Some of Europe’s best-preserved old towns sit in its central and eastern half, often at lower prices than the west. Prague, Budapest and Kraków form the classic trio, but a few smaller cities are worth adding if you have time. Here is what to see in each and how to link them.
The classic trio
Prague. The city escaped major wartime destruction, so its Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau streets are largely intact. Start at the Old Town Square and its astronomical clock, cross the Charles Bridge early in the morning, then climb to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Across the river, the Lesser Town has quieter lanes and gardens. Prague’s pub culture is a pleasure in itself: order a pilsner at a neighborhood pub rather than a tourist spot near the square. Plan three nights.
Budapest. Two cities divided by the Danube: hilly Buda with the Castle District and the Fisherman’s Bastion, and flat Pest with the Parliament building, the Great Market Hall and the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter. A Danube cruise at dusk is worth it. Soak in one of the thermal baths, Széchenyi for the grand setting or Rudas for a more local feel. Three nights is enough.
Kraków. Poland’s former royal capital has one of Europe’s largest medieval squares, the Rynek Główny, with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. Walk up Wawel Hill to see the castle and cathedral, then explore Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter, now filled with cafes and galleries. Many visitors take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a sobering visit that must be booked ahead. Allow three nights, four if you add the day trips.
Worth adding
- Bratislava. Small and easy, an hour from Vienna and about two and a half from Budapest by train. A day or an overnight is plenty for the old town and castle.
- Vilnius. The Baltic region’s baroque capital, with a large old town and a lively cafe scene.- Tallinn. A walled medieval center on the Baltic Sea, with a modern tech-savvy city behind it. Ferries to Helsinki take about two hours.
- Český Krumlov. A fairy-tale town in southern Bohemia, a day trip or overnight from Prague.
- Wrocław and Gdańsk. Polish cities with rebuilt old towns, lively squares and fewer crowds than Kraków.
Getting around
Trains and buses are cheap and frequent. Approximate journey times:
- Prague to Budapest: about 6.5–7 hours by direct train.
- Prague to Kraków: 7–8 hours by train or bus, with a change.
- Kraków to Warsaw: about 2.5 hours by fast train.
- Budapest to Vienna: about 2 hours 40 minutes by train.
- Vilnius to Riga or Riga to Tallinn: about 4 hours by bus.
Buses are often cheaper than trains and run on a dense network, so check both options. Book international trains and popular routes ahead during the summer.
Money matters
The Czech Republic uses the koruna, Hungary the forint and Poland the złoty. Slovakia and the Baltic states use the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in cities, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafes and public toilets. Avoid airport currency exchange booths, and use ATMs at banks instead, declining the “convert to your home currency” option.
A mid-range day with a modest hotel, restaurant meals and museum entries costs noticeably less than in Paris or Vienna, but Prague and Budapest are no longer bargain-basement. Kraków, Vilnius and the smaller Polish cities are better value.
Practical tips
- Walk and use trams. Historic centers are compact, and public transport is good.
- Beware of tourist traps. Restaurants right on the main squares are usually overpriced. Walk two or three streets away.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like Charles Bridge, Prague’s trams and Budapest’s metro.
- Take official taxis or app rides. Street-hailed taxis near stations sometimes overcharge.
- Dress for the weather. The best months are May to June and September, as our best-time guide explains.
A well-judged first trip is Prague, Budapest and Kraków in ten to twelve days. Add the Baltics for a second trip. For more routes, see our guide to the top destinations in Eastern Europe and the main Europe travel guide.
Background reading: Central Europe.