Budapest 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Travel to Budapest

Fly from Porto to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).

Upon arrival, take public transport (e.g., 100E bus) to the city center and check into your accommodation.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel, settle in, and refresh after your journey.

Danube Riverside Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Pest side of the Danube River, taking in the iconic views of the Buda Castle, Parliament Building, and Chain Bridge as you get acquainted with the city.

Traditional Hungarian Dinner

Savor your first Hungarian meal at a local restaurant.

Try goulash or paprika chicken.

Explore Buda Castle

Cross the Chain Bridge to the Buda side and explore the historic Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the Hungarian National Gallery.

You can take a funicular up to the castle district or walk. The views from the castle grounds are spectacular.

Hungarian National Gallery

Discover Hungarian art from medieval times to the present day within the beautiful grounds of the Buda Castle.

Fisherman's Bastion & Matthias Church

Visit the fairytale-like Fisherman's Bastion for panoramic views of Pest and admire the colorful roof tiles of Matthias Church, a stunning Roman Catholic church.

Matthias Church has an entrance fee, while Fisherman's Bastion has free and paid sections for views.

Dinner in Buda

Enjoy dinner in the charming Buda Castle District or head back to Pest for more dining options.

St. Stephen's Basilica

Visit Budapest's largest church, St.

Stephen's Basilica. You can also climb to the panoramic terrace for impressive city views.

There is a small entrance fee to enter the basilica and a separate fee to access the dome.

Hungarian State Opera House

Take a guided tour of the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House, an architectural masterpiece on Andrássy Avenue.

Check tour schedules in advance as they are often limited. Alternatively, just admire the exterior.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Indulge in a relaxing afternoon at one of Europe's largest medicinal baths.

Experience the outdoor and indoor pools fed by natural hot springs.

Bring your own towel and swimsuit, or rent them there. Consider purchasing tickets online to save time.

Heroes' Square & City Park

After the baths, take a short walk to Heroes' Square, one of Budapest's major squares, and explore parts of the adjacent City Park.

Absolute Tours Budapest

Join a walking tour to discover the main sights and hidden gems of Budapest's rich social history, including the Jewish Quarter.

Absolute Tours offers specially themed tours. Good for getting an overview and historical context.

Great Market Hall

Explore the vibrant Great Market Hall, Budapest's largest and oldest indoor market.

Sample local delicacies, buy souvenirs, or grab a quick lunch from the upper floor food stalls.

A great place for budget-friendly food and experiencing local life.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Visit the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, honoring the Jewish victims shot into the Danube during WWII.

Hungarian Parliament Building

Admire the exterior of the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most beautiful legislative buildings in the world. Consider a guided tour if time allows.

Guided tours require advance booking and can take 45 minutes.

Explore Margaret Island

Spend a relaxing morning on Margaret Island, a tranquil green oasis in the middle of the Danube.

Enjoy a walk, rent a bike, or relax by the musical fountain.

Taste Hungary Food Tour

Embark on a culinary journey with Taste Hungary, offering food and wine experiences to discover the local gastronomy. Perfect for a solo traveler to taste various Hungarian delights.

Booking required in advance. Tours usually include tastings of various foods and often wine.

Evening & Slovenia Prep

Enjoy a final dinner in Budapest, then pack and prepare for your onward journey to Slovenia tomorrow.

Travel from Budapest to Ljubljana

Board a comfortable bus from Budapest to Ljubljana.

Enjoy the scenic journey as you cross into Slovenia.

Check into Accommodation

Settle into your hotel in Ljubljana.

Take some time to freshen up before heading out.

Hotel is centrally located for easy access to the city center and public transport.

Explore Old Town & Bridges

Begin your exploration of Ljubljana's picturesque Old Town.

Wander through Prešeren Square, cross the iconic Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

The Old Town is largely pedestrianized, making it perfect for leisurely walks. Keep an eye out for street performers.

Dinner in Old Town

Enjoy traditional Slovenian cuisine at a restaurant along the Ljubljanica River.

Ljubljana Castle Visit

Take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views of the city.

Explore the castle grounds, chapel, and virtual museum.

The funicular offers a quick and scenic ride. You can also walk up for a more active approach.

Central Market & Lunch

Explore Ljubljana's Central Market, designed by Jože Plečnik.

Browse local produce, crafts, and grab a casual lunch from one of the food stalls or bakeries.

A great spot to experience local life and sample fresh, seasonal Slovenian foods.

Stroll in Tivoli Park

Relax and unwind with a walk through Tivoli Park, Ljubljana's largest and most beautiful park. Visit the Jakopič Promenade and the Tivoli Mansion.

Perfect for a leisurely afternoon, perhaps with a coffee break at one of the park cafes.

Ljubljanica River Cruise

Enjoy a tranquil boat cruise along the Ljubljanica River, offering unique perspectives of the city's architecture and bridges.

Several companies offer cruises departing from different points along the river. No booking typically required, just show up.

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Discover a cozy restaurant off the main tourist paths for an authentic Slovenian dinner experience.

Travel to Lake Bled

Take a direct bus from Ljubljana to the stunning Lake Bled.

The journey offers picturesque views of the Slovenian countryside.

Buses run frequently from Ljubljana's main bus station. Buy your ticket at the station or directly from the driver.

Pletna Boat to Bled Island

Experience a traditional 'Pletna' boat ride across Lake Bled to the enchanting Bled Island.

Ring the wishing bell in the Church of the Assumption of Mary.

Pletna boats are unique to Bled and are rowed by standing 'Pletnarji' (gondoliers).

Bled Castle & Lunch

Visit Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake.

Explore the museum, enjoy the views, and have lunch at the castle restaurant or a nearby eatery.

Walk up to the castle or take a shuttle from the lake shore. Offers stunning photographic opportunities.

Walk Around Lake Bled

Take a leisurely walk or rent a bicycle to circumnavigate Lake Bled, enjoying the serene natural beauty and various viewpoints.

The path around the lake is approximately 6km (3.7 miles) and mostly flat.

Return to Ljubljana

Catch a bus back to Ljubljana from Lake Bled.

Buses run regularly, especially in the afternoon/evening.

Casual Dinner in Ljubljana

Enjoy a relaxed dinner after your day trip, perhaps trying a different area of the city.

National Museum of Slovenia

Delve into Slovenia's rich history, from prehistoric times to the present day, at the National Museum of Slovenia.

A great way to understand the country's heritage.

Riverside Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the Ljubljanica River, people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere.

Metelkova Mesto Arts Center

Explore Metelkova Mesto, an autonomous social and cultural center.

Witness vibrant street art, unique galleries, and a bohemian atmosphere.

Best experienced during the day for art viewing, but it comes alive with bars and clubs at night.

Souvenir Shopping

Spend some time browsing for unique Slovenian souvenirs, crafts, or local delicacies to bring home.

Farewell Dinner

Indulge in a special farewell dinner to celebrate your solo adventure through Budapest and Slovenia.

Consider trying a restaurant with a tasting menu or a highly-rated local spot.

Leisurely Breakfast

Enjoy a final Slovenian breakfast at a charming local café near your hotel.

Final Stroll or Park Visit

Take one last walk through a favorite part of the city, perhaps revisit Prešeren Square or relax in a small park before heading to the station.

Hotel Check-out

Check out from your hotel.

Depart from Ljubljana

Head to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) by airport shuttle or bus, or to the main train/bus station for your onward journey.

Plan your departure route based on your next destination. Airport shuttles and public buses are available for transfer to LJU airport. The main bus and train stations are conveniently located in the city center.