Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Begin with the Dubai–Munich journey, allowing roughly 10–12 hours door to door, including the flight, immigration, baggage collection, and transfer into the city. After landing at Munich International Airport, a prebooked taxi is easiest with luggage and children; the S-Bahn is cheaper and usually takes around 40–50 minutes to reach the central area, but allow extra time if everyone is tired. Check in, freshen up, and keep the first afternoon deliberately gentle rather than trying to fit in a major museum.
Make your first outing Marienplatz, the natural introduction to Munich. Spend about 45 minutes taking in the Neues Rathaus façade, the square, and the surrounding pedestrian streets. If you arrive close to the hour, you may catch the Rathaus-Glockenspiel performance, though it is best treated as a bonus rather than something to plan the whole afternoon around. From the square, walk south toward Viktualienmarkt in roughly five minutes; the market is generally busiest during the daytime and some individual stalls close earlier, so on a late arrival focus on the surrounding food stands and nearby restaurants rather than expecting every stall to be operating.
Have an informal Bavarian dinner around Viktualienmarkt, budgeting approximately €15–30 per person. Look for sausages, roast chicken, pretzels, cheese, or seasonal dishes, and choose a relaxed outdoor table if the weather is comfortable. Afterwards, walk along Sendlingerstraße to Asamkirche, one of Munich’s most remarkable Baroque interiors. It takes only about 30 minutes to visit, but entry is dependent on services and opening times, so treat it as a quiet stop rather than a guaranteed timed attraction. Continue east toward Isartor, around 15–20 minutes away, for a relaxed 45-minute stroll around the historic gate and old-town edge. The walk is especially pleasant after dinner, when the centre is calmer; return to your hotel by tram, S-Bahn, taxi, or on foot depending on its location.
Start in Altstadt with Residenz München, allowing around two hours for the royal apartments, courtyards and Treasury. It is one of the city’s best indoor sights for a family, especially if the weather is cool or rainy. The palace is generally open daily, but hours vary by season; check the official site and reserve a timed entry if offered. Admission is usually around €10–15 for adults, with reduced family pricing often available. From Munich Hauptbahnhof, take the U-Bahn to Odeonsplatz and walk a few minutes, or walk from central accommodation.
Continue on foot to Frauenkirche, roughly 10 minutes away. Allow about 45 minutes, but keep the visit flexible because access can pause during services or religious events. Dress respectfully and check the posted visitor rules at the entrance. Afterwards, walk through Kaufingerstraße toward Dallmayr Delicatessen for a refined café stop or light lunch. Expect approximately €12–30 per person; the shop is tempting for gifts, while the café is the more relaxed choice with children. A table may require a short wait at peak lunchtime, so avoid arriving too close to the afternoon rush.
Take the U-Bahn from Marienplatz or Odeonsplatz toward Universität, then walk into the English Garden. Begin near the Eisbach surfers and follow the paths north toward the Chinese Tower, allowing about two hours at an easy family pace. The river viewing area is exciting but keep children well back from the fast current—swimming is not safe here. The park is free, spacious and ideal for an unhurried break; bring water, and expect muddy paths after rain.
Finish at Seehaus im Englischen Garten, beside the Kleinhesseloher See, for a Bavarian meal with a peaceful lakeside setting. Budget around €20–40 per person, depending on drinks and whether you choose the restaurant or beer-garden seating. From the Chinese Tower, allow roughly 20–30 minutes on foot; after dinner, return by walking toward Münchner Freiheit for the U-Bahn, or use a taxi if the children are tired. The restaurant’s opening times and outdoor seating can change with the season, so check on the day before setting out.
Allow roughly 1½–2 hours door to door from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, aiming to leave around 07:00–07:30 so you can begin near 08:00. The regional train from München Hbf is usually the simplest option with children; from Garmisch-Partenkirchen station, use a local bus or taxi toward Partnachklamm. If driving, leave the car in a designated town or attraction car park rather than trying to take it onto mountain roads. Start with Partnachklamm, where the maintained path passes beneath cliffs, waterfalls and dripping rock walls. Allow about 1½ hours, wear shoes with good grip, and check the official access status before leaving—heavy rain, ice or maintenance can occasionally close sections.
