The Best Things to Do, See & Eat in Hungary’s Capital

Budapest is one of those cities that truly has it all — grand architecture, steamy thermal baths, buzzing nightlife, and hearty food that’ll leave you craving more. Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or a short city break, this 4-day itinerary will show you the perfect mix of must-sees, local gems, and Instagram-worthy spots.

Where to Stay in Budapest

Stay central — it makes everything easier. The Jewish Quarter is perfect for walking to bars, cafés, and major landmarks. You’ll find stylish Airbnb apartments, boutique hotels like Hotel Memories Budapest, and cool hostels such as Maverick City Lodge nearby.

🇭🇺 Day 1: Arrival & First Night in Budapest

• Dinner & Drinks: Head straight to Karaván Street Food — a lively courtyard of local food trucks serving everything from lángos to burgers. Perfect for a quick and tasty first meal.
• Evening: Wander through the Jewish Quarter — home to Budapest’s iconic ruin bars. Start with the original, Szimpla Kert, before exploring hidden gems like Koleves Kert or Instant-Fogas.

💡 Top Tip: Don’t overplan your first night — just relax and soak up the city’s energy.

🏰 Day 2: Markets, History & Sunset Views

• Breakfast: Grab coffee and pastries at Cookie Beacon Brunch or the artisanal Artizán Bakery.
• Morning: Join a free walking tour from around St. Stephen’s Basilica.
• Lunch: Book ahead for Mazel Tov — a trendy Middle Eastern restaurant in a leafy courtyard, loved by locals and Instagrammers alike.
• Afternoon: Cross the river to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and Buda Castle. The views over the Danube River and Parliament are breathtaking.
• Dinner: Try a traditional Retro Lángos or Hungarian goulash nearby.
• Evening: Hike or taxi up Gellért Hill for sunset.

💦 Day 3: Spas, Spirits & a Danube Prosecco Cruise

• Morning: Relax at the legendary Széchenyi Thermal Bath — the city’s most famous spa. The warm outdoor pools against the yellow neo-baroque buildings are peak Budapest.
• 💡 Alternative: For a quieter vibe, try the Gellért Baths or the newly trendy Rudas Baths (great rooftop pool views!).
• Lunch: Keep it casual at Padthai Wokbar or grab another lángos from a local stall.
• Afternoon: Take a stroll to see the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial — a powerful tribute to WWII victims — before crossing Margaret Bridge for postcard-perfect views.
• Dinner: Book Retek Bistro — cozy and authentic Hungarian comfort food.
• Evening: End your day on a Danube River Cruise (choose the prosecco version!). I would really recommend booking this cruise after sunset, seeing Parliament glowing over the river is pure magic.

☕️ Day 4: A Slow Send-Off

• Breakfast: Sip a relaxed morning coffee near Liberty Square — try Lui Café or Espresso Embassy.
• Lunch: Grab a quick bagel near the Basilica or swing back to Karaván Street Food for one last bite.
• Afternoon: Take a final stroll past Parliament or through Andrássy Avenue before heading to the airport.

🌿 Extra Budapest Recommendations

If you have more time in Budapest, consider:

• Vajdahunyad Castle & Heroes’ Square — right next to the thermal spa.

• Margaret Island — leafy park in the middle of the Danube.

• New York Café — the “most beautiful café in the world.”

• Light Art Museum — immersive digital art exhibitions.

• Párisi Udvar Hotel — peek inside the stunning glass-domed lobby.

• House of Music Hungary — new architectural gem in City Park, trending on Instagram.

• Central Market Hall — perfect for picking up paprika, local snacks, and souvenirs.

🍸 Best Bars in Budapest

By the river:

• Bálna Terasz & Bisztró – cocktails with Danube views.

• Leo Rooftop Bar – sleek, panoramic skyline bar above Hotel Clark.

In the Jewish Quarter:

• Szimpla Kert – the original ruin bar.

• Koleves Kert, Doboz, Instant-Fogas, Liebling – all great for bar-hopping.

• Élesztőház – craft beer paradise.

💡 Trend alert: 360 Bar Budapest (rooftop igloos in winter!) and High Note SkyBar are among the most Instagrammed spots this year.

✈️ Final Travel Tips

• Bookmark this blog to plan your trip and make sure you don’t miss Budapest’s highlights.

• Book ahead for popular restaurants like Mazel Tov and Retek Bistro.

• Bring swimwear for the thermal baths.

• Try lángos at least once — fried, cheesy, and completely worth it.

• Wear comfy shoes — Budapest is best explored on foot.

• Use the BKK transport app for metro and tram tickets.

Budapest is that rare city where history, nightlife, and relaxation coexist perfectly. With this 4-day itinerary, you’ll experience the highlights — from steamy baths and castle views to ruin bars and riverside sunsets — all without rushing.