How many days should be included in your initial Budapest itinerary? a difficult query with a predetermined response. To truly understand how great Budapest is, you’ll need four days there.
Budapest is one of those locations that, no matter how many times you go, you will always wish you had reserved a few more days of vacation. This charming city offers a wealth of activities, top-notch culinary options, and a brilliantly distinctive nightlife culture.
The very best? Budapest won’t cost the earth!
We can all agree that having faith in a product makes it simpler to sell it. Well, we’re going to sell you our plan for 4 days in Budapest; don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything. And since this is such a fantastic city, it will be simple.
Let’s examine this fantastic Budapest itinerary for 4 days!
Budapest Is For Whom?
Budapest is one of the top tourist destinations in Hungary, and possibly all of Europe, in our opinion. Because Budapest has a little something for everyone, we always suggest it to friends and family.
Looking for a trip for two? Travel down the Danube on a romantic boat.
Looking for Neo-Gothic construction? The Fisherman’s Bastion and the Parliament Building are both in plain view.
Looking for a night out in Europe that is truly special? Celebrate in the renowned ruin bars.
Are you bringing the kids? Explore every animal in the zoo.
Did you know that every year, 30 million tourists visit Budapest? That’s a lot of individuals! But from our perspective, there are 30 million individuals who are genuinely happy, revelling in the knowledge that they visited the correct spot.
Budapest offers plenty to offer everyone, whether you’re a single traveller, a couple, bringing your kids, or even your grandparents along for the trip.
Budapest Itinerary for 4 Days
To get information on the attractions for each day, click into this interactive map, zoom in or out, scroll around, and click on any icon.
When we arrive, we always find that spending a brief amount of time figuring out where things are really helpful.
Ultimate Budapest Itinerary for 4 Days
With only three days, you’ll be hustling because Budapest has so much to see and do. You won’t be able to unwind and enjoy the relaxed vibe the city radiates. Make an effort to add that extra day so you may spend a long weekend in Budapest with 4 full days. You won’t be sorry!
The three previously independent towns of Buda, Obuda, and Pest were combined to form Budapest in 1873. The city is now typically divided into Buda and Pest.
You will need to spend one day in Buda and the remaining three days in Pest when you are there. Because the majority of the activity occurs in the city’s centre, we strongly suggest making reservations for lodging there.
Check out our suggestions for lodging, and don’t forget to use the interactive map provided at the conclusion of this itinerary to get oriented in the area.
This is the ideal plan for four days in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.”
Buda on Day 1 in Budapest
Bridge Széchenyi Chain
Budapest’s Castle District is the ideal place to visit to kick off your four days. You will need to cross the fabled Danube River in order to get to Buda Castle.
The ideal method to cross the river is to stroll gently over the renowned Széchenyi Chain Bridge while appreciating its tasteful architecture.
British engineers created and constructed the bridge in 1849. It was Hungary’s first permanent bridge over the Danube.
After the Germans withdrew from Budapest after the siege in 1945, the bridge was destroyed, although it was later reconstructed. Its influence on the economy has been compared to that of New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge.
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which connects the two sections of the city, acts as a gravitational pull, drawing you in.
A high vantage position will allow you to see the bridge lit up at night, so be sure to cross the bridge both during the day and at night.
Buda Palace
Look for the footpath leading up to Buda Castle at the far side of the roundabout, to the left of the tunnel, after crossing the bridge. If climbing a hill doesn’t sound like fun, you can take a vintage funicular that runs to the top every ten minutes for a return ticket of US$6. From early in the morning until late at night, the funicular operates.
When looking west over the Danube from the Széchényi chain bridge, the castle dominates the skyline. Although it was initially finished in 1265, the striking Baroque style you can see today was constructed between 1749 and 1769.
The Buda Castle’s Budapest History Museum provides information about the castle’s colourful and fascinating past.
If you’re more of an art lover than a history enthusiast, you must visit the Hungarian National Gallery. You could also visit the National Library of Hungary, which is housed inside the castle.
