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Before I first visited Budapest<\/a>, I pictured the city as a rundown former Communist capital with little to do. I thought it would be drab.<\/p>\n Fortunately, I was wrong.<\/p>\n Very wrong.<\/p>\n Budapest is a vibrant city with a rich history, beautiful parks and buildings, bustling food halls, cool underground bars<\/a>, and centuries-old thermal baths.<\/p>\n And, in the decade since that first visit, Budapest has only gotten better. <\/p>\n It’s a lively capital that rivals the best of Western Europe. While it may have something of a drab exterior due to all those Soviet era buildings, if you can look beyond its concrete fa\u00e7ade you’ll find a cool city with plenty on offer. <\/p>\n To help you plan your visit to this marvelous Central European capital, I\u2019ve created this Budapest itinerary with the best things to see and do in the city so you can have an amazing, budget-friendly experience. It’s a packed itinerary, but you don’t have to do everything \u2014 just pick and choose the things you prefer to see!<\/p>\n Budapest Itinerary Highlights<\/p>\n Day 1<\/strong>: Castle Hill, National Gallery, Fisherman\u2019s Bastion, & more<\/a><\/p>\n Day 2<\/strong>: Parliament, Great Market Hall, Ruin Bars, & more<\/a><\/p>\n Day 3<\/strong>: Gell\u00e9rt Hill, Cave Church, Terror Museum, & more<\/a>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Take a Walking Tour<\/strong> After the walking tour, which lasts two to three hours, head over to Castle Hill.<\/p>\n Tour Castle Hill<\/strong> The cheapest and easiest way to get up the hill is on the No. 16 bus. The funicular is another option, but it usually has a lengthy wait. I actually prefer walking, as I don\u2019t think the hill is that steep.<\/p>\n See Buda Castle<\/strong> Beneath the castle, Vlad the Impaler (who we know colloquially as Count Dracula) was apparently imprisoned for 14 years. In the dungeon area, there is a labyrinth that tourists can explore.<\/p>\n Szent Gy\u00f6rgy t\u00e9r 2, +36 1 458 3000, budacastlebudapest.com. The courtyards are open 24\/7 while the castle has hours that align with the museum and gallery below. Tours cost 6,180 HUF (must be booked in advance).<\/em><\/p>\n Visit the Budapest History Museum<\/strong> 2 Szent Gyorgy Square, +36-1-487-8854, budacastlebudapest.com\/budapest-history-museum. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 3,800 HUF (free admission if you have the Budapest Card. There is an additional charge for taking pictures. <\/em><\/p>\n Admire the Hungarian National Gallery<\/strong> During your visit, you can also check out the underground Habsburg Palatine Crypt and climb to the top of the iconic dome for panoramic views of the city.<\/p>\n 1014 Budapest, +36 20 439 7325, mng.hu. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 4,800 HUF and there is an additional charge for taking pictures. Audio guides are available for 1,200 HUF. <\/em><\/p>\n See the Hospital in the Rock<\/strong> Lovas ut 4\/c , +36 70 701 0101, sziklakorhaz.eu\/en. Open daily 10am-7pm. Guided tours in English are one hour long and cost around 7,500 HUF.<\/em><\/p>\n Visit Matthias Church<\/strong> Szenth\u00e1roms\u00e1g t\u00e9r 2, +36 1 355 5657, matyas-templom.hu. Open 9am-5pm on weekdays, 9am-1pm on Saturdays, and 1pm-5pm on Sundays. Admission to the church is 2,900 HUF and it\u2019s 3,400 HUF to visit the tower.<\/em><\/p>\n See Fisherman\u2019s Bastion<\/strong> Szenth\u00e1roms\u00e1g t\u00e9r, +36 1 458 3030, fishermansbastion.com. Open daily 9am-11pm. Admission is free in the mornings before 9am or evenings after 7pm, with a charge of 1,200 HUF to visit the upper turrets. <\/em><\/p>\n Tour the Hungarian Presidential Palace<\/strong> Szent Gy\u00f6rgy t\u00e9r 2, +36 1 224 5000. Admission to the changing of the guard is free. There is an additional fee for palace admission (when available).<\/em><\/p>\n See Buda Tower<\/strong> Kapisztr\u00e1n t\u00e9r 6, budatower.hu\/en. Open daily 10am-4pm (except January-February when it’s only open on weekends). Admission is 1,500 HUF or free if you have the Budapest Card.<\/em> Visit Parliament<\/strong> These days, you can tour the Gothic Revival edifice and watch the changing of the guard. I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, as the lines to buy tickets on-site can be incredibly long.