BUDAPEST 5 DAYS ITINERARY: WHAT TO DO AND WHAT TO SEE
BUDAPEST TRAVEL GUIDE
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is considered "the Paris of the East", and walking along its streets the comparison with the Parisian city is seen. That being said, Budapest has a soul and atmosphere all its own and a particular charm that is not lost even when it pours but rather gives it a vibe halfway between a noir movie from the 30s and a decadent touch. In Budapest, lives two souls; an ancient and romantic one and a modern and more lively one, both divided by the Danube and characterized respectively by the districts of Buda and Pest.
HOW TO MOVE AROUND:
Getting around Budapest is really simple, personally, I chose to visit it almost entirely on foot, as the vast majority of things to see were located just over or less than 30 minutes from where my accommodation was located. In addition, walking around it allowed me to see and experience the city more fully and also to see things, which almost certainly I would not have been able to see on board a bus. The city is however well connected by trains, trams, and buses, all very efficient and on time. You can also choose to opt for a Budapest Card (click here), which includes unlimited public transport, free access to the majority of museums, and various discounts to other attractions; It is definitely a very affordable alternative. If you want to opt for a single ticket or a ticket lasting 24h or 72h, you can buy them directly at the machines you find inside the metro or at the purple machines in front of several tram and bus stops.
HOW TO GET TO THE CITY CENTER:
The best and cheapest way is to take the direct bus link (the 100E) from the airport to the city center. It is a direct bus, the stop is just outside the airport and the ticket can be purchased from the machines located near the stop for the cost of about 5 euros.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE:
BUDA CASTLE:
As the name suggests, it is located in the old neighborhood of Buda and is certainly a must-see as well as impossible not to miss, standing imposingly on top of a hill. Becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a royal residence; it is a very big complex whose visit will take at least half a day. Get lost along its outer neighborhoods filled with fountains, statues, and very well-kept paths. Within its complex, the castle also contains the National Gallery and the History Museum. I personally highly recommend a visit to the beautiful National Gallery with its many paintings and works of art, it will take you at least a couple of hours or a bit more to fully visit the 4 floors on which it extends. The cost of the ticket for people up to 26 years is discounted to half the original price, for holders of the Budapest Card (click here) is free, while the cost of the full ticket is about 10 euros (4200 florins)
Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church:
A 13-minute walk from Buda Castle will take you to the fisherman's bastion and Matthias Church. They are worth visiting even if is just from the outside, for their architecture and for the beautiful panorama that presents itself in front of you, overlooking the Danube and the parliament, emblematic symbol of Budapest. If you want to enjoy this view calmly you can opt for the café which is located on the ramparts and which has a splendid view right on the Danube.
BUDAPEST CENTER E ANDRASSY UT STREET:
Andrassy Street runs through the city center and is most famous for being a shopping street; it is in fact a great way to experience the most modern and lively soul of the city, that recalls the Parisian Champs-Elysèes. Emblem of this street is the majestic Opera House which can be visited for free to admire its richly decorated interiors.
If you head up to Gozsdu Street, you will find a small alley full of cafes where you can have a drink and a vintage outdoor market and at the end of the alley you will also find an arcade with a vintage touch (Let's go), you can jump in to have fun at some games or as in my case if you want to take some cool photos.
If you are looking for a place to eat after walking or want something to drink and you are a fan of Harry Potter you can not miss "The Magic Budapest". Unfortunately, I did not have the time, but the reviews are very good and inside it seems to be catapulted into the Hogwarts School of Magic.
SZIMPLA KERT ( RUIN BAR):
I think one of the attractions that left me most pleasantly impressed was the ruin bar, as well as one of the unique features that I believe are only found in Budapest. These are ruined and run-down buildings used now as pubs with strobospheric lights and good music. The atmosphere is really special and unique seems a mixture of funky with a sprinkle of London punk from the 70s 'and a bit of steam-punk, in short, it is a unique experience of its kind, not to be missed if you come to visit Budapest.
KARAVAN STREET FOOD:
Right next to the Szimpla Kert, is located in Kazinczy Street, Karavan street food, an avenue with different street food trucks, here you can sit outside and enjoy one of the many specialties that are served, from typical Hungarian cuisine to vegan burgers to Mexican food. Try the Langos, the classical one, which is a fried pizza full of cheese and sour cream, or experiment with different toppings.
MARGARET ISLAND:
If you still have some time left, by now you have seen most of the main attractions and want to relax after touring far and wide the city, then I recommend a relaxing visit to Margaret Island. It is a long artificial island connected by a bridge and can be reached on foot or by bus. The island can be seen entirely on foot, but if you have come this far and will probably be exhausted from taking another step, you can opt for renting a kart. It is a green oasis full of flowers, gardens, tennis courts, swimming pools and outdoor bars, and more. However, keep in mind that most of the attractions are active only in summer. It is still a great place to rest and bask in the sun lying on the grass or on one of the many deckchairs and benches in the park. On the island, there is also a very small and free zoo.
TOURS TO CHOOSE FROM:
There are many tours that you can choose from, and some of them are even free. Check some of them here:
BUDAPEST CENTRAL MARKET ( NAGY CSARNOK):
It is an impressive market whose architecture is reminiscent of a railway station, it is on three floors, the main one with fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, a downstairs set up as a fish market, but what is absolutely worth coming for is the upstairs where you can taste typical Hungarian cuisine. The prices are affordable and the portions are really abundant. From the classic goulash served in a bowl of bread, to the stewed and stuffed cabbage, to the paprika chicken with spezel or the làngos, fried pancakes stuffed with salty and sweet.
BUDAPEST UNIVERSITY LIBRARY:
Budapest is full of libraries that are real museums where to study, so if you have time on hand I suggest you visit at least one. Perhaps the best known is the Ervin Szabó Metropolitan Library, but it is also paid entrance. If you do not want to miss a visit to these beautiful libraries richly decorated as if they were palaces, an excellent alternative, free, is the University Library.
