Prague, Vienna & Budapest Christmas Markets




Itinerary
Europe’s grandest capitals shine brightest at Christmas. On this 7-day festive adventure, we’ll wander through the sparkling markets of Prague, Vienna and Budapest — sipping mulled wine, tasting chimney cakes (trdelník), and browsing stalls piled high with handcrafted ornaments and regional treats.
Travel by comfortable Railjet and intercity trains lets us sit back and watch the winter landscapes change as we cross borders, giving us more time to soak up each city’s unique festive personality: Prague’s Gothic spires framed by twinkling lights; Vienna’s imperial avenues dressed in elegant market stalls and live music; and Budapest’s riverfront promenades glowing beside thermal baths steaming in the cold air. Along the way we’ll enjoy a guided Old Town walk in Prague, a classic Viennese coffeehouse experience with cake, and an evening soak at Széchenyi Baths for the perfect post-market unwind.
The trip blends architecture, food, music, and local traditions into a compact, high-impact itinerary designed for travellers who want cultural depth plus sociable moments — think cosy group dinners, late-night market strolls and plenty of free time to explore. Let's enjoy these wonderful cities during the festive season.


Welcome to Prague
1 night: Prague
Our journey begins!
We’ll meet in Prague, check into our hotel, and head straight to the Old Town Square Christmas Market — one of Europe’s most photographed. Gothic towers, the Astronomical Clock, and stalls selling sausages, mulled wine, and trdelník (chimney cake) set the festive mood.
The adventure begins with Prague’s storybook skyline as our backdrop. Tonight, the group bonds over festive food and drinks while we wander cobbled streets under twinkling lights.

Exploring Prague
1 night: Prague
Explore & Stay Warm
In the morning, we’ll join a guided Old Town walking tour, learning about Prague’s castles, cathedrals, and legends. Afternoon free to explore Wenceslas Square Market and the riverside stalls near Charles Bridge. Evening option: a pub night out to taste Czech beers.
A full day to soak in Prague’s culture and Christmas atmosphere. From Gothic architecture to quirky festive souvenirs, this is where history and holiday magic meet.

Prague → Vienna
1 night: Vienna
Train, Market, Food
We swap Prague’s Gothic spires for Vienna’s imperial elegance. Morning train from Prague to Vienna (approx. 4 hrs). Afternoon stroll around the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, with its giant tree and ice-skating rink.
Evening: coffee & cake in a traditional Viennese café. Our first Austrian Christmas market glows against the backdrop of the Rathaus, setting the tone for two festive days in the city of music.

Vienna Christmas Magic
1 night: Vienna
Let's Explore!
Vienna dazzles with Christmas markets set against palaces and baroque architecture. Between mulled wine, music, and imperial charm, today captures the elegance of an Austrian Christmas.
Morning visit to Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market. Afternoon free to shop at the Belvedere Market with its baroque palace views. In the evening, we can catch a (optional) classical concert in Vienna.

Vienna → Budapest
1 night: Budapest
Magnificent Budapest
Morning train to Budapest (approx. 3 hrs). Once we arrive, we discover a mix of grandeur and festive charm. In the afternoon, we stroll through Vörösmarty Square Market — famous for Hungarian food stalls. Evening: admire the Danube riverfront Christmas lights. We’ll enjoy hearty Hungarian food and see why this city shines at Christmas.

Budapest Markets & Thermal Baths
1 night: Budapest
Final Christmas Market & Farewell Dinner
Spend the morning lingering through St. Stephen’s Basilica Market and the nearby artisan stalls, hunting for last-minute gifts, local pálinka bottles or handcrafted ornaments. After a leisurely market lunch, we head to Széchenyi Baths for a long, restorative soak — hot outdoor pools, steam rooms and relaxed communal swims are the perfect antidote to cold market walks. Your entry includes a locker; bring swimwear and flip-flops (rentals available on site) and consider optional upgrades like a massage or private cabin if you want extra pampering. In the evening, join the group for a relaxed farewell meal or explore Budapest’s ruin bars for an atmospheric late-night toast. This day balances downtime with festive discovery and leaves room for solos — take the time to recharge before departure.

