What to see in Budapest in 5 days on your own – route, photo, description

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, formed in 1873 by the merger of three ancient cities – Buda, Obuda and Pest, located along the banks of the Danube. Buda and Obuda, spread out on the western bank of the river, captivate with the atmosphere of ancient streets and an abundance of historical monuments. Pest, which occupies the eastern bank of the Danube, delights with the luxurious beauty of architecture and the scope of avenues. This is the only metropolitan resort city in Europe with healing thermal springs. If you are going to visit this amazing city, it is better to plan your route in advance. Our guide will tell you what to see in Budapest in 5 days on your own, so that the trip is imprinted with a bright event in the photo and in memory.

1 day

The route of the first day will be the longest and longest. It will take approximately 5-6 hours. Hiking is best combined with trips by public transport in order to periodically relax, enjoying the view of the city from the window of a bus or tram. So buy your tickets in advance. The start of an independent voyage is the Erzsébet tér square, the end point is the Széchenyi square. Let's talk about what you will see along the way.

Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for 2 027 RUB

Erzsébet Square

Erzhebet Square is one of the most beautiful squares in the center with buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries, capable of competing with palaces in beauty. The square will surprise you with a memorial to Michael Jackson and a fountain with a transparent bottom. Looking into the park with a Ferris wheel towering over it, you will see the Danube Fountain with female figures personifying the tributaries of the Danube: the Tisza, Drava and Sava rivers, crowned with a statue of Neptune. Then, taking bus number 16, you go to Széll Kálmán tér square (terminal stop), where you get on tram number 59 or 61, following from the Danube.

Get off at the 3rd stop Városmajor, heading towards the round building of the Budapest Hotel, where you have to cross the tram tracks to get to the rack railway. There, take train number 60 and proceed to the final station Gyermekvasút. This is an old road, laid through the picturesque hills in 1874. After leaving the train, go to the children‘s railway, from where you will go to the Jánoshegy stop, after seeing the hill of Elizabeth Lookout.

Elizabeth's Lookout Tower

At the Erzsebet Kilato sign, you climb the mountain to a multi-tiered observation tower that looks like a cake. Each tier, where they climb the spiral staircase, has its own observation deck. From its highest point, located at an altitude of 527 meters, a breathtaking view of the Buda Hills, the green valley and the delightful Parliament opens up, which can be enjoyed free of charge from 8.00 to 20.00. After descending from the tower, head towards the cable car.

Cableway Libego

The cable car stretches for 1040 meters with a height difference of 262 meters. It is an open suspended cradle moving at a speed of 4 km per hour. To use it, you need to buy a ticket for 1000 HUF. You have to get into the cradle and go on the move with the help of the staff serving them. The descent is smooth, admiring the beautiful views, passing over the rooftops, patios and through the trees. It takes no more than 15 minutes.

The cable car starts working at any time of the year from 10.00, in summer until 19.00, and in winter until 16.00, in autumn and spring until 17.00. After descending, go to the stop of bus number 291, which you pass five stops, getting off at Budagyöngye, where you transfer to tram number 61, following in the direction of the round hotel “Budapest”. Get off at Széll Kálmán, the second stop after the hotel, and walk to the Buda Castle.

Buda Castle

A narrow medieval street leads to the 14th century Catholic Church of St. Matthias, built in a pompous late Gothic style. This is a large three-nave temple, which is part of the Buda Castle complex, with the main entrance overlooking the square of the Holy Trinity. On the northern side of the main facade, the church is bordered by the tower of King Bel, and on the opposite side is the Fisherman's Bastion. The Church of St. Matthias is distinguished by multiple side chapels with openwork decoration of facades and an 80-meter bell tower.

You can enter the territory of the fortress, which has become an open-air museum, for free. The wards charge a fee, which should be clarified on the spot. View the interior and from 9.00 to 17.00, on weekdays, on Saturdays until 13.00, and on Sundays from 13.00 to 17.00.

During the reconstruction of the 19th century, fragments of ancient Roman buildings were found on the territory of the fortress, which were included in Aquincum. The most significant attraction of the fortress is the Buda Castle, which is one of the sites under the protection of UNESCO. The castle-fortress was built in the 13th century and served as the residence of the Hungarian kings for many years. On Castle Hill, don't miss the Royal Palace.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace became the decoration of the right bank of the Danube. The building, built at the beginning of the 20th century, appears in the elegance of the Baroque style. It is impossible not to admire the baroque dome, the ornamental gate with the mythical bird Turul, clutching a sword in its claws, which won the homeland for the Hungarians. Sculptural compositions and luxurious fountains are impressive in the palace decor.

