A week in Central Europe: Exploring three great capital cities

During Christmas time, Central Europe is one of the most magical places to visit. With the snow-capped Alps as a picturesque background, driving through this part of the continent can be an absolute joy towards the end of the year, especially if going with the family. ManyCentral European nations have iconic capitals with Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary proving no exception.

This holiday season, the best possible route you could take for a week-long break is to go from Prague to Budapest, taking in Vienna along the way. For this break, you might want to find ways to keep the kids occupied between breaks – there is a handy e-book that has games and such you could print out and bring for them while they’re in the car.

Czech it out

Your trip should begin in Prague, a city which is synonymous with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. After checking into your hotel on the first day of your trip, you should have a bite to eat at Choco Café, where you can sip on a comforting mug of hot chocolate. Your next stop should be the Holiday Market in the Old Town Square where you can treat the kids if they behave.

Around the square, there are numerous landmarks to wander towards such as the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Charles Bridge is good for a stroll too before the evening ends. After visiting a traditional Czech pub and getting some rest, the second day’s ideal for a little bit more exploring, especially of landmarks such as Prague Castle and Prague Cathedral.

Via Vienna

After a morning of taking snaps of the city centre, you should head towards Vienna, which is just five hours away by train. Once you arrive, the first thing you should do is sample the national dish – Wiener schnitzel.

Many of Vienna’s greatest experiences are only accessible by car, the majority of roads throughout are well-treated both in urban and rural environments. 

"It's a fact that driving around Vienna is very popular as many of the roads offer some of the best views in the whole of Europe. It would be wise avoiding using the vehicles horn in Vienna or near hospitals as you may easily receive a fine. It is illegal to overtake school buses when the yellow lights on the vehicle are flashing. Also know warning triangle, first-aid kit and reflective vest must be kept in the car at all times. They are considered essentials and there are chances to receive a fine" according to MikeCallaghan a spokesperson and Head of ArgusCar Hire.

On day four, it might be worth exploring the Belvedere Palace to see works by famous Austrian artists Gustav Klimt before having lunch at the Naschmarkt.

Day four should end with a visit to the city’s Christmas Market near the City Hall. After a good night’s rest, day five should present you with a chance to see the Hofburg Imperial Palace where the Lipizzaner stallions perform, the giant Ferris Wheel, the Wiener Riesenrad and Hundertwasserhaus, another Viennese landmark.

Hungary for more

After a train ride to Budapest and a bite to eat, you should walk between the two halves of the city, Pest and Buda, via the Chain Bridge. Then, a trip to the top of Castle Hill with the kids will provide stunning views of all the city’s landmarks. You’re also within easy reach of St Matthias Cathedral and the Hungarian National Gallery. In the evening, an hour-long cruise of the Danube is ideal.

The final day of your trip should take in a walk through Liberty Square (Szabadsag) and up Andrassy Way. After lunch, a splash in the open-air Szechenyi Baths should hit the spot for all the family, before having an evening meal such as Goulash or Paprikash, two of Hungary’s signature dishes.

 Collaborative post