Budapest

7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Buda Castle & the Historic Hills

Buda Castle & Castle Hill (explore the courtyards, museums)

Buda Castle is a massive historical complex perched on Castle Hill, offering spectacular views of the Danube and Pest side. Wander through charming cobblestone streets, explore baroque courtyards, and enjoy panoramic views.

Originally the royal palace of Hungarian kings, it's now home to several cultural institutions:

Hungarian National Gallery – Art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Budapest History Museum – Great for learning the city's story.

National Széchényi Library – Hungary’s largest historic library.

Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church 

Fisherman’s Bastion just a short walk from Buda Castle. It is a fairytale-like lookout terrace with neo-Romanesque towers. It's one of the best photo spots in Budapest, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Matthias Church, beside it, is a striking 14th-century Gothic church with colorful roof tiles and rich interior frescoes. It hosted royal coronations, including that of Franz Joseph I.

Walk down to Várkert Bazár and stroll the Danube promenade

Walk downhill from Castle Hill to reach Várkert Bazár (Castle Garden Bazaar), a beautifully restored 19th-century neo-Renaissance structure with gardens, arcades, and art exhibits. It's quieter than the main castle area and connects directly to the Danube promenade, perfect for a scenic stroll along the water with views of Parliament across the river.

Optional: Hospital in the Rock museum

Hidden beneath Castle Hill, this unique museum served as a WWII emergency hospital and later a Cold War nuclear bunker. The exhibits use wax figures and real equipment to show what wartime medical care looked like. It's eerie, fascinating, and ideal for history buffs.

Day 2:Pest’s Grand Boulevards

Start at Heroes’ Square & City Park

Heroes' Square is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. It features the Millennium Monument, with statues of Hungary’s historical leaders and the Archangel Gabriel atop a tall column. It’s a symbol of national pride and a popular photo spot.

Just behind it lies City Park (Városliget) a vast green space ideal for a stroll. It's home to several attractions, including Vajdahunyad Castle and Széchenyi Baths, plus boating or ice skating on the lake, depending on the season.

Visit Vajdahunyad Castle and Széchenyi Baths

Built for the 1896 Millennium celebrations, Vajdahunyad Castle is a whimsical architectural blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles—modeled after Transylvanian castles. It now houses the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, but even from the outside, it’s worth exploring for its fairytale looks and lovely lakeside setting.

Just a few minutes from the castle, Széchenyi Baths is one of the largest and most famous thermal bath complexes in Europe. With its outdoor heated pools, saunas, steam rooms, and elegant yellow Neo-Baroque architecture, it’s a must-experience part of Budapest’s spa culture. Great year-round—steaming outdoor pools in winter are especially magical.

Walk down Andrássy Avenue, stop at House of Terror

Walk from City Park down Andrássy Avenue, Budapest’s elegant boulevard lined with 19th-century mansions, high-end shops, and cafes. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and leads directly to the city center.

Along the way, stop at the House of Terror Museum. Located in a former secret police building, it powerfully documents the horrors of Hungary’s fascist and communist regimes. Exhibits are intense but deeply moving.

Explore St. Stephen’s Basilica

Named after Hungary’s first king, this neoclassical basilica is one of the tallest buildings in Budapest. Inside, you’ll find ornate interiors, mosaics, and even St. Stephen’s preserved right hand. Don't miss the panoramic dome terrace, offering a fantastic 360° view over the city.

Evening: Drink with a view at 360 Bar or High Note SkyBar

360 Bar: Located on Andrássy Avenue, this trendy rooftop bar offers panoramic views, seasonal cocktails, and even heated igloos in winter.

High Note SkyBar: Above the Aria Hotel near the basilica, it’s a more upscale experience with exceptional views of the basilica dome and stylish décor.

Day 3: Parliament & Danube Views

Tour Hungarian Parliament Building

One of Europe’s most beautiful parliamentary buildings, this neo-Gothic masterpiece sits proudly on the banks of the Danube. It’s the largest building in Hungary and stunning inside and out. Take a guided tour (available in English) to see the ornate main staircase, legislative chambers, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. Outside, admire its symmetrical architecture and statues of national figures.

Just south of Parliament, this deeply moving memorial consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes lined along the riverbank. It honors the Jewish victims executed during WWII by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen, who forced them to remove their shoes before being shot into the river. It's hauntingly simple and incredibly powerful.

📍 Tip: Book your tour online in advance, especially during peak season.

Visit Shoes on the Danube memorial

Stop by Liberty Square and Hold Street Market

A short walk from the Danube:

Liberty Square is a leafy plaza surrounded by grand buildings, a controversial WWII memorial, and statues—including one of Ronald Reagan. It’s a peaceful yet politically charged area.