Covered with the legend of the love of King Mattiyash and the girl Ilonka, the fountain in the courtyard, depicting their figures, brings happiness to lovers. Today the Royal Palace is a cultural center that includes an art gallery, a national library and a history museum. You can see it from October to March every day, except Monday, from 10.00 to 18.00, and in summer until 19.30.

Funicular

From the Royal Palace we go to the site with the Chiklo funicular, built on the initiative of the son of Count Szechenyi in 1870 and reconstructed at the end of the last century. It works from 7.30 to 22.00. Having bought a ticket for 1200 HUF, get into a trailer stylized as the 19th century with three different-level booths. In total, there are 2 nominal cars on the funicular – Gellert and Margit.

The funicular covers a distance of 95 meters in 90 seconds, and you find yourself at the lower station – Adam Clark Square with the Kilometer Zero monument. Next to the funicular there is a staircase for those who wish to walk this path.

Szechenyi Bridge

Leaving the funicular, we will find ourselves next to the Széchenyi chain suspension bridge, which connected Buda with Pest in 1849 – Adam Clark Square with Roosevelt Square. The bridge was built thanks to the well-known politician Count Szechenyi, who invested a lot of effort and money in the construction, and therefore is named after him. It is called chain because of the large number of thick chains supporting the bridge deck, which stretches for 375 meters.

The picturesque suspension bridge has become the hallmark of the city, decorating all its tourist guides. On both sides, the bridge towers are decorated with coats of arms of Hungary and sculptures of smiling lions. The historical bridge is covered with legends, according to which it stands, having made a wish, to cross it to the other side or sail under it on a boat – the wish will come true. Come to the bridge at dusk, when the bridge is mesmerizingly illuminated by numerous light bulbs on chains and spotlights on the bridge piers.

Szechenyi Square

Having crossed the bridge, you will come out to Széchenyi Square, where a luxurious building in the Art Nouveau style – Gresham Palace – catches your eye. The architecture is striking, combining intricate towers with spiers, graceful bay windows, columns and arches into one whole. The hand reaches out to capture the facade with floral patterns and numerous sculptures on the pediment and the forged entrance gate with walking peacocks.

Today, the palace houses the luxurious rooms of the Four Seasons Hotel Budapest. On the square, two monuments are of interest – the Hungarian thinker Ferenc Deak in the south side and the politician Istvan Szechenyi – in the northern part.

2 day

We suggest starting the excursion of the second day in Pest from Szent István tér square, and ending with a walk through the historical district of Lipotváros. We will list the main attractions of the route in the order they were visited.

Skip the line: Széchenyi baths for the whole day – €18
Hop-on hop-off bus Classic, Premium or Deluxe – €16.20
Full day at the Gellért Spa center without queues – €19
2-hour cruise on the Danube with live music – €21 €
Danube Cruise with Candlelight Dinner €60
Organ Concert at St. Stephen's Basilica €20
Budapest Card Tourist Card €22

St Stephen's Basilica

On the Szent István tér square, the building of St. Stephen's Basilica, the largest cathedral in the Hungarian capital, will attract attention. Built in the shape of a Latin cross in the neoclassical style, the temple rises 96 meters above the city. You can watch it inside on Monday-Friday from 9.00 to 17.00, on Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00, Sunday from 13.00 to 17.00.

It is worth at least a few minutes to go into the basilica to enjoy the beauty of the interior with skillful mosaics and marble columns. Here you can climb to the dome, where an observation deck is equipped, cover the whole Pest with a bird's eye view and camera lens. You can climb to the platform from 10.00 to 16.30 in winter and until 18.30 in summer for 1.7 €. No buildings are allowed above the temple in the center of the capital.

Andrássy Avenue

Andrássy Avenue originates from St. Stephen's Square, nicknamed for its scope and picturesqueness by the Champs Elysees of Budapest. It makes an enthusiastic impression with buildings and mansions built by prominent architects in the guise of a pseudo-historical style. Walking along the avenue, you will enjoy the view of the opera house, built in neo-Renaissance style with baroque details and 16 statues of famous composers on the facade; the French Renaissance of the Drechsler Palace, which housed the ballet institute.

