Comprehensive 17-Day Budapest, Lake Balaton and Austria Itinerary Including Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Budapest, Hungary on June 7, 2025

5:00pm

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Your mom arrives and you both take time to relax and settle into your hotel after her flight.
0HUF, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Menza Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Menza on Liszt Ferenc Square, known for its modern Hungarian cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. Open from 11:30am to 11pm.
HUF5000 approx. per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: City Landmarks Tour

Budapest, Hungary on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cserpes Tejivó

Start your day with traditional Hungarian pastries and a coffee at this popular breakfast spot, open from 7am.
HUF1500, 45m

10:00am

Visit Hungarian Parliament Building

Tour the iconic Parliament, exploring its stunning architecture and rich history. Guided tours run 8am-6pm; pre-booking recommended.
HUF3700, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kiosk Budapest

Enjoy modern Hungarian dishes in a stylish setting close to the Parliament. Open 11:30am to 11pm.
HUF4000, 1h

2:00pm

St Stephen's Basilica Visit

Visit this impressive basilica known for its architecture and panoramic views from the dome. Open 9am to 5pm.
HUF1000, 1h

3:30pm

Margaret Island Walk

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon stroll or bike ride on Margaret Island, a peaceful green oasis in the city.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Spíler BistroPub

Finish the day with a lively atmosphere and international cuisine at Spíler, open until 11pm.
HUF4500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion

Budapest, Hungary on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Enjoy a classic European breakfast in the stunning New York Café, open from 7am.
HUF5500, 1h

9:30am

Buda Castle Visit

Explore the historic Buda Castle complex including museums and stunning views, open from 10am to 6pm.
HUF2500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Traditional Hungarian dishes near Buda Castle, open from 11:30am to 11pm.
HUF4000, 1h

1:30pm

Fisherman's Bastion Visit

Visit this fairytale terrace with panoramic views of Budapest, open 24 hrs, but best in daylight.
HUF1000, 1h

3:00pm

Matthias Church Visit

Explore the beautifully decorated Matthias Church adjacent to Fisherman’s Bastion, open 9am to 5pm.
HUF1800, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kéhli Vendéglő

Cozy traditional Hungarian cuisine in a historic cellar setting near Buda Castle.
HUF4500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sunday Mass and River Cruise

Budapest, Hungary on June 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gerlóczy Café

Enjoy a Parisian-style breakfast in this charming café near the Basilica, open from 7:30am.
HUF3000, 1h

10:00am

Sunday English Mass at St Stephen's Basilica

Attend the English mass service held at 10am in the historic St Stephen’s Basilica.
Free, 1h15m

11:30am

Light Lunch at Central Market Hall

Snack on fresh Hungarian street food and local produce in this bustling market.
HUF2000, 1h

2:00pm

Danube River Cruise

Relax on a 1.5-hour scenic river cruise offering stunning views of Budapest's landmarks. Cruises run from 10am to 7pm.
HUF4600, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Váci Street for shopping

Stroll along the famous pedestrian shopping street with boutiques and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Belvárosi Disznótoros

Casual dining featuring hearty Hungarian meat dishes, open until 10pm.
HUF4000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Szentendre

Szentendre, Hungary on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Fuel up with a quick breakfast before the day trip.
HUF2000, 45m

9:00am

Travel to Szentendre by train

Take the HÉV suburban railway from Budapest to Szentendre (approx. 40 mins).
HUF750, 40m

10:00am

Explore Szentendre Old Town

Wander charming cobbled streets, galleries, and Baroque architecture in this artist town.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Aranysárkány Vendéglő

Enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine with scenic views of the Danube.
HUF4500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Marzipan Museum

See intricate marzipan art displays and demonstrations, open 10am to 6pm.
HUF1500, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Budapest

Catch the afternoon HÉV train back to Budapest.
HUF750, 40m

6:00pm

Relax and Rest

Prepare for evening travel with some downtime at the hotel.
0HUF, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bors GasztroBár

Casual dining specializing in creative soups and sandwiches, perfect for a light meal before departure.
HUF2500, 1h

9:00pm

Depart Budapest for Lake Balaton

Evening train or car transfer to Lake Balaton area, journey approx. 2-2.5 hours.
HUF3000-HUF5000, 2h30m
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Day 6: Lake Balaton Relaxation

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Lake Balaton accommodation.
Included in stay, 1h

10:30am

Walk along the Lake Shore

Take in beautiful lake views, explore beaches and local walking trails.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kistücsök Restaurant

Try local Balaton fish dishes in this top-rated restaurant by the lake.
HUF6000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Tihany Peninsula

Explore the scenic peninsula, Benedictine Abbey, and lavender fields (Abbey open 9am to 5pm).
HUF1000, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel, sampling Hungarian and local cuisine.
HUF5000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Lake Balaton Exploration

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your day with breakfast included in your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Boat Trip on Lake Balaton

Enjoy a scenic boat trip on the lake, offering views of the surrounding hills and vineyards.
HUF3500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Füred Ifjúsági Club Restaurant

Taste fresh fish and Hungarian specialties in Balatonfüred, open 11am to 9:30pm.
HUF4500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Balatonfüred Promenade

Stroll the elegant lakeside promenade with parks and cafés.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard

Sample local Balaton wines in one of the vineyards around the lake (some open by appointment).
HUF3000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Villa Medici

Enjoy a fine dining experience focusing on regional and international cuisine.
HUF7000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Budapest

Budapest, Hungary on June 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Leisurely Morning and Last Balaton Walk

