Budapest travel guide: thermal baths, castle hill and the ruin bars
Budapest is two cities on either side of the Danube: hilly Buda with its castle and quiet streets, and flat Pest with the Parliament, cafes and nightlife. Three days cover both banks, a thermal bath and a ruin bar. The one thing to know is that the baths are best at opening time or in the evening.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay in Pest near the river, walk the Chain Bridge to Buda, and finish with an evening in a thermal bath.
- Where to stay
- Belváros for sights, the Jewish Quarter for nightlife, Buda for quiet.
- How many days
- Three days for the main sights. Add a fourth for the Danube Bend.
- Best time to go
- April to June and September. December for the Christmas markets.
- Book ahead
- Parliament tours, thermal bath tickets and dinner at popular restaurants.
- From the airport
- Liszt Ferenc airport is about 16 km south east. Bus 100E runs direct to the center in around 40 minutes.
Where to stay in Budapest, in brief
Belváros (Inner City)
sights and first-timers
The old center of Pest, by the Danube, with the Váci utca shopping street and good transport. Everything is close. Prices are high and the main streets are touristy.
Erzsébetváros (Jewish Quarter)
nightlife and restaurants
A dense district of ruin bars, synagogues and restaurants. Lively and central. It is noisy at night, so ask for a room away from the street.
Lipótváros
Parliament and the riverside
A calm business district near the Parliament and St Stephen's Basilica. Elegant and well connected. Fewer places to eat late.
Buda Castle District and Víziváros
views and quiet streets
The hill across the river, with the castle, the Fisherman's Bastion and quiet lanes. Pretty and peaceful. You cross the river for most evenings out.
Things to do in Budapest
Hungarian Parliament
A neo-Gothic riverside building you can tour inside, with the crown jewels on show. Tours are timed and run in several languages.
a week or more ahead
Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion
The castle hill, with the palace, the Matthias Church and a terrace with views of Pest. Go early in the day.
Széchenyi thermal bath
A large yellow bath complex in the City Park, with indoor and outdoor pools. Go on a weekday morning to avoid queues.
a few days ahead
Chain Bridge
The oldest bridge across the Danube in the city. Walk across at dusk when the lights come on.
St Stephen's Basilica
The city's largest church, with a dome you can climb for a view over the roofs.
Great Market Hall
A large covered market with food stalls below and souvenirs above. Go on a weekday morning.
Dohány Street Synagogue
The largest synagogue in Europe, with a museum and memorial garden. Buy tickets for a guided visit.
Gellért Hill and the Citadella
A steep hill on the Buda side with the best wide view of the city. Walk up from the Liberty Bridge.
A ruin bar
Bars built in old courtyards and ruined buildings in the Jewish Quarter. Szimpla Kert is the best known. Go early evening.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Budapest can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Budapest, and which to pick- Parliament toura week or more ahead
Tours are timed and limited, and they fill up in peak season.
- Thermal bath ticketsa few days ahead
Weekends and evenings are busy, and online tickets skip the queue.
What to skip in Budapest
- Eating on Váci utca
Prices are high and menus are aimed at tourists. Walk a few streets away for better food.
- Taxis hailed on the street
Fares can be inflated. Use a ride app or order a licensed taxi by phone.
Best time to visit Budapest
April to June and September are best, with warm days and open terraces. December has Christmas markets on Vörösmarty Square and at the Basilica.
July and August are hot, though the baths help. January and February are cold, and a steaming outdoor thermal pool is at its best.
- From Budapest airportBus 100E runs direct to the city center in around 40 minutes. A taxi takes about 30 minutes.
- Metro, trams and busesA cheap and dense network. The yellow M1 line runs under Andrássy út, and tram 2 follows the Danube.
- On footPest's center is walkable. Crossing the river on foot is part of the pleasure.
Budapest in three days
- Day 1
Pest: the Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the Great Market Hall and an evening in the Jewish Quarter.
- Day 2
Buda: the castle hill, the Fisherman's Bastion, Gellért Hill and a night walk on the Chain Bridge.
- Day 3
Andrássy út and Heroes' Square, then a long afternoon at Széchenyi baths.
Day trips from Budapest
- SzentendreA small riverside town of galleries and baroque streets, about 40 minutes by suburban train.
- EsztergomA town with Hungary's largest basilica on the Danube, about an hour and a half by train.
- EgerA wine town with a castle and baroque center, about two hours by train.
Budapest: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Budapest?
Three days cover the main sights and a bath. Four adds a day trip to the Danube Bend.
Where should I stay in Budapest?
Belváros for sights, the Jewish Quarter for nightlife, and Buda for quiet.
Is Budapest expensive?
It is cheaper than most Western European capitals. Baths, transport and local food cost modestly.
What is the best time to visit Budapest?
April to June and September. December for the Christmas markets.
Is Budapest easy to get around?
Yes. Trams, metro and buses are cheap, and the center is walkable.
Can you use euros in Budapest?
Hungary uses the forint. Pay by card where you can, and avoid street exchange booths.