Turning onto Nagymöze Street, which is considered a local Broadway, you will see a gallery of unusual sculptures and traces of famous Hungarian artists on the pavement. The street is literally dotted with stylish cafes, theaters and a pretty piece of Paris – its Moulin Rouge. From here you can walk to the city park or take the metro Kodály körönd and take line 1 and after 2 stops get off at Hősök tere station.

Varosliget City Park

Leaving the metro, find yourself on the Heroes' Square with two semicircular colonnades dedicated to the heroes of Hungary, where between the columns there are bronze sculptures of the rulers of Hungary from the 9th-14th centuries from the Arpad dynasty. The towering column in the center is crowned with the figure of Archangel Michael. Behind the colonnade originates the City Park Varoshliget, which is a huge complex with picturesque landscapes, attractions and sights. The most popular tourist destinations are:

Leaving the park, head to the trolleybus stop number 70, and drive towards the Parliament to the final stop.

Lipotvaroš

The historic quarter of Pest-Lipotváros is an unusually beautiful area with a large number of places of interest. Start your tour from Lajos Kossuth Square, where the neo-Gothic Parliament building, recognized as the largest and most beautiful in Europe, stands out brightly. 40 million bricks and 40 kg of gold were used for its construction. On the parliamentary facade, 88 statues of Hungarian kings, famous political and military figures represent the entire history of the state.

In addition to the Parliament on the square, the Ethnographic Museum is of interest, open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00, there are many historical monuments. Next, go to Freedom Square – decorated with luxurious historical mansions, where the building of the Hungarian State Treasury will attract your attention. From here you return to Erzsébet tér Square, so that after a short rest, continue along the Pest Embankment.

Promenade of Pest

The central embankment – Dunakorzo stretched in Pest between the Chain Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge. It looks like a wide cobbled street designed for walking: with cast-iron benches, trees and flowering flower beds. From here you can enjoy beautiful views of the Buda Castle, the two-towered Church of St. Anne and the Royal Palace. There are many monuments on the embankment, but one of them – representing 60 stone pairs of shoes, located near the water's edge: belonging to people of different ages and professions, leaves no one indifferent.

This is a monument to the Jews killed in World War II, who were taken off their shoes before death. On the rest of the coast, tram tracks with a fence are laid. After walking along the embankment to the bridge, take tram number 2, after driving to the Margaret bridge, change to another tram number 2 and get to the Fővám tér stop, practically located under the Freedom Bridge. From here you will enter Buda on foot across the bridge.

Mount Gellert

Mount Gellert descending to the Danube, representing a heap of dolomite, 235 meters high, is one of the symbols of the city. It houses the buildings of the famous baths, the memorial of St. Gelert, the Citadel and the Freedom Monument. In the picturesque area of ​​the mountain, you will find many sites for photographing views of Pest and bridges over the Danube. The name of the mountain is due to the personality of the Catholic saint Gerard, who died from imprisonment in a barrel thrown from the mountain.

You will see a monument to him on the side of the mountain. Climbing to the top of the mountain with the Citadel of the 19th century, which was intended to observe the city, you can see it from the inside for 3600HUF by visiting the Military Museum, located within its walls. It is open from 9.00 to 20.00 (May 1-September 30) and from 9.00 to 17.00 (October 1-April 30). Near the Citadel, the Freedom Monument rises 14 meters in the form of a figure of a woman with a palm branch in her hand raised up and allegorical sculptures of the struggle between good and evil spirit at her feet. Going down the path, exit to the Elizabeth bridge, and go to the stop of trams 19 and 41.

Embankment of Buda

Take a tram ride along the Buda embankment, admiring the beauty of the historical buildings that line its banks. The tram line, fenced with railings, is laid along the upper level of the two-level embankment. Below is the pedestrian part, paved with granite chips and not protected from water. There are no monuments, cafes and shops on the Buda embankment, there are only benches for rest. Get off at the bus stop near the Margaret Bridge.

Margaret Bridge

The Margate Bridge was built in 1876. Its peculiarity was the connection of the two banks with a small Danube island, spread over 0.5 km wide and stretching for 2.5 km. A walk along the bridge with a visit to the island gives a lot of impressions. After passing the first half of the bridge on the left side in front of the road to the island, cross it along the pedestrian crossing to the opposite side to admire the magnificent views of the Parliament and the Buda Castle.

Continue on your way and come to St. Stephen's Boulevard, built up at the end of the 19th century with beautiful houses in the style of the Austro-Hungarian Art Nouveau. Passing by the Comedy Theater, the road will lead to the Western Station Square.

