The Ultimate Hungary Itinerary: How to Spend 10 Days in Hungary
Hungary is my new favorite country. And I’m going to share my 10 day Hungary Itinerary so you can discover the land of thermal spas, delicious food, and a culture unlike any other in Europe.
Why You Should Plan a Trip to Hungary
Move over Paris, Budapest is by far the prettiest city in Europe! Budapest has it all with its striking gothic architecture, brilliant blue Danube, and rolling Buda hills. You will have some of the best food of your life, spend hours relaxing at the thermal spas, and see some of the most breathtaking city views in the entire world.
Hungarian culture is so unique too. Hungarian is a language totally on its own, unlike any other in the world. Hungarians have a great sense of humor and are passionate when they speak. They will tell you like it is, much to my shock when I went to the Hungarian Embassy for the first time! You can expect friendly locals on your trip to Hungary.
Buda Castle
Traveling to Hungary for 10 Days
The biggest airport in Hungary is the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. It is outside the city center, so you will need to take a taxi to your hotel, or you can ride the 100E bus into the city center.
The public transport in Hungary is excellent, especially in Budapest. I recommend buying a public transport pass when you arrive. If you go up to the ticket counter, they can find the best option for your stay. We got a two week pass for about $15 USD per person. Not bad at all!
If you want to go to other major cities in Hungary, you will need to go to one of the many train stations around the city and buy a ticket to your specific destination. The public transport pass in Budapest only covers Budapest!
The easiest way to navigate the public transport system here is by using Google Maps. It has up to date arrival times of trams, buses, metros, and trains with walking directions to each stop you need. If you don’t have T-Mobile (which I highly recommend if you are a traveler), you’ll need to get a SIM card so you can use Google Maps to navigate the city.
Turul statue at Buda Castle
Tips for Travelers with Anxiety in Hungary
Peak tourist season is in the summer (June - August). Expect to experience the most crowds at this time. We went in September and the crowds were minimal except when we went places on Saturday and Sunday. I have heard from a few people that it can get crazy at Christmas time too, but I haven’t been during that time myself so I can’t confirm.
The most popular spots like the Fisherman’s Bastion are going to be busy no matter when you go. We saw the most amazing sunrise there and we were already competing with people to take photos at 6:45 AM. It wasn’t as bad as when we walked by at lunchtime on a Saturday though!
Book tickets directly with the places you want to go online and in advance. This will save you from having to stand in line to buy tickets as well as having to change your third party ticket into an actual ticket once you get there.
Hungarian State Opera
What You Need to Know Before You Go
General
Hungary is part of the European Union, so the Schengen Visa applies here. You can easily spend 10 days in Hungary… or maybe 90! Starting in 2024 you will have to fill out an ETIAS application to enter the EU if you’re traveling from a visa-free country. It costs 7EUR and you will need your passport to fill out the application.
Weather
Hungary experiences all seasons, so dress appropriately! You can find my packing list below :) Also, not every place has air conditioning in the summer, so if that’s something you need make sure to book something where AC is listed!
Money
Although Hungary is in the European Union, they still use the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Some places will take Euros (EUR), but not many yet. Credit cards are widely accepted, but you will need some cash for the occasional bathroom or bus fare outside of Budapest.
Language
The official language of Hungary is Hungarian. It is a unique and beautiful language! Most younger people speak really good English, and German is also very common. Here are a few helpful phrases in Hungarian:
Igen - yes
Nem - no
Köszönöm - Thank you (you can listen to pronounciation)
Safety
I felt very safe in Hungary, even walking around at night. There are definitely areas that are shady and you should not go in Budapest, like Hős street. Keep your eyes open, and valuables hidden, and use common sense!
Where to Stay in Hungary
Budapest is a great “home base” for your Hungary itinerary. It is centrally located, which makes it easy to explore from there for 10 days in Hungary. There are two sides to the city: Buda and Pest.
Buda vs Pest for 10 Days in Hungary
The Buda side has the castle district, which is where Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church are. It is less touristy and much quieter on the Buda side. So if you want to escape the hustle and bustle and get a good night’s sleep, this is the side for you! The only downside is that to cross into the Pest side, you will need to take the M2 Metro or a tram across one of the bridges.
The Pest side has all the rest of the tourist attractions like the Parliament, St Stephens Cathedral, Ruin Bars, etc. If you want to be in the middle of the action, the Pest side is for you!
For travelers with anxiety, I recommend staying on the Buda side. I appreciated the quiet streets by our hotel and getting from one side of the Danube to the other was pretty straightforward.