The castle is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. The history museum shuts at 4 PM from November through February. The price of entrance to the history museum is 2,400 HUF ($8) plus a cost of 1,200 HUF ($4) for the audio guide. The price of admission to the art gallery is 2,600 HUF ($8.50).
Important information: Mondays are closed for both the history museum and the art gallery.
Best advice: Keep in mind that Buda Castle is to the west. Head to a Pest rooftop bar if it appears that there will be a spectacular sunset. You can see the sun setting close to the castle there.
Timothy Church
Keep the river on your right as you travel north. The beautiful Matthias Church with its enormous tower can also be found by just following the throng; it is located on a corner.
The church is situated in Holy Trinity Square, in the heart of the Castle District, just in front of Fisherman’s Bastion.
The church bears King Matthias’ name, who extended and renovated it in Gothic style throughout the 15th century, rather than a saint. In Hungary, it has a significant historical significance as well.
Charles IV and Franz Joseph I of Hungary were both crowned in Matthias Church. Additionally, Ottoman Turks formerly resided in the church, converting it into a mosque for 150 years.
The interior of the church has a distinctive design that sets it apart from many other churches thanks to its rich history and shifting styles.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-1pm; Sun 1pm-5pm are the hours of operation.
The cost of entry is 1,800 HUF ($6).
Catcher’s Bastion
At Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll discover animated crowds of tourists just around the back of the church. It’s simple to understand why this landmark is so well-liked.
Fisherman’s Bastion is one of Budapest’s most beautiful monuments because of its singular design and fantasy-like architecture.
The greatest is still to come if you thought the Walt Disney-inspired exterior was enough!
You will understand why Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the must-see attractions during your four days in Budapest after you climb up into one of the observation towers and take in the city, which stretches from Margaret Island and Parliament all the way down to the chain bridge and beyond.
Each of the seven turrets, which make up the entire structure, stands in honour of one of the seven tribes that formed Hungary. The region was guarded by the Fisherman’s Guild in the Middle Ages, hence the name Fisherman’s Bastion.
Read this page to learn more about the history of Fisherman’s Bastion.
There is no charge to enter the balconies at any time, however there is a small charge (about $3) to climb to some of the highest towers or turrets.
You shouldn’t anticipate being alone in this location. Arriving at Fisherman’s Bastion before sunrise and then going on to Buda Castle is one way to maximise your chances of solitude.
Additionally, you would get east morning views of the Danube and the Parliament building.
Don’t forget to descend the steps and glance up at the scene from below before continuing.
Remember To Include The Rest Of The Castle District
Don’t give up on Buda Castle District just because you’ve visited the most well-known attractions, please! From Matthias Church, go north-west along cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted houses and vintage vehicles.
There are many charming little cafes in the area where you may get a coffee or hot chocolate.
Hungry? For a wonderful lunch, go to Pierrot Cafe and Restaurant. If you’re on a strict budget, hold off until you get back to the bottom of the funicular and head to Ildiko Konyhaja for a less expensive but equally delicious Hungarian supper.
Budapest’s Military History Museum (open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm; 1,500 HUF/US$5) and the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, where you may ascend 170 stairs for breathtaking city views (open daily from 10 am to 6 pm; 1,500 HUF/US$5), can be found on the opposite side.
The Labyrinth beneath the castle is one of the other well-liked tourist attractions in the region. The labyrinth is a system of underground cellars and shelters that was initially constructed.
The legend that Count Dracula was imprisoned within the labyrinth still attracts visitors today. Despite being imprisoned 25 miles away in Visegrad Castle, where Vlad the Impaler was held captive, it’s nevertheless entertaining to become lost in a pitch-black maze.
Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday 10 am to 7 pm.
It will get quieter as you walk away from Fisherman’s Bastion. But keep in mind that you are still on UNESCO land.
In The Rock Nuclear Bunker Hospital
Are you as intrigued as I am by that? In a rock, is there a hospital and a nuclear bunker? Right? It MUST be worthwhile to visit! Let us just say that it is fascinating and well worth a trip. This was one of our favourite attractions outside of the “main” tourist sites.
What a fascinating past has this 10 kilometre cave system had. WWII was when it all started. The hallways and tunnels were used as safe havens during battle, and finally a hidden hospital was created there because of their defence against bombing.
