Since you've arrived this morning, ease into the city with a relaxed stroll through Revolution Square and into the leafy alleys of the Romanian Athenaeum area; enjoy a coffee at a nearby café and admire the neoclassical façade before it gets busy. Continue with a guided walk through the charming Lipscani (Old Town) lanes to spot hidden courtyards, street art, and sample a light brunch of mici and covrigi at a local bistro to ground you for the day's explorations.
Spend a leisurely afternoon at the verdant Cișmigiu Gardens, renting a rowboat if weather permits or simply wandering the tree-lined paths and kiosks; the park's calm is a perfect counterpoint to the morning's city buzz. From there, head to the elegant Palace of the Parliament for a guided tour of one of the world's largest administrative buildings (book ahead) and finish with a late-afternoon drink on the terrace of Carturești Carusel to watch the city shift into evening.
As the city lights come on, head to the atmospheric Ateneu Garden Terrace for a sundowner and light tapas while listening to live piano in the adjacent square. Afterward, take a short walk to Caru' cu Bere to soak in the ornate 19th-century interior over a hearty plate of sarmale or traditional pork and pair it with a local craft beer; finish the night with a leisurely riverside stroll along the lit paths of Dâmbovița River Promenade to feel Bucharest's evening pulse before turning in.
Drive from Bucharest into the Carpathians and start your morning with a guided tour of Bran Castle, where crenellated towers and winding rooms bring medieval history and local legend to life; after exploring the battlements, stroll the adjacent craft stalls for hand-carved souvenirs and Transylvanian wool. Continue into nearby Brașov to wander under the shadow of Tâmpa Mountain, take the short hike or cable car to the viewpoint for sweeping town panoramas, then warm up with a cappuccino and papanasi at a café in the atmospheric Council Square (Piața Sfatului) before the crowds arrive.
After the castle and morning viewpoints, meander back into Brașov's historic center and warm up with a hearty lunch of goulash and bryndza at La Ceaun before browsing the artisan stalls along Strada Republicii for ceramics and wool textiles. In the early afternoon, take a calm walk along the medieval Brașov City Walls toward the Black Church, then climb the cobbled path to the White Tower for quieter panoramic views and a short visit to the nearby Schei District to see traditional Orthodox architecture and local bakeries serving fresh Kurtos Kalacs.
As dusk falls, wander into Strada Sforii, one of Europe's narrowest streets, then settle at the cozy cellar-restaurant La Ceaun - Old Cellar for a slow-cooked lamb stew and a glass of local Fetească Neagră while listening to folk guitar. Afterwards, take an atmospheric evening walk up to Tâmpa Mountain's lower promenade for city lights views and finish with a nightcap at Bistro de l'Arte, where warm candlelight and regional desserts make for a quiet, local end to a day of castles and cobbled lanes.
Start with a leisurely breakfast at Café Central, then join a local guide for a walk up the hill to the Clock Tower where you can climb the ramparts for sweeping views over the red-tiled roofs and the Târnava Mare valley. Continue through the cobbled streets to visit the House of Vlad Dracul for its exhibits on local history, pause at the atmospheric Scara Acoperită (Covered Staircase) to watch daily life below, and warm up with a slice of traditional plum cake and hot tea at a nearby family-run pastry shop before the midday crowds arrive.
After your morning climb and pastries, lose yourself in the town's quieter lanes by visiting the atmospheric Café Hermania for a warming hot chocolate, then cross the fortified Citadel Square to explore the preserved artisan workshops where local woodcarvers and weavers demonstrate traditional techniques. Continue with a guided visit to the evocative Tosca House and the nearby Church on the Hill-pause on the church terrace for sweeping views of the surrounding Saxon countryside before descending along the old ramparts to sample hearty Transylvanian fare at Casa Vlad Dracul's courtyard or a nearby family-run inn.
As dusk settles, wander down to the atmospheric Piața Muzeului where streetlamps warm the facades, then join a small-group medieval lantern tour that threads through hidden alleys and tells stories of Sighișoara's sculptors and guilds. Finish with a cozy dinner at Casa cu Cerb sampling regional mămăligă and smoked trout, followed by a digestif on the terrace of Hostel Sighişoara to watch the citadel lights shimmer over the Târnava Mare valley.
Begin your morning with a leisurely coffee and pastry at Meron before joining a guided walk through the historic heart to admire the baroque facades of Unirii Square and the soaring presence of St. Michael's Church; climb the church tower for a panoramic view over Cluj's red roofs. Continue into the academic quarter to visit the lively Central Market (Piața Mihai Viteazul) to sample local cheeses and smoked sausages, then stop by the contemporary Bánffy Palace courtyard for a quick look at its frescoed staircase and a museum preview that sets the tone for the day's cultural and culinary discoveries.
