If you’re a sucker for viewpoints, amazing food, historic streets, and a city with plenty of character, I am quite sure Budapest cannot disappoint you.
Wandering around Fisherman’s Bastion, visiting one of the many thermal baths and exploring from Buda to Pest… To blend in all of this in only 2 days might sound like an insane challenge, right?
To be real, there are so many things to do in Budapest, and it’s impossible to see literally EVERYTHING of the city in those 2 days. BUT I can assure you that if you’re happy exploring all the main highlights, it could definitely work out well.
With a little planning, you can easily fit in plenty of things in 2 days in Budapest without making the trip feel like a sightseeing marathon.
How to Visit Budapest in 2 Days: My Honest Answer
Since 2 days is quite limited, I’d highly recommend you staying as central as possible, that way you don’t waste valuable time on transport to get around.
From here, many of the biggest highlights are easy to reach on foot, so prepare yourself by wearing comfortable shoes as they will quickly become your best friend.
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Budapest really has many good areas to stay in. But, if you only have two days in Budapest, though, I’d keep things uncomplicated and go for a stay in the heart of Budapest.
Choosing accommodation in the District V area will give you a hassle-free two days without having to think about using public transport and other stuff. Your biggest concern would probably be something like; ‘Where can I get the best deep-fried flatbread aka Lángos?’.
Once your accommodation is sorted, it’s time to start planning how you’ll spend those two days in Budapest. With limited time, having a good route makes a huge difference.
Below you can find my recommendations for seeing as much as possible from the city without spending the entire trip on checking the time, this two-day Budapest itinerary has you covered.
The Best Things to Do in 2 Days in Budapest:
- Wander around Fisherman’s Bastion
- Visit Hungarian Parliament Building
- Shoes on Danube Bank
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Visit the Great Market Hall
- Visit the Buda Castle
- Sunset dinner cruise
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Explore night life in the city center
Day 1: Get to Know the Buda Side
Today is all about getting to know the Buda side of the city at an easy pace. You’ll explore some of Buda’s most charming areas and have some scenic stops in between.
9 AM – Start your day at Fisherman’s Bastion
Cost: free – 1,700 HUF (€4 – €5)
You’re first morning in Budapest will start at one of the most magical places: Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s one of the places which offers without a doubt the most spectacular views over the city.
Most spots are free to look around, take some pics and soak up the amazing views, while the upper towers and the terrace will ask a small fee to wander around.
Quick tip: IF you’re a morning person and don’t become moody while getting up before 8AM, I’d personally recommend going as early as possible to take some stunning pics at this spot without hordes of tourists.
10 AM – Walk around Matthias Church and the Castle Hill
Next up, it’s time to wander around Castle Hill and the surrounding streets where you’ll also find the Matthias Church. The colorful rooftops and historical, old streets are impressive to see, and the different little viewpoints will certainly make the little stops worth it even more.
11.30 AM – Continue the walk to Buda Castle
Spend some time exploring the courtyards and viewpoints around the Buda Castle. It won’t cost you anything, and there’s loads of beautiful spots to get a panoramic view of the Pest side of the city.
If your legs are filing a complaint after all those morning steps, you can take a ride back down the hill by the historic Buda Castle cable railway, which will cost you 4,500 HUF one-way. It’s also possible to buy a return ticket for 5,500 HUF.
1 PM – LUNCH TIME!
After getting down from Castle Hill, head over to Pest and find one of the many cafés and restaurants to have lunch.
Honestly, there are loads of options, but if I may recommend one, Café Brunch Budapest – Fővám tér is definitely one of my favorites you should try! It’s not only a great spot for lunch, but also perfectly positioned for sightseeing afterwards.
2.30 PM – Explore Hungarian Parliament Building
With your belly full and energy topped back up, it’s time to continue the sightseeing and what better than seeing the Hungarian Parliament Building from up close?
Even if you only admire it from the outside, the scale of the building is super impressive and also take a closer look at the detailed stonework, tall spires and huge central dome, which makes this building the most recognizable one in Budapest.
Quick tip: it is possible to book a guided tour to take a look inside the Parliament Building. Tickets can be booked here.
3.30 PM – Shoes on the Danube Bank
From the Parliament, it’s only a short walk to the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial. It won’t take long to visit, but knowing the history behind it makes this one of the more meaningful stops along the river.
4 PM – Walk along the Danube River & grab a drink
Now it’s time to slow down and relax a bit more, as you’ve been on foot all day. Go grab a drink at Smúz Café or walk a little further and sit down at Liz & Chain rooftop bar at the Budapest Marriott, if you don’t mind paying a little extra for a cocktail while enjoying insane panoramic river views.
