Budapest, Hungary

Budapest

Thermal baths and a grand parliament on the Danube.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
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Things to do

3 days in Budapest

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk up to Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion for the view of Parliament.
  2. AfternoonSoak in the Széchenyi or Gellért thermal baths.
  3. EveningTake a Danube walk at dusk, then have drinks in a ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter.

Day 2

Tour the Parliament building, or day-trip to Szentendre and the Danube Bend.

Day 3

Browse the Great Market Hall, walk or cycle around Margaret Island, and end with a sunset view from Gellért Hill.

What to eat

Goulash soup, lángos fried bread and a chimney cake.

Local tips

Make the most of Budapest

Beat the crowds

Fisherman's Bastion and Castle Hill are empty early in the morning and full by midday. The Parliament tours sell out, so book ahead.

Best photo spot

The Parliament from across the river at the Batthyány tér side, best at blue hour. Gellért Hill gives the classic view over the bridges.

Getting there

Trams 2 and 19 run along the river with great views. The metro line 1 is one of the oldest in the world.

Don't miss nearby

Szentendre, a small artists' town on the Danube, about 40 minutes by suburban train.

Good to know

Hungary uses forints. Thermal baths are part of daily life here: bring flip-flops and a towel. Tickets for public transport must be validated.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Budapest

Our most hidden places around Budapest: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Budapest to take with you.

19 km away
33 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Budapest

Getting there

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryHungary

Questions

Budapest: good to know

Is Budapest worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. Thermal baths and a grand parliament on the Danube.

How many days do you need in Budapest?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 3-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Budapest?

You can visit all year. Fisherman's Bastion and Castle Hill are empty early in the morning and full by midday. The Parliament tours sell out, so book ahead.

How do you get to Budapest?

The nearest airport is Budapest Airport (BUD), about 18 km away. Trams 2 and 19 run along the river with great views. The metro line 1 is one of the oldest in the world.

What is there to see near Budapest?

Nearby hidden places include Banská Štiavnica (106 km), Lake Balaton (Tihany) (109 km) and Eger (110 km).

Day trips from Budapest: 5 hidden places nearby
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