12 Days Exploring Vienna Budapest and Zagreb Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika), one of Budapest's most important religious buildings. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Next, explore the vibrant Central Market Hall (Nagycsarnok), where you can find local produce, souvenirs, and traditional Hungarian foods.

Join the highly recommended tour: Budapest: 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest. This guided tour will take you through both sides of the city, providing insights into its history, culture, and architecture. Afterward, visit House of Parliament (Országház), an architectural masterpiece along the Danube River.

Spend your evening in Budapest's lively Jewish Quarter (Budapest Jewish Quarter (District VII)). Explore its unique ruin bars like Szimpla Kert, known for their eclectic decor and vibrant atmosphere. For dinner, head to Mazel Tov, which offers delicious Middle Eastern cuisine in a stylish setting.

Start your day with an adventure at Palvolgyi Caves (Pálvölgyi Barlang). These limestone caves are part of Hungary's longest cave system and offer guided tours showcasing stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations.

Take part in another exciting tour: Budapest: Adventure Caving Tour with Guide. This tour will give you an even deeper exploration into Budapest’s underground world. Afterward, relax at Margaret Island (Margaret Island (Margit-Sziget)), a tranquil parkland on an island in the middle of the Danube River.

Conclude your day with an unforgettable experience on board: Budapest: Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music. Enjoy a romantic dinner while cruising along the Danube River as live music sets the perfect ambiance. For drinks afterward, visit High Note SkyBar, offering panoramic views over Budapest.

Begin your exploration of Vienna with a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn). This former imperial summer residence is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers stunning gardens, opulent rooms, and fascinating history. Don't miss the Vienna: Strudel Show with Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace, where you can watch a live demonstration of traditional Viennese apple strudel making and enjoy a delicious tasting.

Head to the historic center of Vienna and explore the grand Hofburg Imperial Palace (Hofburg Wien). This sprawling complex was the winter residence of the Habsburgs and now houses several museums, including the Sisi Museum. Join the Vienna: Hofburg and Empress Sisi Museum Guided Tour for an in-depth look at the life of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) and the imperial apartments.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Vienna's rich musical heritage with a visit to Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper). Enjoy a world-class performance in one of Europe's most prestigious opera houses. For dinner, dine at Plachutta Wollzeile, renowned for its traditional Viennese cuisine, especially its famous Tafelspitz.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (Museum of Fine Arts) is your first stop today. This museum boasts an impressive collection of art from ancient Egypt to Renaissance masterpieces. Spend your morning exploring its vast galleries and marveling at works by artists like Caravaggio, Raphael, and Vermeer.

Hundertwasser House (Hundertwasserhaus) is next on your list. This unique apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser is a colorful and whimsical architectural marvel. Afterward, take part in the Vienna: City Sightseeing Tour in an Electro Vintage Car, which offers a fun and eco-friendly way to see Vienna's highlights.

Prater Park awaits you this evening. Ride on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Vienna: Skip-the-cashier-desk-line Giant Ferris Wheel Ride) for breathtaking views over Vienna. For dinner, head to Schweizerhaus, located within Prater Park, known for its hearty Austrian dishes like crispy pork knuckle.

St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is an iconic symbol of Vienna. Climb up to its tower for panoramic views over the city or explore its catacombs below ground level. Then visit Naschmarkt, Vienna's most popular market offering fresh produce, spices, cheeses, meats as well as international delicacies.

Join another insightful tour: Vienna: Guided Walking Tour of City Center Highlights. This guided tour will take you through some key landmarks including St Michael’s Church (St Michael’s Church (Michaelerkirche)), Hofburg Palace complex among others while providing historical context about each site visited.

End your day with an elegant dinner at Restaurant Stefanie (Stefanie), which offers classic Viennese dishes served in beautiful surroundings followed by attending classical concert performance held either at Musikverein or Karlskirche depending upon availability during time travel period.

