One moment, you’re soaking at the Széchenyi thermal baths in Budapest. Next, you find yourself screaming your lungs out at the Wurstelprater — one of the craziest theme parks you’d ever visit. Finally, you’re in Rome, standing in front of the Colosseum — a seven wonder of the world checked off your bucket list. Here’s our 14-day Europe itinerary if you’re up to experience this mad rush of crazy adventures we had!
Although maximising our 7-day Flexi Eurail Pass was a priority (i.e. visiting as many countries as we could), we also wanted to make sure we had enough time in each location to soak in the sights. Travelling conveniently and comfortably whilst getting to see iconic landmarks on a affordable budget was also on our list.
But travelling by train is expensive, you say. It’s true, traveling across Europe by buses and planes are in fact cheaper, but train travel is far more comfortable and hassle-free. You get to avoid long queues at airport customs or having your knees in a 90 degree angle for over 5 hours.
Starting from Munich and ending in Rome after 14 days, here’s how we covered 6 countries in Europe under S$1.8k!
Need help figuring out the nuts and bolts of the Eurail Pass? Hop over to our Eurail Pass Guide for everything you need to know before planning your Europe trip.
1) Eurail Pass: Purchase your Eurail Global Flexipass from Klook at least 7 days before your trip. They deliver right to your doorstep for free!
*Update (as of 6 July 2022): Eurail Mobile Passes are now available. You can choose a start date later on when you’re ready to travel.
2) Connectivity: You can preorder a portable WiFi device that provides you with 500MB/day to share with 4 others! Alternatively, you can purchase this SIM card ranging from 1GB to 6GB that covers you for 30 days.
Check Flights to Europe
This Europe itinerary starts in Munich, Germany! To get the best budget estimates, check flight prices on your date of travel here:
The central square of the city centre in Munich gained popularity during the 1972 Olympics where it was promoted as a walking venue. Since then, tourists come to visit this memorial site and the other historical spots around.
The first thing we had to check out at the Marienplatz was the Glockenspiel — Munich’s lauded cuckoo clock!
You’ll find lots of buskers and there’s even a 12-minute figurine dance you can catch daily at 11AM, 12PM and 5PM (the evening show isn’t available in November and February).
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Right in the middle of the Marienplatz is the The Column of St. Mary’s (pictured above), erected in 1638 to celebrate the victory of the Bavarians over the Swedish in the Thirty Years’ War. There’s also a statue of Virgin Mary and four puttis, each representing the overcoming of disease, war, heresy and famine.
In December, the Marienplatz is also home to Germany’s iconic Christmas markets so definitely stop by then!
Biergarten Viktualienmarkt for Lunch
Have an alfresco meal of bratwursts, schweinshaxe and sauerkraut at the Biergarten Viktualienmarkt just a 4-minute walk from the Marienplatz.
Even on weekdays, this place can be packed with locals enjoying €4 (S$6.35) beers and other local dishes! You might have to walk around a little before finding a spot.
We got our fix of bratwursts, schweinshaxe and sauerkraut here for a shared cost of €25.20 ($39.90).
Cost: €10.30/pax ($16.30/pax) Opening Hours: 8AM – 6PM; Closed on Sundays Address: Viktualienmarkt 9, 80331 München
St Peter’s Church at Sunset
Photo credit: Eat Explore Etc
The highlight would be the view from the top of the tower. Here’s the catch — there’s no elevator! Burn off your lunch and hike up 14 flights of stairs. We promise the view will be worth it, especially during sunrises and sunsets.
Photo credit: Thousand Wonders
St. Peter’s Church is the oldest in the district, but one of the emptier and more peaceful ones we’ve visited on the trip. On hindsight, I wished we’d spent more time here.
Do note that the entrances to the church and tower are different!
Entrance Fee: Free unless you’re climbing the tower — €3 (S$4.75) [€2 (S$3.15) for those with a valid student ID] Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 9AM – 6.30PM; Weekends, 10AM – 6.30PM Address: Rindermarkt 1, 80331 München, Germany
Ristorante CA`D`ORO for Pizza Takeaway
For something affordable and on-the-go, grab pizza from Ristorante Ca`D`Oro for €3.80 (S$6) a slice that’s only a block away from Jaeger’s Munich Hostel.
Head to your local grocers to grab lunch before heading down to the Englischer Garten. If you’re not shy, you could even join some of the locals suntanning in the nudist garden!
Here, your picnic involves horses, not dogs, galloping past you.
Right past the nudist garden by the river is a waterfall, a place where many surfers ride the waves.
