A Local’s 4-day Budapest Itinerary - The Highlights and Hidden Gems
Today, Hungary’s capital city - Budapest - is split down the middle by the Danube River into two separate halves: Buda and Pest. However, around 150 years ago, it was not only two, but rather three cities that melded into this metropolis, when Buda, Pest, and Óbuda (an old part of the city in the northern part of today's Buda) came together to form the conglomeration that we know today.
So while you’ll read lots about Buda and Pest, just know that Óbuda, dating back to the Stone Age, lies here as well!
And while Budapest is a very lively and modern place, this deep history is visible everywhere you look, from Roman Ruins (in Óbuda) and the grandiose architecture of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the brutalist communist-era buildings and uber-modern glass structures from the current period. And although I know that it’s a bit of a cliché to tell you that Budapest blends old-world charm with modern dynamism (people say that about every European capital), it really is true!
The two halves of the city each have their own distinct character, which makes exploring here a lot of fun - you get two very different atmospheres just by crossing back and forth between the many bridges. Buda is more residential, with its rolling tree-covered hills and historic castle district. At the same time, Pest buzzes with an eclectic mix of stately apartment blocks, busy downtown streets, and a bohemian spirit that pervades its renowned ruin bars.
Most of the city's downtown is clustered around the Danube River, and as you stroll along the riverbanks, you'll be greeted by the imposing grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle rising across from you in Buda. Beyond the grand spots, some of the most emblematic sights are hidden away, like the thermal baths or the Jewish Quarter with its history, design shops, and shabby oh-so-cool bars.
Of course, Budapest is more than just a collection of impressive sights; it's a busy, innovative capital city of almost 2,000,000 people, and it’s the center of Hungarian politics, economic activity, culture, and cuisine. The arts scene here is significant, and you’ll find ornate opera houses, concert halls, grand museums, and avant-garde galleries all over the city. In the summer, international stars headline at the city's famous Sziget music festival, but no matter when you come, there will always be events to attend.
Budapest is my home and it’s a city that I dearly love, so I’m excited to help you discover it the right way. 3 days definitely isn’t enough time to see everything, but it’s enough for a good introduction, so below are my recommendations for what to see and do here with a couple of days. I hope you enjoy!
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Table of contents
How to get around the city
Day 1 - Exploring historic Buda
Day 2 - Hit the sights in bustling Pest
Day 3 - A bit of culture and relaxation
Day 4 - Bonus day trip options
How to get around the city
Before embarking on your Budapest adventure, let's discuss how to get around the city. Thanks to its excellent public transportation system, navigating Budapest is relatively straightforward, as the city has an extensive network of trams, buses, and metro lines that crisscross the entire city.
Metro
Budapest's metro system, one of the oldest in Europe, is clean, reliable, and covers the most significant sights. Four lines (M1, M2, M3, and M4) intersect at key points, making transfers easy. The M1, also known as the Millennium Underground, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, whisking you between historic landmarks in style.
Trams and buses
Trams are a fantastic way to see the city. The iconic tram lines 4 and 6 run along the Great Boulevard and offer a scenic journey through the heart of Budapest. Buses fill in the gaps where the metro and trams don't reach, providing comprehensive coverage. Routes are well-marked, and timetables are generally reliable.
Tickets and passes
Single tickets are affordable and can be used on all forms of public transport. For convenience, consider a travel card (24-hour, 72-hour, or weekly) that allows unlimited travel on all public transit. You can buy at metro stations, kiosks, and from ticket machines. You can also purchase tickets on the BudapestGO app. If you get the Budapest Card, it also includes public transport and free entry or discounted entry to many of Budapest's sites.
Cycling
Budapest is increasingly bike-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and rental options. Companies like MOL Bubi offer bike-sharing services with stations scattered across the city, perfect for short trips and sightseeing.
Taxis and rideshares
Taxis in Budapest are reasonably priced compared to many European cities. To avoid overcharging, use reputable companies like Főtaxi or City Taxi. Always use the meter or agree on a fare before starting your journey. Apps like Bolt and Uber (the latter was banned in Hungary but is making a comeback shortly) are popular and convenient for getting around, especially late at night or when public transport is less frequent.
