Budapest 2 Day Itinerary

By Urvish Shah•

Perfect 2-day Budapest itinerary

budapesthungarycity-breakthermal-bathdanube-cruiseparliamentopera-housegreat-synagogueflipper-museum
Budapest 2 Day Itinerary

Introduction

A concise 2-day Budapest plan that hits the city's essentials on both the Buda and Pest sides. This itinerary is walkable with short transit hops and mixes history, architecture, culture, and relaxation.

Overview

  • Base yourself near the Danube or in District V (Belváros) for easy access
  • Get a 24/48-hour transit pass (BKK) for trams, metro, and buses
  • Book thermal bath tickets and Danube cruise in advance (evenings sell out)

Day 1: Buda Highlights + Thermal Bath

Morning — Castle District (Buda side)

  • Buda Castle: Walk the courtyards and terraces for city views
  • Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom): Distinctive tiled roof and Neo-Gothic interior
  • Fisherman’s Bastion: Best panoramic views over the Parliament and the Danube Fisherman’s Bastion

Tips:

  • Arrive early to avoid tour crowds
  • You can use the funicular or walk up via the gardens

Midday — Cross to Pest

  • Walk the Chain Bridge (if open) or take the tram across the Danube
  • Coffee or lunch in District V (try a quick lángos or goulash)

Afternoon — Basilica + Thermal Bliss

  • St. Stephen’s Basilica: Climb the dome for sweeping city views St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Iconic yellow Neo-Baroque bath complex
    • Reserve a time slot, bring flip flops and a towel, rent a cabin/locker
    • Explore indoor pools too; outdoor pools are great at sunset Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Evening — Dinner in Pest

  • Try traditional Hungarian dishes (paprikash, stuffed cabbage, chimney cake dessert)
  • Optional ruin bar visit in the Jewish Quarter (e.g., Szimpla Kert)

Day 2: Parliament, Culture, Play, and the Danube by Night

Morning — Iconic Parliament + Danube Promenade

  • Hungarian Parliament Building: Guided interior tour recommended; book ahead Hungarian Parliament Building
  • Shoes on the Danube Bank: Moving memorial along the river

Midday — Opera + Great Synagogue

  • Hungarian State Opera House: Quick tour for the lavish interior Hungarian State Opera House
  • Dohány Street Synagogue (Great Synagogue): Largest in Europe; includes museum and memorial garden

Afternoon — Play + Coffee

  • Flippermúzeum (Flipper Museum): Unlimited-play vintage pinball machines; fun and unique
  • Coffee break nearby; sample specialty coffee or classic cafés

Night — Danube Cruise

  • Danube Evening/Night Cruise: See the city lit up — Parliament, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge
    • Choose a 60–75 minute cruise; seats on the open deck for photos
    • Bring a light jacket, it can get breezy on the river

Getting Around

  • Trams 2/47/49 are scenic and useful for short hops
  • Metro M1 (Yellow Line) connects the city center to Heroes’ Square and Széchenyi Baths
  • Buy passes at metro stations or use contactless on vending machines

Practical Tips

  • Book: Parliament, Basilica dome access, thermal bath, and Danube cruise in advance
  • Dress modestly for churches/synagogue; check opening hours for services/holidays
  • Bring a small bag for baths (towel, slippers, water bottle)

Food Suggestions

  • Try: goulash soup, lángos, hortobágyi pancakes, chicken paprikash, kürtőskalács (chimney cake)
  • Markets: Central Market Hall for quick bites and paprika souvenirs

Have extra time?

  • Add Heroes’ Square + City Park (near Széchenyi)
  • Gellért Hill viewpoints or Gellért Thermal Bath
  • Margaret Island park between Buda and Pest