Central Europe (Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest) 9-Day Trip Itinerary

Travel to Vienna

Fly from Edinburgh to Vienna International Airport (VIE), followed by transfer to your hotel in the city center.

Allow time for check-in and settling in.

Look for direct flights or those with short layovers for convenience. The City Airport Train (CAT) or public S-Bahn offer efficient transfers to the city center.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Explore the iconic St.

Stephen's Cathedral, a symbol of Vienna with its stunning Gothic architecture and colorful tiled roof. Consider climbing the South Tower for panoramic city views.

Entrance to the main cathedral is free, but there are fees for tours of the catacombs, treasury, and tower climbs.

Stroll Graben & Kohlmarkt

Wander through Vienna's elegant shopping streets, Graben and Kohlmarkt, admiring the historic buildings, luxury boutiques, and the Pestsäule (Plague Column) on Graben.

Enjoy the architecture and soak in the atmosphere of Vienna's upscale commercial district.

Viennese Dinner

Enjoy traditional Viennese cuisine at a local restaurant.

Try Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz.

Many restaurants in the city center offer authentic dishes. Reservations are recommended for popular spots.

Schönbrunn Palace

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

Explore the opulent rooms, stroll through the vast gardens, and enjoy views from the Gloriette.

Book tickets online in advance, especially for specific time slots, to avoid long queues.

Vienna City Walking Tour

Join a small group or private walking tour with 'Vienna Explorer' to delve deeper into Vienna's history and culture.

They specialize in showing Vienna at its best.

This tour is a great way to discover hidden gems and learn about local life from experienced guides.

Hofburg Palace Grounds

Explore the exterior grounds of the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial winter residence.

See Michaelertor, Heldenplatz, and the various courtyards.

You can visit the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and Silver Collection if you have more time or wish to return.

Dinner & Leisure

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Afterwards, consider a performance at the Vienna State Opera (if tickets are available) or a stroll along the Ringstrasse.

Train to Bratislava

Take a comfortable train from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station) to Bratislava Hlavná Stanica (main station).

The journey is short and scenic.

Trains run frequently throughout the day. Purchase tickets at the station or online.

Bratislava Old Town Walk

Immerse yourself in the charming pedestrianized Old Town of Bratislava.

Explore its narrow lanes, colorful buildings, and historic squares like Hlavné Námestie.

This area is perfect for leisurely walks and discovering local shops and cafes. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274924-d290671-Reviews-Bratislava_Old_Town-Bratislava_Bratislava_Region.html?m=66827

St. Martin's Cathedral

Visit St.

Martin's Cathedral, the coronation church of Hungarian monarchs. Admire its impressive Gothic architecture and rich history.

Check opening hours, as it may close for services.

Bratislava Castle

Walk up to Bratislava Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the Danube.

Explore the castle grounds, enjoy panoramic views of the city and Austria beyond, and visit the historical museum inside.

The castle houses the Museum of History. Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274924-d276280-Reviews-Bratislava_Castle-Bratislava_Bratislava_Region.html?m=66827

Dinner in Bratislava

Savor traditional Slovak dishes in a cozy restaurant within the Old Town.

The Blue Church

Visit the whimsical Church of St.

Elizabeth, commonly known as 'The Blue Church' due to its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture and serene blue hues.

It's a short walk from the Old Town and a beautiful photo opportunity.

Find Čumil Statue

Search for Čumil, the famous 'Man at Work' statue peeking out of a manhole in the Old Town.

It's one of Bratislava's most beloved and quirky landmarks.

A popular spot for tourists to take photos and a fun little discovery.

Presidential Palace & Gardens

Walk to the Presidential Palace (Grasalkovičov palác) and enjoy its beautiful French garden, which is open to the public.

Witness the changing of the guard if timed correctly.

The palace itself is not open for public visits, but the exterior and gardens are lovely.

Train to Budapest

Board a train from Bratislava Hlavná Stanica to Budapest Keleti, Hungary.

Enjoy the scenic journey through the Central European countryside.

Trains are frequent; book tickets in advance for best prices.

Check-in & Settle in Budapest

Arrive at Budapest Keleti station, transfer to your hotel, and check in.

Take some time to relax before evening activities.

Budapest has an excellent public transport system (metro, trams, buses) to get around.

