A trip to Central Europe can be one of the most fulfilling and exciting experiences in your life if you make the right plans! With gorgeous big cities, cultural sites, and historical objects to visit, the countries of Central Europe are worth getting to know.
If you really want to dig deeper and call yourself an expert by the end of your holiday, we suggest starting with the most prominent things to do regarding European culture and history. So, if you are only a couple of steps into planning, check out our quick suggestions and tips.
Marienplatz, Munich
Start your discovery road with Germany. While Berlin is the more obvious choice to see, the great city of Munich is also an impressive area with plenty of significant sites. Marienplatz being one of them.
Important both historically and culturally, Marienplatz is Munich’s main city square and the beating heart of its buzzing life. Dominated by the New City Hall on the northern end and the Old City Hall on the east, the square is regarded as the most significant part of Munich, with thousands of people crossing it every day.
Meet some locals and hang out with your friends for a good time, but remember to tour such monuments as the Marian Column, which was placed in the very center to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation, the reconstructed Gothic council that is the Old City Hall, and stop by for a rest. The restaurants here are top-notch, and they also have some great shops around.
Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg
If you treat our suggestion box as an exemplary itinerary, take the Munich to Salzburg train next, and enjoy the charming and prosperous city in western Austria. Let’s start strong with Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Undoubtedly the most well-known site of historical background, impressive architecture, and power demonstration, the fortress is one of the most important establishments in Central Europe. It was constructed in the 11th century, so you can probably guess how many changes and events these walls have seen!
Initially, Hohensazlburg was built to emphasize the power that the Salzburg archbishops already had on the world and the Holy Roman Empire. However, over the years, the fortress became more than just a piece to show off; Austrians have used it as barracks, storage depot, and even prison. Even after the wear and tear, it remains one of the best-preserved castles in Europe.
Charles Bridge, Prague
Now, let’s move to the Czech Republic. If Verona has Juliet’s balcony, and Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Prague’s signature mark and one of the most imposing monuments is the Charles Bridge.
Visiting the bridge is as essential as getting a pint of beer in Prague, so have your taste and go take a walk alongside the Vltava river and one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Connecting Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town, it is quite a walk, but the sights and history make it all worth it.
Discover the perfect combination of Gothic artistic style and more than thirty Baroque-style statues all across the bridge, with perfect marble faces of patron saints and some famous Czechs. If you want to add to tradition, buy a small lock to ensure all your wishes come true and the good times keep on lasting!
Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
It is time to get your best travel sneakers and most beautiful tourist attire – after a high-speed Prague to Vienna train, you might as well feel like a royal.
Schonbrunn Palace is one of the most lavish and well-developed sites to see in Austria, considering its initial purpose. Perfectly-designed gardens and impeccable housing were a summer residence for the Habsburg rulers for many a year, and you can still feel the luxury seeping from the estate.
Highly important as a historical and architectural piece, Schonbrunn Palace invites you into an experience of over 300 years of evolving tastes, designs, and events. Make sure you have a good few hours to spend here and take in as much as you can.
Szechenyi Baths, Budapest
Of course, there is no way we can leave out Hungary. And while there are plenty of historical sites in Budapest as well, let’s take a spa day, shall we?
Built in 1913, Budapest’s Szechenyi Baths are one of the most visited objects in the city for those who are simply curious, want to be a part of the culture, and, of course, want a good soak. The thermal baths are considered one of the most uplifting yet relatively cheap entertainments in Central Europe, so you might as well bring that bathing suit!
Affordable, comfortable, and culturally significant, Szechenyi Baths work as a date spot, SPA treatment, or cultural event. You can always meet people here who are more than welcoming and have come to enjoy the same aromas and warmth as you have. So, while a bit unusual as a cultural object, Szechenyi Baths should definitely end up on your itinerary.
Here you go! Five great suggestions, five ideal places to add to your must-see list. Remember that in order for a Eurotrip to be successful, you have to mix up the historical destinations, cultural episodes, and basic entertainment. Once you have all three – the trip is guaranteed success. Have the best time, Auf Wiedersehen, Nashledanou, and Viszontlátásra!
