Curator’s statement
From scenic seas to breathtaking mountain-scapes, Central Europe has it all. With diverse dining scenes, rich histories, and a charm like no other, these countries are my top travel destinations. Experience Europe like a local—in the central region.
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Things to do in Europe
In the bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Eat your way through Budapest
From classic Hungarian dishes, to exquisitely-made pastries, and numerous Michelin-star restaurants, the food scene in Budapest is fantastic. Grab lunch, walk around the river, check out some historic sites, then find another spot for dinner. And don’t forget to try an authentic strudel for dessert (my favorite is a raspberry cheese one from Strudel House Budapest!).
Explore the cobblestone streets of Ljubljana
Filled with artisan ice cream shops, award-winning restaurants, corner cocktail bars, and Slovenian charm, Ljubljana is a hidden gem in Central Europe. Spend a day or two walking the streets along the river and exploring the city—there’s no shortage of boutiques, bars, and bites!
Experience Montenegro by sea
This Balkan country has some of the most scenic views. From mountainous peaks to the Adriatic Sea, it’s the perfect destination to unwind and enjoy the views. Tag along on a boat tour or rent a boat of your own for a day or two. Each city along the sea is connected through little coves and bays. Accordingly, indulge in some of the best seafood along the way.
Enjoy traditional Austrian culture in Vienna
With outstanding restaurants, curated cafes, and local shops aplenty, Vienna is the perfect place to experience the beauty of Austria’s culture. The art scene is huge in Vienna—walk along the cobblestone streets and discover local shops and boutiques filled with artisan-made items. Not only is their food scene authentic an delicious, but their coffee scene is just as divine. Hang out in a local cafe and splurge on some traditional Austrian pastries.
Places to eat & drink in Europe
Chicken paprikas from Hoppa Bistro in Budapest
Hoppa! Bistro, Budapest: This Michelin-star restaurant fuses modern cuisines with traditional Hungarian heritage. Their lunch menu is also fantastic!
Breg, Ljubljana: Dining on the patio along the cobblestone streets of Ljubljana creates the perfect summer evening. Drink fabulous wine, enjoy fresh dishes, and people-watch, of course.
BBQ Tanjga, Kotor: Warning: you may experience one of the best meals of your life at this quaint establishment. While the ambiance is casual, their food is nothing short of phenomenal. Fresh meats grilled to perfection, local sausages, and Montenegrin salads are just a few menu highlights. Grab a local beer to pair with your dish and head to the back patio to enjoy.
Roter Löwenhof, Vienna: This cozy restaurant is my favorite spot to grab authentic Austrian food. My personal favorite is the braised pork, served with delicious potatoes. Their wiener-schnitzel is also delicious and a classic Vienna dish.
Need to know
It’s pretty easy to travel between Budapest and Vienna, so I typically base my trips out of either of these. The train system between Hungary and Austria works great!
When traveling to Montenegro, be cautious of what towns have cruise ships stop in. I loved Kotor, however I probably wouldn’t stay there again due to the influx of tourists. The touristy towns are also a bit more expensive.
Ljubljana is such a gorgeous city with a delicious food scene. I recommend 2–3 days in the city, then head to the countryside or mountains to explore the rest of Slovenia. They have some amazing vineyards, too!
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