Budapest 11-Day Trip Itinerary

Train to Strasbourg

Board a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg.

Enjoy the scenic journey through the French countryside.

Book train tickets in advance for the best budget fares. Consider packing snacks to save money.

Check-in & Lunch

Arrive in Strasbourg, check into your accommodation, and find a local, budget-friendly spot for lunch.

Look for bakeries or 'Winstubs' offering daily specials.

Many restaurants may have fixed-price lunch menus (Plat du Jour) that are more affordable.

Explore Petite France

Wander through the picturesque La Petite France quarter, known for its half-timbered houses, canals, and charming streets. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Great for photography!

Strasbourg Cathedral Visit

Visit the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg), a masterpiece of Gothic art.

Marvel at its intricate facade and impressive interior.

Entrance to the cathedral is free. You can pay a small fee to climb to the platform for panoramic views, which might be nice at sunset.

Alsatian Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Alsatian dinner.

Try local specialties like Flammekueche (tarte flambée) or Choucroute Garnie (sauerkraut with various meats).

Many 'Winstubs' offer hearty, affordable meals. Look for places slightly off the main tourist paths for better value.

Palais Rohan Museums

Visit the Palais Rohan, which houses three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Choose one or two based on your interest.

Tickets are often combined for multiple museums, check for student or multi-museum passes if available.

Riverside Lunch

Grab a quick and affordable lunch at a café or bakery near the Ill River, enjoying the views.

Sandwiches, salads, or quiches are good budget options.

European Quarter Stroll

Take a walk through Strasbourg's European Quarter, where institutions like the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights are located.

Admire the modern architecture from the outside.

This area is a bit further from the historic center, consider taking a tram or bus to save time and energy (public transport ticket costs around EUR 1.80).

Evening Lights & Markets

Even if the main Christmas markets have closed, Strasbourg often maintains festive lighting and smaller stalls.

Enjoy the evening ambiance, perhaps with a warm drink.

Look for local patisseries or chocolatiers for a sweet treat.

Leisurely Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed dinner, perhaps trying a different Alsatian dish or opting for a more international cuisine.

Explore the smaller streets for hidden gem restaurants.

Train to Munich

Depart from Strasbourg by train to Munich.

This journey will likely involve a change in cities like Karlsruhe or Stuttgart. Enjoy the transition from French to German landscapes.

Pack a good book or some entertainment for the longer train ride. Again, booking tickets far in advance is key for budget travel.

Check-in & Lunch

Arrive in Munich, check into your accommodation near München Hauptbahnhof or a central area.

Grab a quick Bavarian lunch, perhaps a classic German sausage with a pretzel.

Look for Imbiss (snack stalls) for very affordable and tasty local street food.

Marienplatz & New Town Hall

Begin your Munich exploration at Marienplatz, the city's central square.

Admire the stunning New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) with its famous Glockenspiel.

The Glockenspiel chimes daily at 11 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM (seasonal), so you might catch the end of the 5 PM show if you're quick or plan for tomorrow.

Frauenkirche Visit

Walk to the iconic Frauenkirche (Cathedral Church of Our Lady), with its distinctive twin domes.

Step inside to see its grand interior.

The view from the tower is fantastic, but usually closes earlier in the evening. Check opening times if you wish to ascend.

Bavarian Beer Hall Dinner

Experience a traditional Bavarian beer hall.

Enjoy hearty German food like Schweinebraten (roast pork) or Weisswurst (white sausage) with a local beer (or non-alcoholic alternative).

Beer halls can be a great way to experience local culture on a budget, especially if you share dishes or choose simpler meals.

Munich Residenz

Explore the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs.

It's one of the largest city palaces in Germany, featuring opulent rooms, courtyards, and a treasury.

Focus on the Treasury or selected rooms if you're on a tight schedule or budget. There's a combined ticket option for the Residenz Museum and Treasury.

Lunch at Viktualienmarkt

Head to the Viktualienmarkt, a vibrant open-air market, for a fresh and budget-friendly lunch.

You'll find many food stalls offering local delicacies.

Great for trying different local foods and snacks. It's lively and offers a good insight into local life.

Stroll English Garden

Relax and wander through the vast English Garden (Englischer Garten), one of the world's largest urban parks. See highlights like the Chinese Tower, Monopteros, and surfers on the Eisbach wave.

It's a beautiful place for a leisurely walk, even in winter. Plenty of space to enjoy nature and people-watch.

Dinner & Evening Leisure

Enjoy dinner at a local eatery.

Perhaps try a hearty soup or another Bavarian specialty before relaxing for the evening.

Munich also has many great craft beer pubs if you're interested in sampling different brews.

Train to Vienna

Take a direct train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Vienna Hauptbahnhof.

This scenic route takes you through the beautiful Austrian countryside.

Ensure you book this train well in advance as it's New Year's Eve, and tickets might be more expensive and sell out quickly.

Check-in & Lunch

Arrive in Vienna, check into your accommodation, and find a quick, budget-friendly lunch in the city center.

Many bakeries and Würstelstands (sausage stands) offer good value.

Vienna's public transport (U-Bahn, trams, buses) is efficient for getting around.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Visit St.

Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), Vienna's most important Gothic building. Admire its unique roof and grand interior.

Entrance to the main cathedral is free, but there are fees for guided tours, catacombs, and tower climbs. Consider climbing the South Tower for excellent city views (North Tower accessible by elevator).

Vienna New Year's Eve Trail

Experience Vienna's famous New Year's Eve Trail ('Silvesterpfad').

The city center transforms into a huge party area with stages offering live music, DJs, food and drink stalls, and classical waltz lessons. The highlight is the midnight fireworks.

