After landing at Vienna International Airport, follow signs for the City Airport Train (CAT). It reaches Wien Mitte in about 16 minutes and runs roughly every 30 minutes; a one-way ticket is around €14. From Wien Mitte, take the U-Bahn or a short taxi ride to your hotel—allow 30–45 minutes overall, depending on luggage and check-in. If you arrive late or have substantial bags, a taxi is simpler; Vienna’s airport taxis and app-based transfers are reliable, but avoid unlicensed drivers in the arrivals hall.
Once you have checked in, make your way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Stephansplatz, the city’s Gothic heart. The nave is generally open until early evening, while tower access has separate hours and costs roughly €6–7; the South Tower climb is steep, so only attempt it if you still have energy after the flight. From there, wander west along Graben and Kohlmarkt toward the Hofburg, pausing around Peterskirche and the elegant shopfronts. This is an easy, atmospheric first walk, and the compact route takes about 45 minutes without rushing.
Settle into Café Central for an early evening coffee and a slice of cake or pastry—allow for a queue, especially in August, and expect approximately €10–20 per person. It is tourist-popular but still a lovely introduction to Vienna’s café culture; ask staff about vegetarian savoury options if you need something beyond sweets. Afterwards, take the U-Bahn or walk south toward the Naschmarkt area for dinner in Wieden or Mariahilf. Choose a restaurant on the surrounding streets rather than eating at the market stalls, which begin winding down in the evening; budget around €25–45 per person, and confirm that the menu has both a substantial vegetarian main and Austrian meat dishes. Keep the night relaxed—tomorrow is your first full day, and the Naschmarkt itself is better explored earlier in the day.
Start early at Schönbrunn Palace, ideally arriving around 8:30–9:00 AM before the main tour groups. From central Vienna, take the U4 to Schönbrunn; the ride is roughly 20 minutes, followed by a short walk. Allow about three hours for the imperial rooms and gardens. The palace’s timed interior tours vary by season, so reserve a morning slot online if possible; expect roughly €25–35 per adult depending on the tour. Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are extensive.
After the palace, stay within the grounds and walk uphill to the Gloriette. The path takes around 20–30 minutes each way and is moderately steep, but the view back over Schönbrunn and across Vienna is the reward. Allow about 45 minutes here, longer if you stop at the café. In August, bring water and go before the strongest afternoon heat; the gardens are generally open earlier than the palace interiors, with seasonal closing times around sunset.
Take the U4 back toward the centre, changing at Karlsplatz for the U2 to MuseumsQuartier; the whole transfer is usually 25–30 minutes. Spend the early afternoon wandering through the courtyards and cultural spaces of MuseumsQuartier, where shaded seating, public art and relaxed cafés make it easy to slow the pace. Then visit the Leopold Museum, one of Vienna’s best introductions to Austrian modernism, with important works by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. Set aside about 1½ hours; it is commonly open Tuesday–Sunday from late morning until early evening, with admission roughly €17–20. Check the museum’s current hours before leaving, as seasonal exhibitions can alter opening times.
From MuseumsQuartier, walk or take the U2/U1 toward Franz-Josefs-Kai for dinner at Motto am Fluss, set in the distinctive boat-shaped building beside the Danube Canal. A table reservation is sensible, particularly for the terrace. The menu usually includes substantial vegetarian dishes alongside meat and fish, and dinner will generally run about €25–45 per person before drinks. Afterward, take an unhurried walk along the canal toward Schwedenplatz; it is a pleasant way to finish the day, with plenty of tram and U-Bahn connections back to your accommodation.
After arriving at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, walk or take a short trolleybus ride toward Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Begin in the formal gardens, where the Pegasus Fountain and Mirabell Steps frame one of Salzburg’s best views toward Hohensalzburg Fortress. The gardens are generally open from early morning until dusk and are free; allow about an hour. The palace itself has limited visitor access, so the gardens are the main reason to stop here.
