Travel to the capital city of Hungary and follow this 4-day itinerary in Budapest. One of the largest cities in Europe, Budapest has a rich historic past that goes way back during the Celtic settlement, the Roman, and the Ottoman periods. Being one of the thriving places of these empires, seeing rows after rows of world heritage sites is inevitable. Spending at least 4 days in this city is perfect time to go through most of the must-see places that only Budapest can offer.
Before you venture to this eastern part of Europe, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa to be permitted to enter the country. Although there are several passport holders who are exempted from this visa, there are still quite a number of nations that are required to get an approved visa prior to embarking to Budapest. You need not fret about this because the visa application process is simple and easy. Here are the requirements:
- Valid passport and copies of the front and back pages
- Current passport-sized photos with white background
- Completed Schengen Visa application form
- Proof of travel such as flight booking, travel itinerary, and hotel booking – You may get a Flight Booking for Visa and Hotel Reservation for Visa just for your visa application without having to pay for the airfare or hotel booking.
- Travel Insurance – It is better to acquire this from Schengen Travel Insurance, an affordable and reliable insurance company.
- Personal Coverage Letter
- Bank Documents
- For employed travelers, a No Objection Letter is highly recommended
A 4-Day Itinerary in Budapest
Are you ready for a unique European adventure? This 4-day itinerary in Budapest features the rich historical past of Budapest as well as the romantic Danube River. Unlike other European countries that you might have visited already, the sites to see in Budapest may be quite a distance from one another so ironing out your schedule is paramount to maximize your 4-day stay in this large city. Expect, at the end of your trip, to understand where the name “Budapest” stems from and how pivotal the Danube River is to the city’s image.
Day 1: See the “Pest” in Budapest:
Explore the eastern bank of the Danube River and see the historic past of Hungary. The now urban part of the capital of Hungary used to led by the Mongols, which have been vital in transforming the city into a center for commerce.
Start your 4-day itinerary in Budapest by visiting the famous Hungarian Parliament. This large, Gothic-styled structure is the center of politics in Hungary. Probably one of the most photographed buildings in Hungary, the Parliament is open to tourists and offers a well-guided tour for those who are interested in the building’s history, architecture, and interiors.
Another site to see at Pest is the St. Stephen’s Basilica. Within walking distance from the Parliament, this basilica can be easily seen from afar. With its two tall towers and its 300-ft high dome, you will definitely notice this grandiose structure. Built in the late 1800s, the construction of this basilica underwent a series of adversities due to structural issues. However with years of perseverance, the church finally was completed and is now revered as the city’s most beautiful Catholic church. Tourists are recommended to go up the western bell tower to see the beautiful view of the city.
Other sites to see on the eastern bank of Danube are the Elizabeth Park, Holocaust Shoe Memorial, and the Freedom Square. You may also visit McDonald’s, the first fast food chain to have been established in a Communist Nation. Finally, do cross the iconic Chain Bridge because this connects the Buda and Pest which are separated by the Danube River.
Day 2: See the “Buda” in Budapest:
Spend the 2nd day of your 4-day itinerary in Budapest in the western bank of the Danube. Known as Buda, this side of the city is quite distinct from its eastern counterpart. Here, you can find several narrow roads that wind up a hill. You can also see more trees and can feel a more laid-back ambiance.
Your first stop in Buda should be the Buda Castle Hill. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the castle sits atop a hill which overlooks the entire Budapest. Tourists who wish to visit the castle can take the scenic Bus #16 from the base of Castle Hill.
Another must-see and must-do at this side of the city is the Buda Hill Funicular. This classic mode of transportation had been operating during the 1940s but was destroyed during the war. Luckily the government restored and reopened the tracks going up Castle Hill. If you want to experience going up a 48° slope with the best view of the city, then you must allot time to line up and take one of the 24 passenger seats in this fun ride.
Other sites to see in the western part of Danube are the Buda Royal Palace, History Museum, and Matthias Church.
Day 3: Go Back to the Center of Pest:
Time to go back to the eastern side of Danube and visit the central part of Pest. Not only is this site literally at the central part of Pest, but is also central to the city’s religion. Judaism is probably the most influential religion in the city; for this reason, the central part of Pest is dedicated to its religious followers.
Known as the Jewish Quarter, this area can take tourists back to the first century up until the time when the Jewish community suffered under the tyrant Hitler. Once you get into the Jewish Quarter, walk through the streets and visit the three large synagogues within the area. Visit the Dohany Street Synagogue which is the largest in Europe, the Rumbach Street Synagogue, and the Kazinczy Street Synagogue.
Day 4: Explore the Danube River:
You cannot spend 4 days in Budapest without having to venture along the famous Danube River. This historic river actually stretches and passes through several European cities.
Tourists can experience one of the exciting stretches from Budapest by taking the Danube Bend Tour. This horseshoe-shaped bend can take tourists to some of the most unique river communities that date back during the Roman times. Should you have the time and the budget to take the Danube Bend Tour, you must take a routine stop at Esztergom and see the castle that sits right at the river bend. You can also make a quick stop at Vac and Aquincum.
A 4-Day Itinerary in Budapest – Get Ready Now!
Are you now ready for your Buda and Pest trip? Prepare all the documents you need to secure a Schengen visa before flying to Hungary. If Hungary is just one of several European nations that you wish to visit, then it might be useful to know the different kinds of Schengen visa to not ruin your planned itinerary. Also, if you wish to maximize your single entry visa, you may want to know the other Schengen countries that implement the same kind of visa. Finally, should you need further assistance to secure a Schengen Visa, you may contact us through Whats App (+1 201-554-8735) or leave us a message.
Get acquainted with Hungary by following this 4-day itinerary in Budapest!
