What to see and where to go in Budapest? Our list includes thermal baths, Hungarian opera, the historical metro, addresses of ruin pubs and much more. To complete the entire program you will need comfortable shoes, a swimsuit and an evening dress. Did you know that in Budapest one of the UNESCO historical heritage sites is located underground? Don't pass by!
For your first acquaintance with Budapest, it is beneficial to purchase a discount card Budapest card, which includes travel on public transport, free entry to more than 20 museums, 2 walking tours, St. Lukas Baths, 10-50% discounts in 100 different establishments in Budapest.
Baths of Budapest
Budapest's 118 underground springs and artesian wells contain mineral water temperature +25…+71°С. The world-famous baths are of not only therapeutic and preventive, but also historical interest. The baths and baths of Budapest were built in different time, in different styles: Roman, Greek, Turkish, more modern Northern European.
Popular historical baths of Budapest
- St. Luke's (Lukács)
- Rudas
- Kiraly
We visited the thermal complex named after. St. Gellert and received wonderful impressions and sensations. The Gellért Baths are located in the same building as the Danubius Hotel Gellért, with views of the Danube, a renowned restaurant and special spa conditions.
Budapest Central Market (Központi Vásárcsarnok)
The market building is considered the most beautiful in Europe, but it's worth going inside. On the ground floor they sell sausages, cheeses, vegetables, spices; you can try and buy all of this in different quantities, sliced, in beautiful souvenir packaging. Hungary is famous for its sausages and paprika.
There is a buffet on the second floor (balcony). Locals they love to sit here with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Try the traditional Hungarian dish lángos. This is a flatbread fried in oil; sour cream, cheese and any ingredients of your choice are placed on top of the langos.
Souvenirs from Budapest are also worth buying at the Central Market - prices are inexpensive, there is a good selection, we bought a kitchen set with an embroidered towel and wooden spoons and a T-shirt with the image of the Parliament. There is a supermarket on the ground floor. The central market is open from 6 am to 6 pm, on Saturday until 14:00, closed on Sunday.
Historic metro (Millennium Underground)
This second oldest metro in the world was opened in 1896 and has been included in the list since 2002. world heritage UNESCO. The yellow line M1 consists of 11 stations. At Deák Ferenc tér station there is a museum (Földalatti Vasút Múzeum). Entrance to the historical metro with a regular ticket.
We got off at the first station, Vörösmarty tér, and drove to the penultimate one, Széchenyi fürdő, getting off at each station. This historical line and the trains running along it are very different from the type of metro we are used to. The Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph rode underground in his carriage.
Online tickets without queues
Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)
Opera lovers will appreciate the acoustics of one of the best opera buildings in the world, and those interested in architecture can take part in daytime excursions, taking place during the day at 15:00 and 16:00. Poster and tickets for the opera house on the website opera.hu. Prices at the Hungarian Opera, unlike the Bolshoi Theater, are affordable.
Városliget City Park
The largest park in Budapest, which includes a zoo, a circus, attractions, Vajdahunyad Castle and the historical Széchenyi Baths. If you are not planning to visit the baths, then you should go around this large, beautiful building in the Renaissance style and go inside to see the interior.
Vajdahunyad Castle is surrounded by an artificial lake, where people go boating and catamarans in the summer, and ice skating in the winter. Now the building is occupied by an agricultural museum; in the courtyard there is a statue of the chronicler Anonymous (you need to make a wish and rub your pen).
Green park in the center of Budapest - favorite place recreation for residents and guests of the city. Margate has a musical fountain, a sports pool, a cafe, playgrounds, there is a jogging path around the island, you can rent a bicycle or scooter. On Margaret Island they sunbathe, have picnics, and dance in the club.
The Budapest Summer Festival takes place on an outdoor stage in the park. We reached the island by tram number 2, which stops in front of the Margit hid bridge.
Danube Cruise
Ships with panoramic glazing depart from the piers one after another according to a schedule. River walk allows you to see Budapest from both banks of the Danube, do beautiful pictures and listen to the guide's story.
We chose an evening excursion on the Danube Legend, it lasts 1 hour, includes an audio guide in 30 languages and one drink. The screens installed in the cabin show photographs of the places the ship is passing by and the interiors of buildings.
There are cruises on the Danube with dinner and live music. I celebrated my birthday on a boat on a cruise. Dinner by candlelight, they congratulated me with a dessert with candles (notify me when purchasing).
Ruin pubs (rom kocsma)
Ruin pubs have become very popular in Budapest in recent years. Ruin bars are located in dilapidated buildings, former garages, in courtyards, decorated with assorted furniture and interior items.
A high concentration of bar ruins is observed in the Jewish quarter of Budapest. It's worth coming here for the atmosphere and performances by fashionable bands. Prices for drinks and food are reasonable, most establishments are open all year round, others - from May to September.
Guide to ruin bars in Budapest includes visits to 4-5 bars and night walk around the city - interesting and safe.
Popular ruin bars in Budapest
- Corvintető (Blaha Lujza tér 1-2)
- Kuplung (Király utca 46)
- Instant (Nagymező utca 38)
- Fogasház (Akácfa u. 51)
- Grandio Bar (Nagy Diófa utca 8)
The best thing about Budapest is its architecture - suspension bridges, palaces and cathedrals. Walking routes and sights of Budapest on the map.
