How to spend Four days in Budapest -Hungary

In March 2023 we visited Budapest Hungary for a four day City Break. It has been one of the places on my bucket list especially as I have heard so much about the therapeutic benefits of the Thermal Baths. Below I am sharing my experience of how to spend four day trip to Budapest.

Budapest

Budapest is Hungary’s capital city. Buda, Óbuda, and Pest merged in 1873 to form Budapest. Buda and Óbuda are on the west bank of the Danube. Pest is on the Danube east bank. Széchenyi Bridge, also known as the Chain Bridge separates the three landmarks. The bridge is 375 meters long and 16 meters wide. Lion sculptures adorn both sides of the bridge.

How to get to Budapest from the UK?

All four main airports in the UK, Heathrow, Stanstead, Gatwick and Luton, offer direct flights to Budapest. Ryanair, British Airways, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Iberia, Wizz Air, Qantas and easyJet operate the services. All the UK flights arrive in Budapest airport terminal 2. Budapest Airport is very accessible and only a 40 minute ride away from the city centre.

Currency in Budapest

Hungarian Forints are the national currency, but some larger shops and restaurants will accept Euros and Dollars. You can exchange money in several banks, currency shops, some hotels and from Budapest airport. It is important to be vigilant as some currency shops and ATM’s charge a lot of commission. The best exchange rates are by using credit cards for payments.

Language in Budapest

The official language of Hungary is Hungarian.

How to get to Budapest city centre from Budapest Airport?

You can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or airport bus from Budapest Airport to the city centre. Taking the Airport bus 100 E directly from the bus stop outside the airport is the most economical option. The airport buses run frequently. There are designated airport bus ticket machines located next to the bus stop where the tickets can be purchased. To begin your journey, you must validate the ticket upon entering the bus.

Best time to visit Budapest

The months of May to September are most suitable time to visit Budapest Hungary for the weather. These months are in the peak tourist season so it is likely to be crowded. As our trip occurred in early March, it was freezing cold but we did go well prepared with warm clothes. However, there were barely any crowds and it was quiet making the trip very enjoyable.

Getting around Budapest

Budapest’s metro system and tram network make travel very convenient in and around the city. In 1896, Hungary celebrated its 1000th birthday and the Metro M1 opened in Budapest. Budapest Metro is the second-oldest underground in the world, after the London Underground.

Budapest Card / Budapest Plus Card

You can purchase a Budapest card for one to five days. Using this ticket, you can travel unlimitedly, visit certain attractions for free, and take a walking tour for free. There is also the Budapest Plus card which is available for 72 hours. Additionally it includes free airport buses, free Danube cruises, and free funicular rides at Buda Castle.

A Budapest hop on hop off tour bus is another convenient way to visit the major tourist attractions.

Where to stay in Budapest?

Budapest offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. There are various types of accommodation available, such as hostels, budget hotels, luxury hotels, house guests, apartments, and Air bnb. During our stay in Pest, we stayed at an air bnb in the city centre, which was conveniently located for the metro station and tram stops.

Things to do in Budapest

There are many things to do in Budapest. During our stay in Budapest, we walked a lot. It’s a lovely city, and walking will allow you to see all the sights, explore the hidden cobbled streets and find the most authentic cafes to enjoy a coffee and cake.

The city walking tour is the best way to see the famous landmarks. We booked a two hour walking tour around the main tourist attractions around Pest with Lara. It is free to book but you are expected to give an appreciation donation to the guide at the end of the tour.

Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is an iconic landmark that is definitely worth seeing. The Gothic Revival building boasts ornate statues, lavish paintings and 691 rooms. A 45 minute guided tour with a tour guide is the best way to explore the parliament.

St Stephens Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica located in St. Stephen Square. It is built in the Neoclassical architecture style. The Basilica is and named after Stephen, Hungary’s first king. You can see King Stephen’s mummified right hand in the Basilica as well as old artefacts in the Treasury. It is possible to admire one of the best panoramic views in the city from the Dome. Visitors can take the elevator and stairs to reach the Basilica Dome right tower.

Jewish Quarter Ruin Bars

Visiting the Ruin bars and enjoying some beer is a very interesting and unique experience. They are located in Pest’s Jewish quarter. There are several old, neglected buildings that have been transformed into cool bars with rustic ambiances and outdoor seating. A must-visit list of six bars are: Szimpla Kert, Instant & Fogas Ház,Mazel Tov Budapest,Csendes Vintage Bar & Café, UdvarRom and Szatyor Bar.

Street art in the Jewish Quarters

Those who appreciate street art will enjoy visiting the Jewish Quarter. In an open-air gallery, street art created by local and international artists is displayed on a regular basis. A guided walking tour is the best way to experience this art.

Dohány Street Synagogue

In 1859, Budapest opened the largest synagogue in Europe, called the Great Synagogue. Additionally, it is the world’s second-largest.

The Great Synagogue is worth a visit for its stunning architecture and interior décor alone, but it also provides a glimpse into the Jewish history of Hungary. There is a Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial as well as the Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives inside.

Budapest Thermal Baths and Spas

Budapest boasts the world’s largest thermal cave system. Molnár János Cave is the largest thermal cave underwater, located below Buda’s streets. A pump, pumps the therapeutic water from this cave into the Budapest Baths. There are approximately 200 caves in this subterranean world with 80 geothermal springs.

Pest is home to many thermal baths, including the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath, the Egert Baths, the Rudas Thermal Baths and the Lukacs Baths. T here are also Paltinus Spa, Dandar Spa, and Margaret Island Spa Thermal Baths. This one excursion is a must when you visit Budapest. The thermal springs are not only healing but whole experience is amazing and definitely worth doing.