After the gorge, walk or take a short local connection to Olympiaschanze, the historic ski-jump complex in Partenkirchen. The viewing area takes around 45 minutes and gives you a striking perspective over the valley; the steep structure is impressive even when no event is taking place. Continue into the old quarter along Ludwigstraße, whose painted façades and traditional inns make it the best place for a relaxed Bavarian lunch. Werdenfelserei is a good modern choice, while Gasthof Fraundorfer offers a more traditional atmosphere; budget roughly €15–30 per person, and expect lunch service to follow German hours rather than running continuously all afternoon.
After lunch, continue to Eibsee/Grainau for the Zugspitze excursion. Allow three to four hours including the cable-car or cog-rail journey, transfers and time at the summit. Reserve a timed or dated ticket in advance, particularly during school holidays, but only commit once the weather forecast looks reasonable: cloud can completely hide the panorama. At altitude, temperatures can be much colder than in the valley, so bring layers, sunglasses and gloves for children. If visibility is poor, it is better to enjoy the lake and lower mountain scenery than spend heavily on a summit visit with no view.
Finish at Eibsee with an easy one-hour section of the lakeside path before returning to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The full circuit is longer than you need today; follow the shore toward the quieter wooded side, take photographs from the clear turquoise viewpoints, and turn back before the children tire. Check the last cable-car, train or local-bus connections in advance, and allow extra time for the return transfer—this is a full day, so keep dinner simple near your accommodation rather than adding another sightseeing stop.
Allow about 3–3½ hours from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Salzburg, including the connection through Munich, so leave around 07:00–07:30. With four people and luggage, a car is more convenient, but confirm that your rental agreement permits travel into Austria and that the vehicle has the required Austrian motorway vignette. By train, aim to arrive at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof late morning; leave luggage at your hotel or station lockers, then take a trolleybus or taxi to Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Allow about an hour for the formal gardens and views toward the fortress. The palace itself has limited visiting access and may be affected by events, so treat the gardens and exterior as the reliable visit.
Walk across the river via Makartsteg toward the Altstadt, then continue along Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s atmospheric historic shopping street. The narrow lane is excellent for a relaxed family wander, with traditional signs, courtyards and small shops. Stop at Mozart’s Birthplace at number 9 for roughly an hour; timed admission is sensible in busy periods, and the museum is generally open daily, subject to seasonal hours. Keep backpacks small, as restrictions can apply inside.
For lunch, reserve at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, tucked beside the abbey complex. It is a memorable historic setting, though prices are higher than a casual café—budget approximately €25–50 per person depending on your choices. Afterward, take a short walk to Salzburg Cathedral in the DomQuartier area. Allow around 45 minutes for the grand Baroque interior, but check the service schedule before entering; worship services can temporarily limit visitor access. The cathedral and nearby lanes are best enjoyed without rushing, so leave time for a coffee or pastry before returning to your hotel. Most central sights are walkable, while a taxi is easiest if you have luggage or tired children.
Leave Salzburg around 08:00 for Hallstatt, allowing roughly 2½–3 hours by public transport, or about 1¼ hours by car in light traffic. By train, travel via Attnang-Puchheim to Hallstatt station, then take the short ferry across the lake; check the ferry departure against your train before leaving. If driving, use the designated car parks outside the village—Hallstatt’s center is pedestrian-focused, and spaces fill quickly. The approach across the lake is one of the most memorable views of the day, so keep cameras ready.
Begin with an hour along the Hallstatt lakeside promenade, taking in the village, steep wooded slopes and Dachstein scenery. Then walk uphill into the center for the Hallstatt Museum near Marktplatz, allowing about an hour for its compact but worthwhile collection on prehistoric settlement, salt mining and local history. Continue to Marktplatz and Evangelical Church, where the recognizable square and tall church tower provide Hallstatt’s classic photographs. The church itself is generally free to enter when open, while museum hours and admission—typically around €10–15 for adults, with family discounts—should be checked seasonally.
Have lunch at Seewirt Zauner, a traditional choice beside the waterfront, with regional fish, schnitzel and Austrian dishes usually costing about €25–45 per person. Reserve if possible, particularly in busy periods; otherwise arrive early and expect a short wait. After lunch, allow around three hours for the Hallstatt Salt Mine on Salzberg. Walk from the village to the funicular station, ride up, and follow the guided underground route, which includes the historic mining galleries and slides. The funicular and mine operate seasonally and may close in poor weather or for maintenance, so reserve a timed combination ticket in advance and verify the operating calendar before committing to the day. The full visit is demanding with very young children, and the mine has age and height restrictions for some sections.
