BUDAPEST in 72 Hours
Budapest (pop. 1.8 million) is the capital of Hungary. It is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. Sitting alongside the Danube River, vibrant Budapest is most famous for its19th-century architectural wonders. Many medieval bridges connect the two sides of the city that make up its name: Buda and Pest. There you can see beautiful castles, amazing old churches, astonishing squares, brilliant bridges, breathtaking avenues and awesome museums.
Getting around:
Budapest is a gorgeous city with two (2) very distinct sides separated by the Danube River.
Buda is on the west of the Danube River and Pest on the east.
Buda is a quaint and ancient district of the city's imperial Ottoman era.
Pest is the newer, more cosmopolitan of the two cities; a center of Art Nouveau architecture, sprawling boulevards, great restaurants and shopping.
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On foot - it is the best way to see the vibrant life and sights of the city.
Join a free walking tour.
Budapest's transportation system:
Budapesti Közlekedési Központ (BKK), offers efficient metro services throughout the city. <metro map>
The most useful Metro stations for tourists are on Line 2 (red line)
The Kossuth Lajos ter metro stop is where the Hungarian Parliament is located.
The Batthyány ter is the Fisherman’s Bastion metro stop.
The Astoria metro stop is the closest station to the Great Synagogue.
There is No Uber in Budapest, but travelers can get a Bolt, which is a similar taxi-hailing app to Uber.
Arriving by train: there are two (2) main railway stations in Budapest: Keleti and Nyugati.
Arriving by river cruise: most ships dock between Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge. (on the Pest side)
From the Airport to downtown Budapest—the most convenient way is by airport taxi.
It is approximately a 40-minute ride.
Currency:
Despite being a part of the European Union, Hungary does NOT use the euro officially but many of the business places in Budapest DO accept Euros.
ATM’s are everywhere, but beware some machines charge high fees. Best bet is to use an official bank ATM.
Best area to stay:
The 5th district, situated on the Pest side of the Danube River, stands out as the premier neighborhood for visitors. Known for its upscale and elegant atmosphere, this district offers a blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. <district map>
The 5th district boasts some of Budapest's most renowned landmarks and attractions. Among these are the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, the majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica, the historic Chain Bridge, and the poignant Shoes on the Danube monument.
For those inclined towards shopping, the 5th district offers prime destinations such as Fashion Street (Deák Ferenc u.) and Váci (video), providing a diverse array of retail experiences.
In summary, the 5th district emerges as the optimal choice for accommodations, offering a vibrant environment for travelers. However, for those seeking a more tranquil setting, the Buda side may present a suitable alternative.
Learn more about Budapest’s districts.
Other tips:
Budapest Travel Guide: Lonely Planet Budapest. and DK Eyewitness Budapest.
Budapestinfo.hu is a great information resource.
Most public restrooms require payment (~ one euro) and there are attendants who monitor the restrooms.
It’s a good idea to have small change handy.
Highlights in Budapest:
Time Out Budapest - a excellent resource for Things to Do.
The Budapest Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour is an wonderful tour. The bus stops at all major tourist attractions.
You can purchase tickets from its website, from our Information Centers, or at most Budapest hotels.
For a unique perspective we suggest a Budapest Night Walking Tour and River Cruise to see both the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge lit up at night and capture some awesome photos.
Things to do
Chain Bridge at night
Don’t miss the Hungarian Parliament Building, built in the Gothic Revival style and is one of the largest buildings in Hungary.
700,000 visitors see the House of Parliament annually. Visits are led by trained guides who speak numerous languages. Groups depart from the Visitor Center for a 45 minute tour through the most beautiful rooms in the building.
Walk the Chain Bridge - one of the most famous landmarks in Budapest. The view is stunning from the middle of the bridge.
Visit the Castle Hill District in Buda Hills. <map>
Explore the The Royal Palace (Buda Castle) - it’s the historical castle of the Hungarian kings. The Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum are located in the palace. It is the main attraction on Castle Hill.