Right nearby is Hold Street Market Hall (Belvárosi Piac), a compact indoor market offering local produce, Hungarian delicacies, and fantastic eateries. Stand25 and Buja Disznó(k) are popular food spots here if you want to grab lunch or a light bite.

Take a Danube river cruise at sunset

Taking a Danube cruise at sunset is a must in Budapest. The city’s landmarks light up spectacularly—Buda Castle, Parliament, Chain Bridge, Gellért Hill, and more. Choose a 1-hour sightseeing cruise, or opt for a dinner cruise with live music for a more luxurious experience.

Dinner around the Jewish Quarter

Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is one of the liveliest areas in the city:

Home to the Great Synagogue, atmospheric courtyards, and tons of bars, cafes, and street food. fter dinner, explore Gozsdu Courtyard or end your night with a drink at Szimpla Kert, the most famous ruin bar.

Day 4: Jewish Quarter & Ruin Bars

Explore the Great Synagogue & Jewish Museum

Located on Dohány Street, this is Europe’s largest synagogue and the second-largest in the world. Built in the 1850s in a Moorish Revival style, it’s both architecturally stunning and historically significant. Your ticket includes:

A guided or audio tour of the main synagogue

Entry to the Jewish Museum (with artifacts and stories of Jewish life in Hungary)

The Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park and Tree of Life, a powerful tribute to Holocaust victims

📍 Tip: Dress respectfully and allow at least an hour for your visit.

Discover Kazinczy Street and street art

Wander along Kazinczy Street, the beating heart of the Jewish Quarter. It's lined with murals, colorful street art, kosher restaurants, cafés, and bars. Many walls tell stories of Budapest’s urban culture or pay tribute to its Jewish heritage. Look out for the large murals by Neopaint Collective, and take your time to spot hidden gems in alleyways.

Lunch at Gozsdu Courtyard

Just a block over, Gozsdu Udvar is a vibrant series of connected courtyards packed with eateries, bistros, and cafés. It’s lively but still relaxed during the day.

Visit Szimpla Kert—Budapest’s original ruin bar

No trip to Budapest is complete without visiting Szimpla Kert, the first and most iconic ruin bar in the city. Housed in a once-abandoned building, it’s now a quirky, artistic labyrinth of mismatched furniture, graffiti-covered walls, and eclectic decor.

During the day, it's family-friendly and perfect for exploring or grabbing a lemonade.

At night, it transforms into a buzzing nightlife hub with live music and drinks.

Optional: Jewish Cemetery or Holocaust Memorial Center

If you want a deeper historical dive:

Jewish Cemetery (Salgotarjani Street): One of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Budapest, with ornate tombs and a reflective atmosphere.

Holocaust Memorial Center: A moving museum dedicated to Hungary’s Holocaust history, with personal stories, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Day 5: Museums & Markets

Start at the Hungarian National Museum or Museum of Fine Arts

Hungarian National Museum (Pest side): Dive into Hungary’s rich history, from ancient times to modern revolutions. The building itself is a neoclassical landmark, and the exhibits are well-curated with English descriptions.

Museum of Fine Arts (Heroes’ Square): If you prefer art, head here for a world-class collection of European paintings, Egyptian antiquities, and rotating exhibitions. The museum was beautifully renovated recently.

Browse Central Market Hall (try lángos or paprika sausages)

Just a short walk from the National Museum, this is Budapest’s largest and most iconic indoor market. Explore two levels:

Ground floor: Local produce, meats, spices (especially paprika), and deli foods.

Upstairs: Souvenirs, embroidered goods, and hot food stands—try lángos (deep-fried dough with sour cream and cheese) or paprika sausages.

Cross the Liberty Bridge and visit Gellért Hill Baths

Walk across the Liberty Bridge, one of Budapest’s most charming green bridges, to the Buda side. Right at the base of Gellért Hill, you’ll find the historic Gellért Thermal Baths:

Features Art Nouveau architecture, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms.

Less crowded than Széchenyi Baths but just as beautiful and relaxing.

Hike to Citadella for sweeping views over the city

After your bath, hike up Gellért Hill (20–30 minutes) to reach the Citadella—a 19th-century fortress that offers one of the best panoramic views of Budapest. You'll see both sides of the city, the river, Parliament, and all the major bridges.

Evening: Chill in Bálna by the river or dinner cruise

Bálna Budapest: A modern glass structure housing bars, restaurants, and art spaces along the Danube. It’s a chill place to unwind with drinks and river views.

