Comprehensive Budapest and Lake Balaton Itinerary with Austrian Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation

Budapest, Hungary on June 7, 2025

5:00pm

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Your mom arrives late afternoon; ensure smooth airport transfer and comfortable check-in at the hotel to relax after her flight.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Baltazár Budapest

Enjoy a relaxed first evening dinner at Baltazár Budapest restaurant offering traditional Hungarian cuisine in a cosy ambiance. The restaurant opens from 12pm to 11pm.
HUF 7000 per person approx., 1h30m
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Day 2: Budapest Classics

Budapest, Hungary on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cserpes Tejivó

Start the day with classic Hungarian dairy products and pastries at Cserpes Tejivó, open from 7am to 7pm.
HUF 1500 approx., 30m

9:00am

Visit Hungarian Parliament Building

Tour the iconic Parliament building, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Guided tours run from 8am to 6pm, so booking early is recommended.
HUF 3900 per person, 1h30m

11:00am

Margaret Island Walk

Enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride around Margaret Island, a peaceful park in the Danube River with gardens and fountains. Open all day, free entrance.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Margitszigeti Café

Have a light lunch at Margitszigeti Café located on Margaret Island serving Hungarian and international dishes, open 11am-7pm.
HUF 4000 approx., 1h

2:30pm

Buda Castle Visit

Explore historic Buda Castle, with its museums and panoramic city views. Open 10am to 6pm.
HUF 2000 with museum entry extra, 2h

5:00pm

Fisherman's Bastion

Visit Fisherman’s Bastion nearby for stunning views over the Danube and Pest side. Open 24 hours, free entrance.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pest-Buda Bistro

Enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes in a charming historic setting. Open 12pm to 11pm.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h30m
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Day 3: River Cruise & Szentendre

Budapest, Hungary on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Start with a luxurious breakfast at the famous New York Café (7am to 11am).
HUF 5500 approx., 1h

9:30am

Danube River Cruise

Take a scenic 1.5-hour Danube River cruise showcasing Budapest’s landmarks. Cruises start from 9am with various operators.
HUF 4500 per person, 1h30m

11:30am

Travel to Szentendre

Catch a suburban train (HÉV) from Budapest to Szentendre, a charming riverside town known for art galleries and museums. Journey approx 40 minutes.
HUF 650 round trip, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Aranysárkány Vendéglő

Enjoy authentic Hungarian and Serbian influenced cuisine in Szentendre. Open 12pm to 10pm.
HUF 5000 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Explore Szentendre

Stroll through cobbled streets, visit local galleries, the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, and churches.
Museum entry varies, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Budapest

Return by train to Budapest for some evening relaxation.
Included in above, 40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mazel Tov

Dine at Mazel Tov, a trendy ruin bar and restaurant serving Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Open 12pm to midnight.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h30m
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Day 4: St Stephen's & Leisure

Budapest, Hungary on June 10, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Gerbeaud Café

Enjoy classic Hungarian pastries and coffee at Gerbeaud Café, open from 9am.
HUF 3500 approx., 1h

10:30am

Sunday English Mass at St Stephen’s Basilica

Attend the lovely English mass at St Stephen’s Basilica, held at 10:30am on Sundays, offering a spiritual and cultural experience.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kiosk Budapest

Have a contemporary lunch at Kiosk Budapest, known for its vibrant atmosphere and modern Hungarian cuisine. Open 11:30am - 10pm.
HUF 5500 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Free Afternoon at Leisure or Shopping

Explore shopping streets like Váci Utca or relax in a café, allowing a flexible schedule today.
Varies, 3h

5:00pm

Coffee Break at Espresso Embassy

Enjoy specialty coffee at the cosy Espresso Embassy from 8am to 6pm.
HUF 1500 approx., 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Costes Downtown

Dine at the Michelin-starred Costes Downtown for an exquisite culinary evening. Reservation required, open 6pm to 10pm.
From HUF 15000 per person, 2h
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Day 5: Final Budapest & Departure

Budapest, Hungary on June 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cirkusz Café

Start with a hearty breakfast at Cirkusz Café, open from 9am.
HUF 3500 approx., 1h

