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I always find something new to see, do or eat. I know the majority of visitors come here for 2 days and this is what this Budapest 2 Day Itinerary was based on.
If you have only one day in Budapest and looking for a more condensed itinerary for Budapest, this can still be a helpful guide. And if you are spending 3 days in Budapest, I will include some additional places to visit in Budapest and some great day trips.
Before we start with the details of the 2 days in Budapest Itinerary, here are a few frequently asked questions about Budapest.
Table of Contents
Budapest is located in the north-central part of Hungary on the river Danube. The river Danube connects 4 European capitals (Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade).
Budapest is known as the city of two cities! In 1873 the two cities (technically three), Buda and Pest formed the new city of Budapest.
It’s also known for its thermal spas, nightlife and Danube cruises. Budapest is referred to as “The Pearl of the Danube”.
The best times to visit Budapest are from April to May and September through October. If you don’t mind the rain and cooler days, March and November can be also good months as there are a lot fewer tourists.
The main tourist season is during the summer months in July and August when Europeans have their school/summer holidays. The temperatures can reach 30+ but it’s not as hot as in southern Europe.
Our two days in Budapest itinerary was based on visiting during the warmer months May-October. If you visit in December, you will enjoy the Christmas Markets.
This Budapest itinerary is written as a step-by-step guide. You can follow it throughout your two days in Budapest. It covers these places to see in Budapest as well as some really cool things to do. Simply use Google maps or Maps.me to get from one place to the next.
Or even better, get the app Rome2Rio.com so you know how to get around on public transport too.
Best Places in Budapest to visit
Fishermanās Bastion, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, Budapest Central Market Hall, Vaci Street, Dohany Street Great Synagogue, St Stephen’s Basilica, Heros Square, and SzĆ©chenyi Thermal Bath.
Best Things to do in Budapest
Donāt miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES
Day 1 of the 2 Days Itinerary in Budapest:
We start the day with Fishermans Bastion which offers fantastic views over the city of Budapest. You’ll be able to see the Parliament Building as well as St Stephens Cathedral from here.
To get to Fisherman’s Bastion, you can walk up the hill and set of stairs (it takes about 15-20 minutes) or you can catch the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular for 1200 FT. It starts at the bottom of the hill Clark Adam Square and you’ll pop out near the Buda Castle from where you walk. Or you can take it down.
Fisherman’s Bastion is a decorated fortification that was built at the end of the 19th century. The 7 pointy towers represent the 7 leaders of the Magyar tribes that settled here. (Magyars are a nation and ethnic group native to Hungary and Hungarians are descendants of the Magyar tribes). The fortification was actually never used, but today it offers a nice place for views and photos.
Great views and you can walk around the grounds to find a statue of the first Hungarian king St Stephan here and the Mathias Church.
You can’t miss this church. Once you’ve had enough of the views of Budapest from Fisherman Bastion, you will see a beautiful church with colourful tiles on the rooftops. Today’s church dates from the 1970s as it was destroyed a few times and during the Ottoman (today’s Turkey) occupation of the city of Budapest, it was even turned into a mosque.
A must-see on our 2 days in Budapest itinerary. While it’s gorgeous to see from the outside, pay the fee to see inside of it and you can also access the rooftop.
You might have explored the Buda Castle (also called Royal Palace) first if you took the funicular up the hill. If not stroll over here for more views of Budapest. The castle is home to Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery, but I recommend coming here for the views, maybe explore a little and then head down to the Pest side of the town.
This time you will see the Szecheni Chain Bridge below along with the St Stephen Basilica. You can take the steep stairs down or use the funicular.
You will arrive at the Clark Adam Ter (Ter is a square in Hungarian ). It’s named after the Scottish engineer who completed the work on the adjoining Chain Bridge. He also saved the Chain Bridge from being blown up by the Austrian army attempting to suppress the Hungarian Uprising of 1849.
The Chain Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in Budapest. Before it was built in 1849 (it took 20 years to complete) there were no other bridges across the river Danube. This is also why two different cities: Buda and Pest were located at the Danube and developed separately.
