Óbuda, Buda, and Pest—three distinct cities that came together under the watchful flow of the Danube River. Situated in the heart of Central Europe, the Hungarian capital is always ready to welcome travelers, tempting them with enticing experiences and activities for every budget.
Welcome to Budapest! Discover what to see in 2 days with a well-organized itinerary that takes you through the highlights of this vibrant city.
What to See in Budapest in 2 Days? Day 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BvKlB1R1S0
To make the most of your first day in Budapest, you can explore some of the city’s excellent museums, enjoy shopping, relax in one of the iconic thermal baths, or take in the grandeur of the city’s castle.
Here are a few popular recommendations from both locals and visitors alike. These activities can also be beautifully complemented by a scenic boat ride through the city’s famous waterways along the Danube River.
On one side of the river lies the hilly region of Buda, and on the other, the flat expanse of Pest, where some of the city’s most iconic buildings were constructed during the 19th century, in the golden age of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
For convenient travel between these areas, Budapest offers a range of options. There’s the cogwheel train that winds through the hills of Buda, the metro system that runs beneath Pest, and a robust network of trams, buses, and trolleys connecting all parts of the city.
Gellért Thermal Bath
If you’re planning to stay in Budapest for several days, you might consider purchasing the Budapest Card. With this card, you get unlimited access to the city’s public transportation.
Additionally, the card provides discounts on entry to museums, thermal baths, and many popular restaurants.
Where to Buy It?
The easiest option is to purchase it online, but it’s also available through tourist agencies or at major metro stations. We recommend booking the full-day ticket for the Gellért Bath directly for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Speaking of taking advantage of the discounts available with the Budapest Card, there’s no better way to unwind than with a spa session at a dreamy destination like the Gellért Bath.
Here, you’ll find beautifully intricate mosaics, grand marble columns, and refreshing thermal waters perfect for relaxing both body and mind. The indoor pool at Gellért Bath is a Hungarian landmark, often featured in famous commercials, and is celebrated as one of the most iconic spots in the country.
If you’re a sun lover and fancy a bit of tanning, don’t miss the outdoor wave pool—an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting Gellért.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
This grand cathedral, or St. Stephen’s Basilica, boasts a tower over 96 meters tall, dedicated to Hungary’s first Christian king. Its impressive architecture and majestic dome make it a defining feature of Budapest’s skyline. For a truly magical experience, you can attend a classical music concert at the basilica by signing up here.
Alongside the iconic Budapest Parliament, these two magnificent structures are among the tallest in the city. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is also the largest religious building in Hungary, accommodating over 8,500 worshippers at once.
Beneath the cathedral’s main facade, a three-tiered foundation was built to support the immense weight of this structure, making it nearly as substantial as the cathedral itself.
A must-see inside is the sacred chapel behind the apse, which houses one of Hungary’s most revered relics: the mummified hand of King Stephen I, the first king of the Austro-Hungarian kingdom.
The cathedral’s design also includes outstanding acoustics, creating the perfect ambiance for organ concerts held during gospel readings.
Adorned with sacred paintings, marble detailing, and jasper inlays, this breathtaking architecture transports visitors through centuries of history, spanning the 19th and 20th centuries.
Chain Bridge
Numerous bridges span the Danube to connect Buda and Pest, but the Chain Bridge was the first permanent structure to unite the two sides of the city.
Legend has it that during the bridge’s inauguration, the architect made a wager with his guests that he would jump from the bridge into the Danube if they could find a single flaw in his work.
Sure enough, one observant guest noticed that the stone lions flanking the bridge were missing their tongues. And so, legend has it, the good architect stayed true to his word and took the leap!
Buda Castle
To ascend to Buda and visit the castle, the best option is to take the funicular, which conveniently leaves you just a minute’s walk from St. George’s Square.
From here, you can either head directly to the royal palace or explore the charming streets of the Buda Castle district, the city’s oldest quarter.
Despite its name, the Buda Castle was never intended as a defensive fortress. Instead, it was built as a lookout point, offering spectacular views over the city and the Danube.
