5-Day Budapest Guide: Thermal Baths, Ruin Bars, and Hidden Gems

Planning a trip to Budapest? This 5-day Budapest itinerary covers everything you need to know about Hungary’s capital. From its iconic thermal baths and historic architecture, to vibrant ruin bars and day trip ideas, you don’t want to miss this wonderful city in your Europe adventures. Budapest is actually two cities: Buda and Pest, divided by the Danube River. Officially unified in 1873, they still offer distinctly different vibes. Buda is elegant and quieter, while Pest is bustling with energy, nightlife, and food. Whether you’re into culture, spas, history, or food, this guide will help you explore Budapest like a pro.

When is the Best Time to Visit Budapest?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and fewer tourists, making them the ideal times to visit Budapest. Here’s a seasonal look at what happens in Budapest:

• February: Farsang (Carnival Season)
• March/April: Budapest Spring Festival
• April: Cherry blossom season
• May: Gourmet Festival
• June: Night of Museums
• July: Vajdahunyad Castle Summer Music Festival
• August: Sziget Festival
• September: Budapest Wine Festival
• October: Budapest Café Festival
• November/December: Christmas markets at St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square

How many days do I need in Budapest?

Anywhere from 3-5 days would be a great way to explore. Sample 3-Day Itinerary:

• Day 1: Thermal baths and explore your neighborhood and the markets
• Day 2: Parliament tour, State Opera House tour, and a coffee at a stunning café
• Day 3: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Chain Bridge, and ruin bars in the evening

Where to Stay in Budapest

Budapest is divided into two main areas: Buda and Pest. Each offers distinct vibes and accommodation options. Here’s a breakdown of the best neighborhoods in Budapest for every type of traveler:

1. Jewish Quarter (District VII) Best for Nightlife and First-Time Visitors
   • Located in Pest, this is the heart of the city’s nightlife scene. It’s home to ruin bars like Szimpla Kert, trendy cafés, affordable restaurants, and hostels.
     • Pros: Central, lively, walkable, full of budget options
     • Cons: Can be noisy at night
2. Belváros–Lipótváros (District V) Best for Sightseeing and Couples
   • Often referred to as Downtown Budapest, this area is ideal for those who want to be steps from landmarks like the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Danube Promenade. It offers a mix of boutique hotels and luxury stays with stunning views.
     • Pros: Elegant, central, safe, close to major attractions
     • Cons: Slightly more expensive
3. Újlipótváros (District XIII) Best for Families
   • A quieter, more residential neighborhood in Pest, close to Margaret Island and parks.
     • Pros: Family-friendly, peaceful, near green spaces
     • Cons: A bit farther from tourist sights (10–15 mins transit)
4. Gellért Hill and Tabán (District I and XI) Best for Relaxation and Spa Lovers
   • Located on the Buda side, this area offers panoramic views, quiet streets, and close access to Gellért Baths, Citadella, and Buda Castle.
     • Pros: Scenic, quiet, near thermal baths and parks
     • Cons: Hilly terrain, less nightlife
5. Castle District (District I) Best for History Buffs and Romantic Getaways
   • Stay steps from Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, and charming cobbled streets. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is beautiful and serene, ideal for couples and slow travelers.
     • Pros: Gorgeous architecture, peaceful, historic charm
     • Cons: Fewer shops/restaurants, limited nightlife

How to get Around in Budapest

Public transportation or walking is probably your best mode of travel! If you stay somewhere central, you can easily walk most places. If you prefer to be a little out of the city centre, the public transportation system is great. Uber and Bolt are also widely popular if you prefer a drive. The Budapest Card is an excellent card that includes public transportation and admission to key attractions.

Are the Thermal Baths worth it?

Without a doubt: YES. Budapest is the City of Spas and has 15 public thermal baths. Even if you’re not a spa person, it’s worth a visit! Weekdays are sometimes cheaper, and if you go early you can get a full day in! You can also opt to stay in a luxury hotel with private spas. The best thermal baths in Budapest:

• Széchenyi has the iconic yellow building
• Rudas has a stunning view of the Danube River
• Gellért is a beautiful high arch ceiling
• Lukács also has the yellow buildings but is smaller and less touristy. It also has a beerspa!