For some reason, tourists most often come to Budapest for three days. And everyone has a question: where to go and what to see in Budapest in 3 days on your own? We won’t grumble (why only three, there are so many interesting things here), but instead we present you with a ready-made itinerary for 3 days around the sights of Budapest. We also came to the capital of Hungary for the first time for three days. And I won’t wear the second one :) So just take it and copy our route! He is cool.
Where to go and what to see in Budapest in 3 days on your own: route + sightseeing map
Budapest is divided into two large areas: Buda on the right bank of the Danube and Pest on the left. And it is logical to also divide our route “What to see in Budapest in 3 days” by districts. We’ll set aside one day each for the main attractions of Buda and Pest, and we’ll go on the third... However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, you’ll soon find out for yourself. But first, I’ll share links to three important articles, without which you can’t live in Budapest:
What to see in Budapest in 3 days: contents of the article
Ready route with maps:
Additional Information:
What to do in Budapest. Day 1
Most tourists stay in hotels in Pest, so we suggest building the first day of our route “What to see in Budapest in 3 days” in this area. And the most convenient place to start is not from anywhere, but from the Hungarian Parliament - the most beautiful building in the country! From there we will go along the river to south direction. Let's briefly describe the main attractions that you will meet along the way, and at the end of the chapter you will find a map.
The building of the Hungarian Parliament. The hallmark of Budapest, a neo-Gothic building of stunning beauty, built in 1904. Be sure to walk around the building - from the courtyard it is no less beautiful than from the Danube. The inside of the building is also strikingly beautiful; entrance to the Parliament along with a tour costs 6,000 forints (for details, see official website). Opposite Parliament (from the courtyard) – Ethnographical museum, also very beautiful.
What to see in Budapest in 3 days on your own? First of all, we go to the building of the Hungarian Parliament - the main attraction of the country!
Monument "Shoes on the Danube Embankment". A poignant memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. During the war, the Nazis shot Jews on the Danube embankment and threw the bodies into the river. According to evidence, before death the victims were forced to take off their shoes: shoes were very valuable at that time.
Freedom Square. Surrounded by beautiful buildings, in the center is a memorial to Soviet soldiers who liberated Budapest from fascism. On the edge of the square from the Parliament side is a monument to US President Ronald Reagan.
Basilica of St. Stephen. The largest temple in the capital of Hungary, which will amaze you not only with its architecture, but also with its interior decoration of rare beauty. For just 600 forints you can climb observation deck with beautiful panoramic views. After the Basilica we head towards the embankment, along the way don’t forget to take a photo with monument to the fat policeman(location - on the map at the end of the chapter).
Under the dome of St. Stephen's Basilica there is an observation deck with a beautiful view, the price is only 600 forints (about 2 euros).
Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The most beautiful bridge in Budapest. Opened in 1849 and named after Count István Széchenyi, who invested a lot of money in the construction. By the way, the most famous bathhouse in Budapest, where we will go the day after tomorrow, is named after this same count.
Danube embankment. From the Szechenyi Bridge we will walk along the Danube embankment, where you can relax on one of the many benches, take pictures with unusual monuments and admire the Buda Castle on the opposite bank of the river.
Vaci street. From the embankment we turn onto Vaci Avenue - a beautiful pedestrian street. There are no cars here, but there are many beautiful houses, given over to branded clothing stores and expensive restaurants. Are you hungry? You can have a snack in one of them, or you can wait until the Central Market.
Where to go and what to see in Budapest on your own in 3 days: Váci Street, along with Andrássy Avenue, is considered the most beautiful in the city.
Central market of Budapest. A true masterpiece architecture and one of the landmarks of Budapest. The ancient building of the Central Market was built in the neo-Gothic style, and the roof is covered with beautiful multi-colored tiles. On the ground floor of the market you can buy food and souvenirs, and on the second floor you will find a cafe national cuisine and street food stalls, as well as draft beer, draft wine and draft goulash.
By the way, you can have a snack not only at the Central Market, but also at the restaurant located across the road from it, which has become a cult favorite among Russian-speaking tourists thanks to the efforts of Eagle and Tails.
Gellert Bath. From the Central Market we cross the Freedom Bridge to the opposite side of the Danube, where it awaits us. Majestic architecture, tranquil surroundings, huge pools with relaxing and beneficial thermal water - what could be better to end an interesting day!
What to see in Budapest in 3 days. First day route on the map:
What to see in Budapest in 3 days on your own. Second day
In the Middle Ages they said: “In Europe there are three pearls - Venice on the water, Florence on the plain and Buda on the hills.” Therefore, if the first day of our route “What to see in Budapest in 3 days” was dedicated to the Pest region, today we are going to Buda, on the opposite bank of the Danube.
Buda Castle (or Buda Castle) - architectural complex on Buda Hill, where Royal Palace, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Matthias Cathedral and other attractions. The most convenient way to explore the pearl in the hills is to move from the fabulously beautiful (are there others in Budapest?) State Archives building in a southerly direction. To get to the Archives, take bus number 16 and get to the Vienna Gate stop (Bécsi kapu tér), i.e. from here to here. The route from your hotel to this stop will be ideally plotted for you by the Google Maps application installed on every modern phone.