West Station

The building of the western station – Nyugati, built in 1877 according to the project of the Eiffel company, is considered the most beautiful station in Europe. You will be convinced of this by going around it from all sides. From the pedestrian green square of the Eiffel Nyugati with an elegant decoration of the facade, huge windows, a cascade of lawns and fountains in front of the entrance. evokes associations with the palace. Its main façade, overlooking the Grand Boulevard, impresses with imperial turrets surrounding on both sides a glass landing platform above the platforms.

Go inside the station to see the old interior of the ticket office and other halls with impressive old frescoes and stained glass windows. In the south wing you will see the most beautiful McDonald's in the world. Today, the station serves for the departure and arrival of suburban trains and the sale of tickets for international trains departing from Keleti East Station.

3 day

The third day in the Hungarian capital we will continue our acquaintance with the sights of the left bank in Pest. The route runs from Vereshmarty Square to Vaci Street. Along the way, you will meet many places of interest worthy of attention and capture in photos and videos.

Vereshmarty Square

Start walking from Vörösmarty Square, surrounded by old elegant buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and beautiful new houses. The square is named after the famous poet Mihaly Vörösmarty, whose marble monument rises in its center. The figure of the poet, standing on a pedestal, is depicted reading his creation “The Appeal” to the people. The square attracts attention with a fountain with pouring jets of water from the mouths of lions and unusually beautiful lanterns.

Stop by the famous old patisserie to sample traditional Hungarian desserts in a pristine setting with damask wallpaper, antique artist paintings and elegant tables with wicker chairs. After seeing the beauties of Vereshmarty, head to the Deák Ferenc tér square – a beautiful place and traffic intersection.

Deák Ferec Square

This largest square in the city is named after the 19th century politician Ferenc Dik. First of all, it is remarkable for the location of the old Lutheran church, built on the foundation of the 17th century. The neoclassical building is decorated with a pair of Roman columns in front of the entrance, and the facades from the courtyard with bronze reliefs. A bell tower rises above the temple and next to it stands a chapel dating back to 1829. Right on the square is the second neoclassical cathedral, consecrated in honor of St. Stephen.

Another historical building is the Anker Palace, 53 meters high, looks colorful in eclectic architecture. Attracts the attention of the baroque building belonging to the management of Budapest. In its courtyard you can see an exhibition of medieval sculptures. Then it is convenient to walk to the Servites Square.

Church of St. Anne

The snow-white Church of St. Anne, built in 1732 in the Baroque style, became the decoration of the Servite Square. Today it appears in the eclectic appearance of the facade, remodeled in 1878, which does not diminish its artistic value. The church was built by the Order of Servites, meaning servants of Mary. On its facade, Mary's columns, statues located in niches, openwork rose windows and artful decor elements are of interest. An elegant bell tower rises above the temple. In its interior, artful altars with unique icons and a statue of Pope John XXIII are noteworthy.

Former Turkish Bank Building

Another attraction of the Servites Square, which stands out for the luxury of the Hungarian Art Nouveau, is the building of the former Turkish Bank, built in 1906. It will be remembered for the amazing mosaic fresco on the pediment, called “Glory of Hungary”, decorated with jellyfish bas-reliefs from below. The mosaic depicts the Virgin Mary, surrounded by two angels, towering over the people, waiting for her blessing.

The facade also looks bright thanks to large arched windows with balconies, bright mosaics on the portico. From here, walk past the yellow and red baroque building of the City Council to the Great Synagogue.

Great Synagogue

The main synagogue, built in the middle of the 19th century, is a popular tourist attraction. It was designed in Byzantine style architecture with the addition of oriental motifs to the design of the facade and interior. The interior of the synagogue will resemble a Catholic church with rows of benches, tribunes on the sides and an pulpit serving for reading sermons.

Leaving the Synagogue, look into its courtyard, which has become a memorial park for Jewish victims of the Holocaust. In memory of them, a metal weeping willow was installed, where the name of a murdered Hungarian Jew was engraved on each leaf. You can visit the Synagogue from 10.00 to 18.00 for 2250 HUF, but if you have a Budapest tourist card – 2000 HUF.

Galleries “Paris Court”

Moving from the Great Synagogue in the direction of Karoli Avenue, you will find yourself in a picturesque corner of Budapest – Ferenciek tere square. It is decorated with a Franciscan church and an arcade of shopping arcades, called the “Parisian Court”. You will see the covered galleries, colorfully combining the Venetian Gothic, the Renaissance with the Art Nouveau style. If you look closely, you will see relief bees on the walls, which are considered a symbol of frugality in Hungary.