Hotel Recommendation for 10 Days in Hungary
View from room at Hotel Victoria Budapest
If you’re like me, you love a good hotel room view. That is why I originally booked Boutique Hotel Victoria in Budapest. The Superior Rooms all have floor to ceiling windows with a view of the Danube and Parliament, which is 100% worth the splurge.
One thing that gives me anxiety before a trip is not knowing what a bed will be like when I get to a hotel. There’s only so much you can learn online! Thankfully these beds were so soft and cozy. I loved curling up at the end of a long day of exploring and relaxing into the memory foam.
The Halasz Utca tram stop is right out front, which makes getting around Budapest super easy. And if you miss the tram, the M2 Metro stop at Batthany Ter is only a 5 minute walk down the road. You can’t beat the location on the Buda side!
The staff were also amazing there, and the breakfast buffet in the morning was delicious. They remembered our order from day to day, which really makes you feel right at home. Staying there will make your 10 days in Hungary even better!
10 Day Hungary Itinerary
Full transparency here, our entire trip was 16 days. I have modified our Hungary itinerary to fit into a 10 day one since we had other non-touristy things to do while we were there. We also spent 2 days in Vienna and 2 days in Bratislava along the way. Here’s the links!
2 Days in Bratislava: Sights, Eats, and Photo Spots
What to do with 2 Days in Vienna
Day 1: Arrival, Zwack Unicum Museum, Dinner in Pest
Zwack Unicum Museum
On the first of your 10 days in Hungary, you have to check into your hotel of course! Depending on what time you get there (and where you are flying from), you might want to do more or less. We arrived around 10 AM and got to our hotel around 11 AM. After a quick shower and change of clothes, we grabbed lunch at Belgian Brasserie Henri right next to our hotel.
After that, we walked to Batthyány Tér where we purchased a public transport pass. Next, head to the Zwack Unicum Museum. It is near the Haller Utca stop on the number 2 tram (arguably one of the prettiest tram rides in Budapest!). Check the website for up to date hours and tour times. I recommend taking the Premium Tour because you will get to try all four of their liquors!
After your tour, take the number 2 tram back to Elisabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd) and explore the inner city of Budapest. There are many great restaurants to choose from in this area, and after you can visit many amazing shops and admire the beautiful buildings. Before heading back to your hotel, stroll along the Danube and watch the lights turn on around Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion!
Day 2: Heroes’ Square, Vajahunyad Castle, Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Statue on top of largest column at Heroes’ Square
What better way to overcome jet lag than sitting in the warm thermal waters at one of Budapest’s famous spas? … or maybe you will just go right back to sleep 🤣
Your second day on your 10 day Hungary itinerary starts at Heroes’ Square. The fastest way to get there is to take the M1 metro (AKA the oldest metro in the world) to Hősök tere. If you want to beat the crowds and take beautiful photos without having to fight the tour crowds, get there early.
The same goes for Szechenyi Thermal Bath. (p.s. this is the official website where you can buy tickets, there are others out there that will sell you tickets, but this is the right one). Both definitely get busier as the day goes on, so if you want time to enjoy them peacefully or to take nice photos, getting there early is key. Also, tickets for Szechenyi Thermal Bath are more expensive on the weekends, so if you are on a budget try to go on a weekday!
Vajahunyad Castle is right next to Heroes’ Square and Szechenyi Thermal Bath. This romantic castle features all the prominent architectural styles in Hungary from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century. You can go up in the tower closest to the road leading to Heroes’ Square for only a few dollars, and the view is totally worth it. Vajahunyad Castle is also home to the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture and the site of many festivals today. It is supposedly one of the best Christmas Markets too!
You can spend all day at the City Park where Heroes’ Square, Szechenyi Thermal Bath, and Vajahunyad Castle are. If you get hungry, head out of Heroes Square down Andrássy Út for a selection of restaurants.
Day 3: Hungarian Parliament, St Stephens Basilica, Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library
1956 Revolution Flag
To visit the Hungarian Parliament, you have to buy tickets online. The official Parliament website says that you can buy them in person but you actually can’t. Once you have your voucher, you still have to go to the ticket counter and exchange them for a physical ticket. It doesn’t make much sense, but I am saving you from the frustration we experienced! You can only take tours on the weekdays in the early morning as well, so maybe don’t stay out too late partying the night before you go 🤣
The guided tour takes about an hour and you will be given an audio guide to listen along the way. I am not a huge fan of guided tours, but it was totally worth it to see inside the beautiful Parliament and see the Hungarian Crown Jewels. This is a must see on any 10 day Hungary Itinerary!
Underneath the square where the Parliament sits is a museum/memorial to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. If you haven’t heard of this beautiful and tragic event, I highly recommend reading about it. The museum features footage of the events around the revolution as well as the flag that was taken down from the Parliament and the center cut out to rid it of the communist symbol.