State Archives of Hungary. It’s even surprising why this austere but magnificent building is not included in the lists of attractions in Budapest. Probably because when arriving in Buda by bus number 16, many tourists get off at the stop earlier in order to immediately get to the Fisherman’s Bastion. These people are just unlucky: you have us and our advice, but they don’t.
Streets of Buda Castle. Don't rush to run to the Fisherman's Bastion! Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful, quiet streets of Buda Castle in the State Archives area. This is a very beautiful and cozy area, there are many cute medieval houses and there are always few tourists.
Off the tourist trail, Budapest also offers a lot of interesting things to see. The photo shows beautiful houses and a square in Buda Castle with the State Archives in the background.
Cathedral of St. Matthias. An ancient Gothic temple, its roof is covered with the same beautiful multi-colored tiles as the buildings of the Central Market and the State Archives. Entrance for tourists is paid: 1,500 forints for the church itself and the same amount for climbing to the observation deck of the 80-meter bell tower.
Holy Trinity Square. The square in front of the Church of St. Matthias, where in the 18th century a Plague Pillar with figures of saints was installed to drive away an epidemic of a terrible disease. This undoubtedly helped: we never met passers-by with symptoms of plague in Budapest.
Fisherman's Bastion. Complex of seven beautiful towers, connected by transitions. Built at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of a former fish market. The number of towers symbolizes the seven tribes that founded Hungary more than a thousand years ago. In the center of the Bastion is a monument to Saint Stephen, the first ruler of Hungary (crowned in 1001). From the walls of the Bastion there is a very beautiful view of the Danube, Margaret Island and the Pest region.
What to see in Budapest in 3 days? Mandatory points of the program are St. Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion in Buda.
Buda labyrinth. On the way from the Fisherman's Bastion to the Royal Palace, you can tickle your nerves in the Buda Labyrinth (aka Labyrinthus). This is the former dungeon of the Buda Fortress, where they are trying with all their might to create a creepy atmosphere for tourists: ominous music sounds, there are areas of pitch darkness, and the highlight of the program is a slab with the inscription “Dracula” near the dungeon, where You Know Who seemed to have languished in captivity. Ticket price: 2500 forints for adults, 600 forints for children.
Royal Palace. One of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. Now it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, Historical Museum and the National Library. Be sure to photograph two interesting monuments: the mythical bird Turulu with the sword of Attila on the gates of the Palace and the fountain “The Hunt of King Matthias” in the courtyard. The walls of the Royal Palace offer magical views of the Danube, the bridges of Budapest and the building of the Hungarian Parliament. Photos in our article:
Labyrinth, Plague Column... The main thing to see in Buda is, of course, the Royal Palace!
Széchenyi Chain Bridge. From the Royal Palace you can go down to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge on foot or by cable car. Thus, if yesterday we admired the most beautiful bridge in Budapest from the Pest side, today – from the Buda side.
What can you see after Buda Castle? Option 1 – just relax) If this option does not suit you, then it all depends on your imagination. We offer three more scenarios to choose from.
Option 2. Take a walk along the embankment of the right bank of the Danube to Erzsebet Bridge, and from it rise to Mount Gellert. It opens up very beautiful views to Budapest and all its bridges. And on Mount Gellert there are sights of Budapest on a smaller scale: the Citadel, the Statue of Liberty, the Philosopher's Garden.
I can’t say that Mount Gellért is a must-see in Budapest in 3 days. But if you have time and desire, you can go up, the views from here are very beautiful.
Option 3. Go to the hotel to relax, and then go to one of the best baths in Budapest. Our article will help you make your choice:
There is no need to go to Szechenyi, this bath is waiting for you tomorrow :)
Option 4. Go to the hotel to rest, and when it gets dark, stroll along the Danube embankment with a bottle of Tokay (or without). It doesn’t matter which shore you walk along, gorgeous views await you in any case. Both the building of the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Fortress on the opposite bank are illuminated very beautifully in the evenings.
Evening Budapest is beautiful both in summer and winter. And also in spring and autumn!
What to see in Budapest in 3 days. Route of the second day on the map:
Day 3. Andrássy Avenue and Városliget Park
Andrássy Avenue. This street is considered the most beautiful in Budapest; every building on it is a masterpiece. The highest tourist pleasure is to walk along Andrássy Avenue, clicking your camera left and right. The most interesting places on the avenue - this building Hungarian State Opera, House of Terror(museum of totalitarianism) and Oktogon Square. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the small streets adjacent to Andrássy Avenue, where you will find many hidden gems - beautiful buildings, monuments, bas-reliefs and parks.
The first metro line of Budapest. The yellow line of the Budapest M1 metro runs under Andrássy Avenue. This is the oldest underground line on the European continent, opening in 1896. The city authorities carefully maintain the M1 line in pristine condition. Be sure to go down to the retro station and ride at least a couple of stops on the little yellow retro cars! You will learn how to use the Budapest subway from our article:
Where to go and what to see in Budapest in 3 days: attractions in this amazing city located even underground! And there are also such caves...
