TOP-ATTRACTIONS-WORLD.COM

Here's a detailed seven-day itinerary to explore Budapest and its surroundings, focusing on gastronomy, great restaurants, and affordable accommodation:

### **Day 1: Arrival and City Center Exploration**

- **6:00 AM - 8:00 AM:** Arrive in Budapest and check into accommodation. For a good value, consider **Maverick City Lodge** or **Wombat's City Hostel**.

- **8:00 AM - 10:00 AM:** Breakfast at **New York Café**, known for its luxurious setting and classic Hungarian breakfast.

- **10:00 AM - 12:00 PM:** Explore the City Park (Városliget) and visit Vajdahunyad Castle.

- **12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:** Lunch at **Paprika**, famous for traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash.

- **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM:** Visit the Heroes' Square and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

- **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM:** Enjoy a coffee and pastry at **Gerbeaud Café**, a historic café with a rich selection of cakes.

- **6:00 PM - 8:00 PM:** Dinner at **Kiosk Budapest**, offering modern Hungarian cuisine.

- **8:00 PM - 10:00 PM:** Evening stroll along the Danube River.

### **Day 2: Pest Side and Gastronomy**

- **6:00 AM - 8:00 AM:** Breakfast at **Café Csiga**, a local favorite for fresh pastries and coffee.

- **8:00 AM - 10:00 AM:** Visit the Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) for local produce and snacks.

- **10:00 AM - 12:00 PM:** Explore the Jewish Quarter and visit the Dohany Street Synagogue.

- **12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:** Lunch at **Ruin Bars**, such as **Szimpla Kert**, which also offers food stalls.

- **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM:** Visit the Hungarian National Museum.

- **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM:** Coffee break at **Central Café** with a selection of Hungarian pastries.

- **6:00 PM - 8:00 PM:** Dinner at **Menza**, known for its excellent value and traditional Hungarian dishes.

- **8:00 PM - 10:00 PM:** Explore the vibrant nightlife or enjoy a quiet evening by the Danube.

### **Day 3: Buda Side and Historical Sites**

- **6:00 AM - 8:00 AM:** Breakfast at **Kaffeine Espresso Bar**, a cozy spot with great coffee.

- **8:00 AM - 10:00 AM:** Visit Buda Castle and explore the historical Castle Hill area.

- **10:00 AM - 12:00 PM:** Walk along the Fishermen’s Bastion for panoramic views of the city.

- **12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:** Lunch at **Halaszbastya Restaurant**, offering great views and traditional Hungarian cuisine.

- **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM:** Visit Matthias Church and explore the surrounding area.

- **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM:** Coffee and cake at **Ruszwurm Confectionery**, a historic patisserie.

- **6:00 PM - 8:00 PM:** Dinner at **Bistro Deryne**, known for its high-quality Hungarian dishes.

- **8:00 PM - 10:00 PM:** Enjoy a nighttime visit to the Citadel for city views.

### **Day 4: Day Trip to Szentendre**

- **6:00 AM - 8:00 AM:** Breakfast at the hotel or a local café.

- **8:00 AM - 10:00 AM:** Take a train or boat to Szentendre, a charming town near Budapest.

- **10:00 AM - 12:00 PM:** Explore the town’s quaint streets and visit local galleries.

- **12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:** Lunch at **Aranysárkány Vendéglő**, a cozy spot with Hungarian specialties.

- **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM:** Visit the Marzipan Museum and walk along the Danube promenade.

- **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM:** Return to Budapest.

- **6:00 PM - 8:00 PM:** Dinner at **Firkász Restaurant**, offering modern Hungarian cuisine at reasonable prices.

- **8:00 PM - 10:00 PM:** Relax at **Széchenyi Thermal Bath** or explore the city’s evening atmosphere.

### **Day 5: Wine and Food Experience**

- **6:00 AM - 8:00 AM:** Breakfast at **József Attila Café**, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

- **8:00 AM - 10:00 AM:** Visit the National Gallery in Buda Castle.

- **10:00 AM - 12:00 PM:** Explore the Matthias Church and the surrounding area.

- **12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:** Lunch at **Zeller Bistro**, known for its traditional Hungarian dishes.

- **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM:** Visit the Budapest Wine Museum and taste local wines.

- **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM:** Coffee at **Művész Kávéház**, a classic Budapest café.

- **6:00 PM - 8:00 PM:** Dinner at **Kiosk Budapest** for a mix of modern and traditional Hungarian dishes.

- **8:00 PM - 10:00 PM:** Enjoy an evening cruise on the Danube River.

### **Day 6: Art and Culture**

- **6:00 AM - 8:00 AM:** Breakfast at **Café Párisi**, offering a rich selection of breakfast options.

- **8:00 AM - 10:00 AM:** Visit the Museum of Fine Arts.

- **10:00 AM - 12:00 PM:** Walk through Andrássy Avenue and visit the House of Terror Museum.

- **12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:** Lunch at **Bistro Bouchon**, a French-inspired spot with good value.

- **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM:** Explore the Hungarian State Opera House and take a guided tour if possible.

- **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM:** Enjoy coffee at **Gerlóczy Café**, a charming Parisian-style café.

- **6:00 PM - 8:00 PM:** Dinner at **Tanti**, known for its innovative Hungarian cuisine.

- **8:00 PM - 10:00 PM:** Attend a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House if available.

### **Day 7: Relax and Departure**

- **6:00 AM - 8:00 AM:** Breakfast at **Breakfast and Brunch**, a popular spot for a hearty breakfast.

- **8:00 AM - 10:00 AM:** Stroll through the Margaret Island and relax in its gardens.

- **10:00 AM - 12:00 PM:** Visit the Parliament Building and take a guided tour.

- **12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:** Lunch at **Kiosk**, known for its modern Hungarian dishes.

- **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM:** Last-minute shopping or exploring favorite spots.

- **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM:** Prepare for departure and check out of the hotel.

- **6:00 PM - 8:00 PM:** Early dinner at **Hummus Bar**, offering affordable and tasty Middle Eastern dishes.

- **8:00 PM - 10:00 PM:** Transfer to the airport or train station for departure.

This itinerary offers a mix of Budapest's best culinary experiences, historical sites, and cultural activities, with accommodation options providing good value. For nearly free lodging, consider hostels like **Maverick City Lodge** or **Wombat's City Hostel**, and explore local cafés and affordable restaurants for great meals.