Travel Planning for Central Europe – a perfect itinerary from Berlin to Prague via Dresden
If you’re planning a trip to Europe and don’t want to spend too much time traveling between cities, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague are excellent options. The travel between these cities is not just convenient and comfortable but also scenic. In particular, the train ride between Dresden and Prague is one of the most picturesque routes in Europe, perfect for travel photography.
In this blog, I'll outline a week-long trip from Berlin to Prague, with a stopover in Dresden. If you have more time, feel free to check out the individual city guides:
A Journey Through Time in Berlin, Dresden, and Prague
This itinerary spans seven to eight days, with two to three days in Berlin and Prague, and two days in Dresden. Start your journey in Berlin, where the airport is well-connected with a wide range of international and intercontinental routes. Prague also offers excellent connections, especially for travellers coming from Asia, Australia, or New Zealand. No matter which direction you travel, you’re in for a great time.
As always, the best time to visit Europe is in Spring (April to June) or Autumn (September to November). While all three cities boast fantastic Christmas markets in December, Dresden stands out with the second oldest Christmas market in Europe. However, be prepared for rain or snow. Trust me, nothing beats enjoying mulled wine at a Christmas market when it’s snowing.
Traveling between these cities by train is easy and comfortable. There are frequent trains every hour between Berlin and Dresden and every two hours between Dresden and Prague.
Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
Day 1-3: Explore Berlin’s Rich History and Vibrant Culture
Start your journey in Berlin. If you arrive by plane, the city is easily reachable by S-Bahn or bus. If you’re arriving by train, you’ll either get off at Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main train station) or Berlin Ostbahnhof. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is centrally located, and you can quickly get to other parts of town by S-Bahn, U-Bahn (subway), tram, or bus.
For first-time visitors, staying in Berlin Mitte is ideal as it offers easy access to all major attractions and public transport. Budget-friendly alternatives include hostels and hotels around Alexanderplatz. For a more local experience, check out Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.
Day 1 – Historical Gems along Unter-den-Linden
On your first day, explore the historical sights along Unter-den-Linden Avenue, the main street leading from the Brandenburg Gate to the Museumsinsel. Start at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Nearby, you’ll find a huge square and the infamous Adlon Hotel. Pass through the gate from Pariser Platz and turn right towards the Reichstag. You can visit the Reichstag for free and go up the Dome for incredible panoramic views. Reservations can be easily made through their website. If time allows, visit the Siegessäule (Victory Column) for stunning vistas and excellent photo opportunities.
Next, head back to Unter-den-Linden and stroll along this impressive avenue. Enjoy food at one of the many restaurants along the way or in side streets near the Gendarmenmarkt.
From there, it's a short walk to the Berliner Schloss (Humboldt Forum), the German Historical Museum, and the Museumsinsel. If time is limited, prioritize the German Historical Museum, the Altes Museum for ancient Greek and Roman history, or the Alte Nationalgalerie for paintings. The Pergamonmuseum is a must-see, but it’s temporarily closed for renovations.
End your day with a visit to the Berliner Dom on Museumsinsel. The cathedral, an 18th-century masterpiece, features an observation deck. Continue to Alexanderplatz, stopping by the Red City Hall (Rotes Rathaus), the TV tower, and the World Clock. These landmarks are especially beautiful at night and offer great photography opportunities. For dinner, stay around Alexanderplatz or visit the area around Hackescher Markt.
Day 2 – Hidden Treasures and Local Flavors
Dedicate your second day to recent German history, particularly the separation of Berlin and Germany. If you haven’t visited the German Historical Museum yet, start there. Next, head to the Tränenpalast, the former border station between East and West Berlin. It showcases the difficult process East Germans went through to enter West Berlin and depicts daily life in East Germany.
From Friedrichstrasse station, take the S-Bahn to Berlin Ostbahnhof and walk to the East Side Gallery. This memorial preserves parts of the Berlin Wall with graffiti from over 100 artists, perfect for unique photos. Nearby, you’ll find Markthalle Neun, an ideal spot for a lunch break. Don’t miss the Oberbaum Bridge on the way, another great photo opportunity.