After wandering through the malls, open on weekdays from 10.00 to 21.00, then focus on two buildings in the Art Nouveau style with towers facing each other, go to the parish church of Belváros, the oldest in Budapest, after which you will return to Karoli Avenue and walk to Edietem Square where the university church stands.

University Church

The structure of the university church is a real example of classical baroque. The one-nave temple was built by the monks of the Pavlican order in 1742, and 30 years later they were crowned with a tower. The church is distinguished by a high facade with columns, completed with a niche-tympanum. The niche is decorated with sculptures of Saints Anthony and Paul, separated by the emblem of the Paulician Order. The church narthex captivates with skillful woodcarving.

The walls of the hall are decorated with marble pilasters, the ceiling was painted in the 18th century by the famous Johann Bergl with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. Behind the main altar, ancient sculptures of saints deserve attention. Here it is interesting to see the ancient pulpit, the fence of the choirs and many items made by the monks of the order with their own hands. You can view the church interior from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 16.30.

Hungarian National Museum

Do not pass by the Hungarian National Museum, which presents the history and art of Hungary from the founding of the state to the end of the 90s of the last century. You will walk to it from the square to the Museum Street. It is located in a beautiful historic building built in 1802. The basis of its exposition was the collection donated to the city by Count Ferenc Chacheni, which included coins, books and manuscripts of the politician.

For 2 centuries, the museum has replenished with historical artifacts and art objects. Having paid 1600 HUF for entry, you will experience awe from the sight of the clavichord, on which the ingenious hand of Mozart leaned, the harps of Marie Antoinette and the pianos behind which Beethoven and Liszt worked. The portrait gallery will introduce you to the portraits of the kings and princes of the Arpad dynasty. Museum ticket offices are open from 10.00 to 17.00 daily, except Monday, when the museum is closed.

Central market

From the museum, move towards the Central Market, located on Wofham Square. The market deserves a visit not only because of the abundance of fruits, vegetables, famous Hungarian meat delicacies, smoked bacon, sausages and paprika. The steel building of the central market, covered with a multi-colored roof, is a real architectural masterpiece of the late 19th century. You will get great aesthetic pleasure from the view of the facade, completed with turrets and openwork windows.

The market opens at 6 am, working on Mondays until 17.00, from Tuesday to Friday until 18.00, and on Saturday until 14.00. It will seem strange to you that on Sunday the market has a day off! Before shopping, to compare prices and assortment, go to the supermarket located on the ground floor of the market.

Vaci Street

After leaving the Central Market, go straight to the pedestrian Vaci street, dotted on both sides with expensive restaurants and cafes, antique and souvenir shops, fashion boutiques. Fascinated by looking at colorful shop windows, do not pass by the historical monument of the 19th century – the House of Thonet at No. 11, notable for its Art Nouveau architectural style. Its facade, decorated with bright mosaics, is delightful. The promenade along the picturesque Vaci street ends the 3rd day of the tour.

Day 4

This day can be devoted to rest from historical and cultural attractions. Nature lovers can visit unique caves and enjoy communicating with animals. For those wishing to improve their health, the best European baths are open. We hope that the information provided here will help you make the best choice on how to spend your fourth day in the Hungarian capital.

Palvöldi Cave

In the thickness of the Buda Hills, the Palveldi stalagmite cave, discovered in 1904, stretches for almost 30 kilometers with a network of tunnels. It is available to go through its multi-level labyrinths from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 16.00. Formed millions of years ago by the action of thermal springs, the underground kingdom is permeated with healing air. Here you will see corridors full of dripping stones, the “Theatre Hall” of the cave will surprise you with a hanging stalagmite in the form of a “Sword of Damocles”, which, according to legend, falls on unfaithful spouses.

There is an underground zoo with figures of elephants, crocodiles and exotic animals, a hall of fairy tales with guessable characters. When going to the cave, please note that the tour is suitable for tourists with a good physical condition and not suitable for obese people due to narrow corridors in some places. A ticket to the cave costs 1400 HUF, the tour is guided and lasts up to 1 hour. You will get to the cave by bus number 65, from Kolosy Square, getting off at the 5th stop.

