Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a stunning city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a wealth of attractions. The capital city of Hungary is split into the Bupa and the Pest side, separated by the Danube River and linked by the Chain Bridge. Budapest is both historically beautiful, with buckets of culture; and a young person’s party paradise. This city has become very popular on social media, and it will not surprise you why!
Below will take you through just how I planned the perfect 4 days in Budapest, Hungary.
When planning a trip, there are 3 main things to figure out before you go:
How you’ll get there (travel)
Where you’ll stay (accommodation)
What you’ll do (activities)
Everything else can be figured out once you are there. For some extra help, this post will give you some city tips, food locations, and drink recommendations!
Travel
From the UK, the best way to get to Budapest was by plane. WizzAir and EasyJet seemed to be the most common airlines to travel by. You can book your flights using skyscanner. Although the prices can be quite reasonable you will have to pay extra to sit next to each other. You can try to avoid this, however it is most likely the airline will put members of the same group on opposite ends of the plane.
Baggage wise for a 4 days trip, it will be a lot cheaper to travel with one piece of hand luggage on the plane.
The measurements for the bag for wizzair are:
One free Carry-on Bag (max. size 40 x 30 x 20 cm, 10 kg)
you can order the Tiktok viral bag off of Amazon which is the perfect size for the airlines and allows you to make sure of as much space as possible.
If you are trying to travel on a budget, you may wish to pack the following items:
• 4 days worth of clothes (rolled up, and wear your bigger jumpers/coats/hoodies)
• A small bag of liquids
if you run out of room, it may be easy to purchase toiletries such as shampoo in the airport, or buy these in Budapest. The city is known for being a budget friendly location.
The flight is around 2 and a half hours from the UK.
Once in Hungary, the airport is around a half hour drive to the city.
You have 2 main options:
You take a private Bolt (the Uber of Hungary via the app)
You take the 100E bus. This runs around very 20 mins, and is a lot cheaper, there are public transport ticket machines around
Accommodation
Congrats, you made it to Budapest!
For Budapest, you have 3 main options for accommodation:
• Hotel
• Airbnb
• Hostel
The choice between staying in a hostel, Airbnb, or hotel depends entirely on your personal preferences and budget considerations. Hostels are great for the budget-conscious travellers who seek a more social atmosphere, while Airbnb offers a diverse range of options, which allows you to experience local neighborhoods and potentially save costs for larger group stays. In Budapest you have the added bonus of finding stunning Airbnb’s for a reasonable price. Hotels, on the other hand, provide comfort, amenities, and consistent quality, making them suitable for those prioritizing privacy and additional services. Each option caters to different travel styles, with hostels fostering a more communal vibe, Airbnb providing a personalized local experience, and hotels offering a more traditional and comfortable stay. Ultimately, the decision should align with individual preferences for social interaction, privacy, and the desired level of services and amenities, either way, you will still be able to experience the top things Budapest has to offer.
Now the fun bit, activities
Below are some cool places you should consider when looking at the best places to visit in Budapest. All these places are a great way to experience the city, and all vary in interests and budget. This allows you to plan the trip by which would best suited to you.
Top 12 of the best things to do/see in Budapest!
1. Szimpla Kert – Ruin Bars
These ruin pubs are as incredible as everyone says, absolutely beautiful and an absolute must! This popular place is a great way to enjoy Saturday nights in this lively city. The cocktails were quite expensive for Budapest, but nice (£10-£12), and the beer had a huge head on it. There was live music early on too! You can also write on the walls! It is understandable why this is one of the favourite things to do in Budapest!
Advice: we got here quite early 7pm, a lot of people were saying there were long lines outside, so it is recommend trying to avoid that by arriving early.
2. Széchenyi Thermal Baths
the Széchenyi baths were so much fun! If you have little time, then these are a must. These outdoor pools are easy to find, located in the city park. There are 2 main outside thermal baths, with spraying parts and a whirl pool. There are baths inside of varying heat, and saunas. These thermal spas are guaranteed to provide a relaxing day in Budapest. When you go to reception, they will scan your tickets and issue you with a wrist band which looks similar to a watch. With this you can scan a locket in the changing room for your belongings. We only spent half a day here, but felt refreshed and relaxed when we left.
Advice: Either bring a towel and shoes or get some while you’re there. Its cold when you get out and its a requirement to wear shoes!
3. Varkert Bazar
This beautiful building is on the Buda side of the city, near Buda Castle and the Danube River. It has beautiful terraced gardens with a great view of the Danube and the Hungarian Parliament Building across the river.
4. Buda Castle
The castle is situated on castle hill in the castle district, offering breath taking panoramic views of Budapest, the Danube River, and the Pest side of the city. If you enjoy scenic vistas and photography, this is a great place to visit. You can also take a free walking tour which shows you some crucial places as well as hidden gems.
5. Fisherman’s Bastion
If you enjoy breath taking vistas and photo opportunities, this is a must-visit spot. The architecture of Fisherman’s Bastion is itself a draw. Its fairy tale-like towers and decorative elements make it a picturesque and photogenic location. You can explore the bastion and enjoy the views in an hour or less, making it a convenient stop during your Budapest itinerary.
6. Parliament Building
On our second day, we explored this building, and while it was pleasant during the day, its true magnificence truly shines when seen at night. An evening visit also opens up the opportunity to take a boat tour, which provides captivating views of the Parliament Building. Opt for an evening or night ticket, and you’ll have the chance to witness this architectural marvel in all its splendid glory.
7. Sunset River Cruise
Cocktails, Boats and Views; think this one speaks for itself! A guided tour down the river which allows you to see all the major landmarks the city has to offer!
8. Shoes on the Danube
It consists of a row of 60 pairs of bronze shoes of different styles and sizes, placed along the edge of the Danube River. These shoes represent a memorial to honour the memory of the Jewish people who were killed during World War II, definitely worth seeing.
9. Street Food Karaván
This is a collection of 8 food trucks showing food from all across the world (obviously including Hungary). The chimney cake is a must try, but so is everything else, so make sure you’re hungry before visiting!
10. Great Market Hall
If you enjoy fresh food, gifts, shopping and people watching, then the great market hall is the place for you. Just 5 minutes away from the city centre, this market is the largest and most beautiful of all the market halls in Budapest. The market is spread over 3 floors, consisting of veg, fruits, salamis, dairy items, wines, gifts, souvenirs, clothes and other secret treasures.
11. Hungarian National Gallery
this is the perfect place to visit if you want a taste of Hungarian art, or have an interest in Hungarian history.
12. Hungarian state opera house
This is a magnificent architectural and cultural landmark. If you have an interest in opera, ballet, architecture, or cultural experiences, a visit to the Hungarian State Opera House is likely to be the perfect place for you.