10-Day Ultimate Budapest Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine, and Relaxation

Day 1: Historic City Centre

Budapest, Hungary on April 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Start your day at this iconic café located in Vörösmarty Square, famous for its traditional Hungarian pastries and coffee, perfect for a classic Hungarian breakfast.
HUF3500, 1h

9:45am

St. Stephen's Basilica

Explore this majestic neoclassical basilica, climb the dome for panoramic city views. Open 9am–5pm, a must-see for art and architecture lovers.
HUF1800, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk along Andrássy Avenue

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this historic boulevard, a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with grand buildings, boutiques, and cafés.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Menza Restaurant

Savour modern twists on Hungarian classics in this retro-style eatery located in Liszt Ferenc Square, open daily for lunch.
HUF4500, 1h

2:30pm

Hungarian State Opera House Tour

Join a guided tour of this opulent neo-Renaissance building to discover its rich history and stunning interiors. Tours run from 2pm to 4pm.
HUF2500, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at City Park (Városliget)

Unwind in the vast green space, visit Vajdahunyad Castle and the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath nearby (baths open 6am–10pm).
City Park free, Thermal Bath approx. HUF6000, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gundel Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining with classic Hungarian dishes in elegant surroundings at Gundel, open evenings from 5pm.
HUF12000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Jewish Quarter and Markets

Budapest, Hungary on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Szimply

A trendy spot known for creative breakfast plates and excellent coffee, perfect for starting the day in the Jewish Quarter.
HUF3500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Dohány Street Synagogue

Tour Europe's largest synagogue complex including the Jewish Museum and Holocaust memorial. Open from 9am to 5pm.
HUF4000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Kazinczy Street and Street Art

Discover vibrant street art and boutique shops in this lively neighbourhood, an easy walk around this cultural hotspot.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Karaván Street Food Court

Sample a variety of authentic Hungarian street foods in this informal outdoor setting, perfect for tasting local favourites quickly.
HUF3000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Great Market Hall

Wander through Budapest’s most famous indoor market, buy local produce and souvenirs. Market open 6am–6pm; best to arrive early afternoon for less crowds.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Rudas Baths

Experience traditional Turkish baths with rooftop views over the Danube, open until 10pm on Fridays with mixed gender sessions starting 6pm onwards.
HUF6000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mazel Tov

Dine in a stylish ruin bar setting with Middle Eastern influenced Hungarian dishes; open till late making it ideal after the baths.
HUF9000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Buda Castle and Hill

Budapest, Hungary on April 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cirkusz Café

Start on the Buda side with hearty breakfast options in this relaxed café close to the castle district.
HUF3500, 1h

10:00am

Buda Castle Complex

Explore the historic castle grounds, including the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and enjoy panoramic views of Pest. Open 10am–6pm.
HUF3500 combined ticket, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Taste traditional Hungarian cuisine in a quaint setting inside the castle district, open daily for lunch and dinner.
HUF5500, 1h

3:00pm

Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion

Visit the stunning church and enjoy the fairy-tale terraces offering fantastic city views. Open 9am–7pm.
HUF2000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk up Gellért Hill

For breathtaking 360-degree views of Budapest at sunset, hike or take a taxi to the citadel atop the hill. Open access, free.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at 21 Hungarian Kitchen

End your day dining on authentic, contemporary Hungarian dishes nearby Gellért Hill, serving fresh local ingredients.
HUF8500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Museum Day

Budapest, Hungary on April 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at New York Café

Enjoy breakfast at this lavish café often called the most beautiful café in the world, open from 7am.
HUF5000, 1h

10:00am

House of Terror Museum

Visit this powerful museum documenting Hungary’s 20th century under Nazi and Communist regimes, open 10am–6pm.
HUF3000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Csiga

A cosy spot featuring homemade Hungarian dishes and great atmosphere, ideal for a mid-day break.
HUF4000, 1h

2:00pm

Hungarian National Museum

Explore Hungary’s history and rich archaeology presented in a stunning neoclassical building. Open 10am–6pm.
HUF2500, 2h

4:30pm

Coffee and cake at Gerlóczy Café

Relax in this charming French-style café nearby to recharge with coffee and classic Hungarian cakes.
HUF3000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Borkonyha Winekitchen

Enjoy Michelin-starred modern Hungarian dishes paired with excellent local wines. Open evenings from 6pm.
HUF15000, 2h
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Day 5: Danube River and Margaret Island

Budapest, Hungary on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cserpes Tejivó

Start with fresh dairy delights and pastries at this popular local spot near the Danube promenade.
HUF2000, 1h

9:30am

Margaret Island Bike Tour

Rent a bike and explore this peaceful island park with its gardens, fountains, and medieval ruins. Bike rental open from 9am.
HUF2500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch picnic from Central Market Hall

Pick up fresh local produce and snacks for a charming picnic on the island’s lawns.
HUF3500, 1h

1:30pm

Danube River Cruise

Enjoy a 1.5-hour daytime sightseeing cruise offering spectacular views of the city’s landmarks along the river. Cruises depart from 1pm daily.
HUF6000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit the Parliament Building

