We grouped the sights by area so we never walked back and forth in the heat: Pest on day one, Castle Hill on day two, and a day trip out of the city on day three.

At a glance

• How long: 3 days
• When we went: Mid-July (very hot)
• Best for: Architecture, views, food
• Pace: Busy, with a lot of walking
• Getting around: On foot, sights grouped by area

Pack

• A hand fan. We are not joking.
• Water, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Day 1: Pest and the Danube

1. Breakfast at New York Café.
2. St. Stephen’s Basilica, inside and from the square.
3. Vajdahunyad Castle.
4. Dinner at Gettó Gulyás for Hungarian food.
5. An evening Danube boat cruise at golden hour, with the Parliament lit by the sunset.

Day 2: Castle Hill

1. Buda Castle and the views over the city.
2. Matthias Church and its colourful roof.
3. Fisherman’s Bastion. Crowded, and worth it.
4. Hungarian National Gallery, inside Buda Castle (and air-conditioned).
5. Dinner at Dobrumba for a break from heavy Hungarian food.

Day 3: Day trip

1. The Royal Palace of Gödöllő, outside Budapest. Quieter and more spacious than the centre.

Tips from our trip

• Do the river cruise in the evening, when it’s cooler and the light is golden.
• Castle Hill is the most tiring day. Wear proper shoes.
• Keep an eye on your belongings in some streets, especially at night.