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Budapest was my big summer break trip in 2023 — a whole week to explore, unwind, and soak up the best of Eastern Europe without torching my bank account. I did it all: thermal spas, riverside sunsets, island chill-outs, and a dinner cruise with unlimited wine. The only thing I didn’t do? Go to a ruin bar. (Yes, yes, I know — I regret it too.)
Here’s how I’d break down a perfect student-friendly week in Budapest, with a new vibe every day and everything kept tight on a budget.
BEFORE WE BEGIN:
We took a chaotic-but-gorgeous day trip to Vienna via train — think palace overload, bakery pretzels, and budget survival instincts. We slotted it in on Day 3, but you can do it whenever it fits (or skip it entirely). The last day is open anyway, so you’ve got room to reshuffle or catch anything you missed! 🙂
👉 [Read the full Vienna guide here]
Day 1: Arrive & Watch the Sunset from Fisherman’s Bastion
First things first — dump your bags and go. There’s no better intro to Budapest than climbing the hill to Fisherman’s Bastion just before sunset. The entire city lights up below you — Parliament glowing across the Danube, bridges twinkling, boats sliding by. It’s cinematic. And free.
Bonus points if you grab a camera and just vibe. I stayed a 5 minute walk from this spot and it quickly became my favorite photography spot.
Day 2: Széchenyi Baths + Heroes’ Square & City Park
Let your legs recover from travel with a full chill day at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. I spent hours bobbing around between steamy pools and chilly plunge baths, eavesdropping on conversations in about five languages.
Once you’re all wrinkled up, stroll through Heroes’ Square and into the leafy City Park — home to sculptures, a beautiful castle, and Anonymus bar for great food, some bangers and a pretty castle view.
Student tip: Bring your own towel & flip flops and be prepared to change amongst complete strangers!
Day 3: Grand Market Hall + Jewish Quarter + Gellért Hill Sunset
Start with a visit to Grand Market Hall — a buzzing indoor market filled with paprika, cured meats, souvenirs, and snacks. Grab a chimney cake and devour, the one from this market might be the best sweet treat I have ever had.
Then make your way to the Jewish Quarter. Sadly, I didn’t spend much time here. This area is full of murals, history, edgy coffee shops and tiny galleries. It’s also home to Szimpla Kert, one of the most famous ruin bars in the world. I walked past it. I looked at it. I didn’t go in because it was 1PM. Don’t make my mistake, day drink if needs must.
End the day by climbing Gellért Hill for sunset views that somehow rival (or beat) Bastion. Expect wind, dramatic clouds, random closed off soviet monuments, and lots of photos.
Day 4: Danube Dinner Cruise (With Unlimited Wine)
If you’re going to splurge anywhere, make it here. I booked a Danube dinner cruise that came with unlimited wine, a massive buffet, and a front-row seat to Budapest by night. Parliament lit up? Chef’s kiss. Buda Castle shimmering? Unreal. The Magyar folk culture dances, clothing and music? So good I got whirled up in the performances (yes, there is a very embarrassing video of me pulled up on that stage.) Wine that keeps topping itself up? Dangerous.
Day 5: Margaret Island + Chill
Perfect for that wine hangover. Margaret Island is a giant slice of green space in the middle of the Danube. I rented a peddle-powered car, cruised around the gardens, people-watched and cooled down by the musical fountain, and grabbed drinks in the quirky Steg Pub and beach vibes Wonder island next door.
It’s laid-back, lovely, and 100% student-budget approved.
Day 6: Sightseeing Power Walk — Parliament, Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s
Ready to hit the city centre? Walk across the Chain Bridge, (or if, like me, the bridge is closed, there’s many more nearby, and the trams are always cheap!), up to St. Stephen’s Basilica. I never realised, but it’s free entry and less than a tenner for a 3 hour guide tour with dome, clock tower and treasury access. For all of the historical building lovers, this is a must-do and something I NEED to do next time.
Afterwards, wander down to the Shoes on the Danube memorial for a sobering but important moment. End with a close-up of the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most iconic buildings in Europe.
Budget tip: Pack your lunch or grab cheap bites from food trucks along the way.
Day 7: Ruin Bar Redemption / Anything You Missed
Last day! Use it to shop for souvenirs, squeeze in another spa visit, or, if you’re smarter than me, actually go to a ruin bar. These chaotic, artsy, thrift-store-on-acid style bars are what Budapest is known for. They’re quirky, cheap-ish, and filled with character.
I didn’t go. Still salty about that, don’t know if you can tell.
Final Thoughts
Budapest is magic. It’s walkable, weird, full of history and character, and surprisingly easy on the wallet if you plan it right. Whether you go for three days or stay for ten, there’s so much to see. And yes, even ruin bars.
This is by no means a comprehensive guide or a fully-structured itinerary, everyone’s different and has different needs. For some, their worst nightmare is doing anything after a night out or walking round for a full day. But if you’re there for a week, this would be a pretty good way to spend your time.
🎒 Planning a trip like this? I’m building a free AI trip planner that generates student-friendly itineraries based on trips I’ve done myself. Stay tuned or hit follow — more madness coming soon.
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