Address: Prinzregentenstrasse, 81925 Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Hofbräuhaus München for drinks
For late afternoon drinks, head to Hofbräuhaus — a 3-level beer hall with the occasional live band playing in front!
An average of €10.60 (S$16.75) for cheap and great-tasting Italian cuisine with friendly service staff? Pasta e Basta deserves five stars!
The Risotto Mare (€8.95/S$14.15) is a definite must-try. This dish was jam-packed with fresh seafood and the rice was enveloped with rich tomato flavours.
Muenchen Hauptbahnhof Station to Fuessen Station: Regional Trains depart hourly from München Hbf Station to Füssen and takes about 2 hours. No fees or reservations required since it’s a regional train. Not all trains are direct so double check here to see which ones are!
15 minutes before we alighted at Füssen, we found ourselves gaping at the beauty of the Bavarian Alps.
Whilst Füssen has interesting sites such as the Hohenschwangau Castle and Linderhof Palace, we decided to dedicate the day to solely explore the Neuschwanstein Castle due to time constraints. This castle only allows visitors that are part of guided tours.
*Pro-tip: Purchase your snacks and food at the convenience store before heading to the castle or train ride back. The only place to get food at the Neuschwanstein Castle is their cafe and prices are exorbitant there!
Neuschwanstein Castle
Exploring the outskirts of the Neuschwanstein Castle is free but you’d see very little compared to what is inside. For €12 (S$19), you can sign up for a guided tour at the castle’s ticket center. It’s a 1.5km uphill walk from the ticket centre to the castle so do factor enough time to arrive at least 15 minutes before your allocated tour timing!
There’s also the option to ride up in a horse carriage for €6 (S$9.50) uphill and €3 (S$4.75) downhill but I personally would not recommend it as the horses look dehydrated and mistreated.
We weren’t allowed to take photos within the castle but got an interesting perspective viewing the castle, not only through the eyes of his servants — going through hidden passageways — but also enjoying the views from the King’s bedroom.
Neuschwanstein Castle’s ticket centre
Cost: €12 (S$19) for the guided tour Opening Hours: 8AM – 5PM How to get there: After alighting at Füssen, take bus 73 or 38 to get to the village of Hohenschwangau, which is also the foot of all the attractions. It costs €4.60 (S$7.30) for a round trip and you pay the bus driver upon boarding.
Best view of the Neuschwanstein Castle
Whether you decided to get on the guided tour or not, Marienbrücke is a must-visit as it’s one of the best viewpoints of the Neuschwanstein Castle from afar. You will see signs pointing to the Marienbrücke once you exit the castle.
*Pro-tip: Capture better pictures from the other end of the bridge. Majority of the crowd would be huddled at the entrance.
Munich Airport to Hauptbahnhof Station: The Lufthansan Express Bus Transfer (S$16.10 via Klook) runs every 15 minutes. The service picks you right from your terminal and stops at two different train stations— Munich Nord/Schwabing or Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station at the City Center).
Accommodation in Munich: Jaeger’s Munich Hostel— a 5-minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof station. Dorm beds start from €25/pax (S$39.55).
Getting Around Munich: The Eurail Pass lets you take the S Bahn for free but we explored the city on foot as the sights we visited were within walking distance. Local transport passes weren’t needed here.
DAY 3: Prague, Czech Republic
The architecture in the capital city of Czech Republic will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old-school Disney movie — the brightly-coloured baroque structures and gothic churches, especially at the Old Town Hall, had us snapping away with each step we took.
Highlights in Prague: – Explore the Prague Castle – Have beers in a monastery – Walk through the scenic old town hall
We made this our first stop of the day to enjoy the serene beauty of the Vlava river. Charles Bridge is lined with amazing baroque stone statues, representing religious figures.
*Pro-tip: Head here before 7AM to avoid the crowds. Most tour groups start streaming in at 9AM.
Address: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia
The Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall boasts colourful buildings and gothic architecture. It also has lots of activities happening like fire-breathing performances, especially in the evening.
Photo credit: Prague.eu
The Astronomical Clock is currently under repair work until August 2018 but we were told that the clock was a beautiful spectacle with its movements, especially during its hourly performance.
Address: Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Breakfast at Bistro Sisters
Photo credit: Lilies Diary
Get a soup and sandwich at the Bistro Sisters to begin your day! This cafe prides itself on using only fresh ingredients — no additives and as easy to grab as fast food.
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 8AM – 7PM; Saturdays, 9AM – 6PM Address: Dlouhá 727/39, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Dancing House
You definitely can’t miss this quirky building — the arched lines and unique arrangements of the windows stand out against the older neighbouring buildings.
