With its medley of Ottoman and Habsburg influences, Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. From strolling through its photogenic Old Town to gazing at Gresham Palace’s Art Nouveau grandeur to visiting Europe’s most magnificent synagogue, there’s something for every traveller
So what are the best things to do in two days in Budapest? As a two-time visitor, this is where I can help.
Make the most of your weekend in Hungary’s capital with my tried and tested 2 day Budapest itinerary.
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Getting to Know Budapest
The grey-green River Danube splits Budapest into two.
Buda, on the river’s west bank, is its Old Town with gaslight cobblestone streets and a hilltop palace. To the east, Pest is the city’s vibrant 19th-century commercial centre with the landmark Parliament Building and wide boulevards.
Buda and Pest were united with a smaller third city, Óbuda, in 1873 to form Budapest.
How I Spent Two Days in Budapest
Much like the city itself, my 2-day Budapest itinerary is split into two halves. I spent the first day on the old Buda side; on the second day, I explored Pest.
If you want to indulge in coffee and cake in an opulent setting, make tracks for Gerbeaud Patisserie. Although it is hugely popular, I do not recommend Budapest’s New York Café, which is staggeringly overpriced.
Budapest Itinerary Day 1: Buda
Much of your first day in Budapest is spent exploring the city’s biggest draw, Castle Hill (Várhegy) in Buda. I love the pastel-coloured medieval palaces you find here and the iconic views of Pest across the river.
After lunch, walk to the Citadel on Gellért Hill for some of the best views in town before relaxing at the Gellért Baths. As night falls, learn more about Hungarian wine by joining a wine tasting.
If you find it helpful to map it out, here’s one I created. Think of it as a free walking tour of Buda, covering a distance of three miles (5 km).
For a live map with directions, click here or on the image.
10 am: Walk across Széchnyi Chain Bridge from Pest to Buda
Built between 1839 and 1849, Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the most famous of Budapest’s Danube bridges. After a lengthy closure for restoration – I couldn’t use it on my most recent weekend in Budapest – it has reopened.
10.15 am: Ride the Funicular to Castle Hill
Although you can walk to Castle Hill up the Király lépsco (Royal Steps), the funicular railway is a less lung-busting way to get there. This sets off from Clark Ádám tér next to the Széchnyi Chain Bridge.
Prepare to wait (I queued for 30 minutes). Its one small car makes the ascent every 5 – 10 minutes.
11 am: Watch the Changing of the Guards at Sándor Palace, home to the Hungarian President
I confess I came across this ceremony by chance, but so glad I did. The rifle-twiddling and choreographed movements were so theatrical and I loved that the soldiers wore identical Aviator sunglasses.
The Changing of the Guards takes place every hour on the hour. A drummer sentry accompanies the noon ceremony.
11.30: Marvel at Matthias Church (Mátyás templom)
This lavishly decorated place of worship is well worth the entrance fee. In my opinion, it’s one of Europe’s finest churches.
Although parts of Matthias Church are over 800 years old – notably its exterior carvings – this is essentially a neo-Gothic confection dating from 1896. It is named after King Matthias Corvinus who got hitched to Queen Beatrix here in 1474.
The richness of this church’s interior was almost overwhelming. Polychromic columns are adorned with painted leaves and geometric motifs. Shafts of light through its rose windows shine spotlights on its gilded altars and stone sculptures.
Take the stairs to the upper level for wonderful views of the church floor and a treasure trove of ecclesiastical knick-knacks.
12.30: Stop by the Holy Trinity Statue
You’ll find the Holy Trinity Statue in the middle of Trinity Square near Matthias Church. Dating from the early 18th Century, this beautifully carved column commemorates the people of Buda who died from two outbreaks of the Black Plague in 1691 and 1709.
12.40: Capture the views from Fishermen’s Bastion (Halászbástya)
Welcome to Budapest’s Tourist Central. Sharpen your elbows.
Looking like it has been lifted from a Walt Disney movie, this undulating white rampart of stairways, turrets and cloisters was built in the 19th Century. Although fishermen reputedly defended this part of the hill during the Middle Ages, Fishermen’s Bastion is purely decorative.
