ITBudapest has been on our bucket list for a long and finally, we crossed it. We have fallen in love with Budapest and want to share our guide on how to organise a perfect Budapest itinerary two days. In your what to do in Budapest in 2 days itinerary, you can’t miss visiting the city’s main sightseeing, drawing the perfect route to visit Budapest in two days. A perfect Budapest in 2 days includes a relaxing spa and a lovely walk to the Fisherman’s Bastion, where the view is breathtaking.
Planning a Budapest sightseeing in 2 days, be ready to wake up early and walk a lot, but at least at the end of the day, it’s worth it. Who doesn’t love a relaxing bath with a wonderful view over Budapest? Here, we will drive you to the top places to see in Budapest in 2 days.
What to do in Budapest in 2 days? Chains Bridge needs to be on your Itinerary for two days in Budapest!
What to do in Budapest in 2 days
Day 1
Day 2
Budapest 2 day Itinerary MAP
Two days in Budapest
Day 1 | Panoramic Views of the city
Your first day in Budapest will be dedicated entirely to the view of the fantastic landscape of the city. We always start our journey in a new city, looking around and admiring all that it has to offer.
Depending on the location where you are staying in Budapest, you might vary this itinerary of Budapest in two days to fit in properly in the day to day schedule.
Accordingly, you might save some time while exploring, starting from one point instead of another. If you stay in Buda, you can begin this itinerary right away. If you intend to stay in Pest, you might pursue it the other way around.
Budapest 2 day Itinerary
Fisherman’s Bastion
On the top of the hill of Buda, there is the fantastic and stunning Fisherman’s Bastion. Of course, this is the best place to take pictures of Budapest, but it’s even an excellent place to visit, chill and relax. Fisherman’s Bastion is located on Buda’s side and is one of the most known attractions of Budapest.
The building is alongside the Buda Castle area, which is on the city’s highest point, overlooking the river and Pest. From the top, the breathless scenery opens up to the Parliament view, St. Stephen’s Basilica and other remarkable sightseeings of Budapest.
This is undoubtedly the most instagrammable spot in Budapest. The white marbled terraces and the courtyard are open 24 hours, which is also ideal for shooting at night. On the opposite side of Fisherman’s Bastion, there is Matias Church, which we will talk about soon. The Fisherman’s Bastion is essential in your guide to Budapest in 2 Days.
Fisherman’s Bastion History
The strategic position of this unique castle can give a bit of an idea about the use of this place in the Middle Ages. The Bastion was a fence protected by the Guild of the Fishermen. The castle consists of seven towers, which symbolize the Hungarian Seven Tribes, which founded the country back in 895 A.d.
FISHERMAN’S BASTION DETAILS
LOCATION | Castle District
ENTRANCE | Free – Bastion Upper Towers – 1000 HUF
OPENING TIMES | Always Open the outdoors – Bastion Upper Tower | March – April 9 am to 7 pm, May – October 9 am to 8 pm.
Matthias Church | Budapest in two days
Located in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church is another sightseeing you need to visit in your Budapest itinerary for 2 days. The finest romantic architecture will take your breath. Altogether with the Bastion Wall, this place is on our top list of things to do in Budapest. A complete itinerary on the Budapest hilltop is the best to do in Europe with kids.
The white marble church is one of the oldest in the city, a mismatch of artistic styles, although located mainly in the late Gothic style.
FISHERMAN’S BASTION DETAILS
LOCATION | Castle District
ENTRANCE | 1000 HUF
OPENING TIMES | Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm – Saturday 9 am to 1 am – Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm // Some Saturday and Sunday the opening and closing time might vary.
Buda Castle
Buda Castle is the historical Royal Palace complex of the Hungarian Kings and Emperors in Budapest. The Castle of Budapest that overlooks the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The massive Royal Palace is dated back to 1769. Castle Hill is part of the Castle District, called Várnegyed, home of different building styles like Baroque, Medieval and even Neoclassical, is one of the essential pins on your list of Budapest 2 days itinerary.
There are many ways to get up the Castle Hill, the location of many Budapest attractions such as the Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. The easiest way is to hop on the old-fashioned cable car or walk up from the Chain Bridge, enjoying the landscape along the way.
The 360° view from the top of the Castle is absolutely insane; you can even overlook the outside of the city. The Royal Castle is now the house of the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. The apartments are not open to tourists; however, the galleries are open.