You can catch a view of Prague from the rooftop of the Dancing House for a fee of 190 CZK (€7.40, S$11.70) but here’s a tip: get the same view for free by purchasing a drink at the cafe on top!
Address: Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Praha 2-Nové Město, Czechia
NH Hotel Cable Car for a view of Prague
Photo credit: Czech Up
Another great viewpoint of Prague would be from the mini cable car that takes you from one building of the hotel to another, starting at the main entrance of the NH hotel.
*This funicular is currently undergoing some changes but will be available after August 2018.
If you only have time for one place here, it’s the St. Vitus Cathedral. Look out for the intricate details at the entrance as well as the gorgeous stained glass windows that will probably spoil your expectations of every other stained glass window you’ll see on the rest of the trip.
After yet another climb, we were ecstatic to be greeted by the amount of beers available at the Strahov Monastery Brewery — two of which are only available over specific seasons.
Our favourite was the Hazy IPA which paired well with the roast goose served with dumplings. Another thing we loved was the beef sirloin in cream sauce. They’re really generous with their gravies and that’s something we appreciated!
Photo credit: PraguebyKaty
We were a little disappointed with the Strahov Library. Situated across the brewery, the library stands alone as a building itself. Whilst the ceilings were stunning and rooms were magnificent, we had to pay on top of our entrance fees for a yellow sticker (€2 each) that allowed us to take pictures.
Getting From Munich to Prague: Multiple trains run fromMunchen Hauptbahnhof Station (Germany) to Praha Hlavní Nádraží Station or Praha-Holešovice (Czech Republic) ~7.5 – 9hrs
Accommodation in Prague: Hostel Rosemary — Dorm beds start from €10/pax (S$15.82).
Getting Around Prague: By foot since everything was nearby and convenient
DAY 4-5: Vienna, Austria
Third on our list: the capital of music home to many renowned musicians. We especially wanted to explore the woods that inspired Beethoven’s works, and an amusement park many have been raving about.
Highlights in Vienna: – Visit Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer imperial palace – Ride the craziest rides at the Wurstelprater amusement park – Take a day trip out to the Vienna Woods and Seegrotte Hinterbrühl — an underground lake in a cave.
A quaint little farmers’ market, Kamelitermarkt is a great place to explore and stop for brunch. Take note that these pop-up stalls are only here on Saturdays and close pretty early, so come in the morning!
The coffee at Kaffeestation was what we needed on a hot day to perk us up! €2.90 (S$4.60) for a cup of cappuccino was a steal for European standards. Look out for the little treats that they bake daily as well!
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7.30AM – 6.30PM; Saturdays, 7.30AM – 5PM Address: Stand 33-36, Karmelitermarkt, 1020 Wien, Austria
Tewa Karmelitermarkt
We shared a mixed platter comprising falafels, hummus and greek salad (highly recommended) and schitzel dish to share among 4 of us (€21.80, S$34.50 total) at Tewa Karmelitermarkt.
Opening Hours: 7AM – 11PM; Closed on Sundays Address: Stand 29-31, Karmelitermarkt, 1020 Wien, Austria
Laze at the Schönbrunn Palace
This former imperial summer residence offers guided tours but we realised there was so much we could explore on our own.
The bright yellow exterior of the baroque palace against the clear blue skies, with colourful flowers in the gardens definitely showcase why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Austria’s most significant monuments.
The gardens was what made the Schönbrunn Palace for me. You’d spot joggers enjoying their leisure run or families with picnics on the fields — the perfect place to laze about on a Saturday morning with your friends.
Entrance Fee: Free without entry inside. Ticket prices inside vary from €14.20 to €24. (S$22.45 to S$38) Opening Hours: 8AM – 5.30PM Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
Party at the Wurstelprater Amusement Park
If you told me you only had a day in Vienna, I’d point you straight to the Prater! What park can compete with a ride named “Olympia Looping” with 6 loops involved?
Cost: Free entry. Individual rides range from €3 – €9 (S$4.75 – S$14.25) Opening Hours: 10AM – 11PM Address: 1020 Vienna, Austria
Austrian National Library
If the architecture doesn’t impress you, how about the fact that Austria’s largest library has 7.4 million items?
Harry Potter fans, think Hogwarts’ library. The mere exterior of the library will leave you breathless and thinking you’re in an old-school magical movie.
Entrance Fee: €6 (S$9.50) Opening Hours: 10AM – 6PM; Closed on Mondays Address: Josefsplatz 1, 1015 Wien, Austria
Relax at Burggarten
Flowers at the entrance of the garden forming a treble clef
Burggarten even has a statue of Mozart — a nod to the fact that Austria’s the city of music and has had many musicians such as Beethoven and Sigmund Freud as residents.
