Budapest has been called Europe’s most underrated city (and Ronak’s favorite city in the world!). It’s also an easy day trip to Vienna, Austria! Solo vegetarian travel to Budapest, Vienna, and all other places in the world has become so much easier with vegan restaurants at every corner of big cities and vegetarian options on almost all menus.
Day 1
Evening
The evening I arrived in Budapest, I walked over to a stop I had to make – the Harry Potter-themed restaurant called The Magic, where I had an indeed magical milkshake. It was so filled with the most magical, fun decorations. Then I wandered around and found the highest-rated pizza joint in the area called Pizzica. Right next to my wonderful Air BnB was an underground bar called The Crypt where I spotted a coffin while walking by – and I knew I would be back.
One of the things I loved the most about the city was the art sculptures and murals everywhere.
Day 2: Day trip to Vienna, Austria
The next morning I embarked on the slightly chaotic but ultimately successful train ride to Vienna. I ate breakfast at Superfood Deli Acai Bowl and headed to Vienna’s most revered museum – Kunsthistoriches Museum. Art from several areas and parts of the world filled the museum including an entire wing of just Egyptian sarcophagi (my 9-year-old self was screeching). I ate lunch at Shoya Ramen and walked the beautiful streets of the most castle-like structures but also most upscale stores.
It was time for the whole reason I came to Vienna – one of the 5 vegetarian-only Michelin Star restaurants in the word, TIAN! The whole experience was a wild ride of textures and flavors. It was definitely best shared with someone else and also best done with the wine pairing.
Day 3
Morning
The next day I had the most satisfying vegan Mexican brunch at the Vexicana food truck. I visited the St. Stephan’s Basilica which was beautiful inside and out. More wandering led me to a delicious iced coffee at Coffee Cat which had just opened at the time. I made sure to see the shoes on the Danube along the river toward the Parliament Building (made the mistake of not going early enough to catch a tour). I HAD to stop at the iconic and delicious Gelato Rosa for my custom rose petal gelato cone! The giant ferris wheel seemed like a great idea to see the city better and it definitely was.
Afternoon
I walked down the fabulous Fashion Street and discovered new brands Nanushka and Oysho. I made my way down to the Central Market, the bottom floor of which featured food market stalls and the top with endless souvenir stalls. This is where I picked up little bottle of palinka for everyone back home – the perfect, carry on-friendly souvenir from Budapest. Starving, I headed to Indian Dining Indian restaurant, where I tried palinka myself for the first time. The waiter warned me to have water on hand and he was not wrong! I stopped by the some vintage shops for which Budapest is known. Sputnik is where I scored my most favorite find to date – a vintage Kansai crewneck that I will cherish forever!
Evening
I headed back to the Air BnB to change into warmer clothes before taking the bus to Fisherman’s Bastion. Fisherman’s Bastion shines at night especially with the nighttime views of the Parliament Building. I finished the night at The Crypt where I struck up a conversation with one of the musicians and learned about Babymetal for the first time (which, if you know me, low-key changed my life)!
Day 4
Morning and Afternoon
It was a chill day that started with an avocado toast brunch at Vinyl & Wood. I took the trip up to Buda Castle and walked the Hungarian National Gallery. Then came back down to the city proper to Tereza for a nice Mexican and margarita dinner.
Evening and Night
A girl at The Crypt the night before recommended the wine bar Vinikli. I sat there for hours relaxing, people-watching, and recalling and writing down the details of my entire trip (for this blog!). Budapest is known for its ruin bars and one of the best has to be Ruin Bars Budapest. Waiting is line was worth it for the colorful, interesting vibes, unique sections with different music and themes, and ridiculous DJs. Las Vegans vegan burgers happened to be open late just across the street which was amazing.
I stayed out and came straight back to the Air BnB, packed up, and headed to the airport at 2am to go back home.
This post was all about my adventures in solo vegetarian travel in Budapest and Vienna! Check out my blogpost on my solo trip to Prague and my capsule wardrobe from the trip!
