Day 1: Castle District and Buda Hills

Morning: Buda Castle and Royal Palace

Begin your Budapest adventure on Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encapsulates centuries of Hungarian history. Take the charming funicular railway (Budavári Sikló) from the Chain Bridge up to the castle district, enjoying breathtaking views as you ascend.

The Royal Palace complex dominates the skyline and houses several museums. The Hungarian National Gallery showcases Hungarian art from medieval times to the present, while the Budapest History Museum takes you through the city’s evolution from Roman times. Even if you don’t enter the museums, wandering the palace grounds and terraces offers spectacular panoramic views of Pest across the river.

Midday: Exploring the Castle District

Lose yourself in the medieval streets of the Castle District. The cobblestone lanes, pastel-colored baroque houses, and hidden courtyards create an enchanting atmosphere. Visit Matthias Church, a stunning Gothic masterpiece with its distinctive colorful tile roof. The church has witnessed numerous coronations and royal weddings throughout Hungarian history.

Next to the church stands the Fisherman’s Bastion, a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque terrace offering arguably the best views in Budapest. The seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that founded Hungary. While there’s a fee for the upper level, the lower terraces are free and provide equally stunning vistas.

Afternoon: Gellért Hill and Citadella

After lunch in one of the district’s charming restaurants, make your way to Gellért Hill. This 235-meter-high hill offers another perspective on the city. At the summit stands the Citadella, a fortress built by the Habsburgs in the 19th century, and the Liberty Statue, a 14-meter-tall monument visible from across the city.

The climb is moderately steep but worth every step for the 360-degree views. You’ll see the entire city laid out before you—the winding Danube, Margaret Island, the Parliament building, and the sprawling city extending to the horizon.

Evening: Gellért Thermal Bath

Conclude your first day at the magnificent Gellért Thermal Bath, located at the base of Gellért Hill. This Art Nouveau gem, opened in 1918, is Budapest’s most elegant bathhouse. The interior features beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and stained glass windows. Soak in the various thermal pools, try the wave pool, or indulge in a traditional massage.

Day 2: Pest’s Grand Boulevard and Jewish Quarter

Morning: Hungarian Parliament Building

Start day two with the crown jewel of Budapest’s architecture—the Hungarian Parliament Building. This neo-Gothic masterpiece, completed in 1902, is the third-largest parliament building in the world and arguably the most beautiful. Its intricate facade features 242 sculptures, and the interior is equally impressive with its grand staircase, ornate chambers, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.

Guided tours must be booked in advance and are highly recommended. The building’s riverside location makes it a stunning sight from both Buda and Pest sides, especially when illuminated at night.

Late Morning: St. Stephen’s Basilica

Walk to St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s largest church and a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture. The basilica took over 50 years to complete and can accommodate 8,500 people. Climb the 364 steps (or take the elevator partway) to the dome for another spectacular city view. The basilica also houses the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, Hungary’s first king.

Afternoon: Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square

Stroll down Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Budapest’s most prestigious boulevard. This tree-lined street stretches 2.5 kilometers and is flanked by neo-Renaissance mansions, luxury boutiques, and cafes. Stop at the Hungarian State Opera House, a stunning building that rivals the best opera houses in Europe. You can take a guided tour or, better yet, attend an evening performance.

Andrássy Avenue culminates at Heroes’ Square, one of Budapest’s most significant landmarks. The square features the Millennium Monument with statues of the seven chieftains of the Magyars and important Hungarian kings and leaders. The square is flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art.

Evening: Jewish Quarter and Ruin Bars

Explore the historic Jewish Quarter in the 7th district, home to the largest synagogue in Europe—the Dohány Street Synagogue. This magnificent Moorish Revival building can seat 3,000 people and houses a Jewish Museum and a memorial garden honoring Holocaust victims.

The Jewish Quarter has transformed into Budapest’s hippest neighborhood, famous for its ruin bars. Visit Szimpla Kert, the original and most famous ruin bar, set in an abandoned factory. These quirky venues with mismatched furniture, street art, and creative spaces perfectly capture Budapest’s alternative spirit. Enjoy drinks, live music, and the unique atmosphere.