Leave your jacket out as you enter this two-levelled greenhouse! The glasshouse at Schmetterlinghaus has man-made caves, lush greenery and waterfalls.
The botanical butterfly house is filled with vividly coloured butterflies. Watch them flutter by as they flit to the plates filled with apples. If you’re brave enough to grab one of the fruits, you can get one on your hands!
Centimeter I beam Rathaus encapsulates the perfect Austrian experience with their generous portions and especially friendly staff. Our waiter even went the extra mile to serve us water for free when his boss huffed that it was chargeable.
Food-wise, the ribs were the definite showstopper.
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs, 8.30AM – 12AM; Fri & Sat, 8.30AM – 1AM Address: 11, Lenaugasse, 1080 Wien, Austria
*Pro-tip: Unless you’re looking to mingle and socialise, visit this bar during lunch as it gets pretty packed during the evening.
Explore Hundertwasser House and Village
Full of vibrant colours and interesting architecture, this apartment was conceptualised by a local artist and brought to life, merging nature and man together.
You aren’t allowed to enter this residential building of the Hundertwasser House as the lodgers wish to maintain their privacy, but you can take pictures of the exquisitely-designed exterior!
Opposite the apartments is the Hundertwasser Village. Decorated in the same manner as the Hundertwasser House, it has a cluster of souvenir shops, a gallery and a cafe. You may pay to enter the museum as well.
We decided to embark on this half day tour as we were intrigued about Beethoven and how he explored the woods whilst living in Vienna. The history behind the underground lake and its relation to WW2 was what sealed the deal for us.
This Vienna Woods and Mayerling Guided Half Day tour took us to 3 spots — the memorial chapter at Mayerling, Heiligenkreuz Abbey and Seegrotte Hinterbrühl — each showcasing a different side of Vienna’s outskirts.
First, a bus tour throughout Vienna Woods, while the tour guide talks about Beethoven and his relationship with the woods that probably inspired a majority of his music. In the summer, he would walk around Vienna Woods with his notebook.
We were also brought to Heiligenkreuz Abbey — currently the oldest Cistercian monastery in the world.
Photo credit: 500px
The show stealer though, was the underground lake at Seegrotte Hinterbrühl. After exploring the hidden site that was used by the Nazis to secretly produce one of their first jet fighters during WW2, you get on a boat that explores the lake.
Tour Cost: $80.20 Pick-up Area: Operngasse 8, 1010 Vienna
If you’re not into tours, I recommend visiting only the underground lake for €11 (S$17.40).
Vienna State Opera House
Photo credit: Vienna Now, Forever
After the day tour, you’d be dropped at the Vienna State Opera House around 1.30PM, the perfect time to check for standing tickets at the ticketing house for the show of the day.
The Opera House boasts of tablets that are available for people to read translations during the shows. Guided tours are also available if you’d prefer to just take a look at the interior.
If you do get tickets, remember to dress for the occasion! Avoid ripped jeans and dress nicely.
Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria
*Pro-tip: Ask for the 3PM standing tickets that cost only €2 (S$3.16). Alternatively, arrive at 5.30PM and pay €3 – 4 (S$4.75 – S$6.35) for the 7PM show.
Der Wiener Deewan
Photo credit: allRestaurants
Der Wiener Deween has a pay-as-you-wish Pakistan cuisine buffet popular amongst students. The buffet comes with a wide variety of dishes including salads and desserts. Drinks (except for water) come at an additional cost.
Photo credit: Mali Svijet
Cost: Pay as you wish Opening Hours: 11AM – 11PM; Closed on Sundays Address: Liechtensteinstraße 10, 1090 Wien, Austria
Getting From Prague to Vienna: Take the train from Praha Hlavní Nádraží Station (Czech Republic) to Wien Hauptbahnhof Station (Austria)
Accommodation in Vienna: Best Location Hostel— €17/pax (S$26.90) for a private 4-bed dorm room
Getting Around Vienna: The S Bahn line is free with the Eurail Pass but some of the places visited required us to use other lines. We purchased a 48-hour Vienna ticket, available at any cigarette store or online in advance for €14.10 (S$22.30). If you order it online you’ll have to print it first.
DAY 7-8: Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is 1 city with 2 personalities — in the day, Buda is brimming with activities. Once night falls, Pest wakes up! Thermal baths. Ruin pubs. Cheap accommodation. What’s more to explain? All these drew us to Budapest for our next stop.
