how many days should i spend in these 6 cities

If you are definately going to all those cities, the breakdown looks reasonable to me - and you admit it will be rushed. And I don't know how much of this time will be taken up with travelling between the cities, presumably by train. Time of the year may also be a consideration - in summer the evenings are long, in winter the days very very short. I have not been to all the cities you mention but did not like Lucerne one bit. I will admit to not being a great fan of Switzerland in general but Lucerne was, to me, unappealing and very very expensive. I would be tempted to reduce Lucerne by a night and add it to Vienna, Prague or Berlin.

I only spent one day in Salzburg and that was enough but six days in Munich wasn't enough to see everything I wanted to see.

I would try to add some more time for Prague. It is such an amazing city. When we went, we spent 4 nights in Prague. It allowed for some decent down time, gave us some time for wandering and relaxing. I have never been to Lucerne or Salzburg so I can not comment on those cities. But maybe take a day from Lucerne and give it to Prague?

I would agree with taking a night from Lucerne. Salzburg is a beautiful town but on your schedule I would say 2 nights is enough as it is only small. I would add the extra night on to either Munich or Prague.

I have been to all but Berlin. I would disagree that there is nothing in Lucerne. However, 3 nights is definitely too much. Prague is the most architecturally lovely city I have seen. I would add there.

I agree with others. Add at least one more night to Prague.

Shoni has it.

I have only been to 2 of those places, so I won't comment about how much time you have allotted to each. I just want to say that you should keep in mind that 2 nights in a location equals one full day. Expect each location change to take at least half a day. It will be rushed, but as long as you realize that it seems like you can at least get a feel for each place. Have a good trip!

Been to all but Lucerne - Salzburg to me is really just an afternoon, or even one to skip. Munich is nice but it takes time to really get to get a 'lived in feel'- yet a quick tour is possible. Maybe 3 nights is good compromise. Have a wonderful time, Prague and Vienna are definitely great wandering cities at night! Claim back one more night for either or both and you will be pleased. Just sorry you have to travel so much!! It kills so much time but that is up to you. JK

I'm going to go against the grain and suggest you keep your 2 nights in Salzburg. Yes, it's smaller, but, right now, you've got all bigger cities on your list. Having a city that is smaller and easy to navigate will make a nice break there in the middle. Personally, after 3 nights in Prague, I was ready to go. It is a beautiful city, but it's also disappointingly touristy. I'd definitely keep your 4 nights in Berlin. You can break up your city time by doing a day trip to Potsdam and riding bikes around the town. It's beautiful.

Thanks everybody!! I've decided on: lucerne: 2 nights munich: 4 nights (one day for going to Neuschwanstein castle for one day) salzburg: 2 days vienna: 3 days prague 3: days
berlin: 4 days I guess this is a follow up question. Because flights are cheaper if we spend an extra two nights, we decided to go ahead and do that (because it would cost the same if we spent two extra nights on hotels vs taking a flight out at our original date). Honestly, my friend and I would like to add another city, as a day tour from any one of these cities. Does anybody have any suggestions?

Sure, Budapest, Hungary is really close to Vienna travel-wise (minimize those train hours!!) and many recommend it. Could stop through Budapest from Vienna to Prague or the other way.

it doesn't have to be a day trip. it could be a city that we stop along the way and stay 2 nights?

I'm going to also say Leipzig would be nice for a few days, on the way to Berlin. I found it more charming than Dresden. I've seen lots of German cities and it's a bit of an overlooked gem for me. Dresden does have some cool night life. All your options here are treasures so don't worry. You will be beack!

Jason is right. Leipzig is a gem and not that well known on this board. It would provide an easy stop on your way to Berlin and offers a different set of sights compared to the other cities on your list. No chateau or castle but beautifully restored buildings that mirror the cities outstanding trade history. I was there just a week ago and once again loved loved loved it. Originally I had planned to see the Grassi museums but since the weather was really nice we did a boat tour on one of the many canals and had a great time. Highly recommend it as you learn a lot about the history of the city and its reconstruction. If you don't speak German check with the tourist information on available English language tours. And of course the city centre around the old town hall and St Thomas Church (where Bach worked) offers many sights along the way.

Katie Also remember to factor in your travel time. Are you counting your arrival day and your departure day as part of your days count? Which cities are you arriving and departing from? Departure day is usually a wash since you will spend will have to be at the airport 2.5 to 3 hrs. ahead of time. And have to get to the airport. Prior to traveling a lot in Europe, I always underestimated travel time. Consider: Time from hotel to train station At least 30 minutes in the station if you have your ticket. This allows cushion if you are delayed getting there. Train travel time. Station to hotel.
Always at least 1/2 day. Which definitely cuts into your sightseeing time. If you are flying between cities, you have to add even more time as the hotel to airport distances are greater and you have to be at the airport 2.5 to 3 hrs. ahead of time depending on the airport. I Know you have decided on an itinerary but sometimes others tweak theirs more than once. Others have asked what you like to do but it would be helpful if you expand on this more. Have a good trip. Bobbie

Having just come back, I'd say you could easily add a night to Vienna and Prague.

I agree with Brian. Add one night to each.