<\/p>\n Kossuth Lajos t\u00e9r 1-3, +36 1 441 4415, parlament.hu. Open daily 8am-4pm (8am-6pm from April-Oct). Admission is 12,000 HUF for non-EU residents and 6,000 HUF for EU residents. <\/em><\/p>\n Stroll Along the Danube<\/strong> Walk Across the Chain Bridge<\/strong> Eat at the Great Market Hall<\/strong> V\u00e1mh\u00e1z k\u00f6r\u00fat 1\u20133, budapestmarkethall.com\/great-market-hall-budapest. Open Monday 6am-5pm, Tuesday-Friday 6am-6pm, and Saturday 6am-3pm. Admission is free but tours are available (7,895 HUF for a guided tour or 25,650 HUF for a tour with samples of local specialties, such as Hungarian cheese scones, salami, truffle cream, and more). Market tasting tours are Saturdays at 11am. <\/em><\/p>\n Gaze at St. Stephen\u2019s Basilica<\/strong> Szent Istv\u00e1n t\u00e9r 1, +36 1 311 0839, bazilika.biz. Open daily 9am-5:45pm (1pm-5:45pm on Sundays). Entry to the basilica is 2,300 HUF or 6,000 HUF for a ticket that includes the panoramic tower\/observation deck.<\/em><\/p>\n Check out Doh\u00e1ny Street Synagogue <\/strong> Doh\u00e1ny u. 2, +36 1 413 5584, jewishtourhungary.com\/en. Hours vary from month to month; call ahead or check the website for details. Admission is 10,800 HUF. <\/em><\/p>\n See the Hungarian State Opera House<\/strong> Andr\u00e1ssy u. 22, 1061, +36 1-81-47-100, opera.hu. Tours cost around 9,000 HUF and last one hour. Performances vary but can cost as little as 2,150 HUF.<\/em><\/p>\n Party at the Ruin Bars<\/strong> From the outside, these bars look like normal homes. They don\u2019t have large signs pointing the way, you don\u2019t hear any loud noise, and there\u2019s no line of people waiting to get in. My two favorite bars are:<\/p>\n For a longer list of the best ruin bars in Budapest, check out my in-depth guide<\/a>. There are several monuments on the hill that are worth stopping to appreciate:<\/p>\n See the Cave Church<\/strong> Sziklatemplom \u00fat Gell\u00e9rt Hill. Open Monday-Saturday from 9:30am-7:30pm. Admission is 1,000 HUF.<\/em><\/p>\n Visit the House of Terror Museum<\/strong> Andr\u00e1ssy \u00fat 60, +36 1-374 26 00, terrorhaza.hu\/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm. Admission is 4,000 HUF.<\/em><\/p>\n Tour Heroes\u2019 Square<\/strong> The square is at the entrance to City Park, where you can visit the zoo and the Sz\u00e9chenyi Baths (see below) if there\u2019s time. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art are located nearby as well, making for interesting stops if you\u2019re interested in art.<\/p>\n Soak at the Baths<\/strong> \u00c1llatkerti krt. 9-11, +36-20 435 0051, szechenyifurdo.hu. Open from 7am-7pm and weekends from 9am-8pm. Admission starts at 10,500 HUF on weekdays, 12,000 HUF on weekends, and 13,000 HUF on holidays. <\/em><\/p>\n These are lots of other baths around town too. Some worth checking out include:<\/p>\n When visiting the baths, don\u2019t forget your bathing suit and flip-flops. You can typically rent towels and lockers. Visit the House of Houdini<\/strong> 11 D\u00edsz Square, +36 1-951-8066, houseofhoudinibudapest.com. Open daily 10am-7pm. Admission is 4,735 HUF per person. <\/em><\/p>\n Take a Tour<\/strong> Admire Budapest\u2019s Street Art<\/strong> Go Caving<\/strong> Take a River Cruise<\/strong> Budapest<\/a> is a fun city that really does have something for everyone. Don\u2019t let the grim fa\u00e7ade fool you. Budapest is vibrant and modern and packed with awesome things to see and do, whether you\u2019re a history buff or night owl looking to party (or both!). It\u2019s one of the best capitals to visit in all of Europe so you better make sure you add this quirky, historic destination to your bucket list!<\/p>\n My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n Get all my best Europe travel tips as well as free planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the country for less! <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\nBudapest Itinerary: Day 1<\/h3>\n
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\nSince Budapest is so neatly divided into two parts, it\u2019s best to tackle each half separately. Today, we\u2019re going to start with the Buda (west) side of the Danube. This is the upper-class, ritzy area \u2014 complete with a castle \u2014 and it\u2019s filled with lots of museums, historic streets, beautiful parks, and regal homes.<\/p>\n