Cross the Makartsteg footbridge into the Altstadt, then spend an hour wandering Getreidegasse. Look up for the ornate wrought-iron shop signs, and pause around Mozart’s Birthplace if you want the Mozart context—though you can easily enjoy the lane without adding another museum. For lunch, avoid eating directly on the busiest stretch if you want better value: the lanes around Universitätsplatz and Griesgasse offer more relaxed choices, including vegetarian-friendly Austrian and Mediterranean dishes. Budget roughly €15–25 per person.
Continue on foot to St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery, one of the city’s most atmospheric corners. The cemetery and arcades are usually accessible during the day, while the abbey and catacombs can have separate opening hours and small admission charges, so check the posted times on arrival. From there, walk to the Mönchsberg Lift near Gstättengasse—the ride takes only a minute, but it saves a steep climb. At the top, spend around 90 minutes at the Museum der Moderne Salzburg and its terrace, which gives you a superb elevated view over the rooftops and river. Museum hours are commonly Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 10:00–18:00, with later closing on some evenings; admission is typically around €15, and the lift ticket is extra.
Return to Getreidegasse for Balkan Grill Salzburg, a tiny, quick-service institution known for the Bosna sausage. It is casual rather than a sit-down dinner, and €8–15 per person is plenty. The classic Bosna contains sausage, onions, mustard and spices; ask about the vegetarian option, or choose a nearby meat-free meal if the available alternative does not suit you. Finish with an unhurried walk along the Salzach—the riverfront is especially pleasant after the day-trippers leave—then check into your Salzburg accommodation and keep the evening easy after the early start from Vienna.
Take an early ÖBB train from Salzburg via Attnang-Puchheim to Hallstatt, allowing around 2½–3 hours including the short ferry crossing from Hallstatt Bahnhof to the village. The ferry timetable is coordinated with many trains, but check the connection the evening before and keep a little cash or a card ready for the locally purchased ticket. Once across the lake, leave your luggage at your accommodation or use available luggage storage before wandering; Hallstatt’s narrow lanes are much easier without bags.
Spend late morning around the Hallstatt lakeside and Market Square, arriving before the day-trip crowds build. Walk the waterfront toward the historic center, pausing at the photogenic cluster of waterfront houses and the small square’s cafés. Allow about 90 minutes, but don’t rush—the best experience is simply following the lanes uphill and back toward the lake. For a light vegetarian lunch, Café Derbl is convenient in the village center; otherwise, pick up a sandwich or pastry locally before heading up to Salzberg, as choices near the attractions are limited and prices are higher.
From the village, walk uphill to the Salzbergbahn Hallstatt funicular station—roughly 15 minutes, with a steep section—or take the local shuttle if operating. Ride up to the Hallstatt Salt Mine and Skywalk, allowing approximately 2½ hours for the funicular, viewing platform and mine visit. The Skywalk is included with some combined tickets but not all, so check the current package when booking; expect roughly €40–50 per adult for a combined experience, with tours operating at set times. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light layer: the mine is cool even in August. The platform can be exposed in poor weather, so check visibility before committing to the full ticket.
If conditions and energy are good, continue onto the Upper Lake Hallstatt trail in the late afternoon. Allow around two hours for a moderate out-and-back walk, carrying water and allowing extra time on uneven or damp sections. This is the quieter part of the day, with forest, mountain and lake views well away from the busiest waterfront. Turn back early if weather changes; mountain cloud can arrive quickly, and the trail is best enjoyed in daylight rather than squeezed in after the mine visit.
Return by funicular or on foot and make your way back to Restaurant Rudolfsturm, above the village beside the salt-mine area. Reserve ahead if possible, particularly for a lakeside-facing table, and confirm the evening funicular’s last descent before ordering. Dinner is usually around €25–45 per person; expect Austrian classics such as schnitzel and regional dishes alongside vegetarian options, though the vegetarian choice may be narrower than in Salzburg or Vienna. After dinner, descend promptly if using the funicular and take one final quiet walk along the waterfront—Hallstatt is at its most atmospheric once the excursion boats and day visitors have gone.
