We chose a package through Great Value Vacations, and today, we’re sitting down to share every detail of our experience. From the cobblestone streets of Hungary to the imperial palaces of Austria and the nostalgic vibes of the Czech Republic, this trip was a whirlwind of history, culture, and (most importantly) incredible food. If you’ve been dreaming of a Central European getaway, grab a cup of coffee and join us as we walk you through our journey!

The Joy of “Structured Freedom”

One of the biggest questions we had when booking was whether to go fully independent or join a guided tour. We eventually landed on a package that offered what we like to call “structured freedom.” Great Value Vacations handled the “scary” stuff—the international flights, our hotels in each city, and the transportation between countries—but left our daily itineraries completely up to us.

For a couple celebrating an anniversary, this was perfect. We didn’t have to worry about how to get from the airport to the hotel or how to navigate train bookings between Budapest and Vienna. Instead, we could focus on the fun parts: which museum to visit, where to find the best sunset view, and which café served the most decadent cake.

Falling in Love with Budapest: The City of Romance

Our journey began in Budapest, Hungary, and it didn’t take long for this city to steal our hearts. There is an undeniable romantic charm to Budapest, especially as the sun begins to set. We spent our evenings walking along the Danube River, watching the lights of the Parliament Building and the Buda Castle reflect off the water. We noticed so many couples simply sitting by the river, soaking in the atmosphere. It’s a city that practically begs you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

One of our favorite parts of Budapest was the sheer history embedded in the architecture. Every corner felt like a story. If we had one regret, it was not having an extra day here. We really wanted to visit the famous thermal baths, but with our pre-set travel schedule, we had to prioritize. Still, the time we did have was magical.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Budapest, prioritize the riverfront at night. It’s one of the most beautiful sights in all of Europe!

Vienna: Elegance, History, and Imperial Grandeur

Next, we headed to Vienna, Austria. If Budapest is romantic and moody, Vienna is grand and polished. It consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities, and it’s easy to see why. The public transportation is incredibly efficient, the parks are pristine, and the architecture is breathtakingly imperial.

Before our trip, we watched the series The Empress, which follows the life of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). Walking through the Hofburg Palace and seeing the history of the Habsburg Empire come to life made the experience so much richer. We even treated ourselves to a classical concert, which felt like the quintessential Viennese experience.

We found Vienna to be the most “organized” stop of our trip. Everything works like clockwork, making it a very stress-free environment for travelers.

Prague: A Nostalgic Step Back in Time

Our final stop was Prague, Czech Republic, and it offered a vibe completely different from the first two cities. To us, Prague felt wonderfully nostalgic. As children of the 80s, we were struck by how much the city reminded us of that era. From the music playing in the cafes to the general atmosphere of the train stations and car-shares, it felt like a vibrant, living time capsule.

Prague is full of life. It’s busy, energetic, and packed with landmarks like the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. Despite the crowds, it maintains a cozy, approachable feel. We spent hours wandering through the winding alleys, discovering hidden courtyards and quirky shops.

The Great Goulash Debate: Our Winner Revealed!

You can’t visit Central Europe without talking about Goulash. We made it our personal mission to try this iconic dish in all three countries. Each version had its own unique twist:

• Austria: Often served with bread dumplings and a refined, hearty sauce.
• Czech Republic: Usually thicker, more like a stew, often served with onions and bread.
• Hungary: This was the clear winner for us!

The Hungarian goulash was rich, deep in flavor, and simply unforgettable. It had a complexity that we kept dreaming about long after we left. While we enjoyed every version we tried, Hungary definitely took home the “Best Goulash” trophy for our family!

Practical Tips for Your Own European Adventure

While we loved the package experience, we learned a few things along the way that can help you plan your own trip:

1. Prepare for Walking: We cannot stress this enough—wear comfortable shoes! While public transit is great, you will easily clock 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day exploring these historic centers. If you get tired, we recommend trying the electric scooters or bikes available in the cities to give your feet a break.
2. Study the Transit Early: Every city has a different system for validating tickets. Take some time to watch YouTube tutorials or read local guides before you arrive so you don’t end up with a fine.
3. Be Flexible with Delays: Even with a pre-arranged package, things happen. Our train from Vienna to Prague was delayed, turning a two-hour trip into a four-hour journey. We had to adjust our plans on the fly, but staying positive kept the mood light.
4. Prioritize Your “Must-Sees”: Because the transportation between cities is fixed, your time is limited. Make a list of the top two things you want to see in each city and do those first. Anything else is a bonus!

Our Final Verdict: Is a Package Trip Right for You?

So, was the Great Value Vacations package worth it? For us, the answer is a resounding yes. Having the logistics of flights, hotels, and inter-city travel handled allowed us to actually enjoy our anniversary rather than stressing over bookings.

We think this type of package is perfect for:

• Seasoned Travelers: Who want to focus on the experience rather than the planning.
• Milestone Celebrations: Where you want a guaranteed level of comfort and structure.

However, if it’s your very first time traveling internationally, you might want to consider a fully guided tour or perhaps choosing just two cities instead of three to allow for a more relaxed pace.

