Hungary’s capital is an exciting city that feels endlessly awake. With ruin bars and gorgeous Baroque architecture spanning the banks of the Danube River, everywhere you look is a new highlight to enjoy. Walk along the boutique shops lining the wide streets in the Inner City or enjoy the powerful atmosphere cast by the parliament building as it towers over the winding river water. Your Workaiton representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your pre-screened accommodations, where you can find the amenities you need to succeed during your Hungary Workation package. 

Focus: When you arrive at your accommodations, take a few deep breaths, inhaling on a slow count to four, pausing for three, and exhaling with a slow count to four. Do this four times and see how it helps you stay calm and focused. 

Suggestion: Budapest’s cafes can feel like stepping back in time. If you have the energy when you arrive, visit at least one coffee house to enjoy the gilded decorations and sweet confections. 

Getting acquainted with the city and your accommodations will help you easily sink into work when you start the week. Coupled with a ritual that balances intention with routine, you can quickly conquer your focus and get your projects done for the day no matter where in the world you are. 

Once finished with your tasks, take a tour of the Pest side of Budapest. A guide can help you get better informed by introducing you to the monuments with historical and cultural context that can create deeper meaning. Walk along the Danube Promenade for one of the best pictures of the river and surrounding city. Enjoy a view of the bridges and the staggering size of the Parliament buildings. At Váci Street, you can hear the lively restaurants and bars while smelling the typical stewing meat and sweet paprika of traditional dishes. 

Focus: Take notice of your experience and write down three things that caught your attention during your tour of Pest. 

Suggestion: Visit the Central Market to see how the historic building built in the late 19th century still shapes the city’s contemporary culture.

Take time to reimplement your ritual in the morning. What intention you set and the importance you place on your routine is up to you, whether grabbing a coffee at your local cafe or taking four breaths before starting your work, the coupling of routine and purpose makes your ritual matter. You can do the same for disconnecting from work at the end of the day with a simple word or action. 

After work, take the time to tour the Buda side of Budapest, known for the famous figure of the Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Buda Castle was first built in the 13th century but the oldest walls and foundations date back to the 1300s. The mixture of Baroque, medieval, and Neoclassical design creates an imposing figure overlooking the city’s famous Chain Bridge over an area spanning nearly two square miles. 

Focus: Take time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings without judgment or distraction as you tour Buda. Write down any emotions that come up and explore where they might be coming from.

Suggestion: If you have time, the National Gallery and History Museum are both inside the castle. 

By now you can implement your ritual easily in the morning, allowing you to focus on your work and disconnect from any lingering projects by the end of the day. After work, you can visit the castle town of Visegrád to enjoy the typical Hungarian history and culture. Visegrád is the town of dreams when visiting Hungary, with views looking out to the picturesque countryside, castle ruins rising out of the hilltop, and a stunning view down nearly 1,100 feet to the valley floor. 

Explore the citadel for insight into the lives of locals during the 15th century and notice the standing walls before looking out the windows to see the Borzsony Hills and winding Danube River. You can also visit the Royal Palace which once hosted 350 rooms while acting as the center of Hungarian rule since the 14th century. 

Focus: Set a timer for 10 minutes and write down anything that comes to mind about your time in Budapest or Visegrád without stopping or editing.

Suggestion: The Royal Palace Museum has 20 renovated rooms open to the public where you can see the royal suites in a historical setting. 

Getting settled into work is becoming second-nature making the balance between work and life easy, and something you can take home with you after your Hungary Workation package. After you disconnect from your projects for the day, you can visit the photogenic town of Szentendre, known primarily for its artistic atmosphere. 

Located along the banks of the Danube, Szentendre has Mediterranean energy with Baroque architecture but also blends Serbian history and Hungarian folklore for a unique atmosphere breaking away from big-city life. Orange rooftops, the quiet sounds of the sweeping river, and touches of Ottoman flair, you can walk the main promenade smelling the coffee and tasting the sweet marzipan as you watch how the confection is made inside one of the marzipan museums. 

Focus: Set an intention for your day or week and write down specific steps you can take to manifest that intention. Focus on how you want to feel at the end of the day, rather than what you want to achieve. 

