Note: Details about places and things may have changed since the time of this writing. Be sure to cross-check while planning your trip! I found it most convenient to stay on the Pest side of the river, as I spent most of my time there, while making fewer outings to the Buda side. Luckily, the transit in Budapest is very efficient and affordable. It saved me a lot of money in Budapest β a big thank you to the Budapest tourism board for the gift! There are two free walking tours included with the Budapest card, but I opted to explore on my own to get my bearings.
You may want to stop at the House of Terror museum documenting the Nazi and Soviet occupations in Hungary on the way. Is your camera charged up? Take the bridge to the Buda side, and visit the epic Buda Castle complex, museum, St. Mary Magdalene. If you need a break from the sun, consider adding the underground labyrinth where Count Dracula was once imprisoned to your itinerary.
This was one of my most enjoyable experiences in Budapest! Want to do some more sightseeing from above? Take the Zugliget Chairlift to the top. On the way back, try to time it so that you can catch the sun setting on the Hungarian Parliament Building from the Buda side.
Once it gets dark, the building is illuminated by lights, making for a gorgeous photo. I can vouch for the pad thai! Spend Friday taking in the Jewish history of Budapest in the Jewish quarter. A tour is included in the admission, and you can enter the synagogue itself, the garden and cemetery, and the museum.
Be sure your knees and shoulders are covered. Spend an hour or two visiting Central Market Hall, a giant market with food stalls and souvenirs β and pay special attention to the architecture!
