When I was younger and learning the geography of Europe I would always get the three Bs mixed up. Bratislava, Budapest and Bucharest. Three cities in three different countries, with quite a few similarities that make for an interesting trip.
As a reminder Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, Budapest is the capital of Hungary and Bucharest is the capital of Romania.
All three cities sit at historic crossroads between the east and the west, with centuries of shifting borders that is reflected in the architecture, and the layout of the cities. Each were shaped by the late 19th century, when the railways modernised and redefined the cities. And each were touched by communism, with post-war socialist planning making its mark on the urban landscape.
They work together as a European itinerary for travellers who enjoy history, architecture and everyday European life, away from the crowds of tourists that are prevalent in the Western Capitals.
This itinerary is for a couple who have already been to Europe, visited the main cities of London, Paris, Rome and Vienna and want something a bit more real. Vienna was a favourite so going east is their plan. Eating well is important to them and they are happy to spend money on good meals. I have borne this in mind when choosing the dining options for this itinerary. That does mean that this is not a budget trip to central Europe.
I’m basing this trip on a week in April 2026.
Hotel Choices for this European Itinerary
The couple would like to take advantage of the Radisson hotel group points system, which works well as the hotel group have great hotels in all three of these European cities. The Scandanavian group were quick to invest in the emerging European capitals in the 1990s giving them a very strong foot hold in the area. Investment is continuing including the recent opening of the Radisson Collection Basilica, directly opposite the St Stephens Basilica in a fully restored neoclassical building that used to be a school.
Hotel in Bratislava
The Radisson Blu Carlton hotel is one of the city’s best and most established upscale hotels. It is in a perfect location on Hviezdoslav Square, right on the edge of the old town. It combines classical central European elegance with the modern comforts travellers enjoy. It has the advantage of being the home of the Mirror Bar, one of the world’s top 50 bars.
Hotel in Budapest
The new Radisson Collection Basilica is everything I look for in a hotel. It is ideally located, beautifully decorated and retains a sense of place, which is sadly often missing in modern hotels. When travelling to an amazing city like Budapest the hotel should retain some of the soul of the city, and this hotel does just that.
Hotel in Bucharest
Radisson Blu Hotel located off Calea Victoriei is in the perfect situation to visit the old town on foot. It is a contemporary hotel which benefits from the largest outdoor swimming pool and the largest heated outdoor whirlpool in the city. Just because you are busy exploring Europes cities doesn’t mean you can’t take time out to relax.
Bratislava, Budapest and Bucharest – a ten day itinerary
Day one in Bratislava
Arriving at Bratislava airport at 13:25 on a flight from London. I suggest using an Uber to get to the hotel for a cost of around 10€. If you prefer to be met at the airport then I recommend using Welcome Pickups to organise a car. It should cost around 28€ but comes with added peace of mind.
The capital of Slovakia is often overlooked in favour of its bigger, bright neighbour Vienna, just an hour away by train. Being on the River Danube it figures on many of the Danube river Cruises so isn’t exactly unknown to tourists, but many stay just for a day trip and don’t perhaps give Bratislava the time it deserves. Saying that, it isn’t a big city, and even the official tourist board describe it as a 72 hour city, so 3 days is the time I recommend staying.
For the first night in Bratislava, I suggest eating at the UFO Tower restaurant. The UFO tower is an iconic symbol of Bratislava, and a great place to watch the sunset. As sunset is around 19:30 at this time of year (mid-April) and meals are generally taken quite early in Slovakia, dining whilst taking in the sunset seems a good option. The restaurant is high end, with a tasting menu coming in at 135€ per person. This is not a tourist cafeteria!
Day two in Bratislava
Bratislava is a compact walkable city. There are a few notable sights within the old town and a walking tour will cover all of the important ones as well as taking in the castle which dominates the city skyline.
The tour will take you through St Michaels gate, which is the last remaining part of the old city wall. (you can climb the tower for a good view) and the town hall (which you can also climb for a good view). The castle itself also provides a great view point. One thing Bratislava is not short on is views!
I suggest taking lunch at Le Papillon. I don’t normally recommend restaurants with photos of food (it is one of my guidelines on how to find an authentic restaurant) but in this case I’ll make an exception because the photos are really well done and are a fair representation of what you will be served.