After lunch, visit Checkpoint Charlie by taking the U6 metro to Stadtmitte or Kochstrasse. This border point was a tense location during the Cold War. A metal strip on the ground marks the former border between East and West Berlin.
In the afternoon, explore the vibrant neighbourhood of Kreuzberg. Visit local beer gardens or try the famous Currywurst at Curry 36 on Mehringdamm. For great ramen, head to Hako Ramen. Jazz lovers should check out Yorkschlösschen for live music. For unique cocktails, visit Zynkalibar.
Day 3 – Last-Minute Adventures Before Heading to Dresden
On your last day in Berlin, you have different options depending on your schedule. If you have extra time, explore Kurfürstendamm (Ku’Damm), Berlin’s main shopping street, and visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Alternatively, take a day trip to Potsdam to see Sanssouci Park, which includes Sanssouci Palace, the New Palace, Orangery Palace, and Belvedere Palace. All offer excellent photo opportunities.
The train journey to Dresden takes about 1.5 hours with trains running every hour.
View on Brühlsche Terrasse in Dresden
Day 4-5: Discover Dresden’s Baroque Beauty and Hidden Treasures
For me, Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and is often referred to as the "Florence on the Elbe." This is especially true after the reconstruction of the area around the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), which stood as a wasteland after the city's massive destruction at the end of World War II.
Most hotels are in the city centre, providing easy access to the main sights and transportation. There are also lovely hotels along the river, though they’re a bit further from the city centre. If you prefer staying in an Airbnb, look for options in Neustadt, a lively area perfect for going out and meeting new friends.
Day 4 – Exploring Dresden’s Baroque Beauty
After a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast, it's time to explore Dresden and its marvellous sights. Start with a visit to the Zwinger Palace to admire its Baroque architecture and art galleries. The most famous gallery is the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery), which can easily compete with the Louvre in Paris, Prado in Madrid, or Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. You can also walk around the roof for some great views and photo opportunities.
Next to the Zwinger, you’ll find the Semper Opera, the Hofkirche, and the recently reconstructed Residenzschloss. I highly recommend the Residenzschloss with its Green Vault and the Hausmannsturm (Hausmann’s Tower), which offers amazing views of the city and its sights.
Continue your walk along the Procession of Princes, a mural depicting the rulers of Saxony from the Wettin Dynasty, leading to the famous Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). Before visiting the church, take some time for lunch at one of the many good restaurants around the square. Make sure to explore the interior of the Frauenkirche and its observation deck. You’ll notice the church’s typical yellow sandstone colour mixed with darker stones, which are the remains of the original church.
Next, head over to the Brühlsche Terrasse (Brühl’s Terrace) for a pleasant stroll. You’ll have a great view over the river and various sights. The terrace stretches between the Augustus Bridge and the Carola Bridge (parts of which recently collapsed).
Make sure to head to the Neustadt side of the river for some great travel photos and sunset views of the Old Town. Afterwards, wander through Neustadt to experience Dresden’s hipster cafes, restaurants, and street art.
Day 5 – Off-the-Beaten-Path in Dresden
On your second day in Dresden, start by exploring the Neustädter Markt and the famous Goldener Reiter (Golden Rider), as well as the Neustädter Wache (Blockhouse) and Japanisches Palais (Japanese Palace). From there, follow the river upstream to Weisser Hirsch and the Elbschlösser (Elbe Castles). These three mansions sit atop a hill overlooking the river and town, offering some of the best views. Their parks are connected and make for a great hike or walk. If you don’t want to walk the entire way, take the tram or bus up to the castles. Not far from the castles, you’ll find the Blaue Wunder (Loschwitz Bridge), a unique construction that provides fantastic photo opportunities.
Alternatively, take a steamboat to Schloss Pillnitz (Pillnitz Castle), the summer residence of the royal family. The castle is located directly along the river and is surrounded by a large park. Fun fact: Check the marks for the different floods over the centuries.
Take a late afternoon or early evening train from Dresden to Prague (approx. 2.5 hours). The route is scenic, following the Elbe River, and you’ll arrive in Prague in the evening. One tip: Sit on the left-hand side in the direction of travel to enjoy the beautiful Saxon Switzerland along the river after you pass Dresden. It’s perfect for travel photography, so get your camera ready.