Danube River Cruises

Various cruise types are available for you to choose from, allowing you to take in the sights and experience the culture. Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy sightseeing cruises during the day. As an alternative, you can take an evening dinner cruise on the Danube with live music and drinks. If you wish to extend your trip to Europe you can easily get a cruise to the beautiful country of Romania.

Extend your adventure and embark on a captivating journey beyond Budapest by taking a cruise along the majestic Danube to explore the enchanting landscapes to visit Romania from Budapest. The Danube River gracefully winds its way southeast, offering a picturesque route to Romania. As you sail, you’ll witness the changing scenery, from the iconic landmarks of Budapest to the charming countryside along the Danube.

Cruising to Romania provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Imagine leisurely gliding past historic towns, medieval castles, and lush vineyards that line the riverbanks. The proximity between Budapest and Romania makes this an accessible and rewarding extension to your trip.  

Buda Castle /Funicular

The Buda Castle, also known as the royal palace in the past, is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian Kings. Located on top of Várhegy Hill in the Buda area, it is one of the highest points in the city. Hungary’s Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Széchenyi National Library, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Castle Museum are all located in the castle complex.

You can reach the castle top via a funicular railway that takes you up the steep slope. Alternatively, you can walk up the path around the castle to reach the top. The most ideal time to visit is at sunset to get iconic views of the city.

Whilst visiting Buda castle you can also visit the nearby Matthias Church, the Gellert Hill Citadella, and Gellert Thermal Baths.

The Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion is an impressive neo-Gothic viewing terrace situated on the Buda bank of the Danube on Castle Hill. 1895 and 1902 marked the 1000th birthday of Hungarian statehood, and the monument was built to commemorate this milestone. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city from the terrace. Several eateries and coffee shops are located in the old town surrounding the area.

Dishes that you must try when in Budapest.

Kürtőskalács – Chimney cakes

Kürtőskalács also known as chimney cakes. Traditionally, the sugary dough is wrapped around cone-shaped spits and roasted over charcoal. The sugar caramelizes to form a crispy coating, and steam is released from the center as the dough is removed from the spit. They are usually dusted with toppings such as cinnamon or ground walnuts before serving. In addition, they are filled with ice cream, drizzled with sauces, and topped with nuts and sprinkles.

Töltött káposzta -Stuffed Cabbage

Töltött káposzta -Stuffed Cabbage is a Hungarian speciality. The cabbage leaves are cooked, filled with pork, beef, rice, tomatoes, sauerkraut, and seasoned with Hungarian paprika.

Gulyás (Goulash)

Gulyás (Goulash) is Hungary’s national dish. It is commonly made as a stew around the world. However, authentic gulyás is actually a thin broth made with beef, onions, paprika, tomatoes, and pepper. It is usually served with fresh white bread and chopped hot paprika on the side.

Dobos Torta

Drummer Cake, also known as Dobos Torta, consists of five to seven delicate sponge layers. Each layer is filled with chocolate buttercream, and the cake is topped with caramelized sugar. The cake sides are usually coated in ground nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, or almonds.

Kolbász

In Hungary, kolbász sausage is a spicy sausage flavored with paprika. There are different varieties of smoked sausages, including Gyulai kolbász and májas hurka, a boiled liver sausage.

It is possible to travel to Budapest all year round, but the best months to visit Budapest are May through September. Tourists are likely to be in large numbers during this time of year. Our off-season visit to Budapest in March was freezing, but we were well prepared in warm clothes. The advantage of visiting off season Is that there were barely any crowds and it makes the trip very enjoyable.

Gyümölcslev

Gyümölcsleve is a cold fruit soup. Sugar, sour cream, and sour cherries are traditionally used in its preparation. Seasonal fruits have been used to create new flavours in recent years.

Lángos

 Lángos is a Hungarian flatbread. It is the most popular street food available from all street vendors. The dough is yeast based and sometimes enriched with potatoes. It is rolled out in circles and deep-fried. The bread is served topped with sour cream and cheese. Often toppings such as olives and peppers and meats are added to the Langos.

Although, Hungarian cuisine is predominantly meat-based, there are many vegetarian and vegan restaurants that offer vegetarian options for these classic Hungarian dishes in Budapest.

Dining out in Budapest

Budapest has a wide selection of restaurants. There were vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free members in our group. We were able to find restaurants that catered to our needs with a bit of research. Consequently we visited the following restaurants during our stay in Budapest:

Ape Regina Italian

Hummus Bar

Best time to visit Budapest?

Tom Yum Thai Restaurant

Her Bar vegan and gluten-free restaurant

Govinda Restaurant

Vegan Garden

Chimney Cake Shop

Street food extravaganza at Karavan located in the Jewish Quarters close to the ruin bars.

Our trip to Budapest was for 4 days with three nights’ accommodation. Since we only had 4 days, to make the most of our time. We planned the trip by arriving early morning on the first day and departing late on the last day. This meant that we had about three and a half days to explore this lovely city.

Luggage storage

If you are planning to arrive early and stay late, there are several locations near the metro and the tram stations that offer luggage storage on arrival and departure days. You can explore without having to carry your luggage around, and it’s a fairly inexpensive option.

Have you been to Budapest? Do share your experiences in the comments below as we will definitely visit again.

I love travelling you may like the following travel posts about my trip to Stockholm:

• Stockholm in three days Part 1
• Stockholm in three days Part 2 Stockholm old town and Gamla Stan
• Stockholm in three days Part 3 Stockholm City Library

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