Eastern Europe — Prague, Budapest, Krakow, Croatia
Eastern Europe travel guide for UK working holidaymakers. Twice the experience at half the price. Everything you need to know about Prague, Budapest, Krakow, and Dubrovnik.
KRW amounts shown next to GBP prices use the ECB reference rate £1 = ₩2,003 as of 2 Apr 2026. They are reference figures only and may differ from your actual bank, card, or remittance rate.
If you're tired of Western Europe, on a tight budget, or chasing the real travel experience — head east. It's a 2-3 hour flight from London, and prices are less than half of what you'd pay in Western Europe. A pint of beer for £1.50 (approx. ₩3,005) (approx. ₩3,005), a proper dinner for £10 (approx. ₩20,033) (approx. ₩20,033). And the scenery and history? Just as impressive.
Getting There from London
| Destination | Airlines | Flight Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prague (PRG) | Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air | 2 hours | £20~60 (approx. ₩40,066~₩120,198) |
| Budapest (BUD) | Ryanair, Wizz Air | 2h 30min | £20~60 (approx. ₩40,066~₩120,198) |
| Krakow (KRK) | Ryanair, Wizz Air | 2h 30min | £15~50 (approx. ₩30,050~₩100,165) |
| Warsaw (WAW/WMI) | Ryanair, Wizz Air | 2h 30min | £15~50 (approx. ₩30,050~₩100,165) |
| Dubrovnik (DBV) | easyJet, BA | 2h 45min | £40~100 (approx. ₩80,132~₩200,330) |
| Split (SPU) | easyJet, Ryanair | 2h 30min | £30~80 (approx. ₩60,099~₩160,264) |
💡 Make the Most of Wizz Air
Wizz Air dominates Eastern European routes. Budapest is their hub, so connecting flights through Budapest are often surprisingly cheap. That said, their baggage policy is notoriously strict — always double-check size and weight limits. Only the small cabin bag (40x30x20cm) is free; everything else costs extra.
Czech Republic — Prague (Praha)
The gateway to Eastern Europe. Beer is cheaper than water, and the entire Old Town looks like a fairytale film set.
Must-See Spots
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock | Free | The clock performs on the hour. Clock tower viewing platform: 250 CZK (£8 (approx. ₩16,026)) |
| Charles Bridge (Karluv most) | Free | Go at 6am to have the bridge to yourself. During the day it's a tourist warzone |
| Prague Castle (Prazsky hrad) | 250 CZK (£8 (approx. ₩16,026)) combined ticket | The world's largest castle complex. Includes St. Vitus Cathedral |
| John Lennon Wall | Free | In the Mala Strana neighbourhood. Great photo spot |
| Petrin Tower | 150 CZK (£5 (approx. ₩10,017)) | Prague's mini Eiffel Tower. Great views |
| Jewish Quarter (Josefov) | 350 CZK (£12 (approx. ₩24,040)) | The best-preserved Jewish heritage site in Europe |
Prague Beer
You can't visit Prague and not drink beer. Czechia has the highest per-capita beer consumption in the world.
- Pilsner Urquell — The original pilsner. On draught everywhere
- Kozel — Smooth lager. The dark version is a favourite
- Staropramen — Prague's local brewery
- Tank beer (Tankove pivo) — Unpasteurised beer delivered straight from the brewery in tanks. Try it at U Kunstatu or Lokal
- At pubs away from the tourist traps, a 500ml draught goes for 40~60 CZK (£1.50~2 (approx. ₩3,005~₩4,007))
⚠️ Watch Out for Prague Tourist Scams
- Exchange booths — Many advertise "0% commission" but bury fees in terrible exchange rates. Never use street exchange booths. Use ATMs or a Wise/Revolut card instead
- Taxis — Metre tampering is common. Always use the Bolt or Liftago app
- Old Town Square restaurants — Tourist pricing. Walk just 1-2 blocks away and you'll pay half
- Fake police — Scammers approach asking to "check your wallet." Real police don't do wallet inspections on the street
Prague Food
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Svickova | 180~250 CZK (£6~8 (approx. ₩12,020~₩16,026)) | Cream sauce + beef + knedliky (bread dumplings). The Czech national dish |
| Trdelnik | 80~120 CZK (£3~4 (approx. ₩6,010~₩8,013)) | Chimney cake. Classic tourist street food. The ice cream-filled version is popular |
| Gulas (Goulash) | 150~200 CZK (£5~7 (approx. ₩10,017~₩14,023)) | Thick beef stew served in a bread bowl |
| Smazeny syr | 120~160 CZK (£4~5 (approx. ₩8,013~₩10,017)) | Deep-fried cheese. Think cheese schnitzel |
Hungary — Budapest
Divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest. A city of thermal baths, stunning night views, and ruin bars.