\nI love walking tours. If you\u2019ve read some of my other posts, you probably know that already, since I\u2019m always recommending them. They are a wonderful way to get an overview of a place, learn about its culture, orient yourself, and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Budapest has a number of good tours \u2014 just be sure to tip your guide at the end:<\/p>\n\n
\nThis area has a lot of charm, with cobblestone streets and narrow alleys running through the Old Town. There are panoramic views of Pest and the Danube, great caf\u00e9s and restaurants, and shops to explore.<\/p>\n
\nThey call it a castle but it\u2019s more of a palace complex than a traditional castle. Though it was originally constructed in the 13th century, the huge Baroque complex you see today was built between 1749 and 1769. The palace\u2019s days of being a luxurious living space ended in World War II, though, when Nazi (and then Russian) troops looted it. Today, it\u2019s home to a collection of museums (see below).<\/p>\n
\nThis museum covers four floors of Buda Castle and really gives you a comprehensive overview of the city\u2019s entire history (plus the views across town are amazing!). Rooms date back to the 15th century, including the old cellar, which you\u2019re free to explore. The museum also offers an insightful overview of the historical sites around the city center and their role in Hungarian history, from prehistoric times right up to the present.<\/p>\n
\nEstablished in 1957, this art museum is located inside Buda Castle. Once one of the most glorious royal residences in Europe, Buda Castle dates to the 14th century and was restored in the Baroque style in the late 1700s. World War II damaged the palace severely and it was restored again in the 1960s before becoming home to the National Gallery in 1975. It has works from prominent Hungarian and European artists as well as a collection of Medieval altarpieces from the 15th century. <\/p>\n
\nThis museum is underneath Castle Hill and just a five-minute walk from the castle. It has a fascinating history, having served as a hospital, bomb shelter, prison, and nuclear bunker. Inside, you can learn about World War II, the 1956 revolution, and the Cold War. It opened as a museum in 2008 and is one of the most popular attractions in town. There\u2019s a one-hour guided tour complete with wax figures, tools, equipment, and furnishings.<\/p>\n
\nThis Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic is super unique. I\u2019ve seen hundreds of churches and cathedrals across Europe<\/a>, and this one is unique. The colorful roof almost looks like it was built from Lego. The original church was built in the 11th century, though nothing remains of it. The current building was constructed in the 14th century and it saw significant renovations in the 19th century. Once inside, look out for the vaulted ceilings and ornate d\u00e9cor. It was a mosque for a while, which explains its vibrant colors and painted designs that aren\u2019t the norm in European churches.<\/p>\n
\nThis ornate, fairytale structure faces Pest and provides great panoramic views across the Danube River. Built between 1895 and 1902, the terrace comprises seven lookout towers that represent the seven Hungarian tribes that founded Budapest. (It was designed by the same architect who constructed the Matthias Church next door.) The name comes from either the fact that the terrace overlooks the fishermen\u2019s guild or that the fishermen\u2019s guild actually was responsible for protecting that area of the wall (no one is certain which).<\/p>\n
\nThis is the home of the Hungarian president. The palace is called S\u00e1ndor-Palota (Alexander Palace), and while it\u2019s not terribly eye-catching compared to the surrounding buildings, you can see the changing of the guard at the top of each hour for free (from 9am-5pm, excluding Sundays). Occasionally, the palace is open for tours in the summer (you\u2019ll have to inquire in person about prices and hours as they occur infrequently).<\/p>\n
\nThis reconstructed \u201ctower\u201d is all that remains of the Church of Mary Magdalene, which was built in the 13th century but nearly destroyed during an air raid in World War II. When the Turks occupied the city between 1541-1699, it was used as a mosque. Since reopening in 2017, you can now climb the 172 steps to the top, but given the great free views of Castle Hill, I\u2019d skip it and just view the tower from the outside.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nBudapest Itinerary: Day 2<\/h3>\n