You should plan more than 2 days in Budapest to explore those awesome and huge collections. But instead, just enjoy the peaceful and beautiful landscape view around the courtyards.
Two days in Budapest – Also consider to include
Already mentioned above, the Hungarian National Gallery is another excellent place to visit in Budapest in 2 days. We have included this place in our morning guide for two days in Budapest because it is inside Buda Castle. However, feel free to skip it if you don’t have enough time or don’t feel it.
Our favourite part of the gallery was the Dome Terrace which is a great place to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Pest side of the city.
If you are visiting the city from November to April, the dome of the Budapest Hungarian National Gallery will be closed. The ticket for visiting the Hungarian National Gallery is less than £5 for permanent exhibitions. On historical national holidays, the admission is free of charge to the National Gallery such as 15 March, 20 Aug, 23 Oct. The Gallery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to Sundays it is open from 10 am until 6 pm with the last entrance at 5 pm.
Hungarian National Gallery
Budapest History Museum
The Budapest History Museum is dedicated to the history of Budapest. Inside the huge complex of the Buda Castle, the Royal Palace of Budapest there is a part dedicated to the history of this amazing and ancient city. After visiting the Hungarian National Gallery, in your visit to Budapest in two days itinerary, you need to stop by the History Museum.
This is located close to the Hungarian National Gallery and the price of the entrance is as well less than £5.
For a complete itinerary of Budapest in 2 days, you have to visit the Budapest History Museum to get closer to the culture and tradition of this population.
Places to visit in Budapest in 2 days
Citadella and Liberty Statue
The Statue of Liberty on Gellert Hill is a communist statue erected in 1947 to commemorate the liberation of Budapest and Hungary from Nazi rule. The central statue shows a female figure standing atop a tall pedestal and holding aloft a large palm leaf. On either side are expressive statues of male figures, set on smaller pedestals. One, a triumphant figure holding a torch, represents “progress”.
The other statue, an allegorical representation of evil, depicts a man fighting a mythical creature. It is one of the perfect places to visit in Budapest in 2 days as the statue commemorates those who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and prosperity of Hungary.
Lunch and Relax at SPA Facilities in Budapest
This might be the best part of your guide to Budapest in two days, the section where we talk about the spas and relaxation treatments. Below you will find two of our best Budapest SPAS.
The Gellért Thermal Baths and the Ruda Baths.
It’s good to know that the seconds are also open late at night some days, ideal for an after-dinner relaxing moment.
Both facilities are also romantic too, with the Gellért which includes a hotel, listed as the perfect Budapest Romantic Spot for couples.
Gellért Thermal Bath
As soon as Alessia heard the word Spa she started to be happier than usual. After the first part of the day exploring Budapest, a well-deserved spa is needed. The top Spa we preferred is Gellert Thermal Bath. The facilities are all you need to relax totally, it’s a must-do in Budapest in two days, thanks also to the cheapest costs of this unique experience.
Visiting Budapest without planning at least a few hours in a spa is impossible. There are different types of tickets as with the entrance you can choose to have a private cabin or just a normal locker. However, it is not needed to pay more for the private cabin, the spa has got changing rooms that are just fine.
What are you waiting for? Book here your ticket, and enjoy this awesome spa in Budapest.
Rudas Baths | See Budapest in 2 days
Alternatively to the Gellèrt Baths, there is the Rudas Baths. The facilities are cheaper than the first one, and also are popular among locals more than tourists. The Rudas Baths are famous because on Fridays and Saturdays are open at night till 4 am. It’s an amazing experience which you need to try. We did it and we had a beautiful opportunity to see Budapest overnight from the Terrazza, in a hot bath. The price for night tickets is only £14.
They are very strict on the rules as on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only men can access and on Tuesdays only women. On weekends, including Fridays and Saturdays night bathing the entrance is mixed. A Spa tour is ideal if you are looking to spend 4 days in Budapest or more.
Check the deal for a full day in a SPA
The best thing about this Spa, which you will love, is the rooftop swimming pool with a view over Budapest. It’s incredible and you can’t miss it. Usually, during weekends, Rudas Spa gets busy with this lovely view and there is a long queue to buy the tickets. So, If you want to see Budapest in 2 days you are in the right place.