Car rentals
While Budapest's public transport system is excellent for getting around the city, renting a car might be worthwhile if you plan on exploring beyond the urban sprawl. Car rentals allow you to venture into the countryside, explore nearby towns like Szentendre or Eger, and uncover hidden spots that aren't reachable by public transport.
Tips for getting around
Validate your tickets: Always validate your public transport ticket before you start your journey. Ticket inspectors are frequent, and fines for non-validated tickets can be steep. You can also buy your ticket on the BudapestGO app; just ensure you validate by scanning the QR code on the doors before getting on the bus or tram.
Plan your route: Use apps like Google Maps or BudapestGO to access real-time public transport information and plan your journey efficiently.
Stay safe: Like any major city, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
Day 1 - Exploring historic Buda
Day 1: Exploring Historic Buda
Let's kickstart your day on the western side of the river on the Buda side. This part of Budapest is rich in history, with winding cobbled streets and curiosities around each corner. You'll begin the day on Castle Hill, the oldest part of the city, with narrow cobbled streets, medieval relics, and pastel-colored Baroque houses.
But not everything is as it seems, as the entire hill is hollow like Swiss cheese–that's why large tour buses are not allowed up here, as there's a risk they can make the hill cave in–but today you'll take in the more mainstream sites above ground. Put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and go exploring.
Morning - Buda Castle and Castle Hill
Start your exploration of Budapest with a morning around Buda Castle and Castle Hill. If you're feeling athletic, you can hike up toward Fisherman's Bastion by going up Hunyadi János út, which resembles somewhere in Montmartre with all its romantic staircases and historic houses.
You can take a very scenic staircase up to Fisherman's Bastion here, one of the best vantage points in Budapest, providing panoramic views of the city and the Danube. The bastion looks like a fairy-tale castle with its intricate arches and turrets. It's best to come here early to escape the crowds.
Matthias Church is next to Fisherman's Bastion, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture with colorful roof tiles and intricate spires. It has been built over the centuries with various wings and architectural elements added. The interior is colorful if you're planning to visit (it opens at 9 am, and you'll need to buy a ticket from the kiosk opposite). An optional visit here would take 45 minutes.
Continue your morning with a stroll through the Castle District. This area is a maze of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and quaint squares. The architecture here ranges from medieval to Baroque, with many buildings restored to their former glory.
If you skipped breakfast or need a snack, head over to Budavári Rétesvár, a hole-in-the-wall bakery specializing in strudel pastries hidden under the arches of an old alleyway. Try their dill and cottage cheese strudel if you want something savory, but their sweet ones are also excellent.
Next, wander over to Buda Castle, a centerpiece of Hungarian history. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has been a royal residence and a fortress. It now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
As you walk through the courtyards and admire the castle's grand facades, take a moment to visit the Hungarian National Gallery. Here, you can view an impressive collection of Hungarian art from medieval times to the present. Take the chance to climb inside the castle's dome while in the museum for panoramic views over the Danube and Pest. Allocate 1-1.5 hours to explore the castle grounds and the museum.
For lunch, there's plenty on offer around the Castle District. For a romantic fusion of Hungarian and French cuisine, Pierrot, set in a medieval bakery, serves excellent food (try to get a table in the garden if the weather is good). You can also try some updated Hungarian cuisine at Magyar 21 opposite.
Afternoon - Gellért Hill and the Rudas or Gellért thermal baths
You can walk down Castle Hill or take the Funicular for fantastic views over the river and then get the tram to Szent Gellért tér. From here, if you're in the mood to do some hiking, you can start to follow the paths that wind up Gellért Hill to the top of the Citadel for fantastic views over the city. It'll take about 1 hour to hike up the hill and about 30 minutes to hike down.
It's worth coming up here for the beautiful city vistas from above and the green park surroundings, which are lovely all year round. You can also visit the quirky Cave Church at the base, a church built into the natural caves in Gellért Hill.
Once you're done, hopefully, you've packed a swimsuit and a towel because it's time for relaxation. You have the option of going to the Ottoman era Rudas Thermal Baths (note that the baths aren’t co-ed accessible every day, so be sure to check the schedule before showing up) to soak under the pinpricked cupola domes built by the Ottoman Turks or head back to the Art Nouveau Gellért Thermal Baths to soak away in the healing waters.