Suggestion:  The Main Square is the heart of the town and can make you as active or relaxed as you want when visiting Szentendre. 

After you finish your workday your Workation representative will meet you at your accommodations and take you to Eger. You can once again settle into your pre-verified accommodations and find the modern amenities you need for your complete Workation experience while in Hungary. You can take the remainder of your day to enjoy the atmosphere cast by castles, Baroque architecture, historical buildings, and wine bars serving local vintages known affectionately as “bull’s blood” because of the deep, rich red. 

Focus: Close your eyes and scan your body from head to toe after you arrive at your accommodations in Eger. Take notice of any areas of tension or discomfort. Write down your observations and explore ways to release that tension.

Suggestion: If you arrive early enough, climb to the top of the minaret for a great view of the city and its surroundings. 

With a full day to enjoy Hungary, you can visit Bukk National Park to discover the trails surrounded by hare’s-tail grass, Austrian oak, and Hesperia. Make your way deeper into the park and find the sound of rushing water growing louder until you eventually stumble upon the Veil Waterfall, a breathtaking sight of spraying water that can tickle your skin amidst the soothing sound of the rapids You can’t help but marvel at the terraced steps that appear to be carved out of the rock, allowing the water to flow down them as if on a gentle stroll.

Focus: As you tour the national park, notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you. How does it affect your experience? 

Suggestion: Lillafüred palace is a great place to enjoy the historical grandeur and will also give you access to Szinva and Garadna streams.

With another full day to enjoy yourself away from the demands of work, you can take a winetasting tour that will start in Tokaj, the famous winegrowing region about 1.5 hours away from Eger. Settle into the rolling hills covered in vineyards as you arrive and enjoy the promise of savoring some of the world’s complex wines. 

Visit the cellars to enjoy the cool air, stacks of barrels that give off the aroma of oak and aging wine. When you sit to taste, the winemaker may walk you through the flavors and aromas you can expect, from honey to melon. You can continue your tasting back in Eger by visiting the Valley of the Beautiful Women, where reds may carry hints of stewed fruits and holiday spices. 

Focus: As you taste the wines, do so with intention by closing your eyes and looking for the taste, texture, and smell of each wine you try. 

Suggestion: Mustkotály is a popular white wine from around Eger and Tokaji Aszú is a popular sweet white from Tokaj.

You will start the work week easily by moving quickly and effortlessly into your ritual to start work. Once finished,  you can visit Eger Castle, an immersive experience that transports you back in time to an era of knights, battles, and medieval fortresses. The castle dates back to the 13th century and stands on a hilltop overlooking the town. Climb the winding path and enjoy the views to the surrounding countryside sweeping to the mountains in the distance.

The imposing walls, soaring towers, and intricate architectural details fade beneath the scars you can find of the sieges and battles that occurred through the centuries leaving bullet holes and cannonball marks along the walls. As you explore the castle, you can visit the various chambers and rooms, including the chapel, the armory, and the living quarters of those who once called the castle home.

Focus: Practice mindful walking by focusing on the physical sensations of your feet touching the ground, the sounds around you, and the feeling of the day. 

Suggestion: The minting museum is also located on the castle grounds and displays ancient coins and more. 

Once the day’s work is complete, it’s time to practice your unique ritual that will help you disconnect from the focus of your work life. After, you can visit the fascinating Town Under the Town in Eger, a network of cellars that dates back to the 17th century after the city was taken back from the Ottoman empire.

As you descend into the depths of the cellars, you may immediately feel the cool breeze sweeping through the tunnels. The air can carry a distinct smell of the aged wine stored in the cellars, adding to the immersive experience. The maze of tunnels stretches for over two miles, a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the people who built them. The stone walls, pillars, and archways create a sense of timelessness, transporting you back to a different era.

Focus: Move your body slowly and notice how it feels, where you notice a difference in your movement or the feeling of your muscles. 

Suggestion: The Archbishop’s Gardens are located near the cellars and are a great addition to your cellar tour, especially for some fresh air after exploring underground. 