The Szecheneyi Bridge is under renovation at the moment, but you can still walk across it as the pedestrian walkways have reopened. Once you cross the bridge you will be at Stephen SzƩchenyi Square, check out the gorgeous building that now housed the Four Seasons Hotel.
You will be close to St Stephen’s Cathedral as well, but it’s better to continue across Vaci St and head to Central Market Hall so you can have lunch there.
This is THE tourist street of Budapest and you will eventually end up here so I have decided to include it in your 2 days in Budapest itinerary.
It’s a typical pedestrian street filled with cheap souvenirs, some main shopping brands (think H&M and ZARA), and many not-so-good restaurants. But if you need a quick coffee on the way to the Central Market Hall or a fridge magnet, it’s fine.
It will take about 20-25 minutes to walk across the street and arrive at the Central Market. If you need a coffee or lunch Double Shot Coffee & Brunch just off Vaci street is a great choice.
Get ready for an amazing experience. The Central Market Hall is the largest and oldest market in Budapest. At some point in its history, it was completely closed. Today it’s one of the main attractions and a must-see and do on our 2 days in Budapest itinerary.
While you can enjoy and stroll the market yourself I highly recommend doing a food tour here. The most popular tour is the delicious Culinary and Wine Walking Tour or a 2hr Budapest Market & Tasting Tour.
The market is open every day except Sunday and of course, the busiest day is Saturday. You can also pick up some Hungarian souvenirs; from a paprika spice, Tokaj wine, Palenlka (Hungarian brandy), or Hungarian salami!
You can also do some tasting and there is a food section where you can try one of the most popular Hungarian snacks, langos! Essentially, langos is a flat round deep-fried doughnut covered in garlic, you can choose your own topping. Trust me on this – Tartar sauce (or sour cream) and grated cheese are the best combos. Locals also like it with ketchup and cheese.
When I visited last time, I was really surprised at how expensive the langos here got. So my other tip is to try langos at Lagos Papi near the Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter.
After you have refuelled at the market you can stroll along the street. It will lead you towards the Jewish area of Budapest where you find the main Great Synagogue.
Located in the former Jewish Ghetto, the Great Synagogue is really unique. It was built at the end of the 19th century and the style of the architecture is known as the Moorish style. Almost 3000 people could be seated inside and the Great Synagogue is the second largest in the world after the synagogue in Jerusalem.
During WW2 the Nazis created a Jewish Ghetto around the Great Synagogue. This was later transformed into a concentration camp, from where many Hungarian Jews were sent to the extermination camps.
On the synagogueās north side, the Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial presides over the mass graves of those killed by the Nazis.
You can book your entry ticket here or for a better and more comprehensive understanding, I highly recommend doing a tour of the Jewish Ghetto.
Another excellent option is to do a guided tour of the Jewish Area with food that focuses on the areaās history and culture, with a special emphasis on exploring and tasting Jewish-Hungarian cuisine in several styles! This makes for a truly unique tour on your Budapest 2 Day Itinerary.
Do come hungry, as the tour will include tastings of several Hungarian-Jewish specialties which could be (depending on the day): sausages, matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, Jewish eggs, cholent, roasted goose, and flĆ³dni. It starts at 11 am, so you would want to book it for your day 2 and swap a few things around.
And if you are short on time, you can grab a great coffee at My Little Melbourne Coffee and just next to it is Langos Papi, best for authentic langos – a must-eat during your 2 days in Budapest itinerary.
Continue further along the street to finish at your final sight of today – the famous St Stephens Basilica.
Dedicated to the first king of Hungary, St Stephen this basilica is the main attraction in Budapest and one not to miss on your 2 days in Budapest itinerary.
The gorgeous cathedral houses the most revered relic: the mummified right hand of King Saint Stephen. When you enter walk to the main altar and on your left-hand side you will see the Holy Right Chapel where the mummified hand is located. You can also climb the dome if you have the energy.
If you wish to do something special and cultural, I suggest you book a classical music concert inside St Stephen’s Basilica. Take your pick from 3 concerts, each with 4 seating classes, to tailor your experience to your taste and budget.