Although you can pay to access the upper level, the views from the free lower level are just as good.
Between the Fishermen’s Bastion and Mathias Church, there’s an equestrian statue of King Stephen, the founder of the Hungarian nation.
13.00: Take time out in the sculpture garden of Koller Galleria
I love random discoveries like this gallery, which I popped into out of sheer curiosity.
Established in 1953, Koller Galleria is Hungary’s oldest private art gallery and welcomes visitors to its exquisite outdoor sculpture gallery. I had the space to myself with not a selfie stick in sight.
13:15: Lunch at Walzer Café
This cosy café is an oasis away from the busy surrounding area. The coffee and service were both excellent.
It’s located at Táncsics Mihály u. 12 near the Museum of Music History.
2.30 pm: Take in the view from Gellért Hill
It’s a good 30-minute hike from the Walzer Café to the Citadel on Gellért Hill. But once you take in the view of Budapest, your aching muscles will forgive you.
If you don’t fancy the walk, hop on a local bus (but it’s a lovely stroll).
3 pm: Soak away your cares at Gellért Baths
Buapest’s bathing tradition goes back to the Romans and visiting one of the city’s thermal baths is an unmissable experience. The magnificent Art Nouveau Gellért baths have tiles, mosaics and a columned Roman-style thermal pool with spouts in the shape of lions’ heads.
Nightime in Budapest: Wine tasting
Do you think that Hungary doesn’t produce good wines? Think again.
I had a fabulous evening at this wine tasting. We were treated to eight generous pours (three red, three white, one sparkling and a delicious Tokaji dessert wine) accompanied by charcuterie and cheeses.
>>> CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Budapest Itinerary Day 2: Pest
Your second day in Budapest is spent exploring the Pest side of the city, including St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest Great Synagogue and the chilling House of Terror. In the evening, see the city from another viewpoint by joining a boat ride along the Danube.
Here’s a map of the route if you need it, which covers a distance of 3.5 miles (6 km). For a live map with directions, click here or on the image.
10 am: Soak up the Art Nouveau Opulence of the Gresham Palace
I’m a sucker for Art Nouveau and this landmark building, which is now part of the Four Seasons hotel chain, is a superb example of this architectural style.
The Gresham Palace was originally built between 1904 and 1996 as a complex of luxury residences, offices and ships and was extensively restored in 1999. You can peek inside the lobby even if you aren’t staying there.
10.15: Be moved by the Shoes on the Danube
Turn right after exiting the Gresham Palace to walk along the Danube Promenade.
Shoes on the Danube is a powerful memorial to the Jews murdered during the Nazi occupation of Budapest. Sixty pairs of cast-iron shoes are arranged in a line along the banks of the Danube River. Many of these Jewish victims met their fate at the river and were instructed to take off their shoes before being shot.
10.30 am: Hungarian Parliament Building
The monumental Hungarian Parliament Building has taken the Gothic Revival style used by Pugin for London’s Palace of Westminster and embellished it with Renaissance and Baroque flourishes. It’s Budapest’s most audacious building.
You will need to be more organised than me if you want to look inside the building. The only way to see it is on a 45-minute tour which sells out well in advance. If you are lucky they may have tickets for same-day admission at the Visitor Centre but don’t bet your house on it.
Check prices and book your ticket via the official website here.
10.45 am: Explore Liberty Square (Szabadság ter)
This scenic square near the Hungarian Parliament Building was developed on the site of the barracks where scores of Hungarians were imprisoned and tortured under the Habsburg rulers. Exploring its buildings and monuments to freedom and liberty is one of the best things to do in Budapest if you are interested in Hungarian history.
11.30 am: Take in the best views of Pest from St. Stephen’s Basilica
St Stephen’s Basilica is a glorious 19th-century confection of multicoloured marble and gilt that houses the mummified hand of Hungary’s patron saint. There are fabulous views from the basilica’s panoramic terrace but the treasury is skippable.
12.30: Be wowed at Dohány Street Synagogue
Visiting Budapest’s stunning Dohány Street Synagogue is unmissable. I’ve stepped inside a few synagogues over the years, but this is my favourite.