By 1944, The Hospital in the Rock had been finished. Just in time for Budapest’s siege, during which time its operating room and wards saw continual use.
The hospital briefly operated as a prison following the war before getting a makeover as a nuclear bunker that could withstand chemical or nuclear attacks.
The engines that powered the bunker are still in operation, and the network of tunnels has mechanisms for filtering poisonous gas.
The largest wax works in Hungary are located in The Hospital in the Rock, a museum that first opened its doors in 2007. Numerous rooms have been cleverly put up as displays tracing the rich history of the place.
Please respect the fact that taking photos inside the museum is not permitted.
Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, 4,000 HUF (about $13).
As an alternative, you can reserve a guided tour of the Castle and Hospital in the Rock below.
Hill Gellert
It’s time to head to Gellert Hill after finishing the Buda Castle District. At the top of the hill, where you may have already seen the Statue of Liberty, is Panorama Terrace, which offers one of the best vistas of Budapest.
Ideally, you should get at the Citadel’s nearby overlook right before dusk. In this manner, you may view both the sunset and the city at night. It is always free and open!
If you travelled quickly and got here before dark, you have plenty of time to unwind at the Gellert Thermal Baths.
This is the first of two thermal baths we recommend, so if you’re a little slower and get there right before dusk but still want to enjoy the thermals, don’t worry.
We suggest trying Busulo Juhasz for fine dining or Grill Mania for those on a budget if you’re searching for a restaurant for dinner near Gellert Hill.
Budapest Day 2: North Pest
Hungary’s National Assembly Building
The structure of the Hungarian Parliament is magnificent! It is the best architectural marvel in Budapest, in our opinion. The third-largest Parliament Building in the world is something you absolutely must see during your four days in Budapest. This is the ideal start to your second day.
Day or night, whenever you are in Buda, your eyes will naturally scan the opposite bank of the Danube until they fixate on the Parliament building.
You will also be treated to a wonderful reflection of the dazzling lights of the Parliament if the Danube is calm at night.
The edifice appears grand and highly detailed when viewed from Kossuth Lajos Square, which is on the opposite side of the river. Neo-Gothic architecture was used to create the structure, which debuted in 1902. It is 96 metres tall, the same height as St. Stephen’s Basilica, and contains 691 rooms. It also has 12.5 miles (20 km) of steps.
Up until it was torn down in 1989, the building’s top was adorned with a red star during Budapest’s Communist era.
Advice: Are you curious to learn more about historical artefacts, ceramics, and textiles from Hungary? The Museum of Ethnography is located directly across the square from Parliament.
Memorial: Shoes on the Danube
After the tour of the Parliament, move 300 metres south along the riverbank.
Several Hungarian Jews were lined up along the bank where you are standing in late 1944 and early 1945, during the Holocaust. They were made to remove their shoes before being shot into the river, where the current took them away.
A touching memorial honouring those who perished in Budapest during this unimaginable time is the pair of shoes on the Danube.
60 vintage pairs of cast iron shoes in all sizes and designs have a straightforward yet unsettlingly effective design. When you stand on the riverbanks, the memorial makes it simple to visualise the atrocity, leaving nothing to the imagination.
Just behind the memorial, a seat that extends its whole length is lined with three plaques. They pronounced the following in Hebrew, English, and Hungarian:
“In honour of the victim who was shot into the Danube in 1944–1945 by Arrow Cross militiamen. built on April 16, 2005.
Mazi Greek Kitchen for Lunch
Budapest is full of delicious, reasonably priced restaurants, but this one takes the cake. You will adore this restaurant if you enjoy Greek food, we promise. One of our all-time favourite restaurants in Europe was that one.
At noon, Mazi opens for lunch. Arriving after Parliament and shoes on the Danube is ideal. What’s this? Alkotmany Utca can be walked up in just five minutes. Win!
The food is to die for, the decor is stylish, the ambiance is soothing, and it offers excellent value. We have travelled to Budapest twice, and we cannot speak highly enough about Mazi.
You should eat this dish during your four days in Budapest out of all the food recommendations we offer. Checking out the food would be interesting.
