touristy, but honestly the food & service was great!

• Ferdinanda: Underground cave restaurant!

• Velkopřevorský Mlýn: lovely spot overlooking the canal (they serve beer ice cream here, too)

👉 Read the full 3 – 4 Day Prague Itinerary here (with more restaurants and hotel options, too)

Happy Travels!

More Ideas for Your Europe Trip Planning:

9 Fairytale Towns Between Budapest and Prague That Are Even Better Than Vienna

How to Spend a Day in Munich: 1 Day Itinerary to Maximize Your Time & See the Highlights

How to Spend a Few Days in Germany’s Enchanted Black Forest