View on Charles Bridge in Prague
Day 5-8: Welcome to Prague: The Heart of Bohemia
After some history-laden days in Berlin and Dresden, it’s time to explore and enjoy another gem in Central Europe, rich in history and renowned for its amazing food and some of the best beer in the world: Prague.
As a first-time traveller to Prague, it’s best to stay in the Old Town or close to Wenceslas Square, which makes exploring much easier. Returning visitors might enjoy the area behind the train station called Zizkov.
Day 5 – Evening Strolls and Initial Impressions
Having left Dresden in time to arrive in the early evening, you will have some time to settle into your accommodation and take a quick walk around the Old Town Square, home to the famous Astronomical Clock. The square and its surrounding buildings are beautifully lit up after dusk, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Close to the square, the Jewish Quarter boasts excellent dinner spots. Consider Kolkovna V Kolkovně or Lokál Dlouhááá.
Day 6 – Medieval Wonders and Riverside Views
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Prague Castle. A short walk from the castle leads you to St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane. These spots are perfect for travel photography, and behind the castle, you’ll find stunning views of the city, including the iconic Charles Bridge.
Afterwards, make your way down to Mala Strana (Lesser Town). There are some great places for food – my favourite is Lokál U Bílé kuželky. After lunch, explore the medieval part of town and don’t miss the John Lennon Wall.
Once done, either cross the Charles Bridge (if you haven’t already) or the Manes Bridge. Both offer interesting perspectives of the Charles Bridge. Before or after dinner, take a stroll around the Old Town. Be sure to walk along the river for stunning views and photo opportunities of the lit-up castle.
Day 7 – The Old Town Charm
Prague has a significant Jewish heritage and played a crucial role in Jewish life in Central Europe. Start your day with a visit to the Old Jewish Cemetery and some of the remaining synagogues: Old New Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, and Maisel Synagogue. Don’t miss the Franz Kafka statue close to the Spanish Synagogue. The narrow streets with beautiful buildings are perfect for street photography.
In the afternoon, visit one of Prague’s great parks. I recommend Letná Park and the park around Petrin Hill. Enjoy a relaxing walk in either and take in the stunning panoramic views, ideal for travel photography. I prefer Petrin Hill as it also features the Petrin Tower (modelled after the Eiffel Tower), Vrtba Garden (a manicured baroque garden), and Strahov Monastery (known for its great beer). You can walk up the hill or take the funicular.
For dinner and the evening, explore the Vinohrady district. You’ll find trendy restaurants and cafes, as well as great bars and clubs if you want to go out afterwards. Alternatively, you can take a boat ride with dinner and enjoy some cocktails afterwards along the river.
Day 8 – Departure Preparations and Last-minute Sightseeing
On your last day in Prague, depending on what time you need to leave, either head to the airport or train station, or explore a bit more of the city. Visit Vyšehrad Fortress or, if you haven’t yet visited the Petrin Tower, hike up for some great morning views. If you’re leaving in the early evening, you can squeeze in a day trip to Kutná Hora to see the famous Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary).
Practical Advice for Seamless Travels
Travelling by train between these cities is easy and convenient. Trains between Berlin and Dresden are operated by either Deutsche Bahn (DB) or České dráhy (CD), and you can book tickets on either website.
The Euro (€) is used in Berlin and Dresden, while the Czech koruna (CZK) is used in Prague. Most places accept credit cards, but it’s handy to have some local currency.
Make the Most of Your One-Week Adventure
One week is certainly not enough to experience and capture everything that Berlin, Dresden, and Prague have to offer. However, the outlined travel itinerary ensures a well-rounded mix of history, culture, and relaxation, making it a memorable journey through Central Europe.
If you have more time and want to explore the cities further, be sure to check out the individual blogs for Berlin, Dresden, and Prague.
I hope this guide helps you plan your next trip to Central Europe. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out if you need help with your travel planning.
For some visual inspiration, here are the links to my Berlin, Dresden, and Prague sites, which will hopefully give you some ideas of what to expect.