Pre-book a tour to see Hungary’s stunning Gothic Revival parliament interior. Tours run 9am–4pm; best to reserve in advance.
HUF3500, 1h

5:00pm

Coffee Break at New Amsterdam Café

Relax with specialty coffee in one of Budapest’s best third-wave coffee shops.
HUF2500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Spoon The Boat Restaurant

Dine on the Danube on this elegant floating restaurant with wonderful views of the illuminated city.
HUF12000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Ruin Bars and Nightlife

Budapest, Hungary on April 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Espresso Embassy

Taste some of Budapest’s finest coffee and light breakfast in this comfortable specialty café.
HUF3000, 1h

10:30am

Explore Hungarian National Gallery

Visit the art museum housed in Buda Castle featuring Hungarian fine art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, open 10am–6pm.
HUF2500, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kiosk Budapest

Enjoy contemporary Hungarian food with a stylish atmosphere near the Danube, open daily for lunch.
HUF6000, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Lukács Thermal Bath

Experience a historic medicinal spa with pools and steam rooms, open daily till 10pm.
HUF5000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mazel Tov

Return to this vibrant ruin bar restaurant for a casual and atmospheric dinner with Middle Eastern flair.
HUF9000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening Ruin Bar Crawl

Discover iconic ruin bars such as Szimpla Kert, Instant, and Fogasház in the Jewish Quarter, open late into the night.
Entry mostly free, drinks cost varies, 3h
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Day 7: Day Trip to Szentendre

Szentendre, Hungary on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Train to Szentendre

Take the H5 suburban train from Budapest’s Batthyány tér to the charming riverside town of Szentendre, journey takes about 40 minutes.
HUF1000, 40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Aranysárkány Vendéglő

Enjoy a traditional Hungarian breakfast in this local restaurant near the main square.
HUF3500, 1h

10:15am

Explore Szentendre Old Town

Stroll the quaint streets, visit galleries and museums like the Margit Kovács Ceramic Museum. Shops and sights open from 10am.
Free to wander, museum entry approx. HUF1500, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Mező

A cosy spot serving Hungarian and Mediterranean dishes in the town centre, open daily for lunch.
HUF5500, 1h

3:00pm

Danube Riverside Walk and Return to Budapest

Relax by the Danube or explore local shops before catching the train back to Budapest.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bálna Bistro

Back in Budapest, enjoy river views and contemporary cuisine at this buzzing bistro near the Bálna cultural centre.
HUF8000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Cultural Immersion

Budapest, Hungary on April 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cserpes Tejivó

Enjoy local dairy treats and simple breakfast options to energise your day.
HUF2000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art

Discover contemporary international art in a modern setting, open 10am–6pm.
HUF2000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kiosk Budapest

Enjoy a mix of Hungarian and international dishes in a stylish setting.
HUF6000, 1h

2:00pm

Walk and Shop in Gozsdu Courtyard

Experience this vibrant area full of shops, cafés, and galleries, perfect for relaxed afternoon wandering.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Hungarian Museum of Folk Art

Explore rich folk costumes, crafts and traditions reflecting Hungary’s rural heritage, open until 5pm.
HUF2500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Costes Downtown

Treat yourself to a Michelin-starred dining experience offering modern Hungarian cuisine, reservations recommended.
HUF20000, 2h
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Day 9: Relaxation Day

Budapest, Hungary on April 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cirkusz Café

Relaxed breakfast in a calm atmosphere ideal before a day dedicated to rest.
HUF3500, 1h

10:30am

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Indulge in Budapest’s largest medicinal bath complex with outdoor and indoor pools, open from 6am to 10pm.
HUF6000, 3h

2:00pm

Light lunch at Paprika

Enjoy hearty Hungarian vegetarian and meat dishes just a short walk from the baths, open for lunch daily.
HUF4500, 1h

3:30pm

Walk in City Park

Spend a gentle afternoon walking around City Park gardens and the lake for rest and fresh air.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kéhli Vendéglő

Experience classic Hungarian cuisine in a family-run restaurant with a warm atmosphere.
HUF7500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Final Highlights

Budapest, Hungary on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Enjoy one last decadent breakfast in the magnificent surroundings of this world-famous café.
HUF5000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Heroes’ Square and Millennium Monument

Take a morning walk around this iconic square featuring statues of Hungarian leaders, open all day.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Explore nearby Museum of Fine Arts

View Renaissance, Baroque and modern European art in this impressive museum, open 10am–6pm.
HUF3000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Robinson Restaurant

Enjoy lakeside dining by City Park pond with fresh Hungarian and international dishes, ideal for a relaxed farewell meal.
HUF8000, 1h

2:00pm

Last minute shopping or coffee

Spend the afternoon revisiting favourite locations or picking up souvenirs before your departure.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Departure Preparation

Head back to your accommodation, pack, and get ready to leave Budapest with wonderful memories.
Free, Evening
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