Budapest: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary In Hungary’s Capital
So, you want to visit Budapest, Hungary, and only have 48 hours on your stop? Get the most out of your stay with this 2 day itinerary in Budapest.
The city is split into two main sides by the Danube River, Buda, and Pest, hence the name of the city: Budapest. I haven’t spent a lot of time in Hungary, but as with anywhere else, I try to see as much as I can while I’m visiting. If you only have a few days to visit the capital, here’s what I would recommend doing during your stay.
Day 1
Start off your day on the west side of the Danube River in District I and Castle Hill. The area is a great place to get in your steps, see some attractions, stop to eat or shop, and get some great views of the city from a high vantage point.
Morning
Buda Castle
Formerly called the Royal Palace, Buda Castle housed the Hungarian kings of the past after its construction in 1265. The castle’s huge compound contains many stairs and levels on the exterior, sporting a great view of the Danube River. Within its bounds, visitors will find various historical statues, art galleries, and even an entrance to the underground labyrinth and cave system that spans through District I.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Just up the hill from Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and the surrounding square provide the best views of Budapest and the Danube River. You may need to squeeze your way in for photos since the best photo locations are often busy, but the view is well worth it, especially of the Parliament Building with the rest of the city in its backdrop.
Statue of St. Stephen
Make sure to keep your head up when visiting Fisherman’s Bastion and marvel at the Statue of St. Stephen, the very first Hungarian King!
Matthias Church
The Matthias Church is Budapest’s most prominent and famous religious building. Its gothic features tower over most of the buildings on Castle Hill and are decorated beautifully. The church has been used for many royal weddings and is still actively used today.
Szechenyi Chain Bridge
Either by walking down the various trails of Castle Hill, or taking a rather pricey funicular down, make your way to the Szechenyi Chain Bridge to cross over to the east bank of the city. During WWII, the bridge was completely destroyed, but has since been rebuilt. At each end of the bridge, two lions guard the entrance and make for a nice photo opportunity, as does from the center of the bridge overlooking the river.
Afternoon
Lunch in District V.
With a good amount of walking completed for the day, be sure to stop somewhere to eat and refuel. After crossing the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, you’ll be in District V. containing various restaurants to choose from. Take a walk around and find somewhere to sit down that fits your palate. While looking, perhaps stop somewhere for a glass of wine and a bowl of authentic Hungarian Goulash.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
After having a bite to eat, make your way over to St. Stephen’s Basilica, which is on the western edge of District V. Dedicated to the first Hungarian king, St. Stephen, the church is a famous and holy relic for the city of Budapest. If you have seen anything mummified before, here’s your chance if you would like. Within the church, King St. Stephen’s right hand can be found in a glass case on display. This 1000-year-old hand is also removed from its case every 20th of August, St. Stephens Day, to join the city’s parade.
Heroes Square
From St. Stephen’s Basilica, continue your way east through the city to Heroes Square. Getting there will be a bit more of a walk, and if you’re not up for it, consider hiring a ride or getting on the tram line to make the commute a bit easier. Once you arrive, you will be greeted with an enormous square with various statues overlooking your arrival. The square is an important landmark for the city of Budapest for commemorating the foundation of the Hungarian State.
Museums
For visitors who like history or the arts, right next to Heroes’ Square are several museums of various sorts. Stop by one that suits your taste, or all of them if you like, to learn more about Hungary and its rich history. Some of the museums nearby include the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Ethnography, ResoArt Villa, and more.
City Park
Right behind Heroes’ Square is Budapest’s City Park. Take a leisurely stroll through some of its trails and explore some of the surrounding attractions. Inside the park, I recommend walking by Vajdahunyad Castle for some nice photos.
Szechenyi Thermal Baths
Inside of City Park are the Szechenyi Thermal Baths. Thermal baths are famous for the city of Budapest and are highly encouraged for relaxation, self-care, and revitalization of oneself. The Szechenyi Thermal Baths have several offerings to choose from including open-air spas, private spas, the beer spa, and other services. The thermal baths are a great place to relax after a long day of walking.
