My journey began in Vienna, the capital of Austria, is known for its graceful baroque architecture, famous composers like Mozart and Strauss, and its world-renowned coffee culture. My first stop was the grand Schonbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence, which is now a UNESCO world heritage site and one of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions. Walking around the palace’s stunning gardens, I felt as if I had stepped back in time to the Habsburg dynasty.
After feasting on delicious Austrian pastries and coffee, I left Vienna and journeyed to Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube” and the capital of Hungary. Known for its thermal baths and gorgeous neo-Gothic architecture, Budapest offers a rich cultural experience that’s hard to match. I headed straight to the riverbank to take in the spectacular views of the city‘s iconic parliament building and Fisherman’s Bastion.
The highlight of my time in Budapest was visiting the Szechenyi Thermal Baths, which boasts 15 indoor and outdoor pools of varying temperatures and sizes. After a long day of walking around the city, soaking in the warm and therapeutic water was the perfect way to unwind and relax.
My final destination on this trip was Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and a city that has been at the center of European history for centuries. Known for its beautifully preserved historic buildings, the Prague Castle, and its delicious beer, Prague is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
On my first day in Prague, I walked across the famous Charles Bridge, adorned with Gothic statues and lined with local artists and musicians. As I reached the other side of the bridge, I was greeted with a stunning view of the city’s old town, including the towering spires of St. Vitus Cathedral.
No visit to Prague is complete without tasting its world-famous beer, which is said to be some of the best in the world. I visited a local brewery to learn about the brewing process and enjoy a few pints.
As my journey came to an end, I realized that each of these three cities had left a unique and lasting impression on me. From Vienna’s stately elegance to Budapest’s thermal baths and Prague’s rich history, I felt as if I had experienced the very best of what Central Europe has to offer.
Traveling by train was a convenient and enjoyable way to explore these three cities in a short amount of time. The iconic train journey from Vienna to Budapest is only a few hours and gives you breathtaking views of the Danube River and the rolling hills of the region. With frequent departures, between these three cities is easy and accessible, making it the perfect trip for any traveler looking to explore Central Europe.