Budapest in 4 Days

Guest post by thadeus_d3

Map tips: Each color represents a different day. Click a marker to learn more about the spot, and click the star in the map header to save the entire map under Your Places in Google Maps.

Day 1

• Marienplatz
• Hofbräuhaus München
• Chain Bridge
• Hungarian Parliament Building

On our way to Budapest, we had a 5.5 hour layover in Munich Germany. I decided to leave the airport and take a train to the city center. We visited Marienplatz, which was beautiful and we were able to view the clocktower show (Rathaus-Glockenspiel). After the show, we visited the very first Hofbrauhaus for some traditional german food and beer. The food and beer was excellent and I’m glad that we were able to experience it before heading back to the airport.

We arrived at our apartment in Budapest at night. The apartment was situated right along the chain bridge, so we decided to visit the bridge and Parliament. Both were stunning at night even though Parliament was undergoing construction.

Day 2

• Buda Castle
• Várhegy
• Castle Hill
• Matthias Church
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Szimpla Kert

We had an early start to visit Buda Castle. Fortunately, the public transportation system in Budapest is top notch, so we hopped on a tram that took us up the hill and close to the castle. It was much cheaper than taking the funicular and a good chance to see a bit of the area. We watched the changing of the guard and explored Várhegy and Castle Hill. Next, we walked to Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. Fishermen’s Bastion is set at the top of the hill and offers great views of Parliament and Pest.

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Later that night, we went to Szimpla Kert, which is the top rated ruin pub in the city. We had a great night playing foosball, sampling local beers and palinka. We had such a good time that we decided to go there the following night.

Day 3

• Szechenyi Square
• Andrássy út
• Hungarian Parliament Building
• St. Stephen’s Basilica

Our apartment was right along the Danube River, so we decided to take some photos of the river and Roosevelt Square. We then hopped on a bus and visited Parliament to see it up close during the day. Sadly, it was under construction but we still managed to take some pictures before heading to the Basilica St Stephen.

Day 4

• Széchenyi Thermal Bath
• Vajdahunyad Castle
• Heroes’ Square
• House of Terror

On our last full day, we contemplated taking a train to Vienna but we decided to stay. We spent most of the day walking around aimlessly, taking in the architecture. At night, we decided to visit the Szechenyi Bath. Entrance was not cheap, but it was well worth it to enjoy the thermal springs. After the bath, we visited Vajdahunyad Castle and Heroes Square. Near the castle was a huge outdoor ice skating rink. We decided not to skate and instead get a cup of mulled wine and people watch. We then walked to Heroes square which was spectacular. My one regret is not seeing Heroes square during the day. Lastly, we took a train to the House of Terror to learn more about Budapest’s communist past.

Traveled in January 2014