5-Day Budapest Trip Itinerary Featuring Iconic Sights and Evening Danube Cruise

Day 1: Arrival and evening stroll

Budapest, Hungary on July 21, 2025

3:30pm

Arrive at Budapest Airport

Land around mid-afternoon and transfer to your accommodation in central Budapest to settle in and freshen up.
0HUF, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along the Danube Promenade

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the riverbank to admire views of the Parliament building and Chain Bridge as the sun begins to set.
0HUF, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rosenstein Restaurant

Try traditional Hungarian dishes with a modern twist in this well-reviewed family-run restaurant open till 10pm.
Approx. 7000HUF, 1h30m

Day 2: Market and park day

Budapest, Hungary on July 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cserpes Tejivó

Start your day with fresh dairy products and pastries at this popular breakfast spot near the Great Market Hall.
Approx. 1500HUF, 45m

9:30am

Explore Great Market Hall

Visit Budapest’s largest indoor market to experience local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Open from 6am to 6pm daily.
0HUF entry, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Fakanál Restaurant inside the Market Hall

Enjoy authentic Hungarian dishes right in the heart of the Great Market Hall with great views of the bustling stalls.
Approx. 5000HUF, 1h

1:00pm

Relax at Margaret Island

Spend a peaceful afternoon walking or cycling around this beautiful green oasis in the middle of the Danube with gardens, fountains, and a small zoo. Open 6am-10pm.
Free, bike rental approx. 2500HUF/hr, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at Margitsziget Restaurant

Dine overlooking the water and enjoy classic Hungarian cuisine on Margaret Island.
Approx. 6000HUF, 1h30m

Day 3: Sightseeing with friends

Budapest, Hungary on July 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café New York

Start the day with a lavish breakfast at one of Budapest's most beautiful cafés, open from 7am.
Approx. 3000HUF, 1h

10:30am

Visit Fisherman's Bastion

Explore this fairy-tale terrace with panoramic views of the Danube and Pest side. Open 24/7, no entry fee.
0HUF, 1h

11:30am

Tour Buda Castle

Discover the historic castle complex including museums and gardens. Open 10am to 6pm.
1500HUF, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Savor traditional Hungarian dishes in a cozy setting near the castle.
Approx. 6000HUF, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Cat Museum

Explore Hungary's unique Cat Museum featuring cat art and memorabilia. Open 11am to 6pm, closed Mondays.
2000HUF, 1h

6:30pm

Early Dinner at Kiosk Budapest

Enjoy modern Hungarian cuisine in a stylish venue before the evening cruise. Open until 11pm.
Approx. 7000HUF, 1h30m

8:45pm

One-hour Danube River Cruise

Relax on a scenic evening cruise to see Budapest's illuminated bridges and landmarks from the water. Make sure to arrive 15 minutes early.
Approx. 6000HUF, 1h

Day 4: Leisure day

Budapest, Hungary on July 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Gerbeaud Café

Enjoy coffee and traditional Hungarian pastries in one of Budapest’s most iconic cafés, open from 8am.
Approx. 2500HUF, 1h

10:30am

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Spend your morning bathing and unwinding in the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Pools open from 6am to 10pm.
6500HUF, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Paprika Restaurant

Savor traditional Hungarian goulash and other favorites in a cozy setting.
Approx. 5500HUF, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Heroes' Square and City Park

Walk around this iconic Budapest landmark and its surrounding park with monuments and a zoo.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Borkonyha Winekitchen

Dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant offering fantastic Hungarian cuisine paired with local wines.
Approx. 15,000HUF, 2h

Day 5: Departure day

Budapest, Hungary on July 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation or nearby café

Have a light breakfast before packing up and checking out.
Approx. 1500HUF, 1h

10:00am

Last minute shopping or sightseeing

Use your last morning for souvenir shopping or a quick visit to a nearby attraction like the Hungarian Parliament exterior.
0HUF, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Menza Restaurant

Enjoy a farewell meal with modern Hungarian cuisine in the lively Liszt Ferenc Square.
Approx. 6000HUF, 1h

2:00pm

Transfer to Budapest Airport

Head to the airport to catch your departure flight.
0HUF, 1h30m