If you’re thinking about where to go in Europe with kids, I’d recommend Central Europe because it’s home to epic cities like Budapest, Vienna, Prague, and Bratislava, each offering everything a traveler desires: charm and beauty, history, culture, architecture, and opulence. Here’s a suggested Central Europe Itinerary with kids to get you started.
Read More: 50+ Hidden Gems in Europe
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Central Europe Itinerary: Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, Prague Itinerary
Central Europe, the heart of Europe, includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Some Central European countries are counted as Western Europe, Southern Europe, or Eastern Europe at different times. Central Europe is perfect for culture, history, and nature-loving families. The region has so much to offer, regardless of the season you visit.
Our Central Europe itinerary includes Europe’s 3 epic cities – Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, along with 1 lesser-known yet awesome city – Bratislava. All the cities are brimming with family-friendly attractions.
The itinerary starts in Prague, a city settled along the Vltava River, best known for its stunning architecture and beer. It then moves to Vienna, known for its imperial architecture, coffeehouses, and wine taverns. Next, it takes you to Bratislava, a city steadily gaining attention (long overdue) among travelers. The itinerary ends with one of my favorite cities in Europe, Budapest, a stunning city along the Danube River that enchants travelers with its bridges, parliament building, and thermal baths. A side trip to the quaint and utterly scenic Lake Balaton, the Hungarian Sea, is a great addition to the itinerary.
This itinerary fits family travelers as well as couple travelers who love to explore everything the big cities have to offer – history, art, culture, architecture, and beyond. I’d recommend renting a car to discover more in less time effortlessly.
Here’s a suggested Europe Itinerary:
Prague: 2 Days
Vienna: 3 Days
Bratislava: 1 Day
Budapest: 3 Days
Day 1: Arrive in Prague
Day 2: Explore Prague
Day 3: Drive from Prague to Vienna; Explore Brno on the way
Day 4: Explore Vienna
Day 5: Explore Vienna
Day 6: Drive from Vienna to Bratislava; Explore Bratislava
Day 7: Drive from Bratislava to Budapest; Explore Budapest
Day 8: Explore Budapest
Day 9: Day Trip to Lake Balaton
Day 10: Fly Out from Budapest
Day 1: Arrive in Prague
Depending on your flight, your arrival time in Prague will vary. You can plan your day accordingly. We’d recommend checking into your hotel or apartment, relaxing, and then maybe taking a stroll around the area to get a feel for the city.
Prague Old Town Square is a good place to start your exploration of one amazing day in Prague.
Walk the Prague Old Town (Staré Mesto), taking a sneak peek into the famous attractions. Climb the Old Town Hall Tower to drink in the views of Prague all lit up.
The most famous aspect of the tower is the Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj). As the oldest astronomical clock in the world strikes the hour (9 a.m. – 11 p.m.), 12 apostles appear.
End your day with a beautiful evening walk across the historic Charles Bridge.
Have dinner at V Zatisi, a 5-minute walk from the Charles Bridge. Try their Indian-infused menu. Thank me later.
We recommend High Heaven Apartments. Located less than 350 m from the Prague Astronomical Clock and about a 4-minute walk from Old Town Square, most of the major attractions in Prague are within walking distance from here. It’s rated highly by family travelers.
Day 2: Explore Prague
As they say, the Army marches on its stomach, so before you start exploring, have a scrumptious breakfast. We recommend Café Savoy, a cafe right in the heart of the city, famous among locals and travelers alike. Try their Savoy Breakfast.
It’s time to climb the narrow staircase of the Old Town Bridge Tower to drink in the mesmerizing views over Prague Old Town and the Vltava River.
The best places to enjoy views of Prague are the Old Town Hall Tower, the Old Town Bridge Tower, the Lesser Town Bridge Tower, Letná Park, Prague Castle, the Town Belfry by St. Nicholas Church, and the Powder Tower.
Head to the Jewish Quarter (Josefov). The quarter houses 6 synagogues, the Jewish Ceremonial Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. All the monuments (except the Old-New Synagogue) together form the Jewish Museum in Prague. You can book a Jewish Quarter Tour (admission ticket included) to see all the monuments in the Jewish Quarter and learn about the history of the Jewish community in Prague.