7 PM – Sunset cruise + dinner
Finish day one with something a little more special: a sunset dinner cruise on the Danube. You’ll get to watch Budapest slowly light up around you while enjoying dinner on the water, with the highlight of the evening; the Parliament Building and bridges around glowing on the river.
It’s definitely one of the more memorable ways to end your first day in the city, and if you don’t mind splurging on an activity, I’d seriously consider to choose this one.
Day 2: Explore the Heart of Pest
The second day is focused on exploring Pest, the more energetic part of Budapest. Wandering through central neighborhoods and stop somewhere in between for a coffee (and a chimney cake of course) and combine sightseeing in the lively areas of the city.
9 AM – St. Stephen’s Basilica
We’re starting the morning of day 2 with a visit in the center of Pest, to admire St. Stephen’s Basilica. You can have a look inside and if you’re visiting in summer or if the weather’s clear, definitely go up to the panoramic terrace for an impeccable view over the rooftops of Budapest.
The panoramic terrace alone will cost 5,000 HUF (€13 – €14) and if you also want to go inside the basilica, you can go for an all-in-one ticket which costs 6,800 HUF (€18 – €19).
10.30 AM – Explore central Pest area
After spending some time at and around the basilica, it’s the perfect time to walk around through the city center. You’ll have a moment for a good coffee, getting (another) chimney cake, some shopping, strolling through souvenirs shops, or simply wander around the Hungarian streets before heading out towards City Park.
12 PM – Heroes’ Square & City Park
Make your way slowly to Heroes’ Square. Heroes’ Square is also one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks and the city’s most spacious square with beautiful architecture.
It’s easy to combine with the City Park, which gives you a nice break from Budapest’s busier center.
1 PM – Lunch near City Park
Before heading into the afternoon, stop for lunch somewhere around City Park. You’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby, and actually this is the perfect chance to try something typically Hungarian, like gulyás soup, which is Hungary’s iconic national dish, or go for pörkölt if you’re into meat.
2 PM – Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Cost: 13,200 HUF (€36) on weekdays, 14,800 HUF (€41) on Fridays and 15,800 HUF (€44) during peak periods and holidays.
Finally, time to spend a few hours relaxing at Széchenyi Thermal Bath, or if you want to avoid crowds, go visit one of Hungary’s lesser-known thermal baths.
I definitely wouldn’t rush this stop, since you’re paying for it anyway. After walking around the city for nearly 2 days, sitting and relaxing in a thermal spa for a few hours is a pretty good way to give your legs a break (and they will thank you for that!).
5.30 PM – Back to city center
After a couple of hours of relaxation, we’re heading back to central Pest, where you’ll have some time to freshen up before dinner.
Since you’ll be leaving the next day, I personally take these kind of moments to pack most of things, charge the devices, organize my travel documents, and chill a bit before heading out again.
Getting a few of those little things out of the way now means you can enjoy your final evening in Budapest without thinking about packing later.
7 PM – Dinner & ruin bars
For your final evening, I’d highly recommend having dinner somewhere around the Jewish Quarter and then check out one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars. Even if, like me, you’re not a huge drinker, places such as Szimpla Kert are super fun to see for the unusual interiors and take in the lively atmosphere.
FAQ for 2 Days in Budapest Itinerary
How to get around in Budapest?
The city is quite easy to get around to be honest, if you decide to stay central. Many of the main sights are within walking distance, but you can easily buy a ticket for the metro or tram as well. Another option is to rent a shared e-scooter or shared bike to get around.
What are the must-see sights in Budapest?
If you’re visiting Budapest for a short stay, I’d say Fisherman’s Bastion, the Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Shoes on Danube Bank are all must-visits you cannot skip while being there.
What is the best time to visit Budapest?
Budapest really is one of those cities where it depends on what kind of weather you’d like for a city trip. During summer months, it’s mostly bloody hot, but you can cool off in one of the thermal spas. After summer, the temperatures are milder and easier to get around the city. But, if you’re a fan of the holiday season, December is probably one of the coziest times of the year to visit.
Is 2 days in Budapest worth it?
Like I mentioned earlier, if you plan things well, it’s perfect to see the main highlights of the city. However, if you want to go for a more in-depth experience, you’ll probably need at least a week.
Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Budapest Itinerary
Although 2 days is definitely too short to fully explore Budapest properly, it still can be rewarding to go see the biggest highlights and visit some of the many great restaurants the city has to offer.
If your schedule is tight, I certainly wouldn’t skip a trip to Budapest because you’ve only got 48 hours. The city makes a strong impression quickly, so I assume after spending two days here, you for sure will be back anytime soon! 😉
Check Here My Other Budapest Blogs
The Best Things to Do in Budapest: Check the Best Activities in the City
Where to Stay in Budapest: Discover the Best Areas & Stays
Is Budapest Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion
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