Danube Riverfront Stroll

Take a leisurely walk along the Danube River on the Pest side, admiring the Chain Bridge, Gellért Hill, and the illuminated Buda Castle across the river.

The views at sunset and in the evening are particularly magical. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274887-d298971-Reviews-Danube_River-Budapest_Central_Hungary.html?m=66827

Dinner in Pest

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the bustling Pest district.

Explore the local culinary scene.

Buda Castle District

Explore the historic Buda Castle District.

Visit Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion for breathtaking panoramic views, and wander through the charming cobblestone streets.

You can reach the district by funicular, bus, or by walking up. Entrance fees apply for Matthias Church.

Lunch in Buda

Enjoy lunch at a cafe or restaurant within the Buda Castle District.

Gellért Hill & Citadel

Hike up Gellért Hill to the Citadel for more spectacular views of the Danube, Parliament, and both Buda and Pest.

You'll see the Liberty Statue at the top.

It's a moderate climb, but the views are well worth it. Wear comfortable shoes.

Relax at a Thermal Bath

Experience one of Budapest's famous thermal baths.

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a popular choice for its grandeur and outdoor pools, or try Gellért Thermal Bath for its Art Nouveau interiors.

Bring swimwear and a towel (rentals available). It's a quintessential Budapest experience.

Ruin Bar Evening

Conclude your day with a visit to one of Budapest's unique ruin bars, such as Szimpla Kert.

These eclectic venues are housed in abandoned buildings and offer a vibrant atmosphere.

Great for soaking in Budapest's alternative nightlife and enjoying a drink.

Train to Budapest

Enjoy scenic views on your intercity train journey to Budapest.

Upon arrival at the station, transfer to your hotel and check in.

Traditional Hungarian Lunch

Savor a traditional Hungarian goulash or other local dishes at a restaurant near your hotel or the Danube.

Parliament & Danube Views

Admire the stunning exterior of the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of Europe's most magnificent government buildings. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll along the Danube Promenade, enjoying views of Buda Castle and Chain Bridge.

Consider booking a guided tour of the interior in advance if interested (requires more time).

Danube River Cruise

Experience Budapest from a unique perspective with a relaxing cruise on the Danube River.

See iconic landmarks like Buda Castle, the Parliament, and Gellért Hill.

Dinner & Ruin Bar

Enjoy dinner at a local eatery, then dive into Budapest's famous ruin bar scene, starting with Szimpla Kert or another unique spot in the Jewish Quarter.

Buda Castle District

Explore the historic Buda Castle District.

Visit Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion for panoramic views, and wander through the charming cobblestone streets.

Entry fee for Matthias Church and some parts of Fisherman's Bastion. Wear comfortable shoes.

Lunch on Buda Hill

Enjoy lunch at a cafe or restaurant within the Buda Castle District.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath

Indulge in a relaxing afternoon at one of Budapest's most famous thermal baths.

Enjoy the outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms.

Dinner near Andrassy

Have dinner at a restaurant near Andrassy Avenue, perhaps exploring the area around Heroes' Square or the State Opera House after your meal.

Train to Salzburg

Embark on a scenic train journey from Budapest to Salzburg.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.

Salzburg Welcome Lunch

Enjoy a late lunch at a restaurant near Salzburg Hauptbahnhof or your hotel, sampling some local Austrian cuisine.

Salzburg Old Town & Mozart

Explore the charming streets of Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Visit Mozart's Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus) and stroll through Getreidegasse with its unique guild signs.

Entry fee for Mozart's Birthplace. Old Town is best explored on foot.

Traditional Austrian Dinner

Savor a traditional Austrian dinner, perhaps trying Wiener Schnitzel or Salzburger Nockerl.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Take the funicular up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.

Enjoy panoramic views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps.

Funicular ride included in the fortress ticket.

Mirabell Gardens & Lunch

Visit the beautiful Mirabell Palace and Gardens, famous for its Baroque architecture and 'Sound of Music' filming locations.

Enjoy a final Austrian lunch nearby.

Departure from Salzburg

Depending on your onward travel plans, head to Salzburg Airport or Salzburg Hauptbahnhof for your departure.

This marks the conclusion of your 9-day Central European rail journey.