Cross the Charles Bridge to reach the Prague Castle complex, one of the largest complexes in the world. We made the mistake of not buying the tickets in advance and had to wait too long to get the tickets. With GetYourGuide, you can get your tickets well in advance and skip the long lines. Buy your Prague Castle Skip-the-line tickets here.
The highlights of the Prague Castle complex are St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and the Golden Lane.
If you’re keen for your kids to learn about the overwhelming amount of history and art associated with the castle, book this small-group tour with a local guide, which includes admission.
Have lunch with a view at Terasa U Zlate studne. A bit expensive, but worth every penny. In fact, a bargain for a Michelin restaurant.
Visit the Lennon Wall (Lennonova Zed), known for its thought-provoking graffiti, a great photo spot in Prague.
There are many amazing photo spots in Prague where you can get stunning shots.
Once you’ve your stock of Instagram-worthy pictures, walk across the Charles Bridge to the Museum of Senses, a must-visit museum in Prague with kids. Buy your Skip-the-Line ticket to the Prague Museum of Senses here to save time and hassle. Time’s an important factor when you’ve just a day or two to explore the place. Isn’t it?
The Prague City Pass is a very good product, especially if you only have a few days in the city and want to dedicate them all to Museums and Attractions. It’s definitely worth it!
You can buy souvenirs at Havel’s Market (Havelské tržiště).
Wenceslas Square and Petrin Hill are the other two must-see attractions in Prague, if you can squeeze them into your two days.
End the day with some delicious Czech food for dinner at Restaurace Tiskarna. Though limited, they have some great options for vegetarians and vegans.
We spent a perfect weekend in Prague without rushing around the attractions. So, I guess it’s enough time to see the best of Prague.
Day 3: Drive from Prague to Vienna | Explore Brno on the way
It’s time to say goodbye to Prague as Vienna is waiting to welcome you. A little less than a 4-hour drive from Prague will take you to Vienna. Start early to make the most of your time.
There are some amazing things to do in Vienna with a family that your kids wouldn’t want to leave.
There are two routes you can follow:
If you take route 1, you can stop by to explore the charming city of Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, fondly known as the Hidden Heart of Europe. Check out the Náměstí Svobody, Veveří Castle, and Cathedral of St Peter and Paul. Have a cup of coffee and traditional větrník at Cafe Momenta.
Route 2 takes you to the little gem of Bohemia, Český Krumlov. It’s a delight to walk the streets of this stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Český Krumlov Castle for the best views over the town.
I know, you’d crave a good cup of coffee after you’re done walking and photographing the town. Head to Cafe Hradek for they brew the best coffee in town. Hey, couple your cup of coffee with their homemade ginger cake, and you’re sorted.
You’ll be in Vienna by late afternoon, most likely if you leave Brno or Český Krumlov on time.
Check in at your hotel in Vienna. We recommend Singerstrasse 21/25 Apartments, a family-friendly apartment conveniently located in the heart of town, about 300 m from Stephansplatz Underground Station.
After freshening up, stroll the Stephansplatz, the beautiful center of Vienna that’s always alive with activity, no matter what time of day.
Admire one of the tallest cathedrals in the world, St. Stephen’s, and a beautiful post-modern building, Haas-Haus.
Climb the South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) for the mind-boggling views over Vienna. It’s open from 9 am to 5:30 pm and costs 6 Euros per adult and 2.50 Euros per child aged 6 to 14 years.
Make your way to Graben, one of the most famous streets in Vienna. Choose a cafe and spend some time relaxing or maybe people-watching. We recommend Demel, located in Kohlmarkt, a famous confectionery in Vienna since 1856. It’s known for its chocolates and Sachertorte.
Have dinner at Gasthaus Poschl, a great place to dine in Vienna, just a few minutes away from St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Vienna – Best Districts in Vienna
Day 4: Explore Vienna
Start your day with a great breakfast at The Breakfast Club or Cafe Benedikt. You can never go wrong with them.
Take a tour of Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace of the Habsburgs, or take your kids to the Spanish Riding School Morning Exercise.
Take the U-Bahn to Schönbrunn Palace. You can choose to visit Schönbrunn Zoo or attend the Viennese Strudel Show with Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace or the Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace with kids.
You’d love to stroll the Mariahilfer Strasse, Vienna’s longest shopping street. You might want to take your kids to Technisches Museum Wien while you’re there.
