Start your Budapest journey with a visit to the Buda Castle, a historical palace complex on the south tip of Castle Hill. Inside, enjoy the views from the castle terraces, indulge in Hungarian art at The Hungarian National Gallery, and discover the history of the castle at the Budapest History Museum. Afterward, visit the Matthias Church, a gorgeous Gothic-style church featuring ornate frescoes and stained-glass windows.
Head to Fisherman's Bastion, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and take some fantastic photos. Then, take a short walk to the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most impressive parliament buildings in Europe. Join a guided tour to discover the incredible architecture, artwork, and history of this iconic building.
Relax and unwind at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Budapest's largest medicinal bath. Indulge in the warm waters of the outdoor pools or revel in the healing properties of the steam rooms and saunas. In the afternoon, visit Heroes' Square, a stunning public square featuring the statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and the Millennium Memorial.
Start the day with a visit to St. Stephen's Basilica, a beautiful neoclassical cathedral. Don't miss the breathtaking view from the dome's observation deck! Then, head to the Central Market Hall, Budapest’s largest market hall, to explore an array of local delicacies like langos, paprika, and Hungarian sausages. A perfect place to buy some gifts for friends and family back home.
To get around Budapest, we recommend purchasing a 72-hour Budapest Card for unlimited travel via public transport, 2 free walking tours, free or discounted entry to museums, as well as various discounts to restaurants and attractions. The cost for the 72-hour pass is 10,500 HUF (approximately $34 USD) and can be purchased at the airport, tourist information offices, and online. Budapest also has various taxi and ride-sharing services, which can be easily accessed via mobile apps.
If you have more time, consider taking a trip to the nearby city of Szentendre, known for its charming cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and stunning views of the Danube River. If you have less time, prioritize a visit to the Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building and combine the Heroes' Square and Széchenyi Thermal Bath into one day.
Budapest's main airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), located approximately 16 km southeast of the city center. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 2 serving most major airlines. Transport options from the airport include the airport shuttle bus, public transport buses, trains, taxi, and ride-sharing services.