Are you planning a trip to Budapest during the weekend? 2 days is definitely a short time for exploring the Hungarian capital, but with our recommendations it might be easier to know where to go and what to do to get the ultimate Budapest experience.

Day 1:

Walk to the Buda Castle

Have a lovely stroll in the Castle area. If you decide to walk up there, you will not only see the amazing Castle, but the Matthias Church (which is one of the most beautiful neo gothic churches of the country) as well as the Fisherman’s Bastion. If you are also looking for the best photo spots, be sure to visit this part as you will have the full view of the city, the Danube and the bridges (bonus points if you go during the afternoon or night, when the city lights are turned on).

Admire the Parliament building

The Parliament is Hungary’s most emblematic building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In case you would like to join the tour inside the Parliament, we advise you to book your tickets in advance. The guide will show you the numerous rooms of the building while you can also see the crown of St Stephen. 

Afterwards, you can stroll through Kossuth Square and enjoy the Danube’s waterfront.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Near the Parliament and Kossuth Lajos Square, you will find ‘Shoes on the Danube’, Hungary’s famous Holocaust memorial, remembering the Jews who were executed in Budapest during 1944-45. The people were ordered to remove their shoes before shooting them at the water’s edge. The memorial consists of 60 pairs of shoes in the exact size of the people who lost their lives here.

Heroes’ Square

Being one of the main (and most spectacular) squares of Budapest, you cannot skip this stop!

The square displays the statues of the seven Hungarian tribe’s leaders, who founded the country. 

Nevertheless, Heroes’ Square is located at the end of Andrássy Boulevard, a boulevard lined with picturesque neo-renaissance mansions and townhouses with a variety of cafes, restaurants and shopping opportunities.

City Park and Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Városliget (City Park) is one of the biggest parks of the city, just next to the Heroes’ Square. You can stroll around in this peaceful park and check out the Vajdahunyad Castle, situated next to the park’s lake.
The castle consists of a series of pavilions built in different architectural styles: romanesque, gothic, renaissance and baroque; the ensemble’s pavilions are replicas of several emblematic buildings from different parts of the medieval Kingdom of Hungary.

You will find Széchenyi, the country’s most famous thermal bath in the City Park as well. The bath was built in 1913. In addition to the hot spring water’s health benefits, you can also scrutinize the small, historical details of the bath’s historical architecture.
Széchenyi is the perfect place for relaxing before going out in the evening.

Ruin pub crawl

When it comes to things to do in the evening, you must visit one of the most essential ruin bars of Budapest. Szimpla Kert is the most famous among them all, and not by chance. The oldest ruin bar has authentic and impressive decoration and sometimes they also play live music which just makes the nights even more special.

Day 2:

New York Café

Want to start your morning right? That can only mean one thing: coffee!
And where else would you sip your first dose of the day than in New York Café? The coffee house is well-known for both its history and magnificent interior. If you are lucky, you can also enjoy the live music provided by a professional gypsy band. 

St. Stephen’s Basilica

The Basilica is one of the most captured photo spots of our capital. It is Budapest’s largest church, with its 98 meters, you can take a tour not only inside but on the top of the building too. After admiring the church, you can take a look around as the area has a lot to offer. You can find several restaurants and shopping opportunities nearby.

Central Market Hall

If you are planning to see what Hungarian cuisine has to offer, visit the Central Market Hall on the Fővám Square. The Central Market Hall was constructed in 1897 and it is undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest indoor food markets. You can also find fresh ingredients from local farmers and buy some souvenirs (for example, some special dried Hungarian paprika).

Citadella

In case you would like to do something active, you can take a walk up to the Statue of Liberty on Gellért Hill, where you can get one of the best views in the city. 

Margaret Island

After hiking to the Citadella, take your time and relax a bit on the sunny Margaret Island. The whole island is a huge park in the middle of the busy city. Visit the Japanese Garden and ten century-old trees along with the main fountain that lights up and dances to music every hour.