Budapest, Hungary is one of the most enchanting capitals in Europe, where every street corner, bridge and towering monument seems to have a story to tell.
From its rather dark history of constant takeovers to the unification of towns on either side of the Danube River (“Buda” and “Pest”) and the impression the cityscape makes on those lucky enough to see it at night, it’s easy to see why the city casts such a spell.
With so much to explore, what if you’re only able to spend 2 days in Budapest, Hungary?
Whether the rush is due to a quick stopover, a planned port of call on a cruise or simply a lack of time, sometimes there’s no way around it.
Fortunately, it’s still possible to pack in plenty of sightseeing during just two days in Budapest: here’s how to make the most of your time exploring this world class city.
Budapest itinerary: Day 1
Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Kick off your Budapest 2 day itinerary bright and early, with a pre-dawn dip in one of the city’s public baths. Budapest sits over natural thermal waters which are renowned for their healing properties, and Magyars (as Hungarians call themselves) take great pride in their famous bathing culture.
The iconic Széchenyi Thermal Bath has been one of the country’s most popular spots to soak for over a century, and is home to 18 pools including three massive outdoor pools complete with waterfalls cascading out of marble sculptures.
Széchenyi opens as early as 7 a.m., which is an incredible time to visit as you can enjoy the quiet of the morning while relaxing in the steaming water and watching the sunrise.
Once you manage to pull yourself out, explore the rest of the complex which includes scorching saunas and steam rooms to heat you from the inside, icy plunge pools designed to increase circulation, and numerous spa services including massage therapy.
For a memorable experience, combine a visit to Szechenyi with a soak in these beer baths!
Skip the line by booking one of these tours:
Explore the Pest side of Budapest
The rest of your first day in Budapest is dedicated to exploring the Pest side of the city, and it’s just a five minute walk from the Széchenyi Bath to the first landmark: Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere).
Located in an enviable position between the City Park (Városliget) and two museums, the giant plaza is home to the towering Millennium Memorial which is dedicated to national leaders and those who gave their lives for Hungary.
Just past Heroes’ Square is the beginning of Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út) which is nicknamed “The Champs-Élysées of Budapest.” One of the city’s most exclusive spots, the beautiful tree-lined street hosts elegant townhomes, luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Burberry, restaurants and cafes. Andrássy connects the City Park with the city centre, and has been designated a World Heritage Site.
While it’s a bit of a trek to wander the whole route, there are couple of notable spots along the avenue, including the aptly-named House of Terror. Both the Nazi and Soviet regimes held their prisoners for interrogation in the building, and even killed them. Torture techniques were also used such as covering all the windows so captives had no idea what day or time it was.
Today it’s a museum dedicated to commemorate those dark periods of Hungarian history.
Continuing along Andrássy, you’ll pass the State Opera House and St. Stephens Basilica before turning towards the sprawling Jewish Quarter.
Home to one of the largest synagogues in the world (second only to one found in Jerusalem), it also has a museum, temple, cemetery and memorial the commemorate the Hungarian Jews killed in the Holocaust as well as those who tried to save them.
Walking tours of the Jewish Quarter are very popular, which is a good add-on if you have enough time to include one on your Budapest 2 days itinerary.
All that sightseeing means you’ll have worked up an appetite, so hop in a taxi for the 10 minute drive to the New York Cafe in the Boscolo Budapest hotel for lunch.
It’s earned the moniker of the “Most Beautiful Coffee House in the World” thanks to its opulent Renaissance-style dining room, and serves up local specialties like goulash and schnitzel.
Once you’ve got your fill, head back toward the river for some shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Váci Utca, which is one of Budapest’s most popular streets. Sure, it can be overrun with tourists, but that’s because it’s chock-full of clothing stores, cafes, souvenir shops and galleries.
It connects to Vorosmarty Square, which you’ll want to make a beeline for if you’re visiting during the holiday season, since it hosts the city’s best Christmas market and is one of the best things to do in Budapest in December.
Váci Utca runs parallel to the Danube, and eventually leads straight to the colourful Great Market Hall.
Take a moment to admire the intricate patterns that adorn the facade and roof, before heading inside the enjoy the sights and smells of the market. Spanning two levels, there are hundreds of stalls with local vendors selling everything from spicy sausage and fresh vegetables to handmade jackets, matryoshka dolls and leather goods.
Budapest night cruise
One of the best things to do in Budapest at night is taking in the enchanting view of the city after dusk, so book a dinner cruise to see the spectacular scene from the water.
Book with GetYourGuide:
As your boat traces the path of the Danube, you’ll slowly glide under seven distinct bridges, affording a close up look at the sculptures adorning the sides of the Chain Bridge.
Twinkling strings of lights wrap around each structure, illuminating them for all to see from miles away.
Then finally, it comes into view: the iconic Parliament Building. Stretching 315 feet high with spectacular domes, its entire facade emits a golden glow which perfectly reflects off the dark water of the Danube.
It’s safe to say you’ll be spellbound—which is the perfect way to cap off the first of your 2 days in Budapest.
Budapest itinerary: Day 2
Visit the Buda side of Budapest
To visit Budapest in 2 days, start your next day off by crossing the Freedom Bridge, and you’ll find yourself on the city’s historic Buda side (which is where those heading off on a cave tour will meet- yes, you can do that here!).
Following the winding river, look up as you pass Gellert Hill and keep your eyes peeled for the Liberty Statue which looks down over the city.
A quick drive brings you to the bottom of Castle Hill, where you can either continue up the winding road or hop on the funicular to get to the top.
