Hungary
Plan your trip to Budapest
Everything for your Budapest trip in one place — build the plan in a tap, free, with Vagga.
Start freeBudapest, the 'Paris of the East,' spreads across both banks of the Danube — hilly Buda and bustling Pest. A city of thermal baths, grand architecture, historic cafés and ruin bars. Here's everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Budapest — and build it in a tap with Vagga.
Top sights
The Parliament Building
One of Europe's most beautiful buildings, on the Danube bank. Book a guided tour ahead.
Fisherman's Bastion & Buda Castle
Neo-Gothic terraces with the finest view over the city and the Danube.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Grand thermal pools under the open sky, even in winter.
The Chain Bridge
The iconic bridge linking Buda and Pest, lit up at night.
St. Stephen's Basilica
An impressive church with a viewpoint from the dome.
Jewish Quarter & Great Synagogue
Europe's largest synagogue, with ruin bars all around.
Things to do
Evening Danube cruise
The Parliament and bridges lit up — the city's most romantic view.
A night in a ruin bar
Famous Szimpla Kert, a uniquely bohemian atmosphere.
Soak in the thermal baths
A centuries-old tradition, at Széchenyi or Gellért.
Hungarian wine tasting
Sweet Tokaji and the red 'Bull's Blood.'
Where to eat
Goulash
Beef-and-paprika soup, Hungary's signature dish.
Lángos
Deep-fried dough with sour cream and cheese, a street-food staple.
Kürtőskalács
A sweet, caramelized 'chimney cake' roasted on a spit.
Coffee in a historic café
Cakes in grand rooms like the New York Café.
Best time to visit
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October): pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer is warm and lively with festivals; winter is cold but the thermal baths are a comfort.
Sample itinerary
Day 1
Pest side — Parliament, the Basilica, Andrássy Avenue and the Jewish Quarter in the evening.
Day 2
Buda side — Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge on the way back.
Day 3
Unwind — Széchenyi baths, an evening Danube cruise, and a ruin bar to finish.
Good to know
How many days do you need in Budapest?
Three days for the main sights; four with baths and downtime.
Should I book in advance?
For weekend baths and Parliament tours, yes. Much of the city is free to explore on foot.
What's the currency in Budapest?
The Hungarian forint (HUF), not the euro. Cards are accepted in most places.
How do you get around?
The center is walkable; there's a historic metro, trams and cheap buses.
Ready to plan Budapest? 👇
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