Goodbye Budapest
1 night: Budapest
Goodbye and Return Home
Today is deliberately flexible so everyone can depart at their own pace. After breakfast there’s time for one final stroll along the Danube promenade, a quick photo at the Chain Bridge, or a relaxed coffee in a nearby café. If you’ve booked a later flight, tuck your luggage into hotel storage and squeeze in a short visit to the Buda Castle viewpoint or a final market lap for any souvenirs you missed. Your WeRoad host will confirm transfers, help book taxis or coordinate shuttle times, and advise on the best route to BUD or the rail station based on your flight. Before leaving, exchange contacts and group photos — it’s the perfect moment to swap highlights and plan future trips together.
What's included
6x nights accomodation in shared rooms with private bathrooms
6x breakfasts
Welcome drink in Prague Christmas Market
Coffee & cake in a historic Viennese café
Entry to Budapest Thermal Baths
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
Local tourist taxes - approx. USD33
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
- Airport transfer
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.
Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
Evening Danube River Cruise in Budapest - approx. USD36
Prague Castle Circuit - approx. USD36
Metro/Tram passes in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest - approx. USD47
- All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee as well
Additional info
Transport between Prague-Vienna and Vienna-Budapest will be by train or bus (subject to availability)
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with €/£/$0. Pay the €/£/$100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
About this trip
This journey begins at Prague. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.
Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at Budapest. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
For this itinerary, traveling with a backpack is mandatory for logistical reasons and the convenience of the entire group - including yourself! Trolleys, bulky suitcases, or hard luggage are not allowed. The Travel Group Leader will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.
About Czechia
Find out the entry requirements for Czechia, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Czechia – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Czechia is in the Central European Time (CET) zone. When it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 1pm in Czechia. If you're in the USA, and it's 12pm Eastern Time, it'll be 6pm in Czechia. Remember, Czechia also observes daylight saving time, so the clock moves one hour forward in spring and one hour back in autumn.
The currency used in Czechia is the Czech koruna (CZK). As of the latest rates:
- 1 GBP is approximately 29 CZK
- 1 USD is about 23 CZK
- 1 EUR is roughly 25 CZK
You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Remember to check for any exchange fees when converting your money.
In Czechia, you can pay with credit and debit cards in most places, especially in cities. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but it's good to carry some cash for smaller shops or local markets. ATMs are easy to find if you need cash. Remember, some places might not accept American Express. It's always a good idea to check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees before your trip.
In Czechia, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. It's common to round up the bill or leave about 10 percent as a tip in restaurants if you’re satisfied with the service. In bars, you can simply round up to the nearest whole number when paying. For taxi rides, rounding up to the nearest 10 Czech koruna is a nice gesture. Keep in mind that tipping in hotels is not as common, but you can offer a small tip to porters if you like. Tipping is always at your discretion based on the service you receive.
Czechia has a solid internet infrastructure, and you can find Wi-Fi in most hotels, cafes, and public places. If you're traveling from Europe or the Schengen area, you might benefit from using your current data plan with roaming. However, if you're coming from outside these areas, buying a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan is a good idea. Operators like Vodafone, T-Mobile, and O2 offer various plans suitable for travelers. Coverage is generally good throughout the country, so staying connected should be easy.
In Czechia, the official language is Czech. Here are some useful colloquial expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello: Ahoj
- Thank you: Děkuji
- Please: Prosím
- Yes: Ano
- No: Ne
These phrases can come in handy while you're exploring the country.
In Czechia, you’ll find Type E plugs, which have two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male grounding pin. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If your plugs aren’t compatible, bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged. This is especially important if you're traveling from countries that use different plug types, like the UK or the USA.
Czechia is known for being one of the most secular countries in Europe, with a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious or atheist. However, the largest religious group is Roman Catholicism. Important religious holidays celebrated include Christmas and Easter, which are observed with various traditions and festivities. Keep in mind that while religion might not play a central role in daily life for many Czechs, these holidays are still widely celebrated.
When packing for Czechia, it's good to consider the season and your planned activities. Here’s a handy list to help you pack your backpack:
-
Clothing:
- Lightweight layers for summer
- Warm sweaters and a coat for winter
- Waterproof jacket if visiting in spring or fall
- Casual wear for city sightseeing
-
Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
- Hiking boots if exploring the countryside
- Dress shoes for dining out
-
Accessories and Technology:
- Universal power adapter
- Portable charger
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Travel guide or maps
-
Toiletries and Medication:
- Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, motion sickness pills
