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Hungary’s capital, Budapest, attracts around 6 million foreign tourists each year and it’s for good reason. The city immediately charms visitors with its beautiful architecture and historical buildings, and it truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to relax.
So if you're planning a 2-day trip to Budapest, we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through the best places to visit in Budapest, how to get around, food spots, and tips to make the most of your stay.
Are two days enough to visit Budapest?
Yes. Two days are enough to explore Budapest’s must-visit attractions, including Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths. However, if you want a more relaxed pace, consider extending your trip by a day or two.
How to get around Budapest
Getting from the Airport to Budapest City Center
Most international travelers will arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, about 30 minutes from the city center. You have two options to get to the city center:
- Taxi: Use the official airport taxi service, Főtaxi, which has set rates and is more reliable than other taxi companies that might overcharge you. A ride to the city center costs around 7200 HUF (26€).
- Public transport: The 100E Airport Express Bus takes you directly to the city center (Deák Ferenc Square) for 2200 HUF (€5,50) and has buses running around the clock. You can purchase your ticket inside the bus on a Pay&Go device.
Public transportation in Budapest
Budapest is a very walkable city, but if your feet get tired, your best option is to use Budapest’s public transportation system, which includes the metro, trams, buses, and boats. Most single tickets for the metro and buses are only 450 HUF (1,12€) each if you buy in advance, which you can do on the Budapest Go app.
If you plan on using public transportation a lot, you can purchase a public transport travelcard, which is 2500 HUF (6,25€) for a 24h card and gives you unlimited access to trains, metro, and buses in Budapest (except for the Airport bus).
Where to store luggage in Budapest
With short stays, wasting time carrying your luggage is less than ideal. LUGGit will pick up your bags wherever you are and store them, so you have complete freedom to enjoy your Budapest city trip! Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit service.
Day 1 in Budapest
Morning: Buda Castle
Budapest was once two different cities: Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River and unified in 1837. Each side has a distinct personality and your 2-day trip will start on the more hilly and historical side: Buda, in the Castle District. Some of the top places to visit in Budapest are here:
- Fisherman’s Bastion – A castle with fairytale-like towers, and one of the most photogenic spots in Budapest with beautiful panoramic views of the city. It is open to visitors 24/7 and free before 9 AM. After that, the entree fee for the upper towers is 1500 HUF (€3,60).
- Matthias Church – A neo-gothic masterpiece with one of the most colorful tiled roofs you’ll ever see. Entry fee: 2900 HUF (7,20€).
- Hungarian National Gallery - Worth visiting if you love art, with over 100 thousand art pieces. You can go up to the Gallery Dome for some amazing views of the city. Entry fee: 5400 HUF (13,40€).
If you want to learn more about Buda Castle and its history, you can book a guided walking tour. For a coffee break, stop at Ruszwurm Confectionery, one of Budapest’s oldest cafés, for a slice of their famous krémes (a Hungarian vanilla custard pastry).
Lunch: Traditional Hungarian Food
For lunchtime, head to Baltazár Grill Bar, a stylish but cozy restaurant with a mix of Hungarian and international dishes. It serves classic Hungarian dishes like goulash soup and chicken paprikash.
Afternoon: Thermal Baths
A trip to Budapest isn’t complete without relaxing in its famous thermal baths. Just remember to bring flip-flops, a towel, and a swimsuit to avoid rental fees. Here are some options for thermal baths in Budapest:
- Széchenyi Baths – The most famous and largest bath complex in Europe, over a century old (also the one with the iconic yellow building). Ticket prices vary depending on when you’re visiting, and start at 8800 HUF (21,88€).
- Rudas Baths – A bit less crowded and more frequented by locals, with a rooftop thermal pool overlooking the Danube. Ticket prices start at 6700 HUF (16,79€). Also check the opening hours, since on certain days the bath can only be visited by men or women.
Evening: Danube Cruise & Ruin Bars
Budapest is known for its exciting nightlife, although you’ll also find options if you’re looking for a more relaxed and scenic activity. Here are our suggestions:
- Sunset Danube Cruise – Seeing Budapest’s skyline light up from the Danube is magical. You can book a cruise with wine tasting or a full dinner if you’re feeling fancy.
- Ruin Bars – Set in old buildings and transformed into trendy bars filled with quirky decor. The most famous one is Szimpla Kert, but Mazel Tov is a more stylish alternative with really good food.
Day 2 in Budapest
Morning: Hungarian Parliament and Danube Views
Day two is all about experiencing both the modern culture and the history of Budapest, starting on the flatter side of the city: Pest.
- Visit the Hungarian Parliament - This neo-Gothic building is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, sitting right next to the Danube. You can book a tour to visit the inside, but make sure to do it in advance since tickets can sell out quickly. Entry fee: 6500 HUF (16,15€) for EEA citizens.
- Stroll through the Danube Promenade - Enjoy the views of Buda Castle and Gellért Hill and admire the numerous statues along the way. Make sure to stop by Shoes on the Danube, a moving Holocaust memorial.
- St. Stephens Basilica - One of the most impressive churches in Budapest, home to Hungary’s most sacred relic: the mummified right hand of St. Stephen. Entry fee: 3200 HUF (8€).
Lunch: Great Market Hall
This is Budapest’s largest and oldest market and the perfect place to have lunch and taste some authentic Hungarian food. Try lángos (deep-fried dough with sour cream and cheese) or buy some paprika and Tokaji wine as souvenirs.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, be aware that the market closes on Sundays.
Afternoon: Jewish Quarter and Hidden Gems
Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is one of the city's most vibrant and historic areas, with a mix of Jewish heritage and a dynamic nightlife and cultural scene. Here are some places to visit:
- Dohány Street Synagogue – The largest synagogue in Europe, home of the Hungarian Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial.
- Gozsdu Courtyard – A passageway filled with bars, restaurants, and market stalls, perfect for experiencing the district’s energy.
- New York Café - One of the most beautiful cafés in the world, which used to be a popular place for influential writers. It’s a great place to have a coffee, just note that prices can be quite steep.
If you’re interested in Hungary’s history, you can also walk to the House of Terror Museum, an intense museum about Hungary’s dark 20th-century history under Nazi and Soviet rule. Entry fee: 4000 HUF (9,95€).
Evening: Elegant Restaurant or Street Food
For dinner, we have two recommendations, depending on whether you want something more casual or more luxurious:
- Gundel Restaurant - A 130-year-old restaurant perfect for a traditional Hungarian dinner, with live music shows.
- Karaván Street Food Court - A food court in the middle of the most lively nightlife area of Budapest. Look for local dishes like chimney cake, beef goulash or sausage.
If you want to end your night with some cocktails and a beautiful view of the city, head to 360 Bar, a rooftop bar with heated igloos, and a beautiful panoramic view of Budapest.
Extra tips for a trip to Budapest
- Best times to visit - Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) are the best. You get mild weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices. December is magical for Christmas markets.
- Tipping - Although it’s not mandatory, it is standard to tip 10-15% in establishments like restaurants.
- Currency - Hungary’s currency is the Hungarian forint. Most places accept cards, but it’s good to have some cash for smaller vendors.
Pro tip: Enjoy Budapest without luggage!
If you have a late flight, let LUGGit handle your luggage. We’ll pick up your bags wherever you are and store them, so you can enjoy every last moment of your trip. Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit service!