Gellért Full Day entrance
Ruda Baths Special Entrance
First day in Budapest | Afternoon Itinerary
Jewish Quarter & Dohány Street Synagogue
This isn’t just a simple guide of Budapest, but we aim even to show you some hidden gems of Budapest. The first day is almost to the end, but you have to visit some other incredible places in Budapest. The Dohány Street Synagogue is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and is the centre of Jewish culture in Budapest.
The Synagogue is located in the Jewish quarter and it is the largest Synagogue in Europe. In the same building, you can find the Hungarian Jewish Museum, which is on the list of the top 10 sightseeing of Budapest. The particular facts in the architecture of this building are the Moorish influence.
Visiting this place you will clearly understand that it is different from the other Jewish Synagogue, because of the details that make it closer to the Oriental culture.
The first Synagogue in Europe of its kind, with Oriental-Byzantine details, was the trailblazer for other similar structures in the continent.
Book your tour of the Jewish District of Budapest
Dinner at the Szimpla Kert Ruins Pub
This might sound nothing to you, so you have to check our list of instagrammable places in Budapest. Just then you will understand why a dinner to the Szimpla Kert is more than just a dinner.
This is the first Ruins Pub, a kind of place that changes your perspective of Budapest. The Hungarian Capital old fashioned style and epoque passages through those places. The Szimpla Kert is simply the best Ruins Bar in Budapest, which opened its doors in the early 2000s.
Those walls were once a stove factory, which today preserve this status symbol giving the atmosphere a more retro style. The Pub often hosts live music concerts, art and photography galleries and open the outdoor area and its garden, especially in Spring. The masterpiece of this place is the seating area, made from an old Trabant car. The pub is also immersed in the 7th District which is the Jewish Quarter, with a vibrating atmosphere and good food and a selection of beers. Enjoy a full ruins pub tour in your Budapest 2 day Itinerary.
Visit Budapest in two days
Budapest in 2 Days | Day 2 – Visit Pest
Highlights
The second day in Budapest will be longer, so you have time to discover the whole city.
Budapest is walkable and you can easily go from side to side just walking. However, we have included instructions on how to reach also by public transport.
Places to visit
- Breakfast at the New York Café
- Hero’s Square
- Vajdahunyad Castle
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Market Hall for Lunch
- Hungarian Parliament
- Chain’s Bridge
- Shoes on the Danube Bank
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Hungarikum Bisztro
Morning Budapest Itinerary | Second Day
Breakfast at the New York Café
It will be pricey but worth it. Your second morning in Budapest just to be incredible. Visiting the New York Café you will enjoy one of the most instagrammable places in Budapest.
The building itself it’s a blast, including a luxury hotel within the complex. The architecture of this place it’s like in a fairytale, that’s why during the years this has become the most visited spot in Budapest.
The coffee house it’s always busy, with many tourists queuing to get a table. You can also book a table in advance, or stay at the hotel which will be a great idea to enjoy this place at the best. Check their rooms!
LOCATION | New York Cafe Budapest
Heroes’ Square | Visit Budapest in 2 Days
After an amazing breakfast at the glamorous New York Cafè, you will start your second day in Budapest by visiting Heroes’ Square. The beautiful space is one of the major squares in Budapest, welcoming locals in many special moments during the year.
The square is located close to Szechenyi Thermal Bath and Vajdahunyad Castle, which are your next stops on this plan of two days in Budapest. The incredible sightseeings of Budapest are all included in the city park, the Városliget.
On the left side of the square, you will find the statue of the great Kings of Hungary. This iconic Hungarian Square has hosted some of the most important political events of the Country, marking the memory and the tradition of the people of this nation.
Close to this amazing square, you will find the city park, the Városliget, and here you will find the Museum of Fine Arts.
Why is Heroes’ Square so important for the Hungarian?
This is one of the political symbols of the change in Hungary. In your itinerary of Budapest in 2 days, you have to get inside the recent history of this country. Hungary and Budapest passed by the 2nd World War and the Nazi occupation, to the Communist Regime. After long years that marked the buildings, memories and traditions of the people of this country, Hungary became a democratic Republic.
This Square Heroes’ Square, passed all those eras, changing face at any political revolution. It was built while Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire then damaged during the 2nd World War and rebuilt with the current status and figures. The memorial stone of Heroes, which was erected in 1929, was then removed by the Communist Regime because the message was politically unacceptable.
