Budapest

Budapest’s two sides give a useful structure to a first visit. Start on the Buda side with the Castle District, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, then give Pest its own day for the Parliament area, St Stephen’s Basilica and the streets around Andrássy Avenue. Do not try to cover every museum and viewpoint in one continuous walk. Check admission and construction notices for each site.

A suggested third day combines Heroes’ Square and City Park with a bath visit if the chosen venue is operating. Gellért Bath has been closed for renovation since 1 October 2025; do not book around an assumed reopening. Other baths have their own pool access, age, swimwear and ticket rules. Thermal bathing is an optional activity, not a medical benefit promised by this guide.

For food and an evening out, consider the Central Market Hall or the Jewish Quarter, then choose a restaurant or music venue by its current programme. A ruin-bar label does not guarantee opening hours or a particular event. The State Opera and Liszt Academy are options for a performance; check the actual programme, seat category and admission conditions rather than relying on a guaranteed cheap ticket or free concert.

A fourth day can remain flexible or become a separate outing to Szentendre. Check BKK and MÁV for the appropriate suburban or rail tickets and the return service. Vienna, Bratislava, Krakow and Lake Balaton should be planned from current schedules, with an overnight option where useful; a rail trip is not automatically cheaper than another hotel night.

Hungary uses the forint. Compare accommodation per room with daily costs per person and check your bank’s conversion charges. For entry, verify the requirements for your passport, travel purpose and any transit country; do not confuse a short tourist stay with permission to work. Confirm roaming coverage and your hotel’s connection to the planned sights before purchasing.