This is your final attraction on Day 1. Time to head to your hotel for a quick freshen-up and change of clothes to head out for the evening Danube river cruise with dinner.
There is no better way to finish your first night than a dinner cruise on the Danube. Dinner combined with experience, you can’t beat that. Simply board, sit back and relax.
Here are three Danube River Cruises to choose from depending on your budget :
We are starting the second day of your 2 days itinerary in Budapest with the main attraction: The Hungarian Parliament building. But don’t forget to pack your swimming suit (flip flops and a towel) for later on as today we visit the famous Thermal Baths in Budapest.
The Parliament Building has been completed in 1902 and it has almost 700 rooms! This is the third-largest parliament building in the world and one of the most recognised landmarks of Hungary.
The only way to see the building is as part of a 45-minute long tour which you can book here at the official site.
Alternatively, these guided tours include the Parliament Building as part of the overall tour of Budapest.
After you visit the Parliament Building take the metro M2 from Kossuth Lajos tĆ©r (Square) to Blaha Lujza tĆ©r (Square) – it’s only 4 stops and it will save you 40 minutes of walking. Then walk to The House of Terror.
You can choose to skip the museum and continue onto the Thermal Baths, in that case, Bus 70 or Metro again is your best option.
The House of Terror is my one recommended must-see museum on this 2 days in Budapest itinerary. The main reason for that is that you won’t find a museum like this elsewhere.
The House of Terror is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the fascist and communist dictatorships in Hungary. This building was the headquarters of the dreaded ĆVH secret police. The exhibits focus on the 1950s and the brutality that followed the 1956 uprising. It is a chilling experience, but important to learn more about the past.
If you wish to have a guided tour here with a professional private guide for an even better understanding, check out this tour.
Next up is Heroes Square to be followed by our thermal baths visit. Once you arrive at Heroes Square you will be surprised just how big it is.
In the middle of it is the Millennium Memorial, a 36m-high pillar topped by a golden Archangel Gabriel, holding a cross and the Hungarian crown. This is because, according to the legend, Stephen, the first king of Hungary was prompted by the Archangel in a dream to convert to Christianity and crown himself.
At the bottom of the column, there are 7 statues representing the different leaders of the Magyar clans (or chieftains) that settled here in the 9th century. Today’s Hungarians are descendants of these tribes.
This monument was created in 1896 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest.
Budapest has 118 natural and artificial springs, from which flow 70 million litres of hot thermal spring water (between 20Ā°C and 80Ā°C which is 68Ā°F and 176Ā°F ) every day.
There are a few thermal baths you might visit (Gellert Thermal Bath, Rudas Thermal Bath), but the SzƩchenyi thermal baths are the most famous ones.
It’s believed that the idea of thermal baths goes all the way to the Roman Times (Budapest was as far as the Romans got in Central Europe). With the arrival of the Ottomans (today’s Turkey) in the 16th century, more baths were built in the city.
Enjoy the afternoon here, it is a nice way to relax and since these baths are mixed-gender you can enjoy it with your travel companion.
If you can spend an extra day on top of your 2 days in Budapest itinerary, this SzƩchenyi Spa with Optional PƔlinka Tour is recommended.
To finish your second day in Budapest, I recommend going up to the Geller Hills/ Citadella on top of the hill of Buda. Amazing views and a really wonderful place to watch the sunset over Budapest.
The entry is free and you can walk around the Citadella until you reach the Freedom Monument or Liberty Monument. The 14m tall bronze statue of a woman holds a palm leaf.
For first-time visitors to spend 2 days in Budapest, I’d recommend that you stay in the heart of the city. This is the most central part of Budapest, with beautiful buildings, shops, and many cafes and restaurants. You will be near metro stations and public transport to get around the city and reach the most popular points of interest.
Alternatively, you could also book the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour which allows you to visit many major sights and attractions in Budapest.
See the list of accommodations options below for every budget:
Luxury: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Situated in the heart of Budapest, this luxury hotel is stunning! Beautiful rooms, excellent facilities are the staff and customer service here are exceptional. They even have a coffee machine in every room. This will be an experience you won’t soon forget when spending 2 days in Budapest.
