Perfectly Planned Week in Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Stroll across a legendary medieval bridge lined with saints and buzzing with life.

Built in 1357 by order of Emperor Charles IV, this iconic stone bridge was the only crossing over the Vltava River for nearly five centuries. Today, it’s adorned with 30 statues of saints in Baroque style and is a magnet for artists, musicians, and street performers. It remains a central artery of Prague’s historic core and an essential stop on any visit.

Discover a wall of imagination and protest—and a peaceful square just steps away.

Since the 1960s, this wall has served as an outlet for public expression, but after John Lennon’s death in 1980, it became a symbol of peace and resistance, filled with graffiti inspired by his songs and ideals. During Communist rule, the wall became a place for dissent, and it continues to evolve with new artwork daily. Nearby, the cozy Maltese Square offers a quiet corner of the city where you can catch your breath, just moments away from the tourist crowds.

Visit the most iconic and expansive castle complex in Europe, rich in centuries of history.

With its origins tracing back to the 9th century, Prague Castle spans an enormous area and includes a variety of architectural styles and important landmarks. Within its fortified walls are the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Romanesque Basilica of St. George, royal gardens, noble palaces, and a medieval monastery. This historic seat of power for Bohemian kings and Czech presidents is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranks among the country’s most visited cultural destinations.

Stroll across a legendary medieval bridge lined with saints and buzzing with life.

Built in 1357 by order of Emperor Charles IV, this iconic stone bridge was the only crossing over the Vltava River for nearly five centuries. Today, it’s adorned with 30 statues of saints in Baroque style and is a magnet for artists, musicians, and street performers. It remains a central artery of Prague’s historic core and an essential stop on any visit.

Admire one of Budapest’s finest architectural gems—now quietly standing across from Parliament.

Though the Ethnographic Museum has moved to a new location in City Park, its former home remains a stunner. This neo-Renaissance building originally served as the Supreme Court and famously came in second place in the Parliament design competition. Some visitors find its interiors just as impressive as the Parliament itself, making it well worth a look, even if only from the outside.

Pause for a moment of remembrance at one of Budapest’s most poignant memorials.

Along the Danube’s edge, dozens of bronze shoes line the promenade—silent tributes to Jewish victims executed during WWII by Hungary’s fascist Arrow Cross party. Victims were forced to remove their shoes before being shot into the river. This powerful installation captures the inhumanity of those times and has become one of the city’s most haunting and meaningful monuments.

Join a guided tour through Hungary’s most extravagant symbol of state power.

This colossal Gothic Revival landmark is adorned with an explosion of turrets, arches, and intricate stonework, all crowned by a massive central dome. Beneath it, under tight guard, rests the sacred Crown of Saint Stephen. The interior tour reveals the crown jewels, stately halls, and the richly decorated Parliament chambers. Due to high demand, it's strongly advised to book tickets ahead of time.

Admire one of Budapest’s finest architectural gems—now quietly standing across from Parliament.

Though the Ethnographic Museum has moved to a new location in City Park, its former home remains a stunner. This neo-Renaissance building originally served as the Supreme Court and famously came in second place in the Parliament design competition. Some visitors find its interiors just as impressive as the Parliament itself, making it well worth a look, even if only from the outside.

Watch centuries of tradition unfold at this prestigious institution of classical horsemanship.

Dating back to 1572, the Spanish Riding School is world-famous for its elegant performances and the dazzling skills of its Lipizzaner stallions. Originally founded to train horses for battlefield maneuvers, it now focuses on preserving the art of classical dressage. Demonstrations and full shows are held in a historic Baroque riding hall within the palace grounds.

Sip coffee and dine where legends once lingered.

With soaring ceilings, marble pillars, and an air of 19th-century sophistication, Café Central remains one of Vienna’s most storied cafés. Intellectual giants like Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, and Stefan Zweig once gathered here for lively conversation and refined cuisine. It’s still one of the city’s most popular stops, so booking a table in advance is highly recommended.

Wander through the palaces, museums, and gardens of Vienna’s imperial seat.

The Hofburg is more than just one building—it's a sprawling network of palaces, museums, state apartments, chapels, and courtyards that once housed the imperial family. It now hosts several major museums, including the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments. Take time to explore the tranquil Burggarten and the grand squares that once buzzed with imperial pageantry.

Take a tour or catch a live performance at one of the world’s most iconic opera venues.

Originally the crown jewel of the Austro-Hungarian music scene, the opera house remains a towering cultural symbol. While much of it was destroyed during WWII bombings, the opulent foyer was miraculously preserved and the building faithfully restored. Whether you attend a performance or take a guided tour, you’ll understand why this venue continues to attract top talent and opera lovers from across the globe. Across the street, don't miss the renowned Hotel Sacher—birthplace of the famed Sachertorte.

Explore a millennium of royal riches in the heart of the Hofburg complex.

This dazzling museum houses the ceremonial treasures of the Habsburg dynasty, including crowns, jewel-encrusted swords, imperial robes, religious relics, and rare gemstones. The collection offers a glimpse into the wealth and symbolism of empire, spanning both secular and sacred traditions. An audio guide is highly recommended to enrich the experience.

Watch centuries of tradition unfold at this prestigious institution of classical horsemanship.

Dating back to 1572, the Spanish Riding School is world-famous for its elegant performances and the dazzling skills of its Lipizzaner stallions. Originally founded to train horses for battlefield maneuvers, it now focuses on preserving the art of classical dressage. Demonstrations and full shows are held in a historic Baroque riding hall within the palace grounds.