Make sure to check the weather forecast before you go to adjust your packing accordingly.
The weather in Czechia varies by region and season, offering a diverse climate experience.
- Prague and Central Regions: Summers are warm with temperatures around 20°C to 25°C, while winters can be cold, averaging around -1°C to 3°C.
- Southern Bohemia: Winters are chillier here, often dropping below freezing, while summers are quite pleasant, ranging from 18°C to 24°C.
- Northern Mountains: Expect colder temperatures with snow in winter, perfect for skiing, and cooler summers around 15°C to 20°C.
The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is generally mild and ideal for exploring.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
It depends on when you cancel, the status of your departure, and how much you have already paid. Here are all the cases.
If you cancel more than 31 days before departure - Departure not confirmed
You can cancel via email at hello@weroad.com
If it was your first unconfirmed booking (if you have more than one), nothing has been charged: no refund is needed.
If you paid the €/£/$100 deposit, it will be fully refunded.
Departure confirmed – you paid only the €/£/$100 deposit
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the deposit paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Account and use the amount for another departure.
Departure confirmed – you paid the full amount
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the amount paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Area and use the amount for another departure.
If you cancel less than 31 days of departure
You can cancel your booking at any time. However, in case of cancellation of less than 31 days before departure, no refund of the amount paid is provided, nor is it possible to change your trip, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
The private room fee, included in the price of your trip, is not refunded under any circumstances within this time frame, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
If you have Flexible Cancellation
With Flexible Cancellation, you can cancel up to 8 days before departure and receive a 100% refund of the price, including the deposit and the private room fee. The only amount not refunded is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
For any doubts about your specific situation, write to our team at hello@weroad.com - we’ll help you!
Yes, you can change your trip directly from your MyWeRoad personal area, up to 31 days before departure. If you purchased Flexible Cancellation, you have up to 8 days before departure.
How to change your trip from MyWeRoad
- Enter your booking
- Scroll to the “Change your trip” section at the bottom right
- Select a different date for the same trip or a completely different trip
Things to know
You can change your trip up to 3 times from your MyWeRoad personal area. Further changes must be requested by contacting our team at hello@weroad.com.
The new trip must depart within 12 months from the original departure date.
If your original booking included a private room, Flexible Cancellation, discount codes, gift cards, or vouchers, we will notify you before confirmation if they cannot be applied to the new trip.
You cannot switch to sold-out trips. For “On request” departures, we will check availability. For “Last spots” departures, availability in rooms of your same gender may not be guaranteed.
If there is a price adjustment: if the new trip costs less, we will refund the difference; if it costs more, you will need to pay the difference.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
In some cases – for example when a departure is not yet confirmed and it is your first unconfirmed booking – you can book without paying the €/£/$100 deposit upfront.
This means that you can secure your spot at zero cost: nothing will be charged until the departure is confirmed. Once the departure is confirmed, the €/£/$100 deposit will be automatically charged within 48 hours according to the terms agreed at the time of booking.
If a departure is “Available”, it means that the trip is not yet confirmed and we are waiting for a few more bookings… maybe yours!
The good news? If it’s your first booking on an unconfirmed departure, you can book without paying anything! Just. leave your credit card details as a guarantee: no immediate charge, €/£/$0 deposit.
In the meantime, wait for the departure to be confirmed before purchasing your round-trip flights!
Yes, but the available options depend on the status of your trip and when you make the request.
If your trip is not yet confirmed
You can cancel your booking by emailing hello@weroad.com
free of charge, up to 31 days before departure.
Please note: if it’s your first unconfirmed booking, you will only be asked to provide a credit card, PayPal, or Revolut as a guarantee, but nothing will be charged. From the second unconfirmed booking onwards, a mandatory £/$0100 deposit will be required.
If your trip is confirmed
Fees are not refundable in cash. You are entitled to cancel up to 31 days before departure, but after this deadline, cancellation is no longer possible.
Flexible Cancellation
If you purchased the Flexible Cancellation option (available in the first step of the booking process), you can cancel your trip up to 8 days before departure and receive a 100% refund of the price, including the deposit and private room fee. The only non-refundable amount is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.
How to cancel your trip
- Write to hello@weroad.com
- indicating your booking code.
- We will reply as soon as possible applying the cancellation conditions for your booking.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Group Leader has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website.
Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 25 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Group Leader is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Group Leader will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Group Leader assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email hello@weroad.com if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.















