[Central Europe Christmas Market Independent Travel] A 15-Day Itinerary Planning and Attractions Overview for Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, and Hungary

🎄 Winter Exclusive | Central Europe Christmas Market Independent Trip This journey covers Prague's Old Town, the fairy-tale town of Český Krumlov, Munich's Königssee, Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg Fortress, Schönbrunn Palace, a Vienna concert, and night views of the Danube... a complete 15-day itinerary all in one! Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere, chase after vintage castle architecture, or experience the charm of a European winter, this complete guide takes you through the classics of 4 countries in one go, plus an all-in-one guide covering currency exchange, transportation, outfits, and accommodation preparation! 🗺️ Overview of the Central Europe 15-Day Independent Travel Route 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 Recommendations

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

Day 5: Prague > Munich (Christmas Market, Maria Square) Germany Munich Half-Day Walking Tour: Old Town Charm, Christmas Market and Architecture Stories

Day 6: King's Lake Day Trip (Chinese-Speaking Tour Group) Germany King's Lake Day Trip: A Complete Experience of KKday's Chinese-Speaking Tour and Its Breathtaking Scenery

Day 7: Neuschwanstein Castle Day Tour (Upper Ammergau, Wieskirche) Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle Day Tour: Upper Ammergau, Wieskirche, and Neuschwanstein Castle Beautiful Scenic Spots Complete Collection

Day 8: Munich > Salzburg (Mozart's Birthplace, City Stroll) Salzburg One-Day Trip Guide: History of the Salt City, Mozart's Birthplace, and Hohensalzburg Fortress

Day 9: Salzburg > Budapest (St. Stephen's Cathedral) Budapest Three-Day Tour: St. Stephen's Basilica and Christmas Market

Day 10: Budapest Castle District, Night Cruise on the Danube Budapest 3-Day Tour: Budapest Castle and the Danube Night View

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

Day 12: Sissi Princess Route (Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg), Opera House Ballet A Viennese Cultural Journey: Where Coffee, Palaces, and Art Converge

Day 13: Belvedere Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Delicious Food Our last day in Vienna: a journey through Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and wonderful food

