Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and two days is enough time to see the best of it if you plan it right.
As a two-time visitor, I’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. This 2-day Budapest itinerary takes you across both sides of the city: a day exploring the cobblestoned hilltops of Buda and a day taking on the grandeur of Pest. I’ve included what not to miss, a few things I discovered by happy accident and, importantly, what to skip
Short on time? See my 1-day Budapest itinerary instead.
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How This Itinerary Works
The River Danube splits Budapest into two.
Buda (west bank) is the old town: castle, cobblestones and hilltop views. Pest (east bank) is the grander, 19th-century commercial city: parliament, synagogues and wide boulevards.
This itinerary dedicates one day to each.
- Day 1 – Castle Hill, Matthias Church, Fishermen’s Bastion, Gellért Hill, Gellért Baths and a Hungarian wine tasting
- Day 2 – Gresham Palace, Shoes on the Danube, Hungarian Parliament Building, Liberty Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Dohány Street Synagogue, Hungarian State Opera House, House of Terror and a Danube cruise
One other thing: if you want coffee and cake in an opulent setting, go to Gerbeaud Patisserie. I’d steer clear of Budapest’s New York Café, which is staggeringly overrated and overpriced.
DAY ONE: BUDA SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR + WINE TASTING
Much of your first day is spent on Castle Hill (Várhegy), the city’s biggest draw, with its pastel-coloured medieval buildings and sweeping views across to Pest. After lunch, the plan moves to Gellért Hill for the best panorama in town, then on to the Gellért Baths. End the day with a Hungarian wine tasting.
This is essentially a free walking tour of Buda, covering around three miles (5 km). Here’s the map; click here for live directions
10 am: Walk across Széchnyi Chain Bridge from Pest to Buda
Built between 1839 and 1849, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the most famous of Budapest’s Danube bridges. It was closed for a lengthy restoration on my last visit but is open again.
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: Changing of the Guards at Sándor Palace
I stumbled across this by chance and was so glad I did. The rifle-twirling and choreographed movements are wonderfully theatrical, made better by the fact that every soldier wears identical Aviator sunglasses.
The ceremony takes place on the hour; the noon handover comes with a drummer.
11.30: Matthias Church (Mátyás templom)
In my opinion, this is one of Europe’s finest churches, named after King Matthias Corvinus, who got hitched to Queen Beatrix here in 1474.
Although parts of Matthias Church date back over 800 years, what you see today is largely a neo-Gothic confection from 1896. 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: 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: 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 Matthias 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 (optional stop)
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: 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.
3 pm: Gellért Baths
Budapest’s bathing tradition goes back to the Romans, and visiting one of the city’s thermal baths is an unmissable experience. The Art Nouveau Gellért Baths are a visual treat: tiled walls, mosaics and a columned Roman-style thermal pool with lion’s head spouts. Perfect for aching legs after a day on your feet.
Evening: Hungarian Wine Tasting
Think Hungary doesn’t make good wine? 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.
DAY TWO: PEST SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR + DANUBE CRUISE
On your second day in Budapest, you’ll explore the Pest side for some of Budapest’s most dramatic architecture and its most moving memorials. End the day with a cruise on the Danube as the city lights up.
Here’s a map of the route if you need it, which covers a distance of 3.5 miles (6 km). To send to your phone and for a live map with directions, click here or on the image.
10 am: Gresham Palace
I’m a sucker for Art Nouveau, and this landmark building (now part of the Four Seasons hotel chain) is a superb example of the architectural style.
Built between 1904 and 1996 as a complex of luxury residences, offices and shops, Gresham Palace was extensively restored in 1999. You can peek inside the lobby even if you aren’t staying there.
10.15: 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
This is Budapest’s most audacious building. The monumental Hungarian Parliament takes the Gothic Revival style of London’s Palace of Westminster and piles on Renaissance and Baroque flourishes for good measure.
The only way inside is via a 45-minute guided tour, which sells out well in advance; book ahead via the official website. Same-day tickets occasionally appear at the Visitor Centre, but don’t bet your house on it.
10.45 am: 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
A 19th-century spectacle of multicoloured marble and gilding, and home to the mummified right hand of Hungary’s patron saint (exactly as odd as it sounds). The views from the panoramic terrace are well worth the climb. The treasury, I’d skip.
12.30: Dohány Street Synagogue
This is unmissable. Built in 1859 in a Moorish Revival style, Dohány Street Synagogue is Europe’s largest and the most beautiful I’ve visited.
The guided tour included in your ticket is genuinely fascinating. Before you leave, walk around to the northern side for the Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial
1.30 pm: 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 sprang 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: Hungarian State Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera House first opened in 1893 with a performance of Verdi’s La Traviata, and it is one of Budapest’s most beautiful buildings: a Renaissance Revival structure with sculptures of Puccini and Verdi on its facade and a gold-and-marble interior.
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: 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 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.
Evening: Sunset Cruise on the Danube
The perfect finale to your two days in Budapest.
A one-hour cruise along the Danube gives you a completely different perspective on the city, especially once the Parliament Building and Chain Bridge light up after dark. This affordable cruise includes a free glass and an audioguide.
Plan Your Visit
When to go
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the sweet spots. My last visit was in April with daytime temperatures in the mid-teens, ideal for walking.
Summer gets very hot and very crowded. Winters can be harsh, though there is a Christmas market atmosphere if the weather cooperates.
Getting around
You won’t need public transport for most of this itinerary. Budapest has a good metro, tram and bus network, useful for getting to and from the train station. More info at BKK
You can find out more about public transport in Budapest here.
Where to stay
In a nutshell: Pest if you want to be in the thick of things; Buda if you prefer somewhere quieter with great river views. I’ve stayed on both sides. Read my full breakdown in Should You Stay in Buda or Pest?
Park Plaza Hotel – I’d book this again purely for the view of the river and the Parliament Building from my bedroom window. Great location, spacious rooms and very friendly staff. >> Check prices here.
TG Hotel Suites Budapest – A large, stylish apartment a short walk from St. Stephen’s Basilica, with a good range of restaurants nearby. As a solo traveller, I found the building reassuringly secure. >> Check prices here.
Budapest FAQ
Is two days enough for Budapest?
Two days is a great amount of time for a first visit, enough to see the highlights on both sides of the river without rushing. If you have more time, a third day lets you slow down, add the Széchenyi Baths and explore some of the quieter neighbourhoods.
Short on time? See my 1-day Budapest itinerary.
How much does a weekend in Budapest cost?
Budapest is good value by Western European standards. Expect to pay around €10–15 for museum entries, €15–25 for a mid-range meal and €20–30 for thermal bath entry. The wine tasting and Danube cruise are extras, but affordable compared to similar experiences elsewhere in Europe.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, for the Hungarian Parliament Building (which books out weeks ahead) and Dohány Street Synagogue. The wine tasting and Danube cruise are also worth booking ahead, particularly in peak season.
Is Budapest safe for solo travellers?
Very much so, in my experience. It’s one of the more solo-travel-friendly cities I’ve visited in Europe: walkable, well-signed and easy to navigate. I’ve written this guide to solo travel in Budapest.
I hope this helps you plan your two days in Budapest. It really is as good as people say. If you want to learn more about some of the places mentioned in this itinerary, I’ve also written these guides:
- Tokaj to Tasting Rooms: My Budapest Wine Tasting Experience
- Sacred Heights: Exploring Budapest’s Matthias Church
- Sacred Splendour: What Makes Budapest’s Synagogue Great
- Is the New York Café Budapest Worth It?
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.