Leave Hallstatt around 7:00 AM for the train connection via Attnang-Puchheim, Salzburg and Villach to Lesce-Bled. The journey takes roughly five to six hours, so reserve seats where possible and keep snacks, water and travel documents in an accessible day bag. At Lesce-Bled, take a local bus or taxi to Bled; a taxi is worthwhile if you have hiking luggage, while the bus is the cheaper option. Expect to arrive around early afternoon, then leave bags at your accommodation before heading out.
Once settled, walk down to the Lake Bled promenade and follow the western and northern shores toward Zaka Valley and Mala Osojnica viewpoints if you still have energy. The full circuit takes about 1½ hours, but this section is the prettiest and easiest after a long travel day. Allow another 10–15 minutes to reach Bled Castle from the lakeside; the uphill approach is steep in places. The castle generally stays open into the evening during summer, with admission around €18 per adult. Its terraces are the main draw, offering superb views across the lake and island; you can keep the museum and wine cellar visit brief if the day’s travel has caught up with you.
Return toward the waterfront and take a traditional pletna boat from one of the lakeside landing points. The crossing to Bled Island usually takes about 20 minutes each way, with roughly 30 minutes on the island. Climb the famous 99 steps to the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake; entry is generally around €12, and ringing the wishing bell is part of the tradition. Pletna departures can be weather-dependent and may wait for enough passengers, so allow about 1½ hours overall and bring a light layer for the ride.
Finish at Špica Bar, beside the lake at the eastern end of the promenade. It is a relaxed place for a drink and light meal rather than a formal dinner, with salads, vegetable dishes and other vegetarian-friendly choices alongside meat-based options. Budget approximately €12–25 per person. In August, outdoor tables fill quickly around sunset, so arrive before 7:00 PM if you want a lakeside seat; otherwise, take your drink to the promenade and enjoy the view of the illuminated Bled Castle.
From Bohinjska Bistrica, take a morning Arriva bus toward Ribčev Laz at the eastern end of Lake Bohinj; allow roughly 15–20 minutes from town, depending on the service. Buy the ticket locally or through Arriva Slovenia, and check the return timetable before setting out—services are less frequent later in the day. Begin with an easy lakeside walk around Ribčev Laz, taking in the stone Church of St John the Baptist, the lake, and the peaks reflected in the water. An hour is enough for a gentle introduction, though this is one of those places where you may naturally linger.
Continue by bus toward Ukanc and take the Vogel Cable Car, whose lower station is a short walk from the lakeshore. The ride takes only a few minutes but lifts you dramatically above the lake; allow about 30 minutes for the ascent, viewpoints, and orientation. Tickets are typically around €30–35 return for an adult, with seasonal operating hours often beginning around 8:00 AM and changing with weather—check the live timetable before leaving. At the top, follow the marked paths through the Vogel–Orlove glave hiking area for around three hours. Choose the route according to cloud, wind, and energy rather than forcing a summit: the plateau provides excellent alpine views even on a moderate walk, and there are usually refreshments near the upper station in summer.
Return to Ukanc and continue to Savica Waterfall, either by the seasonal local bus or taxi; the final approach is on foot. The forest path to the waterfall is short but uphill, with many steps, so allow about an hour including the viewpoint. Entry is generally a few euros, and sturdy shoes are worthwhile after rain. In August, aim to arrive by mid-afternoon, before the late-day crowds and while you still have plenty of daylight for the walk back. Then return to Bohinjska Bistrica for dinner at Gostilna Danica, a relaxed local restaurant near the river. Expect regional Slovenian dishes, with meat options alongside vegetarian choices such as seasonal vegetables, dumplings, or cheese-based plates; budget approximately €20–35 per person. Reserve if possible, especially on a Saturday, and keep the evening unhurried after a full mountain day.
