Hungary 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Budapest

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty traditional Hungarian breakfast at a local café. Try rakott krumpli (layered potato casserole) or tűző csusza (creamy cheese dumplings).
  • Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building and take a guided tour inside to marvel at its Gothic Revival architecture and intricate details. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the stunning exterior along the Danube River. [Ticket Price: 5000 HUF (around 16 EUR)]
  • Cross the iconic Chain Bridge and explore the Buda Castle district on the Buda side of the city.

Afternoon:

  • Take the funicular up to Buda Castle, where you can visit the Fisherman’s Bastion for panoramic views over Budapest. [Funicular Ticket Price: 1600 HUF (around 5 EUR)]
  • Explore the Matthias Church, located within the Buda Castle complex and marvel at its colorful roof tiles and intricate interior design. [Entrance Fee: 1500 HUF (around 4.80 EUR)]
  • Head down to the Szechenyi Thermal Bath for a relaxing soak in one of Europe’s most famous spas. [Ticket Price: 4,900-17,300 HUF (around 15-53 EUR)]

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying dishes like goulash or chicken paprika. For a unique experience, dine on a Danube River cruise boat. [Dinner Cost: around 30-60 EUR per person]

Day 2: Day Trip to Eger and Szentendre

Morning:

  • Take an early train from Nyugati Railway Station in Budapest to Eger. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. [Train ticket price: around 3.5 EUR one-way]
  • Visit the Eger Castle, exploring the historic town square and the beautiful Baroque-style St. Anna’s Cathedral inside the castle complex. Don’t miss the underground labyrinth! [Castle Complex Entrance Fee: 1800 HUF (around 5.70 EUR)]

Afternoon:

  • Head to Szentendre, a charming, artistically inclined village located on the Danube Bend. Explore its cobblestone streets lined with quirky art galleries, museums, and souvenir shops. [Train ticket price: around 2 EUR one-way]
  • Stop by the Museum of Applied Arts or the Open-Air Skanzen Museum to learn more about Hungarian folk culture.

Evening:

  • Return to Budapest and enjoy a leisurely stroll along Váci Utca, one of the city’s most famous pedestrian streets, filled with shops, cafés, and street performers. [Free activity]
  • For dinner, try some authentic Hungarian cuisine at a local restaurant in the Belváros (Inner City) district. [Dinner Cost: around 30-60 EUR per person]

Things to Note:

  1. Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may or may not require a visa to enter Hungary. Citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Check your country’s specific requirements at travel.state.gov or the European Commission website.
  2. Getting Around: Budapest has an extensive public transportation network, including metro, trams, buses, and boats. A single ticket costs 350 HUF (around 1.10 EUR), or you can purchase a 24-hour travel card for 1650 HUF (around 5.20 EUR).
  3. Currency: The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels, but it’s always a good idea to have some local cash on hand for smaller purchases or emergencies.
  4. Language: While English is spoken by many young people in Budapest, it’s still helpful to know a few basic Hungarian phrases. “Köszönöm” (thank you) and “Szia” (hello) are great places to start!
  5. Weather: Hungary has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for potential rain showers throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn. Pack layers to accommodate both indoor and outdoor activities during your trip.