Start your Budapest adventure with a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Buda Castle Hill, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Danube River and the city itself. Here, you can visit the Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace with lookout towers, and the magnificent Buda Castle. Head to the labyrinth-like Hospital in the Rock Museum to learn about Budapest's history during World War II, and explore the unique system of caves and tunnels below the Castle District.
Experience Hungary's rich art and culture scene in Hungarian National Museum, where you can find thousands of years of history including fine arts, archeology, folk art, and decorative art exhibits. Then, take a short walk to the stunning Hungarian State Opera House, a neo-Renaissance building with world-class performances in classical music, opera, and ballet. Finally, visit the House of Terror Museum to learn about the chilling history of the country under Nazi and Soviet occupations.
Take a morning stroll along the Danube Promenade and enjoy the scenic views of the historic Chain Bridge and the Parliament Building. Then head to the Szechenyi Thermal Baths, the largest medicinal bath in Europe, and relax in its hot springs, saunas, and steam rooms. In the evening, relish a tasty Hungarian dinner in one of the buzzy restaurants of the Kiraly Street Dining Quarter.
Public transportation is the most convenient and budget-friendly way to travel around Budapest. The city has an extensive network of trams, buses, and metro lines, with frequent services from early morning to midnight. A 24-hour travel pass is available for $5.5, a 48-hour pass for $11, and a 72-hour pass for $16. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available at reasonable rates, but be mindful of peak hours and traffic congestion.
If you have an extra day, take a day trip to the picturesque Szentendre, a charming town with colorful buildings, art galleries, and souvenir shops. If you are a foodie, don't forget to try the Hungarian classics, such as goulash, chimney cake, and langos. On the other hand, if you are short on time, consider skipping House of Terror Museum or the Hungarian State Opera House.
The main international airport of Budapest is the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), located approximately 16 kilometers southeast of the city center. It serves several major airlines, with direct flights to various destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America. Taxis, public buses, and airport shuttle services are available to transport visitors to and from the airport to the city center.