Published: July 21 2023
Quick Answer: No, it's not! Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city filled to the brim with historic and contemporary attractions. Five days in Budapest give you ample time to explore, engage, and truly experience what the city has to offer. Now, let's delve into the main body of our discussion.
Why Five Days Is Not Too Long
Day 1 – Exploring Buda: The city of Budapest is divided in two parts: Buda and Pest. Start your journey with Buda, the hilly and older section of the city. Stroll around the Castle District, visit the Matthias Church - a highlight being the breath-taking panoramic view from Fisherman's Bastion.
Day 2 – Exploring Pest: Now cross the iconic Chain Bridge to explore Pest, that is mostly flat and is the commercial heart of the city. Highlights include the Hungarian Parliament Building, Freedom Square, Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Day 3 – Unwind in the Thermal Baths and Party at the Ruin Bars: Budapest is famous for its thermal baths. Szechenyi Baths and Géllert Baths are among the most popular. Spend the afternoon relaxing in warm mineral-rich waters before hitting up the city’s ruin bars at night.
Day 4 – Museums and Walking Tours: Budapest is home to an array of museums. Venture to the House of Terror for more recent dark history, or enjoy the Hungarian National Gallery for a wide spectrum of art. Additionally, take part in informative and fun walking tours around the city.
Day 5 – Food, Shopping, and a Danube Cruise: Finish your trip tasting Hungarian cuisine and enjoying local markets. The Great Market Hall is excellent for food and souvenirs. End your day with a breathtaking Danube River cruise to get a different perspective on the city's beauty.
Budapest Offers More Than You Expect
Five days is a comfortable amount of time to cover the primary attractions. Moreover, Budapest offers much more beyond these. You might want to explore the various gardens, parks, and islands, or roam through the Jewish Quarter. Margit Island and the Zoo and Botanical Garden are other not-to-be-missed sites.
Taking Day Trips
If you feel you've covered most of what you wanted to see in the city itself, Budapest is ideally situated for numerous day trips. You can visit the Danube Bend, which includes towns like Szentendre, Esztergom and Visegrád, all underrated gems steeped in history and charm.
Conclusion
Five days in Budapest is not too long. It provides the right balance, allowing for thorough exploration, accommodation for personal leisure, and flexibility to take day trips to the surrounding areas. All in all, Budapest is well worth spending five days – or even more.