The Gellért Baths are worth a visit for the architecture alone, as they resemble a set on a Wes Anderson movie with turquoise mosaic tiles and twisting columns. Expect to spend around 2-3 hours at the baths.
View of Buda Castle and the Castle District from Gellért Hill. Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evening - a night out on Bartók Béla Boulevard
Once you're done with the baths, it's time to explore a more vibrant part of Buda. Just behind the Gellért Baths is the lively Bartók Béla Boulevard, where you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants, like Szatyor or Hadik, which occupy an Art Nouveau building that was once home to an iconic literary café.
You can also find quirky, bohemian hangouts, like Gdansk, a tiny Polish bookstore and bar that serves incredible pierogies and beer, or Kelet, a café, restaurant, and bar packed with used books that guests can exchange for free.
You'll also find several independent art galleries and design shops along here, and with Móricz Zsigmond körtér being a transport hub, it'll be easy for you to return to where you're staying.
Get away from the crowds and spend a morning or afternoon exploring some of Budapest's alternative neighborhoods with our favorite local guide, Attila!
Day 2 - Bustling and lively Pest
Today, you'll explore downtown Pest, around the Hungarian Parliament, the Basilica, and Andrássy Avenue. Make sure you take in the details around you, particularly look up while walking around, as there are so many beautiful buildings in the area you won't want to miss.
Then, you'll spend the evening in the lively Jewish Quarter at some of the famous ruin bars.
Morning - Pest’s main sights: Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Postal Savings Bank
Begin your day with a coffee and a pastry at Espresso Embassy before walking over to the Hungarian Parliament Building for a tour of the stunning neo-Gothic building. Make sure you book your ticket in advance, as they sell out quickly, and give yourself some time to clear the security checkpoints inside.
Your guide will take you up the golden staircase to the crown jewels once belonging to St Stephen, the first king of Hungary, under the dome of the Parliament, and then to other gilded chambers and assembly rooms. The tour will take around 2 hours.
Once you're done, walk over to St Stephen's Basilica. Along the way, take the time to admire the beauty of the downtown area. If you go along Hold utca, look at the Hungarian Postal Savings Bank, a beautiful Art Nouveau building by architect Ödön Lechner, famed for its green and yellow tiled roof.
Once you reach St. Stephen's Basicila, the only other building in downtown Budapest that's the same height as the Hungarian Parliament, take some time to admire from the outside first before going in. Once you're inside, this gorgeous building is replete with stunning interiors adorned with intricate mosaics and stained glass, but it also houses the mummified right hand of St Stephen.
Make sure you also get a ticket to go up to the dome, which gives you a 360-degree view of the city. Expect to spend about 1 hour here. For lunch, grab a traditional Hungarian meal at Cafe Kör nearby.
Afternoon - Andrássy Avenue (Budapest’s version of the Champs-Elysées)
Walk up Andrássy Avenue, this boulevard dubbed as Budapest's Champs Elysees, which stretches from St Stephen's Basilica to Heroes’ Square. It's lined with palatial buildings, designer boutiques, theaters, museums, and embassies.
It would take you a couple of hours to walk the entire length, so just take a stroll at the beginning to the Hungarian State Opera, a beautiful building that you can visit on a tour–typically lasting about 1 hour–but it's also enough to admire from the outside. If you fancy a coffee and a sweet treat, you can sit down opposite at the Művész Cafe.
Continue farther up, and you'll reach the House of Terror Museum. This immersive museum documents the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary, and that's certain to leave an impression. The museum is packed with installations and video screens where you can interact with first-hand video stories from survivors of the regime.
The museum is sobering but will give you a better understanding of the country's 20th-century history. Expect to spend 2 hours here. You'll stop your exploration of Andrássy Avenue here, but don't worry; you'll be back to explore the far end around Heroes' Square tomorrow!
Andrássy Avenue. Photo: Random photos 1989, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evening - the Jewish Quarter and its iconic ruin bars
Now it's time to explore the Jewish Quarter by night, which is when this vibrant neighborhood comes alive. Head over to Mazel Tov, a Middle Eastern restaurant set in an upscale ruin bar built around an abandoned courtyard strung with fairy lights.