Dinner Cruise: Alternatively, hop on a Danube dinner cruise for a relaxed, scenic meal while watching the city lights sparkle on the water.

Day 6: Day Trip Options

Szentendre (charming artsy riverside town)

Just 40 minutes from Budapest by suburban train (HÉV), Szentendre is a colorful, cobblestoned town on the Danube known for:

Art galleries, museums, and artisan shops

A Mediterranean vibe, with pastel buildings and winding lanes

The Marzipan Museum, Serbian Orthodox churches, and local crafts

🛍️ Perfect for strolling, souvenir hunting, and riverside dining. Very photogenic!

Etyek wine region (winery tours & tastings)

Located about 30–40 minutes southwest of Budapest, Etyek is often called the “vineyard of Budapest.” It’s a quiet countryside escape with:

Boutique wineries offering tastings of local white and sparkling wines

Cellar tours with cheese and meat platters

Scenic views and peaceful surroundings

🍇 Ideal for a half-day trip or wine-focused lunch. Private wine tours are available.

Gödöllő Palace (baroque royal palace)

A 30-minute train ride from Budapest, Gödöllő Palace was a favorite residence of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria-Hungary. Highlights include:

Lavishly decorated rooms, royal apartments, and ballrooms

Peaceful palace gardens

Rich insights into Austro-Hungarian royal life

🏰 Great for history lovers and fans of imperial Europe.

Memento Park (communist statue graveyard)

Located on the outskirts of Budapest, Memento Park is an open-air museum that houses statues from Hungary’s communist era. It’s both surreal and educational, featuring:

Giant sculptures of Lenin, Marx, and Soviet soldiers

An exhibit on secret police surveillance and propaganda

A thought-provoking look at 20th-century totalitarianism

🧱 Eerie but fascinating. Takes 1–2 hours to explore; accessible by bus or tour.

Day 7: Slow Down & Shop

Morning soak in Rudas Baths (with Danube panorama)

Start your day with a relaxing visit to Rudas Thermal Baths, one of the oldest and most atmospheric spas in Budapest. Highlights:

A 16th-century Ottoman-style bathhouse with original domed pools

Modern wellness facilities and rooftop panoramic jacuzzi with views of the Danube and Pest skyline. Ideal for a quiet, rejuvenating soak before a travel day

📍 Tip: Weekday mornings are less crowded. Bring flip-flops and a towel.

Stroll Váci Street for shopping & souvenirs

After your bath, walk along Váci utca, the city’s most famous shopping street, lined with:

Boutique and high-street fashion stores

Hungarian souvenir shops (paprika, lace, porcelain)

Cafés and pastry spots—great for grabbing a last coffee or treat

Visit Erzsébet Square or relax in Károlyi Garden

If you have extra time before dinner:

Erzsébet Square: A lively downtown park with fountains, food trucks, and the Budapest Eye (Ferris wheel). A great place to people-watch.

Károlyi Garden: A hidden gem—lush, quiet, and peaceful. One of the city’s oldest gardens, tucked behind the Hungarian National Museum.

Farewell dinner with live music at a Hungarian bistro

Travel to/from the Airport

Airport Terminals

The airport has two terminals, 2A and 2B, being within a short walking distance from each other. The number 2 appearing in their names is due to the the former Terminal 1 (originally opened in the 1950, reopened 2005). However, Terminal 1 closed recently.

Terminal 2 (opened in 1985) is divided into Terminal 2A (gates 20-30), serving Schengen Area destinations, and Terminal 2B (gates 11-19) serving non-Schengen Area destinations.

Public transport to and from the airport

For transfers to and from the airport, taking the 100E Airport Express is probably the most direct option. If you prefer to use the Metro or the train, you still need to take a local bus (200E) that connects between Terminal 2, the train station and Kőbánya-Kispest metro station.

Budapest 100E Airport Express

A direct shuttle between Budapest Airport (Ferenc Liszt) and Deák Ferenc Square in the city center.

Runs 24/7:

Every 6–10 mins during the day

Every 10–20 mins in the morning/evening

Every 30–40 mins late at night (midnight–3:30 a.m.)

