9-Day Road Trip Itinerary in Hungary: Discover Castles, Thermal Baths, and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Arrive in Budapest

Budapest, Hungary

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Start your journey with a delightful breakfast at Café Gerbeaud, famous for its pastries and café culture.
Located in Vörösmarty Square, easily accessible by public transport.
HUF 3000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Buda Castle

Explore the majestic Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering splendid views of the city.
Take the funicular from the Chain Bridge to reach the castle.
HUF 2000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Paprika

Enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash at Paprika, a cozy local spot.
Short drive from Buda Castle or a tram ride.
HUF 4000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hungarian Parliament Building

Explore the stunning architecture of the Hungarian Parliament and learn about the country's history.
Walk along the Danube from the restaurant to the Parliament.
HUF 3000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Thermal Bath Experience at Széchenyi

Relax your muscles in the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, a perfect way to unwind.
Take a taxi or public transport to the baths.
HUF 5000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at New York Café

End your first day with dinner in the opulent New York Café, often called the most beautiful café in the world.
Drive or take public transport back to the city center.
HUF 8000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historic Esztergom

Esztergom, Hungary

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Götz

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at the charming Café Götz before hitting the road to Esztergom.
Drive to Esztergom, approximately 1 hour.
HUF 2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Esztergom Basilica

Visit Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, for breathtaking architecture and stunning views.
Short walk from Café Götz.
HUF 2000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant L'Art

Savor modern Hungarian cuisine at Restaurant L'Art with a view of the Danube.
Drive to the restaurant near the Basilica.
HUF 6000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Castle Hill

Wander around Castle Hill and the ruins of the old castle for a dose of history combined with panoramic views.
Walk from the lunch spot to Castle Hill.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Christian Museum

Explore the rich collection of religious art at the Christian Museum.
Drive or walk back to the center of Esztergom.
HUF 1500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gács Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local specialties at Gács Restaurant.
Short drive or walk from the museum.
HUF 5500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Visegrád

Visegrád, Hungary

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Bukkos

Have a tasty breakfast at Hotel Bukkos before heading to Visegrád, a village rich in medieval history.
Drive to Visegrád, about a 30-minute drive.
HUF 2500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Visegrád Citadel

Explore the ruins of the Visegrád Citadel and enjoy scenic views of the Danube Bend.
Short drive or walk to the citadel.
HUF 2000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Panoráma étterem

Indulge in a fantastic lunch at Panoráma étterem, known for its gorgeous views and local dishes.
Accessible by a short drive or hike.
HUF 6000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Royal Palace

Visit the ruins of the Royal Palace of Visegrád, where history comes alive through amazing stories.
Drive or walk to the palace site.
HUF 1500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Boat Tour on the Danube

Enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Danube as it winds through the picturesque landscape.
Book in advance; the boat station is nearby.
HUF 4000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at vár Restaurant

Conclude your day with delightful Hungarian cuisine at vár Restaurant, nestled in a beautiful setting.
Backtrack a short drive from the boat station.
HUF 7000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Artistic Szentendre

Szentendre, Hungary

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Móka

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Café Móka, known for its delicious coffee and croissants.
Drive to Szentendre, about 30 minutes from Visegrád.
HUF 2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Szentendre Open-Air Ethnographic Museum

Visit the unique Open-Air Ethnographic Museum to learn about Hungarian folk culture and architecture.
Short drive or walk to the museum.
HUF 2500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kópká Café

Indulge in a hearty lunch at Kópká Café, loved for its local flavors and friendly ambiance.
Short walk from the museum.
HUF 4000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Szentendre’s Art Galleries

Take time to wander through Szentendre's art galleries and shops, a haven for artists and visitors alike.
Walk around the town center, accessible on foot.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Gallery of the Hungarian Naïve Artists

Check out the impressive works of naïve art showcased in this charming local gallery.
Short walk from the town center.
HUF 1500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Vanilla Café

Wrap up your day with dinner at Vanilla Café, known for its desserts and pleasant atmosphere.
Drive or walk back to the main street.
HUF 5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Explore Eger’s Wine Country

Eger, Hungary

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mózes pékáru

Start your morning with fresh pastries and coffee from Mózes pékáru in Szentendre before departing for Eger.
Drive to Eger, approximately 1.5 hours.
HUF 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Eger Castle

Tour Eger Castle, rich in history and known for its impressive architecture standing guard over the town.
Short walk from central parking.
HUF 2000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Macok Bistro

Dine at Macok Bistro, acclaimed for its innovative dishes and local wine pairings.
Short walk from Eger Castle.
HUF 7000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Valley of the Beautiful Women