After the work is done, it’s time to unwind and disconnect from the projects of the day with an experience at one of Hungary’s famous thermal baths. These baths are not only a cultural activity, but also offer a unique experience of relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing. Slip into the warm temperatures and feel the soothing and healing effects of the mineral-rich thermal water. 

The water can feel like a comforting embrace, surrounding your body and releasing any tension or stress you may have been carrying with you. The heat from the water can penetrate deep into your muscles, providing a sense of relief and comfort for the ultimate relaxing experience perfect for a moment of quiet reflection. 

Focus: Practice mindful listening during the day either when in a meeting or when listening to a podcast or audiobook. Focus on what the person is saying without distraction or judgment. 

Suggestion: If you don’t want to visit the thermal baths, you can visit Agria Park, one of the best shopping districts in Eger.

After work, you can visit the opulent architecture of Noszvaj Castle and the greater complex. As you make your way through the winding pathways, you can let the tranquil atmosphere encircle you, encouraged by the Baroque manor house, lush trees, and welcomed shade. The interior of the palace is a masterpiece, adorned with intricate Rococo frescoes that tell the story of a bygone era. 

Despite the damages incurred during World War II, and subsequent renovations in the 1950s, the castle’s magnificence remains. Explore the five rooms that have been restored to their original splendor, complete with period furniture that adds an air of authenticity to the experience. Continue in the garden park to find nearly two miles of trails weaving through an idyllic landscape. 

Focus: Read slowly and mindfully during your workday taking breaks to reflect on what you’ve read.

Suggestion: The minaret will give you great views of the castle grounds and the surrounding countryside.

Set your intention for the day in the morning, practice your ritual, and by the end of your workday, you can easily disconnect and make your way to Szeged. Your Workation representative will meet the accommodations and take you to the charming city known for its stunning architecture, lively culture, and delicious food. 

Take time to settle into your new accommodations and find the pre-screened amenities you need to enjoy your stay. Situated on the banks of the Tisza River, Szeged, the city’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant energy will quickly welcome you among the magnificent cathedral and gilded Móra Ferenc Museum. 

Focus: Take breaks during your workday to look out the window, stretch your legs with a five-minute walk in your neighborhood, or by getting a coffee to help your mind refresh and give you extra focus. 

Suggestion: If you have the time, you can visit the shops and cafe and Dóm Square to enjoy the thrilling atmosphere Szeged offers nightly. 

With a full day to enjoy Szeged, you can take your time with a guide for better context on the monuments, history, and heritage of the popular Hungarian city. When visiting the Móra Ferenc Museum, you can trace the regional history with artifacts and fine art ranging from Roman-era vases to medieval stitching, clothing and tools of Hungarian folk heritage and sculptures crafted in the 19th century. Outside of the museum, you can visit the Szeged Synagogue, a gorgeous example of regional cultural architecture and aesthetics resulting in one of the largest synagogues in Europe. 

Focus: After returning from Szeged, draw, write, or do a creative activity based on your time exploring new concepts in the city. 

Suggestion: The Móra Ferenc Museum is very eclectic and has exhibitions that can interest anyone. 

With another day to enjoy exploring Szeged, you can choose which museum you want to visit, including the Salami and Paprika museum that will give you a great look at the history of the spice in Hungary and how to use it. The fascinating history of spices in the museum takes you along the historical objects connected to the capture and trade, as well as the various types of paprika that exists. Basic, sweet, spicy, and more, the complexities of the spice will quickly come to light in the museum as you enjoy the unique niche of the museum and the larger cultural phenomenon it represents. 

Focus: Take time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings of your time in Hungary so far without judging yourself or the emotions that come up.

Suggestion: If you aren’t interested in paprika, you can visit the Reok Palace Art Gallery or the local botanical garden. 

With your ritual in place, you can quickly dive into and pull yourself out of work for the day. Meet your guide at the end of the day for a cooking class focused on using paprika. Awaken your senses with an explosion of vibrant colors, pungent aromas, and tantalizing tastes. The class typically begins with an introduction to the different varieties of paprika and their distinct flavors, from sweet to smoky to spicy.