Take a morning SŽ train from Bohinjska Bistrica to Ljubljana, allowing roughly 2–2½ hours, usually with a change at Jesenice. Aim to arrive before 11:00; the station is a straightforward 10-minute walk from the historic centre. Head first to Ljubljana Central Market, which is liveliest before lunch, with produce stalls, local cheeses, pastries and seasonal fruit spread along Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje and the covered market buildings. Pick up a burek or štruklji if you want a quick snack, keeping in mind that many outdoor stalls wind down by early afternoon.
From the market, walk uphill through the old lanes to Ljubljana Castle. The funicular from Krekov trg takes only a minute or two and is useful on a warm day; a return ticket including the castle spaces is roughly €16–20, while walking up takes around 15–20 minutes. Allow about two hours for the courtyard, tower views and exhibitions. The castle is generally open from around 9:00 AM, though exact tower and funicular hours vary seasonally, so check the official schedule before setting out.
Return downhill via Stari trg and continue toward Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge, Ljubljana’s compact architectural centre. Allow about 45 minutes to cross the bridges, watch the river traffic and browse the small streets around Mestni trg. When the August heat builds, spend an hour at the House of Illusions on Kongresni trg; it is an easy indoor break, with optical rooms and interactive exhibits, and tickets are usually around €12–15. Finish with dinner at Gostilna Sokol on Ciril-Metodov trg, a traditional Slovenian inn where the non-vegetarian diner can try dishes such as jota or štruklji, while the vegetarian menu usually includes meat-free Slovenian options. Reserve if possible for around 7:00–7:30 PM; budget approximately €20–35 per person, and ask staff which dishes are genuinely vegetarian rather than simply garnished without meat.
Leave Ljubljana early—around 7:00 AM is sensible—for the roughly 4½–5-hour drive to Hévíz via Maribor and the M70/M7. A rental car is the most flexible option; check that your hire agreement covers Hungary and that you have the required motorway e-vignettes for Slovenia and Hungary. Expect a border crossing and a short rest stop rather than a leisurely sightseeing journey, so arrive in Hévíz around lunchtime. Most central accommodation is walkable from the lake, while paid parking is available around the spa area; avoid leaving valuables in the car.
After checking in and having a light lunch, spend about 2½ hours at Lake Hévíz, entering through the main spa complex. Follow the current bathing guidance carefully: the warm, mineral-rich water is generally enjoyed in shorter sessions, and swimming aids are useful because much of the lake is deep. Entry commonly costs around HUF 4,500–7,500 depending on duration and access, with prices and opening hours varying seasonally; bring a towel or hire one on site. Later, walk into Hévíz centre to browse the Hévíz Farmers’ Market, usually held on selected days and busiest in the late afternoon. Look for honey, fruit, paprika, cheeses and local pastries, checking the market calendar first because it may not operate every day.
Take a local taxi or walk roughly 30–40 minutes uphill to Egregy Wine Hill, a quieter vineyard district just outside the spa centre. The road becomes increasingly rural, with small cellars, gardens and views back over the town; allow about 1½ hours for an unhurried stroll. Arrive before sunset, when the lanes are cooler and the wine terraces start to fill. For dinner, settle in at Teri Mama’s Restaurant, known for Hungarian comfort food and a relaxed cellar atmosphere. Expect around €15–30 per person; the vegetarian diner should ask specifically for meat-free preparations, as traditional dishes and stocks can contain meat even when the menu description seems simple. A taxi back to central Hévíz is the easiest option after dinner, particularly if you have been sampling the local wine.
Leave Hévíz around 8:00 AM with the rental car, heading first toward Keszthely and then east along the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Allow roughly two hours for a relaxed scenic drive through the Balaton Uplands National Park, rather than treating it as a direct transfer. A worthwhile stop is around the Káli Basin, where vineyards, volcanic hills and small villages give you a more rural view of the lake; roads are easy, but some viewpoints and trail pull-offs have limited parking. Keep water and sun protection in the car, as August trails can be hot. Continue toward Tihany, allowing extra time for summer traffic and parking near the peninsula.
