Budapest & Danube Bend
Spend three days in Budapest exploring the castle, parliament, and thermal baths, followed by two days in the historic towns of the Danube Bend.
A leisurely paced itinerary relying entirely on the metro, trams, and trains, with no car rental needed. Spend the first three days exploring Buda, Pest, and Andrássy Avenue by zone. On the fourth day, visit Visegrád and Esztergom, and spend a half-day in Szentendre on the final day before departing. Perfect for first-time visitors, avoiding the rushed approach of visiting three towns in a single day.
Gellért Baths are undergoing renovation until around 2028. Danube Bend boat services are subject to season and water levels.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival & Climb Buda Castle Hill
Budapest（Fisherman's Bastion / Matthias Church、Buda Castle、Széchenyi Chain Bridge）
Take airport express 100E to the city center (about 40 minutes), then metro or bus to Castle Hill, and walk down across the Chain Bridge.
The Castle Hill Funicular is closed for maintenance on alternate Mondays; take bus 16 instead.
Stay: Belváros and Lipótváros
Day 2 · Pest Waterfront & Parliament
Budapest（Hungarian Parliament Building、Shoes on the Danube Bank、St. Stephen's Basilica、Great Market Hall、Danube River Cruise）
Mainly walking today, with 10–20 minutes between sights; take Tram 2 for longer distances.
Visitor slots for the Parliament are limited; book well in advance.
Stay: Belváros and Lipótváros
Day 3 · Jewish Quarter, Andrássy Avenue & Széchenyi
Budapest（Dohány Street Synagogue、Andrássy Avenue、House of Terror、Heroes' Square、Széchenyi Thermal Bath）
Walk through the Jewish Quarter, stroll along Andrássy Avenue to the House of Terror, then take Metro Line 1 to Heroes' Square.
Széchenyi Baths are undergoing phased renovations and some areas may be closed; booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Stay: Belváros and Lipótváros
Day 4 · Visegrád & Esztergom
Budapest（Visegrád Upper Castle、Esztergom Basilica）
Take a train from Nyugati station to Nagymaros (about 40 minutes), cross the river by ferry to Visegrád, transfer to Esztergom, and return by train (about 75 minutes).
The transfer between the two towns is the trickiest part; double-check schedules before departing.
Stay: Belváros and Lipótváros
Day 5 · Half-Day in Szentendre & Departure
Take the H5 suburban railway from Batthyány Square to Szentendre (about 40 minutes), and return in the afternoon to head to the airport.
Szentendre gets crowded on summer weekends; try to arrive early.