Stops to the city: Kálvin tér, Astoria, Deák Ferenc tér

Stops to the airport: Deák Ferenc tér, Astoria (only 00:04–04:47), Kálvin tér

Ticket required: Special airport shuttle ticket – 2,200 HUF

Other transport tickets/passes not valid

Buy and validate on board via bank card (Budapest Pay&GO)

Budapest 200E Bus (From terminal 2 to Kőbánya-Kispest metro station)

Regular public bus between Airport Terminal 2 and Kőbánya-Kispest metro station

Operates 24/7

Daytime: Airport ↔ Kőbánya-Kispest

Night (23:00–04:00): Extended route to Határ út station

Night transfers from Határ út: buses 914, 914A, 950, 950A to city centre

Key Stops:

Ferihegy railway station: connect to MÁV trains to Budapest Nyugati and cities like Szeged, Debrecen

Kőbánya-Kispest M: metro and bus hub for East/South Pest

Határ út M: transfer point for many buses, including night routes

Tickets:

BKK tickets and passes required (e.g., single ticket, travelcards)

Airport shuttle ticket (100E) NOT valid on 200E

Train

There is a train station called Ferihegy next to former Terminal 1, from where suburban trains (called 'személy') run twice an hour to Budapest-Nyugati station in the city centre, taking 25 minutes. Public transport between Ferihegy train station and Terminals 2A/2B is provided by the local bus 200E, running every 8-15 minutes, and travel time approx 10 min. The bus stop towards the Airport is situated directly next to the train station, but you have to pass a pedestrian bridge with elevators not always working. (Within the bus, this stop is called "Ferihegy vasútállomás" - i.e. train station - in case you want to get off there.) Single bus tickets are available in airport terminals for HUF 350 at the newspaper vendors, or can be purchased from the driver for HUF 450. 

Although the trains are suburban trains, they are operated by MÁV and not included in the HÉV network. At Ferihegy station there is a modern ticket vending machine at the platform towards Budapest. A single full-fare train ticket costs 370 HUF for this travel, but local public transport travelcards are also valid; these can be purchased at the newspaper vendors at the airport. If entering the train without ticked, you will pay an additional fine of approx. 2500 HUF , unless no cashier or vending machine was available at the station.) 

During nighttime (11 pm to 4 am) the 900 Nightbus departs Terminal 2 every 30 to 60 minutes, providing connectivity with the 950 Nightbus stop at Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út. The 950 bus travels to Rákospalota via the City Center (Deák Ferenc tér) and Nyugati railway station.  

Minibus service

If you travel alone, consider the Airport Minibus service, a shared taxi operation that collects passengers going in the same direction and will take you to or from anywhere in Budapest for HUF 3.200 per person or HUF 5.500 for a round trip. Join the queue at the airport and you will be on your way in 15 minutes. For the trip back, call the centre at +36-1 296-8555 at least 24 hours beforehand and Airport Minibus will pick you up.

Taxi

The only contracted taxi operator from Liszt Ferenc airport is Főtaxi. Depending on your destination, a trip to Budapest will costs between HUF 3.900-6.500 (3900 is valid around the airport, downtown hotels usually HUF 5,800 or €21 and above that). Queue at the taxi stand first to receive a written quote for your fare, then pay it when you arrive at your destination. This system is designed to eliminate unjustified price hikes.

WARNING: unless you have pre-ordered a taxi from a different company, do not accept offers from taxi drivers waiting (illegally) inside the terminal or near the exit. Pre-ordering by phone will generally get you a somewhat better price than the Fötaxi rates. However, on your trip into town you might receive a bonus from Főtaxi quoting cheaper fares towards Liszt Ferenc airport (i.e. €16 from Pest) - reserve a car by phone and quote the offer to save some money on your way back to the airport.

Navigating the City

Districts and quarters

Although Budapest is administratively divided into 23 numbered districts (always written in Roman numerals) it is colloquially often divided into parts, roughly corresponding to the two major cities of Buda and Pest, of which it is comprised. 

Buda - The area west from the Danube (Districts I-III, XI-XII, XXII), also including Óbuda in the north, the third, smaller town before the unification.

Castle Hill - District I of Buda, the oldest part of the city containing the Castle and some of Budapest's best-known attractions such as Fishermen’s Bastion, the Labyrinth and Mathias Church. 

Pest - The area east from the Danube (Districts IV-IX), traditionally associated with a more pulsating city atmosphere. 

