Budapest

Budapest is a stunning city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant culture. With just two days, you can still pack in a lot of experiences without breaking the bank. Here’s a fun and budget-friendly itinerary for you and your partner!

Day 1: Exploring Buda

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Café: Start your day with a traditional Hungarian breakfast. Try a cozy café like Café Csiga for some delicious pastries and coffee. A typical breakfast will cost around 1,500 HUF (about $5).

• Buda Castle: After breakfast, head to the iconic Buda Castle. You can walk up the hill or take the funicular (though walking is free!). Explore the castle grounds and enjoy the stunning views of the Danube and Pest across the river. The castle grounds are free to enter!

Midday:

• Fisherman’s Bastion: Just a short walk from the castle, this fairy-tale-like structure offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. It’s free to enter, but if you want to go up to the upper towers, there’s a small fee (about 1,000 HUF or $3).

• Lunch at a Local Market: Head to the Great Market Hall for lunch. You can find affordable and delicious local dishes like goulash or lángos (fried flatbread) for around 1,500 HUF ($5). Grab some fresh fruit or pastries for later!

Afternoon:

• Gellért Hill: After lunch, take a leisurely walk to Gellért Hill. The hike is a bit steep, but the views from the top are worth it! You can also visit the Liberty Statue and the Citadel. It’s a great spot for some romantic photos!

Evening:

• Dinner in the Jewish Quarter: Head to the Jewish Quarter and find a cozy spot for dinner. Try Mazel Tov for some affordable Middle Eastern cuisine. Expect to spend around 3,000 HUF ($10) per person.

• Ruin Bars: After dinner, explore the famous ruin bars! Szimpla Kert is the most famous one and has a unique atmosphere. Entry is free, and you can enjoy a drink for around 1,500 HUF ($5).

Day 2: Discovering Pest

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Bakery: Start your day with a pastry from a local bakery. Try Gerbeaud Café for a sweet treat and coffee. Breakfast here will cost around 1,500 HUF ($5).

• St. Stephen’s Basilica: After breakfast, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica. Entry is free, but if you want to go up to the dome for a view, it’s about 2,000 HUF ($7).

Midday:

• Andrássy Avenue: Stroll down this beautiful boulevard, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can admire the stunning architecture and maybe pop into a few shops along the way.

• Lunch at a Street Food Market: Head to Karaván Street Food for a variety of affordable options. You can find everything from burgers to vegan dishes for around 2,000 HUF ($7).

Afternoon:

• Heroes’ Square and City Park: After lunch, walk to Heroes’ Square and take in the impressive monuments. Then, wander into City Park where you can relax by the lake or visit the Vajdahunyad Castle (free to explore the grounds).

• Thermal Baths: If you’re up for it, treat yourselves to a relaxing soak at one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Széchenyi Baths is a popular choice, and entry is around 6,000 HUF ($20) per person.

Evening:

• Dinner on the Danube: For your last evening, find a spot along the Danube for dinner. Kiosk Budapest offers a lovely atmosphere and reasonably priced meals. Expect to spend around 3,500 HUF ($12) per person.

• Evening Cruise on the Danube: End your trip with a romantic evening cruise on the Danube. Many companies offer budget-friendly options, and you can find a cruise for around 3,000 HUF ($10) per person. The views of the illuminated city are breathtaking!

Tips for Saving Money:

• Use public transport (trams and buses) to get around; a single ticket is about 350 HUF ($1.20).
• Consider getting a Budapest Card for discounts on attractions and free public transport if you plan to visit several sites.
• Drink tap water; it’s safe and free!

I hope you have an amazing time in Budapest! Enjoy the beautiful sights, delicious food, and each other’s company! 🌍❤️