Highlights in Hungary: – The Shoes on the Danube Bank — a tribute honouring the men of WW2 – Soak in the hot / cold Széchenyi thermal baths – Drink in one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars, Szimpla Kert.
Sitting at Pest’s riverbank is the world’s third largest parliament building. The Hungary Parliament also happens to be the largest and tallest building in Hungary.
Guided tours to the Hungary Parliament are available when the National Assembly is not in session.
Cost: €9.20 (S$14.55) [for students aged 6 – 24] Opening Hours: Mon to Fri, 8AM – 6PM; Weekends, 9AM – 4PM Address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary
*Pro-tip: Pre-purchase your tickets online as they are limited.
This memorial is a tribute to honour the men who were shot by firing squads during WW2 — they were commanded to remove their shoes, leaving them behind when their bodies fell into the bank.
Address: Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1054 Hungary
Lunch at Aurum Bistro
Splurging on ourselves a little on this day, we tried the Arum Bistro’s medvehagyma rizottó (wild garlic risotto) which turned out to be one of the best dishes on this trip! The risotto’s creamy garlic sauce goes perfectly with the moist and well-seasoned chicken.
Cost: €14.30 (S$22.60) per person Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 12AM Address: Budapest, Zrínyi u. 5, 1051 Hungary
St Stephen Basilica
Whilst enjoying lunch, we also savoured the view of the St Stephen Basilica. Many cafes and ice-cream shops surround this area, providing the perfect place to admire the church.
This beautiful church is situated on the square that has the same name and honours the first King of Hungary St. Stephen. What’s interesting is that it’s as tall as the Hungarian Parliament building, making both of them the tallest buildings in Budapest — this symbolises their equal importance religiously and politically.
Address: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath
One of the largest bath complexes in Europe is the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Though generally crowded throughout the day, the area is big enough to find your own comfortable space and relax in.
There are outdoor baths that are warm even during the cold seasons, and indoor ones with countless hot and cold baths to soak in. Varying temperatures of saunas are also available for you to sweat out in too!
Plenty of food choices await you from numerous food vans here at Street Food Karaván. Options like vegan burgers, creamy smoothies or sinful nachos are available.
Photo credit: Happy Cow
The forest burger (€4.70, S$7.45) and smoothies (€4.70, S$7.45) from Las Vegans did not disappoint!
Opening Hours: Sun – Wed, 11:30AM – 11PM; Thurs – Sat, 11:30AM – 1AM Address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 18, 1075 Hungary
Szimpla Kert
Your night isn’t complete without a visit to Szimpla Kert. Chill at this iconic party place with beers listening to live bands, or run around exploring the pioneer of ruin pubs. The pub is pretty big so there are counters all around to purchase your next drink.
Photo credit: Ruin Pubs
At some point, we found ourselves hanging out in a bathtub and I’m sure you’d able to find something more random when you visit.
Cost: €3 (S$4.75) for a pint of beer Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 10AM – 4AM; Sun, 9AM – 5AM Address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Hungary
Getting From Vienna to Budapest:Multiple trains run from Wien Hauptbahnhof Station (Austria) to Budapest Keleti Station (Hungary) under 2.5hrs.
Accommodation in Budapest: Airbnb— we paid €6.28/pax (S$9.95) a night for an apartment that came with laundry facilities and a kitchen.
Getting Around Budapest: By foot or via transport apps like taxify.
*Pro-tip: Change your currency to HUF before reaching Budapest. While most places accept €, the cost you pay in € is going to be a lot more than the current exchange rate.
DAY 9-10: Bled, Slovenia
If you’re looking for somewhere further away from cities, this quaint resort town surrounded by nature is a nice change of environment, home to the scenic glacial Lake Bled and Bled Castle.
Highlights: – Hike up to the Ojstrica Lookout Point to view Lake Bled – Eat the Original Lake Bled Cake – Dine at Ostarija Peglez’n, where we had one of our best meals during the trip
Arguably the best meal we had on our trip, Ostarija Peglez’n‘s food is worth every euro spent with its excellent food and kind staff.
Every dish is a winner in its own way — the tomato seafood risotto’s tanginess, the truffle pasta’s aroma fused in the creamy sauce, and the succulent prawns with roasted vegetables were all fantastic.
You can hike up here any time of the day but we’d recommend getting up early to catch the sunrise at the Ojstrica Lookout Point, which also gives you some time to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Lake Bled before tour groups arrive.
Pack some breakfast and make sure you wear proper shoes, because you’ll be hiking up 610 meters. The climb uphill for us took around 30 minutes but will vary depending on the weather.
