This Is The Best 3-Day Itinerary For First-Timers In Hungary
Hungary elicits a strong sense of magnificent history and intriguing tradition at every turn, from its numerous charming towns and stunning landscape to its majestic capital city of Budapest, which is aptly called the city of lights. Budapest has grown to be the nation’s top tourist destination since it can legitimately be compared to towns like the magical Prague and even the City of Love, Paris. However, not all of Hungary’s top attractions and activities can be found there. In Hungary’s charming towns and cities of all sizes, the traditional old historical landmarks have been preserved. A large number of them blatantly display influences from a range of regional civilizations, ranging from Turkish conquerors to Italian Renaissance designers. The countryside of Hungary features some of the most breathtaking views in all of Europe. The Danube runs directly across Hungary, so wherever tourists travel, they may find breathtaking mountains, lakes, verdant valleys, and picturesque river landscapes. All of these stunning settings offer a wealth of fantastic chances for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy adventure sports like hiking, bicycling, camping, and climbing. As previously mentioned, the best Hungary attractions and things to do to ensure that tourists get the most out of their tour in Hungary’s capital. Therefore, here is a 3-day itinerary in Budapest.
Budapest panorama with Chain Bridge and parliament building
On Your First Day In Budapest, Explore The Buda Part
First of all, travelers should know that Hungary’s capital, Budapest, was established in 1873 after the unification of Buda, Obuda, and Pest. Then, they can start at Buda on their first day in Budapest. Buda is located on the western bank of the Danube River.
Cross Szechenyi Chain Bridge
There are eight bridges connecting Buda and Pest, one of which is the well-known Szechenyi Chain Bridge. It was Budapest’s first enduring stone bridge at the time. However, only the bridge’s supports survived an explosion that demolished it during World War II. In 1949, the bridge underwent reconstruction.
- Not to miss on the way to Buda Palace: Buda Castle Funicular, The Budapest Zero Kilometer Stone.
Chain Bridge on Danube River in Budapest, Hungary
Tour Buda Palace
Buda Castle, which stands on Castle Hill’s southern slope, was built between 1749 and 1769 and is the perfect destination for history buffs. It used to be the old Palace Complex and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery are currently located there. The Hungarian Trevi Fountain or Matthias Fountain in Budapest is another sight to behold at Buda Castle. After visiting Buda Castle, head north to Budapest’s most well-known site, Fisherman’s Bastion, which provides magnificent uninterrupted views of the Danube River, Pest, and the iconic Hungarian Parliament building from its terraces. The Bastion’s seven towers are symbolic of the seven tribes that founded Hungary in 895. The name of the bastion comes from Fishtown, a community along the Danube River.
- Great historic pastry shop: Pastry Ruszwurm
- Other monuments: Hospital in The Rock, Gellert Hill: Cave Church, Citadella & Gellert Baths, and Buda Tower
Aerial panoramic view of the beautiful Buda Palace
Visit Pest On Your Second Day In Budapest, Hungary
On their second day, tourists can explore Pest, the region of Budapest that is located east of the Danube River. Pest now serves as the location of numerous Budapest tourist attractions. The Hungarian Parliament building is the most well-known of them all.
Check The Hungarian Parliament Building
It was time for Hungary to get a new Parliament building once Budapest was proclaimed the country’s capital in 1873. Imre Steindl, an architect, completed the third-largest parliament building in the world, the Hungarian one, in 1904 in a Neo-Gothic design. The outside of the structure is incredibly complex. However, nothing can adequately prepare tourists for the opulent interior’s golden accents. Only on a guided tour are allowed inside the building.
- Tip: To discover a free slot in English at any selected time and day, tourists are advised to reserve a tour through the official website way in advance.
- Entrance fee: Around $15
Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary
See Shoes On The Danube Bank
The distinctive bronze monument Shoes on the Danube Bank is located near the Hungarian Parliament building. This monument honors the wholesale murder of Jews committed by the Arrow Cross Party members who were Hungarian Fascists. Before the fascists executed the victims, they told them to remove their shoes and stand on the edge of the riverbank. Shoes were really expensive back then. Therefore, the fascists chose to resell them as opposed to using them up.
Shoes on the Danube bank, Budapest
Shop At Great Market Hall
After strolling along the Danube, tourists will reach the Great Market Hall. It is a covered market only steps from Liberty Bridge. The Great Market Hall is the ideal location to purchase Hungarian goods, including palinka, paprika, a potent fruit-based drink, and souvenirs like Hungarian Secret Boxes, Rubik’s Cubes, and handcrafted lace and embroidery. The eateries and food booths on the upper level make it one of the greatest locations in Budapest to grab a quick lunch.
