Budapest in 2 Days :: My Itinerary

Budapest in 2 days is IMHO it’s not nearly enough time to really experience the indescribable magic that is the “Pearl of the Danube.” I was exhaustingly yet pleasantly overwhelmed scampering all around Budapest in order to fit in all the things I wanted to see. My idea of visiting a new city is to be able to immerse myself in the culture which was difficult to do here in just two days.

Tip :: be sure to allow yourself enough time in Budapest :: like I said 2 days wasn’t enough time to see everything of importance and have time to enjoy it to the fullest. I would recommend spending 3-5 days to start.

Normally when I visit a city I am fulling charged with facts about its history, culture and list of places I want to visit and learn about. Budapest is one I was not fully prepared for what I was about to experience. And I personally could have stayed for several weeks and not tire of this exuberant city.

Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the capital and most populous city in Hungary containing 33% of the country’s population, Budapest is actually two cities in one :: Buda, located on the hilly west bank of the Danube River and Pest [say “pesht”] on the east flat side. The two cities were unified in 1873 into a prosperous and cultural goulash of influence from the Magyars, Turks, Germans, Slavs, Jews and Roma.

Since I had only 2 days in which to explore I set out early on the first day and hit the streets of this indescribably magical city of Budapest.

If you’re interested in following along, I’ve included a map here for you. Just click on it and it will enlarge for you. This is the map I used on my smartphone during my stay and it was really helpful.

Budapest :: Day 1

Butterfly BnB is where we chose to stay which turned out was really a perfect location. The whole of Budapest is fairly easy to navigate but being flat the Pest side of the Danube is much easier to travel on foot where as the hilly Buda side will take a lot more out of you.

Great Market Hall [aka Central Market]

What a blessing to be staying pretty much across from the Great Market Hall. It gave me a great opportunity to stop here a couple of times during my stay in Budapest.

Location:  Vamhaz krt. 1-3, 1093 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Closed Sunday, 6 AM – 5 PM Monday, 6 AM – 6 PM Tuesday-Friday, 6 AM – 3 PM Saturday
Cost: Free to enter

Andrassy Avenue

Andrassy Avenue, named after Prime Minister Gyula Andrassy who was a key advocate of the project and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1872 to connect the city center with The City Park [Varosliget] and is an iconic boulevard lined with luxury boutiques and old mansions. 

Andrassy Avenue is a very long and beautiful street along which are located many high-end boutiques and buildings and must-see sites including but not limited to Elizabeth Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Hungarian State Opera House, Franz Liszt Square, Octagon, Haggenmacher Palace, House of Terror, Hero’s Square, City Park, Vajdahunyad Castle and Szechenyi Baths.

Click here to book your tickets any number of tours around Budapest.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

OMG this has got to be one of the most amazing churches I have ever been to and I’ve been to a LOT! Come to find out it ranks as one of the Top Ten Most Photographed Buildings in the World. And I can definitely see why!

Location: Szent Istvan ter 1, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
Open Times: April 1st through October 31st.
Cost: There’s no cost to enter the church, but there is a nominal fee of HUF 500 to go up to see the beautiful panoramic views of Budapest. Climb the 364 steps or take the elevators up to the dome’s observation deck.

Check out my post on Vienna where you’ll find St. Stephan’s Cathedral, another pretty incredible church.

Hungarian State Opera House

Always under construction the exterior of the Hungarian State Opera House was covered in scaffolding not making for a very good picture. But you can see from the architecture that it is still a beautiful building :: perhaps one of the most beautiful in Budapest.

One of the things I will definitely do when I return to Budapest is get tickets to the opera. With center orchestra/box seats priced so low it’s an incredible bargain at 2900 FT or $10 USD! While I was there I did take the time to take in the dome and listen to the last few minutes of a performance. Even from the lobby it sounded amazing!

Location: Andrassy ut 22, 1061 Budapest, Hungary
Tours: 3pm and 4pm
Cost: From about $10 USD up to about $26 USD for tickets to the opera [what a great price!]

 Franz Liszt Square

Named after the world-famous Hungarian composer this park measures about 650 feet long and features a park in the middle surrounded by restaurants and cafés like Menza [where we stopped for a bite], Trattoria Gusto and Becketts. Liszt Ferenc Square is popular with locals and tourists alike especially on summer evenings. It’s ideal for taking in a nice stroll, grabbing a coffee or perhaps even lunch or dinner. Such a peaceful place in the middle of a bustling city.

