Budapest 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Budapest, Hungary

Day 1: Arrival and City Center Exploration

Places to Go

  1. Hungarian Parliament Building: Start your day with a visit to this iconic landmark. You can take a guided tour inside the building (pre-booking is recommended).

  2. Chain Bridge and Castle Hill: Cross the Chain Bridge to Buda and explore Castle Hill. Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church.

  3. Shoes on the Danube Bank: A poignant memorial dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust.

Where to Eat

  1. Gundel: For traditional Hungarian cuisine in a historic setting, dine at Gundel Restaurant.

  2. Macz Estháza: A great choice for contemporary Hungarian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Where to Stay

Stay centrally located in District V or VI for easy access to major attractions. Some recommended hotels are:

  1. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
  2. Hotel Rum Budapest
  3. Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection

Things to Know

  • Hungarian Forint (HUF) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in city centers but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • Budapest has a significant thermal water culture, and there are several spas around the city worth visiting.

Day 2: Buda Exploration

Places to Go

  1. Szekesfehervar Basilica: The largest church in Hungary located in Székesfehérvár (approx. 1-hour drive from Budapest).

  2. Budapest Hills: Take a cable car up to the Budapest Hills and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Visit the Liberty Statue and the János Háy Memorial Museum.

  3. Szechenyi Spa: Spend your afternoon relaxing at one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, Szechenyi Bath is a popular choice.

Where to Eat

  1. Kispiac Bisztró: For Hungarian street food and market vibes.

  2. Ets Házi Könyv és Étterem: A charming bookstore café with delicious meals.

Day 3: Art & Architecture

Places to Go

  1. Museum of Fine Arts: Home to a vast collection of European, Asian, and Egyptian art.

  2. House of Terror: A museum dedicated to the history of fascism and communism in Hungary.

  3. Vajdahunyad Castle: A beautiful castle located in City Park featuring various architectural styles.

Where to Eat

  1. Stand Food & Drink: Modern Hungarian cuisine with a focus on street food-style dishes.

  2. Bors Gourmet Market: A food market offering a variety of local and international dishes.

Day 4: Island Hopping & Departure

Places to Go

  1. Margaret Island: Take a stroll around this peaceful green oasis in the middle of the Danube River.

  2. Ruin Bars: Visit one (or more) of Budapest’s famous ruin bars, like Szimpla Kert or Instant.

  3. Buda Castle Labyrinth: Explore the underground tunnels beneath Buda Castle.

Where to Eat

  1. RetroSzaalon: A charming café located in a renovated 1950s tram.

  2. Kispiac Bisztró: Return for their delicious desserts or try their lunch menu.

Transportation

Budapest’s public transportation system is well-developed and includes buses, trams, metro, and boats. A travel card can be purchased for unlimited travel within a specific timeframe (1 day, 3 days, etc.).

Tips

  • Hungarian language might be challenging for some tourists, but many people in the service industry speak English.
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and on public transportation.
  • Budapest’s nightlife is vibrant, so consider exploring the city’s bars and clubs after dinner.

Enjoy your trip to Budapest!