Places to Visit in Central Europe

Central Europe's attractions are spread across two countries and several towns, so the most useful approach is to group them by place rather than try to cover everything. Prague and Budapest hold most of the big sights. Smaller towns such as Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and Kutná Hora suit a day or an overnight stay. Use the sections below to decide which places match your trip.

How should you group these places?

Think of the region in four groups. Prague holds the castle, the bridge and the Old Town Square. Smaller Czech towns include Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and Kutná Hora. Budapest holds the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, the thermal bath and the Danube. Lake Balaton and the wine regions of Eger and Tokaj lie outside the capital. Plan one group per stay, so your transfers stay short and your sightseeing stays relaxed.

Prague: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square

Prague Castle and Charles Bridge are two of the region's top attractions, and both sit within the city. The Old Town Square is where you find the Astronomical Clock, which is named among the top attractions in our research. St. Vitus Cathedral is also among the top attractions for Prague. Give the castle and the bridge their own time, and keep the square and its lanes for a separate visit. Check opening times before you go, because our research does not include them.

Cesky Krumlov

The historic centre of Cesky Krumlov is listed among the top attractions in the Czech Republic. It makes a good stop for a slower day, with time to walk the old town. Our research does not give travel times from Prague, so your planner will confirm the transfer and timings for your route. Cesky Krumlov is one of the two stops on our ten-night package.

Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is a spa town and is also on the list of top attractions in the Czech Republic. Like Cesky Krumlov, it is best added as a planned stop, since the research does not give distances or times. Ask your planner whether it fits your dates.

Kutná Hora: the Sedlec Ossuary and historic town

The Sedlec Ossuary and the historic town of Kutná Hora are named together among the top attractions. Ask your planner to confirm the transfer from your base, since the research gives no distances. Check opening times and any rules before you go, because they are not part of our current research.

Bohemian Switzerland

The Bohemian Switzerland national-park region is listed for its scenery and hiking. It adds nature and walking to a trip that is otherwise based in the cities. Confirm access and transport with your planner.

Budapest: Parliament, Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion

Budapest is the main draw for most first-time visitors to Hungary. The Parliament Building is one of its key attractions, and Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion sit on the Buda side of the Danube. The city's main sights can be planned together, and an evening walk along the river is a good way to end the day. St. Stephen's Basilica is also on the list of key attractions.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the named highlights of Budapest. It suits a relaxed afternoon after a morning of sightseeing. Check opening hours and bring your own swimwear, since these details are not part of our research.

Danube River cruises

Danube River cruises are a major Budapest highlight. A cruise gives a different view of the Parliament and the Buda side of the city. Ask your planner to add the cruise to your itinerary and confirm the timing.

Lake Balaton, Eger and Tokaj

Lake Balaton is one of Hungary's key highlights and lies outside Budapest. The wine regions of Eger and Tokaj are also named as key attractions. Your planner will confirm transfers and timings, since the research does not include them.

How was this guide compiled?

This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Opening hours, ticket prices and transport timings change, so confirm them with the venue or your planner before you travel.

Where to go next

Start with the Central Europe travel guide for the full picture. Then read best time to visit Central Europe to choose your months, and things to do for activities. Our Prague, Vienna and Budapest 7N package covers Prague and Budapest, and Eastern Europe Explorer 10N adds Cesky Krumlov. For entry rules, see the visa guide for Indians.