4 Days in Budapest: Plan your Itinerary 2024

Budapest is one of my favorite cities. It’s one of my top recommendations in Europe! It’s a beautiful capital city with so much to do. This post will help you decide how to spend 4 days in Budapest.

I spent time in Budapest in 2023 and had the most incredible time. It’s one of the few cities I can’t wait to go back to. It comes up as frequently as Paris and London!

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4 Days in Budapest- Itinerary Overview

This is a suggested way to put my favorite things into 4 days in Budapest. But, you can move the days around or change out activities that you’d rather do instead! It’s your trip – never feel pressure to do exactly what someone else did.

Full disclosure, I don’t love museums so you won’t find many of them in my itineraries. I’m also a big fan of having a few things planned and lots of time to explore. I stay busy but I don’t want to be rushed.

Day 1 Morning- Explore Buda

• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Matthias Church
• Buda Castle
• Wander Around Buda

Day 1 Afternoon

• Tour the Hungarian Parliament Building
• Shoes on the Danube Memorial
• Walk Along the Danube
• Consider a walking tour that takes you inside the Parliament Building if you want to learn more.

Day 2 Morning- Explore Pest

• Erzsébet Square
• Vörösmárty Square
• St. Stephen’s Basilica

Day 2 Afternoon

• Continue wandering around Pest. Shopping if you’d like.
• Check out the Jewish Quarter and the Synagogue
• Cruise on the Danube

Day 3 Morning–Széchenyi Medicinal Bath

• Széchenyi Medicinal Bath

Day 3 Afternoon

• Heroes Square
• City Park
• Vajdahunyad Castle

Day 4 Morning

• Great Market Hall
• Andrássy Avenue

Day 4 Afternoon- Choose Your Adventure

Gellert Hill & Gellert Baths, Margaret Island, Gödöllő, or Szentendre

4 Days in Budapest- The Details

There is so much to do in Budapest. There are plenty of options that aren’t on this list. But, these were the highlights of my trip structured in a way that allows you to enjoy time in Budapest without rushing around the city.

Day 1- Buda

Buda is at the top of the hill overlooking the Danube. Some of the most popular sites in the city are found here; many of them are UNESCO sites. That’s why Buda is the perfect part of the city to kick off your 4 days in Budapest.

If you’re staying in Buda you won’t have far to go. If you’re staying in Pest, start your day off by taking the Buda Hill Funicular up to the top of the hill. The funicular was originally opened as a public transportation option. It’s now a tourist attraction but it’s really fun!

The funicular opens at 8:00 am. A round-trip ride is 3,000 Ft ($8).

You can also take the 16 or 16A bus up the hill if that’s more your style.

Fisherman’s Bastion

This is one of the most iconic sites in the city. Imposing Fisherman’s Bastion looks down over the Danube in all its grandeur. It was never used for battle and was built over the original wall. But, it offers some amazing views and photos.

Much of it is free and open 24 hrs. But, the upper part of the walls requires a ticket. They are open from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm. A ticket costs 1,000 Hungarian Forints (Ft) ($2.75). There are ticket counters nearby.

It won’t take you long to visit here but there is no need to rush. Take in all of the amazing views!

Be sure to admire the tile work on the roof of Matthias Church.

Matthias Church

I don’t typically love visiting churches but this one is spectacular. Matthias Church is ornate and mixes a Byzantine style that I hadn’t seen anywhere else.

The church is still in use today so the church services impact the opening hours.

• Mon-Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
• Sat: 9 am – 1 pm
• Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm

Tickets are 2,500 Ft ($6.83). It is a bit pricier than most things in Budapest but it’s worth it. The ticket window that sells tickets for Fisherman’s Bastion also sells tickets for the church.

So, get them at the same time.

Take your time admiring the interior of the church. There is a staircase at the front left that you should go up for some balcony views.

Buda Castle

Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion are not the same things. It was unclear to me so I wanted to make sure you knew.

Buda Castle is about a 15-minute walk from Matthias Church. It is not home to a museum: the Budapest History Museum/Castle Museum. Even if you don’t plan to visit the museum head over to the castle. Seeing the walls and the panorama of Buda and Pest is worth it.

If you want you can explore the old walls along the hill. There are some elevators but you may have to do some stairs as well.

Wander around Buda

Buda is part of the city with beautiful streets and alleys.