Location: Liszt Ferenc ter between Andrassy ut and Dohnanyl ut, 1061 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 24/7
Cost: Free

House of Terror and Iron Curtain

The House of Terror :: located in the previous headquarters of communist Hungary’s secret police :: where Hungarians were suspected of being an enemy of the state and given sham trials, tortured and routinely executed. The museum’s atrium features a Soviet tank and a vast wall covered with portraits of victims of this building, documenting a horrific story or torture that took place over a 40-year span.

Location: Andrassy ut 60, 1062 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on Mondays
Cost: 3000 forints for an adult ticket [around $11 USD] plus another 1500 forints [$5 USD] for the audio guide, optional

Heroes’ Square and Millennium Monument

At the end of Andrassy Avenue you will find Heroes’ Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Atop the Millennium Monument which was created in 1896 to mark the 1,000^th anniversary of the Magyar conquest and foundation of the Hungarian state, stands the Archangel Gabriel holding the Hungarian Holy Crown. And flanking either side are other important historical Hungarian figures.

Location: Hosok tere, 1146 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 24/7
Cost: Free

The City Park

City Park is one of the very first public parks in the world and located close to the city center, its main entrance being Heroes’ Square [Hosok]. City Park was the main venue of the 1896 millennium celebrations of Hungary by which time Andrassy Avenue, Millennium Underground and the Grand Boulevard were built.

On one end of the park lies the Vajdahunyad Castle and on the other the Budapest Zoo and in between lies the Szechenyi Baths. This is definitely an area I want to spend more time exploring on my next visit to Budapest.

Location: At the end of Andrassy Avenue
Hours: 24/7
Cost: Free entrance, although the other attractions have a price
Check out the bike tour to the Vajdahunyad Castle FUN!
Get your tickets here for the Szechenyi Baths and SKIP THE LINE :: something I’m definitely doing next time!

Szechenyi Chain Bridge

My 3rd UNESCO World Heritage Site on this trip, this picturesque and historic stone bridge straddles the Danube between Szechenyi Square on the Pest side and Clark Adam Square in Buda and was the first permanent connection between Buda and Pest. Two vaulted stone pillars hold the robust iron structure that weights nearly 5,200 tons.

Location: Szechenyi Lanchid, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 24/7
Cost: Free

Budapest :: Day 2

Ok I have squeeze a LOT in this Day 2 which I do not recommend. That is why in the beginning I suggested spending much more than just 2 days in Budapest in order to fully capture the essence of this magical city in the manner that’s deserving. I would even go as far as to say that I would spend an entire day on Castle Hill. I mean, there are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this area alone! Wow!

For the sake of this post and the short time I erroneously allotted in Budapest, let’s just start here for Day 2 and then go up the hill ::

The Great Synagogue and Herzl Tivadar Park

Also known as the Dohany Street Synagogue or Central Synagogue this is the second largest and most beautiful synagogue in the world and a great place to start to learn about Jewish Budapest.

Location: Dohany utca 2-8 in district VII, at an angle to Karoly korut, between Deak ter and Astoria, 1074 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Vary depending on time of year
Cost: Around $16 USD [be sure to pre-book your tickets here]
I also suggest this tour that is especially geared to Jewish Budapest if you’re traveling with a group :: highly recommended :: [be sure to pre-book your tickets here per group up to 4]

Danube River

The banks of the Danube from Gellert Hill to Aquincum and Parliament are also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 4th I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing on this trip. Incredible views from this vantage point :: I highly recommend taking the boat tour.

Location: Dock 42 port, Szent Istvan park, 1138 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Several departures daily
Cost varies: check prices here

Budapest Parliament

Let’s see, the 5th UNESCO World Heritage Site in Budapest for me so far? Wow. This is an incredible structure and the third largest Parliament building in the world! Hungary, officially the Republic of Hungary, is a parliamentary republic. Huh? Yea, that’s exactly what I thought. I looked it up here and thought you might be interested too!

Location: Kossuth Lajos ter 1-3, 1055 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM Saturday & Sunday (must go with a tour)
Cost: Free from outside, check tour prices here.

Shoes on the Danube

The shoes on the Danube tell the horrific story of the many jews who, during 1944-1945, were forced to strip naked on the banks of the Danube and face the river. A firing squad then shot them in the back so that they fell into the river to be washed away.

The shoes are a fitting tribute to all those who lost their lives but also a sad reminder of a time I pray never repeats itself.

Location: Id. Antall Jozsef rkp., 1054 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 24/7
Cost: Free

Margaret Island and Bridge

Taking a cruise on the Danube is a great way to get to and spend time at Margaret Island, a beautiful strip of land located in the middle of the river between Buda and Pest, providing a peaceful hideaway from hectic downtown Budapest with large green areas, flowery gardens, old trees and lots of entertainment. The boat stops to let people off and on at certain intervals so there is plenty of time to enjoy the island on which is located a small zoo, rose garden, two musical fountains, historic water tower, swimming pools, water park, playgrounds, an open air theater and cinema.

