Hungary’s capital city, Budapest, blends history, charm, and modern flair. To sound like a local, pronounce the “s” like “sh” when you’re saying Budapes(h)t. Whether you’re wandering through castle courtyards, relaxing in thermal baths, or reading in a city park, you’ll notice that this city invites you to slow down and smell the roses. It is split by the river into two sides – Buda and Pest. It’s good to visit both and get a feel for each side of the city. Here’s my itinerary for five wonderful days in Budapest, where I combine the must-see sights and the hidden gems.

I am a backpacker and budget traveler, so the itinerary is budget-friendly with free to-do options!

✨The Basics
Language: Hungarian is the official language – and it’s infamously difficult to learn. Luckily, many locals speak English well, although you may run into some barriers among the older generation. Here are a few words to know:
– Hello: Szia (SEE-ya)
– Thank you: Köszönöm (KÖ-sö-nöm)
– Yes: Igen (EE-gen)
– No: Nem

Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF or ft). While cards are accepted in most places in the city, it’s a good idea to have around 10,000 HUF (~$28 USD) for purchases like public restroom usage or cash-only cafes. 

Avoid Euronet ATMs as they have notoriously high fees; instead, find a local bank.

Getting Around: Budapest’s public transport is reliable and simple. Download the BudapestGO app on your phone for mobile tickets, and scan the QR codes before you enter the bus, metro, or tram. Buy paper tickets at kiosks, but be sure to stamp them in the yellow validation machines – inspectors issue 12,000 HUF (~$34 USD) fines on the spot for visitors who do not stamp. Much of the city is walkable, with plenty of public parks to rest in. 

Pro-tip: if you are under the age of 25, you get all public transportation around Hungary 50% off.

🗓5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: The Heart of Budapest
1.) Parliament Building → Take a guided tour of this Neo-Gothic building in the language of your choice. 
Click for ticket prices: parlament.hu
2.) Danube Promenade Walk → Take a peaceful walk with views of Buda Castle and Gellert Hill. Stop at the Shoes on the Danube Memorial, a tribute to the Holocaust victims. 
3.) St. Stephen’s Basilica → Admire the outside and climb to the top for a city view. Ticket prices are 3,900 HUF (1,950 HUF for students) and payable at the door.
4.) Lunch at the Great Market Hall → Try lángos or gulyás at the upper floor food stalls.
5.) Buda Castle → Explore the courtyards for free, although the museums have entry fees (Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, National Széchényi Library: ~$10-12 per museum).
Click for tickets: budacastlebudapest.com
6.) Fisherman’s Bastion → Enjoy the views of Pest, while the lower terraces are free, the upper terraces cost ~$4 outside the opening hours, payable at the door.

Day 2: Peaceful Parks
1.) Spend a quiet morning in City Park (Városliget) → Bring a book and start your day with a peaceful stroll and reading time (many Hungarians are readers, so you’ll fit right in)!

2.) Vajdahunyad Castle → A castle (with a moat!) with free courtyard access, and you can purchase tickets to the museum inside.
Click for tickets: vajdahunyadcastle.com

3.) Heroes Square → An open space with statues of Hungarian national leaders, and largely used for political rallies. 

4.) Margaret Island → Rent a bike or walk to the:
– Japanese Garden
– Water Tower (can be climbed for views with a ticket)
Click for tickets: margritszigetiszinhaz.hu
– Rose Garden
– Musical Fountain (has light and sound shows at 10:30am,
5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 9pm)
– Watch the sunset from the riverside benches on the south
end of the island

Day 3: Jewish History & District VII Culture
1.) Hungarian State Opera House → See inside the lavish lobby for free, or take a guided tour. You can see a show for a reasonable price too. Click for show times: budapestopera-tickets.co
2.) Lunch at Gettó Gulyás → Well-rated spot for traditional Hungarian comfort food
3.) Relax at Klauzál tér Park → Check this park (and surrounding parks) for free concerts throughout the summer!
4.) Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar → Budapest’s original ruin bar, but get here early as the lines start forming around dusk. 
Click for menu & events: szimpla.hu
5.) Dóhany Street Synagogue → Don’t miss touring the largest synagogue in Europe.
*Tip: You may be denied admission if you aren’t wearing the proper clothing, such as a sleeveless top or shorts above the knee.
Click for tickets: jewishtourhungary.com
6.) Take a free Jewish Quarter Walking Tour → Remember, free walking tours are not totally free – they are donation-based! Budapest has lots of free walking tour options, but here are a few:
Click for tour options: guruwalk.com

Day 4: Spirits and Stories of the Past
1.) Unicum Museum & Distillery → This was one of my personal favorite activities in the city. Tour the historic factory of Hungary’s favorite herbal liqueur and national drink! Entry is ~$11 and includes a walking tour, tastings, and access to one of the world’s largest mini-bottle collections.
Click for tickets: unicumhaz.hu

2.) Free Communist Walking Tour → Learn about daily life under Soviet rule and about post-WWII history.
Click for tickets: triptobudapest.hu
3.) Deák Ferenc Square → Look for old propaganda posters in antique shops or underground passages.
4.) Memento Park → See statues and remnants of the Communist era at this park a bit outside of the city, though it is still accessible by public transportation.

Day 5: The Climb
1.) Hungarian Money Museum and Visitor Center → An interactive and super fun way to learn about currency. Tickets are free, but reserve a time slot in advance.
Click for reservation: penzmuzeum.hu 
2.) Gellért Hill Hike → A rewarding climb with gorgeous views. On your way up see:
– Liberty Statue
– Citadella (temporarily closed as of 2025)
– Gellért Cave Church 
– Gellért Thermal Bath & Pool → A beautiful Art-Nouveau style spa. Relax and freshen
up after your hike up and down Gellért Hill.
*Tip: Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a popular alternative. Bring your own towel, swim suit, and sandals to save money on rentals!
Click for more information: gellertbath.hu

3.) Evening walk along the Danube to catch the dazzling Parliament building after sunset, or catch a river cruise at sunset. 

🍽Food You Should Not Miss

– Lángos: fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and other toppings
– Gulyás (Goulash): hearty beef & paprika soup
– Chicken Paprikash: creamy paprika-spiced chicken with dumplings
– Kürtöskalács (Chimney Cake): sweet pastry bread with ice cream

– Café Csiga: relaxed brunch or lunch spot
– Frici Papa: local favorite with old-school vibes and hearty plates
– Bors Gasztrobár: some of the best soup ever
– Cirkusz Café: go here for a flat white and brunch
– For Sale Pub: unique handwritten letters all over the place and hefty portion sizes 

🖼Top Museums in Budapest (click the names for the museum website)

– Museum of Fine Arts
– Hungarian National Museum
– Museum of Hungarian Agriculture
– Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art
– House of Terror
– Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Budapest has something for every traveler, whether you are into history, food, architecture, or parties. Pack light, and don’t forget your book! Enjoy Budapest! 🇭🇺

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