Prague Vienna Budapest. A quick trip through Central Europe.

Budapest

As the legend goes, early Hungarian people were part of a tribe in Central Asia. When they were searching for lands to settle, an eagle landed in present day Hungary and that was where they settled. Today, Budapest is the capital city of country. Here, you can see both old Hungarian traditions, influences of the country’s time as a satellite state under the USSR, and a modern youthful culture.

Must Sees:

• A traditional bath house: located throughout the city, these traditional bath houses have large communal pools and saunas. It’s really a gathering place for everyone.
• Visit both sides of the city! Technically, Budapest is comprised of hilly Buda and flat Pest by a beautiful bridge. See both sides to get a better idea of the city.
• Have a drink in one of the “ruin pubs” - rundown vibes but with some cool art installations

Must Eat:

• Central Market Hall: sample some of the local delicacies like goulash and langos from this popular market.

Vienna

Vienna has the grandeur of France but with the practicality of Germany. Well designed and similarly brimming with history, Vienna is a beautiful place to visit.

Must Sees:

• Watch a classical music show: With Vienna being the home to previous residents such as Mozart and Beethoven, you feel inspired here! Go to any one of the symphony walls to spend a night listening to some beautiful classical music.
• St Stephen’s Cathedral: climb the 343 steps up to towers to be rewarded with unforgettable views of Vienna
• Hofburg Palace: Once the seat to the mighty Austro-Hungarian empire and belonging to the Hapsburg until 1918, an elegant palace to visit.

Must Eats:

• Drinks at the Christmas Markets: Just like Germany, Austria does it big during the winter with its Christmas Markets. Keep yourself warm with some mulled wine or ciders spiked with something a bit harder.
• Cake at Cafe Central: Try one of the cakes at this world famous cafe and you won’t regret it!

Prague

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is known as the city of one hundred spirals, and you can certainly see that when you arrive! The ornate Romanesque architecture transports you to another world. On our trip to Prague in the winter, we spent most of the time exploring and taking pictures of all the beautiful buildings with the wide walls and spiraling towers. Plus, because it was winter time, we also enjoyed the Christmas markets!

Must-Sees:

• Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock: probably the most popular place in town and really the heart of the city. Watch the clock strike on the hour for a beautiful surprise.
• Prague Castle: the largest ancient castle in the world deserves a visit, and till the seat of the President of the Czech Republic.
• Charles Bridge: also an interesting place for architecture, a bridge with statues of life size Catholic saints bordering both sides

Must Eats:

• Trdelnik, or chimney cake: They sell this all over the Christmas markets, and the warm bread covered in sugar and cinnamon is perfect for a cold day.

A warm pastry with some mulled wine - the perfect way to end our trip in Central Europe!