Elizabeth Island
You may reach Margaret Bridge after a 20-minute walk, a 10-minute cab ride, or an uber north. The gateway to Margaret Island is located halfway over the bridge.
The island, which is 500 metres broad and 1.5 miles long, is located directly in the Danube.
In this hectic city, the island is a haven of greenery. You may rent a quad go-kart right at the entry so the whole family can pedal through the peaceful parks under cover of a canopy.
We spent a few hours touring the island in one of these adorable vehicles, and we heartily advise you to do the same.
There is a lot to see and do, including a small zoo, expansive grassy areas, a melodic well, a Japanese garden, an aquatic facility, a well-known water tower, a Franciscan monastery, and much more.
This brief journey is a welcome diversion from the city’s bustle. Hajogyari Island, often called Shipyard Island, sits just beneath Margaret Island. The wildly popular annual Sziget Music Festival is held here.
Flippermuzeum
With free access to more than 100 pinball machines and vintage games from different eras of arcade development, how can you go wrong? Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Terminator, Pac-Man, and Mario. Who still isn’t convinced? Were the 100 pinball machines mentioned?
You are covered by the 3,000 HUF ($10) entrance price for the duration of the show. Don’t let a pinball museum scare you away. It’s essentially an arcade, so you can see why it’s so crowded if you read the reviews.
This location is hot and noisy, but it’s wonderful pleasure to remember your childhood! Don’t forget to play the Rocky and Lord of the Rings pinball machines.
Cruise on the Danube
Without enjoying a cruise along the Danube River, no trip to Budapest would be complete. The majestic buildings in both Buda and Pest must just be admired from the river.
This tourist destination is really well-liked. As a result, there are plenty of options available to cruise firms. You can go on a low-cost midday cruise, a luxurious private boat, a cruise with dinner and entertainment, or even a traditional spirits cruise.
To get to the extremely conveniently located Legenda city cruises from the Flippermuzeum, we advise either a 30-minute walk or a 5-minute cab or Uber ride. The ideal way to end your second day in Budapest is with an evening cruise.
Additionally, if you develop a taste for alcohol and gain some sea legs, you could always board the 11 p.m. alcohol cruise!
Day 3 in Budapest: Central Market Hall and South Pest Great Market Hall
To go to Budapest’s charming central market, you will need to get up early today. The market, though, isn’t really “central.” Walking there through town in the south will take you 20 to 30 minutes.
As an alternative, you can travel 4 minutes south-west on foot by taking the blue metro line M3 from Deak Ferenc to Kalvin ter.
The enormous large market hall was constructed in 1897. There are three floors full of fresh foods, including dairy, meats, fish, Hungarian spices, gifts, clothing, and more.
The market is nicely organised, spotless, and roomy. Picking up fresh ingredients for dinner and people-watching are both enjoyable here.
Although you could visit Budapest’s central market on any of your four days, we believe the third morning is the best option (geographically speaking). Weekday hours are 6 am to 6 pm, with the exception of Monday, when it shuts at 5 pm.
The market opens at 6 a.m. on Saturdays and closes at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays are market-free days. Do not show up on a Sunday, please!
Since most residents shop in the morning, this is when visitors may have the most authentic experience. Visit on a Saturday morning as an alternative to see the market at its busiest.
If you enjoy visiting markets when you travel, you will adore Budapest’s fantastic market hall!
The tour we suggest below is ideal for people who would want a guided food tasting tour of the fantastic market. The Basilica and Eye would simply need to be switched with the market as the trip starts at 10.50 am.
Sacred Heart Basilica
No worry if the food tasting tour wasn’t for you! You must ride the M3 metro back to Deak Ferenc station and then walk north for 5 minutes.
Stephen, the first king of Hungary, is honoured by the name St. Stephen’s Basilica. Another exquisitely crafted structure, the Basilica has two bell towers, the heavier of which weighs 9 tonnes.
In Szent István Ter Square, the view is better from the west. In December, you can find Christmas markets here.
It is 96 metres tall, which is the same height as the Hungarian Parliament Building. As they represent the harmony between the state and the church, no building can be higher than either of the two.
