Whether it’s your first trip to Europe or just want an easy to tackle itinerary for two weeks, planning to visit capital cities doesn’t pose too many problems even for the not experienced travelers.

Capital cities are served by a variety of means of transportation and airlines offer plenty of options to get from one European capital to another. You just need to pick the ones you want to visit during your two weeks itinerary.

To make your life easier, here’s a wonderful 2 weeks in Europe itinerary, focusing exclusively on capital cities.

1 day in Reykjavik and flight to London

Iceland’s capital is one the best hubs to fly into Europe (if you are coming from North America). More so, if you fly Icelandair, you can use their stopover option and choose to stay in Reykjavik on your way to another European city.

The good part is that if you can grab a flight to land in Reykjavik in the morning, you have a day to explore and you’ll just need to consider accommodation once you get to London.

The best way to explore the city is on foot. And after the hours on the plane, you are likely to want to do this anyway. It is a good idea to consider traveling carry on only so that you don’t need to worry about storing your luggage at the airport.

You can spend your entire stopover just walking on the streets and capturing photos of this charming European capital. The Cathedral and the City Hall are likely to catch your eye. Head up on Öskjuhlíð hill and take a snap of the view of the city from Perlan.

3 days in London

London is a large city but you can focus on the main sights and explore them during a short stay or a long weekend in Europe. Invest in a day travel card when you want to cover a lot of ground and then just hop from one place to another.

On the first day, you can check out St. Paul’s Cathedral, then Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Parliament, and London Eye. If Churchill War Rooms is open, we recommend a visit. On your second day, start with visiting the British Museum. Then head to Trafalgar Square and time permitting, visit the National Gallery. Dedicate the third day to the change of guards at Buckingham Palace – but be sure to check first when you can actually see it during the low season and plan accordingly -, then check out Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Got more time on your hands? Visit the National History Museum.

For accommodation in London, consider a place to stay in Bayswater (prices starting at 158 USD per night, if booked 2-3 months in advance).

London to Paris by land

Eurostar offers a lot of train connections each day between the two capitals. Catch one in the evening so that you get to Paris for the night. The ride takes 2h 16 min and prices. Keep in mind that prices depend on how far in advance you purchase the ticket, but budget for 130-380 USD one way per person.

If you need to stick to a lower budget, Eurolines runs three buses a day, including two overnight ones, so you can save on accommodation as well.

2 days in Paris

If you take the bus to Paris, you arrive in the early morning, so you’ve got plenty of time to explore the city. The Arc de Triumph and the Eiffel Tower are the two major highlights of the day. Spend the evening exploring Notre Dame and the Pantheon. During your second day, allow some time to visit Louvre Museum, then relax in the Luxembourg Gardens and take a walk on Pont Neuf Bridge.

For accommodation in Paris, you can easily find places to stay from 60 USD per night, if you book 2-3 months in advance.

Paris to Rome by plane

Given the distance between the two capitals, it’s a good idea to choose a low-cost carrier. Ryanair flies from Paris Beauvais (BVA) to Rome Ciampino (CIA). If you prefer to avoid Ryanair, Vueling and EasyJet also fly on the route and the prices are similar, but both airlines fly out of Orly (ORY) into Fiumicino (FCO). Of course, the prices depend on how far in advance you purchase and the availability, but expect to pay from 57 USD one way per person.

Buses are available but this route is a good example of when flying is more affordable than going by land.

2 days in Rome

Start your walking tour of Rome with the Pantheon, pass by Piazza Venezia and then buy a combined ticket to visit the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. This will keep you busy for the entire day. On your second day, do some people watching in Piazza Navona, check out the Spanish Steps and throw a coin in Fontana di Trevi. End the day in the amazing gardens at Villa Borghese.

For accommodation in Rome, you’d want to stay close to Termini or in that general area, as it gives you quick access to both the sites and the transportation options. Prices start at 67 USD per night if you book 2-3 months in advance.

Rome to Budapest by plane

WizzAir and Ryanair fly from Rome (Fiumicino and Ciampino, respectively) to Budapest. Prices start at 50 USD one way per person and depend on availability.

You can plan this trip by land but it’s quite…painful. At least 15 hours by train – including layovers – with at least two stops along the way. And the bus takes about 18 hours.

2 days in Budapest

Explore Pest during your first day and start with checking out the Central Market, then follow the Danube Embankment until you get to Chain Bridge. Visit St. Stephan’s Basilica and if the sky is clear, climb to its tower for amazing views of the city. Check out the Parliament and walk all the way to Margaret Island.

Dedicate the second day to Buda side of the town. Walk on Gellert Hill all the way to Citadella for amazing views of the city. Then go to Buda Castle, check out Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church.

Visiting Hungary’s capital around the Winter Holidays? Check out some of the best Christmas Markets in Budapest, that take place in Vörösmarty Square, at St. Stephen’s Basilica (my personal favorite), at Deák Ferenc Street, as well in the courtyard at Vajdahunyad Castle, and in the Castle District. They typically open by mid November and close only after New Year’s Day or even after Epiphany.

For accommodation in Budapest, you want to stay close to the Danube, ideally on Vaci utca or Rackozi ut. Prices start at 38 USD per night if you book 2-3 months in advance.

Budapest to Vienna by land

The distance between the two capitals is short, so going by land is your best bet. Bus tickets start at 32 USD, whereas train tickets at 14 USD. High-speed train options are available (RailJet).

3 days in Vienna

Start your first day at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, pass by Hofburg Palace and the Spanish Riding School. Visit Naschtmarkt and make sure to taste the local strudel. End your day at Schonbrunn Palace and walk all the way up to the Gloriette.

Dedicate the second day to the museums. You have a lot to choose from. We love the Museum of Technology and the Papyrus Museum. The Natural History Museum and the Art Museum are other two good ideas.

On your last day, slow down a bit. Walk on Ring Street, check out the Town Hall and the Parliament. If you visit Vienna before the winter holidays, the Christmas Markets may have already opened.

For accommodation in Vienna, expect to pay from 57 USD per night, if you book 2-3 months in advance.

Important note: before planning your trip around Europe, check your visa entry requirements. All the cities in this article are part of the Schengen Agreement. European Union nationals can travel visa free between these destinations.

Do you like this itinerary and want to personalize it to fit your needs? Drop me a note. I can help.

In times of uncertainty, flexibility matters. We recommend booking an option with free cancellation in case your travel plans change.

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The accommodation and flights prices have been updated as of August 2022. The article was originally written in 2016 and updated in September 2023.