Hungary 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Hungary

This itinerary focuses on Budapest with a day trip option to explore the rich history and culture of the city. It’s easily adaptable for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace or different experiences.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Budapest, check into your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Explore Buda Castle, a historic castle district on the Buda side of the Danube River. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire historical landmarks like Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Royal Palace.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner at a restaurant in the Castle District with a view of the city lights.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, a stunning architectural masterpiece. Take a guided tour (requires advance booking) or simply marvel at its beauty from across the Danube.
  • Afternoon: Relax and enjoy a scenic walk along the Danube River. Explore the Danube Promenade, admiring the statues, bridges, and the majestic Buda Castle across the river.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the world of thermal baths at Széchenyi Thermal Baths.
  • Afternoon: Take a dip in the healing waters of one of the many thermal baths in Budapest (e.g., Gellért Baths, Szik Baths). Explore the unique architecture and history of these iconic bathing spots.

Day 4:

  • Day Trip: Visit the beautiful Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, boating, or relaxing on the beach.

Day 5:

  • Morning: Explore the Buda side of the Danube, including:
    • Buda Castle Hill Funicular: Ride this historic funicular railway for a scenic view of the Danube and its bridges.
    • Hungarian National Gallery: See masterpieces by Hungarian artists from different periods.

Things to Know:

  • Visa Requirements: Check your visa requirements based on your nationality. Citizens of EU/EEA countries and many other nationalities can enter Hungary visa-free for tourism purposes, but it’s best to check with the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country.
  • Currency: The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
  • Language: While Hungarian is the official language, English is spoken in many tourist areas.

Things to Consider:

  • Budapest:

    • Transportation: Budapest has an efficient public transportation system including buses, trams, and the metro. You can easily navigate using a transport pass or by purchasing individual tickets.
    • Food: Don’t miss trying traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash, chicken paprikash, and chimney cake (kürtőskalács) while in Hungary.

Day 4:

  • Transportation: Consider renting a car to explore Lake Balaton, as it offers more flexibility.

  • Budapest Activities:

    • Galleries & Museums: Explore the Hungarian National Museum, the House of Terror Museum, or catch a glimpse of the past at the Hungarian History Museum.
    • Transportation: For exploring the city itself, utilize Budapest’s public transportation system.

Day 4: Gyenesdiás & Tihany (Optional)

  • Things to do:

    • Visit the Tihany Peninsula: Take a walk through the charming village of Tihany and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Balaton from its hilltop location.
    • Explore the Benedictine Abbey: This historic landmark, located on the shores of the lake, is a must-see for its beautiful architecture and architecture.

Day 5:

  • Transportation: Explore the Danube by Bike: Enjoy the riverfront scenery and cycle along the designated bike paths that line the banks of the Danube in Budapest.

  • Things to do:

    • Relax and enjoy: Soak up the history and soak in the atmosphere of the “House of Terror Museum, which tells the story of Hungary’s turbulent 20th-century history through its exhibits on the Nazi and Communist regimes.

  • Buda Castle District:

    • Explore the historic Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Visit the historical Gellért Hill Funicular.

Day 5:

  • Relax and enjoy:

    • The Buda Castle: This historic district offers stunning views of the Danube River and the Pest side.
    • Explore the charming streets of the Castle District, enjoying its architecture, museums, and gardens.

Budapest:

Day 5:

  • Enjoy a traditional Hungarian meal in the evening.

Things to consider for your Budapest trip:

  • Transportation: Purchase a travel pass for convenient travel on public transportation.

  • Travel Insurance: It’s highly recommended to get travel insurance before your trip.

  • Accommodation: Book accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.

  • Activities:

    • Explore the Hungarian history and architecture of the city.**

  • Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Danube River, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

Day 4:

  • Visit the Hungarian National Museum: The Hungarian National Museum is a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture.

  • **Take a tour of the historic Buda Castle.

  • Enjoy a traditional Hungarian meal in a local restaurant.

Day 5:

  • Visit the Tihany Abbey, a beautiful 18th-century building with breathtaking views.

  • Explore the charming village of Tihany and its picturesque location on the Lake Balaton shoreline.

  • Enjoy the unique atmosphere:

    • Enjoy the beauty of the Danube River: Take a stroll along the Danube Promenade in Budapest for stunning river views and access to historical sites.

  • Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion: This iconic landmark offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular tourist destination.

  • Explore the charming streets and architecture of the Fisherman’s Bastion: Enjoy the beauty and history while taking in the stunning views from this architectural gem.

Budapest Activities:

  • Explore the Hungarian History Museum: Learn about the history of Hungary, its people, and their traditions.
  • Relax on the banks of the Danube River: Enjoy a picnic with a view or take a relaxing walk along the riverbanks.
  • Enjoy a boat trip on the Danube: A great way to see the city from a different perspective.

Day 5:

  • Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building: A beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture.
  • Explore the Museum’s gardens and enjoy the views.

Day 6:

  • Enjoy a final day in Budapest: Explore the city’s thermal baths, like the Széchenyi Baths or the Gellért Baths.

Enjoy the charming atmosphere of the city, exploring the history and architecture on display.

Things to enjoy:

  • Traditional Hungarian cuisine: Budapest is known for its hearty and delicious food, so be sure to try some traditional dishes before you leave.
  • The beauty of the city: Budapest has a lot to offer in terms of beauty and architecture.

Enjoy the Danube: Take a walk or bike ride along the riverbanks and enjoy the scenic views.

Things to consider for your travel experience:

  • Transportation:
    • Purchase a Budapest Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions.
    • Consider a public transport pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions**.

Enjoy the city’s charm:

  • Enjoy the unique atmosphere of Budapest, including its beautiful bridges, vibrant nightlife, and stunning architecture.