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Visiting Budapest in five days means discovering a capital of mixed cultures and eclectic atmosphere. Here is a complete itinerary to explore this pearl of Eastern Europe.
Budapest ; Discovering the Hungarian Capital in Five Days
Day 1 – From Geneva to Budapest
Via the Shoes on the Danube and the Cat Café
This trip to Budapest was a long time coming. Departure finally takes place from Geneva, on an EasyJet flight. After almost two hours in the air, the plane lands in the Hungarian capital. Bus 100E then links the airport to the city centre. Next stop, the flat rented on Airbnb, a magnificent place in light tones.
To start this trip, nothing beats a walk along the Danube. The river separates Buda, on the west bank, from Pest, on the east bank. First striking stop: the Shoes on the Danube Bank. This memorial honours the Jewish victims shot on the riverbanks during the Second World War. Around sixty pairs of iron shoes stand there. After this moment of history, the walk continues at sunset.
At the end of the day, curiosity leads to a cat café. This kind of place divides opinion, but it is hard not to step inside. The place is clean, the staff welcoming and the cats truly beautiful. One drink later, the way back to the flat comes with a smile.
Day 2 – From Parliament to Fisherman’s Bastion
Via the History Museum and Mazel Tov
Breakfast is at Madal Café, a small chain found all over the city. Once refuelled, it is time to explore the neighbourhoods. The architecture of the Hungarian capital charms on every street corner. Each monument has its own identity, and this eclectic mix is charming. Liberty Square is home to a statue of Ronald Reagan and the Soviet War Memorial. Further on, a statue honours Peter Falk, famous for playing Inspector Columbo.
The Hungarian Parliament
Next comes a monument of considerable size: the Hungarian Parliament. Built from 1885 in Neo-Gothic style, it was inaugurated in 1896. Standing 96 metres tall, it is the largest building in Hungary. It houses the National Assembly and the Holy Crown of Saint Stephen. A guided tour in French of about one hour reveals the halls of this impressive building.
On the way out, the Budapest Chocolate Museum is just a few steps away. The perfect chance to taste a few treats and learn more about the history of cocoa. A pleasant chocolatey moment.
For lunch, the choice is Hungarikum Bisztró, a small neighbourhood restaurant serving typical Hungarian dishes. Both the food and the welcome are excellent. A truly authentic moment, with vegetarian options for those who do not eat meat.
Budapest History Museum and Fisherman’s Bastion
After this gourmet break, the next stop is Buda and its History Museum. Works of art and paintings trace the country’s history. After a two-hour visit, the walk continues towards Fisherman’s Bastion. On the way, a stop is a must at the Buda Castle Labyrinth. These dark tunnels stretch beneath Castle Hill. A visit best avoided by claustrophobes.
Once outside, Fisherman’s Bastion offers another view of the city. The view is magnificent, especially in bright sunshine. Its Neo-Romanesque architecture, with its white turrets, wins you over instantly.
The day ends at Mazel Tov, a restaurant hugely popular on social media. Booking is wise, as it is full even on weekdays. To end the evening in style, next comes Szimpla Kert, one of the capital’s famous ruin bars. These alternative venues usually set up in old abandoned buildings.
Budapest ; Day 3 – From Széchenyi Baths to Karavan Street Food
Via the House of Terror and the Tuk Tuk Bar
This third day starts by metro, heading for the Széchenyi Baths. Budapest has many thermal baths, but Széchenyi is among the largest in Europe. The complex has 18 pools, three of them outdoors. Despite gloomy weather, the hot water and bubbles work their magic. After three hours of relaxation, a short visit to nearby Vajdahunyad Castle is a must. Then back to the city centre by metro.
The afternoon continues at the House of Terror. This museum traces the history of the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary. The visit is particularly heavy and moving. Out of respect for the victims, only the entrance was photographed.
To find some lightness again, the next stop is the Flipper Múzeum. As soon as the door opens, the trip goes back to the eighties. The hall is packed with pinball machines and old arcade games. Two hours chasing high scores do wonders for morale. Dinner is then at Karavan Street Food. This spot gathers fast food stalls in a friendly atmosphere. The evening ends at the Chupito Bar and the Tuk Tuk Bar, over a few cocktails.
Day 4 – From the Central Market Hall to the Cave Church
Via St Stephen’s Basilica and a Danube Cruise
This last full day begins with a famous chimney cake. This chimney-shaped pastry is very popular in Hungary and Eastern Europe. Next comes the Central Market Hall and its eclectic market. Food stalls and souvenirs stand side by side. Paprika, one of Hungary’s prides, makes an ideal souvenir. Another national pride, the Rubik’s Cube was invented by Hungarian Ernő Rubik. The walk continues to the Cave Church, carved into the rock of Gellért Hill. A powerful and unique moment.
Last monument of the day: St Stephen’s Basilica, in Pest. Its dome is simply extraordinary. Inside, a chapel to the left of the altar houses the Holy Right. This is the mummified right hand of Saint Stephen, first king of Hungary. The dome also offers a clear panorama over the city. After some rest, the banks of the Danube await for a night cruise. For one hour, the main monuments appear lit up. A glass of sparkling wine accompanies the ride, cradled by a light breeze. The evening ends with a hearty Hungarian meal, stars in the eyes.
Day 5 – From the New York Café to the Great Synagogue of Budapest
All good things come to an end. For this last morning, luxury takes centre stage at the New York Café with a coffee decorated with 24-carat gold. The hall, adorned with gilding and mouldings, is stunning. A timeless moment before the last visit. Finally, the Great Synagogue on Dohány Street, the largest in Europe. It also ranks among the largest in the world. Out of respect for this sacred place, the visit is done wearing a kippah. A lovely discovery of part of Jewish history. The bus then heads back to the airport for the return flight.
This first stay in Hungary reveals a still unknown part of Eastern Europe. Every corner of the city charms, in the company of a best friend just as captivated. A huge thank you to him for organising this trip with an iron fist. For other five-day getaways, Berlin (in French) and London (in French) also offer great itineraries.
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