After a morning of markets and baroque sights, wander to the leafy grounds of Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden to follow winding glasshouse displays and the alpine rock garden, pausing for photos among seasonal blooms and the serene Japanese Garden. From there, head to the creative district of Cluj Innovation Center / Fabrica to browse independent galleries and pop-up craft stalls, then settle in at Samsara Foodhouse for a late-afternoon tasting menu of modern Transylvanian small plates paired with a regional craft beer or natural wine.
As twilight falls, head to the lively terrace of The Soviet for craft cocktails and people-watching in a converted industrial space, then meander to the atmospheric courtyard of Casa TIFF to catch an indie film or short screening at the small cinema. Finish with a late dinner at Baracca to sample seasonal tasting dishes and inventive local wines, followed by a digestif at the cozy speakeasy-style Sahara Lounge to savor Cluj's nocturnal vibe before turning in.
Set out from Transylvania across gentle plains and pull into Bega Canal for a refreshing riverside stroll and the chance to see locals rowing; stop at a waterside café to try a warm covrig and espresso while watching the early river traffic. Continue into the historic Fabric district to explore the colorful façade of Victory Square (Piața Victoriei) and then wander the nearby pedestrianized Piața Libertății, popping into a family-run bakery for a slice of cozonac before joining a short guided walk past restored Secessionist buildings and the lively artisanal market in Iulius Town to sample regional cheeses and honey.
After your riverside and market wander, continue into Timișoara's creative quarters with a relaxed exploration of Elisabetin where pastel facades and independent galleries invite a slow café hop-stop at Garage Café for a specialty coffee and people-watching. Then follow the tramlines to the newly revitalized Fabric Promenade to browse street art and boutique shops, finish the afternoon with a guided visit to the contemporary exhibitions at Muza - Timișoara Art Museum and a late-afternoon tasting of local cheeses and artisanal bread at Mercato 2.0 before dusk.
As twilight deepens, settle into the lively atmosphere of Unirii Square where Baroque facades glow and street musicians play; choose a riverside table at La Pescaria for fresh fish or river prawns paired with a crisp local white. Afterwards, wander toward the illuminated bridges of the Bega Embankment, stop for a nightcap at the cozy craft-beer bar Craft & Co. Timișoara, and finish with a slow stroll through the hushed, lamp-lit arcades of Victory Avenue to feel the city's gentle evening rhythm before turning in.
Drive across the border and begin with a riverside breakfast at Szeged's Tisza promenade, sampling lángos and strong Hungarian coffee while watching locals set up market stalls; from there join a short guided walk to admire the colorful mosaics of The Reök Palace and the elegant domes of Szeged Cathedral, then warm up with a bowl of paprika-rich fish soup at a cafe near Dóm tér. If you choose Debrecen instead, explore the leafy lanes of Nagyerdő Park with a stop at the art-filled MODEM Centre for Modern and Contemporary Arts, followed by a traditional Hortobágy-style breakfast at a nearby family-run csárda to connect with the region's pastoral traditions before continuing your journey.
In Szeged, wander the leafy paths of Kossuth Square Park and cross to the riverside to board a short Danube cruise or electric boat for postcard views of the city's bridges and art nouveau façades, then warm up with a bowl of smoky paprika goulash at the bustling Kiskakas Bistro. If you chose Debrecen, spend the afternoon exploring the scholarly ambience of University of Debrecen Botanical Garden, visit the nearby open-air Nagytemplom Plaza to listen for the cathedral bells, and finish with a tasting of local pálinka and a plate of hortobágyi palacsinta at the intimate Ikon Bistro to settle in for the evening.
As night falls in Szeged, settle into the relaxed atmosphere of Tisza Lajos Körút with a table at a local bistro to sample paprika-roasted lamb and a glass of Hungarian rosé, then catch an intimate chamber concert at the nearby Szeged National Theatre for a taste of regional performing arts. If you chose Debrecen, enjoy a leisurely dinner at the historic Kossuth Étterem sampling Hortobágyi specialties, followed by a twilight stroll through the illuminated avenues around Kossuth Square to admire the city's stately architecture and stop at a cozy café for a warming cup of kakao or pálinka to round out the evening.
