Budapest, Hungary-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day at the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath (Állatkerti körút 14-16), a must-visit for any Budapest traveler. Soak in one of the thermal pools or relax on the sun deck.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the nearby Hungarian State Opera House (Andrássy út 22), where you can take a guided tour.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café Gerlóczy (Vörösmarty tér 7-8), a beautiful café with stunning views of the city.
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the charming Belváros (Inner City), including the St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István tér 1) and the nearby shopping street, Váci utca.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner at Goulash Bistro (Wesselényi út 5-11), known for its delicious goulash soup.
  • 9:30 PM: Experience Budapest’s vibrant nightlife by visiting the lively Ruin Bars, such as Szimpla Kert (Kazinczy utca 14) or ** Fogasház** (Piazi utca 1).

Day 2: Tuesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the magnificent Buda Castle (Országház tér), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the nearby Fisherman’s Bastion (Szent György tér 2) and take in the stunning views of the Danube River.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Szimpla Kert, where you can try some traditional Hungarian street food.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (Hősök tere 20), which features an impressive collection of European art.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Danube River, departing from the Pier 37 (Duna-korzó).
  • 9:00 PM: Head to Erzsébetváros (Belgian Quarter) for some shopping and dining in this lively neighborhood.

Day 3: Wednesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Great Market Hall (Fővám tér), where you can try some local delicacies, such as langos or rétes.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the nearby St. Michael’s Church (Szent Mihály-bazilika), a beautiful Baroque church.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Café Central (Váci utca 3-5), a historic café with stunning views of the city.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art (Bem rakpart 68-70), which features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Karavan Restaurant (Rákóczi út 4), known for its delicious Hungarian cuisine.
  • 9:30 PM: Experience the nightlife in the trendy Józsefváros neighborhood, which offers a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Day 4: Thursday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere), where you can see the Hungarian Parliament Building and other iconic landmarks.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the nearby City Park, which features several museums, gardens, and a lake.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Frici Paprika (Béla utca 2-4), a cozy restaurant serving traditional Hungarian cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Szépművészeti Múzeum (Andrássy út 12), which features an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Borkonyha Wine Kitchen (Dohány utca 52-53), a restaurant known for its delicious Hungarian cuisine and extensive wine selection.
  • 9:30 PM: Experience the nightlife in the lively Belváros neighborhood, which offers a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Day 5: Friday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue (Dohány utca), one of Europe’s largest synagogues.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the nearby Hungarian Jewish Museum, which features an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Café Kor (Váci utca 3-5), a cozy café with stunning views of the city.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the St. Stephen’s Basilica, where you can take in the stunning views from the dome.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Gundel Restaurant (Állatkerti út 3-5), a renowned restaurant serving traditional Hungarian cuisine.
  • 9:30 PM: Experience the nightlife in the lively Belváros neighborhood, which offers a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Transportation

Budapest has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, metro lines, and a funicular. You can use the BKK app or website to plan your routes and buy tickets online.

Tips and Other Things

  • Always validate your ticket before boarding public transportation.
  • Be prepared for crowds in popular areas like the Great Market Hall and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
  • Don’t drink tap water, as it may not be safe for tourists.
  • Learn a few basic Hungarian phrases to help you navigate the city.
  • Try some traditional Hungarian food, such as goulash or rétes.

Accommodation

There are many options for accommodation in Budapest, ranging from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some popular areas to stay include:

  • Belváros (Inner City): Close to most attractions and public transportation hubs.
  • Erzsébetváros (Belgian Quarter): A lively neighborhood with many restaurants and bars.
  • Józsefváros: A trendy area with a mix of old and new buildings.

Restaurants

Some popular restaurants in Budapest include:

  • Goulash Bistro: Known for its delicious goulash soup.
  • Karavan Restaurant: Serves traditional Hungarian cuisine.
  • Borkonyha Wine Kitchen: Offers an extensive wine selection and delicious food.
  • Frici Paprika: A cozy restaurant serving traditional Hungarian cuisine.

Ruin Bars

Some popular ruin bars in Budapest include:

  • Szimpla Kert: A lively bar with a mix of old and new buildings.
  • Fogasház: A trendy bar with an eclectic atmosphere.
  • Rakóczi út 93: A quirky bar with a fun atmosphere.