The Slavin war memorial commemorates Soviet soldiers who fell during WWii liberation of the city. This is the largest war memorial in central Europe, including the mass graves of over 6800 soldiers. It is also a peaceful spot with magnificent views. To get there take the trolleybus 203 or 207 to the Slavin stop. Alternatively use Uber to book a car.
If you want huge portions of Slovakian food in one of the largest traditional restaurants in Europe then head to the Flagship for dinner. With an interior reminiscent of a medieval hall it is certainly an experience.
If you prefer a more refined dining experience, then I recommend the Riverbank restaurant. The quality of the food is excellent and as an added advantage it has a terrace overlooking the Danube.
Day 3 in Bratislava
10km west of Bratislava centre sits Devin Castle at the point where the Morava river meets the Danube, forming the border with Austria. The castle is a ruin after having been attacked by Napoleon’s troops, but is to this day one of the most important historical landmarks.
You can get there using the number 29 bus from the centre, or us a taxi. The walk to the top is manageable for most fitness levels. There is a small museum with information about the castle’s history, which is a rich one stemming from the first settlers in the stone age through the building of the castle in the 9th century by Prince Rastislav of the kingdom of Great Moravia (which does sound like the sort of small European kingdom that ends up in a bad Christmas movie) through to its destruction by Napoleon’s troops.
Speaking of Napoleon’s army, there is a statue of one of the soldiers in Bratislava on Hlavné nàmestie commemorating Napoleon and his 9000 strong army coming into the city in 1805.
For the afternoon I suggest a wander through the streets for a little shopping. Stopping by “The Oldest Shop in Town” a charming mix of a vintage boutique and mini-museum and Medový obchod Cera Mel, an adorable little shop specialising in honey and all things bee related.
If you prefer shopping in a mall then head to Eurovea, with contemporary architecture and picturesque views this is a perfect stop for those that like to mix a little retail therapy into their travels.
If shopping is not high on your list, then you could take the 20 walk out of the old town to freedom square (Námestie slobody). Featuring a fountain that was re-opened in 2023 following a 16 year renovation, the square can get busy on hot days when locals come to cool off in the fountains. Not far from here you can see the surprising Radio building, in the shape of an upside down pyramid. Once listed as one of the 30 ugliest buildings in the world, I rather like the style of it, and it certainly makes a change form the communist brutalist architecture which was more normal for the era.
A drink at the Mirror bar in the hotel is called for on your last evening here. Featuring on the list of 50 best bars in the world a cocktail here can be somewhat of a work of art.
To finish off the gastronomic delights of Bratislava I suggest a meal at Bistonomy. The guide Gault & Millau describes the restaurant as one of the most responsible establishments in Slovakia due to its dedication in selecting seasonal and local produce. It also rates the wine list as one of the best in the country. The evening service is limited to the tasting menu, as is becoming increasingly common in high end establishments in Europe.
Day 4 travel to Budapest
Time to move on to another city. There are direct trains between Bratislava and Budapest, run by the Austrian railway OBB. Tickets can be bought directly on their site. A one way journey in April will cost €41.60 or €62 for first class (which I think is worth it). A taxi or Uber to the station is the easiest option with luggage.
There are direct trains at 8:05 and 10:05 depending on whether you are an early riser. I prefer the 8:05 option which gets in at 10:28 leaving plenty of time to drop luggage off at the hotel before setting out to find lunch.
Menza is a restaurant just 10 minutes walk from the Radisson Collection Basilica. It offers traditional Hungarian fare for a reasonable price (15€ for a main course).
Just a note here, I am putting the prices in Euros to be consistent across the itinerary, but in travelling from Slovakia to Hungary we have also changed currency. Hungarian Florins (at the time of writing) are worth around 385 to 1€. Some establishments (including the Menza restaurant) will take payment in Euros and cards are widely accepted but it is worth taking out a small amount of currency. Use bank ATM or recognised currency exchange places. If in doubt ask at the hotel.
After a hearty lunch of crispy roast pork with braised cabbages its time to explore. Budapest was formerly 2 cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube. The Hotel, restaurant and train station are all on the Pest side so I suggest taking a walking tour of The Pest inner city.
