4-Day Budapest Itinerary: Exploring Hungary’s Historic Heart

Day 1: Introduction & Landmarks

Budapest, Hungary on April 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Start your day with a traditional Hungarian breakfast and exquisite pastries at this iconic, historic café located in Vörösmarty Square. Open from 8am to 10pm.
HUF4000, 1h

9:45am

Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica

Explore this stunning neoclassical basilica named after Hungary’s first king, offering panoramic views from its dome. Open 9am-5pm.
HUF2000, 1h

11:00am

Walk along the Danube Promenade

Stroll the beautiful promenade to see the Shoes on the Danube memorial and take in views of the Parliament Building and Buda hills.
Free, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Dunacorso Restaurant

Enjoy Hungarian dishes with a lovely view over the Danube River. Open 11:30am-10pm.
HUF6000, 1h15m

1:45pm

Parliament Building Tour

Take a guided tour inside the largest building in Hungary, showcasing stunning architecture and historical significance. Book tickets in advance; open 8am-6pm.
HUF3500, 1h

3:00pm

Liberty Square and Soviet Memorial

Explore this park featuring Soviet and World War II memorials, surrounded by important government buildings. Open all day.
Free, 45m

4:00pm

Relax at New York Café

Have a coffee break in one of the world’s most beautiful cafés, known for its lavish interior. Open 7am-11pm.
HUF4500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hungarikum Bistro

Experience authentic Hungarian home-style cuisine in a cosy atmosphere near the city centre. Open 12pm-10pm.
HUF7000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Castle District Exploration

Budapest, Hungary on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ruszwurm Confectionery

Famous for its traditional cakes, this historic confectionery in the Castle District opens at 8am to start your day right.
HUF3500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Buda Castle

Explore the historic Buda Castle complex, home to museums and panoramic views of Pest across the Danube. Grounds open all day; museums 10am-6pm.
HUF3500, 2h

11:45am

Matthias Church

Tour this Gothic church with its colourful tiled roof, rich history and beautiful interior. Open 9am-5pm.
HUF2000, 45m

12:45pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

A great spot for traditional Hungarian lunch dishes like goulash in the heart of the Castle District. Open 11am-10pm.
HUF6500, 1h

2:00pm

Fisherman’s Bastion

Enjoy stunning views from this neo-Romanesque terrace overlooking the Danube and the Parliament. Open 24/7, no entry fee.
Free, 1h

3:15pm

Hospital in the Rock Museum

Discover this Cold War-era underground hospital and nuclear bunker museum. Open 9am-6pm.
HUF3200, 1h

5:00pm

Coffee at Café Csiga

Relax with a coffee and cake at this charming café a short distance from the Castle District. Open 8am-10pm.
HUF3000, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at 21 Hungarian Kitchen

Enjoy contemporary twists on classic Hungarian dishes in a friendly setting. Open 12pm-10pm.
HUF7500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Thermal Baths & Markets

Budapest, Hungary on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cserpes Tejivó

A simple Hungarian dairy café serving fresh milk products and pastries from 7am.
HUF2500, 45m

9:30am

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Spend the morning relaxing in one of Europe’s largest and oldest thermal spas featuring indoor and outdoor pools. Open 6am-midnight.
HUF6500, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Central Market Hall

Sample Hungarian street food like langos or sausages at the historic indoor market, open 6am-5pm on weekdays.
HUF4000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Great Market Hall

Explore this beautiful market building for local crafts, paprika, and souvenirs.
Free, 1h

3:45pm

Walk City Park & Vajdahunyad Castle

Enjoy a scenic walk to Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairy-tale building showcasing diverse architectural styles, open daily. Park visit is free.
Free, 1h15m

5:30pm

Coffee and Cake at Ruszwurm in City Park

Relax with traditional Hungarian cakes near the castle in a charming setting. Open until 6pm.
HUF3500, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mazel Tov

Dine in a trendy ruin bar with fresh Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-influenced cuisine. Open 12pm-11pm.
HUF8000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Museums & Final Stroll

Budapest, Hungary on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Begin your day with coffee and pastries at Budapest’s famously lavish café. Open 7am-11pm.
HUF4500, 1h

9:30am

Hungarian National Gallery

Visit this premier art museum within Buda Castle featuring Hungarian art from medieval times to the 20th century. Open 10am-6pm.
HUF3000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Menza Restaurant

Enjoy a modern take on Hungarian classics in a lively setting on Liszt Ferenc Square. Open 11:30am-11pm.
HUF7000, 1h

1:30pm

House of Terror Museum

Learn about the dark 20th-century history of Hungary under fascist and communist regimes. Open 10am-6pm.
HUF3000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Andrassy Avenue

Stroll along this UNESCO World Heritage street lined with shops, cafés and stunning architecture, leading to Heroes’ Square.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Heroes’ Square and City Park

Visit the iconic square with statues commemorating Hungarian history and enjoy some final relaxing moments in City Park. Open daily.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Kiosk Budapest

Celebrate your last evening with contemporary Hungarian cuisine and cocktails near the river. Open 12pm-11pm.
HUF8500, 1h30m
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