In January of 2024, my friend Kate and I embarked on our first trip abroad together around Europe! This was my first time staying in a hostel, backpacking, and hitting multiple countries in one trip. We did Hungary, Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic
Braving the cold of January in Europe was not for the faint of heart. We found just enough things to do to stay warm and moving! I highly recommend finding the space in your luggage for WARM shoes. My toes were freezing 100% of the trip.
days 1-3: budapest, hungary
On day one, you’ll fly into Budapest and try your best to ward off jet lag by walking around to see the Budapest Opera House, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Chain Bridge. Call it a night early because we have an early morning tomorrow!
Day two will start bright and early heading to the Szechenyi thermal baths. They are heated outdoor pools and so fun to paddle around in. Make sure you bring a way to store your wet bathing suits! Also be sure to explore the building to find the salt rooms and saunas.
After the baths, seek out a traditional hungarian lunch (hearty!) and then make your way to Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad for the afternoon. By the time you’re done there, you’ll need to refuel with a pre-dinner chimney cake.
To round out night 2, make your way to Szimpla Kert and Instant Fogas for iconic Budapest clubbing experiences. Szimpla Kert is more artsy/alternative with cool cocktails whereas the latter is a true club party vibe. Each floor of the club is a different music genre and scene.
Day 3 starts a little later so you can recuperate from the long night prior. Head to Buda Castle for the view and vibe. Then walk towards Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. Take the afternoon to see the National Hungarian Museum (but hopefully the staff are nicer to you than they were to us…)
Take it easy that night by finding a good restaurant. We opted for the BEST Vietnamese we just randomly stumbled upon. Close out the night with a beautiful nighttime walk along the Danube.
days 4-5: vienna, austria
Begin day 4 with a quick breakfast before the train ride to Vienna. Be sure to reserve a seat with your train ticket (we didn’t, had to sit on our bags on the floor </3). Keep an eye out for moose throughout the ride!
Austria is open described as the love child of Italy and Germany, so we searched for Italian food as soon as we settled into our hostel. After that, spend the afternoon at Belvedere Palace and around the gardens.
In the evening, we opted to find cheap tickets to the Vienna Ballet for a classy change of pace. After our classy moment, we found Vienna sausages for dinner and then explored the techno clubbing vibe this city is known for.
Day 5 will begin by visiting the Austrian National Library. We added in a quick stop at Cafe Sperl for lunch (made famous by the movie Before Sunrise). Finally, we rounded out our day at the Kunst Historisches Museum and the Parliament Building. Head to bed early before the early train tomorrow to the next stop!
days 6-8: munich, germany
Once again, start the day bright and early on another train ride (this time you definitely remembered to book seats on the train… right?) When you arrive, head to the old city to rub a lion’s face, meaning you will return to the city one day!
The Vienna to Munich train ride is a long one, so there wont be too much to do the rest of your day. If you plan the timing right, some of the evening Christmas markets might still be around and you can grab dinner and warm drinks there before bed.
Day 7 starts with Nymphenburg Palace and the 1972 Olympic Park. It is COOOOOLD so bundle up!!! Head back to the Old City after this for shopping and climb to the top of St. Peter’s Chapel for insane views. For dinner, experience an authentic beer garden at Augistiner Keller Beer Garden. We loved trying curling here!
Spend day 8 more pensively at the Dachau Concentration Camp. Don’t skip this incredibly heartbreaking experience, especially in the chilling winter. We unwinded after this by walking along the English Gardens and meeting many characters in our hostel bar that evening.
days 9-10: prague, czech republic
Catch your last train (this time you DEFINITELY booked the seats with the ticket.) Start your explorations in Old Town, being sure to hit the Astronomical Clock and Dog Bar for drinks. Unfortunately I was sick in Prague, so I didn’t get to do as much as I was hoping to.
Day 10 is for Prague Castle and the National Museum and reminiscing on all of the amazing fun you’ve had in Europe!!! Don’t forget that beer is cheaper than water in Prague, so be budget-friendly!