Must-See Spots
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Szechenyi Thermal Bath | 7,500 HUF (£16 (approx. ₩32,053)) | Europe's largest public thermal bath. Locals play chess in the outdoor hot pools. Bring swimwear |
| Gellert Thermal Bath | 7,500 HUF (£16 (approx. ₩32,053)) | Beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. More upscale vibe than Szechenyi |
| Parliament Building | 6,000 HUF (£13 (approx. ₩26,043)) | An awe-inspiring landmark on the Danube. Book the interior tour in advance |
| Buda Castle & Fisherman's Bastion | Free (upper terrace 1,000 HUF) | On the Buda hills. Best views over the Pest skyline |
| St. Stephen's Basilica | Free (dome 2,000 HUF) | 360-degree panoramic viewing platform. One of Budapest's top viewpoints |
| Central Market Hall | Free | Ground floor for groceries, upper floor for souvenirs. Try the langos |
Ruin Bars
Budapest's signature scene. Abandoned buildings converted into bars and clubs.
- Szimpla Kert — The original ruin bar. Touristy but the atmosphere is unbeatable. Farmers' market on weekend mornings
- Instant-Fogas — The biggest ruin bar/club. Multiple floors and rooms
- Anker't — A more local feel
- Beer 800~1,200 HUF (£1.50~2.50 (approx. ₩3,005~₩5,008)), cocktails 2,000~3,000 HUF (£4~6 (approx. ₩8,013~₩12,020))
ℹ️ Budapest's Night Views Are a Must
The Danube riverfront at night is among the best in Europe. The sight of Szechenyi Chain Bridge + Parliament + Buda Castle lit up is unforgettable. Options:
- River cruise (1 hour, 4,000~6,000 HUF = £8~13 (approx. ₩16,026~₩26,043)) — the evening cruise is the most popular
- Top of Gellert Hill — free. A panorama of the entire city
- Margaret Bridge — a hidden gem with views in both directions
Budapest Food
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gulyas (Goulash) | 2,500~3,500 HUF (£5~7 (approx. ₩10,017~₩14,023)) | Paprika-based beef stew. Hungary's national dish |
| Langos | 800~1,500 HUF (£1.50~3 (approx. ₩3,005~₩6,010)) | Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese. The king of street food |
| Chicken Paprikash (Paprikas csirke) | 2,500~3,500 HUF (£5~7 (approx. ₩10,017~₩14,023)) | Chicken in paprika cream sauce with nokedli (small dumplings) |
| Kurtoskalacs (Chimney cake) | 700~1,000 HUF (£1.50~2 (approx. ₩3,005~₩4,007)) | Rolled pastry with cinnamon, coconut, and other flavours |
Poland — Krakow (Krakow)
A city where medieval Europe is still alive. A place where the weight of Auschwitz and the beauty of the Old Town coexist.
Must-See Spots
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Main Square & Cloth Hall | Free | One of the largest medieval squares in Europe. The Cloth Hall upper floor is an art gallery |
| Wawel Castle | 35~45 PLN per section (£7~9 (approx. ₩14,023~₩18,030)) | Royal castle, cathedral, and the Dragon's Den. Each exhibit requires a separate ticket |
| St. Mary's Basilica | 20 PLN (£4 (approx. ₩8,013)) | The hourly trumpet call (Hejnal). The altarpiece is a must-see |
| Kazimierz | Free | The historic Jewish quarter. Now a hip neighbourhood full of cafes and bars. Filming location for Schindler's List |
| Wieliczka Salt Mine | 94 PLN (£18 (approx. ₩36,059)) | Underground chapel, salt sculptures. Book online in advance. 30 minutes by bus from Krakow |
Auschwitz-Birkenau
1 hour 30 minutes by bus from Krakow.