Take a final stroll along the lake or visit a local market for souvenirs.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at a Lakefront Café

Enjoy light lunch with lake views at a local café.
HUF3500, 1h

2:00pm

Travel back to Budapest

Afternoon train or car transfer back to Budapest (2-2.5 hours).
HUF3000-HUF5000, 2h30m

5:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Check-in to Budapest hotel and relax after travel.
0HUF, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Gerbeaud

Experience traditional Hungarian desserts and classic dishes in this historic café, open until 11pm.
HUF4500, 1h30m
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Day 9: Train to Vienna

Budapest, Hungary > Vienna, Austria on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before your train departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Vienna

Take the Railjet train from Budapest to Vienna, journey approximately 2hr 40min.
EUR25-40, 2h40m

11:30am

Check-in and Light Lunch in Vienna

Check-in hotel and have a light lunch at Café Central, open 8am to 10pm.
EUR15-25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral

Explore Vienna’s stunning Gothic cathedral, open 6am to 10pm.
EUR5, 1h

3:00pm

Walk the Historic City Centre

Stroll along Kärntner Strasse and Graben for shopping and sightseeing.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Famous for traditional Viennese Tafelspitz, open 12pm to 10pm.
EUR40-60, 1h30m
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Day 10: Vienna Highlights

Vienna, Austria on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sperl

Traditional Viennese coffee house breakfast, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour this former imperial summer residence, open 8am to 5:30pm.
EUR25, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Glacis

Located within MuseumsQuartier, offers excellent Austrian cuisine, open 11:30am to 10pm.
EUR20-30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Belvedere Palace and Gardens

See the impressive baroque palace complex and art collections, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR20, 2h

5:30pm

Relax at Stadtpark

Walk and relax in Vienna's beautiful city park featuring famous statues.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Known for the classic Wiener Schnitzel, open until 10pm.
EUR30-45, 1h30m
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Day 11: Vienna Arts and Culture

Vienna, Austria on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Demel

Famous pastry shop and café, open 7am to 7pm.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum

Explore one of the world’s finest art museums, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Enjoy diverse foods at Vienna’s famous market, open until 6pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Hofburg Palace

Explore the former imperial palace with museums and the Spanish Riding School, open 9am to 5:30pm.
EUR19, 2h

5:30pm

Coffee and Cake at Café Sacher

Taste the original Sacher Torte in a classic setting.
EUR15, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Steirereck

Michelin-starred modern Austrian cuisine, reservation recommended.
EUR100+, 2h
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Day 12: Travel to Salzburg

Vienna to Salzburg, Austria on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your train to Salzburg.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train Vienna to Salzburg

Take the ÖBB Railjet train, approximately 2h 30m journey.
EUR30-45, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch

Check into your Salzburg hotel and enjoy lunch at Café Bazar, open 8am to 7pm.
EUR15-25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Famous baroque gardens and palace, open during daylight hours.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Salzburg Old Town

Walk the charming streets including Getreidegasse shopping street.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sternbräu

Enjoy traditional Austrian fare in a lively setting, open until 10pm.
EUR30-40, 1h30m
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Day 13: Salzburg Sightseeing

Salzburg, Austria on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Fingerlos

Popular local café, open from 7am.
EUR10-15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

One of Europe’s largest medieval castles with panoramic city views, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR16, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Zwettler’s

Traditional Austrian cuisine, open noon to 10pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Mozart’s Birthplace Museum

Visit the house where Mozart was born, open 9am to 5pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax by the Salzach River

Leisurely walk or café stop along the river banks.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

One of Europe’s oldest restaurants with traditional Austrian dishes, open until 11pm.
EUR50-70, 1h30m
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Day 14: Travel to Hallstatt

Salzburg to Hallstatt, Austria on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before onward travel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Hallstatt

Train and bus via Attnang-Puchheim, total journey approx. 3h.
EUR30-40, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Hallstatt

Check into local accommodation and enjoy lunch at Restaurant am See with lake views.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Hallstatt Village

Wander this picturesque lakeside village with historic buildings and small shops.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Hallstatt Salt Mine

Take a guided tour of one of the world’s oldest salt mines, open 8am to 5pm.
EUR28, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Brauhaus Gosauschmied

Enjoy local specialties and craft beer, open until 9pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 15: Hallstatt and Surroundings

Hallstatt, Austria on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast included to start your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Hike to Hallstatt Skywalk

Enjoy breathtaking views over the lake and Dachstein mountains from the viewing platform.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit the Hallstatt Museum

Learn about the history and archaeology of Hallstatt, open 9am to 5pm.
EUR10, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Traditional Austrian cuisine in the village center, open till 9pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Rental on Hallstätter See

Rent a small boat to explore the lake at your own pace.
EUR20 per hour, 2h

5:00pm

Relaxation Time

Leisure time to enjoy lake views or a café.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Seehotel Grüner Baum

Fine dining with lakefront views, open until 9pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 16: Return to Budapest

Hallstatt, Austria > Budapest, Hungary on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Budapest

Return journey by train and bus from Hallstatt to Budapest, approx. 6 hours including connections.
EUR50-70, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in and Rest in Budapest

Check into hotel and relax after a long journey.
0HUF, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Borkonyha Winekitchen

Michelin-starred restaurant known for fusion Hungarian dishes and extensive wines, open till 11pm.
HUF20000, 2h
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Day 17: Departure

Budapest, Hungary on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast and Hotel Check-out

Enjoy your final breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Airport Transfer

Travel to Budapest airport for your flight back home.
HUF6000 taxi approx., 45m
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