What to see in Budapestin 4 days
The Hungarian capital is one of the European cities that best lends itself to walking and to letting your intuition guide you, as all you need to do to get your bearings is to find the Danube River, which divides the city in two, or the Buda Hill, which can be seen from anywhere. If you are planning a 4-day trip to Budapest we congratulate you because it is the basic time to enjoy its monuments, the atmosphere of its streets, its museums, bars and restaurants without having to go on the run. What’s more, on a getaway of this kind you can even allow yourself the whim of going on an excursion to the surrounding area. Our recommendation is to choose a place nearby so that you can return in time to enjoy Budapest’s nightlife.
In the itinerary below we have selected the must-see sights, taking the liberty to set aside time for you to enjoy the historic spas located in the city and good restaurants. Both spa and gastronomic tourism should be taken seriously in this Central European capital. If you are looking for something to do as a couple, with family or friends, this travel diary is sure to come in handy.
Itinerary day 1
10.00-11.30
Buda Castle
On Buda Hill, in the old fortified enclosure, stands proudly the Castle or Royal Palace. It was built in the 13th century by King Bela IV and has long been the royal residence. Although the complex had to be rebuilt after several bombardments, today it houses the National Gallery, the National Library, the Matthias Fountain and the Budapest History Museum. If you only have time to visit one museum, you can choose the latter.
16.30 - 17.30
Gellért hill and lookout point
To relax you can go to this historic spa, which was built in the Secessionist style at the beginning of the 20th century and is one of the most elegant in the capital. The jewel in the crown is its monumental indoor pool, where a Danone advert was filmed, but it also has other outdoor pools. As well as swimming, you can get massages and other therapies.
13.15 - 13.40
Matías Church
The striking church of Matthias has a neo-Gothic figure due to the interventions carried out by the architect Frigyes Schulek in 1896, although it is known that King Matthias Corvinus married Beatrice of Naples there in 1476. What is most striking on the outside of the church is its roof covered with colourful tiles and its beautiful spire. It is advisable to go inside to admire the frescoes, the stained glass windows and the large rose window.
Itinerary day 2
Itinerary day 3
10.00 - 16.30
Trip to Szentendre
As you will be in Budapest for 4 days, we recommend that you spend at least half a day on an excursion to a nearby town. One of the most recommended for its proximity and charm is Szentendre (San Andrés in English). This town known for its handicrafts is ideal for strolling through its beautiful old town, browsing in its shops, entering its orthodox churches and eating a delicious lángos (fried bread with cheese or other ingredients) overlooking the Danube. You can get there by boat. Other interesting options to complete the day's sightseeing are the towns of Esztergom and Visegrád.
19.30 - 21.00
Budapest Opera
Funded in the late 19th century by Franz Joseph I, the Budapest Opera House (at 22 Andrássy Avenue) is one of the most beautiful neo-Renaissance buildings in the city. You can take a guided tour during the day, but our recommendation is to book tickets to see a ballet or opera performance, as you'll be able to admire it just as much and it's an unforgettable experience.
Itinerary day 4
10.00 - 11.00
Basílica de San Esteban
The first day in Budapest begins in the Pest area, at one of its most iconic monuments: St. Stephen's Basilica. The neoclassical building was built between 1851 and 1905. In this Catholic church, the most important in the country, the mummified hand of the Hungarian patron saint, St. Stephen, is venerated in the Chapel of the Holy Right Hand. It is worth going inside to see its treasure and to climb up to the dome.
11.15-12.30
Parliament
With a façade of some 268 metres, it is the largest building in Hungary and a must-see in the country's capital. Its location on the opposite bank of the river to the castle was not by chance, but to show that the people's power rested on this bank. Inside there are more than 600 rooms, although the guided tour takes you into fewer... The most interesting things to see on a visit to the Parliament are: the monumental staircase, St. Stephen's Crown and the Congress Hall.
18.00 - 20.00
Baños Gellért
To relax you can go to this historic spa, which was built in the Secessionist style at the beginning of the 20th century and is one of the most elegant in the capital. The jewel in the crown is its monumental indoor pool, where a Danone advert was filmed, but it also has other outdoor pools. As well as swimming, you can get massages and other therapies.
13.00 - 15.00
Lunch at Mercado Central
About ten minutes' walk from the Parliament is the Central Market, which is housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic building with a tiled roof. It is an ideal place to get to know the typical Hungarian products, sausages, peppers, paprika, wines, handicrafts... and to have lunch in one of the bars on the first floor. There you can try the typical goulash.
17.00 - 19.00
Andrássy Avenue
After lunch you can return to the centre of the capital for a stroll along Andrássy Avenue, an elegant 19th-century boulevard lined with neo-Renaissance residences and beautiful buildings. If you like walking, we encourage you to go as far as Heroes' Square, where there is a monumental ensemble commemorating the nation's heroes. A number of museums are also located around this space.
18.30 - 21.00
Széchenyi Spa
At this point in the day, a relaxing session is sure to do you good. Make the most of your trip to Budapest to enjoy the facilities of the Széchenyi Spa, which is located in Városliget Park. It was built at the end of the 19th century and has large outdoor pools (and one indoor pool). You can enjoy it even in winter because the water is warm.