Margaret Island

Margit Island, stretching on the Danube between the bridges Arpad and Margit for 2.5 km and a width of up to 0.5 km, is a protected area with a beautiful arboretum, where mineral thermal springs beat. Two status hotels located within the island are an integral part of the balneological complex with modern equipment. The wonderful landscapes of the park with a Japanese garden, multi-colored alpine slides, freshness of fountains, fragrance of rose gardens, Palantinus beach are a great place to relax.

The island is equipped with tennis courts, swimming pools, children‘s paddling pools. Leisure activities are suitable for all ages. Tourists interested in history will be able to walk through the ruins of a 13th century monastery, get acquainted with the chapel of St. Michael, the singing well of Bodor and monuments to famous people of Hungary. It is a great pleasure to ride a boat from the island to the center.

Zoo

The zoo is located in the picturesque city park Varosliget in the center. It has become one of the most visited sights of the capital. At the entrance to the zoo, they give out a map with a map of the location of animal species and the time of their feeding. In the landscapes of the zoo, where about 1,500 plant species grow, there are many beautiful buildings and sculptures created by Hungarian designers. Among this magnificence, 3,000 different species of animals are kept in glass enclosures and corners close to their natural habitat.

In specially designated contact places, you can touch the animals and feed them, it will be a pleasure to visit the Butterfly House, the palm pavilion and the aquarium. In summer, opening at 9.00, the zoo is open from Monday to Thursday until 18.00, from Friday to Sunday until 19.00. In winter until 16.00, in March until 17.00, in April and October until 17.30, in September until 18.00. A standard adult ticket costs 3000 HUF.

Baths of Széchenyi

The Széchenyi Baths, dating back to 1909, are considered the largest bath complex in Budapest and Europe. Externally, the building of the bathhouse is comparable to a luxurious palace. The interior of 11 internal baths with mineral water from +18⁰ C to +40⁰ C is not inferior to it in terms of luxury – healing, soothing and bubbling. They are complemented by several indoor and outdoor pools. One of them is a pool with a “surprise”. In it you will experience the effect of a vortex flow, water bubbles and a jet massage with healing water at +34⁰С.

In the Széchenyi bath, you can play a game of chess while sitting in the pool, take a steam bath in light, aromatic and Finnish saunas, go through health and beauty sessions in the wellness center and SPA. Bath accessories are rented here. Along with the entrance ticket, which costs about 14 € on weekdays and 15 € on weekends, visitors are given a bracelet that also serves as a key to the locker. Changing rooms for men and women are located separately.

Széchenyi baths are open seven days a week from 6.00 to 22.00 – outdoor pools, until 19.00 – thermal pools, steam cabins and saunas. You can easily get there by metro (yellow line) or trolleybus number 72 (station and stop Széchenyi fürdő).

Bath Gelert

The building of the Gellert healing bath, built in 1918, looks like a luxurious palace in Art Nouveau architecture, and not a hydropathic bath, and delights with the richness of the interior. At the entrance to the hall, the beauty of the stained-glass windows illustrating the plots of the epic is stunning. The luxurious atmosphere is created by marble columns, bronze sculptures, leather sofas and pretty fountains exuding healing water. The Gelert bath has 13 pools with mineral water of different temperatures, 10 of which are covered.

Men and women in the thermal pools bathe separately, so you can be in them without a swimsuit. If you want to swim in the open-air wave pool or do aqua aerobics, bring a swimsuit, and slippers and a towel are available for rent. The Gelert complex, together with a luxurious hotel, adorn the right bank of the Danube – Buda.

It is easy to get here by trams: No. 19, 47, 18 and 49 and by buses No. 7A, 7 and 86. Tourists staying at the hotel visit the baths for free. For other visitors, the price of a ticket with a cabin is from 5600 HUF to 5800 HUF for 3 hours of swimming. Feel the bliss of relaxation in the thermal waters available from 6 am to 8 pm.

Bath Lukacs

The Lukacs Bath has 5 pools heated from + 22⁰С to +40°C and one entertainment pool with water from +33⁰С to +35°C with geysers and a whirlpool. There is 1 pool equipped with spine stretching devices and 2 outdoor pools with a comfortable temperature of +26°C. The healing water in the pools is rich in calcium, fluorine, sodium, magnesium and various trace elements.

Pleasant lightness of the body is given by sessions in the wellness department, held in the hammam, saunas, ice font and salt room. Romantic lighting is turned on in the evenings in the outdoor pools, and incendiary discos are arranged on Saturdays. Soak up in the embrace of thermal waters during the day with a cabin rental will cost from 3500 HUF on weekdays and up to 3700 HUF on weekends. Holders of the Budapest Card can use the swimming pool free of charge during the day. For an additional fee, massages and mud treatments are available here.