Address: Lake Bled, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
The Original Bled Cream Cake
Created in 1953, the specific 7x7x7 dimensions is one of the elements that make this Bled Cake iconic. You can find Bled Cakes in other cafes and supermarkets, possibly for even cheaper, but we thought to try the OG Bled Cream Cake found at Sava Hotel Bled.
Though slightly pricier, the contrast was evident when compared to the ones found in other cafes and supermarkets. The crumbly and flaky puff pasty on top provided the perfect textural contrast with the fluffy cream cake below. The others’ puff pastries, however, were soaked by overly-moist cake.
For just €4 (S$6.35), you can ride a Toboggan sled in the summer or ski down over winter at Straža Bled. It’s a mere few minutes walk uphill from the centre of Bled.
Getting From Budapest to Bled: Budapest Deli Station (Hungary) to Ljubljana Station (Slovenia) to Lesce Bled Station (Slovenia).
Accommodation in Bled: Vila Lipa— a room for 2 – 4pax can go as low as €40 (S$63.30). Rooms are comfy and come with a beautiful balcony and spotless toilet!
Getting Around Bled: The only time you’d need to get into a vehicle is from the train station to the villa. We hired a taxi that brought us to and from our accommodation for €3 (S$4.75) each time.
DAY 11: Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital and largest city in Slovenia, Ljubljana is lined with many bridges and cafes around the river. This environmentally friendly city was something we wanted to check out, especially when not many knew of the country!
Highlights:
– Cross the Dragon Bridge – Alternative art at the Metelkova Art Center, also a former military barrack
While the Dragon Bridge is nothing out of the ordinary, the statues are a pleasant element! Not too far from the city centre, every pillar has its own dragon. The dragon bridge is a popular spot for selfies and Instagram posts.
Legend has it, that the tails of these dragons would wag if a virgin walks past! 😉
Address: Resljeva cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Check out the Open Kitchen Market
Photo credit: The Slovenia Times
Head down early to visit this Open Kitchen Market that only happens on Fridays. Since 2013, this market takes pride in selling yummy Slovenian and international delicacies from early spring to late fall.
Vendors sell a range of things from fresh strawberries and ice-cream to little glass trinkets and keychains.
Located in the old city centre, Druga Violina is a gostilna-style restaurant serving Slovenian cuisine in an al fresco setting.
We shared the Slovenska plošča platter (serves 2), an omelette and a steak for €41.50 (S$65.65) altogether. The platter came with a generous mix of salad, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, a pork steak and more. We were stuffed at the end of the meal.
The drinks here are cheap as well — €2 (S$3.15) for a glass of rosé!
Cost: €10.40/pax (S$16.45/pax) Opening Hours: 8AM – 12PM Address: Stari trg 21, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Metelkova Art Center
You can’t leave Ljubljana without visiting this hipster town! The Metelkova Art Centre was a former military barrack and is currently the leading centre of underground music and art. It is pretty evident in all the walls of the buildings here.
Don’t be afraid to talk to the locals to find out what is happening, as there are performances occurring almost daily!
We paid €2 (S$3.15) to enter one of the buildings after making friends with an older gentleman. He invited us to watch his wife whom was performing with him that night; they were part of a Leftist movement. It was interesting to be exposed to something that we’d never seen in Singapore!
Address: Metelkova ulica 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Getting from Bled to Ljubljana: Multiple trains run from Lesce Bled Station (Slovenia) to Ljubljana Station (Slovenia) under 45mins
Accommodation in Ljubljana: Most Hostel— single beds go as low as €15/pax (S$23.75). They come with a fridge, kitchen and an attached shower.
DAY 12-13: Venice, Italy
How can one not visit Venice when in Italy? Explore the city that was built on 118 little islands on water taxis and roam through the canals. Visit their museums and learn how Venice placed itself on the map with its history, lace and glass.
Highlights: – Ride the gondola in Venice – Visit Burano and learn about lace-making – Visit Murano for its high quality glass
After getting off at Venezia Mestre Station and checking into our hostel, we took a bus (53E or 19) into Venezia S. Lucia. The ride takes about 20–30 minutes.
Getting Around Venice: Since our accommodation was slightly out of Venice, we got the 48-hour pass (€30/S$47.45) for unlimited water bus rides.
Ride the Gondola
To ride on the iconic gondola, head to the pick up point at Calle Larga dell’Ascensione — in front of the Poste Italiane (close to Correr Museum). Tickets cost from €80 – €100 (S$126.55 – S$158.20) if you purchase on the spot, so we pre-booked ours at S$47 via Klook. Each gondola carries 4–5 so you’d be able to enjoy the majestic city without crowding with tourists.
