JAN 13, 2018 | TRAVEL GUIDE

There is so much to see and do in Budapest, it can be confusing to know where to start. If you happen to be in Budapest for a week, that’s good news. To help you plan, we have composed a list of activities to make truly memorable experiences. So have them in mind while booking at one of the best downtown hotels in Budapest and catch your airport shuttle on time.
 

Day 1

A good start of the first day is a walk across the Chain Bridge. The bridge connects the Buda and Pest sides of the Danube. From here, you can admire the wonderful views of Budapest’s main bridges, the Hungarian Parliament building, Gellért Hill and the Buda Castle. On the Pest end of the bride, you can see the Gresham Palace, but walk to the Buda end and take the Castle Hill Funicular up to the Castle District. 

You can wander around the Buda Palace, the cobblestone streets and the spectacular castle walls. Also, check the Hungarian National Gallery or the Budapest History Museum. Make sure not to miss the Hospital in the Rock, which is an underground network of caves forming an emergency clinic during World War II.

Have a coffee and sweets break at the Ruszwurm patisserie, Hungary’s most famous confectionery, operating since 1827. Continue to the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion for one of the best panoramic views of Budapest.

The best idea to finish the first day is a dip at one of Budapest’s thermal baths, like the Rudas Bath or the Széchenyi Bath. Hit the Jewish District in the night for a meal in Gozsdu Udvar. The Spíler “gastropub” is a highly recommended option. End the night with a beer at one of Budapest’s famous ruin pubs like the Szimpla Kert or another one along Kazinczy Street.
 

Day 2

Start the second day by exploring the District VI and the St. Stephen’s Basilica. Afterwards, you can walk down the exclusive Andrássy Avenue, listed as a World Heritage, until you see the Heroes’ Square. At this square, you can admire the Museum of Fine Arts (reopening in March 2018) and the Kunsthalle modern art hall. If you’re visiting during the winter, head to the City Park Ice Rink, and glance at the Vajdahunyad Castle along the way.
Later, hop on the M1 millennium metro to Vörösmarty Square, and walk along Váci Street for some shopping. Here you can see the Gerbeaud House, or the Szamos Gourmet House patisseries. For dinner, you can have traditional Hungarian food at the Kispiac Bistro or the Michelin-starred Borkonyha wine-kitchen. An even better option may be a Danube dinner cruise to see the city lit up at night.
 

Day 3

On the 3rd day, head to the the Great Market Hall and try some traditional Hungarian food, like lángos or other tasty Hungarian treat. From here you can cross the Liberty Bridge and climb the Gellért Hill to the Citadel. In the afternoon walk through the Jewish District and visit Europe’s largest Jewish monument, the Great Synagogue on Dohány Street. During the evening, visit the Hungarian Heritage House to see a Hungarian traditional folk dancing show and if you’re visiting in the warmer months, head to a rooftop bar, like the 360 Bar and Gozsdu Sky Terrace for a drink.
 

Day 4

On day four, go on a tour of the Hungarian Parliament. When you’re done, take a walk along the Margaret Bridge to see a beautiful view of the city. From the bridge head on to Margaret Island, where during the warm months there are other things to enjoy such as the petting zoo, music fountain, Japanese Garden and plenty of green surfaces for picnics. In the afternoon, hop on to the tram number 2 and walk around the Danube banks. If you’re in Budapest during the opera season (September to June), catch a show at the Hungarian State Opera or the Erkel Theatre. Also, check some of the best American restaurants in Budapest for some really good food.
 

Day 5

On the 5th day visit the Budapest Zoo. If you have a bit of extra budget, visit the old charming Gundel Restaurant, sitting right next to the Zoo. During the afternoon we suggest you to jump on the BKK public boat and head to the Kopaszi Dam or Római Part to chill by the river. Kopaszi Dam offers designed green spaces and a variety of great restaurants and the Római Part has plenty of fried fish vendors and outdoor bars in the summer. Both places are great to have a more unique Budapest experience as not everyone manages to see these two locations.
 

Days 6 and 7

If you have more time to spare, try visiting János Hill. In the summer you can take a picnic or go for a walk, and when the snow falls, the place is popular for sledding. To get there you can take the Cog-wheel Railway and Children’s Train up and return to downtown Budapest using the scenic Zugliget Chairlift. You can also see the palatial milieu in District VIII or take a walk down Pozsonyi Road and Hollán Ernő Street in District XIII or the Bartók Béla Avenue. All of the three places have a unique atmosphere with many cafés, small galleries and unique souvenir shops. You can also opt for visiting another close by city or simply enjoy the local food and nightlife.

Getting to Budapest airport after a week full of fun and joy will not be easy. By now, your head and heart will be filled with so many wonderful memories and experiences, you’ll be already planning the next visit. The next time you come, take some of the Budapest tips by the locals to have an even more authentic experience.