Inside Great Market Hall in budapest
Spend Your Evening At Dohany Street Synagogue & Ruin Pubs, The Jewish Quarter
The lively Jewish Quarter, which has 3 synagogues and the well-known ruin pubs, is a great place to spend the evening. In the late 18th century, Jews began to move to Pest after the destruction of the Jewish Quarter in Buda. By the beginning of the 20th century, they had established a prosperous neighborhood. The Jewish population was extremely wealthy, as evidenced by the three synagogues in the Jewish Quarter. The Dohany Street Synagogue is the biggest one in Europe. The Orthodox Synagogue on Kazinczy Street and the Rumbach Street Synagogue are the other two synagogues. In addition to the gems of the city’s Jewish past, the Jewish Quarter is now well known for its eccentric ruin bars. They have come to characterize Budapest’s nightlife culture in recent years. The first ruin pub to open in Budapest was Szimpla Kert, which is today among the city’s most well-liked establishments.
People hanging out at the Jewish Quarter, Budapest
Spend Your Third Day Also In Pest
One day is not enough in Pest, so first-timers are recommended to spend a second day in Pest to soak up all the beauty of the area.
Stop By St. Stephen’s Basilica
One of the most significant churches in Budapest is Saint Stephen’s Basilica. The church was constructed in 1905 and is named Saint Stephen in honor of King Stephen I, who established Hungary in 1000. The inside of the basilica is embellished with stunning mosaics, frescoes, and statues. The Holy Right, which is stored in the church’s reliquary and represents King Stephen’s right hand, is the focal point of the building. The Saint Stephen’s Basilica is well known for its expansive views of the city from its dome. Therefore, tourists must ascend 364 steps to get to the lookout at the top of the dome. Fortunately, there is also a lift. After their visit, they can walk for a short distance and massage the shining belly of a Policeman Statue, which is believed to bring luck.
- Entrance fee: Around $13.25 per adult and $11.77 per child for an all-inclusive ticket
- Delicious treat: A flower-shaped ice cream from Gelarto Rosa or a coffee from Cat Café
Saint Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest
Catch The Oldest Metro Line In Europe
Normally, using the metro makes tourists miss out on the panoramas of a city. Yet, in Hungary, there are exceptions. One of the coolest things to do in Budapest is to take the M1 Metro Line. The Budapest Metro is the oldest in Europe and was first used in 1896, a thousand years after the arrival of the Magyars in Hungary. Only one meter below Andrassy Avenue, the affectionately referred-to “Small Underground” makes numerous stops at noteworthy landmarks. Its yellow trains and tiled stations still exude antique elegance.
A train arrives at a platform of the historic Metro Line 1 in Budapest, Hungary
Wander Around Heroes Square
Tourists can take Metro Line M1 to reach Heroes Square. Heroes Square, one of Budapest’s central squares and the entrance to the renowned City Park is located at one end of Andrassy Avenue. Tourists will see one of Budapest’s most notable structures, the Millennium Monument, which is located at Heroes Square. The monument, which was finished in 1906, honors many Hungarian heroes as well as the seven Magyar leaders. If tourists have time, they may visit the Palace of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts right on Heroes Square. They can also head to lakefront Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairytale-like replica of Corvin Castle, one of Transylvania, Romania’s greatest castles, located in the neighboring City Park.
- Entrance fee: Around $12.36 per visitor
Wonderful Heroes Square, Budapest
Pamper Yourself At Szechenyi Baths
Experiencing Hungary’s spa culture is one of the finest reasons to travel to Budapest. Many spa facilities in Budapest use water from the city’s thermal springs. The Szechenyi, Gellert, and Rudas Baths are some of the top thermal spas in Budapest. The most well-known spa in Budapest is the Szechenyi Baths complex, which is a must-see for tourists. The Neo-Baroque Szechenyi Thermal Baths have three spectacular outdoor pools in addition to interior pools, saunas, and massage services. Tourists may go to Szechenyi Baths for a late-night spa party for a distinctive experience.
People enjoying Szechenyi Baths, Budapest
Andrassy Avenue
After feeling rejuvenated and at ease, tourists can return to the city’s core by strolling down affluent Andrassy Avenue, which is Budapest’s biggest retail avenue. It is surrounded by grand palaces and structures that today serve as museums and embassies. The Hungarian State Opera House is only one of the many famous locations on or around Andrassy Avenue.
People walking on Andrassy Avenue
Cruise The Danube
A river cruise down the Danube is the last recommendation for a 3-day itinerary to Budapest. Romantic sightseeing is an ideal way to conclude a Budapest trip. A welcome beverage is provided on board almost all Danube River cruises. The voyage is most enjoyable just before sunset. Budapest’s skyline is then painted with the gorgeous hues of the golden hour.
A cruise on the Danube River, in Budapest, Hungary
link