💡 Did you know: the city sits on 123 natural hot springs, making it a haven for thermal bath enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Budapest

• What currency is used in Budapest?: Hungarian Forint [HUF], and some places accept euros but don’t count on it!
• Is English widely spoken? In tourist areas, yes. As always, if you learn basic phrases in Hungarian, it’s very much appreciated!
• Is tap water safe to drink? Yes, it’s safe and high quality.
• Can I use credit cards in Budapest? Yes, they are widely accepted but some small shops and markets only accept cash.
• What’s unique to eat or drink in Budapest? Goulash, lángos, chimney cake [kürtőskalács], and pálinka.
• Is Budapest safe for solo female travelers? Yes, it’s generally very safe, just practice standard travel precautions.
• Are there scams or tourist traps to avoid? Watch for overpriced taxis, currency exchange scams, and pushy restaurant staff.
• How touristy is Budapest? Central areas are busy, especially in peak season, but many neighborhoods still feel authentic.
• Is Budapest LGBTQ+ friendly? It’s improving, especially in Pest’s central districts, though Hungary as a whole is more conservative.
• What’s the nightlife like in Budapest? Excellent! The ruin bars like Szimpla Kert are iconic. Also great clubs, live music, and wine bars.
• Do I need a visa for Budapest? Depending on your passport, you might. Canadians and Americans do not.
• Can I use Google Maps/public transit app in Budapest? Yes. Download offline maps if you opt not to get a roaming plan and BudapestGO is the official transit app.

Top Things to Do in Budapest

Pest Side Attractions

1. Ruin Bars

No Budapest guide is complete without including the city’s legendary ruin bars. Eclectic pubs set inside abandoned buildings and courtyards, mostly located in the Jewish Quarter (District VII).

The most iconic is Szimpla Kert, known for its maze-like layout, mismatched furniture, street art, and quirky decor. It perfectly captures the laid-back, anything-goes atmosphere that defines ruin bars in Budapest.

Each ruin bar has its own vibe! Some are artsy and quiet, others host DJs and dance floors. You can join a ruin bar crawl, or DIY your own pub-hopping adventure with friends. These bars are not just about cheap drinks. They’re a symbol of creativity and urban renewal, making them one of the most unique things to do in Budapest at night.

Best for: Nightlife lovers, solo travelers, bar crawlers
Location: Jewish Quarter (District VII) in Pest
Tip: Visit earlier in the evening for smaller crowds and better photos!

2. Food Markets

Váci Street (Váci Utca): Best for Atmosphere and Central Location

Vaci Street is one of the most famous pedestrian shopping streets in Budapest. Located in the heart of District V (Belváros), it’s lined with cafés, souvenir shops, restaurants, and street food stalls. While Váci Street isn’t known for authentic or budget eats, the lively atmosphere and central location make it a convenient stop. For more local flavor, head to nearby Central Market Hall just a few blocks away.

If you’re hungry, grab a bowl of goulash soup: a classic Hungarian dish made with beef, paprika, and vegetables. Pair it with a local Hungarian beer or lemonade and enjoy some people-watching on one of the many patios.

Best for: First-time visitors, casual lunches, sightseeing breaks
Location: Váci Utca, District V (near the Danube Promenade)
Tip: Prices here tend to be higher than elsewhere. Check menus before sitting down.

Budapest Central Market Hall: Best for Traditional Hungarian Food

If you want a taste of authentic Hungarian cuisine beyond tourist-heavy spots like Váci Street, head to the iconic Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok). It’s Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market, located at the end of Váci Street in District IX. This multi-level market is packed with stalls selling local produce, meats, spices, souvenirs, and ready-to-eat Hungarian street food. Head upstairs for the food court, where you can try classics like:

• Lángos – deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese
• Stuffed cabbage rolls
• Sausages and goulash
• Strudel and chimney cake

Best for: Local eats, souvenirs, and cultural immersion
Location: Vámház körút 1-3, District IX
Tip: Go early to avoid lunch crowds and bring cash for small vendors.

3. St. Stephen’s Basilica

One of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István-bazilika) is a must-see whether you’re into architecture, photography, or history.

I left the hostel early to visit the basilica and take photos of the building and surrounding square with minimal crowds. I highly recommend this strategy if you want great shots! Entry is by donation, and the interior is stunning, with intricate domes, gold accents, and impressive frescoes. Inside, you’ll also find the Holy Right Hand of St. Stephen, a mummified relic of Hungary’s first king. There’s a small fee to illuminate the display, but I opted to skip that.

You can also climb (or take the elevator) to the panoramic dome lookout for breathtaking views over Budapest. Worth the extra cost if the weather’s clear!

Best for: Architecture lovers, city views, history buffs
Location: District V, near the Parliament and Jewish Quarter
Tip: Arrive early for fewer crowds and softer light for photos

4. Parliament Tour

One of the most beautiful Parliament buildings I’ve been to, I recommend the Parliament Tour. Included in the price of the ticket is a set of headphones to hear the tour guide (the groups are fairly large and the tour guide would be hard to hear otherwise). There is an exhibition at the end of the tour providing a history of Budapest, the development of the Parliament building, some history of artifacts and a small scale replica of the Parliament building.

