THE PERFECT WINTER GETAWAY IN BUDAPEST
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is one of Europe’s most romantic cities - especially in the winter. Picture strolling hand-in-hand down beautifully lit streets, soaking in thermal baths, and ice skating under twinkling lights. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a trip with friends, Budapest offers the perfect mix of charm, history, and fun.
We spent five days in Budapest and crafted a dreamy, romantic itinerary that guarantees an unforgettable experience. Here’s how to make the most of 3–4 magical days in Budapest this winter, featuring the best photo spots, must-visit attractions, and even some hidden gems.
HOW MANY DAYS IN BUDAPEST?
FOUR TO FIVE DAYS. And even this didn’t feel like enough. However, we did take it relatively show and didn’t pack our days with back to back plans so if you’re someone who likes to make the best of every hour, four days should be enough (excluding travel days). This itinerary is designed to help you experience Budapest with plenty of time to relax, take it easy, and enjoy the night life.
WHEN TO VISIT COPENHAGEN
Why Budapest is a Must-Visit in Winter:
Budapest transforms into a magical winter wonderland with festive Christmas markets, warm thermal spas, and sparkling lights during the holidays. It’s not just a city; it’s an experience that offers a mix of old-world romance and modern entertainment. Winter, particularly from November to early January, is the best time to visit if you want to enjoy the holiday festivities, seasonal food, and cozy vibes. If you’re looking for a romantic holiday getaway with your partner or a festive trip with your family, wintertime is the best time to go.
However, we were also told that summer is a great time to visit, in particularly August. We know, visiting in August usually means that you’ll be dealing with very hot weather and crowded streets from all the tourists, but it’s also a time when Budapest hosts a ton of festivals and events, most notably the Sziget Festival which is celebrated alongside Hungary’s national holiday, St. Stephen’s Day on August 20th.
Plan to spend 4-5 days in Budapest to fully soak in the magic without feeling rushed. So with that being said, here’s your perfect Budapest itinerary:
Day 1: Relax and Get Festive
Thermal Spa
Start your trip at one of Budapest’s iconic thermal baths, like Széchenyi or Gellért. These outdoor pools, heated year-round, making it the perfect spot for unwinding or starting your morning. We visited Széchenyi at 8AM, and it was very quiet and relaxing with far less crowds.
*Tips for the Thermal Spa:
• When to go: As soon as they open to avoid crowds. We noticed the line going out the entrance doors around 10AM.
• How long to stay: 1-3 hours is ideal.
• What to bring: Towels, sandals, swimsuit, and a hair tie if needed.
• Tickets: Book online here in advance for a quick, stress-free entry.
St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market
Head over to the Christmas market at St. Stephen’s Basilica. Feast on Hungarian street food (don’t skip the lángos!), sip mulled wine, and shop for handmade crafts. The market’s Christmas tree and light show is an incredible feature of the Christmas market that you don’t want to miss.
*Other Christmas Markets to Visit:
• Vörösmarty Square
• Baroshaza Square
• Vajdahunyad Castle
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Óbuda
Ice Skating
Wrap up your day at a nearby ice rink. We chose Csepel, because it was beginner-friendly and close to St. Stephen’s Basilica, but City Park is a popular favorite for larger crowds. Skating under the twinkling lights made us feel like we were in a Hallmark movie🥹 Highly recommended!
*Other Ice Skating Rinks in Budapest:
• City Park Ice Rink
• Budapest Park
• Jégkert
• Hello Buda
Live Music
End your night with live music at Renegade Tattoo & Blues Bar, a hidden gem we stumbled upon on our walk back to our room. The cozy vibes and live music were the perfect way to wind down after a busy day.
Day 2: Nostalgia and Nightlife
Day 2 started later due to the weather, but we still managed to pack in a cozy and fun-filled evening. If you’re short on time, consider combining this day with Day 4 for a more efficient itinerary.
Early Dinner at Fat Mama
Kick off your evening with a meal at Fat Mama, a cozy put that offers some delicious Hungarian dishes and great drinks. We recommend trying the Chicken Paprikash, Hungarian Gnocchi, and Lentil Soup (they were a 9/10 for us!). This is a great place to fuel up for the night ahead.
Fashion Street Budapest
After freshening up, stroll through Fashion Street Budapest. By winter afternoon, the city begins to light up with festive decorations and winter lights, that gives the street such a cozy, romantic vibe. There’s a mini Christmas market right at the entrance for those who want something to snack on.
The Pinball Museum
If you’re nostalgic like we are, you have to head over to the Pinball Museum, a hidden gem for anyone who loves nostalgia. You’ll find rows of vintage pinball machines and retro arcade games, all with unique themes. Plan to spend at least 1–2 hours here. It was probably the highlight of our night and we could’ve easily spent 3 hours just playing pinball. (📍Location here)
Ride the Budapest Eye
Next, visit the Budapest Eye for incredible nighttime views of the city. Pro tip: Arrive before 10 PM to catch the buildings and landmarks fully lit up. It’s a romantic and unique way to experience Budapest at night.