Once you've had dinner, it's time to head round the corner to Szimpla Kert, Budapest's first and original ruin bar. Stepping in here is like stepping into a surreal wonderland, with a labyrinth of graffiti-covered rooms, unusual art, and repurposed furniture (including an old Trabant car converted into seating and a bathtub cut in half).
However, if you're feeling extra adventurous and want to party until dawn, add Instant-Fogas. This super club arose from the merger of two unique ruin bars set in a complex that was once a dental laboratory. You'll find numerous bars and sub-clubs within the space catering to various music genres.
Day 3 - A bit of culture and relaxation
Today, you'll start at the Central Market Hall and wander through the Palace District and the Jewish Quarter. Later in the afternoon, you'll head up to the area around Heroes Square and City Park to explore this green lung of the city.
Put on some comfy shoes today, as you'll do a lot of walking. Perhaps pack a picnic blanket and bring some bags to carry things with you. Although you'll take things easy, you'll be walking a lot.
Morning - Central Market Hall, Palace District, The Great Synagogue
Start your day at the iconic Central Market Hall (just make sure it's not a Sunday!). This market hall is a grand architectural wonder with steel beams and cathedral-like proportions filled with fresh, local produce. As you wander through its aisles, you'll encounter stalls packed with fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, pastries, and an array of souvenirs. The upper floor is particularly enticing, offering various traditional Hungarian crafts and food stands.
Make sure to sample local delicacies like lángos, a fried dough with a choice of savory or sweet toppings, and chimney cake, a sweet pastry that is both crispy and tender. If the weather is good, you might want to pick up some picnic supplies while you're here for the park later, like some cheese, salamis, pastries, or even some cherry tomatoes. You can easily spend an hour to an hour and a half here.
Next, take a scenic walk over to the Great Synagogue, cutting through one of the most underrated districts in the city, the Palace District in the VIII District. Make sure you look up as you wander through, as I find some of the most beautiful details are hidden in plain sight and tend to get missed. I personally love this area for its architecture, offering a mix of neo-classical style blended with Baroque opulence. You could easily spend a day admiring the palatial buildings here.
The ideal route will take you up Baross utca, past the gorgeous Szabó Ervin Library (which you can also pay a small admission to and wander inside to explore it’s magnificent halls in the old part of the Baroque palace dripping with crystal chandeliers, mirrors, and wood-paneled reading rooms), and up to Mikszáth Kálmán tér, a lively square that resembles an Italian plaza. Continue along Szentkirályi utca to Bródy Sándor utca and then head back to the Múzeum körút and continue to the synagogue.
The Great Synagogue on Dohány utca is the largest in Europe. Its grandeur is complemented by its profound significance to Budapest's Jewish history. Within the complex, you'll also find the Holocaust Memorial and Museum, which offers a moving and educational experience delving into the poignant history of Hungary's Jewish community.
The synagogue is open every day except for Saturdays, so if it's open, you might want to pay a visit, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to appreciate the synagogue and the museum fully.
Once you're done, go to Kazinczy utca to Bors GasztroBár for lunch, known for its inventive sandwiches and hearty soups. This casual eatery is a hit among locals and tourists.
Afternoon - Kazinczy Street synagogue, Heroes’ Square, and City Park
Walk down Kazinczy utca, making sure you look up at the outside of the Art Nouveau Kazinczy Street synagogue. Once you reach Andrássy Avenue at Opera, hop on Metro Line 1 to Heroes' Square. Although this is a convenient form of transport, it's also the oldest metro in continental Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Sight in its own right!
Get off at Heroes' Square, one of Budapest's most significant landmarks, renowned for its impressive statues of Hungary's most important historical figures, flanked by two of the city's top museums–the Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle.
From here you’ll head over to City Park, Budapest’s most famous park, which is home to the Budapest Zoo, the Széchenyi Baths, the House of Music, and the Ethnographic Museum. There’s plenty to do here and in the summer there’s a lake for boating, while in the winter, the lake is converted into an ice rink.
If you want to see the city from above, you can also go up in a tethered hot air balloon, where you can experience the city quite literally from a bird’s eye view!