There are multiple walking tours available, but I recommend taking one with a smaller group and a knowledgeable tour guide. This tour by Budapest Explorers with a historian hits the right balance.
In the evening, a short walk to Oktober street offers up a choice of restaurants. Hoppà! Bisto stands out from the crowd, with modern sleekly presented plates and good service. The portions here aren’t huge, but given the lunch today I don’t think that is a problem.
Day 5 in Budapest
After a few days travelling I think it is a good idea to have a slow start to recover a little, so I suggest a late breakfast at the hotel. The Radisson Collection Basilica does a particularly good breakfast, after which I suggest a walk along the Danube. It is too easy to fill an itinerary like this and forget that sometimes what you need is just to wander. Cross the river at the Széchenyi chain bridge (the south side gets the best views) then walk north towards Batthány tér for good views of the Parlement. The main road is right next to the river, but there is a slightly raised road with a wide pavement that is agreeable for walking. If you want to see a traditional, non-touristy, café then stop at Bambi Café for a coffee and maybe a cake.
Since our clients have expressed an interest in gastronomy I am suggesting a cookery class for the afternoon. Flavours of Budapest have a dedicated space and have been running cookery classes in Budapest for more than ten years. A trip to the local market to buy ingredients, which are then cooked and eaten by the class. It is the type of experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
A cocktail at the rooftop bar of the hotel would be the perfect way to wind up this memorable day.
Day 6 in Budapest
Whilst is Budapest a visit to a thermal baths is almost obligatory. I would prefer to guide people to the Elegant art nouveau style Gellért baths, rather that the more famously and more touristy Széchenyi. Alas, the Gellért baths are closed for renovation until 2028.
To make the most of the Széchenyi baths I suggest getting there early. I also suggest splashing out (excuse the pun) on a Dayspalm ticket that gives fasttrack entrance and exclusive access to a separate relaxation area where you can store personal belongings. You also get a bathrobe and flipflops which make the experience much more relaxed and refined.
You can read more about the baths in my article about Spas in Europe.
The baths are in the middle of the Városliget park the the tree lined paths make for a wonderful stoll after bathing. The Vajdahunyad Castle within the park makes for interesting photographs. This is not a true medieval castle, but rather a 19th century take on one. But that doesn’t stop it from being pretty.
A trip to the fine arts museum Szépművészeti Múzeum is a good way to round off the afternoon whilst in this part of town.
Andrássy Avenue is a Unesco listed boulevard which leads back into the centre, and makes for an agreeable walk if you have the energy (it’s a 30 minute walk back to the hotel)
For the last evening in Budapest I am suggesting a restaurant that has not only excellent views of the city, but is one of the restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide 2025 for Hungary. The Virtu restaurant sits on the 28th floor of the MOL campus building, a neomodern skyscraper which is the tallest building in Budapest. This is a standout restaurant with plates that are as impressive as the skyline. The tasting menu is around 77€ per person which is extraordinary value for money given the quality.
Day 7 Travel to Bucharest
My initial suggestion for this journey was to take the train between these three European capitals. However, sometimes when travelling practicality overrides romance. The journey from Budapest to Bucharest is a 14 hour train journey. There is a sleeper train, so you can go to sleep in Budapest, Hungary and wake-up in Bucharest, Romania. Unfortunately, the sleeper train is not the most modern or comfortable and our clients are of an age where they understand the importance of good sleep when travelling. So I am recommending a flight instead. Tarom, the Romanian state airline, fly the route which takes 1h30. Wizz air also fly the route, but the timings are not as convenient. We need to leave for the airport at about 10:30 so there is time for a last wander around, or a lazy breakfast if you prefer.
Arriving at Bucharest at 15:25 you should be comfortably at the hotel by 16:30 (Since January 2025 this is a flight between 2 Schengen countries so there is no border control). There should be time for a quick trip to the royal palace, just 5 minutes walk from the hotel (it closes at 6pm) . It is a beautiful building but unfortunately only a small part is visitable and what is only takes cash on entry. Just across the road is Revolution Square, where the revolution to overthrow the communist regime took place in 1989, it features a rebith memoral in tribute to those who died fighting for freedom.
