2 Days in Budapest
On a tight schedule? Worry none! With our guide you get to see most of the main sights and some more! It’s intense, so feel free to skip something if you feel overwhelmed!
We made a map for each day where we pinned all the sights for you, so you don’t have to search for them! Day 1 here and Day 2 here
Short on time? Take our recommended guided tour instead, and make the most of your time in Budapest!
Day 1 - 🗺️ All sites mapped out here
🌅 Morning:
Start the day at Széchenyi Thermal Bath to enjoy the pools in the peaceful morning hours. We suggest you arrive around 8-9am the latest, so you still have a few hours before the crowds arrive! We also prepared an extensive Spa Guide for you here.
🌞 Midday:
Stroll over to Vajdahunyad Castle to see a building so iconic they even shot scenes from the Witcher there! Alternatively, check out the interactive House of Music just around the corner!
🍽️Take a break for lunch at Paprika Vendéglő, one of the city’s top spots for authentic Hungarian flavors, or check out our recommended guided food tours for a truly unique cultural experience about Hungarian cuisine!
🕑 Afternoon:
After lunch, take in city views from the rooftop of the Museum of Ethnography.
Following, head to Heroes’ Square to admire a piece of Hungarian history.
If you have the time, you can also check out the Museum of Fine Arts, or the Budapest Zoo for an animal adventure, although plan with at least 2 hours for these!
If you feel like walking, you can continue your stroll on Andrássy Avenue towards Deák Ferenc Square, but if you are getting tired, hop on the charming M1 metro to get to Deák Ferenc Square! There are subway stations every few hundred meters along the Avenue, so you can just start walking and swap to the metro whenever.
🌆 Evening:
After getting off at Deák Ferenc Square, walk to St. Stephen's Basilica; you can admire it from the outside, or head inside and up the tower for panoramic views. (Entry is not free)
Conclude your day with a nighttime walk to the Parliament building, beautifully illuminated after dark.
For a scenic end, hop on Tram 2 for one of the most picturesque tram rides in the world, and finish with drinks with an amazing view on the Unlimited Prosecco Boat tour or check out our favorite restaurants or bars!🍽️
🌃 Night-time:
If you’re feeling for a party, do not miss our Nightlife guide, where we tell you all about the club scene and bars of Budapest split by categories and genre!
Day 2 - 🗺️ All sites mapped out here
🌅 Morning:
Hangover from yesterday? We recommend you begin your day with a cozy brunch at Briós, to fuel up with delicious pastries and coffee.
🌞 Late Morning:
From Briós, walk or take the tram over to Margaret Island for a leisurely stroll through its beautiful parks, gardens, and historic ruins. Be sure to check out the musical fountain, Mini Zoo, and Rose Garden while you’re there.
🕑 Afternoon:
Take tram 4-6, and bus 16, to head across the river and explore the Castle District, where you can wander the cobblestone streets, visit the iconic Matthias Church, and take in sweeping views of Pest from Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle.
During the spring, also visit Tóth Árpád street, to see cherry-blossom trees blooming!
🍽️ If you get hungry in the castle, we recommend Aranybástya. Although expensive, they serve almost fine-dineing grade meals, and have the best views too. Otherwise, always check the reviews here to avoid tourist traps
After exploring, make your way down to Várkert Bazár, a beautifully restored cultural venue and garden area with stunning river views.
🌆 Evening:
Cap off the day with a memorable dinner at Dunacorso Restaurant along the Danube, where you can enjoy Hungarian dishes with a view of the river and the twinkling city lights.🍽️
Alternatively, you can take one of the famous river cruises for unlimited drinks, or an exceptioal dinner on the river!
Read more of our articles here!