Heroes Square. At this square Andrássy Avenue ends and Városliget – the most Big city Budapest city park. In the center of Heroes' Square there is a tall column in honor of the Millennium of Hungary, installed at the end of the 19th century. At the top of the column there is a statue of an archangel, at the foot there are monuments to various Hungarian rulers and military leaders.
Városliget Park. Városliget City Park is the perfect ending to the “What to see in Budapest in 3 days on your own” route. Here are the most famous sights that are definitely worth seeing. Including if you come with a child, because this is where the most interesting Budapest Zoo
To feel like a Hungarian, drink 200 grams of pálinka and try to pronounce “Vajdahunyad Castle in Városliget Park.”
Szechenyi Bath. And since at the end of an adventure-filled route we find ourselves in a city park, the question of “where to go in the evening” does not confront us. Because it is in Városliget Park that the famous Szechenyi Bath is located - the largest bathhouse in the world! As you may have guessed, we also have a separate article about it with a bunch of photos:
- The Szechenyi Bath in Budapest is the largest and most fun bathhouse in the world!
We will leave you in the relaxing thermal pool of the Széchenyi Baths. This concludes our route “What to see in Budapest in 3 days”! We saw all the most interesting things you need to see in Budapest in three days, and what we didn’t have time to do will be left for your next visit :)
Route of the third day on the map:
Where else can you go in Budapest?
If you have time, energy, desire (underline as necessary), here are some other interesting things you can see in Budapest in 3 days. We offer three options to choose from.
1. Take a walk through the Kerepeshi cemetery. Don't rush to be baptized! Kerepesi is considered not only an unusual landmark of Budapest, but also almost the most beautiful cemetery in Europe. are wide alleys and ancient trees, where you can walk for hours in silence, and most of the monuments here are true works of art.
2. Spend the evening at a ruin bar. Ruin bars (or ruin pubs) are a unique cultural phenomenon in Budapest. This is the name given to cafes and restaurants that opened in abandoned buildings in the Jewish district. As a rule, the owners decorate them with a bunch of junk and antiques, which only adds to the madness of these already eccentric establishments. The oldest and most famous of them is.
3. Go on an excursion. There are dozens of excursions in Budapest to suit every taste. By famous attractions and non-tourist places; to nightclubs and baths; for tourists with children and those with a sweet tooth... There are also excursions around Budapest, its suburbs and even abroad. Review of the most interesting programs- in our article:
Excursions in Budapest are inexpensive (from 20 euros); you can choose a program at, where certified Russian guides offer their services.
Where to stay in Budapest
If you are looking not only for what to see in Budapest in 3 days, but also where to stay during this time, then Pest is perhaps best area for living in the capital of Hungary. The attractions are nearby and hotel prices in Pest are very reasonable. Buda is considered a quieter and more prestigious area, so hotels here are more expensive. However, in Buda you can also find hotels with excellent value for money.
Our website will help you choose the ideal place to live. Also pay attention to our selection of hotels that we chose for ourselves in different areas of the city.
Dear readers, what do you recommend to see in Budapest in 3 days? We are waiting for your feedback about the trip to the most beautiful city Of Eastern Europe!
Budapest is often called one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, because few countries can boast of a main city that features many examples of unique architecture, a beautiful river, breathtaking views, beautiful nature, interesting monuments, museums, theaters. Is this so and what attracts millions of tourists to this city on the Danube? Let’s find out together.
Description of the city of Budapest
Getting to know Budapest or, as it is also called, the Pearl of the Danube, let's start with brief description metropolis and excursions into history.
Geographical position
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and its main political, cultural, industrial, and transport center. In addition, it is the largest city in terms of population in the country and the eighth largest in the European Union, with 1.745 million inhabitants.
Budapest is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe Located in Central Europe, in the lowlands of the Carpathian Basin, which is surrounded by the Carpathian, South Slavic mountain ranges, and the Alps. Highest point The capital is Mount Janos, its height is 527 meters.
The presence in Budapest of many thermal springs is the result of the city being located on the site of a tectonic fault.
Budapest is divided into two halves by the Danube River. One half of the city is hilly, the other is flat. The Tisza River flows in the east of the city. In the west lies one of the largest lakes in Europe and the largest in Hungary - Balaton. In the vicinity of the city on the Danube there are seven islands.
The area of the metropolis is 525.14 square meters. km.
Budapest map
A little bit of history
Budapest became the main center of the country in 1918. And the city itself was founded in 1873 - it was then that three small Hungarian settlements(Pest, on the eastern side of the Danube, Buda and Óbuda, on the western side) were combined into one.
The indigenous population of Hungary are Hungarians, they make up a little more than 91%. The official language in the country is Hungarian. Currency – forints, euros.
How to get to Budapest
It is not difficult to get to the capital of Hungary from almost anywhere in the world - there is a well-developed transport network. There are five in Budapest international airports, three railway stations and two international bus stations.
