Curator’s statement
This itinerary is especially meaningful to me because I curated it for some dear friends visiting Budapest, Vienna and Prague for the first time, with only 3–4 days to experience it all. They had a blast exploring the rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture each city has to offer. I wanted to make sure they didn’t miss the highlights while also giving them an authentic taste of each destination. It’s always a joy to help others make the most of their travels!
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Day 1: Budapest
As my friends were pressed for time, I recommended a private luxury tour with a luxury car to drive them around. The tour lasts approximately four hours. It provides a comprehensive exploration of Budapest's top sights, with the flexibility to customize it based on your interests (just chat with your guide to personalize it). Admission to sites like St. Stephen's Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church isn’t included (about 73 euros for 2), additional tickets can also be purchased for Fisherman’s Bastion (4 euros per person) and St. Stephen’s Basilica (20 euros per person). Here’s what the tour covers:
Central Market Hall
Hungarian National Museum (pass-by)
Buda Castle
Matthias Church
Fisherman’s Bastion (additional charge)
Trinity Square
Gellert Hill
St. Stephen’s Basilica (additional charge)
Vajdahunyad Castle
Szechenyi Baths and Pool
Heroes’ Square
Jewish Quarter (pass-by)
Hungarian Parliament Building.
After the tour, enjoy a dinner in the vibrant Jewish Quarter (7th district, Erzsébetváros), famous for its rich history, lively ambiance and diverse dining options. From traditional Hungarian dishes to modern fusion cuisine, the neighborhood offers a fantastic dining experience.
For a fun nightcap, head to Szimpla Kert, a famous ruin bar. Just six minutes by car or a 15-minute walk from the Jewish Quarter, these bars are set in abandoned buildings. They offer a quirky and lively atmosphere perfect for experiencing Budapest’s unique nightlife.
Day 2: Spa and sites
Szechenyi Baths and Pool
Start your day with a relaxing visit to Szechenyi Baths and Pool, just 13 minutes by car from the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel. This is Europe's largest and most famous spa complex, featuring 15 indoor baths, three grand outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms and even a rooftop spa greenhouse. It’s the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate. Tickets are available on-site or online, which I can get for you, at the best rate.
Heroes’ Square & Vajdahunyad Castle
After your spa experience, head over to Heroes' Square, which is nearby (approximately 5 minutes by car). From there, take a short walk to Vajdahunyad Castle, a picturesque castle that is part of City Park and offers stunning views.
Hungarian Parliament Building
Next, make your way to the Hungarian Parliament Building, just a 9-minute drive away. Be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before your tour starts to pick up tickets (I can get the tickets for you here too). Explore the grand architecture and historical significance of one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks.
Chain Bridge
From the Parliament Building, take a short 2-minute drive or enjoy a leisurely 16-minute walk to Chain Bridge, one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks. Walk across the bridge for great views of the Parliament Building and Buda Castle. No tickets required for this scenic experience.
Andrássy Avenue
After your stroll on the Chain Bridge, head to Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This luxurious street is lined with cafes, high-end shops and grand buildings. It’s a perfect spot for a coffee break or late lunch. You can reach Andrássy Avenue in about 4 minutes by car or 19 minutes on foot.
Back to the hotel
After a relaxing visit to Andrássy Avenue, return to your hotel, Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, just 6 minutes by car or a 17-minute walk away.
Depart Budapest to Vienna: Time to head to your next destination!
Day 3: Strolling through Vienna
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)
12-minute car ride or 14-minute walk from the Rosewood Vienna Hotel. It makes sense to start your evening here, especially as it’s a landmark that looks stunning at sunset. Evening concerts are available, and I'd be happy to help you with booking tickets.
Dinner in the City Center (Innere Stadt)
A four-minute walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral. After exploring the cathedral, head to one of the nearby traditional Viennese restaurants for dinner.
Evening walk along Ringstrasse
A four-minute car ride or 10-minute walk from the city center (Innere Stadt). After dinner, a leisurely stroll along Ringstrasse makes a perfect follow-up. It allows you to pass iconic sites like the Vienna State Opera and City Hall, beautifully illuminated in the evening.
