If you’re planning a trip to Europe, why not explore three of its most history-laden cities? This itinerary covers Berlin, Prague and Vienna – each with its unique charm and countless stories to tell. I’ve written individual blogs about these cities, so if you’re planning to visit only one or two cities check them out:

But if you want to see more while you’re in Central Europe, this blog can help with your trip organisation. As always, I will include some hidden gems and some scenic, unique travel photography spots.

A Journey Through Time in Berlin, Prague, and Vienna

The itinerary spans eight to nine days, with two to three days in each city. Berlin is the starting point as the airport is well connected with a good selection of international and intercontinental routes. Vienna has some good connections as well, especially if you are coming from Asia, Australia or New Zealand. Whichever direction you are travelling you’ll have a great time.

As always when visiting Europe, the best time to visit is Spring (April to June) or Autumn (September to November). Though all three cities have some great Christmas markets worth stopping by in December. But then it can get either rainy or snowy. Believe me, nothing beats mulled wine at a Christmas market when it snows.

It’s easy and comfortable to plan and travel between the cities by train as there are frequent trains every two hours.

Day 1-3: Explore Berlin’s Rich History and Vibrant Culture

As mentioned, I would start 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.

If it’s your first time in town, best stay in Berlin Mitte as you’ll have easy access to all major attractions and public transport. More budget-friendly alternatives are hostels and hotels around Alexanderplatz. If you’re looking for a more local experience check Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.

Day 1 – Historical Gems along Unter-den-Linden

On your first day, explore the historical sights and places along the Unter-den-Linden Avenue. It’s the main street leading from the Brandenburg Gate all the way to the Museumsinsel, with Alexanderplatz being quite close too.

Start at most iconic sight: the Brandenburg Gate. Surrounding the Gate, you have a huge square and the infamous Adlon Hotel. Once you pass the gate from Pariser Platz, turn right towards the Reichstag. You can visit the Reichstag for free and go-up the Dome for some incredible panoramic views. You will have to make a reservation, but this can be easily arranged through the website. Afterwards, if you have a bit more time, make your way to the Siegessäule (Victory Column). The observation deck here is less crowded, offering equally stunning vistas. A spot you should not miss if you like travel photography.

Next head back to Unter-den-Linden and stroll along this impressive avenue. Make sure to get some food in one of the many restaurants along the way or in the side streets close by – I can recommend the area around Gendarmenmarkt.

From there it’s a short walk to the Berliner Schloss (Humboldt Forum), the German Historical Museum and the Museumsinsel. All these museums are worth a visit, but as you have limited time, I would recommend the German Historical Museum, the Altes Museum if you’re interest in ancient Greek and Roman history, or the Alte Nationalgalerie if you like paintings. The Pergamonmuseum is a must as well, but unfortunately, it’s temporarily closed for renovations.

End your day with a visit to the Berliner Dome on the Museumsinsel. The cathedral is an impressive masterpiece from the 18th century and features an observation deck too. From there, head to Alexanderplatz, stopping by the Red City Hall (Rotes Rathaus), the TV tower, and the World Clock along the way. All these landmarks are especially beautiful at night and offer great photography opportunities. For dinner, stay around Alexanderplatz or visit the area around the Hackescher Markt.

Day 2 – Hidden Treasures and Local Flavors

The second day is dedicated to the recent history of Germany, in particular the separation of Berlin and Germanys. If you haven’t been yet to the German Historical Museum, I would start there. From the museum, make your way to the Tränenpalast. This is the former border station between East and West Berlin. It doesn’t just depict the tedious process Eastern Germans had to go through to enter the Western part, but also what the daily live looked like in East Germany. To be honest, it is that accurate that it was not easy to visit the first time, as it revoked quite some memories of when I passed this station before the reunifications when visiting West Berlin with my family.

From the train station Friedrichstrasse take the S-Bahn to Berlin Ostbahnhof and walk down to the East Side Gallery. This memorial preserved parts of the Berlin Wall with the graffiti from more than 100 artists. Perfect for some unique photos for your collection. Not far from the East Side Gallery, you have Markthalle Neuen, perfect for your lunch break. On the way there, don’t miss the Oberbaum Brücke with its unique towers, another great opportunity for travel photographers.

After lunch, head over to Checkpoint Charlie, connect to metro U6 and get off at stop Stadtmitte or Kochstrasse. This is the border point where back during the Cold War, tanks faced each other. Here you will also find a metal strip in the ground that marks the former border between the divided Germany.

