The Ultimate Budapest Itinerary

The Ultimate Overview

Hungary’s beautiful city, Budapest, lies on the Danube River and combines lively modernism with a rich history. Famous for its magnificent architecture, tourists may see well-known sites including Fisherman’s Bastion, the Parliament Building, and Buda Castle. Enjoy delectable Hungarian cuisine, meander through quaint alleys, and unwind in the area’s well-known hot springs. Every visitor may have an amazing time in Budapest because to its distinct charm and vibrant environment.

The Ultimate summary of the very rich history of Budapest! – Please do extended research on the history I assure you it’s one to research for!

Hungary’s charming capital, Budapest, has a rich history spanning more than two millennia. Aquincum was once a Roman stronghold that underwent centuries of cultural change and conquest. An important turning point in the city’s history was the unification of Buda, Pest, and Ñbuda in 1873, which resulted in the formal formation of the modern metropolis. Situated atop Castle Hill, the magnificent Buda Castle bears witness to its regal past, having served as the residence of Hungarian monarchs from the thirteenth century. The famous Turkish baths, which were a legacy of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, gave the city’s architectural and cultural landscape a special quality. Budapest’s comeback from World War II damage and the key 1956 Revolution against Soviet domination demonstrate the city’s resilience. This dynamic city is still a fascinating fusion of history, culture, and modernity, especially with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the Danube.

How to get to the city centre from the airport – Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)?

• Airport Shuttle: This is the option I decided to take, as both my journeys from and to the airport were very very late at night. The official shuttle service miniBUD offers door-to-door service to any address in Budapest, it’s cost effective, reliable and perfect if you have a lot of luggage!
• Public Transportation: Bus 100E – affordable option, frequent and runs between the airport and Deak Ferenc Square in the city centre. Bus 200E + Metro: The bus will take you to Kobanaya-Kispest metro station and then you can transfer to Metro Line 3 which is the blue line to get to the city centre.
• Taxi: You can take taxis from outside the airport for fair rates please use Fotaxi and it should take around 30 minutes depending on trafic and exact destination.
• Ride-Sharing Apps: Local services like Bolt or others can be used to provide you with convinient and at less expence transportation.
• Car Rental: There are a few companies at the airport offering this service, best option if you’re traveling around Hungary, but make sure you plan the booking in advance for best choice and price.

Is it expensive in Budapest? How to budget?

Budapest is considered to be affordable destination compared of other Western European capitals. The local currency is the Hungarian Forint. I personally didn’t need any cash, was able to pay for everything with my debit card.

1. Accommodation:Budget:
2. A night in a hostel or low-cost hotel may run you between €10 and €30.
3. Mid-range nightly rates for regular hotels and Airbnb alternatives range from €50 to €100.
4. Luxurious accommodations can set you back at least €150 per night.
5. Food and Beverage:
6. Low-budget meals: A meal at a cheap restaurant or from street cuisine can run you between €5 and €10.
7. Mid-range meals: A typical meal at a mid-range restaurant costs between €15 and €30 per person.
8. High-end dining: A meal at a fine dining restaurant may set you back €50 or more per person.
9. Drinks: A coffee in a café costs roughly €1.50-€3, while a pint in a pub costs about €2-€3.
10. Transport:
11. Public transport: A day pass costs approximately €5, while a single ticket is roughly €1.
12. Taxis: The base rate is approximately €2.50, with an additional €1 for each kilometre.
13. Rental bikes: Approximately €5–€10 per day.
14. Tourist Attractions:
15. Numerous attractions are low-cost or free. For example, admission to hot baths costs between €10 and €20.
16. Admission to museums and historical sites usually costs between €5 and €10.
17. Shopping:
18. Food: Costs are similar to those in other European cities, and even basic groceries are reasonably priced.
19. Clothes and mementos: There are many reasonably priced options, though prices do vary.

The Ultimate Top 20 Attractions to visit in Budapest

1. Buda Castle: Explore this remarkable castle with stunning views over the Danube and Pest.
2. Parliament Building: Guided tour of Hungary’s largest and most famous building in Hungary is highly recommended .
3. Fisherman’s Bastion: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the fairytale terrace.
4. St. Stephen’s Basilica: The relic of Hungary’s first king is a must see – just climb the dome of the grand cathedral.
5. Széchenyi Thermal Bath: How often do you get to relax in one of Europe’s largest thermal bath complexes?!
6. Chain Bridge: The remarkable connection between Buda and Pest.
7. Heroes’ Square: You can see the statues of Hungarian leaders and the Millenium Monument.
8. Matthias Church: In the centre of the Castle District, explore the elaborate church.
9. Great Market Hall: This historic indoor market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, traditional dishes, and gifts for sale.
10. Gellért Hill and Citadel: For breathtaking vistas, hike up and see the Liberty Statue.
11. Margaret Island: Take use of the leisure amenities, gardens, and walking pathways located on this Danube island. There is an awesome singing fountain and a very nice area with some animals if you’re an animal lover.
12. House of Terror Museum: As I mentioned earlier learning about the Hungarian history is a must!
13. Hungarian State Opera House: Fancy a performance?
14. Vajdahunyad Castle: Discover the variety of architectural styles found in this unique castle located in City Park.
15. Shoes on the Danube Bank: Pay respect and take memorial to the Jews killed during World War II.
16. Rudas Baths: How does a nice Turkish bath sounds like accompanied by stunning views?
17. Dohány Street Synagogue: See the Jewish Museum and Europe’s largest synagogue.
18. Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden: Situated in City Park, this zoo is among the oldest in the world.
19. Holocaust Memorial Center: Dedicated to the Hungarian victims of the Holocaust.
20. Museum of Fine Arts: Appreciate European art from ancient times to the present days.

My STORY

I have given you a lot of information in this post about Budapest, from a simple overview to a list with the best attractions to visit. I haven’t given you any information about the people there, and trust me I had the both fortunate and unfortunate opportunity to see how helpful, welcoming and kind Hungarian people are. From the nicest driver in my shuttle bus, to the lovely receptionist who assured me the area was safe and gave me clear instructions of where to go for a drink. You might be thinking why I said unfortunate. Well when you’re travelling whether that is solo or not anything can happen and it did happen. I unfortunately fainted and as I was solo you can imagine the stress – I didn’t feel alone! There were so many people around me reassuring and comforting me. I will never forget the warm hand and the beautiful clear face of this lady when she touched my face I could feel the warmth of my mother like she was there with me. The people around me called ambulance and I was taken to the hospital I was advised to definitely have it checked when I come back to the UK, as I lost contentiousness 3 times and this isn’t normal – I had to leave with no further tests because I had a flight to catch. A positive one haha I remember this small cafe it was 32 degrees and I wanted to have a cold refreshing drink of course I went for a decafe iced coffee and the lovely girl and welcoming guy at the bar were so nice they took me to a local supermarket where I could take some shopping bless them their English wasn’t good I assured them mine was worse when I moved to the UK haha. I thought in this statement I shouldn’t give you a list of attractions I visited as I would be repeating myself. This is for me to tell you how I felt there, what the people are like and how welcomed I felt. There is something about Hungary that really reminded me of home, I felt nostalgia but didn’t feel alone.