It feels more residential and you can easily get away from tourist crowds; the perfect area to wander around.

Lunch Option

Grab lunch anywhere in Buda, or even Pest if you prefer.

Franziska was one of my favorite places we ate on our trip.

There are great restaurant options all over the city; especially if you’re gluten-free like me!

Tour Parliament

The exterior of the Hungarian Parliament building is one of the most iconic in the city. The interior is beautiful as well.

Touring the interior of the building is one of the most popular things to do in Budapest. It books out well in advance so get tickets early. I didn’t do this and ended up taking a French tour. I understood about 70% but it would have been more enjoyable in English.

Same-day tickets are sold on-site but I didn’t see anyone having luck with that.

The visitor center entrance isn’t the easiest to find so I added a map for you. Give yourself plenty of time so you don’t miss your tour. They won’t wait for you if you’re late.

Shoes on the Danube Memorial

A memorial of 60 iron pairs of shoes along the Danube is one of the more somber parts of a visit to Budapest.

The memorial honors Jews and others who were killed by the fascist militia in Budapest during World War II. Since shoes could be resold, victims were made to remove their shoes at the bank of the river before they were killed. The memorial honors 3,500+ victims.

Walk the Danube

Walking along the water gives a different perspective to the city. Spend some time on a leisurely walk along the water.

Tour option

If you prefer to take a guided tour this option visits many of the main sites in the city plus the parliament. But, it would have to move quickly to get it all in so plan to move quickly.

Day 2- Pest

The other half of Budapest.

Pest is a bit flatter than Buda. There is plenty to explore here. Walking around Pest is one of the best ways to see it.

Explore the many Squares in Pest

Start the day at St Stephen’s Basilica. Unless it’s a Sunday, the basilica likely opens at 9:00 am (services at the basilica could impact the hours). Entering the basilica costs 2,000 Ft ($5).

Spend some time exploring the area around the basilica. There are shops and restaurants nearby. The streets are easy to explore.

When you’re finished, head to Erzsébet Square. This square is one of the most popular in the city. It is also home to the Budapest Eye. The tallest Ferris wheel in Europe. Take a ride if you’d like to enjoy the view.

When you’ve walked around Erzsébet Square head toward Fashion Street. High-end shops line the street and it’s one of the prettiest streets in the city. Take your time window-shopping, or shopping, on Fashion Street and the streets nearby.

As you walk down Fashion Street you’ll come to Vörösmárty Square. This is the main square in Budapest. If there is a festival happening it will be happening here! Check out Vörösmárty Square and the surrounding streets and shops.

There are cute little cafes all around the area so it’s the perfect place to grab a snack or lunch depending on how long you’ve been wandering.

Jewish Quarter in Budapest

After lunch, you can continue wandering Pest as much as you’d like. Be sure to head over to the Jewish quarter. The streets in the Jewish quarter are lined with ruin bars. Eclectic little bars inside the run-down buildings in the area. You can head back to this area later tonight if you enjoy bar hopping.

Take a tour of the ruin bars with a local guide.

Dohány Street Synagogue

The Dohány Street Synagogue is the 2nd largest synagogue in the world. You can walk around it to see the outside. To go inside you must take a guided tour and they sell out early. Make sure you have a ticket and a plan if you want to visit the inside.

Cruise on the Danube

A cruise along the river is the perfect way to spend an evening. I’m always skeptical of river cruises but this experience came recommended by a local. So, I tried it.

The buildings along the water are beautifully well-lit at night. The view from the water was unique and the photos at night are incredible. It was a great experience.

Day 3 – Széchenyi Medicinal Bath

You’ll spend most of this day in the same area; a bit removed from the main part of the city.

Széchenyi Medicinal Bath

Thermal baths dot all around Budapest. It’s one of the more unique things about the city.

Start your day at Széchenyi Medicinal Bath. This bath is the most popular one in the city.

If you’re visiting during the prime get tickets early to avoid a line. I visited in winter and went early and didn’t have a problem. But, booking early ensures you can pick the options you want.

It starts getting quite busy by 9:30 or 10 am.

Logistics at the Baths

My number one tip is to rent a cabin so you have somewhere to leave your things and change.

You can always rent a locker and use the bathrooms to change but the cabin made it so easy for our group of three!

