Optimized 14-Day European Itinerary: Amsterdam, Paris, Switzerland, Austria & Budapest

Day 1: Discover Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with authentic Dutch pancakes at this cozy and popular café near Centraal Station, open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Anne Frank House

Visit the historic Anne Frank House to learn about the poignant story of Anne Frank. Booking tickets in advance is recommended. Open 9am to 10pm.
EUR14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Foodhallen

Enjoy a variety of local and international street food in a vibrant indoor food market, open noon to midnight.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Rijksmuseum

Explore Dutch art and history including masterpieces by Rembrandt. Open 9am to 5pm.
EUR20, 2h

4:00pm

Canal Cruise

Take a scenic 1-hour canal cruise to see Amsterdam's iconic waterways and architecture. Cruises operate till early evening.
EUR18, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Moeders

Dine on traditional Dutch home-cooked meals in a charming setting. Open from 6pm to 10pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 2: Amsterdam Highlights

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Enjoy hearty New Zealand style breakfast with fresh coffee. Opens at 8:30am.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Van Gogh Museum

Immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s oeuvre. Book tickets in advance; open 9am to 5pm.
EUR19, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at De Foodhallen

Revisit for more diverse options or try new delicacies before departing Amsterdam.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Bike Tour of Vondelpark and Jordaan District

Rent a bike and explore Amsterdam’s green spaces and charming neighborhoods. Bike rentals are around 15 EUR per day.
EUR15, 3h

6:00pm

Travel to Paris by Train

Board an evening Thalys train from Amsterdam Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord (approx 3h 20m).
EUR60-90, 3h 20m

9:30pm

Check-in & Dinner near Gare du Nord

Grab a light dinner at a nearby bistro such as Le Briocherie, open till 11pm.
EUR25, 1h

Day 3: Explore Paris

Paris, France on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Begin your day with classic French pastries and coffee at this famous Saint-Germain-des-Prés café, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Louvre Museum

Visit the world’s largest art museum and historic monument. Open 9am to 6pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Dine near the Louvre with French classic dishes, open from noon to 2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Notre Dame and Seine Riverside Walk

Stroll the iconic cathedral (exterior only due to restoration) and enjoy the riverbanks, accessible anytime.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Eiffel Tower Visit

Book sunset tickets for Eiffel Tower summit, open till 11pm. Enjoy breathtaking city views.
EUR28, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Le Jules Verne

Dinner in the Eiffel Tower’s gourmet restaurant, requires advance reservation.
EUR100+, 2h

Day 4: Paris Sights

Paris, France on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Angelina Paris

Taste the famous hot chocolate and pastries, located near the Louvre, open 8am to 7pm.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Explore artistic Montmartre district and visit the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. Open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Consulat

Enjoy traditional French cuisine in this historic café in Montmartre.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie

Visit the stunning stained glass chapel and nearby former palace, open till 6pm.
EUR15, 1.5h

4:00pm

Travel to Switzerland (Lucerne) by evening train

Take a late afternoon/evening train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lucerne (approx 4h 30m, with one change).
EUR80-120, 4h 30m

9:00pm

Check-in & Dinner in Lucerne

Enjoy Swiss cuisine at Restaurant Stern or similar, open till 10pm.
CHF40, 1h

Day 5: Swiss Lakes & Mountains

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee to start your day in Lucerne.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne to enjoy majestic mountain views. Cruises run approx 9am-5pm.
CHF25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss cuisine in a classic Lucerne restaurant.
CHF30, 1h

1:30pm

Chapel Bridge & Old Town Walk

Explore Lucerne’s medieval streets and iconic wooden bridge.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Lion Monument

Visit this moving sculpture honoring Swiss Guards, a short walk from Old Town.
Free, 30m

5:00pm

Relax at Lakefront

Enjoy sunset views by the lakeside promenade.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Old Swiss House

Experience traditional dishes like Wiener Schnitzel in a historic setting.
CHF50, 1.5h

Day 6: Swiss Alps Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Interlaken

Morning train from Lucerne to Interlaken (approx 2h).
CHF30, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris Interlaken

Enjoy Swiss breakfast specialties in the heart of Interlaken.
CHF15, 1h

11:00am

Harder Kulm Panorama

Take funicular up to Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the Jungfrau region. Open 9am to 5pm.
CHF38, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Lunch with breathtaking views overlooking lakes and mountains.
CHF35, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Interlaken Town

Walk around Höhematte Park and local shops.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Swiss comfort food and international cuisine in a relaxed setting.
CHF40, 1.5h

Day 7: Jungfrau Region

Grindelwald / Jungfrau, Switzerland on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Early breakfast to start your alpine adventure.
CHF15, 1h

8:00am

Day trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Train journey to Jungfraujoch, open 8am to 4pm; high-altitude views, glacier walks, and Ice Palace.
CHF105, 6h

2:30pm

Return to Interlaken and relax

Take time to rest and stroll around the town after your mountain excursion.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Laterne

Enjoy regional specialties and fine Swiss wines.
CHF45, 1.5h

Day 8: Zurich City Tour

Zurich, Switzerland on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Zurich

