Affordable Student Europe Tour from Australia: Budget-Friendly Destinations & Activities

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Budapest, Hungary on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Centrál Kávéház

Enjoy an affordable traditional Hungarian breakfast in a historic café known for great pastries and coffee.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Walking Tour of Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion

Explore Budapest's historic castle district with panoramic views over the Danube River. Free walking tours available with tips encouraged.
Free (tip-based), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Karavan Street Food

Sample Hungarian street food such as langos and chimney cake at this lively and affordable outdoor food court.
EUR5, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Unwind in one of Europe’s largest thermal baths, affordable with student discounts and open until 10pm.
EUR15 (student discount available), 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Menza Restaurant

Dine on traditional Hungarian meals like goulash at moderately priced Menza in the vibrant Liszt Ferenc Square area.
EUR10-12, 1.5h
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Day 2: City and History

Budapest, Hungary on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab affordable pastries and coffee from a bakery nearby your accommodation to start your day inexpensively.
EUR3, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit House of Terror Museum

Learn about Hungary’s 20th-century history under fascist and communist regimes in this museum that offers student discounts.
EUR6 (student discount), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Paprika

Enjoy genuine Hungarian dishes in a local, affordable restaurant praised for its hearty portions.
EUR8, 1h

1:30pm

Danube River Walk & Parlament Viewing

Stroll along the Danube promenade, admire the iconic parliament building, and soak in the city’s atmosphere for free.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Great Market Hall

Explore Budapest’s largest indoor market to engage with local culture and buy affordable souvenirs or snacks.
Free entry, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bors Gastro Bar

Try creative street food sandwiches and soups in this popular, budget-friendly spot favored by locals and students.
EUR7, 1h
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Day 3: Travel to Krakow

Budapest, Hungary to Krakow, Poland on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Save money by having breakfast included or preparing simple meals in your hostel.
Included or minimal cost, 0.5h

8:00am

Bus Journey to Krakow

Take a budget bus (Flixbus or similar) from Budapest to Krakow; a cost-effective way to travel overnight or daytime.
EUR30-40, 7-8h

4:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Krakow, check into a budget hostel and rest before evening activities.
EUR15-20/night, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Milkbar Tomasza

Experience Polish home-style cooking at budget prices in this popular student haunt near the Main Square.
PLN20-25 (~EUR5-6), 1h
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Day 4: Historic Krakow

Krakow, Poland on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Camelot Café

Enjoy affordable, cozy breakfast options near the Main Market Square including coffee and pastries.
PLN15 (~EUR3.5), 1h

9:30am

Walking Tour of Old Town

Join a free walking tour to explore Main Market Square, St Mary's Basilica and medieval architecture, tips encouraged.
Free (tip-based), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pod Wawelem

Enjoy traditional Polish cuisine in large portions at reasonable prices near the Wawel Castle.
PLN25 (~EUR6), 1h

2:30pm

Visit Wawel Castle

Explore historic royal castle grounds and cathedral with a student discount; closes around 5pm.
PLN15 (~EUR3.5) student ticket, 2h

5:00pm

Leisure Time at Planty Park

Relax by walking the ring-shaped park encircling the Old Town for a peaceful end to your day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bar Mleczny 'Przekąska'

Dine cheaply at a traditional Polish milk bar, offering homemade dishes perfect for students on a budget.
PLN10-15 (~EUR2.5-3.5), 1h
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Day 5: Auschwitz Visit

Krakow, Poland on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hostel

Have a light, affordable breakfast before your day trip to Auschwitz.
Included/minimal, 0.5h

8:00am

Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour

Book a budget-friendly student ticket to visit the historic concentration camp, essential for understanding WWII history (closes 6pm).
PLN60 (~EUR13) with student discount, 5h

2:00pm

Return to Krakow

Travel back from Auschwitz to Krakow and rest in your accommodation.
Included in tour, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kuchnia u Doroty

Enjoy affordable Polish comfort food in a homey atmosphere near the city center.
PLN25 (~EUR6), 1h
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Day 6: Travel to Prague

Krakow, Poland to Prague, Czech Republic on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab inexpensive pastries and coffee to start your travel day.
PLN10 (~EUR2.5), 0.5h

9:00am

Bus Journey to Prague

Travel by budget bus to Prague, taking approximately 7 hours with an affordable ticket.
EUR20-30, 7h

5:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Prague and check into budget accommodation in the city centre.
EUR15-20/night, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lokál Dlouhááá