Ruin Bars & Street Food
For those who love bars, end your night at Szimpla Kert, the city’s most famous ruin bar. Explore its eclectic decor, grab a drink, get a dance in, and soak in the buzzing atmosphere. Don’t forget to pick up a late-night snack afterwards at Karaván, a street food court right next door, where you’ll find a variety of delicious options to close out the night.
Day 3: Sightseeing and Scenic Views
Fisherman’s Bastion
Start your day bright and early at Fisherman’s Bastion for sunrise. The panoramic views of Budapest are absolutely breathtaking, and arriving early means you’ll beat the crowds, making it a peaceful and romantic experience. This was one of our favorite spots in the city!
If you’re more into night views than sunrises, visiting in the evening is another great option. The Bastion lights up beautifully, and the nearby Christmas market adds to the festive charm. However, keep in mind that it can get very crowded during this time, which made it a bit tricky for us to get clear photos of the Bastion itself. If photos are a priority, we’d recommend visiting at sunrise when it’s much quieter.
Iconic Parliament Photo Spot
After soaking in the views at Fisherman’s Bastion, make your way down to the famous Parliament photo spot across the river. This is, without a doubt, the best vantage point to see the Parliament building in all its glory.
While it’s stunning during the day, we especially fell in love with this spot at night when the Parliament building is beautifully lit up. Whether you’re there to snap photos or simply take in the view, this stop is an absolute must-see on your Budapest itinerary. (📍Location here)
Cruise Down the Danube
Wrap up your day with a scenic river cruise along the Danube, one of Budapest’s most iconic experiences. It’s a peaceful and romantic way to experience the city, especially at sunset or after dark when the night lights reflect beautifully off the water. This is a must for anyone traveling to Budapest, whether as a couple or with friends.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to ride the cruise ourselves since Isaiah wasn’t feeling well that evening, and with the chilly winds, it didn’t seem like the best idea at the time. But it’s absolutely at the top of our list for our next visit.
Day 4: A Luxurious Goodbye
Coffee at New York Café
Start your day at the iconic New York Café, often referred to as the “most beautiful café in the world.” The interior is absolutely beautiful and a spot you definitely can’t miss while you’re in Budapest. However, did we think it was slightly overrated? Maybe. It’s up to personal preference.
Pro Tip: The lines here can get long quickly, so we recommend arriving as soon as they open to beat the crowds. We arrived at 6:50 AM, and by the time the doors opened, a line had already formed behind us.
While the ambiance and interior is unmatched, the menu at the New York Café didn’t wow us for breakfast. We opted for a simple coffee to soak in the atmosphere, then headed over to TwentySix Budapest for a full breakfast. This brunch place was much more our vibe and also offered a fantastic menu to start your morning.
One Last Skate at City Park
End your trip with a final skate at the City Park Ice Rink. This is Budapest’s iconic skating rink and is much larger and more picturesque than others in the city, with Vajdahunyad Castle as the backdrop. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Budapest’s winter charm one last time and end on a good note.
PLACES TO EAT
Papitos: Some of the BEST Mexican food we’ve had in Europe - hands down. Their burritos are a must-eat so if you’re craving some good Mexican food, this place delivers big time.
Twentysix Budapest: Our favorite breakfast/brunch spot! Their interior felt like a hidden oasis and their food was absolutely incredible. 10/10 recommend.
Fat Mama: A cozy, charming place to get some Hungarian food (or American BBQ). Don’t forget to get yourself a drink from the pub while you’re here.
Lángosom: If you’re hunting for the best lángos in town, this is the place to go.
Hungarikum Bisztro: A classic spot for traditional Hungarian cuisine. It’s a must-visit if you want to experience Hungary's culinary heritage.
TRANSPORTATION IN COPENHAGEN
We opted to either walk or uber around the city but Budapest has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trams, trolleys, and the metro. It’s well-connected and you can easily get to most major attractions.
Metro: The metro system has 4 lines (M1–M4) that cover the city well. The M1 line (the Millennium Underground) is especially charming and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Trams: Budapest’s tram system is extensive, with Trams 2 and 4/6 being especially popular for sightseeing. Tram 2 runs along the Danube, offering fantastic views of the river and Parliament.
Buses and Trolleys: These cover areas the metro doesn’t reach, and buses run frequently.
*Tickets and Passes: Single tickets are 350 HUF (about €1), but you can save money by buying a pack of 10 or opting for a 24-hour or 72-hour travel pass. Don’t forget to validate your ticket before boarding, or you might face a fine during random checks.
Walking: Budapest is very walkable, especially in central areas. Many of the city’s landmarks are close to each other as well and made walking around a scenic and enjoyable option.
Ride-Shairing: Bolt and Uber are the most popular ride-hailing app in Budapest and often cheaper than taxis.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Budapest is a city that stays in your heart long after you leave. For us, it was one of the most romantic trips we’ve ever taken and it made us fall in Europe all over again (as if we needed another reason!).
This city has a unique charm that changes with the seasons and we truly believe that Budapest deserves both a winter and summer visit.
Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or your partner, Budapest is the perfect city to make you feel like you’re stepping into some classic European fairytale.