We left Europe with full hearts, tired feet, and a lifetime of memories. Budapest, Vienna, and Prague are three gems that every traveler should see at least once. Whether it’s for an anniversary or just a family getaway, these cities offer a glimpse into a world of history and beauty that is truly second to none.

We booked this adventure through Great Value Vacations, and while we aren’t sponsored, we chose it specifically for the convenience and value it offered for a multi-city trip. This was our first time exploring Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic, and Budapest was the perfect place to kick things off. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or bringing the whole family along, this city offers a blend of fairy-tale architecture and vibrant culture that is impossible not to fall in love with.

Join us as we recount our favorite memories and share our tips for making the most of a short stay in this breathtaking city!

Stepping Into a Foodie’s Paradise: The Central Market Hall

After landing around 2:00 p.m. and checking into our hotel, we didn’t waste a second. We dropped our bags, freshened up, and set out on a 20-minute walk to the Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok).

As soon as we stepped inside, we were hit with the vibrant energy of a marketplace that has been the heart of the city since the 1890s. The architecture alone is worth the trip—the grand facade and the colorful Zsolnay tiled roof make it look more like a cathedral than a grocery market. Inside, it’s a feast for the senses. We wandered past stalls overflowing with fresh produce, strings of dried paprika, and local meats and cheeses.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for authentic souvenirs, head to the second floor for handmade crafts and traditional Hungarian embroidery. It’s a great place to pick up gifts for family back home!

A Stroll Down Vaci Street to the Banks of the Danube

From the market, we took a leisurely stroll down Vaci Street (Váci utca). This is one of Budapest’s most famous pedestrian thoroughfares, lined with everything from high-end fashion boutiques to cozy cafes. We loved the lively atmosphere; it’s the kind of place where you can just wander and soak in the city’s vibe.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we reached the banks of the Danube. To truly see Budapest, you have to see it from the water. We embarked on a river cruise, and let us tell you, there is nothing quite like seeing the city lights begin to twinkle against the dark river. Passing by the iconic landmarks we’d be visiting the next day gave us a whole new perspective on how grand this city really is. It was a peaceful, romantic way to end our first evening.

The Tale of Two Cities: Exploring Buddha and Pesh

The next morning, we woke up early, determined to make the most of our only full day. One of the coolest things about Budapest is that it’s actually two distinct cities joined together: Buddha and Pesh.

• Buddha: The hilly, historic side where you’ll find the castle and the most stunning views.
• Pesh: The flatter, bustling side known for its lively streets, the Parliament, and the St. Stephen’s Basilica.

We started our morning on the Buddha side at Gellért Hill. The climb offered us some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Seeing the Danube winding between the two halves of the city really helped us get our bearings.

Fairytales and History at Buddha Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion

Just a short walk from Gellért Hill, we took the funicular up to Buddha Castle. Walking through the castle grounds felt like we had stepped back in time. The ancient walls and cobblestone streets have a dramatic flair that makes every corner feel like a photo opportunity.

But the real showstopper for us was Fisherman’s Bastion. If you’ve seen photos of Budapest, chances are you’ve seen this fairy-tale-like terrace. With its white stone turrets and lookout towers, it looks like something straight out of a Disney movie. From here, we had a perfect, unobstructed view of the Hungarian Parliament building across the river. It’s easily one of the most picturesque spots in the entire city.

Crossing the Iconic Chain Bridge

After soaking in the views, we decided to walk across the Chain Bridge. This bridge is more than just a way to get across the river; it was the first permanent bridge to connect Buddha and Pesh, symbolizing the unification of the city in the 19th century. Walking across, with the wind in our hair and the massive stone lions guarding the entrance, we felt the true weight of Hungarian history.

Reflection at the Hungarian Parliament and the Shoes on the Danube

As we reached the Pesh side, we were greeted by the Grand Hungarian Parliament building. It is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture and even more imposing in person than in pictures.

A short walk from the Parliament brought us to a much more somber site: the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial. This is a deeply moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust who were killed at the river’s edge. Seeing the iron shoes—men’s, women’s, and even tiny children’s shoes—lined up along the water is a powerful and emotional reminder of the past. It was a moment of quiet reflection for us amidst our busy day of sightseeing.

A Taste of Hungary: Goulash and Chimney Cakes

You can’t visit Hungary without indulging in the local flavors! We finally sat down to try the legendary Hungarian Goulash. Since we are visiting Austria and the Czech Republic on this same trip, we’ve made it our mission to try the goulash in every country and crown a winner at the end!

For dessert, we grabbed a “Chimney Cake” (Kürtőskalács). This is a warm, spiral-shaped pastry that is crisp and caramelized on the outside and soft on the inside. We opted for the cinnamon coating, and it was the perfect sweet treat to fuel our walk back to the hotel.

Final Thoughts on Budapest

Our time in Budapest was a whirlwind of history, culture, and unforgettable family moments. While we didn’t have time to squeeze in a visit to the famous thermal baths this time around, it’s already at the top of our list for our next visit!

Budapest has a way of getting under your skin. It’s grand yet welcoming, historic yet vibrant. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary like we were or just looking for a new family adventure, this city is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Next up, we’re heading to Vienna, Austria—the city of music and emperors! We can’t wait to share that part of our journey with you.