A short 15-minute walk from the castle brings you to the gothic Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion yielding a spectacular view of the Danube.
Fisherman’s Bastion is a decorative fortification built in the 19th century and serve as a lookout tower for the best panoramic views.
Getting there: Take the Funicular which takes only a few minutes to the top. The tram is located at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge.
Gellert Hill viewpoint - hike up Gellert Hill. The north side of provides a perfect (somewhat steep) 20-30 minute hike via a wooded trail. The steps and slopes are well maintained. Walk up to the Citadel and enjoy the most beautiful views of Buda and Pest.
Explore the Dohany Street Synagogue—Budapest is home to the largest Jewish synagogue in Europe. Its two Moorish onion-domed towers make it one of the most easily recognized buildings in the city.
Experience the Szechenyi Thermal Spa. The thermal spa (photo) is the largest medicinal bath in Europe.
Alternatively you can check out the Gellert Thermal baths (open) located in Hotel Gellert.
Alert: Hotel Gellert is currently closed for renovations, however the connected St. Gellért Spa will remain open.
Photography Tours - a different type of tour /perspective.
Bike Tours of Budapest. discover the city with wheels.
Culture and Entertainment:
Visit the Hungarian National Gallery exhibiting the history, art, and archaeology of Hungary.
A visit to Budapest is not complete without a good concert.
Try to squeeze in a program at the beautiful Academy of Music and Müpa. <Events and tickets>
Visit the Faust Wine Cellars. Rarely know to many parts of the world, Hungarian wine is a coveted gem and is rarely exported.
The experience you will have at Faust Wine Cellars is unforgettable. For each wine you sample you'll receive instruction in its background and production.
Getting to the cellar: is a little tricky, you will enter the Hilton Hotel. Follow the signs through the hotel and then down to the foundation of a 13th century Dominican cloister. There in a tiny cellar room you are treated to tasting some of the finest wines the country has to offer.
While Budapest is known for its geothermal springs and communist heritage, the city's gastronomy scene has been gaining considerable attention. <Where to eat>
Food Tours - a insight tasting unique Hungarian foods and learning the key ingredients of the Hungarian cuisine.
Rooftop Bars - Budapest has one of Europe’s most beautiful skylines. Enjoy a drink or two.
Visit a Ruin bar - they are make shift bars inside dilapidated pre-war buildings furnished with furniture assembled from clearance sales and exuding an inexplicably cool atmosphere. Our favorite is Szimpla Kert.
DIVERSION: Bratislavia, Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is set along the Danube River by the border with Austria and Hungary.
The city is filled with restored baroque city palaces and leafy squares. Bratislava is surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, crisscrossed with forested hiking and cycling trails. The pedestrian-only, 18th-century old town is known for its lively bars and cafes.
Quaint and jovial with a rich cultural life, Slovaks are known to be pleasant and good-natured host.
Bratislava just over two (2) hours from Budapest by car or train.
The Euro is the official currency.
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DIVERSION: Gyor, Hungary
Gyor is just over one and one-half (1.5-hours) away from Budapest by train. As such, it makes for a great day trip. <video>
Gyor’s historic old town lies at the confluence of three rivers (the Danube, Rába, and Rábca). There are some wonderful old buildings to discover, with the stunning Town Hall being particularly outstanding. Frequently overlooked by tourists, it is filled with a rich history, baroque architecture, and chummy locals.
Its cobbled streets are home to loads of restaurants, shops, and cafes, and its important location means that many people stop by on their way to Hungary’s neighboring countries.
If you miss the bath experience in Budapest, you can visit the Rába-Quelle Medicinal, Thermal and Pleasure Bath.
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Climate Guide:
Best time to visit: is in spring and fall — May, June, September, and early-October — travelers can enjoy fewer tourist crowds and milder weather. Book in advance as many conventions are held in the fall season.
The warmest months are June through August.
The coldest months are December, January and February.
Each month gets an average of 5-8 rainy days.
Snow is common in December, January and February.
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