Yep, that is the hand of St Stephen in there!
Next, walk to St Stephens Basilica. Make sure to buy the All in One ticket so you can walk around the top of the dome. The views are breathtaking and hands down one of the best views of Budapest! The inside of the church also holds the hand of St Stephen, the first king of Hungary and the patron saint of Hungarians. Yes, it is his legit mummified hand on display. The Holy Right is revered by Hungarians so make sure to stop and see it while you are touring the Basilica!
Honestly, I was a bit disappointed in the Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library. The photos online are beautiful, however, only a small portion of the library is in the neo-baroque Wenckheim Palace. And it was really awkward walking around taking photos while people were trying to study. I recommend going when they first open, so you don’t disturb anyone studying and have time to appreciate the beauty of the former palace turned library! That being said, it is a total hidden gem and definitely an underrated spot in Budapest.
Day 4: Margaret Island, Massage, Ruin Bars
Margaret Island is where everyone will be if it’s a nice day. This island park in the Danube has so much to do, you can spend all day here! The best way to get there is on the 4/6 tram that goes across Margit Híd. The stop is Margitsziget.
Here are some popular things to do on Margaret Island:
Rose + Japanese Garden
Petting Zoo
Palatinus Baths
Water Tower with 360 views
Music Fountain
IMO, no vacation is complete without a massage. We loved visiting the 5 Elements Spa! What I loved most was that I could mix and match different options to create the ultimate massage experience. We went with a 90 minute hot stone massage and a 30 minute head massage. Pure bliss!
And after you’ve had a long day of sunshine and R&R, it’s time to party! Every Hungary itinerary has to include a stop at the Ruin Bars. These open air bars are in bombed out buildings from WWII. Each space has a different vibe, so wander through the crowd and find a spot you like best!
Day 5: Székesfehérvár
I love Székesfehérvár sign
When you google “day trips from Budapest” you probably aren’t going to find Székesfehérvár on that list. Székesfehérvár has been an integral part of Hungarian history, and where St Stephen was crowned as the first king of Hungary. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary in the Middle Ages and was along many important trade routes. In recent years, lots of excavation has been done and you can now visit many medieval ruins.
It is only an hour by train from Budapest. I think it’s a perfect addition to any 10 day Hungary Itinerary!
Here’s what to do in Székesfehérvár:
Explore the city center’s historic buildings + orb
Visit the Town Hall to see a copy of the Holy Crown
Medieval Ruin Garden of the Coronation Basilica
St Stephen Basilica crypt to see the resting place of Hungarian Kings and Queens
Check out my full guide to Székesfehérvár!
Bory Castle in Székesfehérvár
Just outside of Székesfehérvár is Bory Castle. It was built by artist Jenõ Bory in the romantic style. He did pretty much all the work himself! The castle is filled with wonderful statues and paintings, and the turrets are every girl’s princess dream. To get here you have to take a bus, and the buses in Székesfehérvár only take cash. Make sure you have some Forint with you for this part of your 10 days in Hungary!
Day 6: Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Chain Bridge
We went to the Fisherman’s Bastion on a weekday morning at sunrise and were already competing with other photographers for space. It was nothing like Saturday at lunchtime, but be prepared to wait for space to take photos!
I can’t tell you how incredible the sunrise there was, so I’ll have to show you instead. A picture is worth a thousand words!
It was 100% worth waking up super early to get there. These are photos I will treasure forever! If you stay where we did, the Fisherman’s Bastion is only a short walk away. We actually ended up going there several times at different times of day, and it is breathtaking at night too. During the day, there is a cafe if you want to take a break from all your sightseeing and relax with an amazing view!
Right behind the Fisherman’s Bastion is Matthias Church. This historic church was the coronation site of Franz Joseph I of Hungary and Sissi as well as Charles IV and Princess Zita. It has undergone extensive renovation since it was first built, and the stained glass inside is breathtaking. I recommend buying tickets in advance, the line was so long to get in!
Maintenance on Chain Bridge in Budapest Hungary
The Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) was the first permanent bridge built in Budapest, officially connecting the cities of Buda and Pest for the first time. Unfortunately, the bridge is undergoing maintenance with an unspecified completion time. I hope by the time you are reading this and planning your trip that it has reopened!
Day 7: Terror House, Hungarian State Opera, Budapest Eye
The House of Terror museum is so different than any other museum I have visited. And it is hands down the best designed museum I have ever visited. I still don’t have words to describe the intense, heavy feelings of learning about the victims of the fascist and communist regimes that controlled Hungary in the 20th century. The building itself is striking and stands out from its surroundings. IMO, this is a can’t miss experience for anyone visiting Budapest. Just an FYI the Terror House is closed on Mondays and you can only purchase tickets at the museum.
