Budapest 5 Day Itinerary

Budapest 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

  • Accommodation: Stay centrally in districts V or VI for easy access to main attractions. Recommendations include the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Airbnb apartments, or budget-friendly hostels like Maverick Hostel & Heritage Hotel.

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Hungarian breakfast at Ruszwurm Kavehaz es Confectionery, one of Budapest’s oldest cafes.

  • Activities: Visit Heroes’ Square and the City Park (Városliget), followed by the Museum of Fine Arts or the Hungarian History Museum. Take a stroll along Andrássy Avenue, ending at Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square).

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the many eateries in the city center, such as Bors Gourmet Ház or Karaván.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Buda Castle district. Walk across Chain Bridge and climb Gellért Hill for panoramic views of Budapest. Visit Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) and the Fisherman’s Bastion.

  • Dinner: Dine at a riverside restaurant, such as Főzdegópa or Borkonyha Winekitchen, for a memorable Hungarian meal.

Day 2: Buda Castle & Danube River

  • Morning: Visit the Buda Castle’s interior museums, including the Budapest History Museum and National Gallery. Don’t miss the Buda Castle Labyrinth beneath the castle!

  • Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch at Szénvirág Patisserie or Cukorkönyv in Buda Castle.

  • Afternoon: Take a boat tour along the Danube River to see the Parliament building, Margaret Island, and other sights from a different perspective. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboat.

  • Dinner: Dine at Kispiac Bisztró for innovative Hungarian dishes.

Day 3: Thermal Baths & Ruin Bars

  • Morning: Relax in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi, Gellért, or Rudas Baths.

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at the thermal bath complexes’ restaurants or try out a ruin bar eatery, like Szimpla Kert or Instant.

  • Afternoon: Explore more ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter (VII district) and enjoy some local craft beers or cocktails.

  • Dinner: Head to Kőleves étterem for hearty Hungarian soups, or opt for street food at Karaván Kasza Műhely.

Day 4: Artisan Districts & Szentendre

  • Morning: Visit the artisanal districts of Obuda (III district) and Margit Island (Margit sziget).

  • Lunch: Have lunch at a local eatery in Obuda, such as Bors Gourmet Ház or Menza.

  • Afternoon: Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Szentendre (about 30 minutes by train from Budapest’s Nyugati Station). Explore its charming cobblestone streets, art galleries, and open-air museum.

  • Dinner: Return to Budapest for dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants, such as Onyx or Borkonyha Winekitchen, if you didn’t get a chance on day 1.

Day 5: Izabella Garden & Departure

  • Morning: Visit Izabella Garden (Izabella kertek) in the Buda Hills and enjoy a leisurely walk through its beautiful gardens.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, such as Tűzoltó Kert or Lido Budapest.

  • Afternoon/Evening: Spend your final hours exploring any remaining sights, shopping for souvenirs, or relaxing in one of Budapest’s charming cafes before departing.

Transportation: Budapest has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the metro (M1-M4). You can also use the city bike rental service Bubik. Tickets are valid for all modes of transport.

Tips:

  • Learn a few Hungarian phrases to connect with locals.
  • Budapest’s tap water is safe to drink, so refill your bottle instead of buying bottled water.
  • The exchange rate can vary greatly between ATMs and money changers, so do your research beforehand.
  • Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas, especially at night.

Enjoy your journey through Budapest!