Head to the Valley of the Beautiful Women, famous for its wine cellars and delightful rustic atmosphere.
Drive about 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Wine Tasting Experience

Enjoy a wine tasting at a local cellar and discover why Eger is famous for its red wines.
Book in advance with one of the local wineries.
HUF 5000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ködmön Pihenő

Experience traditional dishes at Ködmön Pihenő, a local favorite for cozy dining.
Short drive from the wine tasting location.
HUF 6000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Culture in Debrecen

Debrecen, Hungary

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Da Vinci

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Caffè Da Vinci with fresh pastries and coffee.
Drive to Debrecen, around 2 hours from Eger.
HUF 2500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Debrecen Reformed Great Church

Start your exploration at the iconic Great Church that dominates the skyline of Debrecen.
Located in the city center.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Great Forest Park

Stroll through Great Forest Park and enjoy a breath of fresh air among the greenery.
Short walk from the Great Church.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Rózsa étterem

Indulge in sophisticated Hungarian cuisine at Rózsa étterem, well-known among locals.
Short drive from the park.
HUF 7000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Déri Museum

Explore the Déri Museum showcasing Hungarian art and history.
A short drive from the restaurant to the museum.
HUF 2000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Pálma Bistró

Savor diverse dishes at Pálma Bistró with a local touch.
Head back to the center of Debrecen.
HUF 6000, 2 hours
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Day 7: The Wild Wonders of Hortobágy

Hortobágy, Hungary

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Aranybika

Grab a quick breakfast at Hotel Aranybika before your journey to the Hortobágy National Park.
Drive to Hortobágy, around 1 hour from Debrecen.
HUF 2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Hortobágy National Park

Spend the day immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Follow the signs to the national park entrance.
HUF 1500, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hortobágyi Csárda

Enjoy a rustic lunch at Hortobágyi Csárda, known for its traditional dishes and stunning landscapes.
Located within the national park.
HUF 5000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Nine-holed Bridge

Marvel at the historic Nine-holed Bridge, a landmark of the Hortobágy region.
Drive short distances within the park.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Wildlife Watching

Look for local wildlife such as wild horses and birds in their natural habitat.
Explore various trails within the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Jászság Hotel

Wrap up your Hortobágy adventure with dinner at Jászság Hotel, serving local fare.
Drive towards the hotel.
HUF 6000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Delightful Szeged

Szeged, Hungary

8:00AM

Breakfast at Szeged Patisserie

Enjoy breakfast at Szeged Patisserie, renowned for its pastries before exploring the city.
Drive to Szeged, approximately 1.5 hours from Hortobágy.
HUF 2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Votive Church of Szeged

Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Votive Church, a centerpiece of Szeged’s skyline.
Short walk from the patisserie.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Móra Ferenc Museum

Explore a wide range of Hungarian art and history at the Móra Ferenc Museum.
Short walk from the church.
HUF 1500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bors GasztroBár

Indulge in extraordinary street food at Bors GasztroBár for a unique lunch experience.
Short drive or walk from the museum.
HUF 4000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll along the Tisza River

Relax and stroll along the picturesque banks of the Tisza River, enjoying the views.
Walk from the lunch spot to the riverside.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Szeged's Great Market Hall

Explore the Great Market Hall for local produce and crafts, a vibrant part of Szeged's life.
Short drive or walk from the river.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kicsikék Restaurant

End your day with a delightful meal at Kicsikék Restaurant, known for its exquisite local dishes.
Short drive away from the market hall.
HUF 6000, 2 hours
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Day 9: Return to Budapest

Budapest, Hungary

8:00AM

Breakfast at New York Café

Enjoy one last breakfast at the iconic New York Café before heading back to Budapest.
Drive back to Budapest, around 2.5 hours from Szeged.
HUF 8000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Gellért Hill

Climb Gellért Hill for panoramic views of Budapest, a fitting farewell to your trip.
Short drive or Uber to the base of the hill.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fakanál Restaurant

Savor a traditional lunch with a modern twist at Fakanál, known for its delectable meals.
Drive or book a taxi.
HUF 6000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at Central Market Hall

Experience local culture and shop for souvenirs at the bustling Central Market Hall.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Rudas Baths

Before your journey is over, unwind at Rudas Baths, known for its thermal water and relaxation.
Short drive or public transport from the market hall.
HUF 5000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Kiosk

Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner at Kiosk, known for its vibrant atmosphere and innovative menu.
Short drive or walk back to the city center.
HUF 8000, 2 hours
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