Morning train from Interlaken to Zurich (approx 2h).
CHF35, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Famous for Luxemburgerli macarons and excellent breakfast options.
CHF20, 1h

11:30am

Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the historical center including Grossmünster and Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Swiss traditional cuisine in an iconic 15th-century armory building.
CHF35, 1h

3:30pm

Lake Zurich Promenade

Refresh with a walk or boat ride on Lake Zurich (boat rides approx. CHF8).
CHF8, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Upscale Swiss and international dining with famous art-filled interiors.
CHF70, 1.5h

Day 9: Vienna Culture

Vienna, Austria on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Vienna

Take an early morning train from Zurich to Vienna (approx 8h) or consider a morning flight (~1.5h plus transit). Flight recommended for time-efficiency.
EUR100-150, 1.5h+travel

11:30am

Check-in & Lunch at Café Central

Historic café serving famous Viennese pastries and meals, open from 8am.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Schönbrunn Palace

Explore the imperial summer residence and gardens; palace open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
EUR25, 3h

5:00pm

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Visit Vienna’s iconic Gothic cathedral in the heart of the city, open till evening.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Famous for traditional Viennese Tafelspitz. Reservations recommended.
EUR40, 1.5h

Day 10: Vienna Art & Music

Vienna, Austria on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Demel

Renowned pastry shop and café, great for a sweet start.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Belvedere Palace

Baroque palace with an impressive art collection including Klimt’s The Kiss. Open 10am to 6pm.
EUR18, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Enjoy a variety of international foods at Vienna’s popular market, open daily but some stalls close by 6pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Vienna State Opera Tour

Take a guided tour of one of the world’s leading opera houses, tours at 2pm and 4pm daily.
EUR9, 1h

4:00pm

Museum Quartier

Visit contemporary art museums including MUMOK and Leopold Museum until 6pm.
EUR15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Try the famous Wiener Schnitzel at this iconic restaurant, open till 10pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

Day 11: Salzburg Day Trip

Salzburg, Austria on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Salzburg

Morning train from Vienna to Salzburg (approx 2h 30m).
EUR30, 2h 30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Historic café featuring Austrian pastries, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Explore one of Europe’s largest castles with panoramic views, open 9am to 5pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof Goldgasse

Traditional Austrian fare in Salzburg’s Old Town.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Mozart’s Birthplace Museum

Discover the life of Mozart in his childhood home, open 9am to 5pm.
EUR12, 1h

4:00pm

Mirabell Gardens

Relax in beautiful Baroque gardens, open daylight hours.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Travel back to Vienna

Evening return train.
EUR30, 2h 30m

8:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Light dinner or snacks, depending on arrival time.
EUR20, 1h

Day 12: Vienna Leisure Day

Vienna, Austria on April 29, 2025

9:00am

Leisurely Breakfast at Hotel

Relax and have a slow start with breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Prater Park & Giant Ferris Wheel

Visit the iconic landmark and enjoy the park, open all day.
EUR13 (ferris wheel ride), 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Schweizerhaus

Enjoy hearty Austrian fare and beer inside the park, open noon to late evening.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Museums or Shopping

Optional visit to Albertina Museum or luxury shopping on Kärntner Straße.
EUR20 (museum entry), 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Motto am Fluss

Trendy spot on the Danube Canal serving international dishes, open till late.
EUR40, 1.5h

Day 13: Budapest Arrival

Budapest, Hungary on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Budapest

Morning train or flight from Vienna to Budapest (train approx 2h 30m, flights about 1h plus airport time).
EUR30-60, 2h 30m

11:00am

Check-in & Breakfast at New York Café

Enjoy breakfast in this stunning historic café, often called the most beautiful café in the world.
EUR20, 1h

12:30pm

Buda Castle & Castle Hill

Explore medieval castle precincts and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Matthias Church & Fisherman’s Bastion

Visit the ornate church and terraces offering classic views. Open 9am to 5pm.
EUR10, 1h

6:00pm

Relax at Gellért Thermal Baths

Enjoy a late afternoon/evening soak in historic thermal baths, open till 10pm.
EUR20, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Hungarikum Bistro

Authentic Hungarian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 14: Budapest Highlights

Budapest, Hungary on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Famous for traditional Hungarian cakes and coffee, open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Parliament Building Tour

Take a guided tour of the stunning Hungarian Parliament, booking in advance recommended. Tours start from 8am.
EUR20, 1.5h

11:30am

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Visit the largest church in Budapest with panoramic views from the dome. Open 9am to 5pm.
EUR5, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Central Market Hall

Sample Hungarian street food and shop local products, market hours 6am to 6pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Danube River Cruise

Take a 1.5-hour afternoon cruise for beautiful city views including Buda and Pest sides.
EUR20, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit Heroes’ Square & City Park

Explore this iconic square and surrounding park, open all day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Onyx Restaurant

End your trip with Michelin-starred Hungarian cuisine in an elegant setting. Advance reservation required.
EUR75+, 2h