As you can see there is more history behind a simple selfie in the square. As always, check for our suggested guided tours of Budapest. (It will have no cost for you but will get a small add value to keep going to our work.)
Vajdahunyad Castle
The Vajdahunyad Castle is what defines a fairytale castle! The beautiful and instagrammable spot in Budapest is located in the city park. To be honest, we have missed it in many guides, and so can be defined as our destination for an off the beaten path itinerary of Budapest. This is a medieval Castle dated to the 18th century. It’s often used as a location for concerts, private events, festivals and general exhibitions, also the area hosts fine galleries.
While exploring the many features of the Budapest city park you can just walk through the main courtyard, which is free to enter and also the best part of the Castle. However, if you have more time, you can explore the Museum which is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm, you have to pay an admission fee of 1600 HUF (About £ 3.8 | $ 5 | € 4.3)
Exploring Budapest in winter you can’t miss this spot. The Courtyard of Vajdahunyad Castle hosts a magical ice rink making it the perfect winter wonderland for adults and kids.
DETAILS ABOUT VAJDAHUNYAD CASTLE
LOCATION | Vajdahunyad Castle
PRICE | 1600 UHF ( £3.8 | $5 | € 4.3) to visit the museum
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
We have already discussed how important the traditional baths in Budapest are. Thanks to the spring water and geothermal activity, well known already by the Turkish, Budapest offers many spots to relax and chill.
Over the above Gellért Spa Complex and Ruda Baths, another important Thermal Bath in Budapest is Szechenyi. The entrance, like the other spas in Budapest, is not expensive at all. For access to the pools with the locker, it’s £17 per person on weekdays and on weekends is £18.
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath of Budapest is one of the most famous places in Budapest, and one of the most Instagrammed Spa in the World. The whole complex is inside the city park and is of course open in winter, even the outdoor pools.
To reach Széchenyi Thermal Bath is very easy as there is Széchenyi fürdő metro station, line M1.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath Bargain
Amazing events at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths of Budapest
The Széchenyi Baths are the most famous not just because it is a stunning building with amazing outdoor pools. Being open also in winter, when the temperatures go below zero, and having the outdoors open to the public, gives sometimes extraordinary experiences.
Enjoy the outdoor hot tub in winter, with the snow on the side for a picture-perfect memory of Budapest.
However, this is not the only great thing about those facilities, the Széchenyi Baths host the most famous events in Budapest. From the Foam Party featuring famous DJs to New Year’s Eve. This could be the best plan for visiting Budapest in the festivities.
Check our post about the best thermal baths in Budapest
Market Hall for Lunch
It’s lunchtime and nothing is better than a local market. To get the vibes of local life, meet people and smell fresh tasty food you have to go where locals do grocery shopping. A supermarket, a restaurant or just a takeaway bar could be the best and quickest idea, but you will lose some details that can make a difference for the whole trip.
No matter if it rains or shines, the Great Market Hall is a great option for food and one of the top things to see in Budapest in 2 days. We discovered the Market Hall by mistake and loved it at first sight. The impressive Great Market Hall is the core of farm sellers coming from all around Hungary with fresh products.
What you should know about the Budapest Market Hall
The best market in Budapest
The beautiful building was built in 1897, and today is the largest market hall in the city. Impossible to don’t spend a few hours of your two days in Budapest roaming around the food stands. However, this place is always crowded even if bigger, for a more intimate experience in a local market you can go to “Downtown Budapest Market Hall” in Hold Street.
If you are looking for incredible photo spots in Budapest, this place is the right one for you. Thanks to the consistent architecture, the colourful food stands, nice boutiques and shops, it offers one of the lively sets for your best photos of Budapest.
Know more about the Food Market Hall di Budapest
LOCATION | Great Market Hall
OPEN TIME | Every Day from 6 am – Close on Sunday
Afternoon Itinerary | Budapest 2 days
Hungarian Parliament
You can’t plan a Budapest itinerary 2 days without paying a visit to the Budapest Parliament which is a perfect example of Neo-Gothic style. The structure is stunning and from the Buda side, you can pick the perfect spot to photograph the building.