Check Price & Availability on Booking.com
Mid Range: Ramada by Wyndham City Centre
Located in the inner city, and just a stone’s throw from the popular shopping street VĆ”ci Utca, this is a popular choice to spend for visitors on 2 days in Budapest itinerary. Ramada by Wyndham offers lovely spacious rooms with all the facilities you need. You are spoilt for choice with some fantastic restaurants and cafes nearby.
Check Price & Availability on Booking.com
Budget: Nador Boutique
This hotel offers good value for money and is situated in an excellent location. Just a 10-minute walk from Budapest History Museum and less than 1km from Buda Castle. A popular choice for couples who want clean, comfortable accommodation in the heart of it all.
Check Price & Availability on Booking.com
Hot tip for sightseeing in Budapest: If you plan to use public transit during your stay in Budapest, you should purchase the Budapest Card, which offers FREE transit rides plus free access to 17 museums and discounts on many sightseeing attractions. Get your Budapest Card here.
And use the Rome2Rio app for directions on public transport.
There are a few typical Hungarian dishes you might want to try while in Budapest.
If you want a real Hungarian food experience, this Central Market Tour & Cooking Class is fantastic!
Donāt miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES
Budapest is famous for its nightlife. There is everything from dive bars, ruin bars, rooftop terraces, and one entry club with all you can drink. However, for most visitors that spent 2 days in Budapest, you definitely want to visit one of the ruin bars as they are truly what makes Budapest cool.
What are ruins bars? There are makeshift bars that popped up in the decayed and run-down pre-war buildings. They were then furnished with op-shop and second-hand bits and pieces to create a unique artsy atmosphere.
Szimpla Kert – The one and only. You probably can’t go to any other bars before you come here.
Instant-Fogas Complex – Former dental office turned into a nightlife complex. So more than just a bar, in fact, there are 7 venues here to choose from. Garden bar Kert or Wine bar Liebling are both great choices.
Mazel Tov – A few people have mentioned this one. It’s more upmarket with a Middle Eastern twist… think meze and cocktails.
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How many days in Budapest do you really need? Is 1 day in Budapest enough? Or should I stay for 3 days?
Well, personally I think 2 days in Budapest is perfect as you can see all the highlights.
And you can simply take a train a visit the nearby capital of Slovakia, Bratislava which also offers some fun things to do, if you have a few days to spare and then continue by train to Prague – here are 6 places to eat when you get there.
But if you are heading to the capital of Hungary and you have 3 days in Budapest then I suggest you follow this itinerary and do a day trip outside of Budapest. Of course, if you want to stay in the city instead there are a few places I recommend.
If you are looking for more things to do in Budapest or are trying to create Budapest 3 day itinerary, here are a few day trips. Personally, I love the Memento Park and for those history buffs, seeing all the old communist monuments in one place is really something.
There is always something happening in Budapest at the weekend. So if your 2 days in Budapest fall onto the weekend, make sure you check the Events page on the We Love Budapest site or Budapest.com to find out what’s happening in Budapest this weekend.
If you have more time to spend in Europe after your 2 days in Budapest, a group tour could be the answer. We recommend Expat Explore.
Check out Expat Explore Tours, and if you see a tour that you want to book, use our promo code VERYHUNGRYNOMADS at checkout for an additional 5% off your trip!
And that’s it for our 2 days in Budapest Itinerary. Hope it helps to plan your trip here and you now know what to see in 2 days in Budapest. Any questions, just let me know in the comments below.
You may also find our post about the 10 Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit to be useful in the planning stages of your European adventure!
Don’t miss reading our ULTIMATE Packing List for Europe and we’ve got some great tips on How to Travel Europe by Train.
And for the food lovers out there, our Complete Food Map of Europe has you covered!
Finally, we recommend buying an eSIM for Hungary to stay connected, check out the data packs available here. Alternatively, a Europe Regional Data Pack could be better value for you if you’re travelling in more than one country in Europe.
These eSIM Regional Data Packs for Europe cover 39+ countries, and prices start from just $5 for 1GB.
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