- Free entry (guided tour 75~100 PLN = £15~20 (approx. ₩30,050~₩40,066))
- Online booking essential — especially in peak season, slots fill up weeks ahead
- Allow 3-4 hours for the full visit
- This isn't a place to visit lightly. It's one of the most important sites for understanding European history
🚨 Auschwitz Visitor Etiquette
- Photography is allowed, but absolutely no selfies or smiling photos
- Maintain a quiet and respectful attitude throughout
- No large bags (nothing bigger than A4 size)
- Bring a jacket even in summer (underground sections are cold)
Krakow Food
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pierogi | 20~35 PLN (£4~7 (approx. ₩8,013~₩14,023)) | Polish dumplings. Ruskie (potato & cheese), meat, spinach, and more |
| Zurek | 18~28 PLN (£3.50~5.50 (approx. ₩7,012~₩11,018)) | Sourdough soup served in a bread bowl with sausage and egg |
| Zapiekanka | 12~20 PLN (£2.50~4 (approx. ₩5,008~₩8,013)) | Baguette topped with mushrooms and cheese — Poland's answer to pizza toast. Get it at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz |
| Obwarzanek | 3~5 PLN (£0.60~1 (approx. ₩1,202~₩2,003)) | Krakow's famous pretzel. From street vendors everywhere |
Croatia — Dubrovnik & Split
Jewels of the Adriatic. Dubrovnik, the real-life King's Landing, and Split with its Roman ruins.
Dubrovnik
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| City Walls Walk | 200 HRK / €27 | Dubrovnik's number one must-do. 2km, 1-2 hours. Go early morning or late afternoon — midday is an oven with no shade |
| Mount Srd Cable Car | 200 HRK / €27 | Views over the Old Town and the Adriatic. Best at sunset |
| Old Town stroll | Free | The marble-paved Stradun street, exploring alleyways inside the walls |
| Lokrum Island | Return ferry 200 HRK / €27 | 15 minutes from the old port. Swimming and unspoilt nature |
⚠️ Dubrovnik Is Expensive
The idea that Croatia is cheap is outdated. Dubrovnik is one of the priciest tourist spots in Europe. Pasta in the Old Town runs €15~20, a beer €5~7. On cruise ship days, the crowds are overwhelming.
- Saving tip: Stay and eat in Gruz or Lapad, outside the Old Town walls
- Timing: Avoid the June-August peak season. Go in May or September-October instead
Split
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Diocletian's Palace | Free (some areas inside have a fee) | A Roman emperor's palace that became an entire city. UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Marjan Hill | Free | Walkable from the city centre. Panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic |
| Riva Promenade | Free | The city's living room. Grab a seat at a cafe and people-watch |
| Hvar Island day trip | Return ferry €20~30 | The lavender island. Also famous as a summer party destination |
Getting Around Croatia
- Split to Dubrovnik: Bus 4 hours (€15~25) or ferry
- Zagreb to Split: Bus 5 hours (€15~25) or domestic flight 1 hour
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: 3-4 hours by bus from Zagreb or Split. A stunning chain of 16 lakes connected by waterfalls. Entry €24~40 (varies by season). Book in advance
Other Eastern European Highlights
Vienna
Technically Central Europe, but most people pair it with Prague and Budapest.
- Prague to Vienna: Train 4 hours (€15~30, RegioJet)
- Budapest to Vienna: Train 2h 30min (€15~25, RegioJet or FlixBus)
- Schonbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, and standing tickets at the Opera House (from €15) are the highlights
- Must-try: Wiener schnitzel, Sachertorte, and the classic Viennese coffeehouse culture
Slovenia — Ljubljana & Lake Bled
- The island church on Lake Bled — the most photogenic spot in Eastern Europe
- Ljubljana is a small, charming capital. Half a day covers the city centre
- Venice to Ljubljana: FlixBus 3 hours (€10~20)
The Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
- Tallinn's Old Town — a city frozen in the Middle Ages
- Riga — a treasure trove of Art Nouveau architecture
- Ryanair/Wizz Air run direct flights from London. Prices are very low
Getting Around Eastern Europe
Buses
| Operator | Notes |
|---|---|
| FlixBus | Europe-wide network. Best value for money. Book through the app |
| RegioJet | Czech-based. Popular on the Prague-Vienna and Prague-Budapest routes. Free coffee and drinks at your seat |
| Lux Express | Connects the Baltic States and Poland |
Trains
- Prague to Budapest: RegioJet 6h 30min (€20~40). Night train also available
- Prague to Vienna: RegioJet 4 hours (€15~30)
- Budapest to Vienna: Train 2h 30min (€15~25)
- Krakow to Prague: FlixBus 6 hours (€15~25)
💡 The Prague-Budapest-Vienna Triangle
The ultimate beginner's Eastern Europe itinerary. All three cities are well connected by train and bus, and 2-3 nights in each is enough to hit the highlights.
