When to go and how long to stay
Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are the most pleasant for walking both banks of the Danube; summer is hot but perfect for the outdoor baths, and December brings Christmas markets. Three full days cover Buda, Pest and a bath at a relaxed pace; a fourth leaves room for a day trip up the Danube Bend.
Book the Parliament early
The Parliament can only be visited on guided tours in set languages and time slots, and they fill up quickly for groups. Decide early which slot works, have one person book, and record the tickets in the trip so everyone can find them at the entrance. Evening river cruises and bath tickets are easier, but booking one slot for the whole group saves queuing.
Where to stay as a group
On the Pest side, District V (around St. Stephen's Basilica) and District VII (the Jewish Quarter) keep most sights, restaurants and nightlife within walking distance — District VII gets loud at night, so check which way the bedrooms face. Buda is quieter and greener but hillier. For four or more people, a large apartment is often simpler than several hotel rooms.
Group tips
- Pack flip-flops and a towel for the baths, or plan to rent them there.
- Split up for an afternoon: some soak at the baths while others visit the House of Terror or the Museum of Fine Arts, then meet for dinner.
- Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill — log shared costs as you go (tickets, dinners, taxis) so settling up at the end takes minutes.
