Budapest 🇭🇺
3-Day Budapest Itinerary
## Day 1: Classic Buda Hills Views
### 12:00 PM Arrival & Lunch
- Enjoy an authentic lunch (e.g., Hungarian goulash, stew, Langos, etc.) at the Great Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok) while strolling through this colorful historic market, perfect for photographing the lively atmosphere both inside and outside.
### 1:30 PM Gresham Palace & Danube Riverbank
- Depart from the Great Market Hall, walk across Liberty Bridge to the Danube Riverbank and admire the city skyline.
- Highlight: The exterior of Gresham Palace, perfect for capturing backlit shots in the afternoon.
### 2:30 PM Buda Castle Hill
- Walk or take the Budavári Sikló cable car up the hill (round-trip cable car costs approximately €4-5, while walking is free). - Photograph exteriors of Buda Castle and the National Gallery (entrance is optional).
- Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion, classic Budapest postcard locations, are most captivating around dusk.
### 5:30 PM Fisherman's Bastion Sunset
- Admire the golden Danube and panoramic views of Pest from Fisherman's Bastion at sunset, one of Budapest's most beautiful photo opportunities.
### 7:00 PM Dinner at the Hillside
- Return to the hillside and enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Castle District or along the Danube River (traditional Hungarian cuisine is recommended).
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## Day 2: Pest City and Danube River Views
### 12:00 PM Lunch at a Centennial Café
- Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and dessert at either the New York Café or the Gerbeaud Café, immersing you in Budapest's European ambiance (reservations recommended).
### 1:30 PM St. Stephen's Basilica
- Visit the basilica and ascend to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city (approximately €2-3).
- Photo highlight: The dome offers stunning views of the city, softened by the afternoon light.
### 3:00 PM Stroll along Andrássy Avenue
- Stroll along Andrássy Avenue, admiring the 19th-century architecture and the Opera House facade.
- Entrance to the House of Terror (admission approximately €8, if interested).
### 5:00 PM Heroes' Square & City Park (Városliget)
- Take photos of the Heroes' Square statue and the magnificent square.
- Visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths for exterior photos. If interested, you can try the thermal baths (bring your own swimsuit; admission is approximately €18-20).
### 7:00 PM Dinner in City Park
- Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near the park.
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## Day 3: Budapest Unique Experiences & Golden Hour
### 12:00 PM Lunch in the Jewish Quarter
- Enjoy lunch in the Jewish Quarter (District 7), perhaps at a kosher restaurant or local snacks.
### 1:00 PM Great Synagogue (Dohány Street Synagogue)
- Visit Europe's largest synagogue (admission approximately €10). Both the exterior and interior are worth photographing.
### 2:30 PM Freedom Square & Hungarian Parliament Building
- Stroll to **Freedom Square (Szabadság tér)** and admire the sculptures and architecture.
- Proceed to the magnificent **Hungarian Parliament Building**. It's recommended to book a guided tour (prices are approximately €10-15 if interested). Take photos along the riverbank outside. The golden afternoon light is the best time to photograph.
### 4:30 PM Danube River & "Shoe Sculpture"
- Stroll along the Danube River to the **"Shoes on the Danube"** monument, perfect for capturing the pre-dawn light.
### 6:00 PM Margaret Bridge & Margaret Island
- Walk across Margaret Bridge for panoramic views of Budapest and the reflection of the Parliament Building.
- If you have more time, stroll to **Margaret Island** and experience an urban oasis.
### 7:00 PM Riverside Dinner
- Enjoy dinner at a restaurant on the Danube River, enjoying the night lights and river views.
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## Summary of the Best Times and Locations for Photos
- **Fisherman's Bastion**: Dusk and sunset
- **Parliament**: Afternoon and dusk, the golden light is particularly beautiful
- **Danube Riverbank**: Around sunset, when the lights begin to come on
- **Central Market**: Lunchtime is bustling with crowds and vendors
- **St. Stephen's Basilica Dome**: Afternoon or evening
- **Heroes' Square**: Afternoon, when the sun is slanting
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