After all this history it’s time to explore one of the most vibrant and spawling neighbourhoods in Berlin: Kreuzberg. Visit one of the local beer gardens or, if you want to try the famous Currywurst (Berlin version of it at least), check Curry 36 on Mehringdamm. Craving a great Ramen? Go to Hako Ramen. Jazz-lovers make sure to stop by Yorkschlösschen for some great live music. For some crazy cocktails and a unique atmosphere, check out Zynkalibar.

Day 3 – Last-minute Adventures Before Heading to Prague

Depending on if you want to leave early for Prague or prefer to spend some more time in Berlin, you have different options. If you want to spend a bit more time in Berlin, Kurfürsten Damm (Ku Damm) is a great option for the morning. It’s the main shopping street in Berlin and offers something for everybody. Here you also find the remains of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.

The train journey to Prague takes around 4 hours, so plan to leave in the early afternoon. One tip: make sure to sit on the left-hand side of the direction of travel to see the beautiful Saxon Switzerland along the river, after you pass Dresden. Perfect for travel photography, so get your camera ready.

Charles Bridge Tower at night - Travel Photography — **Charles Bridge Tower at night**

Day 3-6: Welcome to Prague: The Heart of Bohemia

After some history-laden days in Berlin, it’s now time to explore and enjoy another gem in Central Europe, loaded with history too, but also some amazing food and some of the best beer in the world: Prague.

As a first-time traveller to Prague, you should plan to stay in the Old Town or close to Wenceslas Square, which makes exploring much easier. For returning visitors, check the area behind the train station called Zizkov.

Day 3 – Evening Strolls and Initial Impressions

As you left Berlin in time to arrive in the early evening, you will have some time to settle into your accommodation and have a quick walk around the Old Town Square with the famous Astronomical Clock. The square and the buildings around it are beautifully lit up after dawn and definitely offer some great unique travel photos. Close to the square, you also have the Jewish quarter with some great places for dinner. Check Kolkovna V Kolkovně or Lokál Dlouhááá.

Day 4 – Medieval Wonders and Riverside Views

After breakfast, start your visit with the Prague Castle. A short walk from the castle, you’ll find St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane. All of them are great for travel photography, and especially behind the castle you, have a stunning view over 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 one 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 done so yet) or Manes Bridge. Both options offer quite interesting perspectives of the Charles Bridge. Before or after dinner, stroll around Old Town. Make sure to walk along the river as well to have some great views and photo opportunities of the lit-up castle.

Day 5 - The Old Town Charm

Prague has a great Jewish heritage and played quite a significant role in Jewish life in Central Europe. Start the 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 the beautiful buildings are perfect if you like street photography.

In the afternoon, visit one of the great parks in Prague. I like Letná Park and the park around Petrin Hill. Take a relaxing walk in either and take in the stunning panoramic views, ideal for travel photography. I prefer Petrin Hill as you have also the Petrin Tower (modelled after the Eiffel Tower), Vrtba Garden (a manicured baroque garden), and Strahov Monastery (for some great beer). You can either walk up the hill or take the funicular.

For dinner and the evening, explore Vinohrady district. You will find some trendy restaurants and cafes. There are some great bars and clubs too if you want to go out afterwards. Alternatively, you can take a boat ride with some dinner and enjoy some cocktails afterwards along the river.

Day 6 – Departure Preparations and Last-minute Sightseeing

On your last day in Prague either relax or explore the city a bit more. Visit Vyšehrad fortress or, if you haven’t visited the Petrin Tower yet, hike up there for some great morning views. If you want to leave only in the early evening for Budapest, you can also squeeze in a day trip to Kutná Hora to see the famous Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary).

The train ride to Vienna lasts around four. Ideally you leave in the early afternoon to arrive not too late in Vienna. Another alternative is the night train that will get you there overnight and will safe you one hotel-night in Vienna.

Austrian Parliament in Vienna - Travel Photography — **Charles Bridge Tower at night**

Day 7-9: Experience Vienna – The Heart of Imperial Europe

After spending some interesting days learning about German History and trying some amazing Czech food and beer, it’s now time to explore Vienna. This former capital of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, with influences from all over Central, Eastern and Southern Europe.

If you love coffee, like me, you will find some of the best coffee houses in the world. My favourite is Café Hawelka. While in Vienna, you will not be able to avoid trying the Wiener Schnitzel, available in almost every restaurant. For the original, head to Figlmüller. Another great option that serves various Schnitzel types is the Schnitzelwirt in the Neubaugasse. For a snack or light lunch, stop by Buffet Tresniewski (just opposite Café Hawelka).

For your first visit to Vienna, staying in the 1st District (Innere Stadt) is ideal, offering easy access to the main sights. If you're a returning visitor, consider the 2nd District (Leopoldstadt) for a less touristy, more local vibe.