Purchasing a discounted ticket is highly recommended, not only for saving money but also for skipping the long lines at the entrance.
Matthias Church
One of the most famous Catholic churches in Budapest, the Matthias Church, also known as the Church of Our Lady, is located in the historic hills of Buda.
This remarkable church was originally constructed in the 13th century under the rule of Béla IV, the first king to commission a palace atop the hill beside a medieval village.
During the 19th century, extensive renovations transformed Matthias Church into its current, breathtaking form. Known for its stunning acoustics, the church frequently hosts organ concerts that perfectly accompany the reading of the gospel.
Its intricate mosaics, decorative elements, and stained glass windows were largely crafted by renowned artists Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz.
Matthias Church stands as a masterpiece of eclectic architecture, making it a destination you shouldn’t miss on your first day of traveling to Budapest.
Occasionally, classical music concerts are organized here, and you can reserve tickets in advance to enjoy a memorable evening.
Danube Dinner Cruise
For a perfect way to wrap up your first day in Budapest, consider a river cruise as the sun sets. As night falls, the city lights up, transforming Budapest into a scene of glistening reflections on the Danube.
This is the ideal moment to take a boat ride along the Danube and take in the city from a new perspective.
One of the most famous boats is the A38. Originally a Ukrainian cargo ship decommissioned in 1968, it was later transformed into a vibrant leisure venue. Aboard this massive 12,000-ton boat, you can sip a drink on the terrace, dine on the deck, or dance below in the main hold. If you’re looking for something even livelier, there are other options for meeting fellow travelers and locals alike.
Here are some other cruise options to consider:
- Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise
- Premium Night Cruise with Tokaj Frizzante
- Night Cruise with Drinks and Live Music
- 1-Hour Night Sightseeing Cruise with a Drink
- Night Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco
Second Day of Your Trip
After a full first day in Budapest, you’re ready to continue exploring. Buda has stood proudly on the right bank of the Danube for centuries, while Pest, on the left, is relatively younger.
Built in the 19th century by Hungary’s burgeoning middle class, Pest boasts wide avenues lined with elegant Art Nouveau buildings, many of which are iconic landmarks you won’t want to miss.
Visit the Budapest Parliament
The Budapest Parliament is a defining symbol of the city. A competition was held for its design, and the winning entry closely resembled the London Parliament.
The building’s grand dome reaches a height of 96 meters, offering stunning views over the city and the Danube’s waterways.
We took this guided tour in Spanish, which lasts two hours and provides fascinating insights into the building’s history and its significance to Budapest.
Budapest Opera House
End the evening in style by donning your finest attire and attending a performance at the renowned Budapest Opera House. This architectural gem, inaugurated in September 1884, was built to rival the grand opera houses of Vienna and Paris.
The Budapest Opera House has retained its historical splendor and offers a variety of performances to suit every taste, often at surprisingly affordable prices.
Tickets start at just 2 euros, though it’s worth investing a bit more for a good seat to fully immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the opera.
Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue, along with Váci utca, is one of Budapest’s most iconic shopping and cultural hubs.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, Andrássy Avenue is a grand boulevard connecting Erzsébet Square with Heroes’ Square. The avenue is lined with beautiful Renaissance-style facades and elegant decorations, making it an essential stop during your second day in Budapest.
Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square is among the most visited and emblematic tourist spots in Budapest.
Home to the renowned Museum of Fine Arts, this historic square offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of Hungarian culture and history. Together with Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
Though it’s particularly atmospheric at night, we also recommend visiting in the late afternoon or on weekends to fully appreciate its vibrancy.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Széchenyi is Budapest’s first and most iconic thermal bath.
For a rejuvenating soak in mineral-rich hot water, this is the ideal spot. The thermal waters of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath rise from deep underground, sourced from one of the deepest wells in the city. For a complete experience, consider this full-day tour, which also offers an optional excursion to enjoy Pálinka, Hungary’s famous fruit brandy.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best places to unwind before concluding your 2-day trip to Budapest.
Now it’s time to plan your adventure and let Budapest amaze you!