Tourists often resort to transfers and use air travel, for example, to fly to Austria, Poland, Germany, France, Belgium, and then transfer to a train or bus to get to Hungary. This is what Russians do, for example, since only Moscow airports offer direct flights. In addition, such transfers sometimes allow you to significantly save on your trip.
By plane. If you fly a direct flight from Moscow, then the most cheap ticket a two-way trip will cost an average of 14.6 thousand rubles (11 thousand one way). That's how much low-cost airlines charge Wizz Air. Aeroflot offers to get to Budapest and return back to Moscow for 24.6-30.8 thousand rubles (19.5 thousand one way). Travel time is 2.35-2.45 hours. Both companies have daily flights.
When choosing an airline, you should remember that the price of a low-cost ticket does not include any additional service. All of them are paid additionally, including luggage transportation.
With one transfer, the trip can last up to 6-20 hours, but it will be cheaper. 9.5 hours on the road with " Turkish Airlines"will cost 7.6 thousand rubles one way.
By train. A direct train from Moscow runs daily - this is “Moscow-Warsaw”, it includes a direct carriage that delivers to Budapest. Travel time – 30 hours. Cost: 175 euros per compartment.
By bus. The best way, how to get to Budapest by bus - a trip to Poland, the Baltic states or Slovakia. There you need to change to transport going to Budapest. There are no direct bus connections with the capital of Hungary.
By car. The distance from Moscow to Budapest is 2040 km. You can overcome them by several routes. The main ones run through the territory of Ukraine, and since today it is difficult for citizens of the Russian Federation to travel through it, we suggest going through Belarus. The route of the trip to Budapest will look like this: Belarus – Poland – Slovakia – Hungary. The journey without stops will take about a day.
From St. Petersburg it is better to choose the route through the Baltic states, Poland and the Czech Republic.
Male Russian citizens aged 18-55 years should refrain from traveling by personal transport through the territory of Ukraine.
Budapest weather and climate
The climate of Budapest is designated as temperate continental. This means that winters here are mild, damp and short, and summers are hot.
The weather in Budapest is stable; sudden temperature fluctuations are rare. However, in late autumn and winter it is usually not suitable for hiking. As a rule, due to high humidity, the weather at this time is popularly called nasty. Snow can remain for 30-40 days. The Danube freezes completely in winter.
Interesting! The central part of Budapest with historical and architectural objects is included in the list and taken under the protection of UNESCO.
If you want to experience deep and unforgettable emotions by touching world history, then a tourist route in Budapest and your sightseeing plan must include monuments dedicated to man and human tragedies. Just look at the monument to shoes on the Embankment (Holocaust Memorial Center), which does not let you forget about the cruelty of the Nazis shooting the Jews of Budapest. Or the famous Plague Pillar (Castle Hill), reminiscent of the numerous victims of the plague.
What else to see in Budapest? In the center there are many beautiful and romantic streets with stunning architecture. As a rule, in the warm season, tour operators offer a boat ride along the Danube to admire and sail under the eight graceful bridges of Budapest. In addition, the water also offers a magnificent view of the city - interesting buildings, monuments, and sculptures are located along the banks.
For lovers of museum exhibits and visual arts More than 200 museums and galleries open their doors every day, except Monday. Among the popular museums in Budapest, it is worth mentioning the Hungarian National Gallery, the Hungarian National Museum, the Budapest History Museum, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Museum of Terror, the Beer Museum, National Museum wines, LuMu Museum of Contemporary Art. Not far from the capital there are the Skansen open-air museum and the Marzipan Museum; in Budapest itself Memento Park is interesting.
Budapest will not disappoint theater lovers either. Theatergoers will be interested in the Hungarian State Opera House, the Budapest Operetta Theater, the Comedy Theater, and the National Theater.
Other ways to have fun in Budapest
In addition to Budapest for sightseeing, the capital of Hungary has a lot to offer to those who find ordinary sightseeing boring, extreme sports enthusiasts and clubbers.
Leisure
Bike tours. The main Hungarian city is convenient for lovers of traveling by bicycle, since almost throughout the center there are rental shops where you can rent both regular two-wheelers and tandem bicycles, bicycles with child seats. There are few bike paths in the city itself - they are equipped on the embankment and the streets nearby. Margaret Island boasts good infrastructure for cyclists.
Velomobile. In the warm season, Budapest residents and tourists flock to Margaret Island to take a break from the bustle of the city in the park, playing outdoor games: badminton, frisbee, volleyball, tennis, etc. You can also rent bicycles, electric cars, and velomobiles here.
Karting. You can ride karts on a 420-meter asphalt track.
Water activities. You can swim in the pond, ride a boat or catamaran, for example, in Városliget Park. In winter, it is set up on the site of the lake outdoor skating rink. You can visit the water park and relax on the beach by going to Margaret Island.
Rope park. The most interesting one is located in the Challengeland Adventure Park. It is suitable for families and children.
. The SkyWard center offers you to feel what a person flying at a speed of 180-200 km per hour feels like. Cost: 62 euros per person, 98 for two. Children over six years old pay 46 euros.
Beer bike. You can drink beer on wheels without breaking the law by renting a beer bike. 14 people can spin the pedals at a degree for 2-5 hours at the same time. It is possible to explore the city on such a bike sober, drinking non-alcoholic drinks on the bike.
