It all started with an idea: two couples, one car, and the open road. We packed our Citroen C4 Cactus to the brim and left Patras at 6:00 AM.
The Journey Begins & The Serbian Welcome
Our first major stop was Belgrade. Crossing the border feels like a win because you gain an hour back! Belgrade is the heart of Serbia, and its pedestrian center leading to the massive Fortress is stunning. The view of the river confluence and the rising skyscrapers is a sight to behold.
Our Experience: Watch out for “tourist traps” at gas stations. While most places accept cards, one station forced us into a shady internal exchange because they “didn’t accept international cards,” costing us about €7. Tip: Stick to Revolut for fair rates.
- Stay: Nobel Design Hotel (€208.24/night for 4). Great breakfast and convenient parking (€15).
- Food: Three Hats. Incredible meat platters and great service (€91.69 for all).
Budapest: An Old Favorite
After a 4.5-hour drive, we reached Budapest. It was our third time there, but this city never gets old. We crossed into the EU in just 15 minutes and left the car in a garage (€20/night) to enjoy the Danube on foot.
Walking by the Parliament at dusk is a ritual. From Fisherman’s Bastion to Heroes’ Square, Budapest proved once again why it’s the “Queen of the Danube.”
- Stay: T62 Hotel (€450.28 for 2 nights). Perfect central location.
- Tip: Use the Budapest Go app (€8 daily pass).
- Bite: Bamba Marha for amazing burgers (~€10/person).
- Note: Cafe Central is architecturally stunning, but you can just peek inside – it’s a bit overpriced for a coffee break.
Bratislava & The Vienna Side-Trip
Bratislava was a more relaxed stop, only 2.5 hours away. The city is a mix of Viennese-style old-world charm and modern skyscrapers.
- Stay: Garni Hotel Dock (€436.24 for 2 nights). The loft rooms on the 2nd floor are a must!
- The Escape: We took the train to Vienna (€18 return, 1 hour).
- Warning: Vienna is strict! Public transport fines are €300. Buy a daily pass via the app for €8.
Krakow: The Goal & Auschwitz
The drive to Krakow was a bit slow due to roadworks, and we arrived right in the middle of the city’s Half Marathon! Despite the traffic, the Main Square and Wawel Castle immediately won us over.
The visit to the Auschwitz Museum (€40/person) was a haunting, essential experience. The 1-hour drive through the countryside to get there was surprisingly scenic.
- Stay: Moss Apartment (€362/3 nights). Modern, spotless, and free parking!
- Top Food: The Turkish Wrap at Mersin (€7). Honestly, the best thing we ate all trip. For traditional food, try Gościnna Chata.
Košice, Slovakia (The Quiet Strength)
Leaving Krakow behind, we headed south to Košice, Slovakia’s second-largest city, a drive of about 3 hours. Our first impression was how incredibly quiet the city felt—almost as if the shops were closed, offering a sense of total calm.
We strolled through the center to admire the main cathedral and the iconic theater before heading out for dinner.
- Stay: We booked the 3-room Masaryk A 100m2 City Centrum Kosice (€84.15/night). While spacious and centrally located, the cleanliness was mediocre to poor.
- Dining: We ate at Crown, an excellent spot for meat lovers and beer enthusiasts (total bill around €85).
- Local Tip: Try the local draft beer. It’s light, refreshing, and very budget-friendly (around €2.50 for 300ml).
Niš, Serbia (A Balkan Vibe with a Patras Soul)
The drive from Košice to Niš was the longest stretch of the trip, taking about 9 hours. Niš surprised us with its familiarity; the city’s vibe reminded us quite a bit of our hometown, Patras. It’s a straightforward, lively city, perfect for a casual walk up to the fortress.
- Stay: Hotel Helm (€160 with free parking). Quite possibly the best hotel of the entire trip. It was modern, spotless, and served an amazing breakfast.
- Dining: We went to Stambolijski, famous for its traditional local dishes. The food was delicious, and the bill came to about €80.
- Taxi Advice: Be careful with local taxis as some drivers overcharge tourists or refuse cards. It’s best to have your hotel call a cab for you. If you hail one on the street, always confirm they accept card payments before getting in.
Trip Stats:
- Distance: 4,246 km.
- Consumption: 5.7 lt/100km (Citroen C4 Cactus).
- Fuel Cost: €380.
- Tolls: ~€150 total.
- Documents: Greek IDs or Passports were accepted at every border.
Total cost was roughly €1,000 per person for 10 unforgettable days.