Dress warmly! The event can get very crowded, so arrive early at your preferred spot. Be aware of your belongings. Public transport usually runs longer on NYE but plan your return trip.

Flight to Paris

Begin your journey with a flight to Paris.

Specific details for this flight are based on your existing booking.

Ensure you have enough time to transfer from the airport to Gare de l'Est for your train to Strasbourg.

Train to Strasbourg

Take a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg, a beautiful city on the French-German border.

Book train tickets in advance for the best prices.

Check-in to Hotel

Check into your budget-friendly accommodation in Strasbourg.

Strasbourg Cathedral

Marvel at the Gothic architecture of Strasbourg Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the exterior and the surrounding charming streets.

Entry to the cathedral is free. You can climb the tower for panoramic views for a small fee.

Petite France Stroll

Wander through the picturesque Petite France quarter, known for its half-timbered houses and canals.

Enjoy the festive lights and decorations that might still be up.

Dinner in Strasbourg

Enjoy a traditional Alsatian dinner, perhaps Flammekueche (tarte flambée) or Choucroute.

Morning Exploration

Take a final morning walk through Strasbourg, perhaps visiting any remaining Christmas market stalls or simply enjoying the tranquil canals.

Quick Lunch

Grab a quick and affordable lunch before heading to the train station.

Train to Munich

Embark on a scenic train journey from Strasbourg to Munich, Germany.

The journey will take a few hours.

Consider bringing snacks and drinks for the journey.

Check-in to Hotel

Arrive in Munich and check into your accommodation.

Munich City Walk

Take an evening walk to get acquainted with Munich's city center, perhaps around Karlsplatz or Marienplatz.

Dinner in Munich

Enjoy a hearty Bavarian dinner.

Many traditional eateries offer budget-friendly options.

Marienplatz & Glockenspiel

Visit Marienplatz, Munich's central square, and witness the famous Glockenspiel performance at the New Town Hall (check times, typically 11 AM and 12 PM).

Lunch at Viktualienmarkt

Explore the vibrant Viktualienmarkt, a daily food market, and enjoy a fresh and affordable lunch from one of the many stalls.

Offers a wide variety of local and international foods.

Frauenkirche & Hofgarten

Visit the iconic Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and then enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Hofgarten (Royal Garden).

Climb the south tower of Frauenkirche for great city views (check opening hours).

Hofbräuhaus Experience

Immerse yourself in Bavarian culture with dinner at the legendary Hofbräuhaus, one of Munich's most famous beer halls.

Enjoy traditional food, lively atmosphere, and local beer. Meals can be surprisingly affordable.

English Garden

Explore the vast English Garden, one of the world's largest urban parks.

See the Chinese Tower, Monopteros, and surfers on the Eisbach wave.

Perfect for a morning stroll or enjoying a coffee at a beer garden (even in winter, some might be open).

Quick Lunch

Grab a quick bite near the train station before your next leg of the journey.

Train to Vienna

Travel by train from Munich to Vienna, the capital of Austria.

Enjoy the scenic journey through the countryside.

Direct Railjet trains are comfortable and efficient.

Check-in to Hotel

Arrive in Vienna and check into your accommodation.

Evening Ringstrasse Walk

Take an evening walk along the famous Ringstrasse, admiring the imperial buildings lit up at night.

Dinner in Vienna

Find a local restaurant for dinner.

Explore some of Vienna's traditional 'Gasthäuser' for authentic and more affordable meals.

Schönbrunn Palace

Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence.

Explore the exterior, gardens, and maybe the Gloriette for panoramic views.

Entry to the gardens is free, but palace tours require tickets. Book in advance if you plan to go inside.

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Experience Vienna's most famous market, Naschmarkt, offering a diverse array of food stalls and small restaurants perfect for a budget-friendly lunch.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Explore St.

Stephen's Cathedral, the iconic symbol of Vienna. Climb the South Tower for incredible city views.

Entrance to the main cathedral is free, but access to the towers and catacombs requires a fee.

New Year's Eve Prep & Relax

Return to your hotel to relax and prepare for the evening's New Year's Eve celebrations.

Many places will have special events or menus.

Book any special New Year's Eve dinners or events in advance if interested, as they fill up quickly.

New Year's Eve Dinner

Enjoy a special New Year's Eve dinner.

Look for restaurants offering set menus or traditional Austrian fare.

Ring in the New Year

Join the New Year's Eve 'Silvesterpfad' (New Year's Path) in Vienna's city center, with stages, food, drink, and fireworks at midnight over the Rathausplatz or Prater.

Dress warmly and be aware of crowds. Public transport runs extended hours.

Leisurely Morning

Enjoy a relaxed start to New Year's Day, perhaps a late breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café, as many shops might be closed.

Train to Budapest

Travel from Vienna to Budapest by direct train.

The journey offers pleasant views of the Hungarian countryside. New Year's Day may have reduced schedules, so book ahead.

ÖBB Railjet trains are efficient. Be sure to check the New Year's Day schedule.

Check-in & Light Lunch

Arrive in Budapest, check into your accommodation, and find a cozy spot for a light New Year's Day lunch.

Many places will have special opening hours.

Danube River Cruise & Walk

Experience Budapest's iconic sights from the Danube River with a walking tour included.

This offers a relaxing way to see both Buda and Pest on New Year's Day.

Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Budapest/Budapest-Walk-and-Cruise-Boat-Ticket-Included/d499-5516900P4

New Year's Day Dinner

Enjoy a comforting New Year's Day dinner.

Seek out restaurants or bistros that are open, perhaps offering traditional Hungarian dishes.

Check online or with your hotel for restaurants open on January 1st.