Day 11 - Extra Day
This is your chance to catch something you missed during our week here! Maybe we skipped something because of the weather, or you needed a rest when something you wanted to do was in the plans. There are a number of suggestions in the "Extras" section of the Budapest Information page, but these are my top recommendations:
Széchenyi Thermal Bath This wasn't on any specific itinerary, but is an incredible place to visit, if you haven't already. The largest medicinal bath in Europe featuring 18 pools of varying temperatures, and probably the most spectacular. A full-day ticket for today is about $40, or you can buy a two-hour ticket for a 7-9 am visit for about $32.
Rudas Thermal Bath If you skipped it on the day we were in Buda, try it today! The Turkish bath from the 16th century is incredible and you'll also be able to use the pools and saunas at the facility, as well as a locker and cabin (change room) for about $30. I'm not sure if this ticket allows you to use the rooftop pool; you may need the All-In ticket for that. To do it justice, expect to spend at least a few hours here. You'll need to bring a towel and sandals, as well as your swimwear. More ticket information is available here.
Gellért Hill route This was also in the plans for Friday in Buda. It will take you to Várkert Bazár (the garden entrance to the castle hill), the statue of Elizabeth Queen of Hungary, and up Gellért Hill to the spectacular Liberty Monument. From there, you'll go back down the hill where you can find the entrance to the Gellért Hill Cave church. The entry fee is inexpensive and includes a thorough audio guide.
Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library & Hungarian National Museum This was on the itinerary for Saturday morning; enjoy them today if you don't want to miss them.
Shopping the Design District
If it’s typical souvenirs you’re after, there is no shortage of shops selling Budapest-branded items all over the city, particularly in Váci ut. and around the major tourist attractions. However, Budapest is also home to many shops featuring locally designed and produced goods. Here is a path starting at the north end of Váci that will take you to several of them, located in what is casually called the Design District.
Impact Shop Local, ethically made and packaged foods and crafted items, from an employer providing employment for disabled and disadvantaged people and communities.
Fekete Design Spot Mostly paper items.
VALAMI Hazai A variety of gifts from Hungarian artists - ceramics, notebooks and cards, jewelry, and more.
Szimpla Design Shop So many things! There is also a farmer’s market here on Sundays from 9-2.
Picassino Design Artistic jewelry and accessories.
Printa Design Shop Clothing, accessories, and home goods.
Rododendron A variety of clothing and accessory items.
MONO art & design Fashion and accessories.
Paloma Artspace A collection of artists' shops, each operated by its own creator. A wide variety of items such as jewelry, textile goods, home decor, and accessories.
Danube River Cruise
This is our last evening in Budapest! Our cruise (included) on the river will take us past many of the sites we visited during our week here. A past guest commented that this is a great way to finish it off and tie everything together. A glass of prosecco will be served as we board.
You will have noticed the Chain Bridge directly in front of us as we come down the Funicular, or on an earlier day. This beautiful structure, built in the 1840s, underwent a renovation in 2023, and is now closed to private traffic. Our cruise will end at about 9:00 p.m., just in time for the sun to be going down and the city starting to light up. This is a great time to take a walk on the bridge, both for the view and to watch the nightlife getting started.
Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | self-directed |
| 5:00 | supper (suggested) |
| 7:00 | Danube River Cruise |
| 9:00 | self-directed |