Day 14: Vienna ✈ Taipei (Return) 💰 15-Day Central Europe Trip Total Cost Summary (Per Person Estimate) Many people ask me how much this Central Europe backpacking trip cost in total? Below, I've compiled my personal experience to give you an idea of the overall budget and to help you adjust your travel style according to your own needs and preferences. Four of us traveled together, adopting a moderate spending approach—neither extravagant nor budget-pinching—with accommodation primarily in apartments. The entire trip includes flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, and attraction tickets. Below is a breakdown of approximate expenses for each category (estimated per person): Item Category Estimated Cost (NTD/person) Remarks Airfare (China Airlines) NT$38,940 Taipei → Prague, Vienna → Taipei, tax included Accommodation (14 nights total) NT$23,365 Split evenly among four people, mainly booked via Booking.com Transportation (train + subway) NT$6,472 Includes national rail, subway, day passes, etc. Day Trips and Admission Tickets NT$20,723 Including Neuschwanstein Castle, King's Lake, concerts, museums, etc. Meals and Cafes NT$6,972 Restaurant, Christmas market, cafe expenses, etc. eSIM Card NT$649 Use eSIM or local SIM card Other Miscellaneous Expenses NT$343 Restrooms, luggage storage, etc. Total NT$97,444 May vary slightly depending on individual consumption 💶 Currency Exchange and Cash Tips: Is the Euro Enough? This time we only brought Euros and didn't specifically exchange for Czech Koruna or Hungarian Forint. Most areas accept Euros, and although the exchange rate isn't great, card payments are widely accepted. A few things to note: Restrooms, Christmas markets, and lockers usually only accept cash We recommend bringing coins and small-denomination Euro bills (1~2 Euro notes are best) 🍽️ Food taste test across four Central European countries: which one hit the spot? Czech Republic: Cellar restaurants performed excellently, and prices were very reasonable. The food at the Christmas markets was also good. Germany: The beer was delicious, but the dishes tended to be a bit too salty. The fish dishes in small towns were a pleasant surprise. Salzburg: Desserts are on the pricier side, but the Nockerl soufflé is worth trying. Budapest: The duck leg and vegetarian dishes at Central Café are both quite satisfying. Vienna: Food at the Christmas markets is expensive and salty, but the Slam ribs and the brunch café come highly recommended. 👕 Central Europe December Outfit Guide: Warm and Photo-Ready Temperatures range from about +5°C to -5°C. Suggested outfits: Thermal top + sweater + light down jacket + windbreaker Thermal top + long/short sleeve + long thick down coat (a must for snowy days) Wear comfortable, slip-resistant walking shoes, and add a scarf and a beanie to complete your outfit! 🏨 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 Railway Station. Convenient location and affordable prices. 5,400 / 4 people Duplex 2 Munich About a 12-minute walk from the train station, and about 18 minutes from the bus station, making it convenient for joining day tours. 12,600 / 4 people New City Center Stays 2 Salzburg 2 minutes from the train station exit, chosen for its proximity to the station since we originally planned to go to Hallstatt. 17,200 / 4 people Cool Mama Salzburg Budapest Near the New York Café, two subway stops from the station. The area is a bit old, but the price is cheap. 4,100 / 4 people Klauzal11 Vienna Near the train station, convenient transportation.5–10 minutes on foot to both the subway and the train station. 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 + a single-ride transit ticket Germany: Mainly joining one-day tours Salzburg: Mostly on foot, but a day pass can be more worthwhile Budapest, Vienna: Getting a 72-hour transit pass is great value and convenient For transportation and itinerary planning, you can refer to 2024 Central Europe Independent Travel Guide: Explore Prague and Surrounding Attractions in Three Days 2024 Central Europe Independent Travel Guide: A Three-Day First Look at Munich 2024 Central Europe Independent Travel Guide: Wander Through Budapest in Three Days 2024 Central Europe Independent Travel Guide: Experience Vienna in Three Days 📱 SIM Card and Power Adapter Recommendations For this trip, I used the AIR SIM App to purchase a Europe roaming SIM card — stable, but calls aren't possible 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 (learned this from personal experience) 🛂 Visa & Immigration Reminders Taiwanese passport holders are exempt from a Schengen visa and can stay up to 90 days visa-free You can go through fast-track clearance when arriving at Prague Airport When departing from Vienna, you must go through the regular queue — there is no fast-track lane 📌 Recommended Further Reading Want to plan an amazing and smooth trip to Europe? Here's a curated collection of highly popular guides and hands-on tips just for you: 🔹 [Iceland Self-Guided Travel Guide] A six-day itinerary plan, local tour experiences, and a handy cost-estimate summary 👉 From the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the Blue Ice Cave, journey deep into polar scenery and natural wonders 🔹 【Central Europe Christmas Markets Self-Guided Tour】A complete 15-day itinerary and sightseeing guide for the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, and Hungary 👉 Collect the highlights of four countries' Christmas markets in one trip — a romantic and Instagram-worthy European winter journey 🔹 【Nordic Aurora Self-Guided Travel Guide】A handy 16-day itinerary for Finland, Norway, Sweden + Denmark 👉 Chasing the lights, snow activities, and exploring Nordic cities — a must-save itinerary for aurora lovers 🔹 [London Independent Travel Guide] 8-Day 7-Night Itinerary | Attraction Recommendations, Transit Tickets & Musical Experience 👉 How do you ride the London Underground? A must-read complete guide to the British Museum and West End musicals 🔹 [Italy 10-Day 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 still dive deep into art and food culture 🔹 [Travel Inconvenience Insurance Claim Guide] A Real Case of Successfully Claiming for a Nordic Snowstorm Itinerary Change 👉 A real firsthand experience story!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 European travel journals too~