Boat Tour Location: Dock 42 port, Szent Istvan park, 1138 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Several departures daily
Cost varies: check all boat cruises

Castle Hill

Castle Hill along with Gellert Hill are now the 7th and 8th UNESCO World Heritage Sites I’ve visited here in Budapest and it is every bit an amazing walk up! That’s what I did and it sure was gorgeous but if you’re limited on time I suggest taking the Hop On Hop Off Bus to the top and all around with this 72-hour ticket.

Days 1 + 2 in Budapest clearly wasn’t near enough time. I should probably have started here on Castle Hill and then stayed at least one or two more days. Don’t make the same mistake I did.

Buda Castle

This is my 6th UNESCO World Heritage Site in Budapest so far and in such a short amount of time. This city is incredible! And Buda Castle, otherwise known as the Royal Palace, and its grounds are indescribable. Absolutely see this place.

Location: Szent Gyorgy ter 2., 1014 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily, closed on Mondays
Cost: 1,800 forints, around $6 USD for entry, but for a better understanding, check out this tour :: it looks incredible!

Matthias Church

#9 on the Budapest UNESCO World Heritage Sites list for this visit is Matthias Church, or as the locals call her :: Church of Our Lady in Budapest Castle. Matthias Church is one of the oldest buildings in Buda. It’s not only a church, but a museum as well. It’s frescoes are the works of famous Hungarian painters. Every year, the church hosts several concerts featuring Hungarian and foreign musicians. 

Location: Szentharomsag ter 2, 1014 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 1 PM on Saturday, 1 PM – 5 PM on Sunday (may change based on ceremonies)
Cost: Free; admission to the bell tower :: 1800 HUF

Holy Trinity Column

The Holy Trinity Column commemorates the people of Buda who died from two outbreaks of the Black Plague which caused the deaths of 30-50% of Europe’s population between 1691 and 1709. Since people believed that erecting a column would keep away the plague, the foundation stone was laid in 1700 and in 1706 it was torn down and an even bigger pillar was erected. And the plague never came back so the residents believe the column did its job.

Fisherman’s Bastion

#10 on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites I’ve experienced in Budapest. The present day lovely lookout towers and decorative fortification of Fisherman’s Bastion were built in the 19th century to serve as a lookout tower for the best panoramic views in Budapest. Needless to say there used to be real castle walls from where now you can take fantastic photos but the present day structure has never served as an actual fortification in Buda.

Location: Szentharomsag ter, 1014 Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 24/7
Cost: Free

On Castle Hill alone there are so many historic site to visit. If you’re in Budapest for only 2 days I recommend taking a tour of Castle Hill so that you don’t miss anything and you’re assured to use your time as wisely as possible in this amazing city! Click here to peruse the different tours available and be sure to get your tickets in advance.

Tip :: Allow yourself an entire day up on Castle Hill. There you can walk all day and see all the sites and not be rushed. There is so much to see!

Special Mention :: Roydio’s Obsession

One of Roydio’s favorite things to do is to imitate the statues we see long our way. I guess you can say it keeps him from getting bored while I’m taking my time getting “the shot.” It’s kinda turned into a “thing” that we do now. HA! No disrespect intended. And yea, that last one isn’t a statue. I think maybe he got a little carried away… HA!

As I said Budapest in 2 days is just not enough time to see this magnificent city appropriately. And although I was able to see more than I had expected in just that time there are so many things I missed.

For example, we spent the better part of a day just on Castle Hill alone, but even then I did not even touch on everything there is to see… there is just sooooo much to see!

I have to say that one of the things I regret the most about my trip is not spending enough time out on the streets of Budapest at night. Admittedly, I was completely exhausted at the end of each day because my priority was to see as many sites I could possibly cram into two days. I think Roydio was disappointed in me on that one score.

The next time I come to Budapest I will opt for spending a little less time walking and more time on transportation. Perhaps then I’ll have enough energy to stay out and appreciate Budapest at night.

Tip :: don’t make the same mistake I made and be sure to allow yourself time to spend some significant time out at night. I hear that is one of the best parts of visiting Budapest and I really regret having missed out.

So what do you think :: is 2 days in Budapest enough to see it all?

Read about other great European cities ::

15 Must-See Places on Berlin Walking Tour

7 Things That Surprised Me About Vienna

10 Absolutely Incredible Sites in Prague

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