Budapest Hungary 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Budapest

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Rose Bakery Budapest. Located in the bustling Gozsdu Udvar district, it offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and light meals.
  • Visit Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere), one of the major squares in Budapest, which hosts the iconic Millennium Monument.
  • Take a short walk to City Park (Városliget) where you can visit Vajdahunyad Castle and the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Afternoon:

  • Hop on tram 2 or 16 from Heroes’ Square and head towards Buda Castle District. Explore Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle.
  • Take a funicular or walk down to the Chain Bridge, cross it to reach Pest, and visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Kőleves for some traditional Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Take a relaxing cruise on the Danube River to enjoy the city lights. Several companies offer evening cruises, such as Budapest River Cruise.

Overnight:

  • Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, located in the heart of Budapest with stunning views of the Danube and Chain Bridge. For a more budget-friendly option, consider MAVERICK Hostel & Apartments.

Day 2: Soaking in Thermal Baths and Exploring Ruin Bars

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at your accommodation or try Gerbeaud, a famous Budapest café.
  • Visit the Thermal Baths of Széchenyi. This is one of the largest spa complexes in Europe and a must-visit in Budapest!

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Menza Termelő Közösség, a restaurant located inside a former tobacco factory. They offer organic and locally sourced dishes.
  • Visit the Ruin Bars in the Jewish Quarter. Some popular ones include Szimpla Kert, Fogasház, and Instant. These unique bars are made from reclaimed architectural elements and are filled with antique furniture, art, and interesting trinkets.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Borkonyha WineKitchen, where you can enjoy Hungarian dishes paired with local wines.
  • End your day with a stroll along the Danube Promenade (Döbrentei tér) and enjoy the illuminated Hungarian Parliament Building.

Things to Know:

  1. Budapest has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the metro. Buy a travel card for unlimited travel.
  2. Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF) as its currency.
  3. English is spoken in most tourist areas, but learning a few basic Hungarian phrases will be appreciated.
  4. The best time to visit Budapest is from March to May and September to November when the weather is milder, and the city is less crowded.
  5. Don’t forget to try traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash, chimney cake (kürtőskalács), and tokaji wine during your trip!
  6. Tipping in Budapest is usually around 10%.
  7. Make sure to check the opening hours of attractions and restaurants before visiting to avoid any inconvenience.
  8. Enjoy your trip to Budapest, and remember to take lots of photos!