Day 7: Historic Heart of Vienna

After arriving the day before and having a good night sleep, it’s time to explore Vienna and its main sights. The first stop should be the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom). Once you arrive at Stephansplatz, enjoy the view of the cathedral with its colourful tiled roof and towering spires. The interior is beautiful and worth a visit, but more interesting is to climb up one of the towers (preferably the South tower) for some breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Next, walk along the Graben and the Kohlmarkt to the Hofburg. The Hofburg is now a museum which includes the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Imperial Treasury. Linked to the Hofburg are also the seat of the Austrian president, the Spanish Horse-Riding School, and the National Library. Make sure you visit the Prunksaal (State Hall) of the National Library.

Before continuing your exploration, get some lunch and rest in one of the restaurants or cafes nearby. Once you’re recharged, it’s time to visit some of the great museums in Vienna. Passing the National Library and crossing the Ringstrasse, you will get to the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Naturhistorisches Museum. These two grand museums, located next to each other, house an impressive collection of art and natural history exhibits. The Kunsthistorische Museum features an extraordinary staircase, perfect for photography enthusiasts. The Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum) is great if you’re travelling with kids. If you have some energy left to explore more art and culture, stop by the MuseumsQuartier, which houses the Mumok (museum for modern art) and the Leopold Museum with pieces from Klimt and Kokoschka.

In the evening explore the Ringstrasse. Take a leisurely walk around this grand boulevard, lined with beautiful buildings, including the State Opera House, the Austrian Parliament, and the City Hall. It’s perfect for travel photography.

Day 8: Art and Culture Extravaganza

After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, it’s time to dive deeper into Vienna’s the art and culture. Start at the Belvedere Palace, a stunning baroque complex composed of the Orangery and the Gallery, which houses famous paintings from Klimt (The Kiss), Schiele, Kokoschka, and others. Enjoy an awesome view over the city, and don’t miss the fountains and somewhat quirky Sphinx sculptures. At the bottom of the park, you can relax and recover at Salm Brӓu, a little brewery.

After lunch, head back towards the Hofburg. Take some time to visit the Albertina Museum and indulge in its extensive art collection, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Dürer. The park next to it and the National Opera House offer some great photo opportunities. Very close by, you’ll find the infamous Sacher Café, known for its legendary Sacher Torte.

For a more go off-the-beaten-track experience, visit the Votivkirche or the Jesuitenkirche. The Votivkirche is a neo-gothic church build in the 19th century near the University of Vienna. The Jesuitenkirche is best known for its impressive interior and is free to enter. If visiting another church is not appealing, check out Palais Liechtenstein, a private palace with an impressive art collection and beautiful gardens.

Day 9: A Grand Farewell in Vienna and Scenic Views

Depending on what time you need to leave, either head out to the airport or train station, or explore a bit more of Vienna. If you have some extra time, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-visit before you leave. Spend the morning exploring the palace and its beautiful gardens. Try to find the fake Roman ruins or head up the hill to the Gloriette for an incredible view over the city, offering great travel photography opportunities.

Alternatively, and especially fun when travelling with kids, visit Prater Park. The large public park is home to the famous Ferris wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) and various attractions, like roller coasters, a planetarium, and a Madame Tussauds wax museum.

If you like wine, make sure to stop by Grinzing. Discover this charming wine village just outside the city, known for its Heuriger (wine taverns) and vineyards. It’s prefect for a lunch break and some great images.

Additional Tips

Essential Train Travel Tips for Central Europe

The easiest way to travel between the three cities is by train. You can search and book your tickets on one of the national carriers’ websites:

Deutsche Bahn (DB) and České dráhy (CD) for the Berlin to Prague route, and
České dráhy (CD) or ӦBB (Austrian Railways) for Prague to Vienna.

Booking tickets in advance will get you better deals and preferred travel times.

Currency Tips: Navigating Berlin, Prague, and Vienna

In Germany and Austria the Euro is the official currency. Therefore, you should have no problems paying in Berlin and Vienna. In Prague though, you have the Czech koruna (CZK). Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some local currency on hand is useful.

Wrap-Up: Making the Most of Your Central Europe Adventure

For sure, one week is not enough to experience and capture everything that Berlin, Prague, and Vienna have to offer. 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 more, read the individual blogs for Berlin, Prague, and Vienna.

I hope with all the above, I could help 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, Prague, and Vienna sites which hopefully give you some ideas of what to expect.

Journeying through Berlin, Prague, and Vienna – from Bustling Cities to Imperial Elegance