TRIP GUIDE:
Budapest, Hungary
Day 1: Getting There
Usually I recommend a "home base" based on how you arrive to a location, however one of the pleasantries of Budapest is how accessible it is. Coming in from the airport, it's about 30 minutes to an hour to the heart of the city, depending on method of transit. The train station is already downtown. Once you're in the city you have the options of both an above ground street car rail and an underground metro rail. There are buses and ridesharing options as well. The city is very walkable to top it off so getting around is no problem at all.
Day 2: Fisherman's Bastion and Buda Castle
These are breathtaking castles that you can explore all along the grounds and even tour inside. The grandness of the architecture, history, and artistic nature of the castles is breathtaking and a must-do for anyone going to Budapest. Both castles are on the Buda side of the city, on the western side of the Danube River. From a travel route standpoint, I recommend seeing them together, as most of the other main attractions are on the Pest side of the city, or the eastern side of the Danube. There are breathtaking sights to behold and tons of great photo opportunities all along the castle grounds. I mean, we are talking about castles here!
Day 3: River District, Marguerite Island Park, Parliament Building
Getting to some of the other sites in Budapest. For a more relaxing day after taking in the breathtaking castles, make sure to stroll around Marguerite Island. The Island is a giant park in the middle of the Danube, and there are playgrounds for children, athletic fields, gardens, and plenty of good spots to sit down and have a picnic. There is a large Budapest sign on the island that is a great spot to take a selfie or a picture of as well. You can take a short ferry ride to the island, take the tram to the entry way of the park, or walk to it once you are in the River District. If you choose to walk it, you will get a great view of the Parliament Building from the bridge and be able to see the Fisherman’s Bastion in the distance.
As for the Parliament Building, it is an iconic monument of Budapest, and an obvious must-see. You can have the full experience, walking around it on the outside, getting some nice pics in, and then taking the tour of the interior as well.
Day 4: Central Market Hall, Chain Bridge
The Central Market Hall is a large market with vendors selling food and grocery items on the lower floor and more souvenir-ish items on the second floor, along with a food court. This is a good spot to pick up some famous Hungarian paprika, along with a chance for some shopping. Across from the Market Hall is the Chain Bridge, which is a major landmark and a great place to stroll and grab some selfies.
Day 5: Saint Stephen Basilica, Opera House
These two attractions are very close to each other and there are plenty of places to eat, shop, or rest between them as you approach the city center. The Saint Steven Basilica is a grand cathedral with breathtaking intricate art covering the entirety of the domes on the inside. You can tour the cathedral on several levels, there is a small museum on the second floor, and you can go higher up to get a great view of the city at large. The Opera House is only a 12-15 minute walk from the Cathedral and is a must see for music lovers. It's an amazing amphitheatre and catching a show there is a treat for all music lovers
Day 6: Thermal Bathhouse, Heroes' Square
These two are close together. If you take the metro to the Heroes' Square, it’s only a short walk to the Szechenyi thermal bath. The hero’s square is an impressive space with grand monuments to look at and take in. There are two art museums right by the square, one to the left and one to the right if you are looking at it dead on. There is also a large park and a music museum behind the monuments. After several busy days of zipping around town, laying down and having a nice, long soak is relaxing. This bath can be rather crowded, but there are also smaller thermal baths if you are looking for more privacy.
