Prague, Český Krumlov, Vienna & Budapest
The classic Central European trio, with an overnight stay in Český Krumlov, traveling sequentially by bus and train.
This is a popular route for first-time visitors to Central Europe, spending two to three nights each in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, with an overnight stop in Český Krumlov between Prague and Vienna to avoid backtracking. No car rental is needed, though you will change hotels three times. Perfect for those wanting to see the region's classic cities.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable; the interiors of Český Krumlov Castle are closed from November to March.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Prague Old Town
Prague（Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock、Havelské tržiště、Charles Bridge）
About 40 minutes from the airport to the city center. Walk around the Old Town in the afternoon and cross the Charles Bridge at dusk.
Stay: Old Town & Josefov
Day 2 · Prague Castle Route
Prague（Strahov Monastery & Library、Prague Castle、Malá Strana & Kampa Island、Lennon Wall）
Take the tram to the top of the Castle, walk downhill through Malá Strana, and return to the Old Town in the afternoon.
Stay: Old Town & Josefov
Day 3 · Jewish Quarter and New Town
Prague（Josefov (Jewish Quarter)、Municipal House & Powder Tower、Mucha Museum、Wenceslas Square）
Walk through the Jewish Quarter in the morning, then head past the Powder Tower to Wenceslas Square in the afternoon. Entirely on foot.
The Jewish Museum is closed on Saturdays; avoid planning this day on a Saturday.
Stay: Old Town & Josefov
Day 4 · South to Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov（Český Krumlov Castle、Cloak Bridge、Svornosti Square）
Take a direct long-distance bus (approx. 2 hours 45 minutes) to Český Krumlov in the morning, and explore the Castle and Old Town in the afternoon.
Stay: Latrán and the Castle District
Day 5 · Český Krumlov to Vienna
Český Krumlov（Regional Museum & Seminary Garden） → Vienna（St. Stephen's Cathedral）
Finish exploring the Old Town in the morning, then take a shuttle service (approx. 3 hours 30 minutes) to Vienna. Walk around the Inner City in the evening.
There are no direct trains to Vienna; shuttle services or buses must be booked in advance.
Stay: Innere Stadt
Day 6 · Hofburg and Museumsquartier
Vienna（Hofburg Palace、Kunsthistorisches Museum、Vienna State Opera）
Walk around the Inner City. The Hofburg, Kunsthistorisches Museum, and State Opera are all located along the Ringstraße.
Stay: Innere Stadt
Day 7 · Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palaces
Vienna（Schönbrunn Palace、Belvedere Palace、Naschmarkt）
Take the U4 metro (approx. 20 minutes) to Schönbrunn Palace in the morning. Take a tram to Belvedere Palace in the afternoon, and visit the market at dusk.
Schönbrunn Palace uses timed entry during peak season; booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Stay: Innere Stadt
Day 8 · Train to Budapest
Budapest（Fisherman's Bastion / Matthias Church、Buda Castle、Széchenyi Chain Bridge、Danube River Cruise）
Take a direct train (approx. 2 hours 40 minutes) from Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) to Budapest in the morning.
Stay: Belváros and Lipótváros
Day 9 · Pest Center and Thermal Baths
Budapest（Hungarian Parliament Building、St. Stephen's Basilica、Dohány Street Synagogue、Széchenyi Thermal Bath）
Explore Pest on foot in the morning, then take Metro Line 1 to Széchenyi Thermal Bath in the afternoon to soak until evening.
Parliament tickets must be booked in advance; the Dohány Street Synagogue is closed on Saturdays.
Stay: Belváros and Lipótváros
Day 10 · Central Market Hall and Departure
Walk to the Central Market Hall in the morning. After midday, take the airport bus or a taxi (approx. 45 minutes) to the airport.