48 Hours in Budapest
When most people think about traveling to Europe, all the major cities pop into their heads: London. Paris. Rome.
Most people don't immediately dream of Budapest.
But I do.
After two visits to the Hungarian capital, I can say with certainty that Budapest is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It has everything I love: great history and architecture; fantastic views; affordable prices; and a downtown area that's easy to get around. It's also still slightly off the beaten path when it comes to Europe, meaning it's not nearly as touristy as the capital cities further West.
Another great thing about Budapest is that it's not massive. The population is less than 2 million, and all the major attractions you'd want to see are relatively close together.
Meaning that Budapest makes a great weekend getaway if you're already in Europe.
If you have 48 hours to spend in Budapest, here are the sites I most highly recommend:
Buda and Castle Hill
Budapest actually used to be two separate cities — Buda and Pest — divided by the Danube. They unified into one city in the 1870s, but still feel quite different. Pest, for example, is mostly flat and full of shopping and restaurants. Buda, on the other hand, is very hilly and more touristy than Pest — but that's just because of all the attractions atop Buda Hill.
You can take the funicular or walk up Castle Hill to Buda's Old Town, where you'll find the Budapest History Museum and great views back down over the city's famous Chain Bridge. You'll also want to visit Trinity Square to see Matthias Church, a 13th-century Gothic beauty with a colorful tiled roof.
Next to Matthias Church is Fisherman's Bastion, which is my favorite spot on Castle Hill. The architecture is cool, and the views out over the Danube can't be beat.
Thermal baths
Beneath the city of Budapest lie dozens of geothermal springs. The city long ago harnessed these and built a handful of beautiful thermal baths. I personally recommend the Szechenyi Baths near Heroes' Square — the beautiful 100-year-old bath house has 15 indoor baths and 3 outdoor pools of varying temperatures.
Also popular is the Gellert Thermal Baths, though I haven't been to that one myself.
Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament building — a massive example of gothic construction — really can't be missed in Budapest. And I mean that literally. It's so huge and stands out so much that you can't possibly not notice it. Make sure to walk by at least once to see it up close.
While you're there, also check out the memorial on the bank of the Danube in front of Parliament. Sets of broze shoes sit here as a memorial to the Jews who were killed by fascist militiamen in Budapest during WWII. The memorial isn't flashy, but it's definitely moving. The people who were killed here were ordered to take off their shoes and were then shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies would be carried away by the Danube.
Ruin bars
I'm not really much for partying (in fact, if you know me, you know that I barely even drink), but Budapest has a very unique type of bar culture that's well worth checking out — ruin bars. At the turn of the millennium, these new pubs began popping up all over Budapest. They are located in run-down buildings and unused outdoor spaces that have been transformed into funky places where you can drink really cheaply.
One of the most famous ruin bars in the city is the very first one, Szimpla Kert, found today in Budapest's Jewish Quarter. Inside, the bar is full of mismatched furniture — you can even have a drink inside half of an old Trabant car.
The Danube at night
Lastly, no trip to Budapest would be complete without a cruise along the Danube after dark. Various companies offer after-dark cruises, and some even include dinner. Whatever your budget, make sure to book one. All of the buildings along the river and all the bridges crossing it are illuminated at night, making for a pretty spectacular sight.
Here's what my 48-hour itinerary would look like:
Day 1
- Castle Hill in the morning
- Lunch somewhere along the Danube (or at Fisherman's Bastion overlooking the Danube and Pest — it would be more expensive, but the views really are amazing)
- A stroll past Parliament (and maybe a tour if you're interested in politics)
- Drinks at a ruin bar
Day 2
- Visit a museum, or maybe Heroes' Square
- A relaxing afternoon at one of the thermal baths
- A cruise on the Danube at night
Book a tour!
You can also check out some of the great tours offered in Budapest by Urban Adventures, like:
Where to stay in Budapest
There are a lot of accommodation options in Budapest – many of which are ideally located and place you right in the middle of all the action. You could splash out on the Sofitel at the Chain Bridge, or book something more budget-friendly like the Medosz Hotel off Andrássy Avenue.
