4 days in Budapest
Whether you're a newbie traveller or an experienced adventurer, the capital of Hungary has much to offer to satisfy your stay.
My first time stepping off a plane as an adult was accompanied by the streets of Budapest. Only this time instead of walking down the plane steps as the warm heat hit my skin, I was met by a brisk winter chill. If you're planning on a winter holiday Budapest is the perfect visit, however if the blazing sun and cute summer outfits are what you're after then I'd avoid visiting Budapest from the months of November to March. If so make sure to pack a big winter coat and a woollen set or you'll be shivering so much that you won't be able to focus on anything else. Don't say I didn't prepare you.
Although Budapest has no Beaches it is the perfect city visit jam packed with many things to do. Budapest is an affordable travel destination; many sights are free to visit and on an average day I only needed around £80 for food and activities.
One thing you should know about Budapest that I wasn't aware of before I visited is that Budapest is actually split into two. Before Budapest became the big city that it is, it was actually two separate cities: Buda city and Pest city. Now the chain bridge spread across the Danube river connects the two sides creating the Budapest that we know today. With that being said the Buda side is known for being more relaxed and quieter whereas the Pest side is where many of the main tourist attractions reside. Most of my visit was spent exploring the Pest side as we wanted to visit the more popular attractions.
If you clicked on this hoping to receive ideas of fun things to do in Budapest then look no further, a list of activities and sights have been compiled below, categorised by each side of Budapest.
Buda
St Stephen's Basilica
Located on the Buda side of Budapest, It's safe to say that this magnificent building holds a special place in my heart. After a full day of traveling and arriving in Budapest at nightfall my boyfriend and I, refusing to waste any moment, decided to explore the surrounding area of our hotel. Wrapped up in 3 layers we stepped foot outside and within a minute of leaving our hotel we turned a corner and there was St Stephen's Basilica stood in front of us in all its glory.
The ambient glow of the lights in the night time surrounded by the Christmas market stalls was enough to leave me struck in awe. If you travel to Budapest I recommend giving this building a visit, you can also go inside during the day time to delve into the intricate artistry and architecture hiding within.
More information: https://www.bazilika.biz/en
The Hungarian Parliament building and river cruise
One of the most magnificent and famous buildings in Budapest is the Hungarian Parliament Building. This stunning building is definitely a must visit, although it's so huge that you can't miss it! This building is just as picturesque in the daytime however I highly recommended visiting it at night when the lights come on, adding a little extra magic to your view.
This photograph was captured from a late night boat ride across the Danube river. This river cruise lasts from 90 minutes to 120 minutes with amazing views of the city at night. Tickets cost around £12 per person with a complementary glass of champagne although prices may vary.
More information: https://www.parlament.hu/web/visitors
Fashion Street
If you love a bit of retail therapy then the shopping centre is the perfect place for you. There are many clothes shops, restaurants, souvenir, and sweet shops to treat yourself with extra on vacation.
Fashion street Budapest is home to some higher end brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Apple, and Calvin Klein. Why not buy a new outfit to wear on your visit? Or try some Hungarian treats. I recommend trying some Chimney cake whilst you're there, it is the perfect sweet treat if you love anything chocolate and they sell it in multiple stores and food shops across Budapest.
More information: https://fashionstreet.hu
The Ruins Bar
If you love exploring the night life abroad or you're looking for a funky place to try a new alcoholic beverage then the ruins bar is the perfect place for you. Perfectly decorated with multiple rooms and floors which contain different bars and drinking scenes, located in a rustic building. This is the perfect spot to take photographs to liven your insta feed.
The ruins bars are the perfect place to visit at night as you get to witness Hungarian night life and watch the building come to life with a variety of multi coloured lighting and maximalist décor. One room had a DIY bar made from broken pieces of a real piano, whilst graffiti and multiple posters and alternative art pieces covered the building walls.