Return to the village by funicular and ferry or by the same local route, then collect your car if you drove. If using public transport, allow extra buffer for the final ferry and train connection—services become less frequent later in the day. For a relaxed finish, take one last walk along the waterfront before beginning the return to Salzburg; the journey is usually 2½–3 hours by rail, so an early departure from Hallstatt is sensible. Avoid planning a late-night return if traveling with children, as missed connections can leave a long wait in Attnang-Puchheim.
Leave Hallstatt around 07:00. For a family of four, a private transfer or rental car is the least tiring option: allow roughly 6–7 hours door to door, including a breakfast stop and the border crossing into Czechia. The usual route runs via Linz and České Budějovice; confirm that your rental agreement permits cross-border travel, arrange the Czech motorway vignette, and avoid driving into central Prague without a hotel parking plan. Public transport is possible but generally takes 7–9 hours with several changes, leaving little energy for sightseeing.
After checking in or dropping bags, head to Old Town Square in Staré Město. Give yourselves about an hour to admire the Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, and the surrounding Gothic and Baroque façades. The square is busiest later in the day, so keep valuables secure and take a few steps into the side streets for better photographs. From here, it is about a 10-minute walk toward Café Louvre on Národní třída, a grand, family-friendly café dating from 1902. Stop for coffee, hot chocolate, cake, or a late lunch; expect approximately €10–25 per person, and allow for a short wait at peak lunchtime.
Continue toward Charles Bridge, ideally reaching it in the later afternoon when the light softens. Allow around 45 minutes to cross slowly, pausing for the statues and views of Prague Castle and the Vltava. It can be crowded, particularly near the Old Town entrance, so families usually find the walk more comfortable by staying toward the bridge edges and keeping children close.
On the Malá Strana side, spend an unhurried hour in Kampa Park, where the riverside paths and open lawns provide a welcome break after the journey. Finish with a reserved, family-friendly evening cruise on the Vltava, lasting about 1½–2 hours. Book ahead because departure times and vessel types vary, and choose an option with indoor seating in case of cool weather. Cruises commonly depart from central river piers near Čech Bridge or Dvořákovo nábřeží; check the exact pier on the booking confirmation and allow 15–20 minutes to walk there. After disembarking, keep dinner simple near the waterfront or return to your accommodation by tram or taxi—this is already a full day after the long transfer.
Begin early in Hradčany, ideally arriving around opening time at Prague Castle to avoid the heaviest queues. Allow about three hours for St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. The main castle grounds are free, but the interiors require a circuit ticket; check the official schedule and ticket arrangements before visiting, as cathedral security and timed admissions can slow the start. From Old Town, tram 22 to Pražský hrad is convenient, though you will still walk downhill or across the complex between sections. Comfortable shoes are essential, particularly with children.
Walk a few minutes to Loreto, allowing about an hour for the pilgrimage complex and treasury, then continue downhill to Strahov Monastery. Its historic library halls are the highlight, but visitors may only view the interiors from the doorway, with closer access sometimes restricted; confirm the current admission policy on the day. For lunch, the monastery brewery Klášterní Pivovar Strahov is nearby and serves hearty Czech food, though reservations are sensible for a family of four. Allow roughly 15–20 minutes between these sights, as the route is pleasantly walkable but cobbled and gently sloping.
From Strahov Monastery, walk through the gardens toward Petřín Hill, allowing around 1½ hours for the paths, gardens, and viewpoints. The Petřín funicular may be closed or operating irregularly, so check its status before relying on it; if it is running, it is useful for reducing the uphill walking, while the descent through Malá Strana is easy on foot. Finish at Lokál U Bílé kuželky, close to Charles Bridge, for Czech classics such as schnitzel, goulash, and roast meats. Expect approximately €15–30 per person before drinks; book or arrive early because dinner tables fill quickly. Afterward, stroll through the quieter lanes of Malá Strana rather than returning immediately to the busiest bridge approach.
Allow 5–6 hours door to door for the journey from Prague to Vienna. Take an early direct Railjet from Praha hlavní nádraží, ideally around 07:00–07:30, and reserve four seats together; family seating is worth paying a little extra for. On arrival at Wien Hauptbahnhof, continue by U-Bahn or taxi to your hotel, leave the luggage, and head towards Schönbrunn. Even with a smooth train journey, queues, the hotel drop-off and Vienna’s larger distances make a realistic sightseeing start around midday.
