Embarking on a solo adventure to Hungary promises a tapestry of history, culture, and relaxation. Here’s a curated guide covering your itinerary, managing costs, exploring attractions, engaging in activities, finding accommodations, indulging in local cuisine, experiencing spa and baths, joining a pub crawl, attending a pool party, embarking on day tours, discovering lakes and thermal baths, enjoying a road trip, shopping, staying aware, collecting souvenirs, and uncovering must-see places.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Budapest:

• Explore Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion
• Relax at Gellért Baths for a rejuvenating spa experience
• Indulge in Hungarian cuisine at a local eatery
• Join a pub crawl for an immersive nightlife experience

Day 2 – Budapest:

• Discover Hungarian Parliament Building
• Stroll along the Danube River
• Join a Danube River cruise for a breathtaking view
• Experience the iconic ruin bars in District VII

Day 3 – Budapest:

• Indulge in a pool party at Szechenyi Baths
• Explore the vibrant Jewish Quarters for a night out
• Savor traditional Hungarian dishes at a local restaurant

Day 4 – Eger:

• Travel to Eger for its historic architecture
• Visit Eger Castle and indulge in wine tasting
• Relax at the Egerszalók Thermal Bath

Day 5 – Szeged:

• Head to Szeged for its cultural scene
• Visit Dom Square and the Szeged Synagogue
• Enjoy an evening at the Széchenyi Square

Day 6 – Pécs:

• Explore Pécs Cathedral and Early Christian Mausoleum
• Unwind at the Pécs Thermal Bath
• Discover local cuisine in the historic city center

Day 7 – Lake Balaton Road Trip:

• Embark on a road trip to Lake Balaton
• Discover Tihany Peninsula and Balatonfüred
• Relax by the shores of Lake Balaton

Cost:

• Accommodation: Budget hotels range from $40-$80 per night; luxury hotels can start from $120 per night.
• Transportation: Public transport is affordable, budget around $30 per day. Intercity trains offer cost-effective options.
• Activities: Entrance fees to attractions range from $5-$20; budget around $15-$30 per day for activities.
• Food: Dining at local eateries can cost $10-$20 per meal; budget around $30-$40 per day for food.
• Spa and Baths: Spa and bath entrance fees vary; budget around $20-$40 per visit.
• Miscellaneous: Allocate around $20 per day for miscellaneous expenses.

Attractions:

• Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion
• Hungarian Parliament Building
• Eger Castle and Egerszalók Thermal Bath
• Dom Square in Szeged
• Pécs Cathedral and Pécs Thermal Bath
• Tihany Peninsula and Balatonfüred at Lake Balaton

Activities:

• Spa and baths experience at Gellért Baths, Szechenyi Baths, Egerszalók Thermal Bath, and Pécs Thermal Bath
• Danube River cruise
• Ruin bar exploration in District VII
• Pub crawl in Budapest
• Pool party at Szechenyi Baths
• Day tours to Eger, Szeged, and Pécs
• Road trip to Lake Balaton and Tihany Peninsula

Accommodations:

• Budget Hotels:
  • Maverick City Lodge (Budapest)
  • Hotel Senator (Eger)
  • Dóm Hotel (Szeged)
  • Centrum Hotel (Pécs)
  • Lakeside guesthouses at Lake Balaton
• Luxury Hotels:
  • Aria Hotel Budapest
  • Hotel Kodmon Wellness
  • New York Palace, The Dedica Anthology
  • Luxury resorts at Lake Balaton

Food:

Indulge in Hungarian cuisine:

• Goulash
• Langos (deep-fried flatbread)
• Chimney cake (Kürtőskalács)
• Dobos Torte (layered sponge cake)
• Hungarian wines and pálinka (fruit brandy)

Spa and Baths:

• Gellért Baths (Budapest)
• Szechenyi Baths (Budapest)
• Egerszalók Thermal Bath (Eger)
• Pécs Thermal Bath (Pécs)

Pub Crawl:

Join a local pub crawl to explore Budapest’s vibrant nightlife and meet fellow travelers.

Pool Party:

Experience the famous Szechenyi Bath pool party for a night of revelry and entertainment.

Day Tours:

Explore Eger, Szeged, and Pécs on guided day tours to discover their cultural richness.

Road Trip:

Embark on a scenic road trip to Lake Balaton, explore Tihany Peninsula, and enjoy the tranquil shores.

Lakes and Thermal Natural Baths:

Discover the beauty of Lake Balaton and unwind at thermal baths for a serene experience.

Shopping:

• Váci Street (Budapest) for souvenirs
• Great Market Hall (Budapest) for local products
• Szentendre Open-Air Market (near Budapest) for crafts
• Balatonfüred for local lake-inspired souvenirs

Aware Of:

• Local customs and etiquette
• Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
• Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants
• Stay vigilant in crowded areas and be cautious on the road trip

Souvenirs:

• Hungarian paprika
• Traditional Hungarian embroidery
• Tokaji wine
• Zsolnay ceramics
• Lake Balaton-inspired mementos