[Central Europe Christmas Markets Independent Travel] Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Hungary 15-Day Itinerary Planning and Attraction Recommendations Overview

🎄 Winter Exclusive | Central Europe Christmas Markets Self-Guided Tour This journey includes Prague's Old Town, the fairy-tale town of Český Krumlov, Königssee in Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg Fortress, Schönbrunn Palace, a Vienna concert, and the Danube night view... a 15-day itinerary that covers it all in one go! Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere, chase after vintage castle architecture, or experience Europe's winter charm, this complete guide will take you through the classics of 4 countries in one shot, plus a full package covering currency exchange, transportation, outfit preparation, and accommodation! 🗺️ Central Europe 15-Day Self-Guided Tour Route Overview Day 1: Taipei ✈ Prague (overnight flight) Day 2: Prague Old Town (Medieval Square, Astronomical Clock) Wander through Prague's Old Town: the Medieval Square and the oldest astronomical clock

Day 3: Prague Castle District (St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane) The Complete Guide to Prague Castle District: Attractions, History, and Must-Visit Highlights

Day 4: Český Krumlov Day Trip (Fairytale Town) Cesky Krumlov: A Day Trip to Central Europe's Fairytale Town

Day 5: Prague > Munich (Christmas Markets, Marienplatz) Half-Day Walking Tour of Munich, Germany: Old Town Charm, Christmas Markets, and Architectural Stories

Day 6: King's Lake One-Day Tour (Chinese Group) Germany King's Lake One-Day Tour: KKday Chinese Group's Complete Experience and Stunning Scenery

Day 7: New Swan Stone Castle One-Day Tour (Oberammergau, Wies Church) Germany New Swan Stone Castle One-Day Tour: A Complete Collection of the Most Beautiful Sights of Oberammergau, Wies Church, and New Swan Stone Castle

Day 8: Munich > Salzburg (Mozart's Birthplace, City Exploration) Salzburg Day Trip Guide: Salt City History, Mozart's Birthplace, and Salzburg Fortress

Day 9: Salzburg > Budapest (St. Stephen's Basilica) Budapest 3-Day Trip: St. Stephen's Basilica and the Christmas Market

Day10: Buda Castle District, Danube Night Cruise 3-Day Budapest Trip: Buda Castle and Danube Night View

Day 11: Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Golden Hall Concert (Vienna) Budapest and Vienna Travel Diary: Széchenyi Thermal Bath Experience & Golden Hall Concert

Day12: Sisi Route (Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace), Opera Ballet Vienna Culture Tour: Where Coffee, Palaces, and Art Meet

Day13: Belvedere Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Gourmet Food The last day in Vienna: A journey of Belvedere Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum, and gourmet food

