📍 Day 1: Classic Pest – Architecture, Cafés & Parliament

Morning

• 08:30 – Breakfast at New York Café (the world’s most beautiful café)

  • Book ahead. Pricey but worth it for the setting.

• 10:00 – Walk Andrássy Avenue toward St. Stephen’s Basilica

  • Climb to the dome (€5) for panoramic views

• 11:00 – Visit Hungarian Parliament Building (inside tour optional, but impressive)

  • Book online in advance

Afternoon

• 13:00 – Lunch at Borkonyha Winekitchen (Michelin-starred, modern Hungarian)

• 14:30 – Stroll along the Danube Promenade

  • Stop at the moving Shoes on the Danube memorial

• 15:30 – Explore Liberty Square and check out the nearby Soviet memorial

• 16:30 – Coffee & cake at Gerbeaud Café (historic, central)

Evening

• 18:00 – Aperitivo at High Note SkyBar (near Basilica – rooftop with views)

• 20:00 – Dinner at Hungarikum Bisztró (hearty, homemade Hungarian classics)

• 21:30 – Walk across Chain Bridge at night for stunning lights

• Optional: Night cruise on the Danube (1 hour, audio guide + drink)

🏰 Day 2: Historic Buda – Castles, Hills & Panoramas

Morning

• 08:30 – Breakfast at Zsiráf Buda (stylish café, great vibes)

• 09:30 – Head to Buda Castle Hill

  • Use the funicular or walk up

• 10:00 – Explore Buda Castle & Budapest History Museum

• 11:30 – Visit Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church

  • 📸 Great photos from the neo-Romanesque balconies

Afternoon

• 13:00 – Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro (cozy spot near Bastion)

• 14:30 – Walk to Hospital in the Rock Museum (Cold War + WWII underground site)

• 16:00 – Climb (or take a taxi) to Gellért Hill & Liberty Statue

  • The best panoramic view of the city!

Evening

• 18:30 – Soak in Rudas Baths (evening spa ticket with skyline pool!)

  • Or go earlier and enjoy sunset from the rooftop thermal pool

• 20:30 – Dinner at 21 Hungarian Kitchen or Déryné Bistro (upscale local favorites)

• 22:00 – Drinks at Boutiq Bar or WarmUp Bar (creative cocktails)

🎉 Day 3: Relax, Ruin Bars & Local Life

Morning

• 09:00 – Brunch at Cirkusz Café (hipster, eggs & avo toast)

• 10:30 – Explore the Great Market Hall

  • Try lángos (fried dough), paprika sausages, or buy souvenirs

• 11:30 – Walk through the Jewish Quarter

  • Visit: Dohány Street Synagogue (largest in Europe), Jewish Museum

Afternoon

• 13:00 – Lunch at Mazel Tov (modern Israeli in a garden-style ruin bar)

• 14:30 – Relax in Széchenyi Thermal Baths

  • Book tickets online; bring flip-flops, towel, and a swimsuit

• 16:30 – Optional: Stroll in City Park, visit Heroes’ Square or Vajdahunyad Castle

Evening

• 18:00 – Start the night at Dobrumba (Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine)

• 20:00 – Explore Budapest’s famous Ruin Bars in District VII

  • Start at Szimpla Kert, then check Instant-Fogas, Ellátó Kert, or Kőleves Kert

  • 🎶 Most stay open late; casual, affordable, artsy

• Optional: Live music or techno at A38 Ship on the Danube

🚇 Transport Tips

• Buy a 72-hour public transport pass (covers metro, tram, buses)

• Trams #2 (river view), #4 and #6 (main nightlife lines) are iconic

• Bolt (like Uber) is fast and cheap

• Use Google Maps or BKK Futár app for real-time transport

📸 Best Photo Spots

• Fisherman’s Bastion arches at sunrise

• Parliament from across the river (especially at night)

• Chain Bridge from both sides

• Széchenyi Baths’ outdoor pools

• Gellért Hill panorama

• Café New York interior