7-Day Family Friendly, Budget Rail Adventure: Vienna, Strasbourg, and Paris

Day 1: Arrival in Vienna

Vienna, Austria

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Central

Start your day with a traditional Viennese breakfast of coffee and a pastry at the historic Café Central, famed as a former meeting spot for intellectuals.
Take the U-Bahn (subway) to Herrengasse station; it's just a short walk from there.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Explore the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace and its stunning gardens which are perfect for a family stroll.
Take tram number 10 from the city center directly to the palace.
EUR14 (children under 18 free), 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Enjoy lunch at Naschmarkt, a lovely outdoor market with various affordable international food stalls.
Take the U-Bahn to Karntnertor Theater then walk to the market.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Vienna Zoo

Spend the afternoon at the oldest zoo in the world, located in the grounds of Schönbrunn, to delight the kids.
Re-enter Schönbrunn and follow signs to the zoo.
EUR15 (children under 6 free), 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Würstelstand

Wrap up the day with delicious local sausage at a traditional Viennese Würstelstand, cheap and filling.
Walk back towards the city center; several stands are scattered around.
EUR8, 1 hour
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Day 2: Exploration Day in Vienna

Vienna, Austria

8:30AM

Breakfast at Demel

Savor the delightful sweets and breakfast options at Demel, an iconic Viennese pastry shop.
Walk to Demel from your accommodation in the central area.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Belvedere Palace

Take in the stunning art collections at Belvedere Palace, particularly the famous Klimt paintings.
Take tram line D from the city center to the palace.
EUR13, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sacher Café

Indulge in authentic Sachertorte, with a light lunch at the famous Sacher Café.
Catch tram line 1 back to the city center.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

St. Stephen’s Cathedral Tour

Visit the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and admire its impressive Gothic architecture.
Walk a short distance to the cathedral from Sacher Café.
EUR5, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Stadtpark

Let the kids play and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Stadtpark, famous for its golden Johann Strauss statue.
Stroll towards Stadtpark; it's a pleasant walk from the cathedral.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl

Try traditional Wiener Schnitzel at this local favorite, offering hearty meals at reasonable prices.
Take the U-Bahn to Stephansplatz, then walk to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Strasbourg

Strasbourg, France

8:00AM

Early Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a simple but filling breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Grab some pastries and juice from the hotel lobby.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Strasbourg

Board your train to Strasbourg for a scenic ride across Austria and into France.
Take ÖBB from Vienna's Hauptbahnhof to Strasbourg.
EUR37, 7 hours

4:00PM

Check into Accommodation

Settle into a budget-friendly hotel or Airbnb in the center of Strasbourg.
Walk or take a tram from the train station to your accommodation.
EUR80, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll through La Petite France

Explore the picturesque district of La Petite France, with its charming canals and half-timbered houses.
Walk from your accommodation; everything is within walking distance.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Cloche à Fromage

Delight in a hearty, cheese-inspired meal that's both filling and wallet-friendly.
Just a short walk from La Petite France.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Strasbourg

Strasbourg, France

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Brant

Begin your day with fresh croissants and coffee at this cozy café.
Walk to Café Brant from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Strasbourg Cathedral

Explore the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, especially its stunning astronomical clock.
It's a short walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit European Parliament

Take a peek at the European Parliament building and learn about its history.
Catch tram line A towards the Parliament.
Free (external visit only), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Au Brasseur

Enjoy Alsatian specialties, like flammekueche, at this affordable restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Take tram line A back to the center.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Boat Tour on the Ill River

Take a scenic boat ride along the River Ill to see Strasbourg from a new perspective.
Board the boat near the cathedral.
EUR12 (children under 12 free), 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Parc de l'Étoile

Spend the late afternoon relaxing in the spacious Parc de l'Étoile, perfect for the kids to run around.
Walk or take tram line A to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Le Troquet des Kneckes

End your day with delicious Alsatian sausages at this casual eatery known for its meats.
Walk from Parc de l'Étoile to the restaurant.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Early Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a continental breakfast at the hotel before heading out.
Grab breakfast items from the hotel lobby.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Paris

Relax on the train ride to Paris, preparing for a vibrant urban exploration.
Take TGV from Strasbourg to Paris Gare de l'Est.
EUR55, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check into Accommodation

Settle into your budget hotel or Airbnb in central Paris for easy access to attractions.
Walk or take the metro from Gare de l'Est to your accommodation.
EUR90, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Chez Janou

Enjoy a quaint Provencal lunch at this charming restaurant adorned with blue tiles.
Walk to the restaurant from your stay.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Marais District

Wander through the historic Marais district, checking out boutiques and enjoying the ambiance.
Continue walking from the restaurant through the district.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Chill at Place des Vosges

Take a break at Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, great for pictures and people-watching.
Walk some minutes to Place des Vosges from Marais.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Crêperie Breizh Café

Enjoy affordable and delicious crêpes at this cozy café, perfect for family-friendly dining.
Walk back towards your accommodation to reach the café.
EUR15, 1 hour
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Day 6: Fun in Paris

Paris, France

8:30AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Start the day with a classic Parisian breakfast at the famous Angelina, known for its hot chocolate.
Take the metro to Rue de Rivoli station; short walk from there.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Spend the morning at the world's largest art museum, ensuring to see key highlights with the kids.
Walk to the Louvre from breakfast; it’s nearby.
EUR17 (kids under 18 free), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Dine at Le Fumoir for a classy yet affordable lunch next to the Louvre.
Just a short walk from the museum.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Tuileries Garden

Let the kids burn off energy in the beautiful Tuileries Garden right next to the Louvre.
Walk from Le Fumoir to the garden.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Head to the iconic Eiffel Tower for some memorable photos and enjoy the parks surrounding it.
Take the metro to Bir-Hakeim station.
EUR16 (kids under 12 get reduced rates), 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Cafe de l'Homme

Enjoy dinner with a view of the Eiffel Tower at Cafe de l'Homme, offering reasonably priced dishes.
Walk from the Eiffel Tower to the café.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Departure Day

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a final breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
All items are available in the hotel lobby.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Montmartre

Explore Montmartre, including the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and local artist showcases.
Take the metro to Anvers station; a short walk from there to the basilica.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Last-minute Souvenirs at Sacré-Cœur

Grab final souvenirs near the Sacré-Cœur before heading back.
Browse the shops in the area.
EUR20 (depends on purchases), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at La Maison Rose

Savor lunch at this charming pink café, perfect for family-friendly dining.
Walk from Sacré-Cœur.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Departure from Paris

Prepare for departure, heading to the train station or airport based on your travel plans.
Depends on your next destination.
Variable, 1 hour
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