Day14: Vienna ✈ Taipei (Return Flight) 💰 Summary of Total Costs for the 15-Day Central Europe Self-Guided Trip (Estimated Per Person) Many people have asked me how much this Central Europe self-guided trip roughly cost. Below I've compiled my own actual experience, so you can get an idea of the overall budget, and also so you can adjust your travel style according to your own needs. There were four of us traveling together, taking a mid-range approach—neither luxurious nor overly frugal—staying mainly in apartments. The entire trip included flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, and attraction tickets, etc. Below are the rough cost items for each category (estimated per person): Item Category Estimated Cost (TWD/person) Remarks Flights (China Airlines) NT$ 38,940 Taipei → Prague, Vienna → Taipei, taxes included Accommodation (14 nights total) NT$ 23,365 Split evenly among four people, mainly booked via Booking.com Transportation (Train + Metro) NT$ 6,472 Includes national rail, metro, day passes, etc. Day Tours and Admission Tickets NT$ 20,723 Includes Neuschwanstein Castle, Königssee, concerts, museums, etc. Meals & Cafés NT$ 6,972 Expenses for restaurants, Christmas markets, cafés, etc. eSIM Card NT$ 649 Using an eSIM or a local SIM card Miscellaneous Expenses NT$ 343 Restrooms, luggage storage, etc. Total NT$ 97,444 Actual amounts may vary slightly depending on personal spending 💶 Currency Exchange & Cash Tips: Is Euro enough? This time we only brought euros and didn't specifically exchange for Czech koruna or Hungarian forint. Most places accept euros, and although the exchange rate isn't great, card payments are widely accepted. Do note: Restrooms, Christmas markets, and lockers usually only accept cash We recommend bringing coins and small euro denominations (1~2 euros are best) 🍽️ Taste test of food in the four Central European countries: which one hits the spot best? Czech Republic: Cellar restaurants performed excellently, and prices were affordable. The Christmas market food was also good. Germany: The beer is delicious, but the food tends to be salty. The small-town fish dishes were a pleasant surprise. Salzburg: Desserts are pretty pricey, but the Nockerl soufflé is worth trying. Budapest: The duck leg and vegetarian dishes at Central Café were both very satisfying. Vienna: Christmas market food is expensive and salty, but I'd recommend the Slam ribs and the brunch café. 👕 Central Europe December Outfit Guide: Warm and Photo-Ready Temperatures around +5°C ~ -5°C, suggested outfits: Thermal top + sweater + light down jacket + windbreaker Thermal top + long/short sleeve + long thick down jacket (a must for snowy days) Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes that are easy to walk in, and add a scarf and a beanie to complete the look! 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations & Location Notes City Hotel Location & Description Price per Night (TWD) Hotel Name (Booking) Prague Old Town, about a 10–15 minute walk from the Central Train Station. Convenient location and affordable prices. 5,400 / 4 people Duplex 2 Munich 12 minutes' walk from the train station, about 18 minutes to the bus station, convenient for joining day trips. 12,600 / 4 people New City Center Stays 2 Salzburg 2 minutes from the train station exit; since we originally planned to go to Hallstatt, we chose a place close to the station. 17,200 / 4 people Cool Mama Salzburg Budapest Near the New York Café, two subway stops away. The area is a bit older, but the price is cheap. 4,100 / 4 people Klauzal11 Vienna Near the train station, convenient transportation.Walking to the subway and the station both take 5–10 minutes. 4,600 / 4 people Apartment Jupiter 🚆 Transportation & Getting Around the City International travel: Trains the whole way, compare prices before booking (official sites like OEBB, CD, DB, etc.) Czech Republic: Prague AE Airport Express + single-ride transit ticket Germany: Mainly join day tours Salzburg: Mostly walking, a day pass is more cost-effective Budapest, Vienna: Buying a 72HR transit ticket is great value and convenient For transportation and itinerary planning, please refer to 2024 Central Europe Free Travel Guide: Three Days to Explore Prague and Surrounding Attractions 2024 Central Europe Free Travel Guide: A Three-Day First Look at Munich 2024 Central Europe Free Travel Guide: Three Days Wandering Through Budapest 2024 Central Europe Free Travel Guide: Three Days to Feel Vienna 📱 SIM Card and Power Adapter Recommendations For this trip, I used the AIR SIM App to buy a European roaming SIM card — stable, but unable to make phone calls Chunghwa Telecom roaming allows calls, but the price is a bit higher All of Europe uses two round-pin sockets, so a standard adapter will do Never use a 110V extension cord — it will trip the breaker and burn out (from personal experience) 🛂 Visa and Entry/Exit Reminders Taiwanese passport holders are exempt from Schengen visas, with visa-free stays of up to 90 days Fast-track clearance is available when entering through Prague Airport Departing through Vienna requires standing in the normal queue, with no express lane 📌 Recommended Further Reading Want to plan a wonderful and smooth trip through Europe? Here's a collection of popular guides and hands-on tips for you all at once: 🔹 【Iceland Independent Travel Guide】A handy summary of the six-day itinerary planning, local group tour experiences, and estimated expenses 👉 From the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the Blue Ice Cave, dive deep into polar scenery and natural wonders 🔹 【Central Europe Christmas Market Self-Guided Tour】Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Hungary 15-Day Itinerary Planning and Attraction Recommendations Overview 👉 Collect the highlights of four countries' Christmas markets at once, a romantic and photogenic European winter journey 🔹 【Nordic Aurora Self-Guided Travel Guide】Finland, Norway, Sweden + Denmark 16-Day Itinerary Cheat Sheet 👉 Chasing the lights, snow activities, and Nordic city exploration—a must-save itinerary for aurora lovers 🔹 [London Free Travel Guide] 8-Day 7-Night Itinerary｜Attraction Recommendations, Transport Tickets & Musical Experience 👉 How to ride the London Underground? A must-read complete guide to the British Museum and West End musicals 🔹 [10-Day Italy Group Tour Guide] Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan Travel Impressions & Shopping Tips 👉 All of Italy's classic cities covered — even on a group tour, you can dive deep into art and food culture 🔹 [Travel Inconvenience Insurance Claim Guide] A Successful Real-Life Case of a Nordic Blizzard Itinerary Change Claim 👉 A real firsthand experience!How can you smoothly file a travel insurance claim when your flight is cancelled or your itinerary is delayed? 📌 If you're also planning a winter trip to Central Europe, I hope this Central Europe self-guided travel guide can offer some practical reference! Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, and feel free to follow my other Europe travel journals~