You can also compare hotel prices in Budapest here.
Search for more Budapest accommodation here:
Have you been to Budapest? What else would you recommend doing there?
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Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I bought a sightseeing/museum pass through Viator.com–it’s a money saver if you’re in Budapest. At my request, it was sent to the hotel where I was joining for a group tour of the Balkans, the famed Gellert. I picked it up when I checked in. Free entry to the spa if you stay there!
I wanted to visit the Hungarian National Library but it was closed since it was Sunday.
On the Pest side, St. Stephan’s Cathedral offers great views of the city and its treasury is worth seeing. I bought a combo pass for the tower and treasury.
The Central Market is worth visiting: you can buy fresh foods there. The 2nd level is loaded with souvenir stands and has some eateries.
As always, check the hours of any place you plan to visit since they’re subject to change.
Great tips, Elisa!
I did a very similar trip to Budapest (tacked on to some time spent in Italy) and loved it! Compared to other European capital cities I found it to be less touristy and more “lived in.” Out in the ruin bars I met students, locals and backpackers, but felt off the beaten path from most American tourists. Also loved the baths!
Yeah I definitely agree! Even though I’ve read statistics that Budapest is in the top 10 of most-visited cities in Europe, I still think it’s much less touristy than many other places I’ve been.
I love the Szechenyi baths although I was there during a heat wave so the inside pools weren’t open. I also loved Margaret Island for a drink at dusk 🙂
I got invited to go party on Margaret Island a couple summers ago, but unfortunately was really jetlagged so I said no. But I’ve heard it’s really great there in the summer!
I love Budapest! I’ve been there three times already, but it’s definitely a city I’d return to and spend a month in. I actually prefer Gellert to Szechenyi baths, at least for visiting in winter as they’re mostly indoors!
Good to know about the baths! I went in summer, and I loved how colorful the outdoor pools at Szechenyi were!
Thanks for the suggestions! Budapest is definitely on my list to visit when I go to Europe. I love off the beaten path stuff, so I can’t wait to check these out 🙂
It’s certainly not as off-the-beaten-path as it used to be, but it’s much less touristy than most other big cities in Europe!
Amanda, One place that’s really interesting, especially to eat, is the Jewish quarter…Just thinking of it makes me want to book a ticket!
Thanks for the suggestion!
Sounds like the perfect itinerary for 2 days and probably exactly what I’d suggest too! 🙂
Great to hear! I’ve been twice now, and I went to basically all the same places the second time around. Haha.
I guess I will revisit Budapest soon 🙂 I liked the view of the city from Citadella and I would definitely recommend Vajdahunyad castle right in the City park (just next to Heroes´ Square.
Good tips! There’s certainly a lot to see in the city.
It’s an amazing city and affordable too! The views are breath taking
Yes, definitely affordable!
I absolutely LOVE Budapest! It just has such a quirky atmosphere. I only spent a couple of days there, but I can’t wait to go back and explore further.
I feel the same way! The atmosphere is great, and it’s a place I always get excited about going back to.
Have a try Szechenyi Bath in winter. Just imagine that while you are swimming outdoor in the warm water it is snowing.
That sounds fantastic!
Budapest looks like a charming city. Love its churches – the architecture looks so gorgeous! Though I don’t drink, I’d love to take pictures of the run-down bars that you mentioned. Sounds like Budapest has lots of character.
Lots of character for sure! And the architecture is indeed very pretty.
This was never on my radar really until a couple weeks ago, and now after seeing your pictures I definitely want to visit!
Great to hear! It’s certainly worth a visit.
We loved Budapest so much, that instead of staying three days like we initially planned we extended our stay for an entire week! There is so much good food in Budapest, and the home made wine and prosecco! Ah, I would go back in a heartbeat
It’s definitely a city that I know I’ll keep going back to in Europe!
I actually love Budapest as well!!! I thought the Parliment building was beautiful and had a great time at the thermal baths. Plus, compared to many other cities in Europe it’s a steal!
Definitely! Central and Eastern Europe is so much more affordable!