Spend about 1½ hours at Tihany Abbey, dramatically set above the lake. The church and abbey museum generally open from morning into late afternoon, with admission usually around HUF 2,000–3,000; check the current schedule because religious services can restrict access. From the abbey terrace, look across to the southern shore and the narrow strait separating the peninsula from Balatonfüred. Afterward, wander the village lanes around Pisky sétány and the old thatched-roof houses. The Tihany lavender fields are especially atmospheric in summer, though the main flowering season may be ending by late August; treat them as a short fragrant walk rather than expecting extensive purple fields. Many paths are exposed, so go before the strongest afternoon heat.
Drive across to Balatonfüred, about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic, and check in or leave the car at your accommodation before heading to the Tagore Promenade. This is the easy, unhurried part of the day: walk beneath the trees, pause by the lake, and browse the small waterfront stalls without trying to fit in another major sight. In the evening, settle at Kredenc Wine Bistro, a relaxed choice for local wines and small plates, typically around €20–35 per person. Vegetarians should find substantial vegetable-based dishes, while the meat-eater can choose regional meat plates; ask what is available that day and pair dinner with a wine from the surrounding Balaton wine region. Book ahead for an August evening, particularly if you want an outdoor table.
Take an early MÁV-START train from Balatonfüred to Budapest Déli pályaudvar, aiming for around 8:00 AM so you reach the city before the late-morning crowds. The journey takes roughly two hours; from Déli pályaudvar, the easiest connection is Metro 2 to Kossuth Lajos tér, or a taxi if you have luggage. Leave bags with your hotel—most Budapest hotels will store them before check-in—and arrive at the Hungarian Parliament Building 15–20 minutes before your pre-booked tour. The interior visit lasts about an hour, and timed tickets are essential in August; bring identification, as it may be checked. Afterward, take a short walk through Kossuth Square and down to the river.
Continue south along the Pest embankment to Shoes on the Danube Bank, about 10 minutes on foot. The small iron-shoe memorial is easy to miss, but it is a powerful, quiet stop; allow around 30 minutes and keep the riverfront atmosphere respectful. For a quick lunch nearby, Belvárosi Disznótoros on Nádor utca offers traditional Hungarian food with simple vegetable sides, while Napfényes Étterem on Ferenciek tere is a reliable fully vegetarian and vegan choice—roughly a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride away.
After lunch, take Metro 2 from central Pest and change to Metro 1 toward Széchenyi fürdő in City Park. Set aside about three hours for Széchenyi Thermal Bath, ideally arriving around 2:00 PM. Day tickets generally cost around HUF 12,000–15,000 depending on locker or cabin and weekday pricing; check the official site shortly before visiting because summer hours and ticket rules can change. Bring sandals, a towel and a water bottle, or rent/buy them on site. The outdoor pools are the highlight, but allow time for the indoor thermal rooms too. Keep valuables to a minimum and use a cabin if you are carrying electronics.
For dinner, walk through City Park to Robinson Restaurant, set beside the lake near the bath. Reserve ahead for a lakeside table, especially in August, and expect approximately €25–45 per person before drinks. The menu includes vegetarian mains alongside Hungarian and international meat dishes, so both of you should find something substantial. It is a pleasant place to linger after the bath rather than rushing back into the centre; a taxi or Metro 1 will take you onward afterward, with the city centre roughly 15–25 minutes away depending on traffic.
