MacQueen

• Take Buss 100E to downtown. Buy 900 Ft ticket at a machine.
• Buda is on the left side of the river; Pest is on the right.

• ibis Styles Budapest Citywest
• GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ReFVM572ewqcNcPz7
• From Airport: https://goo.gl/maps/WfPN8ovry5ZRPJ6v9

Day 1: Pest Side – Grand Architecture & Atmosphere

Morning

    Hungarian Parliament Building – Book a guided tour in advance (highly recommended). Even just seeing the exterior from the riverfront is impressive.
    Walk along the Danube to the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.
    St. Stephen’s Basilica – Climb the dome for panoramic views (or take the elevator).

Afternoon

    Stroll through central Pest (District V).
    Visit the Great Market Hall (Central Market) for local food, paprika, and souvenirs.
    Optional: Walk along Andrássy Avenue toward the Opera House.

Evening

    Explore the Jewish Quarter and its famous ruin bars (e.g. Szimpla Kert).
    Dinner in the area or a traditional Hungarian restaurant.

Day 2: Buda Side + Thermal Baths

Morning

    Cross the Chain Bridge to Buda.
    Head up to Castle Hill (walk or take the funicular).
    Explore Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion (best views of Parliament and the Danube).

Afternoon

    Relax at a thermal bath. Top choices:
        Széchenyi Baths (large, outdoor pools, lively atmosphere in City Park)
        Rudas or Gellért (more historic/intimate options)
    Optional: Short visit to Heroes’ Square and City Park if near Széchenyi.

Evening

    Take a Danube river cruise at sunset or after dark (one of the best ways to see the illuminated Parliament and bridges).
    Dinner with a view or back in Pest.

Practical Tips

    Getting around: Use the efficient metro, trams (especially Tram 2 along the Danube), and buses. A 24- or 72-hour travel card is convenient.
    Book in advance: Parliament tours and popular thermal baths (especially Széchenyi) sell out.
    Best views: Fisherman’s Bastion at sunset and the evening river cruise.
    Food: Try goulash, lángos, chimney cake (kürtőskalács), and local wines or Unicum.