Begin at Schönbrunn Palace, allowing about three hours for the imperial rooms and the palace grounds. Book a timed palace admission in advance through the official palace website, particularly during school holidays; entry without a reservation may mean a long wait or limited tour availability. The palace is reached easily on the U4 to Schönbrunn or Hietzing, followed by a short walk. After the interiors, let the children stretch their legs in the gardens rather than trying to cover every formal path. Stop at Café Residenz in the palace complex for apple strudel, coffee or a light snack—budget roughly €8–18 per person. It is a convenient pause, though you may encounter a short wait at busy times.
Take the U4 back towards the centre, changing as needed for MuseumsQuartier in Neubau. Spend about an hour wandering through the courtyards and public spaces; it is a good low-pressure stop after the palace, with places to sit and plenty of room for children. From there, walk roughly 15 minutes along Mariahilfer Straße and into the centre to Maria-Theresien-Platz. Allow around 45 minutes to admire the grand façades of the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Naturhistorisches Museum from outside; if you are tired, this works well as an atmospheric evening stroll rather than another museum visit. Finish at Plachutta Wollzeile for classic Viennese tafelspitz, budgeting approximately €30–55 per person. Reserve ahead if possible, as this popular restaurant can be busy; it is about a 15-minute walk or short tram/taxi ride from Maria-Theresien-Platz.
Start around 09:00 in Hofburg Palace, entering through the Sisi Museum and continuing to the Imperial Apartments and Silver Collection. Allow about two hours, plus time for security and the audio guide. Timed entry is sensible for a family of four, particularly during school holidays; verify the current opening hours and admission prices before travelling. From your accommodation, the central U-Bahn stations Herrengasse or Stephansplatz are the most convenient, and the walk between the palace and the next stop is only a few minutes.
Continue to the Austrian National Library State Hall on Josefsplatz, one of Vienna’s most atmospheric interiors. Forty-five minutes is enough to admire the bookshelves, globes and painted ceiling without tiring the children. Then walk along Kohlmarkt to Demel for a Viennese cake break. Expect roughly €10–20 per person, and allow for a possible queue; ordering at the counter is usually quicker than waiting for a table. Try the Esterházy slice or apple strudel, with coffee or hot chocolate for the children.
Walk or take the short U-Bahn ride to St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Stephansplatz. Allow about an hour for the nave, chapels and distinctive tiled roof views from outside; interior access can be restricted during services, so keep the visit flexible. Afterward, take the U1 from Stephansplatz to Praterstern, then walk into Prater. Set aside two to three hours for the Giant Ferris Wheel and the surrounding rides. Ferris Wheel tickets are worth reserving at busy times, while the other attractions generally operate separately and may be cashless or ticket-based depending on the ride. Stay until dusk if the children enjoy the lively lights and music.
Finish at Luftburg – Kolarik im Prater, a relaxed choice with plenty of space for families. Reserve if possible, especially for an evening meal, and budget approximately €20–40 per person. The menu is broad enough for children, while adults can try Austrian favourites such as schnitzel or vegetarian dishes; the restaurant is also known for its organic approach. After dinner, Praterstern provides easy U-Bahn and tram connections back across Vienna, so there is no need to arrange a taxi unless the children are exhausted.
Keep the final morning deliberately easy: have breakfast near your hotel, then allow 1–1½ hours to shower, finish packing, collect luggage, and check out. If you are staying in the central districts, a relaxed walk through Wieden to Naschmarkt is a good last taste of Vienna without committing to another museum or timed attraction. Check your hotel’s luggage-storage policy before leaving your bags; it is much easier than taking suitcases through the market.
Spend about an hour browsing Naschmarkt, where you can pick up coffee, pastries, spices, packaged sweets, and small food gifts for the journey. Its stalls and cafés are subject to individual opening days and hours, so check locally that it is operating on your departure morning. Keep valuables close in the busier sections, and remember that large suitcases make the narrow aisles awkward. For a quick family snack, choose something portable rather than sitting down for a full meal, since airport timing is the priority.
Return to the hotel for your luggage and leave central Vienna approximately three hours before your Schengen-zone departure. Allow roughly 45–60 minutes for the journey to Vienna International Airport, depending on your exact hotel and traffic. The City Airport Train is fast from Wien Mitte, while the S-Bahn is cheaper; with four passengers and luggage, a pre-booked taxi or rideshare may be simplest, but allow extra time for road congestion. At the airport, budget time for check-in and baggage drop, security, and reaching the gate—particularly if your airline requires document checks or you are travelling with checked bags. Confirm the terminal, baggage allowance, and flight status before leaving the hotel, then enjoy a final coffee after security before boarding for Dubai.
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