There are showers and hair dryers. But, the place is a bit of a maze so expect to look around to find everything.

The door out to the baths is at the end of the main hallway. It’s on the left and is obvious when you’re near it but blends in from far away. It’s across from the snack bar.

You’ll need to wear flip-flops when you’re not in the pool. You can bring your own or buy a cheap pair when you’re there if you forget.

You can soak in the outdoor pools but there are indoor pools as well.

Each pool is at a different temperature. Don’t be afraid to hop around and try all of the options!

Spend as much time as you’d like here. There’s no reason to rush. The baths are one of the highlights of a trip to Budapest. There is a restaurant on-site if you want to eat lunch and spend the whole day at the baths.

Before starting the afternoon you can either plan to take a shower and get ready at the baths or just plan to head back to your hotel.

If you have a transit pass and time it’s probably worth it to go back to the hotel. For me, it’s worth feeling clean and put together for the rest of the day.

Heroes Square and Vajdahunyad Castle

After lunch, head back out to Heroes Square. It may be some backtracking if you went back to your hotel but it will be worth it if you aren’t carrying your stuff from the baths all day.

Heroes Square has a large monument and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Heroes Square is on one side of City Park. This is one of the best places to go if you want to spend some time surrounded by trees.

Be sure to check out Vajdahunyad Castle. You can visit the museum now housed in the castle if you’d like. But, walking around the inside is free!

If you have some extra time you can head back to the ruin bars or take a leisurely dinner.

I don’t like an itinerary that’s too packed. So, here is some buffer if you find something else you’d like to do! Plus, you may want to spend a lot of time at the baths!

Day 4 – Great Market Hall, Andrassay Avenue, and Traveler’s Choice

Kick your last day off by heading to the Great Market Hall. The market is open at 6:00 am every day except for Sunday (it’s closed on Sunday).

The market has two levels. The first level is mostly food. You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables as well as snacks and pastries if you’d like to grab breakfast or a snack at the market.

The second level is loaded with souvenirs. Find t-shirts, trinkets, bags, postcards, and anything you’d like to bring home as a souvenir.

After time at Great Market Hall make your way to Andrássy Avenue. Start near Fitzkey Chimney Cake (and grab one if you haven’t tried one yet).

It will be a 20-minute walk from Great Market Hall but the 47 or 49 tram will get you very close if you don’t want to walk.

Andrássy Avenue is similar to Paris’ Champs-Élysées. Beautiful ornate buildings along a tree-lined street.

Window shop or stop in a cafe if you’d like. As you walk pay attention to the details on the facades of the buildings. They are intricate and very well made.

Choose Your Adventure Afternoon

Grab lunch and then you can decide what you want your afternoon to look like.

• Maragaret Island– If you’re looking for more time outside Margaret Island is a great option. Visit the Japanese Garden or if the weather is right visit Palatinus Strand, the baths on the island. This is more a water park than a thermal bath. So, the wave pool may be calling your name.
• Gellért baths– spend time in more thermal baths or getting a massage. Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.
• Gellért Hill– The top of this hill provides some spectacular views of the city. You can take a car to the top or hike to the top. Check out the citadel during your visit.
• Gödöllő– Gödöllő is a small town outside of Budapest. If you feel like you’ve had plenty of time with 4 days in Budapest take a train out of the city to see the little town. It is home to the Palace of Gödöllő which was a favorite palace of Empress Sisi of Austria. If you’ve been to Vienna and seen Hapsburg architecture it may feel a bit repetitive but if not it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.
• Szentendre– This little town is a quick train ride from Budapest. It’s a quiet little place with cute shops and restaurants. It’s nice to get to a town that runs at a different speed than Budapest.

Where to Stay in Budapest

Budapest used to be a few cities but they combined. So, there are two main areas in Budapest; Buda and Pest. Buda is on one side of the Danube River and Pest is on the other.

Staying in Pest

Accommodations in Pest would give you the most walkable experience in Budapest. If you plan to avoid public transit and do as much walking as possible, Pest would be the best for you.

The Hilton Budapest City Center is a great option (I love using my Hilton points).

Staying in Buda

Stay at the Hilton Budapest for the best views of the river!

I loved walking by Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion at night or in the early morning when the tourists had mostly left to go down to Pest. It made special places even more incredible.