Come back to the city center (Innere Stadt). Head straight to The Cafe Tree, one of the loveliest cafes in Vienna. The cafe is super child-friendly and serves the best coffee and cakes in Vienna. Believe you me, you’ll come back to this blog and thank us for this recommendation 🙂
It’s time to head to Prater, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Visiting Prater is one of the essential things to do when in Austria. Let kids have fun exploring the grounds. Don’t forget to ride the world’s first-ever Ferris wheel, Wiener Riesenrad.
End your day with a rolling dinner at ROLLERCOASTERRestaurant, a great experience for kids.
You Might Like: 11 Best Day Trips from Vienna
Day 5: Explore Vienna
Dedicate this day to MuseumsQuartier Wien, an art and creativity hub in Vienna. There are numerous architectural splendors and famous museums here.
Stroll the MQ Main Courtyard and visit one of the many museums – Leopold Museum, MUMOK, Kunsthalle Wien, and Museum of Natural History.
We spend an entire day at MQ, but you can choose to visit Belvedere Palace and Museum to see Gustav Klimt’s famous work ‘The Kiss’.
And yes, you can’t leave Vienna before you relish the famous Sachertorte at Cafe Sacher Wien.
Day 6: Drive from Vienna to Bratislava | Explore Bratislava
Just about 50 minutes from Vienna, the historical capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava is a hidden gem. You can’t do without adding Bratislava to your Austria itinerary.
The drive is short yet breathtaking with oodles of windmills on either side of the road.
Bratislava is small enough to be explored on foot. The old town is fun to walk around in with several interesting statues.
Take a fun city tour in Prešporáčik Oldtimer and discover almost all the major attractions like Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Old Town Hall, Primate’s Palace, Michael’s Gate, Blue Church, Slavin, and UFO.
Need any tips to plan your trip to Bratislava? We’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know before traveling to Bratislava, Slovakia.
Have an early dinner at Bratislava Flagship Restaurant, one of Europe’s largest restaurants, and it is, in fact, an icon of Bratislava.
We recommend the LOFT Hotel Bratislava, located right in the heart of Bratislava’s Old Town.
Day 7: Drive from Bratislava to Budapest | Explore Budapest
Start your day early to reach Budapest on time. You’d want to buy more time to explore more of the vibrant capital of Hungary. The list of the best things to do in Budapest is really long.
If you’re planning a longer stay, read our detailed Budapest Travel Guide to help you structure your days, choose the right area to stay, and make the most of your time in the city.
It’s about a 2-hour journey from Bratislava to Budapest via M1. You can stop by the lovely, compact old town of Esztergom on the way.
Stroll the beautiful streets of the town and have breakfast at Isler Bakery, Bistro, and Kitchen before you start your drive to your final destination.
You’ll most likely reach Budapest by late afternoon. You can check in, relax at your hotel, and then start sightseeing.
We recommend A Golden Star Modern Luxury Apartments Budapest for its super family-friendly location in the city center, with all the major attractions nearby. You can check it out on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
Walk across the iconic Chain Bridge and admire beautiful Budapest all lit up. A quintessential and the most beautiful introduction to Budapest is the Danube River Sunset cruise. We booked it here on GetYourGuide. This one-hour cruise comes cheap and is the best way to admire Budapest.
There are other cruise options, like one that includes a candlelit dinner or one that includes a dinner with live music on board.
Day 8: Explore Budapest
Did you know Budapest is actually a blend of two cities – Buda (hilly side) and Pest (flat side)? Both sides are connected by the Chain Bridge.
Start your exploration with the Buda side. Take a Castle Shuttle from Budapest to reach Castle Hill. Stroll the cobbled streets of Castle Hill’s Old Town. The most popular sights of Buda include Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and Buda Castle.
The hilly Buda gives you a chance to drink in the beautiful views over Budapest and its iconic sights. You can hike Gellért Hill for some of the best views of the city.
It’s really helpful to take a Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour to discover the city when you’re short on time. It not only saves time but also eliminates the hassle of public transportation, letting you explore more in less time.
Walk across the Chain Bridge to reach the Pest Side. The classic attractions here include Shoes on the Danube Bank, the Hungarian Parliament, Andrássy Avenue, St Stephen’s Basilica, and the Jewish Quarter.