The structure of the parliament of Budapest has inspired many people, and thanks to the atmosphere this building gives to the city, it has become for many people the little Paris of East Europe. Yes, for us was the same, Budapest is the Paris of East Europe.
To photograph the Hungarian Parliament Building head here early in the morning or at night. You will enjoy a stunning view and get the perfect lights, just in front of the building from the Buda side.
How to visit the Hungarian Parliament?
If you wish you can visit the inside of the Parliament when the National Assembly is not in session. Tickets are available online or at the ticket office. The entrance fee for EU citizens is £5.95 a non-EU citizen is £10. Book your ticket for the Budapest Parliament in advance with us.
The Hungarian Parliament of Budapest is beautiful outside and also very detailed inside. Is definitely a short two days in Budapest, however, we highly suggest you consider visiting the internal rooms.
Chain’s Bridge | Széchenyi Bridge
The Chain Bridge is the most popular passage on the Danube of Budapest. The most recognizable landmark of the Hungarian Capital. The Széchenyi Bridge connect Buda and Pest from Széchenyi Square to Clark Ádám Square in Buda.
This stone bridge is the most authentic backdrop of the city, completely walkable thanks to the two side passages. The view on both sides is incredible, perfect to enjoy the beautiful panorama and take wonderful photos of Budapest.
Walking across the Chain’s Bridge from Buda, you will admire the Castle Hill, the Fisherman’s Bastion in all their shine.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
If you want to see everything in Budapest in 2 days another stop is the shoes on the Danube river. A symbolic memorial monument that honours the Jews who were killed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest during World War II. Such an amazing story that relates to the history of the past.
Whether you are staying in Buda or Pest it is guaranteed during your visit to Budapest that you will find yourself strolling along the edges of the Danube. Somewhere and at some point, you will walk through. Put it in the list of what to see in Budapest in 2 days. The shoes on the Danube are located in the Pest Side, walking toward the Parliament, about 2 minutes before the reaching point.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica, located in the city of Pest, is the largest Church in the country. The beautiful church is in the heart of the city, you might pass by many times while exploring Budapest in 2 days. The stunning building offers the perfect backdrop for your photos, with the gorgeous cobbled streets toward the church.
St. Stephen’s Basilica also offers the perfect panoramic views of Budapest, and it’s one of the best on the Pest side. You can reach the Dome, where the observation deck is, climbing up 364 steps. However, there are also the elevators which will cost you more. Unfortunately, the Deck is not always open. You can enjoy the stunning view just from April to October, and remember that is pretty cold up there. Just to say, this is one of the cheapest things to do in Budapest, with the cost of £1 to reach the top.
Know more about the Food Market Hall di Budapest
ENTRANCE | Free to enter visit the church, £1 to go up the Dome Deck
OPENING TIME| April to October – Mon to Fri from 9 am to 5 pm | Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
INFO | Please remember this is a religious place and observe the rules
Last dinner in Budapest at the Hungarikum Bisztró
If you want to try something local we highly recommend this amazing restaurant. The Hungarikum Bisztro was a happy surprise on our trip to Budapest. It was Sunday and we didn’t know where to go to eat even because it was almost 9 pm. We were walking around our hotel and we found this cosy and a little restaurant. There was a message outside saying that it was fully booked. We walked in and spoke with the waitress asking for a table for two.
Guess what? Yes, there was a table
It was the best experience ever in the perfect typical Budapest restaurants. The service was amazing and it was the best local Hungarian food in Budapest. Usually, this place is booked every day at every time. Book the table in advance and don’t miss eating the proper Hungarian food. Just to give you an idea, two drinks, two starters, two main courses, bread and coffee two of us paid everything £20.
Other things you might want to visit in Budapest in 2 days
Paris Courtyard | Brudern House
We wandered to include the Burden House, aka Paris Courtyard in the itinerary of Budapest in two days. This place is quite new in every Guide about Budapest and we didn’t want to overload your trip. It’s a holiday on the other hand. This is definitely a Budapest Hidden Gem. The Paris Court it’s well hidden in the Palace of the Downtown Savings Bank. The recent renovation brings to a new life the building of 1912. The areas were finally opened in 2019, welcoming guests at the hotel, tourists passing by and customers for the fine boutiques.