Piazza San Marco
One of the most famous squares in Venice, the architecture of St. Mark’s Square is immense and beautiful but the star here is the Basilica. Restaurants with orchestras playing and cafes offering teas and cute little cakes are also available for you to rest at.
Address: Piazza San Marco, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Murano, The Glass Islands
Murano consists of 7 islands, linked together by bridges and is quite different compared to the main island — you’ll find the colours of the buildings much more vibrant and fewer tourists around.
Depending on where you’re at, getting to Murano can be tricky. Here’s a guide on how to get there based on your location.
In 1921, under the orders of the Doge of Venice, all Venetian glass makers had to move their furnaces to Murano. This action as a prevention against fires allowed Murano to build their reputation as the producer of high quality glass.
Currently, most glass factories in Murano give free showcases on how they make glass. They also have shops selling them.
*Pro-tip: When visiting shops, look out for the “Vetro Murano Artistico” trademark logo. This means they’re selling authentic Murano glass.
The extensive history of glass making from Venice to Murano is showcased here. Understand more of glass production history, and watch a video explaining how glass is made.
From time to time, glass-making demonstrations are held there too.
Entrance Fee: €10 (S$15.80) Opening Hours: 10AM – 6PM Address: Fondamenta Marco Giustinian, 8, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
Burano
Only 1 ferry runs between Burano and Venice — Ferry 12. It begins from Venice’s San Zaccaria stop (near St. Mark’s) and takes about 45 minutes.
Photo credit: Amusing Planet
Similar to Murano, its four islands are currently linked by bridges. Out of all three, Burano wins as the island with the brightest colours. Back in the day, families used to paint their homes a certain colour for themselves to earmark where their home began and ended. The tradition of painting their homes strong colours has since continued.
Burano also boasts of being a fisherman’s island with fresh seafood available at most of its eating joints.
The Lace Museum
Photo credit: livingVENICE
The Lace Museum showcases the 16th and 17th century laces and history behind this specific textile. On certain days, you can capture lace makers at work.
Back then, the women of Burano would specialise in sewing a specific stitch. They’d combine all 7 stitches to create the lace, making it a delicate and calculated practice.
Entrance Fee: €5 (S$7.90) Opening Hours: 10AM – 5PM; Closed on Mondays Address: Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, 187, 30142 Burano, Venezia VE, Italy
Eat at Ristorante Pizzeria Rio Novo
Craving for good pasta, we chanced upon this busy restaurant, Rio Novo and good pasta they had! We ate 4 different pastas — aglio e olio, pesto, bolognese and carbonara, that set us back an average of €14.20 (S$22.45) per person. We even requested for a different type of pasta for our dish and they catered to it!
*Pro-tip: Eat your meals outside of Venezia Mestre unless necessary; the dishes there are much cheaper and higher quality.
Address: Santa Croce 278, 30135 Venice, Italy
Getting fromLjubljana to Venice: Take a bus from Ljubljana (Slovenia) to Trieste Centrale Station (Italy), then from Trieste Centrale Station to Venezia Mestre Station (Italy)
Accommodation in Venice:Camping Rialto Venezia— this was an amazing find outside of Venice: a camping ground providing clean shower and toilet facilities, with a mini mart to boot! We paid €11 (S$17.40) per person and scored 2 3-bed chalets for the 4 of us.
*Pro-tip: Find your accommodations outside of Venice. It’s much cheaper and you get to interact with real Venetians. Plus, those are where you get to eat real Venetian food!
Day 14-15: Rome, Italy
Viewing one of the Seven Wonders of the World was a bucket list item for one of our friends. We decided to end the trip with Rome and help cross that out for her — the Colosseum! Italy’s capital city is also home to many other ancient ruins from the Roman Empire.
Highlights: – Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain – Visit the Vatican City (where the Pope lives) – Head down to the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) – Eat the best pizzas at Bonci Pizzarium.
According to the legends, you should prepare 3 coins to toss in the Trevi Fountain — the first to ensure your return to Rome, a second to meet someone from Rome and a third to secure your marriage with him/her! Of course, you could just throw as many coins and make as many wishes as you’d like.
We were told to either get there super early or late to avoid the crowds.
Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Climb the Spanish Steps
Photo credit: The Telegraph
Though many may complain that the Spanish Steps are just mere steps and nothing special, you’d be pleasantly surprised. Waiting atop the 130 steps is a huge array of beautiful flowers, with buskers serenading passers-by with love songs.