Start your day with a visit to Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This iconic landmark is the tallest building in Croatia and features stunning Gothic architecture. Afterward, take a stroll through Dolac Market, Zagreb's bustling open-air market, where you can sample fresh local produce and traditional Croatian delicacies.

Join the highly recommended tour: Best of Zagreb Walking Tour. This guided tour will take you through the city's historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and Lower Town (Donji Grad), providing insights into its rich history and culture. You'll visit key landmarks such as St. Mark's Church (Crkva Svetog Marka) and Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata).

In the evening, explore Zagreb's vibrant nightlife with a visit to one of its popular bars or lounges. Start at The Garden Brewery, known for its craft beers and lively atmosphere. For dinner, head to Vinodol Restaurant, which offers delicious Croatian cuisine in a cozy setting.

Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej Prekinutih Veza) is your first stop today. This unique museum showcases personal objects from broken relationships along with their stories, offering a poignant and often humorous look at love and loss.

Zagreb Botanical Garden is next on your list. This beautiful garden offers a peaceful retreat with its diverse collection of plants and serene walking paths. Afterward, join the insightful tour: Zagreb: Private Historic Walking Tour with a Local Guide, which will provide deeper insights into Zagreb's history and culture.

Croatian National Theatre (HNK Zagreb) awaits you this evening for an unforgettable performance. Enjoy an opera or ballet in this stunning historic venue. For dinner, dine at Dubravkin Put, known for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and elegant ambiance.

Mount Medvednica (Sljeme) is your destination this morning. Take a hike or cable car ride up this mountain for breathtaking views over Zagreb and the surrounding countryside.

Mirogoj Cemetery is next on your itinerary. This beautiful cemetery is known for its impressive arcades, sculptures, and tranquil atmosphere. Afterward, join another exciting tour: Zagreb: Private Food Tour with Tastings, where you'll sample local delicacies while learning about Croatian culinary traditions.

Conclude your day with a relaxing evening at Jarun Lake (Jarun Lake). Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake or rent a paddleboat to explore its waters before heading to dinner at Konoba Didov San, which offers traditional Dalmatian dishes in a charming setting.

Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház). This neo-Renaissance building is one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. Afterward, stroll along Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy Út), a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with elegant buildings, cafes, and shops.

Head to House of Terror Museum (Terror Háza Múzeum), which provides a sobering look at Hungary's fascist and communist regimes. The museum is located in the former headquarters of the secret police and offers powerful exhibits on this dark period of history. Next, join the tour: Budapest: Buda Castle District Walking Tour with a Historian. This tour will give you an in-depth understanding of Budapest's history as you explore the Buda Castle District.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxing time at Gellért Thermal Bath and Spa. These historic baths offer a range of thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms. For dinner, head to Kéhli Vendéglő, known for its traditional Hungarian dishes and charming atmosphere.

Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) is your first stop today. This baroque palace complex houses an impressive collection of Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt. Spend your morning exploring its beautiful gardens and galleries.

Museum Quarter (MuseumsQuartier) awaits you next. This cultural complex is home to several museums, galleries, and performance spaces. Join the insightful tour: Vienna: Secrets of the Fiaker & Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride, where you'll learn about Vienna's famous horse-drawn carriages and enjoy a ride through the city.

Vienna Prater (Wiener Prater) offers fun for all ages with its amusement park rides and attractions. Ride on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel for stunning views over Vienna before heading to dinner at Lugeck, which serves traditional Austrian cuisine in a modern setting.

Mimara Museum (Muzej Mimara) is your first destination today. This museum houses an extensive collection of art from various periods and regions, including works by Raphael, Rembrandt, and Goya.

Art Pavilion is next on your list. This historic exhibition hall hosts rotating art exhibitions featuring both Croatian and international artists. Afterward, join another exciting tour: Zagreb Big tour - private tour, which will take you through some lesser-known but equally fascinating parts of Zagreb.

Conclude your trip with an evening visit to Zrinjevac Park (Nikola Subic Zrinski Square). Enjoy a leisurely walk through this beautiful park before heading to dinner at Agava, known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine served in an elegant setting.