The style of the Parisian Court is a mixture of Neo-Gothic, Eclectic and Art Nouveau architectural elements inspired by Moorish buildings. Nestled in this awesome space there is a cute café and a fine restaurant. However, the Paris Courtyard is a free passage for tourists. The Court known as Parizsi Udvar in Hungarian, is in the city centre, right on Ferenciek Square (M3 metro station).
The Paris Courtyard it’s today one of the most luxurious hotels in Budapest, the Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest (which is also pet-friendly). Be aware that while photography it’s allowed, it’s not possible to use a tripod or get a proper photo shooting. Enjoy this little corner, one of the most inspiring Budapest Instagram spots.
Know more about the Food Market Hall di Budapest
LOCATION | Paris Court
PRICE | Free to Enter
TO CHECK | Stay in one of the most luxurious hotels in Budapest
How do I get from Budapest airport to the city centre?
It is very easy to get from Budapest airport to the City centre. There are three ways to reach Budapest city centre, by bus, by shuttle and by taxi.
By Bus
By bus, you can reach the city centre in about 35 minutes. Just outside the Airport Arrival Terminal, there is the bus station of the 100E, the ticket costs 900 HUF (£2 | $3 | €2.5). You can purchase the ticket at the machine in front of the bus stop. The alternative is to take the regular 200E, using a standard ticket costing 350 HUF (£0.85 | $1.15 | €1) which will take you to the closest metro station to take the M3 Line – Aka ”blue line”. Before taking the 200E check the Metro line status on the official website.
By Shuttle
This might be the best option if you are staying just two days in Budapest. The easiest way is to go from the Airport to Budapest city centre and check-in at your hotel or apartment. The shared minibus can be booked in advance and give you peace of mind landing in Hungary. Book your spot for £9
This is also the most cost-time effective way to deal with bus/metro changes, delays and ticket machines.
By Taxi
You can take a taxi at your arrival, or book it in advance. The parking space is just in front of the terminal and it will take you straight to the hotel. The run will cost about 8000 HUF, £20, $26, €22. You can also check a Private Taxi Transfer to book in advance.
How do you get around in Budapest?
Budapest is a walkable city and is easy to just roam around the charming streets at any time of the day.
You might not expect how developed is the public transport network, made of trams, buses and efficient metro system and even boat transport on the Danube.
You can buy tickets for ticket machines situated in the metro station or at the bus/tram stops. Also, it is good to know that like in many other European cities, you can buy tickets at the newspaper kiosk. Taking public transport around the city is also cheap. A single ticket costs just 350 HUF (£0.85, $1.2, €1). You can buy a Budapest Tourist Card which will cover transport and guided visits.
Organize a day trip from Budapest
One day trip from Budapest to Bratislava
This is a small city, you can visit Bratislava in one day. You can find a lot of offers for less than £10 each way!
Bratislava was our last stop before coming back to London and we had the opportunity to explore this little town in less than 24h and relax for the rest of the time. There are a lot of flight offers from Bratislava so keep in mind if you want to plan your trip around those beautiful cities. Slovakia is a small place, but a day trip to Bratislava is the best way to enjoy an underrated east European city. One day in Bratislava is enough to visit the best sightseeing in the city, travel from Budapest to Bratislava is easy and cheap. You can reach Bratislava even from Vienna.
Want to know more about Bratislava? Check our guide to Bratislava!
A Day trip from Budapest to Vienna
After spending 2 days in Budapest, you can plan a day trip from Budapest. Just half an hour divides Bratislava to Vienna and three hours Budapest from Vienna. Check the flight offers, you can get a bargain flight back just by taking a bus for half an hour. There is also another way to reach Vienna from Budapest, by ferry, on the Danube. This is one of the most romantic trips to Europe. Just sailing the Danube you can reach Vienna, and return to Budapest, passing by Bratislava.
How to get from Vienna to Budapest?
We did this route and it was amazing, passing the border between the two countries without checks, and completely hassle-free. We travelled by bus and it was really comfortable and cheap. It was a 3 hours journey and definitely worth it. We managed to find two tickets for only £10 for both of us, which was a perfect deal. You can plan a day trip from Budapest to Vienna by train as well. The tickets are more expensive and the time is almost the same as is 2 hours and a half journey.
We spent 2 days in Vienna after Budapest and we also enjoyed the Austrian Capital. We never liked to be in the same place for many days so organizing a day trip for us was the best solution. You never get bored and will discover new places.
