Budapest in 5 Days

• Day 1: Explore the Historic Castle District
  Start the day at Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning views of the city. Explore the Fisherman's Bastion, a beautiful seven-towered lookout point, and visit the Gothic Matthias Church. From there, take a relaxing stroll through the Castle Labyrinth, an underground cave system that dates back to medieval times.
• Day 2: Discover Pest on Foot
  Begin in Heroes’ Square, which has important statues and museums. Visit St. Stephen's Basilica for a beautiful panoramic view of the city from above. Continue on to the iconic Chain Bridge and Hungarian Parliament Building for some great photo opportunities. After that, head over towards Váci Street, a pedestrian shopping avenue filled with cafes and museums.
• Day 3: Relax and Rejuvenate in Budapest's Thermal Baths
  Budapest is known for its unique spa culture, so what better way to spend a day than soaking in its relaxing thermal baths? Start with a visit to the famous Gellért Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool, and then head over to Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the largest spa in Europe.
• Day 4: Experience Hungarian Cuisine and Culture
  Start your day with a visit to the Central Market Hall, the city's biggest market, where you can browse and sample local specialties. After that, head over to visit the House of Parliament, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. In the evening, treat yourself to a night of traditional Hungarian cuisine and wine at one of its many excellent restaurants.
• Day 5: Take a Day Trip to the Countryside
  Take the stress out of the city and spend a day in the beautiful Hungarian countryside. Head over to the Eger Wine Region, known for its excellent vineyards and historical castle. Alternatively, plan a trip to Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe.

Time and Costs

• Buda Castle (2-3 hours, free)
• Matthias Church (1 hour, 8 EUR)
• Castle Labyrinth (1-2 hours, 7 EUR)
• Heroes' Square (1 hour, free)
• St. Stephen's Basilica (45 minutes, free)
• Chain Bridge (30 minutes, free)
• Hungarian Parliament Building (30-60 minutes, free)
• Váci Street (2 hours, free)
• Gellért Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool (2 hours, 20 EUR)
• Széchenyi Thermal Baths (3 hours, 22 EUR)
• Central Market Hall (1-2 hours, free)
• House of Parliament (1 hour, 15 EUR)
• Eger Wine Region Day Trip (8 hours, 150 EUR)
• Lake Balaton Day Trip (8 hours, 100 EUR)
Total Estimated Costs: 440 EUR

Transportation

To get around the city, the best way is to use Budapest's comprehensive public transport system, which includes buses, trams, and trains. A single ticket costs 350 HUF (about 1.10 EUR), while a 24-hour pass is 1650 HUF (about 5.20 EUR). For day trips to the countryside, you can either rent a car or take a train or bus.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, a popular attraction with a wide variety of animals and plants. Additionally, visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank, an emotional memorial which symbolizes the lives lost during World War II. If you have less time, consider skipping the thermal baths and day trips to spend more time exploring the city itself.