9:30am

Last stroll on Margaret Island or nearby

Enjoy some final fresh air and scenic views before packing and check-out.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Frici Papa Kifőzdéje

Enjoy simple and affordable traditional Hungarian food at this local favourite, open 11am to 10pm.
HUF 3000 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Pack and prepare for Lake Balaton trip

Return to hotel to pack for the Lake Balaton trip and relax before departure.
Free, 4h

6:00pm

Travel to Lake Balaton

Depart Budapest in the evening by car or train to Lake Balaton, beginning your lakeside stay.
Transport cost varies, 2h

8:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Lake Balaton Hotel

Check into your chosen accommodation by the lake and enjoy a relaxed dinner onsite or nearby.
Variable, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lake Balaton Leisure

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or a local café with views of Lake Balaton.
Variable, 1h

9:30am

Explore Balatonfüred

Visit the town of Balatonfüred, famous for its promenade, historic villas, and lake activities.
Free, some attractions may charge entry, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Füred Restaurant

Experience fresh fish and traditional Hungarian lake cuisine, open 12pm to 9pm.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h

2:30pm

Boat ride on Lake Balaton

Spend the afternoon on a boat trip on Lake Balaton enjoying lake views and fresh air.
HUF 3000 per person, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at lakeside café

Unwind at a lakeside café with coffee or desserts.
HUF 1500 approx., 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Révfülöp Bistro

Dine on local and international dishes with a view of the sunset over Lake Balaton. Open until 10pm.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h30m
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Day 7: Lake Balaton Activities

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast by the Lake

Enjoy breakfast at a hotel terrace or lakeside café with fresh local produce.
Variable, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tihany Peninsula

Explore the Tihany Peninsula with its lavender fields, historic abbey, and spectacular views over the lake. Open daily.
Free to walk; small fees for Abbey entry, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch in Tihany Village

Enjoy village dining with local fish specialties at Plage Restaurant or similar, open 12pm to late.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h

3:00pm

Wine Tasting at Local Winery

Visit a nearby winery for tasting some of Balaton’s famous wines in the afternoon. Booking recommended.
HUF 4000 approx., 2h

6:00pm

Return and Relax by Lake

Return to your accommodation for some relaxation and lake views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Restaurant

Enjoy your final evening meal at your hotel restaurant or a recommended local eatery.
Variable, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Budapest

Budapest, Hungary on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before check-out from the Lake Balaton accommodation.
Included in stay, 1h

9:30am

Pack and Check-out

Prepare for departure back to Budapest.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Travel to Budapest

Travel back to Budapest by train or car, journey approximately 2 hours.
Variable transport cost, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Szimpla Kert Market

Lunch at the popular Szimpla Kert indoor market with many food stalls offering Hungarian and international options, open 10am to midnight.
HUF 4000 approx., 1h

2:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Free Afternoon

Check into Budapest hotel for overnight stay and enjoy leisure time to rest or explore shopping areas.
Variable, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Onyx Restaurant

Celebrate your return stay with dinner at Michelin-starred Onyx Restaurant, known for refined Hungarian cuisine. Open from 6pm.
From HUF 18000 per person, 2h
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Day 9: Train to Austria

Budapest, Hungary -> Austria on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick hotel breakfast before departing.
Included in stay, 30m

8:00am

Train Journey to Vienna

Take an early morning train from Budapest Keleti to Vienna Hauptbahnhof, journey approx 2h 40m.
EUR 30-50 per person, 2h40m

11:00am

Hotel Check-in in Vienna

Arrive and settle into Vienna accommodation before beginning Austrian itinerary.
Variable, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Central

Enjoy famous Viennese pastries and traditional meals at historic Café Central, open from 8am.
EUR 20 per person approx., 1h

1:30pm

Start Vienna sightseeing

Begin visiting landmarks such as Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Ringstrasse.
Entry fees vary, 3h

5:00pm

Coffee break at Demel

Pause with coffee and cakes at Demel, a historic Viennese pastry shop.
EUR 10 approx., 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Experience traditional Austrian Tafelspitz and other local dishes. Open 12pm to 11pm.
EUR 40 per person approx., 1h30m
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