Budapest, Hungary’s capital is said to be one of the most romantic and vibrant cities of Europe. Divided by the river Danube, Budapest combines two different but equally beautiful sides with stunning architecture. Buda and Pest. The Buda side is hillier, less tourist invaded but more beautiful according to the public opinion. On the other hand, Pest, as the biggest part of the city, tends to be more touristy and packed. There you will find a great variety of bars, restaurants and meeting points. All in all, Budapest is one of the affordable cities in Europe and can please all kind of tourists and tastes.
Let’s explore Budapest together on our 5 – day travel guide!
Day 1
Castle Hill
Located in the west bank of Buda, we recommend you dedicate one full day to explore this glorious district containing Budapest’s most famous and stunning historic landmarks, such as the Trinity Square, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle. This side of the city is also known for its picturesque alleys, colorful houses and the romantic air it radiates. So make sure to take your time to explore and get lost to this magical region.
How to approach the Castle Hill?
Once you find yourself in Buda after crossing the Chain Bridge there are many ways to reach the Castle hill:
You can reach the top of the Hill and get directly to the Royal Palace, using the Funicular, which starts from next to the Tunnel at Clark Adam Square.
Usually there is a queue built up for the Funicular, with possible waiting time of 30 minutes.
The ticket for the Funicular costs: For adults: HUF 1200 (3,4euros) one way, HUF 1800 (5,10 euros) with return, for children aged between 3-14: HUF 700 (2 euros) one way, HUF 1,100 (3,10 euros) with return
and it is free for children under 3.
It only takes 2 minutes and offers a beautiful view throughout the ride.
Another way to reach the Castle Hill is by foot. Instead of getting into the funicular, you can follow the path located at the left of the funicular only some meters away. It is an uphill route which leads you to the same exact point and it is completely free.
As an alternative you can approach the castle Hill via the Fisherman’s Bastion
Lastly, if you want to reach the Castle District from the other side of the hill (Lovas Way), you can use the Gránit Lift which leads straight to the Equestrian Statue of Artur Gorgey and following to the Holy Trinity Statue and Matthias Church.
Top Sightseeing of the Castle Hill :
Holy Trinity Statue
The Holy Trinity Statue is located in the middle of the Trinity square and it is a large Baroque plague column, which commemorates the people of Buda who died from two outbreaks of the Black Plague.
Matthias Church
Located at the very heart of Buda’s Castle District in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church is one of the finest churches in Budapest. Due to its distinctly Baroque style and whole architecture it is definitely one of the most unique and magnificent churches in Europe.
The ticket costs HUF 1500 (4,26 euros) for adults and HUF 1000 (2,84 euros) for students and seniors. For Children under 6 years is free.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Walking past Matthias Church you come across the well-known Fisherman’s Bastion. According to history it is where the local fishermen’s guild built their defense installations in the Middle Ages. It is definitely the place where you will find the best view of the city and the Danube.
Buda Castle
The Buda Castle was built in the 13th century and was the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. The castle now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and The Budapest History Museum. This entire historic landmark is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the castle offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Danube and Pest.
Hungarian National Gallery
The Hungarian National Gallery is housed in the main wing of Buda Castle facing the Danube. A great number of Hungarian sculptures and paintings are on display, ranging from the time of the Magyar invasion through the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, right up to the 19th and 20th centuries.
The ticket costs 2600 HUF (7,4 euros) for adults, 1300 HUF (3,7 euros) for seniors and young people aged 6 – 26.
Budapest History Museum
Or Castle Museum, is divided into four floors. It features objects of the Hungarian everyday life and recreates certain living spaces and traditional rooms in Hungarian’s traditional culture.
The ticket costs 2000 HUF (5,70 euros) for adults, for EU citizens (aged between 6 and 26 and between 62 and 70): 1000 HUF (2,84 euros) and it is free for Children less than 6 years old and Seniors over 70.
Turul bird on the Royal Castle
Last but not least, the Turul a mythological bird of prey mostly depicted as a hawk or falcon is a national symbol of Hungarians and a very distinctive sightseeing of the Buda Castle.
Day 2
Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge also known as Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the oldest bridge that spans the River Danube and links Buda to Pest. Its design will leave you amazed. Make sure to dedicate some minutes to enjoy that scenic route and the amazing view to the Danube.
Shoes On the Danube Bank
The Shoes on the Danube Bank is a Memorial built to honor the Jews who were killed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest during World War II. They were ordered to take off their shoes and were shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies fell into the river and were carried away. It represents their shoes left behind on the bank.
Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is a notable landmark of Hungary and maybe one of the most beautiful ones. It is also the biggest building in Hungary since its completion.
The ticket costs 3500 HUF (10 euros) for adults, HUF 6700 (19euros) for Non EEA citizens (adults), 1900 HUF (5,40 euros) for citizens aged 6 – 26, (3500 HUF (10 euros) for Non EEA citizens) and for visitors under the age of 6 is free.
Take a cruise on the Danube
Take a chance to admire Budapest’s top Monuments through a cruise. There are different kind of cruises to choose from. For instance, there is a dinner cruise, cruises including only drinks and many more option. The duration can vary too. We recommend a cruise at the late afternoon so that you can admire the beautiful buildings of Budapest lighting up and coming to life.
Whether visiting Budapest on the warmer or colder months make sure to take a jacket with you as it tends to get a little bit colder during the cruise.
The ticket prices range between 4000 HUF (11,4 euros) to 23900 HUF (70 euros) regarding the package.
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Day 3
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica named in honor of Stephen, the first King of Hungary. It also contains St. Stephen’s mummified right hand. Today, it is the third largest church building in present day Hungary. The top of the church offers an amazing 360 degree view of Budapest as well.