Although it was completed in the Neo-renaissance architectural style, the building was initially constructed in the Neo-Classical style. In 1868, the dome totally collapsed at one point. Unfortunately, the entire construction project had to start over from scratch, which was awful for the unfortunate workers.
The Basilica is adorned with sculptures and works of art, and it occasionally hosts concerts. Another well-liked tourist destination in Budapest is the Basilica, so getting there early can help you avoid the crowds.
The observation deck of the dome can be reached via a lift or a flight of 364 steps. You must pay 1000 HUF ($3) for the view, but there is no admission fee for the church.
Hungary Eye
A Ferris wheel may seem a little gimmicky, but it’s a fantastic choice if you have kids because it offers some of the best views of the Basilica. The Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel can rise up to a pretty lofty 65m in height.
It has about 40 carriages and is accessible every day of the year from 10 a.m. until dusk. The cost of admission is 3,000 HUF ($10), and each session lasts about ten minutes.
If you don’t like heights and don’t have any young children to occupy, you may simply unwind on the surrounding grass and spend some time watching the enormous wheel spin. It’s smack in the centre of town, making it one of the greatest places to have an ice cream while people-watching!
High Note Skybar for Lunch
Have you enjoyed the view from the ferris wheel’s apex? Nevertheless, as soon as you fall, you immediately rise again! You may get to High Note Skybar by ascending Hercegprimas utca for two minutes. This location boasts a lunch menu that is incredibly affordable for a top-rated rooftop bar.
It is a truly upscale establishment with a beautifully planted rooftop garden and more amazing views of Budapest. It’s difficult to pass up the chance when each of the lunch main courses costs 4,000 HUF ($US13).
Depending on the season, it can be a good idea to make a reservation for a table here for lunch.
Don’t forget that you can return for upscale cocktails on one of your other four nights in Budapest.
Synagogue on Dohany Street
The Dohany Street Synagogue is reached after a quick 10-minute stroll to the south-east. The largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the entire globe (after New York City) is this one.
To learn about the lives of Hungarian Jews both before and after World War II, the Synagogue is definitely worth a visit. The same structure houses the Hungarian Jewish Museum.
In the 1850s, the synagogue was constructed in a Moorish design resembling that of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. The structure underwent rebuilt when Hungary regained democracy in the 1990s, with the majority of the funding coming from American Jews Tony Curtis and Estee Lauder in 1996.
Check the synagogue’s opening hours for details on its seasonal hours. When you’re done at the synagogue, it’s time to check out Budapest’s most desirable district!
The Jewish Quarter on foot
Our preferred area in the city is the Jewish Quarter, which is modern and multicultural. Day or night, it exudes an abundance of great vibes, personality, and flair. It is the most compact neighbourhood with the highest population density, and it is teeming with street art, oddball eateries, and ruin pubs.
Budapest is a city where you could easily spend all four days exploring the tucked-away courtyards, tunnels, and little alleyways while sipping cheap beer.
There is a wonderful mixture of locals and foreigners; all you need to do is show up and be amiable to blend in.
Here, there is a sizable and dynamic street art movement. There is always something new to uncover because new artists are brought in every year to produce fresh work.
You should try to explore as much of the Jewish neighbourhood as you can before heading to the boozers, but we’ll get to the ruin pubs in the next section. You’re close to the top clubs in Budapest as well as the ruin pubs.
In this maze of ageing abandoned buildings, the diversity of cuisines found in the Jewish quarter is growing, and frequently you will stumble across the nicest eateries as you stroll down a corridor to the next street.
Karavan is the location we advise for street food. A variety of meals is available to taste at food stalls housed within ancient camper vans and shipping containers in a small courtyard decorated with fairy lights.
If you’re searching for something upscale, look no farther than Konyvbar, which offers expertly themed tasting meals with complementary wine pairings.
Visit Szimpla Kert’s Ruin Pub Craze.
The renowned ruin pubs of Budapest can be found in the Jewish Quarter. Try as many as you can, but when it starts to get a little later, go to Szimpla Kert, which is the original and best of them all. Ruin pubs are abandoned historical structures from the time of communism that have been converted into oddball bars.