Begin your morning with a sunrise stroll through Gellért Hill Cave and the sculpted terraces of Gellért Hill, pausing at the Citadel viewpoint for sweeping vistas of the Danube and Parliament as the city wakes. Descend toward the river to join a guided tasting at Central Market Hall where you can sample lángos, smoked sausages and Tokaji preserves, then cross to the Buda side for a relaxed walk through the tree-lined lanes of Tabán and a coffee break at the historic Ruszwurm Confectionery before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Cross the Chain Bridge toward the Pest side and wander the graceful terraces of Vörösmarty Square, pausing to sample regional pastries at Gerbeaud Café before joining a guided stroll through the elegant shopping arcades of Váci Street. Continue with a slow riverfront walk along the Danube Promenade to the evocative Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, then board a late-afternoon sightseeing boat for golden-light views of the castle district and Parliament from the water.
As dusk settles, wander up to Fisherman's Bastion for fairytale turrets and panoramic views of the lit Parliament, then descend toward Gundel Restaurant for a refined dinner of foie gras and traditional Hungarian duck, paired with a bold Bikavér. Finish the night with cocktails and live jazz at the intimate Opus Jazz Club or a relaxed glass of tokaji at the cozy wine bar Kadarka while strolling the softly illuminated paths of the Margaret Island Promenade to soak in Budapest's riverfront atmosphere.
Begin your morning with a restorative soak at Király Thermal Bath, an intimate Ottoman-era spa where you can drift between warm pools and steam chambers before the crowds arrive; follow with a visit to the nearby Rudas Thermal Bath rooftop pool for a sunrise view over the Danube while sipping an herbal tea. After warming up, stroll into the heart of the Jewish Quarter to explore the vibrant street art-lined Kazinczy Street, pop into the atmospheric Dohány Street Synagogue's courtyard museum for context on the neighborhood, and pause for a coffee and a savory challah sandwich at the cozy Mazel Tov garden restaurant to fuel the day's explorations.
Head to the leafy expanse of Margaret Island for a restorative walk or bike ride, stopping at the atmospheric Japanese Garden and the ruins of the Musical Fountain, then relax with a hot chocolate at the island café while watching locals skate or run. Later, cross back to Pest to explore the elegant galleries and bookshops around Andrássy Avenue, pop into the striking House of Terror museum for a reflective hour on 20th-century history, and finish the afternoon with tasting small plates and craft pálinka at the lively Dobrumba tavern in the nearby cultural quarter.
As night falls, wander to Gozsdu Courtyard where buzzing bars and pop-up food stalls make for an energetic aperitif crawl-try a plate of chimney cake at a stall and a craft cocktail at Kiosk Bar. Follow this with an atmospheric klezmer or indie-folk set at Akvárium Klub or an intimate live-music night at Raqpart, then finish with a late-evening stroll under the lights to the serene fountains and lamp-lit promenades of Vajdahunyad Square for a quiet nightcap and reflection on your Budapest discoveries.
For a gentle final morning, wander the elegant corridors of Gellért Hotel for breakfast in its sunlit lobby, then explore the nearby thermal parklands with a restorative walk through Szent Gellért Square and the manicured paths of Rudas Terrace Gardens; pause at a riverside stall for a fresh simit and espresso. If time allows before departure, take a short electric bike ride along the quieter stretch of the Danube Promenade toward Kossuth Lajos Square to photograph the Parliament from a fresh angle and pick up last-minute artisanal chocolates at Judit Confectionery on your way to the airport or train station.
Spend a relaxed afternoon strolling the leafy promenades of Käpylä Park (note: a peaceful local park-style green) before heading to the nearby Gundel Café Terrace for a light lunch of smoked trout and potato salad paired with a glass of tokaji sec-then cross to explore the art-filled rooms of Hungarian National Gallery for a final dose of national art and rooftop views of the city. Finish with a calm riverside coffee at Dunapark Café, watching boats drift past as you gather last-minute souvenirs and make your way toward your departure point.