You can’t really say you’ve visited Budapest without indulging in the authentic thermal spa. The Széchenyi Bath is the most popular thermal bath in Budapest. Thus, it becomes super important to book tickets online.
We booked a skip-the-line full-day entrance pass to Szechenyi Baths, and it was the wisest thing we did for our trip to Budapest, since the ticket lines were super long!
You can also consider going to Gellért Spa, the Art Nouveau Bath, which is the second most famous thermal bath after Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Taste the traditional Hungarian Chimney Cake at Cafe Molnár’s Kütrőskalács before you take a night bus tour with Hop-on-Hop-off.
End your day with dinner at Karaván.
Related Read: 3 Days in Budapest Itinerary
Day 9: Day Trip to Lake Balaton from Budapest
You have two options today. You can choose to see more of Budapest or take a day trip to the quaint, peaceful Lake Balaton, Hungary’s second-most-visited destination after Budapest. This is a perfect day trip from Budapest in summer.
Known as the Hungarian Sea, the 50-mile-long lake is sprinkled with resort towns, villages, and vineyards; Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake and is beautiful too.
You can take a Lake Balaton Tour from Budapest. It includes lunch, a Lake Balaton cruise, and a visit to Balatonfured and Tihany.
It’s a breathtaking road trip where you can stop by innumerable towns, vineyards, and beaches on the way. We loved the Lake Cave in Tapolca.
Day 10: Shopping in Budapest | Fly Back Home
Plan your last day in Budapest, or rather Central Europe, however you want to. Another attraction? A visit to your favorite cafe or restaurant in the town? Shopping?
We use our last day for last-minute souvenir shopping before we catch our flight back home. We loved strolling along Váci Street, one of Budapest’s famous pedestrian streets. It’s lined with lovely cafes and shops, making it a perfect place to buy souvenirs.
Whatever you do, plan to reach the airport on time as you have to drop off your rental car before boarding the flight.
Central Europe Travel Essentials
Here are the essential resources I personally use and recommend for planning a trip to Central Europe.
Visa for Central Europe: iVisa makes it easy to apply for a fast e-visa online. Also, OneWayFly is great if you need to show proof of onward travel (flight itinerary) or hotel reservation. You might need a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe. Read our ultimate guide to the Schengen visa, which strives to make the visa process a cakewalk for you.
For travel insurance: Heymondo. It’s the most affordable travel insurance with maximum coverage. You get 5% off if you use my link.
For Connectivity: Airalo. It’s the first-ever eSIM global website where you can buy an eSIM at affordable prices and stay connected while traveling.
For booking flights: Skyscanner and WayAway. They are the best flight search and comparison sites that help you find the best and cheapest flight deals. And with the WayAway membership plan, you’ll get cashback for every booking. Plus, with the special promo code “MELODIES,” a 10% discount is activated.
International money transfer & currency exchange: Wise. With competitive exchange rates, fast transfers, and a 9.1/10 rating on TrustPilot, it’s the only service you should use every time you transfer and exchange internationally.
For finding accommodations: Booking.com and Agoda. They are pioneers among hotel booking websites, offering a wide range of properties reviewed by travelers.
For rental car: Discover Cars. It’s the best international car rental platform for all your car rental needs.
For ground transport: Omio, RailEurope, and Bookaway. Best sites for booking bus and train tickets in Slovenia.
For tours & day trips: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook. They offer the best city tours and day excursions in Slovenia.
For guidance on the go, a Lonely Planet Guidebook for Central Europe comes in handy. It has been our trusted travel friend for years now, offering the most relevant and up-to-date recommendations on what to do and what not to do.
Recommended Reading:
Renting a Car in Europe
Schengen Visa for Europe
How to Plan a Trip to Europe
7 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Hungary
Hungary Itinerary: 7 Days in Hungary
Best Things to do in Budapest
3-Day Budapest Itinerary
Lake Balaton in Hungary
7 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Austria
Austria Itinerary
Things to do in Vienna, Austria
Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria
Best Day Trips from Vienna, Austria
Wachau Valley, Austria
Things to do in Salzburg, Austria
Best Hotels in Salzburg
Things to do in Hallstatt
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
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it’s really a detailed itinerary. Very helpful.
Thanks.