More information: https://www.thecommonwanderer.com/blog/budapest-ruin-bars-guide
Pest
The Szechenyi Thermal Baths
Since we decided to visit Budapest during the winter, the warm thermal baths were the perfect activity to escape the cold chill. With three outside baths to choose from and many more indoor as well as spa activities, the thermal baths are a perfect activity for any weather.
The tickets start from £31.50 in British pounds, and you receive your own locker and wristband to store your belongings and access the facilities.
More information: https://www.viator.com/tours/Budapest/Private-Entrance-to-Szechenyi-Spa-in-Budapest-with-Optional-Massage/d499-5808SZECHENYI
Fisherman's Bastion
The Fisherman's bastion castle was one of the most stunning pieces of architecture I've seen. With the spiral design and two levels to walk upon, the view from the top is something of beauty. It is free to visit and walk around the first floor however to climb the structure you have to pay a fee of 1000 Hungarian forint for adult access, which is £2.28 in English pounds.
Located at this venue is also a beautiful water fountain in the middle of the towers, as well as Matthias church behind it which is another beautiful piece of architecture. There are also many shops and restaurants located around the area to grab a bite to eat or a souvenir to commemorate your visit.
More information: https://fishermansbastion.com
Vajdahunyad Castle
Located in the city park surrounded by a pretty Lake, vajdahunyad castle is a beautiful place to visit. This tourist attraction is free to enter and the lake surrounding is perfect for peddle boarding. Once you have walked around the castle grounds soaking up the history, you can venture around city park where hot air balloon rides are often located if you're feeling adventurous and wish to gain more of a birds eye view of the city.
Whilst you're in the area, located next to Vajdahunyad castle also resides heroes square which is another popular tourist sight free to visit. Famous for its millennium memorial, you will often find many people visiting here to take photographs and paying their respects to the commemorates who fought for the independence of Hungary.
More information: https://vajdahunyadcastle.com
Buda
Castle
Buda castle is a stunning building, however inside resides many hidden treasures. Located within the walls of the castle is a magnificent art gallery spread across three floors with so much history to offer. Paintings which cover the whole gallery walls, stunning gold sculptures, and abstract art, there's so much to see inside. You can also climb to the top of the castle where you will receive one of the best views of the city.
You can take the Budapest funicular, an ascending tram, to the top of the hill where the castle is located alongside many other attractions, restaurants, and shops. To enter the castle, you must pay an entrance fee of 3,800 forint per adult (£8.67).
More information: https://budacastlebudapest.com
Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden
If you're an animal lover then the Budapest zoo is the perfect pit stop for you. They house a range of animals from Zebras to Elephants and monkeys to birds. As we went in the wintertime a lot of the animals were reluctant to step foot into the rain so it may be best to visit in the summertime.
There is also a beautiful botanical garden located at this zoo where birds free fly about the space, giving you the opportunity to see them up close. Tickets for the zoo cost 3,200 Hungarian forint (£7.33) for children aged 0-18 and 4,500 forint (£10.31) for people aged 19-64. There is also a food court at the zoo if you're feeling peckish.
More information: https://www.zoobudapest.com/en
These are some of my favourite visits in Budapest, however you may be able to fit more or less into your trip depending on how long you book your stay. On a closing note, if you're looking for any food recommendations in Budapest 'Cookie Beacon Brunch' is the perfect aesthetic spot for a breakfast or lunch pit stop in between your exploring. The cookies they sell there are perfectly soft and delicious and they offer a range of food options from fluffy waffles to breakfast tacos. They also have a lovely selection of smoothies and brunch cocktails.
Another recommendation if you're a Mexican food lover is 'Iguana Bar and Grill'. One of the nicest tacos I had was in Budapest and the nachos at this restaurant were just what we needed after a long day of sight-seeing. The décor inside is also very pretty and colourful which is always a plus.
I hope this post has inspired you to visit Budapest. There are many things to do here that I couldn't include within this post, however these are some of the best hot spots in Budapest that you won't regret including in your itinerary. Safe travels!