Tours to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague: Exploring the Jewels of East-Central Europe
If you are planning to travel to East-Central Europe? Breathtaking cities like the Budapest, Vienna, and Prague are right there for your discovering. With a rich history, awe-inspiring architecture and an exciting culture, these cities provide the curious explorer with the charm of the past and the thrill of the future. Therefore, in this all-inclusive guide, we shall walk you through the best locations to visit, landmarks to visit, and traveling tips needed to make your expedition through Budapest, Vienna and Prague a memorable travel experience.
Budapest: The Pearl of the Danube
Budapest, which is also known as the Pearl of the Danube, is a city that will win your imagination. Hailed by the famous Danube River, the city of Budapest is a truly beautiful blend between the Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Here are some of the best attractions that you should not miss when visiting:
Buda Castle
Impressed with its position, on top of a hill, overlooking the city, Buda Castle has panoramic views of Budapest. Take a step back in time when you wander through royal halls, visit the Hungarian national gallery, and see the beautiful Matthias Church.
Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge is an iconic landmark of Budapest and an example of a symbol of unification between Buda and Pest. Walk comfortably through the bridge and enjoy the wonderful views of the city and Parliament building on your way.
Parliament Building
Talking about the building of a Parliament, it is a master work of Gothic Revival. Admire its stateliness from outside or go on a guided tour and see its wonderful interior, including Hungarian Crown Jewels.
Vienna: Imperial Elegance and Musical Legacy
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is famed for its imperial enchantment and classical music as well as bustling coffeehouse culture. Dive in the core of this charming city, visiting the attractions below:
Schönbrunn Palace
Live as royalty when walking down the royal palace of Schönbrunn. Have a walk in the magnificent gardens, enjoy the royal apartments and revel in the history of the Habsburg dynasty.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
One of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is worth visiting in Vienna. Go to the top of the South Tower and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city or discover the catacombs under the cathedral.
Vienna State Opera
Enjoy the deep musical history of Vienna by going to the Vienna State Opera during a performance. From old masterpieces to contemporary works, the program of the opera house is varied for music lovers.
Prague: The City of 100 Spires
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic is a historical city that is decorated with architectural splendors. With a number of hundred spires, Prague is a city that features a peculiar mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau masterpieces. Explore these top attractions:
Prague Castle
Prague Castle towers above the city, as it was the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Learn about the amazing St. Vitus Cathedral, stroll down Golden Lane and enjoy the glorious view of Prague from the castle premises.
Charles Bridge
Walk across the famous bridge Charles Bridge decorated with statues and presenting panoramic views of Vltava. Do not forget to rub a statue of St.John of Nepomuk for good luck, a local legend says.
Old Town Square
Visit the medieval Prague and see Old Town Square. Admire the old astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall, explore amazing Church of Our Lady before Týn, and taste traditional Czech food in lively street markets.
Essential Travel Tips
Having an overview of the best attractions in Budapest, Vienna, and Prague, here are the essential travel tips to help make your trip more pleasant and smooth:
- Look at buying a city pass with discounts and skip the line entry to the main attractions in each of the cities.
- Eat the local food, goulash in Budapest, Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna and trdelník (chimney cake) in Prague.
- Go around the cities easily using public transport such as trams and metro system.
- Learn a little local language phrases, such as “Köszönöm” (thank you) in Hungarian, “Bitte” (please) in German, and “Děkuji”, (thank you) in Czech.
- Take caution of typical scams and pick pocketing in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings safe, be vigilant.
- Respect the local customs and traditions, particularly when you are visiting religious places. Wear modest and follow any rules and restrictions.
- Inquire about the operating hours and availability of tickets for popular attractions prior to proceeding there so as to avoid getting stranded. Especially during the peak season of tourism.
Jump into a journey of discovery of Budapest, Vienna, and Prague and discover the riches of East-Central Europe. From old castles and palaces to marvels of architecture and cultural pleasures, these cities have it all. Start planning your tour and culture yourself and have memories of a lifetime.
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