May 16, 2022 | Local Experiences

Budapest travel itinerary

Looking for the ultimate Budapest travel itinerary? Look no further! In late April and early May, I explored Hungary’s bustling capital for 4-5 days and came away with a never-ending list of must-see sights and must-try experiences. From the vibrant atmosphere to the friendly locals and beautiful spring weather, Budapest did not disappoint. As a Londoner, I savoured the true essence of spring while indulging in the city’s endless activities and attractions

Day 1 of my Budapest Travel Itinerary

After landing in Budapest around 4 pm, my two friends and I took the bus 100E (or alternative 200E) to the city centre, costing us around £2. We booked a great Airbnb called “CityCenter Flat Next to the Famous Christmasmarket” for 4 nights, hosted by a super friendly host. However, we were unaware that the “Chain Bridge” was closed for the next 5 years or so, which would have made the location of our Airbnb in Pest more strategic. We used “Bolt” frequently to travel around and across the river, which was convenient and cheap when shared between the three of us. Remember, Bolt in Budapest may not work as fast as in London, so it requires patience when booking your driver a couple of times!

The first night

The first night I headed straight to one of the most unique cocktail bars on my list, “Twentysix,”. Which was within walking distance from our Airbnb. Located in the midst of the city center, this tropical garden-themed bar served some of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted. Although the service wasn’t perfect, the atmosphere and the quality of drinks and food more than made up for it. I highly recommend trying their espresso martini! Although it wasn’t as cheap as you might expect in Budapest, it was still much more affordable than a night out at any London bar.

Day 2

Upon waking up refreshed like a rose, I made a reservation for breakfast at the renowned “New York Cafe”. My advice is to book in advance to avoid the long queue. The Cafe has a stunning decor with live classical music performances, though it can be pricey. Nevertheless, the Lemon tart cake was scrumptious and the service, though busy, was friendly.

After breakfast, I took a stroll through the city center. Crossed the beautiful “Elisabeth Bridge” to reach the Hungarian National Gallery, situated in the Buda Castle area. It costs less than £10, and I spent more than 3 hours browsing through the excellent collection of Hungarian Arts.

Initially, I had planned to spend the whole afternoon in the same area but decided to postpone my other plans for another day. So, I went on an affordable and delightful “Budapest Sighseeing Evening Cruise” on the Danube River.

For dinner, my friends and I visited the unique “For Sale Pub”. Which serves a vast selection of traditional Hungarian food. The most exciting thing about this pub is that patrons can leave notes and memories on the walls, ceiling, or floor of the establishment! And of course, I left mine too.