Day trips from Budapest to Prague | Budapest in 2 days
Another interesting day trip from Budapest is Prague. Prague is a small city which you can visit even in one day. Most of the time we travel with Flixbus, a cheap and easy way to reach all the destinations. From Budapest to Prague there are a lot of buses and you can find good offers even less than £20.
We know, the duration of the journey is around 7 hours but a real travel lover would do everything.
TopTips: If you decide to travel overnight with the bus it will take 6 hours as no many cars will be on the roads so you will avoid the traffic and the pick hours.
Check out our latest post about all the best photo spots in Prague.
Which visit between Budapest, Vienna and Prague?
If you have to choose between those three Capital, we have no chance to help you. All three cities in Europe are amazing. Budapest has something that makes us feel in a special place. But any place has a different feeling for different people. If you want us to help you to make a choice, we will suggest dividing your holidays between Budapest and Vienna. One is cheaper, the other posher, but both charming. Those two are close to each other and if you will make it special take a Danube Cruise.
Recap | What to do in Budapest in 2 days
If you have never been to Budapest you need to start to plan your trip. Visiting Budapest in two days is possible without missing anything. You can have the perfect mix between a bit of culture and architecture and a relaxing day to one of the most beautiful spas. In your what to do in Budapest in 2 days list you need to be organized and good to plan all the details. It is a cheap Europe plan, this is for us one of the cheapest trips we had in Europe and want to be back soon.
Budapest is the part of Europe that has not yet got the Euro, so the cost of living is cheaper than other parts, even cheaper than the closest Slovakia. Christmas time in Budapest is the most popular, because of the lights and the atmosphere. Head to Budapest in Spring, it’s amazing.
How many days in Budapest?
Budapest is a huge European Capital, you can stay here for a day or even a week and still have things to see. We suggest an itinerary of two days in Budapest because most of the people get just a weekend to escape from the city routine. But if you have more time, you can see Budapest in three days, enjoy the city more and get a day spa every day, relaxing a bit more. If you are tight on time, you can stay in Budapest for 24 hours and see the best of the sightseeing.
How to enjoy 2 nights in Budapest?
Budapest has a lively nightlife. You have two options to enjoy the night in Budapest, strolling around the city centre, if you are fond of fancy restaurants and a great quiet night. If you want an alternative Budapest experience, you have to head to one of the famous Ruins Bars. Those are typical bars in Budapest. Structures that were in ruins and built up with recycled materials.
Q&A Budapest in 2 Days
What is the best time to visit Budapest?
Thanks to the mild climate, Budapest is the perfect location to visit all year round. However, like everywhere there are some moments that the city looks even more beautiful. Definitely, spring is one of them, with April and May as the best time of the year to visit Budapest. Planning a few days, like just 2 days in Budapest, we suggest you check about September and October. Both months are less crowded than usual, and October is not that cold. The average temperatures in those months are between 16 and 21C. Instead, thinking about Summer, the temperatures are the best in Europe but is also the most popular touristic season.
Is Budapest good in winter?
Winter in Budapest is amazing. This is one of the best places we have visited in winter so far. Because it is romantic, it is cool and there are plenty of indoor cosy places to visit. We suggest you visit in November or January, which are less crowded and the temperatures hardly go below zero.
Also, winter is the perfect month for Christmas Markets and ice skating rink and fairytales places like Vajdahunyad Castle in full glamour with snow.
Is Budapest expensive to visit?
No. This was one of our cheapest trips in Europe. The Hungarian Capital is reasonably affordable for travellers, even for backpackers in Europe. A good selection of restaurants gives you a wide choice about prices and locations. However, we ate in fancy places and more traditional ones, without spending a lot. The accommodations follow the same rule, with decent hostels, hotels and Airbnb from 5000 HUF to 18000 HUF, 15 to 50 euros.
Can you use euros in Budapest?
There are places already accepting euros, but the local currency is the Hungarian Forint. Hungary is part of the Euro Area and the Schengen Area, however is not part of the monetary union. Many shops are using both currencies for their trades, allowing tourists to pay with Euro as well, so worth a try. As always the advice is to pay in local currency to avoid scam and mistakes.
Is Budapest safe for tourists?