River walks. You can take a ride on a motor ship or an amphibious bus along the Danube. A boat trip will cost 12 euros (with coffee), 27 euros (with beer tasting), 36 euros (with lunch), 49 euros (with dinner and live music).
Caves. Few people know that in addition to thermal springs, Budapest also has many caves. You can see stalactites, for example, in the Szemlo-hegy and Palvolgyi caves.
Zoo and Tropicarium-Oceanarium. You can observe interesting and exotic animals and fish in zoos in Budapest itself and on Margaret Island, and an aquarium on the outskirts of Budapest, in the Campona shopping center.
Funicular. You can take the funicular up to Széchenyi Hill.
"Sighet". Every year in August one of the largest global music festivals called Sziget.
Night life
For lovers of entertainment in the dark, Budapest at night opens the doors of a number of establishments. Some of the most popular are Angel Club, Alcatraz Restaurant & Club, Capella, Entertainment Center A38 Ship.
The already mentioned night water parties are very loved by Budapest residents and tourists. In particular, these are held in the Rudas, Lukacs and Sechka baths. Fans of noise, nudity and alcohol should definitely attend such events. Entrance and drinks to such an establishment will cost an average of 50 euros.
Water parties are a favorite pastime of locals and tourists Another highlight of an evening out in Budapest are ruin bars or trash pubs. These are entertainment and drinking establishments that are located in abandoned buildings. Sometimes they also include a cultural component in the form of film screenings and exhibitions. The most famous ruin bars: Szimpla kert, Corvin Roofgarden, Meter, Instant, Fogashaz, Super 8. Most of them can be found in the Jewish quarter of Erzsebetváros.
And lovers of private parties with a substantial budget can afford to rent a Patty bus.
Car rental and public transport in Budapest
Net public transport in Budapest it is represented by trams, trolleybuses, buses, a four-line metro, a rack railway, a funicular and a cable car. Ground public transport starts at 4.30 am and ends at 23.00. You can also use taxi services (call by phone) and water transport.
A one-time ticket for transport (not including railway, funicular and river transport) will cost approximately 350 forints (for the driver - 450), with one transfer - 530 forints. It must be composted. Once composted, it is limited to 80 minutes during the day and 120 minutes at night.
For those who plan to ride public transport throughout the day or day, a single ticket costing 1650 forints. It also includes travel water buses during weekdays. You can purchase a three-day or seven-day pass. There are group tickets for different durations.
Free travel on public transport allows tourist map Budapest Card. In addition to this service, it also includes two walking excursions, visits to baths and museums. The cost of this starts from 4.5 thousand forints.
The fine for traveling without a ticket is 50 euros. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines (where, in particular, the Russian language is provided) at almost every metro and transport station, at newsstands, and post offices.
Even when reviewing urban transport, one cannot do without interesting facts. Thus, Budapest trams are the longest in the world - one train is more than 50 meters long. And the Budapest metro is the oldest in Europe.
You can easily rent a car in Budapest, but it is advisable to do this only if you are going to travel outside the metropolis. In Budapest itself there are places where the passage of vehicles is limited, and on Margaret Island it is generally prohibited.
There are many services on the Internet that provide car rental services. This service can also be arranged at the hotel. The cost of renting a car will depend on the class of the car, the duration of the lease and the reputation of the company that rents it. It starts from 30 euros per day.
Cars for tourists are often equipped with a navigation system containing the main attractions. Such cars are also allowed to travel to neighboring countries. To draw up a rental agreement, you must have a sample license, at least two years of driving experience and a certain amount on the card for a deposit. Typically, cars are not provided to young people who are under 21 years of age.
Where to stay and live: hotels in Budapest
The network of places to stay in the Hungarian capital is also very developed. Presented as expensive and luxury hotels, and cheap options - in the form of hostels.
Top five best hotels Budapest includes:
- Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace,
- Continental Hotel Budapest,
- Queen's Court Hotel & Residence,
- Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest,
- Danubius Hotel Gellert.
The best hostels are:
- Maverick City Lodge
- Swing Out Hostel,
- Carpe Noctem Hostel,
- Friends Hostel Budapest,
- Gaia Hostel.
What to buy and bring from Budapest: places for shopping
There are several things that Hungarians consider theirs and which tourists traditionally bring as souvenirs. There is even such a concept - “hungaricum”, which denotes objects and things characteristic only of the Hungarian people. Traditional “Hungaricum” souvenirs or symbols of Hungary that you can bring from Budapest include:
- Rubik's Cube. It is believed that this puzzle was invented by the Hungarian architecture teacher Erne Rubik. Cubes of different configurations, sizes and from different materials are sold in every souvenir shop. They are not cheap - from 20 dollars;
- wine "Tokay";
- herbal liqueur “Unicum”;
- palinka – Hungarian fruit vodka;
- porcelain. Original souvenirs made from Hungarian porcelain are very expensive. The price for a small figurine starts at $500;
- Halash lace and embroidered items;
- marzipan is a delicacy that is also sold at every turn. These include various figures, marzipan sweets and even marzipan plasticine. Such a souvenir will be affordable even for a budget tourist. The price of marzipan products starts from three dollars;
- Kevcekduda is a traditional Hungarian musical instrument, which is a clay vessel covered with leather on top with a hole into which a tube is inserted. This souvenir will also be affordable for any tourist; its cost starts from four dollars.
