Wondering what to do in Budapest? Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities you will find in Central Europe.
The Hungarian capital is known for its stunning architecture, medicinal thermal springs, and vivid nightlife.
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Budapest has a certain charm to it that could keep you there for weeks on end.
However, if, like most travelers, you only have two days in Budapest, fear not. You’ll still have plenty of time to explore this historic city and all its delights.
Our Budapest itinerary includes all of the city’s highlights and must-do activities to help you make the most of Budapest in 2 days.
We’ve also included where to eat, drink, and sleep, so you can spend less time researching and more time having fun in your new favorite city.
Not sure how long is needed in Budapest? Read our guide to help you decide how many days to spend in Budapest.
Budapest Day 1
Let’s kickstart our Budapest itinerary with some of the best attractions in town.
Morning – Castle District
Begin your 2 days in Budapest on the west side of the city (Buda) with an early start in Castle District.
The first stop on your Budapest Itinerary is Fisherman’s Bastion, seven historic lookout towers built between 1895 and 1902.
Fisherman’s Bastion is a popular spot to watch the sunrise as the terraces and courtyard are open 24 hours, and the view is one of the best you’ll find.
So arrive early to avoid the crowds and get a sense of the magical vibes this ancient fortress has. Entry to the grounds is free, but there is a HUF 1000 (€3) fee to access the upper towers, which open at 9 am.
From Fisherman’s Bastion, walk towards Buda Castle. This palace was built between 1749 and 1769 and was home to the country’s kings.
However, nowadays, it is a cultural complex containing the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the Hungarian National Library.
You can walk around the grounds for free to admire the castle’s architecture. However, there is a fee to enter the museums if you wish to learn more about the palace’s history.
The castle sits atop the hill, and you can walk up and down via the trails. Alternatively, you can hop on the funicular, which costs HUF 1,400 one way or HUF 2,000 return.
The views from Buda Castle are equally as impressive as from Fisherman’s Bastion.
Another fascinating attraction in Castle District is the Labyrinth located under Castle Hill.
It is believed that this is where Dracula was once imprisoned, and you can explore this spooky network of caves in a fun and exciting exhibition, costing HUF 3000 (€8.5).
The last landmark of the morning is Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Cross the Danube River from this historic bridge to enter the city’s east side (Pest).
Afternoon – Pest Centre and City Park
Once you make it over the bridge, you’ll find yourself greeted by the magnificent Gresham Palace and Four Seasons Hotel.
In this area, there is a vast array of fantastic restaurants to enjoy a well-earned lunch.
Börze and Hung(a)ry? are two fantastic eateries for authentic Hungarian food.
For the veggies, Govinda is a well-known vegan and vegetarian restaurant. Then, if you’re craving something sweet after lunch, head to Gelato Rosa to try their iconic rose-shaped ice creams.
This afternoon, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest Roman Catholic church in Hungary.
The church is free to enter, but access to the bell tower costs HUF 1000. It’s 364 steps up to the top, but the climb is worth it for the expansive views you’ll experience here.
For the rest of the afternoon, head to Heroes Square, the city’s largest square containing statues of Hungarian kings and heroes.
Behind the court is City Park, which is a beautiful place to take a stroll. Be sure to check out Vajdahunyad Castle in the center of the gardens while you’re here.
Evening – Drinks at the city’s Ruin Bars
One unique part of Budapest nightlife is its ‘Ruin Bars.’ These funky pubs offer an alternative to the upmarket bars found in the city center.
They feature mismatched decor, vibrant artwork, and craft beers, and you’ll find most of them between District V and District VII.
Szimpla Kert is the most popular Ruin Bar in the city and a must-visit for anyone seeking unique experiences in Budapest in 2 days.
Budapest Day 2
Then, for the second day, we’ll continue our journey towards some popular Budapest attractions.
Morning – Danube River landmarks
If you’re feeling a bit worse for wear this morning, wake yourself up with a coffee from Espresso Embassy, close to Liberty Square.
Then walk to the river where you’ll come across Shoes on the Danube Bank, a sobering memorial site honoring the Jews that a fascist party killed during WWII.
Before being shot at the edge of the river, they were forced to take off their shoes. This is represented by the 60 pairs of iron shoes that make up this memorial.
A short stroll north, and you’ll arrive at the Hungarian Parliament Building.
This neo-gothic landmark is the largest building in the city and one of the most impressive aesthetically too. While most tourists admire the exterior only, it is possible to take a guided tour inside. However, these need to be booked in advance and sell out fast.
Take a walk south down the Danube promenade admiring the city’s beauty until you arrive at Liberty Bridge.
Here you will find the famous Central Market Hall, where you can try some Hungarian specialties.
My favorite is langos, a fried flatbread that can be served sweet or savory with various toppings.
In addition, the first floor of this enormous market has some excellent souvenirs and gifts, such as Palinka, a Hungarian fruit brandy.