But once you’re in City Park, I recommend heading over to the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle, a picturesque structure hosting various exhibitions and events throughout the year. With its mix of architectural styles, this fairy-tale-like castle is perfect for a stroll and some beautiful photo opportunities.
If you picked up some picnic supplies from the market, find a picturesque spot to put down your blanket and enjoy a picnic during the golden hour.
City Park
Evening - Lakeside dinner and an evening river cruise
If you didn't bring a picnic or are still hungry, there are a few dinner options in the area. Robinson Restaurant, located in City Park, is a charming lakeside restaurant with a delightful setting and a menu featuring a variety of Hungarian and international dishes. It is an excellent choice for a relaxing evening meal.
After dinner, hop back on the metro and head to the river for an evening river cruise on the Danube. A nighttime cruise provides a striking perspective of Budapest's illuminated landmarks, casting a spellbinding glow over the city. Companies like Legenda and Silverline offer a range of cruise options, including those that feature dinner and wine tasting.
You can book tickets online or at the dock. Cruises typically last 1 to 2 hours, providing a perfect end to a day steeped in Budapest's culture and charm. Enjoy the city's twinkling lights as you glide along the water, capturing the beauty of Budapest from a different vantage point.
Learn about some of the city's best street art as you walk between some of Budapest's best ruin pubs on this hybrid pub/art crawl, led by lifelong Budapest resident and local guide - Attila!
Day 4 - Beyond the main attractions
If you have an extra day to explore the city, you can go beyond the main tourist attractions. You can explore some of the city's greener parts, whether you go up to the Buda Hills or, if you're interested in Communist history, explore Memento Park.
Margaret Island. Photo: Civertan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning - Margaret Island
Begin your morning by exploring Margaret Island, a car-free island covered with parkland in the middle of the Danube. You can easily reach the island via Margaret Bridge or Árpád Bridge. Getting here is straightforward: walking, biking, or taking the tram to the bridge.
There's plenty to explore on the island, like the Musical Fountain, where water jets dance in time to classical and contemporary music. There are also medieval ruins, such as the remnants of a 13th-century Dominican convent.
Pay a visit to the charming Japanese Garden, a serene spot featuring ponds, bridges, and a waterfall that invites moments of quiet reflection. Enjoy the peaceful ambience and scenic places; you can plan to spend 2 to 3 hours here.
Once you're done, head across the river to Buda, Csalogány utca, and Róma Ételbár for some traditional Hungarian food in a restaurant loved by locals. You'll find all the Hungarian classics here, like gulyas soup, in a nostalgic setting.
Afternoon - the Children’s Railway or Memento Park
You've got a couple of options from here. Your first option is to take the tram 61 or 56 from Széll Kálmán ter to Hűvösvölgy and take the Children's Railway through the leafy Buda Hills. This single gauge train line was set up during the Communist era as the Pioneer Railway to teach Hungarian children about the merits of working.
Today, the tradition continues, with top students getting a day off school to work at the railway, where they don nostalgic uniforms, check tickets, and salute (the engineers and drivers are adults, rest assured), but without the Communist propaganda. It's a scenic and nostalgic way to explore the Buda Hills. The journey one way takes around 45 minutes.
For a less romantic relic from Hungary's communist past, you might want to head to the other side of Buda to Memento Park, an open-air museum dedicated to the statues and monuments from Hungary's Communist era. Located on the outskirts of Budapest, this park offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's recent past through its collection of statues, including those of Lenin, Marx, and Hungarian Communist leaders.
The park provides a thought-provoking perspective on Hungary's history. To get there, take a bus from Kelenföld train station, which takes about 30 minutes. Allocate 2 to 3 hours to explore the park, including travel time.
Evening - catch a show at one of the performance halls
As evening falls, delight in a memorable dining experience at Borkonyha Winekitchen, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its Hungarian cuisine paired with an extensive selection of fine wines.
After dinner, you'll want to take in a show, as Hungary is famous for its folk and classical music. You can attend shows or concerts in Vigadó, Liszt Ferenc Academy, or the Budapest Operetta Theatre. These performances are a perfect way to end your day on a high note.
Tickets can be booked online or directly at the venue, with most shows starting in the evening and lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. Plan for 2 to 3 hours for the performance, including travel to and from the venue.
Plan with Local Expert Attila!