Shopping in Budapest can be done on the Vaci pedestrian street, which from start to finish is literally dotted with souvenir shops, cafes, and fast foods.
You can also buy souvenirs and food at the Central Market in Budapest. It's three stories high here. On the top floor you can try Hungarian delicacies in the foot court, on the second level there are souvenir shops, and on the lower level there is a food market.
There are a large number of shopping centers. The largest of them are West End and Arena Plaza. In the central part on Andrassy Avenue there are boutiques with many famous brands of clothing and shoes.
Most shops in Budapest are closed on Sunday.
Where and what delicious things to try: cafes and restaurants in Budapest
There are several dishes in Hungary that are traditional and known far beyond the country's borders. These are goulash, paprikash, perkelt, lecho, Debrecen sausages, Gyulai sausage, Hungarian salami, Dobos cake. It is important to know that Hungarian cuisine is replete with fatty and spicy meat dishes with paprika. And the portions in the cafe are very large.
One of the most expensive restaurants in the capital of Hungary is Gundel. Popular restaurants in Budapest are: Hungarikum Bisztro, Barack & Szilva Restaurant, Aszu Etterem, Comme Chez Soi, Onyx Restaurant.
There are many cafes and restaurants around the city offering local cuisine at a variety of prices. There are about three thousand of them in total. You can find places where it’s quite possible to eat a huge portion of goulash for 7 euros or drink coffee with delicacies for 8. A very beautiful and tasty option is goulash in bread.
You can visit very unusual cafes in Budapest. Among the outlandish establishments, let us remember the cat cafe, where you can dine surrounded by many cats. Also original is the Icebar, in which all the furniture and objects, including glasses, are made of ice. The temperature in the room does not exceed 15 degrees, and all visitors are given special warm clothing.
The famous Hungarian wine can be tasted in tasting rooms, for example in the Faust Cellar, which is in the very center.
The impression of ancient and diverse Europe will be incomplete without visiting one of the most beautiful European centers of Budapest. Experienced tourists claim that it is necessary to allocate at least five days for traveling to this city. This is exactly how much you will need to visit the most remarkable sites, taste local cuisine and swim in the springs. We would like to note that Budapest is one of the cheapest European capitals, where you can really and comfortably spend a weekend for 100 euros.
Are you going to Budapest for 5 or 7 days? You're doing it right! Budapest is a large and beautiful city, there are so many interesting things to do here that there will be enough activities for a week or even more. We ourselves came to Budapest for the first time for only three days, then we realized our mistake and returned for a week :) And not only for the sake of relaxation, but also in order to create ready-made routes for you, what to see in Budapest on your own in 5 and 7 days . The routes turned out just right!
Don't thank us. Thank Budapest.
Before moving on to the description of our route “What to see in Budapest on your own in 5-7 days”, I would like to literally note two important points in a nutshell.
1. You can shuffle the days from our itinerary as you please. Do you want to go to the caves the next day after the sights of Buda (the second day of our route) (the fourth day)? Or start from Margaret Island (day 5), and the next day go to Városliget Park and Széchenyi Baths (day 3)? No problem! This will not affect your experience in any way.
2. According to Hungarian government regulations, travel to Budapest is not allowed without reading these five articles:
These articles will give you answers to all the questions that may arise when reading our guide: they will help you navigate the city, learn all about the attractions and understand the principles of public transport. By the way, about transport: if you are going to Budapest for 5 or 7 days, we recommend buying a pass for a week, it will be easier and cheaper.
Now let's get down to business.
What is a must-see in Budapest in 5 or 7 days? Photo of the main attraction of Hungary and its capital - the parliament building.
What to see in Budapest on your own in 5 days and 7 days: contents of the article
Budapest itinerary for 5 days
What to see in Budapest on your own on days 6 and 7
Days 1-3: main attractions of the city
We will devote the first three days of our route to the main and most famous sights of Budapest. Let me immediately note that this route is described in detail in a separate article - with maps, photographs and descriptions of each attraction. Let's briefly talk about the route of each day, and the link to detailed description- a little lower.
Day 1, sights of the Pest region (left bank of the Danube). The building of the Hungarian Parliament - the monument "Shoes on the Danube Embankment" - Freedom Square - St. Stephen's Basilica - Széchenyi Chain Bridge - Danube Embankment - Vaci Street - Budapest Central Market - Gellert Baths.
Day 2, sights of the Buda region (right bank of the Danube). State Archives of Hungary - a walk through the streets of the Buda Fortress - St. Matthias Cathedral - Holy Trinity Square - Fisherman's Bastion - Buda Labyrinth - Royal Palace - Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
Day 3: Andrássy Avenue, Városliget Park, Széchenyi Baths. The building of the Hungarian State Opera - the House of Terror - Oktogon Square - the first metro line of Budapest - Heroes' Square - Városliget Park - Budapest Zoo - Vajdahunyad Castle - Anonymous Monument - Széchenyi Bath.