If you still have the energy and want to come back in the evening, the baths here are famous for their spa parties, locally called a “Sparty” and get rather wild with live DJs, drinks, and tons of people. If you want to check it out, come back in the evening if a sparty is going on that day. Book a spa day for yourself here.
Evening
Dinner Stop
After a long day of walking and some relaxing time in the thermal baths of the city, I’m sure you’re getting a little Hungry. Start making your way back into downtown and stop in somewhere to have a bite to eat.
Drinks at a Ruin Bar
After a long day of walking and some relaxing time in the thermal baths of the city, I’m sure you’re getting a little Hungry. Start making your way back into downtown and stop in somewhere to have a bit to eat. The original and most popular to check out is called Szimpla Kert. If you still have the time and energy after a long day of walking, think about doing a bar crawl of the best ruin bars in Budapest!
Day 2
After a busy first day of walking around the city, take a break and explore some additional site and museums at a more liesurly pace. Having already traveled much of the city, there are sure to be places you have passed by that you want to see that aren’t on this itinerary, so for today, that extra free time is budgeted in.
Morning
Parliament Building
To start off the day with something big, check out the Parliament Building. The large gothic structure is a marvel attraction to see both during the day and evening, when the front of the structure is lit with spotlights from head to toe. Visitors can tour much of the grounds, as well as the attached museum.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Walking south along the Danube Promenade, be sure to look at a memorial along the bank, the Shoes on the Danube. During WWII, this solemn site was where many Jews were instructed to take off their shoes before being shot and falling into the Danube River. To this day, many flowers, candles, and more can be found placed around and inside the shows of the fallen. Be sure to take some time to reflect on this sad time in history, but please, be respectful and don’t touch the shoes or anything someone has left near them.
Madame Tussaud’s
For a short pitstop, continue walking south and if it interests you, Madame Tussaud’s wax museum can be visited. If you have never been to a wax museum before, some of the figures are truly lifelike. The museum has various celebrities and historical figures sculpted throughout its exhibits.
Afternoon
Lunch and Free Time
Now that you’re back to the more central parts of District V., consider stopping for something to eat or just take some time to explore and walk around downtown. Many shops and small squares are available to be explored.
Hungarian National Museum
Just outside of the borders of District V. is the Hungarian National Museum. For those history buffs out there, this museum is the best one in the city with a vast compound and large selection of exhibits to explore.
House of Terror
If the National Museum is not your speed for historical events, perhaps the House of Terror will be a better fit. The museum has many exhibits, both permanent and temporary, about Hungary’s relationships with Germany and the Soviet Union during the time of the country’s Communist regime. Inside the museum, you’ll even find an entire T-55 tank that can be viewed up close.
Central Hall Market
Visit the Central Hall Market while you’re in the area. The building looks like an old train station and was established in 1897 for local farmers and vendors to be able to sell their wares. In the market, visitors will be able to find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and spices, including the famous Hungarian Paprika, a great addition to your pantry. In addition to consumables, the Central Hall Market is a great place to bring back other souvenirs including wine, magnets, spoons, bells, and much more. Take some time to walk around and explore.
Evening
Boat Cruise on the Danube River
As your visit comes to an end, taking a cruise along the Danube River is a fantastic option to finish your time in Budapest. Many options are available depending on if you’d like to eat or not. Depending on your preference and budget, the river cruises up and down the Danube River range from a classy candlelit dinner with soothing violins, to a simple sightseeing tour around the many spotlit buildings along the banks. Take some time to unwind and relax along the water before moving on to your next destination.
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you for checking out this 2 day itinerary in Budapest, Hungary! This city is often overlooked by travelers, but even a short visit can be exciting. Even if you only have 2 days, I hope that this itinerary helps you get the most out of your stay.
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