We entered the building by the most beautiful staircase and we are leaving by the ugliest. – Tour Guide

Time needed: About 1 hour total (45-minute tour + security check)
Tip: Book online in advance. Tours sell out, especially in English!
Best for: History lovers, architecture buffs, photographers
Location: Kossuth Lajos Square, District V

5. State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House is one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest, especially if you’re exploring the elegant Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the Neo-Renaissance style in the late 19th century, the Opera House is known for its ornate exterior, lavish interior, and world-class acoustics. Even if you don’t have time to attend a performance, I highly recommend booking a guided daytime tour. You’ll get to see the grand staircase, chandeliers, and the gilded auditorium up close.

If you’re able to plan ahead, catching an opera, ballet, or classical concert here is an unforgettable experience and tickets are often much more affordable than in other European capitals.

Best for: Culture lovers, architecture fans, photographers
Location: Andrássy Avenue, District VI
Tip: Guided tours are offered in multiple languages and typically last about 45 minutes. Book online in advance for availability.

6. Two Stunning Cafés

• Café Párisi (previously Alexandra Bookcafe): Unfortunately this café was closed unexpectedly when I went in 2017, but it’s reopened under a new company! It is now Café Párisi. Lotz Hall (Lotz-Terem) is a fantastically ornate Neo-Renaissance ballroom turned café. It looks beautiful!
• Café New York: At the turn of the 20th century the New York Café (New York Kávéház) was the most beautiful and the most beloved coffee house in Budapest. Looking at it, it’s no surprise it’s one of the top 10 Most Beautiful Cafes in Europe!

7. Danube

The Danube truly adds magic to Budapest, especially at sunrise or sunset. Spend an evening walking along the banks, with the Parliament Building glowing golden across the water. There are river cruises you can take, but honestly, the free views from the bridges and riverwalks are just as stunning. It’s peaceful and photogenic, perfect for solo wandering and taking it all in.

Recommended Stops Along the Way:

• Aquarium Klub (Elizabeth Square): A sleek rooftop bar perfect for a sunset drink
• Király utca (King Street): Lined with affordable, local bars and clubs. A great nightlife with fewer tourists
• Central Market Hall: Stop in for lángos or Hungarian paprika souvenirs
• Blue Rose or Frici Papa: Budget-friendly restaurants offering traditional Hungarian comfort food

Best for: Scenic strolls, golden hour photos, budget-friendly sightseeing
Location: Between Elizabeth Bridge and Chain Bridge, Pest side
Tip: Visit the “Shoes on the Danube” memorial for a powerful, reflective moment

I did a walking tour when I was in Budapest and here are some interesting facts I remember:

1. There are 44 letters in the Hungarian alphabet.
2. Budapest is actually two cities: Buda and Pest. The tour guide said “You do things in Buda and live in Pest” because living in Buda is so expensive but the best things to do are on that side of the Danube.
3. Hungary is part of the European Union but has not yet phased out the Hungarian Forint.
4. The tallest part of both the Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica are the two tallest buildings in Budapest. No other building can be taller.
5. The inventor of the Rubik’s Cube was born in Budapest.
6. Vitamin-C was discovered by a Hungarian.

8. Agriculture Museum and Vajdahunyad Castle Budapest

Tucked away in Budapest’s City Park (Városliget) on the Pest side, the Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the most photogenic, and underrated, places to visit in the city. Originally built for the 1896 Millennial Exhibition, the castle was designed to showcase Hungary’s most iconic architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Inside the castle, you’ll find the Hungarian Agricultural Museum. The largest of its kind in Europe. While the museum is a niche stop for most tourists, it’s worth popping in if you’re curious about Hungary’s farming traditions, wine-making, and rural culture.

Even if you skip the museum, the castle grounds are a peaceful place for a walk or picnic. There’s also a charming courtyard café and restaurant on site.

Best for: Architecture lovers, peaceful strolls, off-the-beaten-path explorers
Location: City Park (Városliget), District XIV
Cost: Small fee for museum entry; castle grounds are free to explore
Tip: Combine this with a visit to Heroes’ Square and Széchenyi Thermal Bath, both within walking distance

9. Heroes Square and Andrássy Avenue

Just a short walk from Vajdahunyad Castle and the Agricultural Museum, Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) is one of the most iconic public spaces in Budapest. This massive square features the impressive Millennium Monument, flanked by statues of Hungary’s most important national leaders and chieftains.

Built to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian state, Heroes’ Square is framed by two major museums: Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) and Hall of Art (Műcsarnok). It’s also the main entrance to City Park (Városliget), making it a perfect spot to start a leisurely day of sightseeing.