Start around 8:30 AM in the Castle District, before the tour groups fill the narrow streets. Take the Budavári Sikló from Clark Ádám tér—a short but scenic ride—or walk uphill via the Castle Garden Bazaar. Spend about two hours wandering the courtyards and ramparts of Buda Castle, with time for the terraces overlooking the Danube and Pest. The castle grounds are free; indoor museums generally open from 10:00 AM and charge roughly HUF 3,000–5,000. Continue on foot through the quiet medieval lanes to Fisherman’s Bastion, arriving before late-morning crowds. The lower terraces are free, while the upper turrets usually require a modest daytime ticket, around HUF 1,200–1,500.
Allow about an hour at Matthias Church, whose patterned roof and richly painted interior are especially striking in the morning light. It typically opens around 9:00 AM on weekdays, though services can affect access; admission is approximately HUF 3,000–3,500. For lunch, stay in the district rather than rushing downhill: Pest-Buda Bistro on Fortuna utca is a dependable choice for Hungarian dishes, including vegetarian options, and usually serves from late morning. Reserve if possible, particularly in August.
After lunch, descend toward Tabán and continue to Gellért Hill. The route is steep and exposed, so carry water and allow roughly 90 minutes for the climb, viewpoint stops and the walk to the Liberty Statue viewpoint. If the heat is intense, take a taxi partway and walk the upper section; the panoramic views across the river are best in the mid-afternoon when the city is fully lit. Then make your way down to Rudas Baths, ideally for a late-afternoon two-hour session. Check the official bathing calendar before going: the historic Turkish pool has traditionally had gender-specific weekday arrangements, while the wellness and rooftop sections may have different access rules. Bring swimwear, sandals and a towel, or rent them on site; entry is commonly around HUF 10,000–15,000 depending on the areas and day. The rooftop pool is the highlight near sunset, but allow time to queue and change.
Finish in Liszt Ferenc Square at Menza, reached by taxi or public transport from Rudas Baths in roughly 15–25 minutes. Book ahead for an outdoor table, and aim for dinner around 7:30 PM. The menu is modern Hungarian comfort food with several vegetarian choices—tell the server clearly that one of you is vegetarian, as recipes and garnishes can change. Expect about €20–35 per person before drinks. Afterward, take an easy stroll along Andrássy út or settle into one of the square’s terraces; there is no need to add another major sight after a full day on foot.
For a final Budapest breakfast, go to New York Café in Erzsébetváros, ideally at opening or shortly afterward—around 8:00–8:30 AM—to avoid the later queues. The café is famously ornate, with gilded columns, frescoes and live piano music, so allow about an hour rather than treating it as a quick coffee stop. Breakfast and coffee generally cost around €15–25 per person; the vegetarian can choose pastries, eggs or a meat-free breakfast, while the other can order one of the Hungarian-style savoury options. Reservations are useful, though early walk-ins have the best chance. From here, walk northwest toward Andrássy Avenue; the route takes roughly 15 minutes, or you can use the nearby M2/M1 connections if the heat is intense.
Take a relaxed final stroll along Andrássy Avenue, admiring the grand 19th-century façades and leafy stretches of District VI. Rather than rushing, follow the avenue toward Heroes’ Square, allowing about an hour and pausing wherever a shaded café or shop catches your eye. The walk is approximately 2.5 kilometres and takes 30–40 minutes without stops; the historic M1 metro runs beneath the avenue if you prefer to shorten it. Continue into City Park and spend around half an hour at Heroes’ Square, where the monumental colonnade and statues of Hungarian rulers make a fitting final glimpse of the city. Go early enough to avoid the strongest midday sun, and keep bags close in the busy central areas.
From Heroes’ Square, collect your luggage and allow 35–60 minutes to reach Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. A pre-booked taxi or app-based car is easiest with luggage; the airport bus is cheaper but less comfortable, and traffic on the approach can be unpredictable. For an international flight, leave central Budapest at least three hours before departure—more if travelling during weekday commuter periods—and aim to be at the airport roughly 2½ hours beforehand. Keep your passport and any remaining Hungarian currency accessible, and allow extra time if returning a rental car or checking bags.