Suggested route: London → Prague (2~3 nights) → Vienna (1~2 nights) → Budapest (2~3 nights) → London
7~10 days total, including flights — £400~700 (approx. ₩801,320~₩1,402,310) is realistic.
Practical Tips for Eastern Europe
Currency
| Country | Currency | Card Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | Koruna (CZK) | Cards widely accepted. Some small restaurants/stalls are cash only |
| Hungary | Forint (HUF) | Card use is growing, but having cash is handy |
| Poland | Zloty (PLN) | Cards widely accepted |
| Croatia | Euro (EUR) | Switched to the euro in 2023. Cards widely accepted |
| Slovenia | Euro (EUR) | Cards widely accepted |
| Austria | Euro (EUR) | Cash-preference culture. Have some cash for small purchases |
⚠️ Always Decline DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion)
When paying by card in Eastern Europe, you'll often be asked "Would you like to pay in GBP?" Always choose to pay in the local currency (CZK/HUF/PLN). If you pick GBP, the merchant applies their own unfavourable exchange rate and you end up paying 3-5% more. With a Wise or Revolut card, paying in local currency is always the better deal.
Safety
- Eastern Europe is generally safer than Western Europe
- Watch for pickpockets in Prague and Budapest tourist hotspots (though less common than in Western European cities)
- Taxi scams are the most common issue — using the Bolt app solves this
- Nighttime safety is also better than in most Western European capitals
Suggested Itineraries
Option A: Prague + Budapest — 5 Nights / 6 Days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Prague. Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge (evening walk) |
| Day 2 | Prague Castle, Mala Strana, Petrin Tower. Evening: pub crawl |
| Day 3 | Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) or day trip to Kutna Hora. Afternoon: Prague cafe time |
| Day 4 | Morning train to Budapest (7h) or early flight. Afternoon: Central Market, Old Town walk |
| Day 5 | Morning: Parliament tour. Afternoon: Szechenyi Baths. Evening: ruin bars + night cruise |
| Day 6 | Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Gellert Hill. Depart |
Option B: Prague + Vienna + Budapest — 8 Nights / 9 Days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1~3 | Prague (same as above) |
| Day 4 | RegioJet to Vienna (4h). Afternoon: St. Stephen's Cathedral, coffeehouse |
| Day 5 | Schonbrunn Palace, Belvedere. Evening: schnitzel + opera standing ticket |
| Day 6 | Vienna to Budapest by train (2.5h). Afternoon: Central Market, riverside walk |
| Day 7~8 | Budapest (same as above) |
| Day 9 | Depart Budapest |
Option C: Croatia Focus — 5 Nights / 6 Days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Split. Diocletian's Palace, Riva Promenade |
| Day 2 | Day trip to Hvar Island. Or Marjan Hill + beach |
| Day 3 | Split to Dubrovnik (bus 4h or ferry) |
| Day 4 | Dubrovnik City Walls walk (morning). Afternoon: explore Old Town alleyways |
| Day 5 | Mount Srd Cable Car or Lokrum Island. Sunset: cocktails at a bar on the walls |
| Day 6 | Depart Dubrovnik |
Budget Breakdown
Estimated Cost for 5~6 Days (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (return) | £40~80 (approx. ₩80,132~₩160,264) | £60~120 (approx. ₩120,198~₩240,396) |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | £40~75 (approx. ₩80,132~₩150,248) (hostels) | £75~150 (approx. ₩150,248~₩300,495) (hotels/Airbnb) |
| Food | £25~50 (approx. ₩50,083~₩100,165) | £50~80 (approx. ₩100,165~₩160,264) |
| Sightseeing / Entry fees | £20~40 (approx. ₩40,066~₩80,132) | £40~70 (approx. ₩80,132~₩140,231) |
| Local transport | £15~30 (approx. ₩30,050~₩60,099) | £25~50 (approx. ₩50,083~₩100,165) |
| Total | £140~275 (approx. ₩280,462~₩550,908) | £250~470 (approx. ₩500,825~₩941,551) |
Accommodation and food are 30~50% cheaper than Western Europe. The same budget goes a lot further here — more days, more experiences.
💡 The Croatia Exception
Croatia (especially Dubrovnik) is pricey by Eastern European standards, and prices have risen further since joining the eurozone. Budget for Dubrovnik as you would for Western Europe. Split is more reasonable.
Eastern Europe is the ultimate bang for your buck. What you'd spend in one day in Western Europe covers two days here. Prague's beer, Budapest's thermal baths, Krakow's history, Croatia's coastline — wherever you go, you won't regret it.