YES. Budapest is very safe. We have been strolling around the city centre and the narrow streets of the Hungarian Capital even at night, without any problem. Obviously like every big city in the World it is hazardous to show off money, valuable and don’t take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places like buses, trams and metro or visiting sightseeing.
How to visit the Fisherman’s Bastion?
From the top of the fisherman’s Bastion looking at the Hungary Parliament
The Fisherman’s Bastion is considered one of the most important monuments after the Hungarian Parliament. It is also one of the best photography spots in Budapest, if you are a photo enthusiast, you will love this spot in Budapest.
So, How to get on the top? Walking or you can get the funicular at the end of the Chain Bridge. The cost for one adult one way is HUF 1,200 which means £3ish. You can book only one way as to walk down the Fisherman’s Bastion is easy. Getting a guide to visit the Fisherman’s Bastion is highly suggested, you can learn the history of this place, which is amazing to know.
How much will cost a full day spa in Budapest?
It is really cheap. For a full day bath ticket with a locker, the price during weekdays is £16 ish and during weekends is £18. It’s a really worthy experience, a combination of a little paradise and cultural historic sites of Budapest. We ate inside the thermal complex and a full meal for lunchtime was less than 15 euro for two. (Please note the prices can be different, we did calculate with the exchange rate from Hungarian Forint to British Pounds).
So many suggestions – although I didn’t realise there were so many thermal baths there. Everything else I’ve read has just mentioned Szecheny – I have a feeling I might sink into the first one and that will be the end of the rest of the weekend. Thanks for such a detailed post.
Right, Helen, it was amazing to visit the spa in Budapest. Our favourite was Gellert if that could help.
Thank you for a very comprehensive post on Budapest. I especially liked the part about visiting a spa. With only 2 days to visit Budapest, it’s easy to stick to the main sights but going to a spa bath is part of the local experience. It’s also a moment of total relaxation and self-care, which is something often omitted by travellers. I had that experience myself in Istanbul recently and it was a great way to rest and regain strength in what was a very busy visiting schedule.
Thank you for your comment Delphine, you touch an amazing point of travelling. Self-care and wellness, it will help more travellers to discover a place and get in dept.
I havent been to Budapest since 2007 and that was on a short visit. The one thing I do regret missing out on was the spa there. I would have loved to checked that out.
Wow, what you saw in 2 days in Budapest, it took us 4 days. Only the stay in the Rudas Therme took us 4 hours and I really liked it. A tip for the next visit – the inner city parish church with its underground church and the Christmas market is worth in any case!
Thanks, Susanne for your insight, we loved Budapest so much. It is true we saw a lot of things in the city in such a short time. That because we have literally been raped by the beauty of Budapest and start to discover everywhere, we didn’t sleep too much those days.
Budapest does not quite get the attention it deserves, but it is such a fascinating city. We spent only a day there, but there’s so much more to discover. Loved the views from Fisherman’s Bastion.
We loved the view from the Bastion as well, and you are right when says that, Budapest doesn’t have the right attention.
Budapest looks amazing. I’m definitely putting it on my bucket list and would love to see some of these sights, in particular Fishermans Bastion and Buda Castle.
Budapest is really an underrated place in Europe. It is quickly becoming popular, but still many people think about it is unsafe. Take off it from your bucket list and go there.
This is a great guide to this wonderful city, there is so much to do here so longer than 2 days is ideal but we know that many people do visit for a weekend break or on a cruise or bus tour for just a couple of days so it’s a great guide for those people to make the most of that time.
It is true, we are slow tourists. We try to get in the soul of a place every time we visit it for the first time. But, we know that sometimes the people just get a day, a weekend or a short break visiting Budapest.
This post brought so many awesome travel memories back. Visiting Budapest 2 years ago was one of my best travel experiences ever. The baths were my fave so I love that you featured them. Though I can’t remember the names of all the “biggies” that I saw, your post did great job of bringing them all back and with lots of educational info, too.
Your post made me realize I basically only know Budapest by name, and it was so nice to learn about everything the city has to offer. You were able to fit in so much in just two days! The thermal baths look so relaxing and your shot of the parliament building is just stunning! That Neo-Gothic architectural style is so beautiful and that’s really cool that the city reminded you so much of Paris!
Thank you very much, Kevin, for your lovely comment.
We love to explore all the cities and make the most of it even if we have two days. Of course, if you are in Budapest you can’t say no to the gorgeous spas.