The Castle District and Fishermans Bastion
The castle district is home to a number of sprawling, impressive buildings including the National Gallery and Royal Palace, which is essentially Hungary’s version of America’s White House.
Continue over to the pristine, cobblestone area which is home to Buda Castle, towering Matthias Church and the Fishermans Bastion which protects both from the cliffside. This is where you’ll find the best view in the entire city, no contest, and best of all it’s completely free.
You’ll want to budget at least a couple of hours to explore the scenic spot, head inside the church, and pop into one of the nearby restaurants or souvenir shops.
Once you manage to tear yourself away from what is arguably one of the best things to see in Budapest, spend your afternoon heading all the way back down the hill and crossing over the Chain Bridge, which is one of the city’s most photographed bridges.
You’ll find yourself back on the Pest side, and a five minute walk will bring you to the Parliament Building and a sombre memorial in front: Shoes on the Danube Bank.
60 pairs of rusted iron shoes have been affixed to the concrete boardwalk, to pay tribute to the Jews who were rounded up during the Holocaust, brought to that same spot, and ordered to strip naked.
They were then shot by a firing squad, falling into the river to be washed away.
Budapest ruin bars
Cap off the day with a happy hour tour through some of the city’s coolest local hangouts and Budapest ruin bars. Sample spritzers and wine in underground cellars and pubs in the Jewish Quarter and 7th district, or book this guided tour of the city’s craft beer scene. Click to book
Enjoy a nightcap at one of the ruin bars in Budapest, which look like nothing more than old homes or abandoned factories from the outside. But once you get through the courtyard, you’ll find a packed hangout spot complete with flea market furniture, thumping music, bartenders slinging drinks and lively dance floors.
One of the most popular ones is Szimpla Kert, a sprawling complex complete with tucked away rooms, quirky art work, a food stand and plenty of different bars to grab a drink from. It’s funky, fun, a bit of a sensory overload, and a great way to finish your two day Budapest itinerary.
Tips for spending 2 days in Budapest
Currency: The Hungarian currency is the forint, but euros are commonly accepted as well as major credit cards.
Getting around Budapest: Budapest’s subway and tram system is very easy to use, and only costs about $1.50 per ticket. Alternatively, book this hop on/hop off tour which is good for 48 hours will take you directly to all of the main sites and includes an optional river cruise. Click to book
Don’t miss: It’s a rather well-kept secret, Hungary actually has some incredible wines. Try one of the sweet white wines, crafted in the region of Tokaj, or take a day trip out to the vineyards to sip samples from three different wineries. Click to book
Have 3 days in Budapest?
You might want to consider one of these great day trips to explore more of the Hungarian countryside, like wine tasting, scenic hikes up the Danube Bend, seeing the traditional horse show in Puszta and relaxing on the shores of pretty Lake Balaton:
Where to stay in Budapest
One of the best Budapest hotels is the luxe Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, which has an incredible location along Fashion Street in the city centre just a few blocks from the waterfront.
Serene rooms and suites feature five-star amenities like extra large king size beds, rain showers, marble soaker tubs and separate seating areas, and many boast views of Erzsébet Park and its iconic Ferris wheel. Click here to book
There’s plenty to explore in the hotel for those who manage to pull themselves away from their spacious suites: there are five different eateries on-site, including a cafe, The Living Room which hosts live music nights, one of the famous Nobu restaurants, and ÉS Bisztró.
The bistro offers all day dining featuring regional cuisines, along with an incredible breakfast and brunch spread
Head to Blue Fox The Bar for happy hour or a nightcap: this swanky spot is ranked as one of Hungary’s top bars, serving up creative cocktails and traditional favourites like pálinka, a fruit-flavoured spirit.
After a long day of sightseeing in Budapest, unwind at the newly renovated Kempinski The Spa. Guests have complimentary access to the pool, loungers, steam room and multiple saunas, and can also book massages and beauty treatments.
Globe Guide tip: Michael Jackson fans will want to head across the street from the lobby, to see the so-called Michael Jackson tree. The pop star stayed in the Presidential Suite at the Kempinski multiple times, and fans would stand out front hoping to get a glimpse of him. After his passing, the tree became somewhat of a memorial and is covered in photos of the King of Pop.
Other options for Budapest accommodation include:
- Utto Luxury Suites: A great spot to hunker down in Budapest for a few days, the bright, modern suites at this hotel have terraces with great views. Suites range in size from one to three bedrooms, and include a separate living room and fully equipped kitchen. Click to see prices
- Hotel Moments Budapest: This top-ranked property on Andrássy Avenue beautifully blends old world charm with modern amenities. Guests are wowed by the spacious suites, buffet breakfast, helpful staff and fantastic location. Click to see prices
- Hotel Palazzo Zichy: While it looks and feels like a five star, luxury hotel, the Palazzo Zichy doesn’t have a high price tag to match which makes this a great find. Located in a former palace dating back to the 19th century, the grand lobby area maintains its historical features while the rooms are large and modern. Click to see prices
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A great survey of the most popular sights in Budapest, but this will need a very very long day. I think at least two days are necessary for that program.
I totally agree- even a week in Budapest isn’t enough! As you mentioned, it’s a very long day–hence the title 😉
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Try an authentic Hungarian dish paired with vintage Hungarian wine. Best enjoyed at one these award winning Budapest restaurants .
Thanks for the tip Darrin! I agree, Hungarian wine is excellent- I managed to bring a few home with me!
Wow, what an action packed day!!
It definitely would be a long one!
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As a local, I think there are many places to visit in the countryside too
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The photos are fantastic! Thanks a lot for this article!! 🙂