Budget-Friendly European Train Journey: Paris to Bucharest via Geneva, Zurich, Munich, Vienna & Budapest

Day 1: Explore Paris

Paris, France on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a classic Parisian breakfast with croissants and café au lait at this iconic café, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world-famous art collection including the Mona Lisa. The museum opens at 9:00am and offers discounted admission for youth and solo travelers.
EUR15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Petit Cler

Savor affordable French bistro fare in a charming street setting, popular for lunch from 12:00pm to 2:30pm.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll along the Seine and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Take a free walk along the Seine riverbanks and visit the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral, open 8:00am to 6:45pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Try budget-friendly traditional French food in a bustling, authentic Parisian atmosphere. Open until 10:00pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Discover Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Mövenpick Café

Quick and budget-friendly Swiss breakfast items to fuel your day.
CHF10, 45m

8:00am

Train from Paris to Geneva

Take a direct train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Geneva, approximately 3h45m.
EUR45, 3h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café du Soleil

Eat classic fondue and affordable local dishes at this popular spot, open from 11:30am.
CHF25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Jet d'Eau and Parc des Bastions

See Geneva’s iconic water fountain and relax in the park with historic statues, both free and open all day.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Explore the Old Town

Wander Geneva’s cobblestone streets, visiting St. Pierre Cathedral and local shops.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chez Ma Cousine

Enjoy budget-friendly and hearty roasted chicken, a local favorite open until 9:30pm.
CHF20, 1h
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Day 3: Zurich Sights

Zurich, Switzerland on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Try affordable Swiss pastries and coffee at this famed cafe.
CHF15, 1h

8:30am

Train from Geneva to Zurich

Travel by train about 2h40m to Zurich Hauptbahnhof.
CHF30, 2h40m

11:30am

Visit Lake Zurich and Old Town

Walk along the scenic lakefront and explore the charming narrow streets of Zurich’s Altstadt.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hiltl

Eat at Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with budget-friendly buffet options, open 11:30am to 10pm.
CHF20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore the Swiss National Museum

Learn about Swiss cultural history; open 10:00am to 5:00pm with low-cost entry.
CHF10, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Sternen Grill

Try the famous Zurich sausages and affordable local dishes, open until 9pm.
CHF18, 1h
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Day 4: Munich Highlights

Munich, Germany on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at a Munich bakery

Enjoy traditional German breads and coffee from local bakeries starting early.
EUR5, 45m

8:00am

Train from Zurich to Munich

Take the fast train route from Zurich to Munich, about 4h.
EUR35, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Schneider Bräuhaus Munich

Taste Bavarian specialties in a historic setting, budget-friendly options available from noon.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Marienplatz and Neues Rathaus

Walk around Munich’s central square and see the famous Glockenspiel performance at 5pm or stroll historic streets.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Explore the English Garden

Relax or rent a bike to enjoy the expansive park open daylight hours.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Augustiner-Keller

Enjoy authentic Bavarian food and beer at reasonable prices in an iconic beer garden, open until 11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 5: Vienna Culture

Vienna, Austria on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Experience Viennese coffeehouse culture with pastries at this historic café, open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h

8:00am

Train from Munich to Vienna

Enjoy a scenic 4h train ride to Vienna Hauptbahnhof.
EUR40, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Sample international street foods and local delicacies at Vienna’s famous market, open until 7pm.
EUR12, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Hofburg Palace

Tour the former imperial palace with budget-friendly entry, open 9am-5:30pm.
EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

Walk through Stadtpark

Enjoy the famous golden statue of Johann Strauss in this serene city park.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum Schwarzen Kameel

Try Austrian small plates and affordable wine selections, open until 10pm.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 6: Budapest Discoveries

Budapest, Hungary on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at a local Budapest café

Enjoy traditional Hungarian pastries and coffee at budget prices, open early.
HUF1200, 45m

8:00am

Train from Vienna to Budapest

Take the direct EuroCity train taking about 2h40m to Budapest Keleti station.
EUR20, 2h40m

11:00am

Visit Buda Castle

Explore Budapest’s historic castle district with panoramic views, open daily 9am-5pm, free entry to grounds.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Frici Papa Kifőzdéje

Eat traditional Hungarian dishes affordably in a popular local joint, open until 5pm.
HUF2000, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Soak in one of Europe’s largest thermal bath complexes, open 6am to 10pm, budget-friendly tickets available online.
HUF4500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Paprika

Enjoy hearty Hungarian fare including goulash at a budget price, open until 9:30pm.
HUF3500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Explore Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Caru' cu Bere

Try traditional Romanian breakfast dishes in this iconic restaurant open from 7am.
RON25, 1h

8:00am

Train from Budapest to Bucharest

Take the overnight or early morning train; the quickest option varies, booked in advance is recommended for budget travel.
EUR35, Approx 13h

9:00am

Rest and unpack at accommodation

Check into budget accommodation and refresh after the train journey.
Varies, 2h

11:00am

Visit Palace of the Parliament

Tour the world’s second largest administrative building; guided tours available 10am-4pm with reasonable prices.
RON60, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Mama

Enjoy traditional Romanian dishes in a budget-friendly atmosphere, open until 4pm.
RON35, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Old Town Lipscani District

Walk this historic area with charming shops, cafés, and streets, free to explore any time.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanu' lui Manuc

Dine on traditional Romanian cuisine in a historic inn, budget-friendly choices available, open until 11pm.
RON50, 1h30m
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