Day 3: Margaret Island and Thermal Bath Experience

Morning to Afternoon: Margaret Island

Dedicate your morning to Margaret Island (Margitsziget), a 2.5-kilometer-long oasis in the middle of the Danube. This car-free island is Budapest’s favorite recreational space, perfect for walking, cycling, or simply relaxing. Rent bikes near the entrances to explore the entire island comfortably.

The island features beautiful gardens, a musical fountain with choreographed water shows, medieval ruins including a 13th-century Dominican convent, a small zoo, and plenty of green spaces for picnicking. The Japanese Garden offers a peaceful retreat with koi ponds and authentic Japanese landscaping.

Afternoon: Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Spend your afternoon at Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of Europe’s largest public thermal bath complexes. Located in City Park, this bright yellow neo-Baroque complex opened in 1913 and features 18 pools, including three grand outdoor pools.

The outdoor pools are particularly magical, especially in winter when steam rises from the hot water into the cold air while locals play chess on floating boards. The water comes from Hungary’s second deepest thermal well, reaching temperatures of 74-75°C at the source before being cooled for the pools.

Take time to experience the various pools with different temperatures and mineral compositions, steam rooms, and saunas. This is a quintessential Budapest experience that locals enjoy regularly.

Evening: City Park and Vajdahunyad Castle

After your bath, explore City Park (Városliget), one of the world’s first public parks. Visit Vajdahunyad Castle, an architectural hodgepodge built for the 1896 Millennium celebrations. The castle incorporates Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements from various historic Hungarian buildings.

The park also houses the Museum of Fine Arts, the Budapest Zoo, and an artificial lake that becomes an ice-skating rink in winter. End your day with dinner in one of the park’s restaurants.

Day 4: Danube River Cruise and Central Market Hall

Morning: Great Market Hall

Start at the Great Market Hall (Nagycsarnok), Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market. This neo-Gothic building, with its colorful Zsolnay tile roof, opened in 1897 and remains a vibrant hub of local life. The ground floor features fresh produce, meats, pickled vegetables, and Hungarian specialties like paprika, sausages, and foie gras.

Upstairs, you’ll find handicrafts, embroidered tablecloths, leather goods, and souvenirs alongside food stalls serving traditional Hungarian dishes. This is an excellent place to sample lángos, a deep-fried flatbread typically topped with sour cream and cheese.

Late Morning: Along the Danube Promenade

Walk along the Danube Promenade on the Pest side, taking in views of the Buda hills and castle. Visit the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, consisting of 60 pairs of iron shoes honoring Jews who were shot into the Danube by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen during World War II.

Stop at Vigadó Square, home to the Vigadó Concert Hall, a beautiful Romantic-style building hosting classical music performances.

Afternoon: Danube River Cruise

Experience Budapest from the water with a Danube River cruise. Daytime cruises offer excellent photography opportunities and informative commentary about the bridges, buildings, and history. The hour-long cruise passes under all of Budapest’s bridges and provides unique perspectives on the Parliament, Buda Castle, and other landmarks.

Consider a dinner cruise for a more romantic experience, with live music and Hungarian cuisine as you glide past the illuminated cityscape.

Evening: Chain Bridge and Castle District by Night

Walk across the Chain Bridge at sunset, when the bridge’s lights begin to sparkle and the castle is illuminated against the darkening sky. The Chain Bridge, completed in 1849, was the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest and remains the city’s most iconic bridge.

Revisit the Castle District in the evening when the crowds have dispersed. The medieval streets take on a magical quality under lamplight, and the views of illuminated Pest across the river are unforgettable.

Day 5: Art and Culture Deep Dive

Morning: Hungarian National Museum

Delve into Hungarian history at the Hungarian National Museum, housed in an impressive neoclassical building. The museum’s permanent exhibition traces Hungary’s history from prehistoric times through the fall of communism in 1989. The coronation regalia, medieval artifacts, and exhibits on the 1848 Revolution are particularly noteworthy.

Late Morning: Museum of Applied Arts

Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, an Art Nouveau masterpiece designed by Ödön Lechner. The building itself, with its colorful Zsolnay tile roof and ornate interior, is as much an attraction as the collections. The museum houses decorative arts, furniture, textiles, and ceramics from various periods.