Each of these days is described in detail here:
All the sights that you can see in Budapest on your own in the first three days are indicated on this map:
What to see in Budapest on your own in 5 days. Day 4: Caves
In addition to cultural, gastronomic and wellness, demand a cave vacation in Budapest! After all, Budapest is the only capital in the world where there are real caves right within the city limits.
Budapest's two main caves are located a kilometer apart in the Óbuda area on the right bank of the Danube and are called Semlehedi and Palveldi. They contain stalactites, stalagmites, unusual formations in the shape of flowers and corals - everything is as it should be. True, you won’t be able to just come there and wander around: you can only get inside in certain time with a guide within inexpensive excursion. The visiting time is chosen so that it is more convenient to start from the Semlehedi cave, and from there go to Palveldi and just get to the beginning of the excursion.
Details are in our article:
In the evening you can go to the baths or - both of them are also located in the Óbuda area, a few bus stops from the caves.
What to see in Budapest in 5 days on your own? Budapest is the only capital where there are real caves, so they are definitely worth seeing.
Day 5: Margaret Island and Baths
Margaret Island is real green oasis in the middle of the Danube, a must-see on the “What to see in Budapest in 5 days” program. If you do not live within walking distance from the island, you can get there not only by bus or tram, but also by water bus. You need route D11 or D12, the schedule is at official website, the ticket costs 750 forints (and if you bought a pass for a week, on weekdays you can use it for free on the water bus).
You can happily spend half a day, or even more, on Margaret Island (also known as Margaret Island). Not only are you welcome here beautiful gardens and shady alleys with flower beds and fountains. Margaret Island has a lot to offer: a contact menagerie and the ruins of a 13th-century Dominican monastery, a musical fountain and a casino, an open-air theater and a Japanese garden! And of course, the Palatinus Bath with a small water park, a trip to which will be a great end to the day. A map of Margaret Island is waiting for you at the entrance, so you won’t miss it and won’t get lost.
By the way, it is on or near Margaret Island that the most famous hotels Budapest with its own baths. Read more about these hotels and the island itself in our articles:
What to see in Budapest on your own in 5 days: The Palatinus Baths are a great way to end a walk around Margaret Island in summer. But in winter there is nothing to do there: all outdoor pools are closed.
Day 6. Time to the cemetery!
When we come to Budapest, we definitely go to Kerepesi - the most beautiful cemetery in Europe. Since you’ve come here for a week, we strongly advise you to diversify your “What to see in Budapest in 7 days” route by visiting this unusual place.
Kerepeshi is not at all like ordinary cemeteries where you want to cry or die, even on Google Maps it is designated as a “Place for Walking”. Kerepesh are very wide, quiet alleys of huge ancient trees, benches and clearings, and almost all the monuments here are true masterpieces. As a rule, they represent stories on religious themes or tell us who is buried under them. A football player with a ball and a musician with a violin, a blacksmith with a hammer and a hunter with a gun and a faithful dog - you can look at these monuments for hours. There is also an area with formal graves of Soviet soldiers who died during the suppression of the Hungarian uprising of 1956.
What to see in Budapest on your own in 7 days: Kerepes Cemetery is one of the most unusual attractions in Budapest.
And when it gets dark, we suggest going to a celebration of life, to the ruin bar! Ruin bars (or ruin pubs) are a unique phenomenon that can only be found in Budapest. This is the name given to cafes and restaurants opened in abandoned buildings in the Jewish district. The owners decorate them with a bunch of junk and antiques, which only adds to the ruinous and enigmatic quality of these establishments. The very first and most iconic among them is .
- Do you remember he asked for a photo of me in the bath? I'm sending!
Day 7. Catching up or going on an excursion
Our route “What to see in Budapest on your own in 7 days” turned out to be quite eventful. And since you have a whole week at your disposal, it’s not at all necessary to rush around the sights every day with your tongue on your shoulder. And you could shorten some points of the route described above in order to make up for lost time on the last day. For example, half last day You can safely devote yourself to climbing Mount Gellert, walking along the bridges and embankments of evening Budapest, or going to the next bath. Or you can simply walk again through the places that you liked the most.
Another option to spend this day is go on an excursion. There are dozens of excursions in Budapest to suit every taste, from walking and bus tours of attractions and non-tourist places to fun nightclub binges accompanied by a DJ. There are also excursions to the vicinity of Budapest, to other cities in Hungary and even abroad. You can choose a program at, where certified Russian guides offer their services.
What to see in Budapest on your own in 5 days or 7 days? One of the main attractions of the city is the snow-white Fisherman's Bastion.
Where to stay in Budapest
If you are looking not only for what to see in Budapest in 5-7 days, but also where to stay during this time, then Pest (the left bank of the Danube) is perhaps the ideal area to stay in the capital of Hungary. The attractions are nearby, and the hotel prices here are very reasonable. Buda is considered a quieter and more prestigious area, so hotels here are more expensive.
Dear readers, do you recommend what to see in Budapest on your own in 5 or 7 days? Except for the cemetery, of course) We are waiting for your feedback about your trip to this beautiful city!