Running from the square all the way to the city center is Andrássy Avenue, a grand, tree-lined boulevard and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along this stretch, you’ll find:

• Elegant architecture
• Luxury boutiques and cafés
• The stunning Hungarian State Opera House
• Historic residential mansions and embassies

Best for: History buffs, architecture lovers, leisurely walking tours
Location: District VI–XIV border
Tip: Consider walking the full stretch of Andrássy Avenue from the city center to Heroes’ Square. It’s one of the most scenic walks in Budapest.

10. House of Terror

The House of Terror (Terror Háza Múzeum) is one of Budapest’s most emotionally powerful museums, offering a sobering look at the fascist and communist regimes that shaped Hungary’s 20th-century history. Located on Andrássy Avenue, the museum is housed in the former headquarters of both the Nazi-affiliated Arrow Cross Party and later the Communist State Security services. Inside, you’ll find immersive exhibits, personal artifacts, and videos of survivors recounting their experiences with imprisonment, interrogation, and forced labor.

This isn’t a museum to rush. Give yourself at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully absorb the emotional weight and historical context. The basement prison cells are especially chilling.

Best for: History lovers, mature travelers, those interested in WWII and Cold War history
Location: Andrássy Avenue, District VI
Cost: ~3,000 HUF (check for updated pricing)
Tip: Some content is emotionally heavy. Consider pairing this visit with a lighter, outdoor activity afterward or grab some gelato nearby

11. Budapest eye

I stumbled across the Budapest Eye while walking back to my hostel at sunset and I’m so glad I did. The lighting was perfect, and one of my favorite photos from the trip came from this moment.

Located in Erzsébet Square (Elizabeth Square) in the heart of District V, the Budapest Eye is a large Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline, including St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Danube, and parts of Buda Castle in the distance. It’s a great option for travelers looking for a quick, scenic experience, especially if you’re not doing a full tower or dome climb elsewhere.

Best for: Couples, families, sunset views, quick panoramas
Location: Erzsébet Square, District V
Cost: Around 3,000–4,000 HUF per adult
Tip: Visit at dusk for golden hour lighting and city lights beginning to twinkle

12. Dohány Street Synagogue

The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world. A tour of the synagogue and the adjacent museum is included in the admission price. The Jewish cemetery and Holocaust Tree of Life memorial are also onsite and worth a visit. A tour of the synagogue and the museum is included in the admission price.

Buda Side Attractions

1. Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, Fisherman’s Bastion

The top attractions in any Budapest Guide:

• Fisherman’s Bastion: Best sunrise views over Pest and the Parliament.
• Buda Castle: Explore the courtyards and snap photos. Home to the National Gallery and Budapest History Museum.
• Chain Bridge: An iconic suspension bridge connecting Buda and Pest, especially stunning lit up at night.

2. Matthias Church

Located right beside Fisherman’s Bastion, this colorful, tiled-roof church is one of the most beautiful in Budapest. The interior is equally ornate, and it’s deeply rooted in Hungarian royal history.
Location: Castle Hill
Entry fee required

3. Hospital in the Rock (Sziklakórház)

A fascinating museum built in a former WWII and Cold War-era emergency hospital and nuclear bunker. Offers guided tours that are super informative.
Location: Castle Hill area
Tip: Slightly hidden, worth booking in advance

4. Gellért Hill and Citadella (temporarily closed for renovations)

Home to the Liberty Statue and one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the city. The walk up is scenic and rewarding.
Location: Between Buda Castle and Gellért Baths
Tip: As of 2024, parts of the Citadella are closed for redevelopment

5. Gellért Baths

One of the most famous thermal baths in Budapest, located in a stunning Art Nouveau building.
Location: At the base of Gellért Hill
Perfect for: Spa lovers staying on the Buda side

6. Rudas Baths

Historic Turkish bathhouse with a rooftop thermal pool overlooking the Danube.
Location: Near Elisabeth Bridge
Tip: Offers gender-specific days and co-ed times. Check the schedule!

7. Buda Hills and Normafa

A bit farther out, but if you’re looking for hiking, views, and quiet nature, take the cogwheel railway or bus to Normafa for trails and local food stands.
Location: District XII
Great for: Outdoor lovers and photographers

Budapest Guide: Easy Day Trips from Budapest

• Szentendre: 45 minutes away. Art galleries, colorful streets, and riverside charm.
• Eger: Known for its baroque buildings, castle, and red wine (Bikavér).
• Lake Balaton: The “Hungarian Sea” – a great summer destination for beach days and wineries.

Looking to make it to other cities? Try: How to Spend 24 Hours in Bratislava, Slovakia