Opening hours of the pools from 6.00 to 22.00. Opening hours of the drinking pavilion from 11.00 to 18.00. You can get to the Lukács baths by trams No. 4, 6, 17 and 19 and walk 5 minutes or by buses No. 91, 191, 291 to Margaret Island.

Rudash Bath

The Rudash bath attracts attention with its architecture, expressed by an abundance of Turkish motifs. Its “highlight” is the octagonal pool, called the “green pillar bath”, in the color of one of the eight multi-colored columns supporting the 10-meter-high dome. In the drinking pavilion, taste the water from the mineral springs Juventus, Hungária and Attila, from which you will take a relaxing bath.

A visit to the Rudas baths starts at 8.30 and ends 1 hour before closing at 20.00. On Monday, Wednesday-Friday, only men bathe. On Tuesday, the entire bath is given over to the women. On Saturdays and Sundays, women and men visit the bath together.

A complex ticket including wellness, swimming in the thermal and swimming pools will cost 5000 HUF during the day, and 500 HUF more at night. Morning visit until 12.00 costs 2800 HUF, in the afternoon with a thermal pool and a cabin – 3500 HUF. Access to the baths by buses 7, 8E, 108E, 110, 112, 907 and 973 and trams – 17, 19, 41, 56 and 56A.

Kirai Bath

Royal Turkish baths – Kiraly, built in the 16th century by the Turks, you will recognize by the appearance of the roofs, reminiscent of mushroom caps. Visitors note the fabulous atmosphere that reigns in the baths, given by overhanging ceilings and intimate light. There are usually not many people in a large hall with a round pool covered with a dome, so in an atmosphere of silence it is possible to immerse yourself in a state of nirvana lying in warm water with light steam emanating from it.

Thermal water in the royal bath comes from the springs of the Lukas bath through the water supply system, so there is no difference in the composition of the mineral water. A ticket here costs 2600 HUF with a cabin. There is no division into women and men, except for locker rooms, everyone bathes together. Baths are open from 9.00 to 21.00, and the box office closes at 20.00.

Getting here is easy: from the Batthyany ter metro station, you need to go towards Margaret Island. Take trams 4 and 6 and get off at the Margit hit stop and walk along Fő street towards the castle. By the way, they are called royal by the name of one of the owners – Kening, which translates as king.

Bathhouse Dangar

The Dandar Baths were built in 1930 on a small street in the area of ​​the nearby Petofi Bridge. Dangar was built as a public bath. This institution remains to this day, given that the prices for services here are democratic. The cost of the cheapest ticket in the evening is 1100 HUF, and the standard ticket is 1450 HUF. A separate ticket is sold for each type of pool in the bathhouse.

The infrastructure of the health institution does not lag behind the more eminent relatives. Inside there are spacious baths, showers and a comfortable sauna, a steam bath and a cold pool, two indoor and outdoor pools with a temperature of +36⁰С – +38⁰С.

The bath has its own well with carbonic, bicarbonate-calcium water with a high content of fluorine. You need to go to the bathhouse by tram number 2 to the Haller street stop and walk a little, focusing on the Zwack – Unicum factory, which produces the famous Hungarian liquor. The swimming pool is open from Monday to Friday from 6.00 to 20.00, on Saturday and Sunday until 14.00.

Evening walk through the city center and its bars

Only dusk descends on Budapest, the doors of museums and temples close. Then the way opens to the world of the bewitching beauty of the night streets, bars with the originality of interiors, intoxicating drinks and the atmosphere that reigns in them. When the stars light up in the sky, you can fully experience the spirit of Budapest. On an evening walk, you will be imbued with the energy of St. Stephen's Cathedral, seen from a different angle and light.

On the breathtakingly illuminated chain bridge, you will learn a lot of interesting things about the historical districts of Buda and Pest, enjoy the panorama of the Danube, admire the luminous building of the most beautiful Parliament in the world and feel the aura of Freedom Square. We offer to finish the excursion program on a trip to the ruin bars, which will appeal not only to alcohol lovers.

You will be surprised by the interiors and decorations of the ruin bars with a disco ball replicating the shape of a pig, a bar in the shape of a shell and many cool details. By visiting 5 of these establishments, you will learn about the origins of the culture of ruin bars, get acquainted with their architecture, courtyards, communicate with the local public and try signature cocktails. The tour takes the form of an exciting walking tour for 1-10 people.