Built in 1859 in a Moorish Revival style, it is Europe’s largest synagogue. Your ticket includes a fascinating guided tour.
Take time to visit the Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial on the synagogue’s northern side.
1.30 pm: Stroll around Budapest’s Jewish Quarter and Ruin Bars
Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is one of the most interesting corners of the city and a good place to stop for lunch.
Its once-neglected streets and buildings have been spruced up and are now home to shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. This includes Budapest’s famous Ruin Bars which sprung up within the courtyards of vacant pre-war buildings.
If you are spending the weekend in Budapest, stop by the Gozsdu Market, which peddles antiques, art and jewellery in a historic courtyard.
3 pm: Visit the Hungarian State Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Allami Operahaz) first opened in January 1893, with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata. Modelled on Vienna’s Opera House, this Renaissance-style structure is one of Budapest’s most beautiful buildings. Sculptures of muses and opera greats such as Puccini and Verdi adorn its facade whilst its dazzling interior is awash with marble columns, gilded vaulted ceilings and chandeliers.
If you want to see more of the building join one of the 45-minute tours. Better still, buy a ticket for a performance. It will cost you far less than opera houses in Vienna or London.
4 pm: Reflect on Hungary’s dark past at the House of Terror
Housed in the former headquarters of the dreaded ÁVH secret police, the House of Terror is dedicated to the victims of the Fascist and Stalinist regimes that operated in Hungary in the 20th Century. I found some aspects of this excellent museum truly chilling, especially the cellar with the hangman’s noose.
Although an optional audioguide is available for an additional cost, I don’t think this is necessary. There is English information in each room and on the archive videos.
Nighttime in Budapest: Sunset Cruise on the Danube
A one-hour cruise along the Danube is the perfect finale to your two days in Budapest.
Make this extra special by booking this affordable cruise which includes a free glass of fizz. Try to time your boat ride as the sun sets to watch the city’s skyline light up. An audioguide is also included.
>> FIND OUT MORE HERE
When to Visit Budapest
For the most comfortable temperatures visit Budapest in spring or autumn. My last visit was in April when daytime temperatures were in the mid-60s.
The summer months in Budapest can be scorching and busy. Winters can be bitterly cold.
Getting Around
Although Budapest has a network of buses, metro trains and trams, you shouldn’t need them to visit the places in this itinerary. I only used the metro system to get to and from Budapest’s Keleti train station.
You can find out more about public transport in Budapest here.
Where I Stayed in Budapest
Should you stay in Buda or Pest?
If you want to stay in the thick of things, choose a hotel on the Pest side. Buda tends to be quieter at night.
Having stayed in both sides of the city, I would opt for Buda for a future stay as it is more tranquil and you benefit from wonderful views across the river.
Here is where I stayed on my last visit:
Park Plaza Hotel
I would book a room at this Radisson hotel again purely for the unforgettable view of the river and Parliament Building from my bedroom window. As well as the great location, the room was spacious and staff were super friendly.
>>> CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY HERE
TG Hotel Suites Budapest
This large and stylish apartment is a stone’s throw from St. Stephen’s Basilica, on the doorstep of several restaurants and cafes. As a solo traveller, the building was very secure.
>>> CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY HERE
And That’s a Wrap!
I hope this article helps you plan your perfect two days in Budapest. Reports of the city’s beauty are not exaggerated.
I visited Budapest as a solo traveller on an Interrail trip through Central and Eastern Europe. If you have found this guide useful and need help with planning where to go next, take a look at my other guides:
AUSTRIA: Walk in the footsteps of Mozart in Salzburg and discover why Vienna is a fabulous Christmas destination. Explore Feldkirch, one of Austria’s hidden gems, using it as a base to visit Vaduz in lovely Liechtenstein.
CZECHIA (CZECH REPUBLIC): Discover the best things to do in Brno. If wine tasting is your thing, do this self-guided wine tour in South Moravia.
SLOVAKIA: Find out why you should visit Bratislava and the best things to do in Bratislava. Explore Košice, Slovakia’s second city, and visit Bardejov, a UNESCO gem.
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.