Try authentic Czech meals and local beer at student-friendly prices in a lively environment.
CZK150 (~EUR6), 1.5h
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Day 7: Prague Old Town

Prague, Czech Republic on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Můj šálek kávy

Relax with quality coffee and light breakfast in a trendy but budget-conscious café.
CZK80 (~EUR3.2), 1h

9:00am

Free Walking Tour of Old Town & Jewish Quarter

Join one of the free walking tours that cover historical highlights. Tips appreciated.
Free (tip-based), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bistro 8

Enjoy fresh, affordable meals focused on local produce near Wenceslas Square.
CZK150 (~EUR6), 1h

2:30pm

Visit Prague Castle Grounds

Explore castle grounds and gardens for free; pay for entry to specific museums (optional).
Free (grounds only), 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at U Parlamentu

Savour traditional Czech dishes at a modest price in this historic restaurant near the river.
CZK120 (~EUR5), 1h
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Day 8: Cultural Day

Prague, Czech Republic on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hostinec U Kocoura

Enjoy a hearty and inexpensive breakfast with local favourites to start your day.
CZK80 (~EUR3), 1h

9:30am

Visit National Gallery Prague (Trade Fair Palace)

Explore modern and contemporary art with discounted entry for students.
CZK120 (~EUR5) student ticket, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Havelská Koruna

Dine at this popular self-service restaurant offering traditional Czech meals at very low prices.
CZK100 (~EUR4), 1h

1:30pm

Visit Vyšehrad Fortress

Discover historic fortifications, beautiful views and gardens with free entry to the park.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Café Louvre

Experience a historic café offering budget-friendly drinks and desserts.
CZK90 (~EUR3.5), 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kuchyň

Enjoy home-style meals prepared with local ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere at reasonable prices.
CZK150-200 (~EUR6-8), 1.5h
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Day 9: Travel to Berlin

Prague, Czech Republic to Berlin, Germany on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at bakery

Grab light and cheap breakfast before traveling.
CZK50 (~EUR2), 0.5h

9:00am

Bus to Berlin

Take a budget bus from Prague to Berlin, a common and affordable route approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.
EUR15-25, 5h

2:00pm

Check-in and rest

Arrive and settle into budget accommodation in Berlin.
EUR15-20/night, 1h

4:00pm

Explore East Side Gallery

See the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, free and open outdoors, perfect for budget sightseeing.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap

Sample Berlin’s famous and affordable Turkish-style kebabs, ideal for students on a budget.
EUR4-5, 1h
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Day 10: Berlin Highlights

Berlin, Germany on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Five Elephants

Enjoy quality coffee and affordable pastries to fuel your day.
EUR5, 1h

9:00am

Free Walking Tour Berlin Mitte

Discover Berlin’s history on a tip-based free walking tour covering Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag (outside), and Holocaust Memorial.
Free (tip-based), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Curry 36

Taste Berlin’s iconic cheap currywurst, a local fast-food favourite.
EUR3, 0.5h

1:30pm

Visit Museum Island (free areas)

Explore outdoor areas and nearby parks on Museum Island without paying museum entrance fees to save budget.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Tiergarten Park

Enjoy a walk or picnic in Berlin’s vast green space to unwind.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Burgermeister

End your day with affordable but delicious burgers from a famous Berlin street food spot.
EUR6-8, 1h
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Day 11: Museum and History

Berlin, Germany on May 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local bakery

Start your day with a cheap and tasty bakery breakfast.
EUR3, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit DDR Museum

Learn about life in East Germany with interactive exhibits, offering student discounts.
EUR8 (student ticket), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Witty's

Try organic and affordable fast food including vegetarian options typical in Berlin.
EUR6, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Topography of Terror

Explore the historical exhibition located at the former Nazi Gestapo headquarters; free entry and crucial history.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Checkpoint Charlie

View this famous Cold War site and surroundings with free access to outdoor exhibits.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hasir Kreuzberg

Enjoy affordable authentic Turkish food in Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg area favored by students.
EUR10, 1.5h
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Day 12: Departure & Wrap Up

Berlin, Germany on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Have a final inexpensive meal at your accommodation or nearby café before departure.
Included/minimal, 0.5h

9:30am

Last-minute souvenir shopping at Mauerpark Flea Market

Explore this popular flea market with budget-friendly buys and local crafts; open Sundays only, so check date variations.
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Prepare for airport transfer

Head to the airport via public transport for your flight back to Australia.
EUR3 (public transport), 1h
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