Start your day with a walk around the Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion for panoramic views of the city. Visit Matthias Church, a beautiful gothic church from the 13th century. Have lunch at the historic Ruszwurm Confectionery, the oldest pastry shop in the city, serving delicious Hungarian sweets for over 2 centuries. After, take a stroll along the Danube Promenade, and end your day with a beer at the Szimpla Kert Ruin Pub.
Indulge your taste buds with authentic Hungarian dishes like goulash and chimney cake. Begin with a leisurely morning at the Central Market Hall, a 19th-century covered market filled with a variety of indulging Hungarian food stalls. From there, take the subway to Budapest's 7th district and practice your bargaining skills at the Gozsdu Udvar street fair, filled with charming antique shops, boutiques and tasty street food. Then visit the House of Terror, a museum and memorial of the victims of fascist and communist regimes in Hungary. End the day at the Socialista Bar, an authentic socialist-style restaurant offering traditional Hungarian dishes.
Spend your last day in Budapest relaxing in one of the city's many famous thermal baths. Start with the stunning Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Hungary's largest thermal bath dating back to the early 20th century. Soak in the outdoor pools and enjoy the views of the beautiful park. Next, visit Gellert Baths, an Art-Nouveau-style bathhouse offering a more serene and calming atmosphere. Have lunch at the New York Palace Cafe, a grand 19th-century hotel known for its lavish interior and exquisite cakes. End the day with a walk around the Hungarian State Opera House, admiring the striking architecture.
To save money, use public transportation like the metro or tram. A single ticket costs about 350 HUF (approximately $1 USD). It's also easy to walk between many of the popular tourist spots, so pack comfortable shoes if you want to cut transportation costs!
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby towns like Szentendre or Visegrad. If you have less time, skip the House of Terror and plan for a shorter visit to the thermal baths. Make sure to try street food or go out to eat in non-touristy neighborhoods for more affordable, authentic Hungarian meals.
The main airport in Budapest is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), located about 16 km southeast of the city center. You can take a taxi, a bus or a train to reach the city from the airport, the journey takes about 20-30 minutes and should cost around 5000 HUF (approximately $15 USD).