A guide to exploring Budapest’s best spots in 5 days

Budapest is known for its beautiful landmarks, monuments, and must-see tourist attractions. Planning your stay with so many great places to choose from can be tricky, so I have narrowed down some of the best things to do whilst visiting the city.

Sightseeing

Walk up Gellért Hill

Gellért Hill is one of Budapest’s most famous tourist attractions. Overlooking the river Danube, the view at the top of the hill is breathtaking.

Tip: Take an evening walk up the hill and enjoy the view of the sun setting over the city.

The historical site Citadella is located at the top of

the hill, where you can visit a small military museum and the Liberty Statue.

Take a hill funicular or buggy up Várhegy

The other popular hill attraction is Várhegy. You can explore Buda Castle, which is at the top, by travelling via the funicular or hopping on one of the golf buggy tours to stop at various sites.

Be sure to visit the Budapest Terrace café at Buda Castle before heading back down. You can enjoy a refreshing drink and some food whilst facing the spectacular views.

Get a view of the city in Gül Baba Street

This narrow and cobbled path is ideal for a romantic walk with a view of Budapest on your way down.

Walk along the River Danube

Take a walk down the River Danube for a beautiful route between the different attractions in Budapest. There are cafes and bars along the river bank with a magical view.

Historical sites

The city is full of monuments and landmarks that are much-loved by tourists and locals.

Whilst walking along the Danube Bank, you can spot the shoe memorial, which honours the Jews that were killed in the second world war.

Budapest’s Parliament building is another notable spot, with impressive architecture and its location on the banks of the Danube.

St. Stephen's Basilica and Fisherman’s Bastion are some more must-see historical sites for your stay and are close to other attractions in the city.

Things to do in the day

Go shopping in Fashion St.

An upscale shopping and restaurant location that is perfect for day out.

Visit the Central Market Hall

Shop the food and drink stalls of this indoor market, located in a beautiful gothic hall.

Gozsdu Passage

Stroll down Gozsdu Passage and try traditional Hungarian food from the market stalls, restaurants, and bars.

Hold Utca food market

Go to Hold Utca food market for everything from food to leather goods to souvenirs.

Andrássy Avenue

Explore more shops, coffee houses, and restaurants on Andrássy Avenue. You can also visit the Hungarian State Opera House.

Take a day trip to Margitsziget

Here you can rent a buggy, e-scooter, or bike to explore the island – check the website for concerts and events, as well as the various cafes located on the island. This is where the popular Sziget festival is held in the summer.

Museums

Discover more of Budapest by visiting museums like the Budapest Pinball Museum, Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, and the Chocolate Museum.

Places to eat

I highly recommend making the most of your trip by trying some traditional Hungarian foods.

Lángos Papa

Lángos Papa is located on Andrássy Avenue and is the perfect spot for a bite to eat whilst shopping. They serve delicious deep-fried flatbread, which is popular with sour cream and cheese. There are also plenty of other options available.

CRYANO

For brunch with a Hungarian twist, I recommend visiting CRYANO. Their menu is bound to have something that suits your taste buds with a mix of familiar and more foreign foods.

KARAVAN

Don’t worry, there are also places for those who are not as adventurous with food. KARAVAN is a street food court with all sorts of flavours and is perfect for groups. You will find typical street foods as well as exciting new choices.

Molnár's Kürtőskalács Cafe

Another must-have during your stay in Budapest is the Hungarian Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács). Although you will see places around the city offering these baked goods, I recommend Molnár's Kürtőskalács Kávézó for their impressive selection of flavours and cakes that do not disappoint.

Gettó Gulyás

Last but not least. Gettó Gulyás is brilliant if you are looking to try the famous Hungarian goulash in addition to many other local dishes.

Nightlife

Jewish Quarters

Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is well known

for the bustling ruin bars like Szimpla Kert, Instant & Fogas Ház, and Mazel Tov. You can explore the different rooms and quirky interiors and bar hop between different bars for the full experience!

Széchenyi Thermal Baths

For a party in one of the best spa baths in Europe, you can visit Széchenyi Spa Baths. They hold pool parties with 15 indoor baths and 3 large outdoor pools for you to enjoy.

Other notable venues include the 360 Bar, a rooftop bar with an all-around view of the city, and the For Sale Pub, where you can listen to live music, read notes of visitors before you, and leave your own.

For a full 5-day Budapest travel plan with all the best spots click here