For a relaxed final evening, wander the atmospheric lanes around Fény utca Market to pick up gourmet Hungarian preserves and artisanal sausages, then settle into a riverside table at Pest-Buda Bistro for a comforting duck paprikash and a glass of Tokaji as the Danube gleams. After dinner, enjoy a mellow concert of classical chamber music at Müpa Budapest (check the evening program) or a leisurely twilight cruise departing from Belvárosi Dock, watching the illuminated bridges and Parliament drift by before you pack up for tomorrow's departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției) | Free |
| Romanian Athenaeum (exterior / concert ticket) | €15 |
| Coffee at nearby café (Bucharest) | €2 |
| Guided walk Lipscani (Old Town) | €10 |
| Brunch (mici and covrigi) at local bistro | €7 |
| Cișmigiu Gardens (park, rowboat rental) | €4 |
| Palace of the Parliament guided tour | €12 |
| Carturești Carusel (drink on terrace) | €4 |
| Ateneu Garden Terrace (drink / tapas) | €8 |
| Caru' cu Bere (dinner) | €18 |
| Dâmbovița River Promenade (evening stroll) | Free |
| Bran Castle (entry + guided tour) | €12 |
| Craft stalls / souvenirs at Bran | €10 |
| Tâmpa Mountain viewpoint (cable car or walk) | €3 |
| Cappuccino and papanasi in Brașov | €6 |
| La Ceaun (lunch) | €10 |
| Brașov City Walls & Black Church (entry) | €5 |
| White Tower (entry) | €3 |
| Strada Sforii (walk) | Free |
| La Ceaun - Old Cellar (dinner) | €14 |
| Bistro de l'Arte (nightcap / dessert) | €6 |
| Café Central (breakfast) - Sighișoara | €5 |
| Clock Tower (entry) | €3 |
| House of Vlad Dracul (entry) | €3 |
| Scara Acoperită (Covered Staircase) visit | Free |
| Plum cake & tea (local pastry shop) | €3 |
| Café Hermania (hot chocolate) | €3 |
| Tosca House (museum entry) | €2 |
| Church on the Hill (entry / terrace) | €2 |
| Medieval lantern tour (small-group) | €8 |
| Casa cu Cerb (dinner) | €12 |
| Meron (coffee & pastry) - Cluj-Napoca | €4 |
| Guided walk Unirii Square & St. Michael's Church (tower entry) | €4 |
| Central Market (tasting local cheeses / sausages) | €5 |
| Bánffy Palace courtyard / museum preview | €3 |
| Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden (entry) | €3 |
| Cluj Innovation Center / Fabrica (galleries) | Free |
| Samsara Foodhouse (tasting menu / late-afternoon) | €18 |
| The Soviet (cocktails) | €8 |
| Casa TIFF (indie film screening) - ticket | €5 |
| Baracca (late dinner) | €20 |
| Sahara Lounge (digestif / drinks) | €6 |
| Bega Canal riverside stroll (Timișoara) | Free |
| Covrig & espresso (waterside café) | €2 |
| Victory Square / Fabric district guided walk | €6 |
| Iulius Town artisanal market tasting | €4 |
| Garage Café (specialty coffee) | €3 |
| Muza - Timișoara Art Museum (entry) | €4 |
| Mercato 2.0 tasting (cheese & bread) | €6 |
| La Pescaria (dinner) | €16 |
| Craft & Co. Timișoara (craft beer / nightcap) | €4 |
| Elisabetin / Fabric Promenade street art walk | Free |
| Szeged Tisza promenade (lángos & coffee) | €4 |
| Reök Palace (visit) | €3 |
| Szeged Cathedral (visit) | Free |
| Paprika fish soup (Dóm tér café) | €6 |
| Danube / Tisza short river/electric boat cruise | €8 |
| Kiskakas Bistro (goulash) | €8 |
| Chamber concert at Szeged National Theatre (ticket) | €12 |
| Kossuth Étterem (Debrecen dinner alternative) | €14 |
| Gellért Hill / Citadel viewpoint (walk) | Free |
| Central Market Hall tasting (Budapest) | €6 |
| Ruszwurm Confectionery (coffee & cake) | €5 |
| Vörösmarty Square & Gerbeaud Café (pastry) | €6 |
| Danube Promenade / Shoes on the Danube Bank (walk) | Free |
| Sightseeing boat on the Danube (late-afternoon) | €15 |
| Fisherman's Bastion (visit) | Free |
| Gundel Restaurant (dinner) | €45 |
| Opus Jazz Club (tickets / drinks) | €12 |
| Király Thermal Bath (entry) | €10 |
| Rudas Thermal Bath rooftop (entry) | €18 |
| Kazinczy Street / Mazel Tov (meal) | €12 |
| Margaret Island (bike rental / walk) | €4 |
| House of Terror (entry) | €7 |
| Dobrumba (small plates & pálinka) | €12 |
| Gozsdu Courtyard (snack + cocktail) | €10 |
| Akvárium Klub (concert / entry) | €10 |
| Raqpart (live-music night) | €8 |
| Vajdahunyad Square (evening stroll) | Free |
| Gellért Hotel breakfast (optional) | €12 |
| Judit Confectionery (artisanal chocolates / simit) | €6 |
| Hungarian National Gallery (entry) | €10 |
| Dunapark Café (riverside coffee) | €6 |
| Pest-Buda Bistro (duck paprikash dinner) | €18 |
| Müpa Budapest (concert ticket, variable) | €20 |
| Belvárosi Dock (twilight cruise) | €14 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €622 |