6-Day Perfect Budapest Itinerary: Historic Sights, Thermal Baths & Danube Views

Day 1: Castle District Tour

Budapest, Hungary on May 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ruszwurm Café

Start your day with traditional Hungarian pastries and coffee at this historic café in the Castle District, dating back to 1827.
HUF2000, 1h0m

10:00am

Buda Castle and Matthias Church

Explore the magnificent Buda Castle grounds and the stunning Matthias Church, both offering remarkable architecture and panoramic views over the Danube.
HUF3000, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Enjoy classic Hungarian dishes like goulash in a cozy setting near the Castle District, open daily from 12pm to 10pm.
HUF4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Fisherman’s Bastion

Take in fairy-tale views of Budapest from this neo-Gothic terrace with its iconic spires overlooking the Danube and Pest side.
Free (some lookout towers have a small fee), 1h0m

4:00pm

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Tour this fascinating underground museum showcasing a former emergency hospital and Cold War nuclear bunker.
HUF3000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at 21 Hungarian Kitchen

Sample modern takes on traditional Hungarian cuisine at this well-reviewed restaurant located near the Castle District, open until 11pm.
HUF6000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Pest Highlights

Budapest, Hungary on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cserpes Tejivó

Enjoy fresh dairy products, sandwiches, and great coffee at this beloved local chain, open from 7am.
HUF1500, 0h45m

9:30am

Hungarian Parliament Tour

Book a guided tour to admire the stunning architecture and interior of Hungary’s iconic Parliament building, open from 8am.
HUF4000, 1h0m

11:00am

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Visit this impressive basilica to see its beautiful interior and climb up to the dome for vast city views. Open 9am-5pm.
Free; Dome access HUF2000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Menza Restaurant

Dine in the lively Liszt Ferenc square at Menza for popular Hungarian and European dishes served daily from 12pm.
HUF4500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk along Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square

Stroll this elegant boulevard to reach Heroes’ Square, a grand monument celebrating Hungarian history and culture, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

House of Terror Museum

Discover Hungary’s 20th-century history under fascist and communist regimes in this impactful museum. Open 10am-6pm.
HUF3500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Café Kör

An excellent spot near St. Stephen’s Basilica offering hearty Hungarian dishes and good wines, open till 11pm.
HUF5500, 2h0m
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Day 3: Thermal Baths & City Park

Budapest, Hungary on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gerlóczy Café

Experience a Parisian-style morning cafe with fresh croissants and coffee, open from 7am.
HUF2500, 1h0m

9:30am

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Relax in one of Europe’s largest medicinal bath complexes with both indoor and outdoor pools, open from 6am to 10pm.
HUF6500, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Paprika

Savor authentic Hungarian comfort food close to the baths, serving traditional dishes daily from 11am.
HUF3500, 1h0m

1:45pm

City Park & Vajdahunyad Castle

Wander through beautiful City Park and visit the picturesque Vajdahunyad Castle, open grounds accessible all day.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

Explore one of the oldest zoos in the world, located within City Park, open 9am to 6pm.
HUF3500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Robinson Restaurant

Enjoy dinner by the lake in City Park with fresh local fish and seasonal dishes, open until 10pm.
HUF6500, 2h0m
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Day 4: Arts & Markets

Budapest, Hungary on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at New York Café

Dine in one of the most beautiful cafés of Budapest known for its lavish interior and exquisite pastries, open from 8am.
HUF4000, 1h0m

9:45am

Museum of Fine Arts

Browse extensive collections of European art from ancient to modern times, open 10am to 6pm.
HUF3500, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Central Market Hall

Sample street food and fresh Hungarian produce at this historic market, open 6am to 5pm; ideal for a casual and tasty lunch.
Variable, 1h0m

1:15pm

Museum of Applied Arts

Admire intricate Hungarian design and decorative arts in a stunning Art Nouveau building, open 10am-6pm.
HUF2500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Gozsdu Courtyard

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this renovated complex of courtyards filled with bars, shops, and galleries, open throughout the day.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kiosk Budapest

Modern Hungarian cuisine with great river views, located near the Danube, open till midnight.
HUF6000, 2h0m
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Day 5: Danube & Shopping

Budapest, Hungary on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Csiga

Start your day with a cozy local café serving great coffee and freshly baked goods, open from 7:30am.
HUF2000, 1h0m

9:30am

Danube River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic 1-hour cruise on the Danube to see Budapest’s landmarks from the water, cruises operate daily from 9am to evening.
HUF5000, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Margaret Island

Relax in this peaceful green oasis in the middle of the Danube with gardens, fountains, and walking trails accessible all day.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Paloma Café on Margaret Island

Light lunch featuring sandwiches and salads with garden views, open daily 11am to 5pm.
HUF3500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping on Váci Street

Explore this famous pedestrian shopping street for souvenirs, fashion, and local crafts, shops generally open 10am to 8pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Babel Budapest

Experience fine dining with a creative Hungarian tasting menu in a stylish setting, reservations recommended, open until 11pm.
HUF20000, 2h0m
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Day 6: Relax & Departure

Budapest, Hungary on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Indulge in one of Budapest’s most famous coffee houses, known for elegant cakes and coffee, opens at 8am.
HUF3500, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk Andrássy Avenue and Opera House

Enjoy a final stroll down this UNESCO World Heritage boulevard and admire the majestic Hungarian State Opera House, open for tours 10am to 3pm.
Tour: HUF4000, 1h30m

11:30am

Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar

Relax in one of Budapest’s famous ruin pubs for a casual drink or light snack before departure, open from 11am.
Variable, 1h0m

12:30pm

Departure Preparation

Head back to your accommodation to finalize packing and prepare for your trip departure.
Free, Until departure
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