To experience the best of Budapest in a Day, having a well-organized travel plan is essential.
This stunning Hungarian city offers hundreds of fascinating sites, renowned architectural wonders, various monuments, and cultural landmarks that truly deserve a visit.
It might sound like a lot to fit into a single day, but rest assured, you’ve come to the right place.
In this section, you’ll find the most prominent tourist attractions in the city, along with a thoughtfully curated itinerary that will help you see Budapest’s most interesting sites efficiently.
Join us on this 24-hour journey to discover the very best of Budapest!
What to See in Budapest in a Day
Budapest is one of the most populous and industrialized cities in Hungary. Its rapidly growing commerce and the abundance of tourist attractions make this capital one of the Danube’s most captivating gems.
Today, Budapest is home to numerous ancient religious temples that have witnessed the city’s growth and architectural transformation.
Additionally, Hungary’s capital boasts a unique network of thermal waters, which makes it a world-renowned destination for thermal baths.
Some of these spas are over five centuries old, forming one of the must-see attractions on your one-day Budapest itinerary. At least one visit is essential during your time in the city.
Below, you’ll find the main points of interest to visit:
Gellert Thermal Bath
Gellert is one of the most popular and beautiful baths in Budapest—a must-visit spot. It’s usually quite busy, so to avoid waiting in long lines, consider purchasing tickets online here.
The thermal waters feeding this bath date back to the early 13th century, and they were once famed as “healing medicinal waters.”
In 1918, the Gellert Baths first opened their doors to the public. Since then, the complex has undergone several expansions and modernizations that have been preserved until today.
This warm, inviting tourist site includes a pool with artificial waves and a foam bath. The bath’s architecture is designed in a modernist style and features pirogranite elements from the renowned Zsolnay family’s factory, particularly around the pools. The complex is adorned with wooden locker rooms and beautiful stained glass.
The thermal waters at Gellert Thermal Bath are still used for medicinal treatments today. In fact, spa facilities are available within the bath complex where you can enjoy a soothing massage. Book your spot for an unforgettable experience here.
The Gellert Baths offer an ideal retreat for relaxation, and the healing properties of its waters have even earned it medical certification.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Hungary’s largest and most iconic religious structures. It soars to a height of approximately 96 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in Budapest.
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a breathtaking view that spans across many city landmarks. This historic temple is truly worth a visit.
The church’s architecture is rooted in the neoclassical style, and it was inaugurated in 1905. It has a capacity to accommodate over 8,500 people inside.
Crowned with a dome reaching 96 meters, the basilica shares this height with the Budapest Parliament, both symbolizing the pinnacle of Hungarian capital landmarks. This magnificent religious symbol of Budapest stands as one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
For a mere 500 forints, you can climb the right tower of the church for an incredible panoramic view of Budapest—a scene worth capturing in photos.
Another unique way to experience the basilica is by attending an organ concert held every Thursday. Secure your spot for this cultural experience through this activity on Civitatis.
Visit the Budapest Parliament
Just as St. Stephen’s Basilica is a significant religious icon, the Budapest Parliament serves as a political symbol of Hungary’s stunning capital. The building is designed in a Neo-Renaissance style with distinctive neo-Gothic elements.
Inside the parliament, you’ll find various notable rooms, including:
- Main Staircase: Step into elegance as you make your way up the grand staircase, bordered by a red carpet leading to the main upper corridor. Here, you’ll find a relief of Imre Steindl, the building’s architect.
- Dome Hall: Known as the crown of the parliament, this dome rises approximately 96 meters, marking the building’s highest point. Inside, you’ll see statues of Hungary’s historic kings, adding a regal aura to the space.
- Old Upper Chamber and the Deputies’ Council Hall: Currently open for tourists, these rooms showcase a U-shaped arrangement of seats, perfect for observing the historic structure of Hungarian legislative chambers.
The parliament is located in the heart of Pest. Entrance costs 5,800 forints for non-EU adults, and there are guided tours available daily.
For an in-depth experience of the Parliament and its fascinating history, you can book a guided tour in Spanish. It’s well worth the time, and you won’t be disappointed.
Chain Bridge
Another must-see stop on your Budapest tour is the Chain Bridge.
This magnificent bridge connects the two historic areas of Buda and Pest, which together form the capital of Hungary.
Also known as the Széchenyi Bridge, it was inaugurated in 1849 after about 20 years of construction over the Danube—a feat of engineering for its time.
The current bridge is actually a reconstruction of the original, which was destroyed during WWII bombings that impacted all Hungarian bridges. The Chain Bridge’s re-inauguration took place in 1949, commemorating the centennial of the original structure’s debut.
Buda Castle
Another emblematic site in Budapest is the Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace. This baroque and medieval architectural masterpiece sits along the banks of the Danube.
Throughout history, the castle served as the residence of Hungarian kings and was a focal point during various wars.
The most destructive blow came during WWII, when much of the castle was severely damaged. Over time, restoration efforts—largely supported by the Habsburg family—helped return the castle to its former glory.
Today, Buda Castle houses the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Szechenyi National Library.
Although you can tour the interior solo, a guide can enrich the experience with fascinating stories and context. We enjoyed this 3-hour free tour and found it absolutely inspiring.
Matthias Church
Known as the Church of Our Lady, the Matthias Church is an iconic landmark in Budapest and a popular tourist spot.
Budapest is a city where each historic building tells a story, and the Church of Our Lady, with origins in the 12th century, is no exception.
Despite numerous renovations, this beautiful Catholic temple continues to be the preferred venue for royal weddings and coronations.
If you’re exploring Budapest in a day, Matthias Church is a must-stop on your itinerary. Inside, the church hosts a museum that displays religious artifacts and artwork, adding depth to the visit.
One of the most unique experiences you can have is attending one of the concerts held inside Matthias Church. These concerts offer an unforgettable blend of history and music in a stunning setting. Make sure to book your ticket here well in advance to secure your spot.
Evening Dinner Cruise on the Danube
Still looking for ideas on how to make the most of a day in Budapest?
For the perfect conclusion to your day exploring Hungary’s capital, we recommend enjoying a boat ride with a dinner on the serene Danube.
After spending the day visiting the city’s iconic landmarks, there’s nothing like a relaxing cruise along the Danube to bring your day to a memorable close. Some of these cruises offer a two-hour tour that includes a gourmet meal featuring Hungarian specialties. Most cruises also provide live music to accompany the enchanting evening ambiance.
We suggest this particular dinner cruise. However, there are plenty of other exciting options, such as the ones listed below:
An unforgettable way to wrap up a one-day tour of Budapest!