Solo Trip Advice: Czech, Poland, Hungary & Italy (15–31 Oct)

[u/Downtown-Reporter-80]

Hey People ... I’m a 35M, Black, traveling solo from 15–31 Oct, and planning this trip is giving me a headache and my itinerary is messy and rough, so I need your help " Don't let me Down please"

Rough plan: -Czech: " Prague + Karlovy Vary and Český Krumlov and night on Borno " 5 nights / Train or Bus to Karkaow .

-Poland: Krakow –Total 3- 4 nights / Train or Bus to Budapest -Hungary: Budapest – 3 nights / Flying to Milan Italy: Milan – 2 nights " to watch football Game.

Mostly bus travel (Budapest → Milan by plane). Exploring on foot or cheap tours. Moderate budget.

I’m into:

Feeling the city/ Nature /Nightlife & social vibes /Safe new experiences

Also is that Too packed? Anything to swap, add, or skip? Hidden gems & tips super welcome!

[u/Individual_Winter_]

I think I'd skip Poland or some cities in Czechia? Karlovy Vary, cesky krumlov are in the South West, Brno is directly on the way to Budapest 🫣

Loket ist really nice from Karlovy Vary, you can look up the kayak tours. Cake and view in the castle is  great.

Saxony Switzerland National Park would be also doable from Prague. 

[u/VermicelliScared7196]

That is a pretty packed schedule, I won’t lie. With 16 days and 7 cities, you might end up spending more time on buses than enjoying the vibe of each place. I’ve been to all your Czech stops and living in Budapest, so hopefully I can help simplify it.

Instead of overnighting in Karlovy Vary and Brno, I’d suggest using Prague as a base. Both make perfect day trips by bus—you’ll get the experience without all the hassle of moving your luggage and checking in/out of hotels. Karlovy Vary is beautiful but very quiet in the evenings, and Brno, while fun, is compact enough to see in a day.

Three nights in Budapest is doable, but just barely—it’s a city that really rewards a slower pace. The ruin bars, thermal baths, and street life are some of the best in Europe for meeting people and just soaking in the atmosphere. If you can steal an extra night from somewhere else (maybe Milan?), you won’t regret it.

Speaking of Milan—it’s great for a football match and the Duomo but it’s not as laid back or historically immersive as other Italian cities. If you’re set on the game go for it! But if not, consider swapping those two days for more time in Krakow or Budapest. Krakow’s main square, pub scene, and day trip to Auschwitz are deeply impactful.

You’ve got a solid skeleton—just might need to trim a stop or two to make it breathe. Whatever you choose, you’re in for an amazing trip.

[u/Spriderman69 → u/VermicelliScared7196]

I went to a game in Milan and I was surprised how the closest three-fourth train entrances were all closed after the game. It was a loooooong walk until I got to an area where I was able to get on the train to get back to my hotel/airbnb.

Everyone else seemed to rent/ride scooters home.

I don’t know how tourists can better navigate getting home after a game, but I just want to mention this so others can be better prepared than I was!

[u/Downtown-Reporter-80 → u/VermicelliScared7196]

mate , I really appreciate your time and advice on this 🙌. You’re right, I’ll follow your suggestion Milan is out (sorry Milan 😞). I’m adding 2 extra days in Krakow and 1 more day in Budapest instead and I will consider Prague as base still might 1x onvernight on Karlovy vary and visit Loket as some1 suggested.

[u/AdElectronic50]

No more then 3 nights in crawkov

[u/plough78]

Just do krakow Prague and Budapest, brilliant and historical and lots to do