Szimpla Kert is a very inspiring tale of rebirth that redefines the expression “a Phoenix out of the ashes.” Over the past 15 years, ruin pubs in Budapest have become incredibly popular. These bars attract social groups from all over for wild weekends out. Who is to blame for them? They are affordable, distinctive, and a tonne of fun.
The Szimpla Kert History
The proprietors of Szimpla Kert concluded in the early 2000s that it would be regrettable to allow the demolition of 14 Kazinczy Street. They recognised possibilities for a location where people might enjoy sipping inexpensive beer in a calm setting. Additionally, the courtyard offered additional room for a movie theatre. Added bonus!
The proprietors did more than just start a pub; they helped transform culture and foster creativity. The inside is chaotic. They gathered up any unwanted furniture—bathtubs, sign posts, you name it—and made an imaginative, colourful, and hallucinogenic setting for people to unwind.
Budapest’s premier ruin pub, Szimpla Kert, has grown to become one of the top tourist destinations in the city. This is a lively location to party till the wee hours every night of the week. Can you get to the end? It’s open till 4 in the morning.
Not a big alcoholic? They provide neighbourhood gatherings like a farmer’s market on Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm, a bike flea market, movie showings, and live music.
Want to know more about the ruin bars in Budapest?
Day 4 in Budapest: Széchenyi Thermal Baths in East Pest
Where can you go to get over your hangover from the ruin pubs? Of course, Szechenyi Thermal Baths! Budapest’s most popular tourist destination is perhaps its largest medical spa, which is also, in our opinion, the best of the city’s many thermal bath options.
The city park is where the baths are. Take the M1 Yellow line from Deak Ferenc to Szechenyi furdo to get there via tube. After that, you’ll stroll back to central Budapest, making stops at the other locations in the four-day itinerary. Very well put up!
Two thermal springs that produce water at 74C (165F) and 77C (171F) and have a variety of therapeutic benefits provide the water. There are three large outdoor heated pools as well as 15 different inside baths with differing temperatures, including one cold bath.
Ten saunas and steam rooms, massage treatments, even a beer bath area are available in addition.
At The Szechenyi Baths, Options
The sun is out? Drink a few beverages while tanning near the outdoor pools. chilly outside? The steaming, seductive heated pools lend a romantic touch to the night.
Alternatively, you can decide to spend the day indoors in one of the many hot tubs or saunas! Tourists and locals alike frequent the baths to socialise and even play chess in the outdoor pool.
We must highlight that Szechenyi Baths transforms into a party event on Saturday nights from 10.30pm to 3AM. With alcohol and lasers, the entire outdoor area is transformed into a nightclub, but admission is about 16,000 HUF (US$55).
The cost of a regular entrance varies. You can pay on the spot, and business hours are from 6 am to 10 pm every day. It will be less busy the earlier you get there.
Champions Square
Have you made a full recovery at the Szechenyi Baths, both physically and mentally? Ideally, yes!
You should return to the city now. The nearby Budapest Zoo is a great place to stop, as are the instructive Museum of Fine Arts and the romantic Vajdahunyad Castle, both of which are accessible by foot from the metro station.
Perhaps all that pool time got you hungry? If so, go to Városliget Cafe, which is on the opposite side of the lake from Heroes Square and serves yet another fantastic meal.
Four days are not nearly enough time to explore all of Budapest’s greatest restaurants. When you’re prepared to proceed down Andrassy Utca, halt at Heroes Square, Budapest’s biggest square.
In 1896, the square was built to commemorate Hungary’s one thousandth year. Archangel Gabriel is perched atop the main pillar of the Millennium monument, which dominates the centre of the square.
On the platform in the foreground are the seven chieftains who guided the tribes to Hungary. In 1989, 250,000 spectators came in the square to witness Imre Nagy, a former prime minister of Hungary, be reinterred.
The Museum of Terror
Along Andrassy Utca, about halfway back to town, there is a tall building with the word TERROR stencilled out of it on both sides and a strange-looking metal rim around the top. The House of Terror Museum is here, and spending a few hours there in the middle of the afternoon is well worthwhile.