Afternoon – Gellért Hill and Thermal Baths
Once you’ve had your fill of Hungarian cuisine, take the tram across Liberty Bridge to the base of Gellert Hill.
Walk through the beautiful gardens and up to the old Citadella fort that was built in 1848. It’s quite a walk, so it is a great way to burn off those Hungarian treats from the market.
Plus, the view from the top is undoubtedly worth the effort to get up there.
After the climb, reward yourself by spending the rest of the afternoon at Gellért Thermal Bath.
One of the most interesting facts about Budapest is that the city is built over thermal hot springs. These springs have been turned into thermal baths, attracting visitors to relax in the warm, healing waters.
Gellert Thermal Bath is part of the Hotel Gellert complex and one of the oldest natural spas in the city. Entrance costs HUF 5900 on weekdays and HUF 6200 on weekends.
If you’d rather avoid the tourist path and save a few pennies I’d suggest you target less crowded baths like the Rudas Baths, Lukacs Baths, or the Kiraly Baths for a better experience.
Evening – Budapest Eye and drinks by the river
Budapest Eye is a 65-meter Ferris wheel that operates until 11 pm.
Although it may seem a bit touristy, taking a ride on the wheel after dark is a brilliant way to see how the city lights up at night and an ideal activity to round up Budapest in 2 days.
Tickets cost HUF 3000, and you get three rounds on the wheel, lasting a total of 20 minutes.
Get dinner at the nearby Hungarikum Bisztró, a homely restaurant with a relaxed ambiance. The restaurant serves authentic Hungarian food and has a traditional live music band playing while you eat.
Afterward, if you’re up for it, go for a drink at Pontoon bar, located on the riverbank next to Széchenyi Chain Bridge. In the summer you can enjoy fantastic live music and DJs playing here every evening, too.
More Experiences In Budapest
Now, if you have an extra day or more time to experience something unique, I’d recommend organizing one of the following activities.
Hungarian Cooking Class
While in Budapest, why not trying to cook some of the most traditional dishes in Hungary?
We had an amazing time at the Central Hall Market, which is the largest indoor market in Budapest.
First, we went for a little shopping session so we can get extra ingredients for our recipes.
Then, we went to a cooking school where we cooked three dishes: the famous Hungarian Goulash, followed by a delicious Paprika Chicken and we made filled pancakes for dessert.
This experience was offered by Tinggly. Read more about this fun cooking experience here.
Scenic Flight Over Budapest
If you’re thinking of doing something a bit more crazy while in Budapest, you could go on an air cruise over the city.
It’s an excellent way to get unique shots of Budapest while enjoying spectacular views. This short flight of 20 minutes will surely be memorable.
We had someone picking us up at our Airbnb and the whole thing was super smooth.
It was quite a fun experience to be in such a tiny plane. Obviously, the views were worth it and I can’t say no to an adrenaline dose, ha!
Where To Stay In Budapest
Now you know how to make the most of Budapest in 2 days; you just need an excellent centrally-located place to stay.
Luckily, the city has some great accommodation options spanning all price ranges. If you’d rather stay in a hostel, I’d recommend staying at Flow Hostel.
Best Budget Accommodation
Budapest Holidays Downtown provides fabulous studio apartments for visitors staying one or two days in Budapest.
For just €37 a night, you can stay in a modern studio complete with a double bed, kitchenette, air conditioning, TV, and a private bathroom. The apartment decor is sleek and stylish, and the location is ideal, just 1 km from many of the historical sites and close to the ruin pubs.
Best Mid-Range Accommodation
The centrally located Ambra Hotel is a trendy yet homely boutique hotel that provides free coffee, tea, and snacks all day long, as well as a superb breakfast.
There is also an onsite sauna for guests to enjoy. Double rooms cost €60 a night and feature air conditioning, a private modern bathroom, TV, kettle, and super cozy bedding.
Best Luxury Accommodation
Suppose you want to splash out, then where better to stay than the elegant Anantara New York Palace hotel?
Here, you can live like royalty in a spacious premium room with a private terrace, large bathtub, and in-room coffee machine. Premium rooms cost 300 a night and include a delicious breakfast buffet.
You also have use of the onsite spa, relaxation pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam bath.
Final Thoughts On Budapest Getaways
With so much on offer, your weekend in Budapest will be a jam-packed one.
To ensure you don’t miss any of the city’s highlights, follow our complete itinerary for a fun and memorable 2 days in Budapest.
Are you staying longer? Check out this list of 25 things to do in Budapest and this 3 days in Budapest itinerary!
Perfect for solo travelers, backpackers, couples and party animals, there’s a lot of things to do in Budapest.
Traveling to Budapest in two days can be quite challenging but it is possible!
Personally, I opted for a longer stay but if you’re traveling across Europe and you’re on a tight schedule you should know that you will still have plenty of time to make the most of it.
Note that I usually go to Budapest during summer, but you could also visit Budapest during the winter.