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\nToday, let\u2019s tackle the Pest (eastern) side of town. Here’s how to spend the day:<\/p>\n
\nThis massive building on the Danube is where the Hungarian legislature meets. The literal translation means \u201cHouse of the Nation\u201d or \u201cHouse of the Country.\u201d After the three cities that make up modern Budapest (Buda, Pest, and \u00d3buda) united in 1873, it was decided that a new parliament building was needed. This massive structure took 19 years to build, with construction finishing in 1904. Not only is it the tallest structure in Budapest but it\u2019s actually the largest in the entire country.<\/p>\n
\nA walk along the river is a nice activity after visiting Parliament. Head south and check out the promenade and its many green spaces and sculptures, including the sobering \u201cShoes on the Danube Bank,\u201d a memorial honoring the Jews who were executed here during World War II. During World War II, fascist militia rounded up 3,500 citizens (800 of which were Jewish) and ordered them to take off their shoes before they were executed and thrown in the Danube. It’s a sobering, but necessary, stop.<\/p>\n
\nContinuing south, you\u2019ll reach the Sz\u00e9chenyi Chain Bridge connecting Pest with Buda. This wrought-iron and stone suspension bridge is 375 meters (1,230 feet) in length. It opened in 1849, though it had to be rebuilt after World War II. At the Pest (east) end of the Chain Bridge is the Gresham Palace, a beautiful Art Nouveau building. It was once a luxurious office\/apartment building and is now a luxurious hotel. Be sure to bring your camera as you can snap some nice pictures here.<\/p>\n
\nBuilt in 1897, this is the oldest and largest indoor market in the country, located a bit southwest of the Jewish Quarter. There\u2019s mostly produce, meats, baked goods, and candy on the ground floor, while the upper floor is home to restaurants and souvenir shops. It has a lot of traditional places to eat, so be sure to walk around and explore first. Sure, it\u2019s touristy (it\u2019s the central market, after all!), but I still found the food tasty. <\/p>\n
\nThis is the largest church in Hungary and can\u2019t be missed. It is beautiful inside and out, with ornate architecture, gorgeous artwork, sparkling marble, and a tall dome. No wonder it took 50 years to build! If you go inside, check out all the little chapels and St. Stephen\u2019s mummified hand. If you\u2019re there on a Monday, you can go to an organ concert.<\/p>\n
\nAlso known as the Great Synagogue, this is the second-largest synagogue in the world. It was built in 1854 and boasts some 3,000 seats. Make sure you go on the guided tour (included with admission) to get more perspective on the building. The guides are super knowledgeable, and you can learn about the construction of the synagogue, Jewish life during World War II, and a lot more. Also check out Wallenberg Memorial Park (right behind the synagogue) and the nearby Hungarian Jewish Museum.<\/p>\n
\nYou can go inside this Neo-Renaissance masterpiece or just view it from outside. I recommend the latter usually as the tour doesn’t cover much of the architecture and it’s usually cheaper to just see a performance than take a tour (if you’re a die-hard opera fan than the tour might be worth it). Check the website before you visit to see what’s playing as I do recommend seeing a performance if you can. They are really impressive and usually quite affordable!<\/p>\n
\nRuin bars<\/a> are all the rage in Budapest and have been around since the 2001 founding of Szimpla Kert, the mecca of all ruin bars. They are in Budapest\u2019s District VII neighborhood (the old Jewish Quarter) in the ruins of abandoned buildings, stores, or lots. This neighborhood was left to decay after World War II, so it was a perfect place to develop an underground bar scene. (Not so underground anymore, though!) <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\nBudapest Itinerary: Day 3<\/h3>\n
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\nExplore Gell\u00e9rt Hill<\/strong>
\nStart your day back in Buda with a trip to Gell\u00e9rt Hill, south of Castle Hill. This hill offers the best views of Budapest, and it\u2019s a popular spot to watch a sunset from. (If you go for the sunset, take a flashlight for the trip home!)<\/p>\n\n
