### Perfect Weekend in Budapest: A Guide

#### Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Buda

**Morning*

1. **Arrive in Budapest** - Begin your journey in Hungary's stunning capital. If you're flying in, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is your entry point. Grab a taxi or use the airport shuttle to reach your accommodation.



2. **Check into your hotel** - For an authentic experience, consider staying in a boutique hotel or Airbnb in the historic Buda district. Hotel Clark and the Art'otel are excellent choices, offering picturesque views of the Danube River.

3. **Breakfast at a local café** - Start your day with a delicious breakfast. Try Ruszwurm Cukrászda, one of the city's oldest confectioneries, renowned for its traditional pastries and coffee.

**Mid-Morning*

4. **Buda Castle** - Head to Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the castle's courtyards, gardens, and museums, including the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.

5. **Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion** - Just a short walk from the castle, these iconic landmarks offer breathtaking views of the city. Don’t forget to capture some Instagram-worthy photos from Fisherman's Bastion's terraces.

**Lunch*

6. **Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro** - Enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine at this charming bistro. Try dishes like goulash soup or chicken paprikash, paired with a glass of local Tokaji wine.

**Afternoon*

7. **Gellért Hill and Citadella** - Take a leisurely hike up Gellért Hill. The Citadella fortress at the top offers panoramic views of Budapest. On your way down, stop by the Gellért Thermal Bath for a relaxing soak in its healing waters.

**Evening*

8. **Dinner at Halászbástya Restaurant** - Nestled in Fisherman’s Bastion, this restaurant combines fine dining with stunning views of the illuminated Parliament building across the river. Enjoy dishes like roasted duck breast or Hungarian beef tenderloin.

9. **Nighttime Danube River Cruise** - End your first day with a romantic cruise on the Danube River. See the city's landmarks beautifully lit up, including the Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle.

#### Day 2: Discovering Pest

**Morning*

1. **Breakfast at New York Café** - Begin your day in the opulent surroundings of the New York Café, often dubbed "the most beautiful café in the world." Indulge in their gourmet breakfast options and exquisite coffee.

2. **Parliament Building Tour** - Head to the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of Budapest's most iconic structures. Take a guided tour to explore its grand halls, including the stunning central hall and the Holy Crown of Hungary.

**Mid-Morning*

3. **St. Stephen’s Basilica** - Visit this magnificent basilica named after Hungary's first king. Climb to the dome for a 360-degree view of the city.

**Lunch*

4. **Lunch at Café Gerbeaud** - Located in Vörösmarty Square, this historic café is perfect for a leisurely lunch. Savor their famous cakes and pastries, along with a light meal.

**Afternoon*

5. **Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square** - Stroll down Andrássy Avenue, Budapest's grand boulevard lined with beautiful architecture, high-end shops, and cafes. End your walk at Heroes’ Square, flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle.

6. **Széchenyi Thermal Bath** - Unwind in one of Europe’s largest spa complexes. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath offers indoor and outdoor pools with thermal waters, saunas, and wellness treatments.

**Evening*

7. **Dinner at Mazel Tov** - Enjoy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in a trendy, garden-like setting. Mazel Tov offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music and delicious food.

8. **Ruin Bar Experience** - End your evening with a visit to Szimpla Kert, Budapest's first and most famous ruin bar. These unique bars are set in abandoned buildings and courtyards, offering eclectic decor and a lively nightlife scene.

#### Day 3: Culture and Relaxation

**Morning*

1. **Breakfast at your hotel** - Start your final day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.

2. **Great Market Hall** - Explore this historic market for local produce, Hungarian delicacies, and souvenirs. Try lángos, a traditional Hungarian street food, for a mid-morning snack.

**Mid-Morning*

3. **Dohány Street Synagogue** - Visit the largest synagogue in Europe, featuring stunning architecture and the moving Holocaust Memorial in its garden.

**Lunch*

4. **Lunch at Borkonyha Winekitchen** - Relish a gourmet meal paired with Hungarian wines at this Michelin-starred restaurant near St. Stephen’s Basilica.

**Afternoon*

5. **House of Terror Museum** - Gain insight into Hungary’s tumultuous 20th-century history at this thought-provoking museum located in a former Nazi and Communist headquarters.

6. **Relax at a Thermal Bath** - Spend your last afternoon unwinding in the city’s famous thermal baths. Return to Széchenyi Baths or try Rudas Baths for a different experience.

**Evening*

7. **Dinner at Gundel Restaurant** - For your final dinner, dine at the historic Gundel Restaurant, renowned for its traditional Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy dishes like Gundel pancake and goose liver.

8. **Evening Stroll along the Danube** - Take a leisurely walk along the Danube promenade, soaking in the city’s illuminated skyline one last time.

### Additional Tips:

- **Public Transportation** - Budapest has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the metro. Consider purchasing a Budapest Card for unlimited travel and discounts at various attractions.

- **Currency** - The local currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's handy to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

- **Language** - While Hungarian is the official language, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

Budapest offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re soaking in thermal baths, exploring grand castles, or savoring Hungarian cuisine, your weekend in this enchanting city will be an unforgettable experience.