Bucharest hasn’t yet made it into the Michelin guide but that doesn’t mean there isn’t good food to be had. Where I can I seek out female run establishments, without ever compromising on quality. Noeme is run by 3 sisters. It is a refined yet inviting restaurant housed in a restored villa in the Jewish quarter. The décor is somewhat eclectic and the food is exquisite, worthy of a top French establishment. The food has a mix of French and Romanian influences.
Day 8 in Bucharest
Bucharest is not the most touristy capital of Europe, and is all the better for it. It is where gritty meets georgeous. It has a hidden charm and a vibrant culture. It is often refered to as “little Paris” because of the many French influences. Take a look down the Passage Macca-Vilacrosse and you will see why. It even has its own Arc de Triomph.
Keeping with the gastronomic theme I suggest a walking tour that takes in the markets and some tastings along with the main historical sights. You won’t need lunch as there are plenty of things to eat and drink included in the tour (in fact be careful of how much you eat at breakfast). The city is flat so the walking is easy, and a couple of rides on the old trams are included too. It’s a small tour with no more than 12, but often runs with far fewer.
If you still have some energy then a walk around the large park Regel Mihai 1 would be a pleasant way to while away the time before diner at the Bosco restaurant on the edge of the park.
Bosco is a contemporary fine dining restaurant that does not yet hold any awards, but I can’t help feeling it won’t be long. The team are Michelin trained and the reviews are pitching it as one of the best restaurants in Bucharest. The food is Mediterranean Asian fusion, with strong influences from Italy. The menu is somewhat longer than is normal in fine dining establishments and Vegan options are available which isn’t always a given in this part of the world.
Day 9 Day trip to Transylvania
Whilst I think that Bucharest itself still has delights to offer, I can’t help but want to send you into Transylvania. There is something about even the name that feels like part of a fairytale. Romanian folklore includes a long tradition of supernatural beliefs which, combined with the castles perched on rocky hill tops, is possibly one of the reasons Bram Stoker chose to base his novel Dracula there. It is remarkable how one book, written over 100 years ago, can shape the way we see part of Europe today.
Day trips from Bucharest are available on a group setting, from about 40€/head. However I don’t think that is the ideal way to finish off this itinerary, so I’m opting for a private tour of Transylvania instead. At 189€ per head it is a splurge, but one which I think is worth it when you only have one day in such a big area.
The tour covers Peles Castle, considered to be one of the finest Neo-Renaissance castles in Europe, Bran castle, which sells itself as the home of Dracula, and the Old town of Brasov, which I talked about here.
It is a long day, so I suggest eating at the hotel for this last evening. Either at the beautiful bar/restaurant Aristocool (the interior is much more elegant than the name implies) or if you are wearing of largely meat based meals at the Ginger Sushi Bar and lounge.
Day 10 Leaving Eastern Europe
The British Airways flight back to London leaves at 15:30, giving us a little time in the morning. You can leave your bags at the hotel and pick them up as you head to the airport in a taxi (or Bolt or Uber)
There is just enough time to visit Patriachal hill, and the cathedral which is the centre of Romanian Othodox church. Entrance is free. It should be noted that Othodox Easter takes place a few days before our visit (12th April 2026) and is one of the reasons the trip is best travelled in this order.
Alternatively wander round the Lipscani quarter to pick up some last-minute souvenirs of your European journey.
Cost of Itinerary to Central and Eastern Europe
There are three things that I should point out here.
- The costings for this itinerary include 4 different currencies, pound sterling for the flights from London, Euros for Slovakia, Hungarian Florins for Hungary and Romanian leu for Bucharest. As such the costs can fluctuate. I am sticking with Euros for my overall costs as that is the currency I work in.
- This is not a budget itinerary to central Europe. The hotels I am recommending are of high standing (4 and 5*) as are the restaurants. The train travel included is in 1st Class.
- I have allowed 150€ per day in additional spending money to cover coffees, occasional drinks, entrance fees and taxis. The more expensive tours have been accounted for separately. Wine is included with the meals.
The total, all inclusive, cost of this Itinerary to Bratislava, Budapest and Bucharest is 7261€ for a couple, so 3630€ per person, including return flights from London.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I received no payment or payment in kind for this article. I receive no commission for the links to the accommodation or restaurants. Some of the links to tours are affiliate links for which I receive a small commission.
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