The Arrow Cross Party took control of Budapest towards the end of World War II and established their headquarters in this building at 60 Andrassy. Their fear erupted right from this structure. They slaughtered numerous Jews in a few of months and deported thousands of others to death camps. Here, the instructions to massacre the Jews along the Danube’s banks were given.
When Budapest was liberated at the end of World War II, this structure housed the State Security Authority, which was essentially a puppet of the Soviet Union. The cellars were made larger so that anyone who resisted could be held captive, subjected to torture, or even put to death directly beneath the structure.
This museum first opened its doors in 2002. It provides a complete account of life in Hungary under Nazi and Communist authority. Although it is tragic, it also tells some incredible stories, making it one of the most significant sights to see in Budapest.
There is a 3,000 HUF ($10) entrance fee, and it is open every day but Monday. Unfortunately, tickets cannot be purchased in advance, therefore there may be a queue to enter. However, we assure you that the wait will be worthwhile.
High Class Budapest’s Andrassy Utca
Budapest’s chicest shopping district, Andrassy Utca, demands to be mentioned separately. This is the spot to spend your money if any of you like to indulge in a little retail therapy.
There are numerous upscale cafes, restaurants, and designer stores between the House of Terror and the Hungarian State Opera House, where your four days in Budapest will come to a close as your final destination.
This is the ideal location for coffee, souvenir shopping, or treating yourself to something lovely.
As you make your way south-west back towards the city, you’ll pass exquisite Neo-Renaissance mansions along the boulevard. You will have learned about the homes’ incredible splendour once you are back up around Heroes Square.
Did you take notice of the magnificent façade as you were passing by? There is little doubt that some people will take far longer to travel this route than others.
Top-tip: In January 2020, the Miniversum museum, which included scale replicas of locales and landscapes in Hungary, Austria, and Germany, closed.
State Opera of Hungary
The Hungarian State Opera House is located towards the end of Andrassy Avenue. Your itinerary for your four days in Budapest comes to an end here.
Of all opera houses, the opera house is unquestionably neither the largest or one with the largest seating capacity. It is thought to have some of the best acoustics of any opera theatre in the world, though, and it is exquisitely crafted.
The construction of the State Opera theatre was finished in 1884, and the Emperor and King Franz Joseph were present on the inauguration night. The horseshoe-shaped theatre seats people across three exquisitely crafted floors, and the grand stairway is stunning. It’s worth going just to see the ceiling fresco by the architects.
At 3 and 4 o’clock each day, guided tours of the opera house are offered in six different languages for 2,900 HUF ($10). This includes spending 10 to 15 minutes at the end of the trip listening to sopranos or arias being rehearsed. Even better, purchase tickets to an opera.
As you can see, when we went, the opera building was undergoing renovations. The reopening date has been set for 2021.
How To Get To And From Budapest
Due to its central location on the continent, Budapest can be reached by short flights from the majority of European nations. So practical! For instance, a 2h 30m flight from London to Budapest.
Hungary even operates its own budget airline, Wizz Air, that offers incredibly cheap flights from Budapest to other European destinations.
Simply go to Skyscanner—the best online travel search engine—enter your origin airport and Budapest as the destination. You can accept the best price if you can be flexible with your travel dates.
The price of a flight from Gatwick to Budapest, using March 2020 and London as the example, is as low as US$20 one-way and US$17 roundtrip. Oh, how we Europeans adore flying!
Additional Transport Methods
You can either take a bus and metro combination into the city centre or a less frequent bus directly into town (Deak Ferenc) from the airport. Using the bus and metro together, you are dropped off at Kobanya Kispest where you board the metro. Although it seems difficult, it’s really simple and well-marked.
In 2020, the M3 line will undergo upgrades; as a result, on evenings and weekends, a replacement bus will be offered in place of the metro link.
Our preferred European train booking site, thetrainline, is where you should go if you live in Central Europe and want to travel by train.
To really appreciate Budapest’s beauty, we strongly advise you to stroll as much as you can there. If you stick to our Budapest itinerary for 4 days, you should only need to use a few metros and Ubers.
