Start your Budapest adventure by exploring the city's royal past in the Buda Castle District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the grandeur and architectural beauty of the Royal Palace and visit the Hungarian National Gallery. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the iconic Fisherman's Bastion lookout tower and explore the medieval streets and alleys of the Castle Hill Historical District. Don't miss the Matthias Church, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.
After a long day of sightseeing, unwind at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of the largest and most popular thermal baths in Europe. Relax in the natural hot springs, saunas, and steam rooms. Enjoy a massage or hydrotherapy session, or take a dip in the outdoor pool. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the locals playing chess in the water while sipping their favorite beverages.
Get ready to admire the impressive neo-gothic architecture of Hungary's Parliament Building on the banks of the Danube River. Take a guided tour of the interior, which features stunning frescoes, marble staircases, and ornate chandeliers. Afterward, take a river cruise along the Danube to marvel at the city's landmarks and bridges from a different perspective. Watch the sunset over the city while sipping a refreshing drink.
Enjoy a dose of Hungarian culture and cuisine at the Central Market Hall, Budapest's largest indoor market. Browse the stalls of artisanal bread, cheese, sausage, and paprika, and sample traditional dishes like goulash and chimney cakes. Take a leisurely stroll down Váci Street, one of Budapest's most vibrant and elegant shopping streets, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Don't miss the chance to try Hungarian wine, beer, or pálinka, a fruit brandy distilled in Hungary.
If you have more time, consider visiting one of Budapest's hidden thermal baths like Gellért or Rudas Baths or exploring the Jewish Quarter and its landmark synagogues. For those with less time, skip the inside tour of the Parliament Building and opt for an outdoor photo session instead. If you're on a budget, skip the river cruise and take a stroll along the Danube promenade instead, or visit one of the smaller, less expensive thermal baths like Király or Lukács Baths.