Welcome to this fabulous city of Budapest in Europe. For its architecture, culture and important history, Budapest gives visitors many memorable and exciting experiences. Should you be visiting Tokyo for four nights, here’s everything you need to know to make the best out of your stay.
Day 1: Seeing the Historical Center
Turkek bissnizin başlangıcı olarak Budapest’ün historiesel merkezininde yerleşin. Pay your first visit to Buda Castle which is a World Heritage Site and gives you great views of the whole city. From where the castle stands on Castle Hill, you can get a remarkable view of Budapest and the Danube River which twists through the city. Visit the museums on the castle grounds, including the major Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
After that, walk over the famous Chain Bridge which is one of the best-known landmarks in the city. It connects the two parts of the city: Buda and Pest and reflects the unity and progress that Budapest stands for. While you cross, look around and enjoy the great views of the river and city above. In Pest, head to the neo-Gothic Parliament Building which is a true architectural masterpiece and is the nation’s biggest structure. You can take a guided tour if you’d like to know more about its history and see all the beautiful rooms.
Highlights:
- Spend some time in Buda Castle and get to see its beautiful vistas.
- Move across the Chain Bridge into Pest and see the Parliament Building.
- Visit and see the beautiful Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church.
- Take a dip in the thermal baths of Gellért or Széchenyi.
End your day by soothing your muscles in one of Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths. Because of their magnificent Art Nouveau structure, the Gellért Baths provide a luxurious day at the spa, as they have indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms and saunas. Another choice is the Széchenyi Baths in City Park, renowned as the largest medicinal bath in Europe which give a fun atmosphere with many thermal pools. Finishing a day of sightseeing at one of these spots can be very therapeutic.
Day 2: Day Two Centers around Art and Culture
Budapest draws many art and culture lovers to its doors. Begin your sightseeing at the Hungarian National Museum which displays many items from early history to modern times. Looking at the neoclassical museum building makes you want to stop for peaceful reflection.
Then, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, as it contains many European masterpieces made by Raphael, El Greco and Rembrandt. Besides ancient art, the museum’s various galleries exhibit modern artworks from Hungary and beyond which attract art lovers.
Highlights:
- Look around the Hungarian National Museum.
- Feel amazed by the huge selection of art at the museum
- Wander at a gentle pace down Andrássy Avenue.
- Appreciate the amazing architecture of St. Stephen’s Basilica
After enjoying art, walk along Andrássy Avenue in a relaxed manner. Fifth Avenue which is similar to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, is decorated with many boutiques, cafes, theaters and old mansions. The place is perfect for feeling the city’s rich cultural life. Be sure to visit St. Stephen’s Basilica which was built in honor of Hungary’s first king. Going up to the top of the basilica allows visitors to enjoy fantastic panoramic views.
Spend your third day trying the various foods and wandering through markets.
Today is set aside to enjoy a food adventure in the vibrant eating scene of Budapest. Begin your day at the Great Market Hall which is Budapest’s oldest and biggest indoor market. At the market you can try sausages, cheeses, fresh vegetables and delicious pastries. Traditional ingredients like paprika, Tokaji wine and unique souvenirs can be found in the market.
Highlights:
- Taste the traditional foods at Great Market Hall.
- A local restaurant is a good place to sample some traditional Hungarian foods.
- Try to catch a night at a ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter.
- See the Danube from the deck of a river boat.
To try something Hungarian, eat lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. You should sample some Szekler cuisine classics such as goulash (which is a beef stew with paprika), lángos (fried dough with garlic and cheese) and chimney cake (a spiral pastry topped with sugar and cinnamon).
At night, go and discover Budapest’s interesting nightlife by wandering through the ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter. There are some in old abandoned places, adorned with various and artistic pieces that give them a special flavor. Having a drink at Szimpla means exploring a historically rich and fashionable piece of Budapest.
End the day on a relaxing Danube river cruise. Seeing the Parliament and Buda Castle when they are lit up from the water is a very special experience.
Day 4: Visit to the Danube Promenade and Margaret Island
Spend your entire last day in Budapest walking along the lovely Danube Promenade. Go to the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial to remember Jews who were murdered during World War II by being compelled to remove their shows and then being pushed into the Danube.
Highlights:
- See the memorial at the Shoes on the Danube Bank.
- Have a stroll along the charming Danube Promenade.
- Take it easy and respect nature while you visit Margaret Island.
- Attend a typical Hungarian folklore performance.
Move along on the promenade, looking at the river and the bridges of the city. Scenery like this makes taking photographs easy and the whole route feels calm and serene.
Then, go to Margaret Island which is a peaceful green place in the Danube. Beautiful gardens, meandering paths, fountains and a mini zoo are part of the island. Cycle through the park or row a pedal boat or just find a place with shade for a picnic.
Spare an evening to watch a Hungarian folk dance or musical performance. With traditional music, dance and costumes, these shows present the unique culture of Hungary.
Final Thoughts
The special mix of history, culture and beautiful architecture in Budapest will impress you. Because you have four nights, you have plenty of time to see all that the city offers. Take your opportunities to try local dishes, enjoy the town’s vibes and make your experience last. Budapest will most likely become a highlight of your travel experiences.
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