Days Along the Danube A Long Weekend in Budapest

The historic towns of Buda and Pest merged in 1837 to create the Hungarian capital we know today, a magnificent melting pot steeped in history, rich in culture and – luckily for us – perfect for a long weekend.

On this trip, enjoy four days of exploring along the Danube, from soaking in the varied architecture and stepping into the past in museums to strolling through pretty parks and tucking into tasty Hungarian treats.

Your Itinerary

To help you find your bearings after the speedy two-and-a-half-hour hop from the UK, we’ll arrange a tour of the city with a friendly local guide. In our humble opinion, the best way to experience Budapest is to simply go where your feet take you, so lace up your shoes and lose yourselves in the buzzing streets (with a little helpful steering from your guide). Along the way, admire the shimmering Danube, stop at the bohemian cafes that punctuate the street corners and marvel at century-old facades, built in an eclectic mix of Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Baroque styles.

While you’re here, we’ve also secured tickets for the Hungarian Parliament, an emblematic building blending neo-Gothic and Byzantine styles. Once inside, you’ll have the chance to delve into Hungary’s political history on a guided tour, pausing to marvel at the country’s crown jewels – significant symbols of its royal heritage. Then, step back onto the streets and wander along Andrassy Avenue to the sprawling Heroes' Square, home to the Millennium Monument, a tribute to the Magyar people who made Hungary what it is today.

For one last hurrah, once you’ve racked up some pretty impressive step counts, pay a visit to the famous Szechenyi Baths, one of the largest bath complexes in Europe. Tickets in hand, wander past the neo-Baroque threshold, grab a towel and spend a day relaxing in the steaming waters.

Between visits, spend your time strolling along the Danube, diving into your holiday read in Central Park and sampling a few Hungarian specialities, from traditional turo cheese to Dobos Torte, a soft sponge cake layered with lashings of chocolate cream and topped with velvety caramel. Now, a slice of that would make the perfect souvenir…