What to see in Budapest in two days
When you’re on a city break to Budapest and you’re short on time, you’ll need a well thought-out agenda to make the most of every visit. The urban fabric of the Hungarian capital is divided by the Danube, a mighty river that separates the historic Buda-Obuda and Pest. Thanks to several bridges, their banks are now perfectly connected. The most logical way to organise your sightseeing days is to spend the first day exploring the monumentality of Buda Hill and the second visiting the most emblematic buildings in Pest, such as the Hungarian Parliament, as well as enjoying the lively atmosphere of many of its districts. Or vice versa.
If during the day there is no shortage of activities and sights to see, Budapest’s social life moves at night to the most exclusive places – terraces and rooftops of elegant establishments – as well as to the neighbourhoods where the “ruins bars” are located. These bars, located in abandoned buildings or in spaces that were created as commercial premises, are the stars of the night. You’ll find them with large patios, restaurants, nightclubs, live music… and plenty of alternative atmosphere. Undoubtedly, experiencing Budapest’s nightlife is another of the “must” of this dynamic city.
Itinerary day 1
13.15 - 13.40
Matías Church
The striking church of Matthias has a neo-Gothic figure due to the interventions carried out by the architect Frigyes Schulek in 1896, although it is known that King Matthias Corvinus married Beatrice of Naples there in 1476. What is most striking on the outside of the church is its roof covered with colourful tiles and its beautiful spire. It is advisable to go inside to admire the frescoes, the stained glass windows and the large rose window.
13.15-13.40
Matías Church
LThe striking church of Matthias has a neo-Gothic figure due to the interventions carried out by the architect Frigyes Schulek in 1896, although it is known that King Matthias Corvinus married Beatrice of Naples there in 1476. What is most striking on the outside of the church is its roof covered with colourful tiles and its beautiful spire. It is advisable to go inside to admire the frescoes, the stained glass windows and the large rose window.
14.00-16.00
Lunch at Halászbástya Étterem
This elegant restaurant is located in the Bastión de Pescadores and oozes history on all four sides. The menu is very select and balanced, so you can enjoy national recipes but with the chef's creative touch. It is well worth booking in advance.
18.00-20.00
Géllert Baths
To relax you can go to this historic spa, which was built in the Secessionist style at the beginning of the 20th century and is one of the most elegant in the capital. The jewel in the crown is its monumental indoor pool, where a Danone advert was filmed, but it also has other outdoor pools. As well as swimming, you can get massages and other therapies.
16.30-17.30
Gellért hill and lookout point
After lunch we encourage you to go up to the Gellért lookout point on the hill of the same name, where the Statue of Liberty was erected to commemorate the Russian victory over the Germans. It is a natural setting where you can stroll and admire the panoramic view of the city at your feet. At sunset, it is common to go up to this place to watch the sun go down.
20.30-21.00
Chain Bridge
Next to the Gellért Spa there is a bridge over which you can cross to Pest, but we suggest you walk a few more minutes to go over the Chain Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in the city (mid-19th century). You won't be able to resist taking a photo next to the large lion sculptures. Legend has it that if the city is ever in danger, they will come to life to defend it.
20.30 - 21.00
Chain Bridge
Next to the Gellért Spa there is a bridge over which you can cross to Pest, but we suggest you walk a few more minutes to go over the Chain Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in the city (mid-19th century). You won't be able to resist taking a photo next to the large lion sculptures. Legend has it that if the city is ever in danger, they will come to life to defend it.
21.15-23.45
Dinner cruise
For the last evening we suggest a quiet and romantic experience: a boat trip on the Danube to admire the illuminated city. The Parliament and the Royal Palace look even more beautiful at this time of day. There are several companies that organise cruises during the day and also at night, with or without dinner, with live music? Come to the pier and choose the cruise you like best.
Itinerary day 2
11.15-12.30
Parliament
With a façade of some 268 metres, it is the largest building in Hungary and a must-see in the country's capital. Its location on the opposite bank of the river to the castle was not by chance, but to show that the people's power rested on this bank. Inside there are more than 600 rooms, although the guided tour takes you into fewer... The most interesting things to see on a visit to the Parliament are: the monumental staircase, St. Stephen's Crown and the Congress Hall.
13.00-15.00
Lunch at Mercado Central
About ten minutes' walk from the Parliament is the Central Market, which is housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic building with a tiled roof. It is an ideal place to get to know the typical Hungarian products, sausages, peppers, paprika, wines, handicrafts... and to have lunch in one of the bars on the first floor. There you can try the typical goulash.
18.30-19.30
Andrássy Avenue
After lunch you can return to the centre of the capital for a stroll along Andrássy Avenue, an elegant 19th-century boulevard lined with neo-Renaissance residences and beautiful buildings. If you like walking, we encourage you to go as far as Heroes' Square, where there is a monumental ensemble commemorating the nation's heroes. A number of museums are also located around this space.
22.00-23.30
Dinner at Menza
We like everything about this restaurant: its warm interiors, its extensive menu with a good range of traditional and international dishes, and the friendliness of the service. Book in advance because it tends to be very busy. The kitchen closes at 11pm, so don't arrive too late (it's 400 metres from the Opera building).