The entry is free; however you pay a small amount to use the lift that will take you upstairs to the roof.
Enjoy a rose ice cream
Once you find yourself in St. Stephen’s Basilica make sure to make a stop at Gelarto Rosa to try their famous rose ice cream. It is just a couple of meters away from the church.
Usually there is a queue, so be a little patient.
Enjoy a Donut
A few minutes away from Gelarto Rosa, you come across Mr Funk, a cute corner shop offering the most beautiful donuts. There is a panda donut, a unicorn one and many many more to choose from. Have a try!
Take a walk at the beautiful center of Budapest – Budapest Eye
We recommend you quickly unlock an electric scooter or a bike and take a beautiful ride to explore the city center. Follow the Andrassy Avenue connecting the Opera House and City Park. Also, take a full advantage of Budapest’s bicycle lanes and admire the architecture, the cute corners, the little shops and many other beautiful spots.
In addition to that, there is also the option of the Budapest Eye offering a panoramic 360 degree view.
The ticket costs 10 euros for adults (ages: 18 – 65), 5 euros for children between ages 2 – 12. For students and people above 65 years of age it costs 9 euros.
Family ticket (2 adults+2 kids under 12): 26 euros.
The Great Synagogue
It is the world’s second largest synagogue and Europe’s biggest one. The building is 75 meters long and 27 meters wide. The style of the Dohány Street Synagogue is Moorish but its design also features a mixture of Byzantine, Romantic and Gothic elements. Two onion domes sit on the twin octagonal towers. A rose stained glass window sits over the main entrance.
Day 4
Heroes Square
One of the most photographed monument of Budapest, is the Heroes square. It is noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes, often referred as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It also hosts the Museum of Fine Arts.
Vajdahunyad Castle
Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the romantic castles in Budapest, located in the City Park. The castle itself is divided into four sections, showcasing Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture. Within each section, the castle is further divided, in total comprising twenty one smaller buildings linked together, each having been designed as a replica of other significant structures to be found throughout Hungary. The castle also houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture. Furthermore, you can also find a boating lake or a skating rink next to the castle regarding the month of your visit, worth taking some time to have fun.
It costs approximately 9 euros to take a 30 minutes ride on the lake.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Just a few meters away from the Vajdahunyad Castle are the The Széchenyi thermal baths. They were built in 1913 and are one of the most popular and big baths worldwide. It is neo-baroque bath complex that consists of 11 medicinal pools and eight swimming pools.
The ticket costs around 13 – 18 euros and it includes a cabin or a locker.
Day 5
Citadella & The Statue of Liberty
The Citadella is the fortification located upon the top of Gellért Hill built in 1854. It is a symbol of oppression as well as liberty. On top of the Citadella stands the Statue of liberty which commemorates those who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and prosperity of Hungary.
Coming from the Pest side, after crossing the Elisabeth Bridge you come across the impressive Szent Gellért Monument, a huge waterfall in the middle of the highway which is the main entrance to the Citadella.
We have to warn you that the route to the Statue of Liberty is really long, uphill and tiring. However once you reach the top the breathtaking view will take all the tiredness away. There you will find a small cafeteria where you can enjoy a cold drink and rest.
Some useful Tips:
Currency
Hungary’s official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
Airport Transfer
One way to go from the Budapest Airport to the City center or conversely is by bus. More specifically, two buses are available for this purpose: 100E and 200E. Both of the buses stop at the metro line and thus you can reach your final destination. The ticket costs 900 HUF (2,50 euros) and you can easily purchase it on the bus or at a metro station.
Another option is by taxi. It takes approximately 35 minutes to the city center and costs 26 euros.
Last but not least, Welcome pickups is available too. The cost and duration is similar to the taxi option with the difference that you don’t have to look for a taxi, a driver is waiting for you at the airport.
Transportation
Budapest’s public transportation system is very extensive and efficient. There are four metro lines (M1, M2, M3 and M4), a great number of busses as well as trolley busses and trams (No. 2, 4 or 6) that can take you to almost every place of interest.
There are many options regarding public transportation tickets.
Single ticket costing 350 HUF ( 0,99 cents). You can also purchase a block of 10 single tickets costing less than 10 single tickets purchased individually (recommended for everyday transportations).
Budapest Card ( 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h, 120h). It includes: free use of the public transport network, free entry to 18 museums/galleries, 2 free walking tours and many discounts. The 24h card costs 22euros, the 48h costs 33euros, 72h costs 44euros, 96h costs 54 euros and the 120h costs 64 euros. You can purchase all the cards online.
Travel cards (different from Budapest Cards). There are 24h cards costing 650 HUF (1,85 euros), 72h cards costing 4150 HUF (11,8 euros) and 7 day travel cards costing 4950 HUF (14 euros).
Besides the public transportation another more interesting ways to move through the city is by an electric scooter. There are many options with Lime being the most famous. The prices are similar towards many scooter services starting from 0.15 cents per minute.
In case you are neither a fan of the public transportation nor you want to use an electric scooter, walking is always a good idea especially on a beautiful city like Budapest.
Note that Uber is not available in Budapest.
Budget
Hotel prices starting from 50 euros per night regarding region, stars and services.
Airbnb prices starting from 20 euros per night.
Food 2- 25 euros per meal / per person ( the prices refer to different kind of meals such as a snack or a sandwich from a super market, breakfast at a hotel, restaurant meals etc).
Safety
Budapest is considered a safe city although there have been some pickpocketing, bag snatching and scams incidents reported. You should definitely be careful with your personal belongings mainly when somewhere very packed like the public transportation or famous sightseeing locations. We recommend you avoid secluded alleys at night and be extra careful at night clubs.