The view of the parliament building from the hotel didn’t hurt.

But, staying in Buda pretty much guarantees you’ll be on the 16 or 16A bus at least a few times during the day. I walked down the hill a few times but it was steep and I never convinced myself it was worth walking up. I had a tweaked knee so I’ll blame it on that.

Background about Budapest

Budapest used to be three cities: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. Buda and Pest are the most notable; Obud does still exist though (and has a really fun Christmas market). So, now there are two very distinct vibes depending on which side of the water you’re on. Buda is much more residential. The tourists come in for the day but not many sleep here. Pest is home to nightlife and more modern buildings.

Budapest can claim the Romans and the Huns in its history. By the late 1800s, the cities of Buda and Pest merged into one city. Budapest was under Soviet rule until 1989.

So, it’s still a relatively new treasure in Europe.

When to Visit Budapest

Budapest is a fun city to visit any time of the year. Of course, summer is the warmest and busiest. If you’re looking for avoid crowds you should avoid summer.

Budapest is actually quite busy in the winter as well. The city is home to a popular advent market. So, in December the city is actually quite festive! There are some crowds but nothing unmanageable if you can handle the cold!

Of course, spring and fall are always good shoulder seasons in Europe. The weather is nice and the crowds are small.

Things to Know about Budapest and Hungary

Hungary is in the European Union (the EU) but they don’t use the Euro. There are a few reasons for that that get into the economics of the country. You won’t get your passport stamped if you’re coming from another EU country. But, you’ll use Hungarian Forint and not the euro.

How many days do you need in Budapest?

As with most places, there is so much you’ll never be able to see everything!

If you’re gluten-free you’ll never be able to eat at all of the restaurants in 4 days either!

4 days in Budapest feels about perfect. But, there is never enough time when traveling so if you only have 3 days you can move quickly or modify the itinerary. Even if you can only spend 1 day in Budapest it would be worth it!

Getting to Budapest

You can arrive in Budapest by plane or by train (or by bus).

• By plane- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the airport that serves Budapest.
• By train– Budapest Keleti is the main international station in Budapest.

Getting Around Budapest

One of my favorite things about Budapest is how easy it is to get around. The city is walkable; the only challenge is getting up the hill in Buda. But, if you visit in winter it will be cold so walking around becomes less fun.

There are so many bus, tram, and metro options. Download Google Maps and then download the map of the city. The public transit option on the app helps navigate all of the options efficiently.

One ride on any form of transit is 350 Ft ($1).

But, two transit pass options could make your life easier.

As easy as getting around Budapest was, figuring out the cards was confusing.

Budapest Travelcard

The Budapest travelcard is for public transit only. There are different options depending on how long you’ll be in the city.

• 24 Hr- 2,500 Ft ($6.50 USD)
• 72 hr- 5,500 Ft ($14.50 USD)
• 7 days- 6,500 Ft ($17 USD)

Try to predict how many rides you’ll take. But, there is something nice about being able to hop on transit without having to think about it.

Where to buy the Budapest Travelcard:

• Use the App – With the Budapest Go app you can buy your pass before you arrive.
• Arriving by train – Look for the Keleti Pályaudvar Metro station. Once underground at the station, look for kiosks and ticket windows to buy your pass.
• Arriving by plane – The BKK counter inside the terminal has attendants if you prefer to work with a person. But, there are also ticket machines at the bus stop at the airport. No metro line runs to the airport so you’ll be taking a bus into the city.

Budapest Card

The Budapest Card is like most city cards you’ve read about. It includes access to public transit and also has discounts or free access to some attractions. Unlike most city passes, it’s not 100% clear what is included in this one. At least not until you go to the kiosk and start asking for details.

The 72-hour card includes airport transfers, a boat cruise, and the Buda funicular but the 24-hour card doesn’t.

Is the Budapest City card worth it?

I don’t think it is. Unless you plan to spend time at some of the less-popular museums, then maybe. But, it’s also super confusing, and getting in to decipher wasn’t worth it to me. I don’t usually go to museums anyway.

4 days in Budapest

Budapest is a gem of a city.

Even though it’s a bit further away than the most well-known cities in the more western part of the continent it should be at the top of your list.

There is so much to see and do. The food is incredible. The people are welcoming. It’s a perfect combo!

Let me know how it goes after your visit!