Aside from the very center, the city's structure is quite logical. Landmarks in Buda as the Royal Castle or Citadella Castle also help you to find your way. Besides the Danube itself, the best reference points for orienting yourself are the bridges crossing the river. From North to South, they are:

• Árpád Bridge (Árpád híd), A modern bridge linking to Northern Margaret Island. The longest bridge in Budapest at 973 meters. It was inaugurated in 1950 where already the Romans erected a bridge to connect Acquincum with another settlement on the Pest side.
• Margaret Bridge (Margit híd), Easily identified thanks to its distinctive shape: it makes an approximately 35 degree turn half way across, at the southern tip of Margaret Island. Trams 4 and 6 cross the Danube here. This bridge was built in 1901 and then destroyed during the war by an explosion. It was rebuilt in 1948. It is located at the north of the city center.
• Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd), Completed in 1849, the oldest, arguably most beautiful and certainly the most photographed of Budapest's bridges, floodlit at night. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube. At the time of its construction it was the second-largest suspension bridge throughout the world. Four stone lions taken their place at the edge of the bridge in 1852. They fortunately survived from the air raids of the World War II.
• Elisabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd), Completed in 1903. Its original chain structure was destroyed in World War II, and was eventually substituted by a modern cable bridge opened in 1964. This bridge in liberty style was dedicated to the murdered Queen in 1898. It is the third newest bridge of the city.
• Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd), Elegant but simple, opened in 1896; it connects the Gellért Baths (Gellért fürdő) in Buda with the Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) in Pest. Recently renovated. This bridge was rebuilt in Art nouveau style in the occasion of the Hungarian millenary festivities of 1989.
• Petőfi Bridge (Petőfi híd), For a long time the southernmost bridge, it links the inner ring road (Nagykörút) of Pest with Buda. It was built during the 30s, destroyed by an explosion in the World War II and then rebuilt in 1952.
• Lágymányosi Bridge (Lágymányosi híd), The newest bridge in Budapest, with modern architecture and a spectacular lighting system where mirrors reflect the beam of the upward facing floodlights. Built very next to a railway bridge on its southern side. It is now called Rákóczi Bridge, it was built between 1992 and 1995, initially destined to smoothen the augmented traffic flow during the 1996 expo that finally never took place in Budapest. It is the second newest bridge of Budapest as of 2013.

Popular Tourist Attractions & Budapest Card Benefits:

Attraction	Approx. Individual Ticket Price (Adult)	Budapest Card Benefit	Notes
Hungarian Parliament Building	€37 - €42 (13,000 HUF for non-EEA citizens)	No Discount	Highly recommended to book well in advance. Tour is mandatory.
St. Stephen's Basilica	€8 - €9 (3,900 HUF for entry with tablet)	20% off Panorama Lookout	Main entry fee might be required for the church itself; discount typically applies to panoramic lookout or specific exhibitions.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath	€34 - €39 (11,000-13,500 HUF)	20% Discount	Prices vary by weekday/weekend, locker/cabin, and online vs. on-site purchase.
Gellért Thermal Bath	€42 - €44 (11,000-14,000 HUF)	20% Discount	Prices vary by weekday/weekend and locker/cabin.
Dohány Street Synagogue	€32 (13,000 HUF for adults)	10% Discount	Includes entry to the synagogue, Jewish Museum, and Holocaust Memorial.
St. Lukács Thermal Bath	€16 - €18 (5,100-6,600 HUF)	FREE Entry	This is the only major thermal bath included for free with the standard Budapest Card.
Hungarian National Museum	€8 - €9 (3,200 HUF)	FREE Entry (Permanent Exhibitions)	Check if the specific exhibition you want to see is part of the free entry.
Budapest History Museum (BHM Castle Museum)	€10 (3,800 HUF)	FREE Entry	Located within the Buda Castle complex.
Pál-völgyi Cave	€9 - €10 (3,500 HUF)	FREE Entry	Guided tours only.
Zugliget Chairlift (Libegő)	N/A (ticket generally bought on-site, similar to public transport fare)	FREE Public Transport	Included as part of the free public transport benefit.
Hospital in the Rock Museum	Approx. €25-€27 (10,000 HUF)	10% Discount (or 25% with older card versions)	Only accessible via guided tour.
Matthias Church (Buda Castle)	€7-€8 (2,900 HUF)	FREE Entry (with 72h Plus Card only)	Standard Budapest Card usually gives no discount.
Buda Castle Funicular (Budavári Sikló)	€13.50 (5,000 HUF return)	1 Free Ride (with 72h Plus Card only)	Standard Budapest Card usually gives no discount.
Danube River Cruises (e.g., Legenda City Cruises)	From €12.50 to €35+ depending on type (e.g., dinner cruise)	20-25% Discount	The 72h Plus Budapest Card often includes one free cruise.
Walking Tours (e.g., Buda & Pest Walking Tours)	€15 - €20 per tour	2 FREE Walking Tours	Typically covers a historical walking tour in Buda and another in Pest.
House of Hungarian Music	~€12 (4,500 HUF)	20% Discount	A newer, popular attraction in City Park.
Museum of Ethnography	~€14 (5,400 HUF)	25% Discount	Modern museum facing the Parliament.