Learn how to select and prepare the freshest ingredients, such as locally-sourced vegetables and meats, to create a traditional Hungarian dish like goulash or chicken paprikash. Follow the instructor as they demonstrate the techniques for blending paprika to achieve the perfect balance of flavor resulting in a  mouth-watering and hearty feast. 

Focus: Practice mindful eating by focusing on the flavors, textures, and aromas of the ingredients and dishes during your cooking class. Try to find each ingredient with your taste buds as you eat. 

Suggestion: If you can, focus on cooking chicken paprikash so you can take the new recipe home with you and feel comfortable cooking it. 

After you finish work for the day, your Workation representative will meet you at your accommodation and take you to Pécs. The beautiful city and its rich history is known for its vibrant art scene and connection to Rome with its remaining ruins. The numerous museums and galleries reflect the celebrated cultural institutions connected to the main square. Cafes and shops bring modern culture to life amid the historic architecture turning the every-day streets into a thrilling exploration of a golden age. Relax in the comforts of your pre-screened accommodations as you get settled into Pécs. 

Focus: When you arrive in Pécs, write down five things you enjoyed about visiting Szeged and three things you look forward to about being in Pécs. 

Suggestion: For your introduction to Pécs, you can climb to the top of the TV Tower and enjoy the fantastic view. 

After work, you can take your time visiting the famous Pécs Cathedral. The Roman Catholic cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and was built in the 11th century. The features offer a mix of historical designs including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque, each creating a more grand appearance beneath gilded textures and adornments. The cathedral’s interior is further decorated with stunning frescoes and a beautiful altar demonstrating the wealth of the complex and those who funded its building. 

Focus: Pay attention to the colors, smells, sounds, and atmosphere around you when you tour Pécs. 

Suggestion: If you don’t want to visit the cathedral, you can tour the early Christian Necropolis instead to view the Unesco Heritage Site dating back to the 4th century.

Perform your ritual to disconnect from work and then visit the Csontváry museum to explore the life and times of the famous Hungarian painter. Once inside, you can start at the Grand Hall to walk along the museum’s central display featuring a collection of large-scale paintings, including the artist’s most well-known work, “The Ruins of the Greek Theatre at Taormina.” 

The work depicts the famous theater in the Sicilian city but standing out with striking uses of color and composition. In the Small Hall, you can find more intimate works by the artist including portraits that capture the feelings of being human.  

Focus: Find three things that catch your attention when visiting the museum, write them down, and try to understand what about them interests you. 

Suggestion: If you get tired of the art and halls, you can visit the garden to enjoy the peaceful space in which the artist reflected on his work. 

With the completion of work, you will have easily disconnected from your projects and can then celebrate your final night in Hungary and Pécs by visiting the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter. The unique complex contains museums, galleries, and workshops that celebrate the city’s layered artistic heritage. 

You can view the works of celebrated Hungarian artists, including the iconic Zsolnay ceramics, and even participate in hands-on workshops to create your own pieces. If you’d like, you can take a ceramics class and get your hands deep into the clay, finding the thrilling texture nearly mud-like as you learn to shape and groove the material into a cup or vase.

Focus: Sit in a cafe and listen to your surroundings in the morning. Set your timer for three minutes and during that time, ignore your phone and other distractions.

Suggestion: If you haven’t yet tried the Pagácsa, you should definitely sample the different flavors of the savory pastry that can be filled with cheese, onion, and bacon. 

On your final morning, say goodbye to Pécs and greater Hungary at your speed.  Take your time indulging in the sweet pleasures of a traditional chimney cake topped with sugar and cinnamon, or sip a coffee at your favorite cafe. Your Workation representative will meet you at your accommodation and take you to the airport for your flight from Pécs. Now that you are comfortable working in new places, you could take your ritual across Europe by continuing your Workation in a place like Croatia, Greece, or Italy.  

Focus: Try to memorize your room by taking two minutes to focus on the details. Close your eyes and position everything. When you open your eyes, how much did you remember or get right? 

Suggestion: The best airport to fly home from may not be the largest. You may have a closer airport than Budapest that would suit your travel plans better. Make sure to look before booking your flight and flying home.