We even saw a couple taking their wedding photos there — made me wish I had a lover in Rome!
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Note: As of 8 July 2019, sitting, eating and drinking on the Spanish Steps is illegal and can result in a fine of up to €400 euros. The ordinance also applies to other photogenic sites in Rome, like the Trevi Fountain.
Cajo & Gajo for Dinner
We chanced upon Cajo & Gajo when we saw how popular this place was, and how well they handled their customers. On a busy night, you’d even get a glass of white wine to drink while you wait.
Their Cartoc Calamari’s (€9, S$14.25) batter was perfectly crispy and the meat of the squid was just the right kind of chewy. We enjoyed a bottle of house wine paired with our pizza and pastas, leaving us spending €16.75 (S$26.50) per person.
Address: Piazza San Callisto, 10, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Opening Hours: 10AM – 2AM
Arrive early at the Colosseum
There’s no question why this iconic amphitheatre is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Walk around the Colosseum and take in the sight of the beautiful ruins. It’ll transport you back to a time that countless movies have tried to recreate.
Unless you’d love to know every single detail, there isn’t a need to join guided tours to “skip lines” if you arrive early. You’ll be able to explore the area adequately yourself.
Admission is free every first Sunday of the month.
Entrance Fee: €12 (S$18.90) Opening Hours: 8.30AM – 7PM Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
*Pro-tip: If you’re traveling with a friend, get either of you to purchase the entrance tickets whilst the other queues to enter the Colosseum. It’ll also work to your advantage if you reach before 8AM.
Cross the Ponte Sant’Angelo
Cross this pedestrian-only bridge whilst on your way to the Vatican City. A scenic view of Castel Sant’Angelo can be observed from this bridge. Look out for the 10 various angel statues as well.
Address: Ponte Sant’Angelo, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Explore Vatican City and visit St. Peter’s Basilica
Remember to dress appropriately with your shoulders and knees covered as a form of respect.
Entrance Fee: €15 (S$23.75) Opening Hours: 9AM – 4PM; Closed on Sundays. Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
*Pro-tip: Entry tothe Vatican Church is free every last Sunday of the month. If you’re unable to visit then, bring your student ID to enjoy discounts. Arrive 2 hours before opening hours as it’ll get crowded.
Chow Down at Bonci Pizzarium
Head over early to get your mind blown with the crazy amount of pizza toppings and combinations available at Bonci.
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 11 AM – 10PM; Sunday 12 – 4PM, 6 – 10PM Address: Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
Ending our Eurail journey in Rome with tasty pizzas was definitely a good way to conclude our trip!
Venice to Rome: Multiple trains run from Venezia Mestre Station (Italy) to Roma Termini Station (Italy) ~3.5hrs
Getting around Rome: We didn’t buy the 48-hour bus pass; we bought a ticket whenever we rode the bus instead, costing us €1.50 (S$2.40) each time.
Travelling with the Eurail Pass
The Eurail Global Pass is truly your ticket to exploring all of Europe. If it’s your first time, this is a great itinerary to start with but if you have the time, definitely maximise all 30 days of your pass — just be sure you have enough days left to catch your flight home!
Ticket office in Munich, Germany
With our 7-days in 1 Month Eurail Global Pass, we saved a total of S$161.35. You can check out our breakdown (on the second tab) but do note that train fares differ quite a bit everyday. This is because there are many trains taking varying routes to get from point A to point B.
For trains that require reservations, you can either reserve them at least two weeks before your trip — you’ll need to wait for the reservation tickets to be mailed to you in 7-10 working days — or just make reservations at the ticket office when you arrive in Europe on day 1.
A huge part of rail travel is the experience of being in the train itself. Day trains offer some of the most scenic views and sleeper trains help save time especially when your journey is going to be half your day. Imagine going to bed in one country and waking up in another!
This Europe itinerary suggests taking day trains as the most economical option but if you’re short on time and willing to splurge a little (these can cost quite a bit more than a night in a hostel), we’d definitely recommend experiencing one.
Hi Rhuel, we actually visited Europe in late spring/early summer for this, the weather was warm but the skies were clear! I’d personally recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons —— spring and autumn when Europe generally sees fewer crowds of tourists.
This is a good trip to travel 6 Countries Over 16 Days. cost of the tickets is low.
Very detailed itinerary! Nice! But when is best month to travel those places?
Hi Rhuel, we actually visited Europe in late spring/early summer for this, the weather was warm but the skies were clear! I’d personally recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons —— spring and autumn when Europe generally sees fewer crowds of tourists.
can you call out which days of 1-5 did u use for 7 days?