Day 5

The last day of your stay, having passed the mandatory program on your own, which is traditionally included in numerous tours to the sights of the Hungarian capital, I want to complete it with a bright final chord. At the end of our trip, we will offer several interesting places and entertainment so that you can choose what you like.

Eger and Miskolctapolca

A trip to the only unique bath in Europe in Miskolctapolz, located in the bosom of a cave surrounded by a beech forest, will be an unforgettable event in life. After having a two-hour pleasure (from 11.00 to 13.00) in the thermal pool with beautifully illuminated water + 30⁰С with hydromassage, then relaxing in the stalactite hall, you will go on a two-hour sightseeing tour to Eger.

In this picturesque city, permeated with a medieval atmosphere emanating from the baroque buildings, you will see all the sights and admire the architecture of the ancient minaret. Further, the path will lead to the Valley of Beauties, where in an original Hungarian tavern, you will be treated to dishes of national cuisine, and in one of the wine cellars, enjoy a tasting of Eger wine, taste the famous “Bull's Blood”, made from 6 varieties of grapes.

Lake Balaton and the thermal baths of Heviz

You will have the opportunity to go to Lake Balaton with a visit to the Heviz thermal baths in a group tour lasting 11 hours. In it you will visit ancient cities, admire the lakes recognized as natural monuments, improve your health in thermal and mineral springs. On the way to Lake Balaton, stop at Tihany Abbey – the burial place of King Andrew I. Arriving in Balatonfured, get acquainted with the largest resort on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, whose healing springs, which heal diseases of the internal organs, have been famous since the time of the Roman Empire.

From here, the path will lead to the ancient city of Keszthely, where you will see one of the largest Hungarian estates – the Festetics Palace. At the end, you will swim in the greatest thermal lake Heviz, which has a fruitful effect on joint diseases, osteochondrosis, blood circulation and potency. Don't forget to bring your swimwear.

Trip to Vienna

You can go on a group tour to Vienna. The tour route starts from the main boulevard of the Austrian capital – Ringstrasse, with sights located on it: the Parliament, built in the antique style, the City Hall, the world-famous Vienna Opera. After enjoying the architecture of secular buildings, go to the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral – an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Vienna.

After visiting the historical center, you will be invited to the Belvedere art complex, which consists of 2 parts: the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere. In the 7 halls of the Upper Belvedere there is an art collection of Austrian art, which, if desired, can be viewed after the tour. In the Lower Belvedere, admire the picturesque garden that previously surrounded the palace.

Next, you will see the Hovburg imperial residence with 19 palaces, a church with a chapel and the library of Charles IV, where you will focus on exploring the Hofburg treasury. At the end of the tour, you will have free time to take a walk and look into the famous Viennese cafe “Sacher”, famous for its chocolate desserts baked according to an old recipe.

Szentendre – Visegrad – Esztergom

Along the bend of the Danube, a necklace of ancient towns is scattered. They keep fragments of history from the time of the domination of the Romans and Turks, castles of the Middle Ages, churches that crowned the tops of hills and mountains. The richest Hungarian history is concentrated in the cities of Szentendre, Visegrad and Esztergom, which can be visited on an individual tour for 1-4 people.

Pannonhalma Abbey

Pannochalma Abbey, the second largest in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastic estates occupy the top of St. Martin's hill, 282 meters high. The emergence of the monastery on this site goes back to the distant year 996. During the car tour, you will be briefly told the history of the name of the hill, which, according to legend, became the birthplace of St. Martin of Tours. You will visit the basilica, the crypt, see the library of the abbey, taste delicious wines – the products of the monastery winery.

In the abbey you can buy chocolates made by the monks, wine, lavender oil and soap. At the end of the trip, you will have lunch at the panoramic Viator restaurant, which overlooks the magnificent local landscapes. Car tour, lasting 8 hours, designed for 1-7 people. Includes: transfer from the hotel to Pannonhalm and back, accompaniment by a driver who speaks Russian; payment for renting a business class car, toll roads and parking lots. In addition, you will have to pay € 8 for visiting the abbey, for wine tasting and lunch.

What and how you can save

On any trip, it's nice to spend less money, leaving it for other needs and pleasures. We will recommend several options on how to save money.

Using these tips, knowing the real prices and the payment algorithm, you will not spend a lot of money without denying yourself anything.