Visit the Hofburg Palace
An 11-minute car ride or 16-minute walk from Ringstrasse. The Hofburg Palace is a great stop to admire its architecture at night, and it's conveniently located near the Ringstrasse.
Drinks or dessert at a historic café
Just a four-minute walk from the Hofburg Palace. End your evening by visiting a historic café like Café Central or Café Sacher, both known for their relaxed, late-night atmosphere and famous Viennese coffee and pastries.
Day 4: Hallstatt and Salzburg
My friends were eager to explore the mountains, so I arranged a private day trip to Hallstatt and Salzburg from Vienna (11–12 hours), which they absolutely loved!
For dinner, I suggest heading to the modern Leopoldstadt district, just 26 minutes by car from Le Meridien Hotel. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its contemporary dining scene. I recommend checking with the hotel’s concierge for great restaurant options in the area. But the Leopoldstadt district offers a variety of trendy spots with a lively atmosphere for a modern dining experience.
Day 5: Prague
And finally, for Prague, I recommend visiting
Wenceslas Monument: This site is just eight minutes by car or a 20-minute walk from the Grand Mark Hotel
Start your exploration with Wenceslas Square, a historic site where many important events, including those during the 1968 Prague Spring, took place.
Letná Park: 12 min by car from Wenceslas Square. Enjoy a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of the city and the Vltava River, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral: Head to the iconic Prague Castle and explore the castle complex, including the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral. If time allows, check out the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane. Take your time to enjoy the breathtaking views from the castle grounds.
Malá Strana (Lesser Town): Stroll down to this charming district with its narrow streets and historical Baroque buildings. Don’t miss St. Nicholas Church, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.
Charles Bridge (Karlův most): Walk across this historic bridge, offering fantastic views of Prague Castle, the Vltava River and the city’s skyline. You’ll also find artists and musicians adding to the lively atmosphere.
Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock: End your day in Old Town (Stare Mesto) with a visit to the Astronomical Clock and the surrounding medieval streets.
Dinner in Stare Mesto (Old Town): Dine at a traditional Czech restaurant in Old Town for a genuine taste of Prague's culinary delights.
Drinks or dessert in Stare Mesto (Old Town): After dinner, enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar such as T-Anker or Terasa U Prince, where you can take in stunning views of Prague’s rooftops. Alternatively, indulge in delicious pastries and desserts at historic cafés like Café Savoy or Café Louvre.
Need to know
Currency
Budapest: The local currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro. While many places accept credit cards, it's a good idea to carry cash, especially in more local spots. ATMs are widely available.
Vienna: Austria uses the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but small purchases might still require cash. ATMs are easily accessible throughout the city.
Prague: The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the Euro. Similar to Budapest, credit cards are commonly accepted, but having some cash on hand, especially for smaller transactions, is advisable. ATMs are plentiful.
Tipping
Budapest: A tip of 10–15 percent in restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common.
Vienna: Tipping is customary in restaurants — around 5–10 percent. It’s also common to round up the bill when using taxis or public transport. In cafes, a small tip for table service is appreciated.
Prague: In restaurants, a 10 percent tip is standard, although rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common in taxis and cafes. Always check if a service charge is included before tipping extra.
Food and drink:
Budapest: Hungarian cuisine is hearty, with must-try dishes like goulash, langos (fried dough) and chimney cake. Don’t miss the traditional cafés and ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter. Try a Hungarian wine or the famous palinka (fruit brandy).
Vienna: Vienna is renowned for its coffeehouses. Enjoy a Melange (coffee) with a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of its historic cafés. Traditional dishes include Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and goulash. Pair your meals with a local Austrian wine or beer.
Prague: Czech cuisine is rich and filling, with classics like svíčková (marinated beef with creamy sauce), goulash, and trdelník (pastry). Beer is a staple in Prague, with the country boasting some of the world’s best brews. Don't miss trying a Czech Pilsner.
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Sophie Khoury
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