\nAside from these picturesque statues and the epic view, Gell\u00e9rt Hill is home to the most unusual church in the city. In the 1920s, monks built this church in a cave that had been previously used by a hermit monk. It was used as a hospital during World War II, but then the Communist government covered the entrance in concrete after the war and executed the head monk. There\u2019s a lot more to the history of this church than I have room to cover here, so make sure to use the audio guide. It’s very insightful!<\/p>\n
\nIn this frightening museum, you learn what life was like for Hungarians under the fascist and Communist regimes of the 1900s. The building was used by the \u00c1VH (Secret Police) and Arrow Cross Party (the Hungarian Nazi party). The permanent exhibits are spread over four floors and house all sorts of old propaganda, weapons, and informative multimedia displays. Over 700,000 Hungarians were killed or imprisoned by the Soviets, and the museum does a good job of illustrating just how dreadful their daily lives were. <\/p>\n
\nAt the end of Andr\u00e1ssy Avenue is the largest square in Hungary. Its centerpiece is the Millennial Memorial and the statues of Hungarian kings and other historical figures, including the seven chiefs who led the Magyars (modern-day Hungarians) in the 9th century. The monument was built in 1896 to celebrate Hungary\u2019s 1,000th anniversary. At this time, Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled by the Hapsburgs, and space was left for statues of future Hapsburg leaders.<\/p>\n
\nHungarians love their thermal spa baths. Budapest has more than 100 mineral hot springs that have been put to good use since Roman times. With 18 pools, the Sz\u00e9chenyi Baths in City Park are the largest and most famous in Europe. The stunning yellow buildings were built in 1913, and it\u2019s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. If you\u2019re only going to one thermal spa, this is the one!<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\nOther Things to See and Do in Budapest<\/h3>\n
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\nIf you have more than three days in Budapest, there are plenty of other activities to fill your time.<\/p>\n
\nHarry Houdini was one of the most famous and well-known illusionists in the world. He was known for his elaborate escape tricks, and he was actually born in Hungary. This is the only museum in Europe dedicated to the Budapest native. It’s home to quite a few Houdini props and pieces of memorabilia, as well as live magic shows.<\/p>\n
\nBeyond free walking tours, Budapest has tons of other great walking, food, and historical tours. They aren\u2019t free, but you definitely get your money\u2019s worth! Here are a few worth checking out:<\/p>\n\n
\nIn recent years, Budapest has become known for its street art scene. Budapest Flow, in addition to offering some cool alternative tours, has created a map of all the best street art spots<\/a> so you can create your own walking tour or make a small detour to see different things in each area as you pass. <\/p>\n
\nLocated on the Buda side of Budapest are around 200 underground caves. These hydrothermal caves were created by the thermal springs that supply the thermal baths in the city. Caving Under Budapest runs three types of tours, including one where you can climb up walls and squeeze through incredibly narrow spaces within the sprawling 30-kilometer (19-mile) cave system beneath the city. A three-hour guided adventure caving tour<\/a> costs around 26,900 HUF.<\/p>\n
\nThe Danube is the second-longest river in Europe (after the Volga). If you want to tour the city by water, lots of hostels organize weekly Danube boat parties (the Budapest Party Hostel group is famous for theirs). Other boat tours are available with or without dinner and drink options as well. It’s a fun way to see the city and enjoy a night out. For a 90-minute river cruise<\/a> (with an audio guide and unlimited prosecco), expect to pay around 9,780 HUF.
\n <\/p>\nWhere to Stay in Budapest<\/h3>\n
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\nIf you’re looking for accommodation in Budapest, here are a few of my favorite places to stay in the city:<\/p>\n\n
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