Afternoon: Street Art and District Exploration

Explore Budapest’s thriving street art scene, particularly concentrated in districts VII and VIII. The Jewish Quarter’s walls feature incredible murals and graffiti by local and international artists. Take a street art walking tour to learn about the artists and the stories behind the works.

Wander through Kazinczy Street, lined with boutique shops, vintage stores, and trendy cafes. This area represents Budapest’s creative renaissance and youthful energy.

Evening: Hungarian State Opera House Performance

Attend a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House. Even if opera or ballet isn’t your usual preference, experiencing a performance in this architectural gem is worthwhile. The neo-Renaissance interior, with its gilded decorations, frescoes, and chandelier, creates an atmosphere of old-world elegance. Tickets are remarkably affordable compared to other European opera houses.

Day 6: Day Trip Options

Option 1: Szentendre

This charming riverside town, just 30 minutes north of Budapest, is known for its Mediterranean-like atmosphere, colorful baroque buildings, and thriving arts community. Szentendre features numerous galleries, craft shops, and museums, including the fascinating Open-Air Ethnographic Museum showcasing traditional Hungarian village life.

Wander the cobblestone streets, visit Serbian Orthodox churches with their elaborate iconostases, and enjoy lunch with views of the Danube. The town is famous for marzipan, and you can visit the Marzipan Museum to see incredible edible sculptures.

Option 2: Gödöllő Palace

Visit Hungary’s largest baroque palace, summer residence of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria. The palace, located 30 kilometers from Budapest, has been beautifully restored and offers insight into Habsburg royal life. The extensive grounds include baroque gardens, an orangery, and parkland perfect for walking.

Option 3: Danube Bend Tour

Take a full-day tour of the Danube Bend, visiting three historic towns: Szentendre, Visegrád, and Esztergom. Visegrád features impressive medieval castle ruins with spectacular views over the Danube. Esztergom, Hungary’s religious capital, boasts the country’s largest basilica. This trip combines history, architecture, and stunning natural scenery along the Danube’s most beautiful stretch.

Option 4: Relax in Budapest

Alternatively, use this day for a more relaxed exploration of neighborhoods you haven’t fully explored. Visit the leafy 12th district, explore antique shops along Falk Miksa Street, or spend more time in thermal baths. Sometimes the best travel experiences come from unstructured wandering.

Day 7: Final Discoveries and Hidden Gems

Morning: Hospital in the Rock

Explore the Hospital in the Rock, a fascinating museum built into the natural cave system beneath Buda Castle. This secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker was used during World War II and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, then remained on standby until 2002. The museum preserves the hospital exactly as it was, with period equipment and wax figures depicting medical scenarios.

Late Morning: Lukács Thermal Bath

Experience Lukács Thermal Bath, a local favorite less touristy than Széchenyi or Gellért. This bath has attracted intellectuals, artists, and writers for decades. The walls are covered with grateful plaques from visitors healed by the thermal waters. The indoor and outdoor pools offer a more authentic, local thermal bath experience.

Afternoon: Liberty Bridge and Gellért Hotel

Walk across Liberty Bridge, the most ornate of Budapest’s bridges with its Art Nouveau design and distinctive green color. The bridge offers excellent photo opportunities, especially of Gellért Hill and the hotel.

Stop for coffee at the legendary Gellért Hotel’s cafe. Even if you don’t stay here, the cafe’s Art Nouveau interior, with stained glass windows and elegant decor, provides a taste of Belle Époque luxury.

Afternoon: Last-Minute Explorations

Use your final afternoon for any sites you’ve missed or places you’d like to revisit. Perhaps shop for souvenirs at the Great Market Hall, take another walk along the Danube, or visit a museum you haven’t had time for.

Consider visiting the House of Terror, a museum documenting the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary. It’s a sobering but important museum providing context for modern Hungarian history.

Evening: Farewell Dinner with a View

For your final evening, book a table at a restaurant with panoramic views. Options include restaurants on Castle Hill, Gellért Hill, or rooftop venues in Pest. Many hotels have rooftop bars offering spectacular city views. Toast to your week in Budapest while watching the city lights reflect on the Danube.

Alternatively, return to a ruin bar for one last taste of Budapest’s nightlife, or attend a traditional Hungarian folk performance featuring music and dance.