House of Terror Museum
I will caveat that if you are a highly sensitive person or an empath, you will feel A LOT. I wasn’t prepared for just how intense it would be. I recommend having time before and after to process and do any extra self care that is necessary for you!
The Hungarian State Opera has finally reopened after years of renovation! You can now take tours of this beautiful building as well as watch world famous Operas and Ballets. The tours are only offered in the afternoon and you get to enjoy a short concert as well.
At sunset, take a ride on the Budapest Eye! You can buy tickets online to skip the line and get straight to the breathtaking view. The view is also incredible at night. No matter what time you choose, you can’t go wrong! There are many great restaurants around Erzsébet tér, so afterward have a traditional Hungarian meal and wine to finish off your night.
Day 8: Rudas Baths, Buda Castle, Gellert Hill
Castle Hill Funiculars
The Rudas Baths are so underrated! If you are looking for something unique to add to your 10 day Hungary itinerary, this is definitely a great choice. The Turkish Bath was originally built in the 16th century, and you can still bathe in the original today. There is also a rooftop hot pool with incredible views over the Danube. This spot fills up quickly, so get there early! You can buy tickets online, and tickets for the weekend are more expensive than weekdays.
After you are thoroughly relaxed, head to Buda Castle. The best way to get there is by taking one of the Castle Hill funiculars. The original was destroyed during WWII, but it has been fully restored for everyone to enjoy again. The scenic ride to the top of castle hill is also a great photo opportunity!
The inside of the castle is home to the Hungarian National Gallery where you can see many famous works by Hungarian artists. Make sure to wander the grounds and find the ruined walls of the old castle as well! All of Castle Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are many other parts to explore. The Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church are also nearby if you want to visit them again.
Another great viewpoint/sunset spot is Gellert Hill and the Citadella. The Citadella is currently closed (as of writing) for restoration. However, you can basically get right up to the Citadella and sit on the ledges for an epic sunset over Budapest. There is also a cute little chapel in the Gellert Hill Cave with nice views of the Danube. It’s a quick and fun stop on your way to the top of Gellert Hill!
Day 9: Szentendre
Old Town Szentendre
Szentendre is only 45 minutes by train from Budapest. It’s basically a suburb, to use an American term for it! This cute, colorful town even has a beach on the Danube where you can sunbathe in the summer. If you are spending 10 days in Hungary, it makes a great full or half day trip!
Here’s what to do in Szentendre:
Explore the colorful main square
Tour the Marzipan Museum and eat some candy
Visit the Christmas Museum
Wander the streets of the old town and admire the colorful houses
Visit the Blue Land Folklore shop
Blue Land Folklore shop
The owner of the Blue Land Folklore shop is so friendly and knowledgeable. We talked with her for about 30 minutes and learned so much about Hungarian cloth patterns and handmade crafts. If you want souvenirs, definitely see her for them. Everything is handmade and usually from upcycled or natural materials.
Discover more about Szentendre in my post A Romantic Day Trip to Szentendre, Hungary.
Day 10: Departure
Our flight left at 6 AM (ugh) so we had a really early wake up call after ending our amazing Hungary itinerary. We called for a taxi to pick us up since we had to leave our hotel at 3:30 AM. And the airport was packed when we got there at 4 AM! It was wild.
It takes a minimum 30 minutes to leave the city and get to the airport on a good day. Depending on where you stay you need to plan for a longer trip to the airport, so make sure you leave plenty of time to catch your flight!
If you have a later departure, you can take the 100E bus from the city center to the airport and save a bunch of money. Make sure your public transport pass is still active the day you leave! If you have your departure date printed on your pass, it is good until midnight on that day.
Vajahunyad Castle
What to Pack for 10 Days in Hungary
Packing for 10 days in Hungary might feel daunting, but I got you! I am an anxious overpacker, so I have an exhaustive list for each and every one of my trips. I never forget anything anymore 🤣 You can check out my full packing guide here.
For the spas, you need
Swimsuit
Coverup
Flip flops or slides
Towel (you can purchase them there too)
For a Hungary itinerary in September (when we went), I also brought
Leather jacket
Rain jacket
Waterproof booties
Sneakers
Jeans
Tops that I could layer
The weather in September is lovely, not too hot and not too cold. It may rain though! Your best friend is going to be layers.
Szechenyi Thermal Bath
The Ultimate Hungary Itinerary Final Thoughts
I created this Hungary itinerary based on my preferences for slow, intentional travel. I grouped each day’s itinerary by things that were close by, so you can mix up the days depending on when you arrive/leave! 10 days in Hungary will fly by and it will be time to head home before you know it. I hope you fall in love with this beautiful country as much as I did!