Short on time? Check out our quick 2- or 3-day Budapest itinerary. Budapest usually gets squeezed into 3- or 4-day trips, but that forces you to choose between the Parliament, the thermal baths, and a day trip to the Hungarian countryside. With 7 days, you can split your time between Buda and Pest, spend a whole lazy afternoon at the baths, and still fit in Szentendre or Lake Balaton as a day trip.
The short answer: a 7-day Budapest itinerary looks like this — 2 days in Pest (Parliament, Basilica, Synagogue), 2 days in Buda (Castle, Gellért Hill, thermal baths), 1 day for a river cruise and ruin bar nightlife, and 2 free days for a day trip to the Danube Bend or Lake Balaton. The city has excellent metro and tram connections, so you can easily hop between the two sides of the river without wasting time on transit.
How to get to Budapest
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is about 16 km from the city center. Bus 100E is the cheapest option, with tickets around 2,500 HUF (about €6.50) and a travel time of roughly 30 minutes to Deák Ferenc tér, in the heart of Pest. Taxis or ride-hailing apps like Bolt cost between 10,000 and 12,000 HUF (approximately €27–30) for the same route, while pre-booked shared shuttles run about €17 per person.
Budapest is also well connected by train to the rest of Central Europe — Vienna is about 2.5 hours away, and Bratislava just over 2 hours. If you’re already in the region, it’s easy to include Budapest in a broader train itinerary without needing to fly between cities.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
April through June and September through October bring pleasant temperatures for walking between Buda and Pest while still enjoying the outdoor thermal baths without the heavy summer heat. July and August are hot and crowded, especially at the Széchenyi and Gellért baths. Winter is cold, but the Christmas markets and the thermal baths with steam rising from the chilly water are among the most photographed experiences in the city.
Seven days take the rush out of the typical 3-day itinerary and leave room for at least one full-day excursion — something that’s rare on shorter visits.
What to see in Budapest
Hungarian Parliament Building
It’s the largest building in Hungary and one of Europe’s most visited parliaments. As of January 2026, the standard ticket costs 7,000 HUF for citizens of the European Economic Area and 14,000 HUF for other visitors — book well in advance on the official website, because guided tour slots sell out fast, especially on weekends.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
With 18 pools across indoor and outdoor areas, it’s the largest thermal bath in Europe and the experience most associated with the city. A full-day ticket with locker access costs between 13,200 HUF (weekdays) and 15,800 HUF (holidays). Arriving before 9 a.m. with the “Good Morning” ticket gets you emptier pools at a slightly lower price.
Buda Castle and Gellért Hill
On the Buda side, the Castle District brings together the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion, with direct views of the Parliament across the river. Climbing to the Citadella at the top of Gellért Hill takes some effort, but it rewards you with the most complete panorama of Buda and Pest separated by the Danube — go in the late afternoon to watch the city light up.
What to pair with Budapest
A nighttime Danube cruise, with the Parliament and bridges all lit up, is the best pick for your first day — it helps you get your bearings between Buda and Pest before exploring each side on foot. During the day, cruises usually include commentary on the city’s history and stop near the Chain Bridge, the first permanent link between the two banks.
With 7 days, you’ll have time for a day trip to the Danube Bend — Szentendre, Visegrád, and Esztergom are less than an hour from the center and offer an artists’ town, a medieval castle perched on a cliff, and Hungary’s largest basilica. If you prefer freshwater beaches, head to Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake, about 1.5 hours away by train or car.
To keep things simple, you can book a Danube river cruise with commentary in Portuguese or buy skip-the-line tickets for the Széchenyi Thermal Bath before you travel, so you don’t waste time in line when you arrive.
Where to eat in Budapest
Paprikás, a creamy chicken stew with paprika, and gulyás, the soup that gave international goulash its name, are the city’s most traditional dishes. The Great Market Hall (Nagycsarnok), near Liberty Square, brings together street food stalls and local products at friendlier prices than the touristy restaurants downtown. At night, the Jewish Quarter is home to the ruin bars — pubs set up in abandoned buildings that have become one of the most iconic symbols of Budapest’s nightlife.
Where to stay in Budapest
The Jewish Quarter in Pest is where the nightlife, ruin bars, and a solid range of mid-priced accommodations are concentrated, all just a short walk from the historic center. Near the Parliament, lodging is pricier, but it puts you within easy reach of Pest’s main attractions. On the Buda side, the neighborhoods near the Castle are quieter at night and great for those who prioritize views and peace over nightlife.
Practical tips
The currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF) — even in a touristy city, credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth having some cash on hand for markets and transit. Brazilians don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in the Schengen Area, but double-check the current rules before you travel. The metro, tram, and bus system is among the best public transit networks in Central Europe, and a 24- or 72-hour pass usually pays off if you plan on hopping between Buda and Pest a lot.
Book your Parliament visit slot at least two or three weeks in advance during peak season, since tickets sell out fast even on weekdays. To confirm up-to-date prices and hours, it’s worth checking the official Hungarian Parliament pricing page and the official Széchenyi Thermal Bath website before locking in your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need to see Budapest?
Three or four days cover the essentials of Buda and Pest; seven days give you time to enjoy the thermal baths at a relaxed pace and fit in at least one day trip, like Szentendre or Lake Balaton.
How much does it cost to visit the Hungarian Parliament?
As of January 2026, the standard ticket costs 7,000 HUF for citizens of the European Economic Area and 14,000 HUF for other visitors.
Is it worth visiting the Széchenyi Thermal Bath?
Yes — it’s the largest thermal bath in Europe, with 18 pools across indoor and outdoor areas, and it operates even in winter. A full-day ticket runs between 13,200 and 15,800 HUF, depending on the day of the week.
How do I get from Budapest Airport to the city center?
Bus 100E takes about 30 minutes to Deák Ferenc tér for roughly 2,500 HUF; a taxi or Bolt costs between 10,000 and 12,000 HUF for the same trip.
Which day trip from Budapest is most worth it?
The Danube Bend — Szentendre, Visegrád, and Esztergom — is less than an hour away and fits neatly into a single day; Lake Balaton requires a bit more travel time, around 1h30, but it’s a great pick if you’re after a freshwater beach.
Conclusion
Budapest easily fills a full week when you split your time between Buda and Pest, with plenty of room for the thermal baths and a day trip into the Hungarian countryside. Book your Parliament slot and bath tickets ahead of time, then let the rest of the itinerary fall into place as you go. For more Europe itineraries, keep exploring Voyage Voyage.