Start off your day with a relaxing soak in one of Europe's most famous hot springs at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Afterwards, head over to Heroes' Square and take in the famous statues of Hungary's past leaders. From there, visit St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest's largest church and the final resting place of Hungary's first king. End your day at Fisherman's Bastion, a lookout tower with stunning views of the Danube River and Parliament Building.
Start your day on Margaret Island, a peaceful urban park located in the middle of the Danube River. There, rent bikes to explore the park and its attractions, like a Japanese garden and a musical fountain. After the park, take a scenic walk along the river to Buda Castle and explore its museums, galleries, and architecture. End the day with a sunset cruise on the Danube River.
Experience Budapest's culinary scene by starting your day with a visit to Central Market Hall, with its stalls of fresh produce, meats, and pastries. After the market, enjoy a traditional Hungarian dish like goulash or chimney cake. Then, head to the famous ruin bars of District VII, like Szimpla Kert, for drinks and live music. End your day with a visit to a local wine bar, like Doblo Wine & Bar.
Begin your day with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts and explore its collections of classical and contemporary art. Head to the Hungarian State Opera House for a guided tour and see its impressive Neo-Renaissance architecture. Afterward, visit the Holocaust Memorial Center, which documents the history of the Holocaust in Hungary. End your day with a performance at the Palace of Arts, Budapest's premier cultural center.
Budapest's metro system, buses, and trams provide convenient transportation around the city. A 24-hour public transport pass costs 1650 HUF or individual tickets can be purchased for 350 HUF each. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are also available, but may be more expensive than public transportation. It is recommended to avoid driving in Budapest due to heavy traffic and limited parking options.
If you have more time, consider visiting other popular attractions like the Hungarian Parliament Building or the Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Fine Arts) in Heroes' Square. If you have less time, shorten your itinerary by skipping a day or combining two days into one. For example, you could combine Day 2 and Day 3 to create a food and outdoor adventure day.
Budapest has one main international airport, Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), located approximately 16 kilometers southeast of the city center. The airport is well-connected to the city by public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services. It is recommended to book transportation in advance, as lines for taxis and public transportation can be long.