Use this metro map if you would rather take the inexpensive and simple metro to go around.
Housing For Your Four Days In Budapest
The high standard of lodging you can get in Budapest for a reasonable price is one of our favourite features. Indeed, that is unbelievable. Budapest has an exceptionally large number of high-end flats that you can rent in place of hotels.
Why would you act that way?
Cooking in your own kitchen could help you save money on eating out if you’re on a tight budget and need to keep costs down. You won’t even think about staying at a hotel once you’ve seen Budapest’s apartments!
For between $30 and $80 per night, you may rent a beautiful mezzanine flat complete with a kitchen, living room and bathroom.
This means that if you have a larger budget and opt for a hotel in the US$80–120 per night range, you’re looking at some very upscale accommodations. If you are willing to stretch your budget even further, you can locate flats that resemble concept homes!
Accommodations in Budapest
We strongly advise staying in Pest, particularly in the city’s centre near the Basilica or in the Jewish Quarter.
When we visited Budapest, we stayed at both places and relished them both.
The Jewish Quarter is livelier, but the Basilica is more central and a little bit simpler to get to each destination on this 4-day Budapest itinerary.
We enjoyed the bustling environment so much that the next time we visit Budapest, we would stay in the Jewish Quarter.
The best advice is to arrange an apartment with many rooms if you are travelling with other couples or families because you will typically save money.
See some of the top-rated hotels and apartments below, according on past customer ratings on booking.com:
Hotels:
Noble Boutique Hotel (Adults Only) – 9.0 Rating Stories Boutique Hotel – 9.0 Rating Barceló Budapest – 9.2 Rating Hotel Moments Budapest – 9.4 Rating Matild Palace (Luxury) – 9.5 Rating Apartments:
Emerald Downtown Suites received a score of 9.
Apartments at Heritage Home: 9.2 rating
Budapest House M&M Apartment – 9.3 Rating
9.1 rating for Opera Garden Hotel & Apartments
9.5 out of 10 for Silver Crown Hotel & Residence
Hungary Tours
Budapest is a large city with a lot to see and do. This Budapest itinerary for 4 days was put up to assist you in seeing the most popular sights in this amount of time.
However, what if you have some additional time or want to take a tour to one of the Budapest sites that are featured here?
In either case, taking a tour is a terrific way to take in some of the top sights while delegating the effort to someone else so you can enjoy your vacation.
Below are some of the most well-liked tours in Budapest:
Full-day Széchenyi Spa with optional Pálinka Tour and 1-hour after-hour sightseeing cruise with refreshments
Budapest Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour In Etyek Wine Country Close To Budapest Budapest Daytime Sightseeing Cruise Live Guided Segway Tour of “Highlights”
Tips & Advice For Your Budapest Itinerary For 4 Days
- The Hungarian Forint, which is used in Hungary, exchanges for 300 US dollars and 400 British pounds.
- Whether you prefer beautiful weather or less crowding, there is a great time to visit. If you decide to visit Budapest in August, make travel plans in advance for the Sziget Festival, which attracts some 500,000 people.
- Budapest is a rather safe city; we had no issues exploring it on foot, even at night.
- Visit the official website of Budapest’s tourist information if you want further details about any of the city’s tourist attractions.
- In Budapest, the cost of food and lodging is significantly more than the national average, so try to maximise your time there!
- Budapest Keleti station is most likely where you’ll arrive and depart if you’re doing an interrailing trip through Europe. The Jewish neighborhood’s centre may be reached in around 25 minutes on foot or in 8 minutes by car.
- Take a train from Buda’s Deli station to Balatonfured if you’re visiting in the summer and need to cool off. On Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, this is the primary resort area. The M2 metro stops at the Deli station.
- Plan ahead and be aware that many of Budapest’s tourist attractions are closed on Mondays. In this instance, we advise either a Wednesday to Saturday or a Thursday to Sunday for your four days in Budapest.
Our schedule for our four days in Budapest is complete.
If you need any assistance organising your trip to Budapest, do let us know in the comments section below.
Travel safely,
Chatbeet…
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