7-Day Budapest Itinerary: Iconic Sights, Danube Cruise & Thermal Baths

Day 0: Departure from Bangalore

Bangalore, India on May 14, 2025

4:45am

Flight to Budapest

Depart from Bangalore International Airport (BLR) on Emirates flight EK554. The overnight flight takes approximately 8 hours to Budapest.
INR0 (included in airfare), 8h0m
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Day 1: Arrival & Danube Promenade

Budapest, Hungary on May 15, 2025

2:30pm

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, clear immigration, and travel to your centrally located hotel to settle in.
EURO0-20 (taxi/public transport), 1h0m

3:30pm

Stroll Danube Promenade

Walk along the scenic Danube Promenade between the Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge to enjoy views of the Buda side hills and Parliament on the Pest side. Open all day, free entry.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner Cruise on Danube

Enjoy a relaxing evening dinner cruise on the Danube river that offers stunning illuminated views of Budapest’s landmarks like Buda Castle, Parliament, and the bridges. Operates daily with evening cruises around 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
EUR40-70, 2h30m
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Day 2: Buda Castle & Museum

Budapest, Hungary on May 16, 2025

9:00am

Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church

Explore the historic Buda Castle complex including the elegant Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers panoramic city views, and the beautiful Matthias Church. Opens from 9 AM to 5 PM.
EUR10 total entrance fees, 3h0m

1:00pm

Hospital in the Rock Museum

Visit this unique museum in a former underground hospital and nuclear bunker, showcasing Cold War history and cave hospital exhibitions. Open 10 AM to 6 PM.
EUR8, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk Across Chain Bridge

Stroll across the iconic Chain Bridge to the Pest side, enjoying the skyline views and photo opportunities of Buda Castle illuminated at dusk.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner Nearby Pest Side

Dine at 'Menza Restaurant' in Liszt Ferenc Square, offering modern Hungarian cuisine in a stylish setting, open until 11 PM.
EUR15-25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pest Landmarks

Budapest, Hungary on May 17, 2025

9:00am

Hungarian Parliament Tour

Take a guided tour of the stunning Parliament Building, known for its neo-Gothic architecture. Book tickets online in advance; tours start from 9 AM to mid-afternoon.
EUR25, 1h30m

11:00am

Liberty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica

Walk through the historic Liberty Square, then visit St. Stephen’s Basilica to admire its grand interior and panoramic city views from the dome. Basilica open 9 AM to 5 PM.
Free (EUR5 to climb dome), 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cserpes Tejivó

Enjoy a casual Hungarian lunch specializing in dairy and traditional dishes at this cozy eatery near the Basilica, open until 3 PM.
EUR8-12, 1h

2:30pm

Jewish Quarter & Dohány Street Synagogue

Explore the historic Jewish Quarter, visiting the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe, and learning about its rich heritage. Open 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Ruin Pubs Experience

Discover Budapest’s famous ruin pubs, especially Szimpla Kert, for a unique cultural and nightlife experience in lively, eclectic settings.
Varies, free entry, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mazel Tov

Dine at Mazel Tov, an elegant ruin pub restaurant serving trendy Mediterranean dishes with garden seating, open till 11 PM.
EUR20-30, 1h30m
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Day 4: City Park & Baths

Budapest, Hungary on May 18, 2025

9:00am

Heroes' Square & City Park

Visit the iconic Heroes' Square monument and take a scenic walk around City Park featuring statues, ponds, and gardens. Open 24 hours, museum entries vary.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Vajdahunyad Castle

Explore this fairy-tale style castle within City Park displaying architectural styles from Hungary’s history. Open all day; museums inside open 10 AM - 6 PM.
Free entry; museum ticket EUR6, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Robinson Restaurant

Enjoy lakeside dining at Robinson Restaurant in City Park, known for Hungarian and international cuisine, open 12 PM - 10 PM.
EUR20-30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Relax in one of Europe’s largest medicinal bath complexes with indoor and outdoor pools, spas, and saunas. Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
EUR20-25, 3h

7:30pm

Optional Budapest Zoo or Museum of Fine Arts Visit

If energy permits, visit the Budapest Zoo or the Museum of Fine Arts nearby, both usually open till 6 PM (plan accordingly).
EUR10-15, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner Nearby

Choose a casual dinner at a nearby cafe or your hotel to rest after a spa day. Many places open until 10 PM.
EUR15-25, 1h
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Day 5: Markets & Margaret Island

Budapest, Hungary on May 19, 2025

9:00am

Great Market Hall

Start your day at the Great Market Hall to sample local foods, buy souvenirs and Hungarian paprika. Open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily.
Free to enter; food costs vary, 1h30m

11:00am

House of Terror Museum (Optional)

For history enthusiasts, visit the House of Terror Museum showcasing fascist and communist regimes in Hungary. Open 10 AM to 6 PM.
EUR10-15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Market Hall Food Stalls

Enjoy traditional Hungarian street food such as lángos or goulash at the market’s food stalls for a quick and authentic lunch.
EUR5-10, 1h

2:30pm

Margaret Island

Spend the afternoon cycling or walking around peaceful green spaces, fountains, and historical ruins on Margaret Island. Open daily, free entry; bike rentals available.
EUR5 for bike rental, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Á la Maison Grand

Enjoy an elegant dinner with modern Hungarian flavors at Á la Maison Grand, open until 10 PM.
EUR25-40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Day Trip or Leisure

Budapest, Hungary on May 20, 2025

9:00am

Optional Day Trip to Szentendre or Gödöllő Palace

Take a half-day trip to Szentendre, a charming Danube riverside town known for art and cafes, or visit Gödöllő Palace, the former royal residence. Both tours run morning to afternoon.
EUR20-40 for transport and entry, 5-6h

9:00am

Alternative: Leisure Day in Budapest

Explore additional neighborhoods like Erzsébetváros, do last-minute shopping, or revisit favorite spots at your own pace.
Variable, All day

1:00pm

Lunch in City Center

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Café Gerbeaud for traditional pastries and coffee, open 9 AM - 8 PM.
EUR15-25, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Onyx Restaurant

Celebrate your last evening with gourmet Hungarian cuisine at the Michelin-starred Onyx Restaurant, open until 10 PM. Reservations recommended.
EUR60-100, 2h
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Day 7: Departure Day

Budapest, Hungary on May 21, 2025

9:00am

Hotel Checkout and Airport Transfer

Check-out from your hotel and take a taxi or shuttle to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your return flight.
EUR0-20, 1h

4:05pm

Flight to Bangalore

Depart Budapest on Emirates flight EK555 back to Bangalore. Flight duration approximately 8 hours.
INR0 (included in airfare), 8h0m
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