Budapest in one day

  • 9:00AM: Buda Castle
    15 minutes (2.5 km) from Great Market Hall

    The Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, is a fortress in the Castle District of Budapest. Its history dates back over 700 years - it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout the centuries. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Danube river and Pest side.

  • 11:00AM: St. Stephen's Basilica
    15 minutes (1.3 km) from Buda Castle

    St. Stephen's Basilica is the biggest and most grandiose church in Budapest, named after the first king of Hungary, St. Stephen. Located in the heart of the city, the basilica offers visitors an impressive view of Budapest’s downtown area from its domes.

  • 1:00PM: Hungarian State Opera House
    10 minutes (850m) from St. Stephen's Basilica

    The Hungarian State Opera House is a neo-Renaissance building located in central Budapest. It has been a center for the city's cultural life since it was opened in 1884. Visitors can take a one-hour guided tour that includes the grand staircase, the main foyer and main auditorium.

  • 3:00PM: Széchenyi Thermal Baths
    20 minutes (2.5 km) from the Hungarian State Opera House

    The Széchenyi Thermal Baths are the largest medicinal baths in Europe located in Budapest. These thermal baths are the perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring Budapest. Visitors can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, saunas and massages.

  • 5:00PM: Fisherman's Bastion
    20 minutes (4.5 km) from Széchenyi Thermal Baths

    The Fisherman's Bastion is a terrace in the Buda Castle district of Budapest that offers panoramic views of the city. The Bastion was built in the 19th century and named after the guild of fishermen who protected this part of the city during the Middle Ages. This is a great place to end your day in Budapest with a beautiful sunset view.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Buda Castle (1-2 hours, free)
  • St. Stephen's Basilica (30-60 minutes, free)
  • Hungarian State Opera House (1 hour, 3500 HUF/£9)
  • Széchenyi Thermal Baths (2-3 hours, 6800 HUF/£17)
  • Fisherman's Bastion (30-60 minutes, 1000 HUF/£3)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 11,300 HUF/£28

Transportation

Budapest has an extensive public transportation network, which includes buses, trams, trains, and a subway system. The best way to get around is by using the Budapest Card, which provides unlimited transportation access, free entry to many museums and attractions, and discounts at selected restaurants and retailers. The card is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and prices range from 8000 HUF to 15900 HUF/£20 to £40, depending on the duration of the card.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Hungarian Parliament Building, Matthias Church, or Vajdahunyad Castle. If you have less time, you can skip the Hungarian State Opera House or Fisherman's Bastion.

Airports

Budapest has one international airport called Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). It is located 16 km southeast of the city center and has two terminals. The airport serves more than 160 destinations in 60 countries, and there are multiple ways to travel to and from the airport, including by public transportation, taxi, or shuttle services.

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