Are you planning for 2 days in Budapest? Wondering about what to see in Budapest for two days?
Well, you have come to the right place. Since I have previously been to this beautiful country, I can share exactly what you need to know.
Budapest is a European capital and one of the major destinations to visit in Hungary.
The iconic Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, etc. are just a few reasons to visit this city.
The city also boasts of a rich historic past and offers a vibrant nightlife for partygoers as well. This city has something for all kinds of travelers.
Plus, there are so many beautiful Budapest sights to explore that I feel two days in Budapest are just not enough.
But of course, if you cannot spend more than one day in Budapest or at most two, then this article can help you.
Confused about what to see in Budapest in two days? Then, read below my ultimate itinerary for spending 2 days in Budapest!
Table of Contents
2 Days in Budapest: The Ultimate Itinerary
Day 1: Begin Your 2 days in Budapest with the Buda Side
Stop 1: Start Your Day At Adam Clark Square And The Chain Bridge
Buda, the hilly side on one side of the Danube River, and the flat trendy Pest on the other side were first joined together in 1849.
Count Istvan Szechenyi built the Chain Bridge to connect these two communities.
So, of course, one of the best things to do in Budapest is to visit this architectural marvel.
Begin your day at Adam Clark Square on the Buda side of the Chain Bridge. The Chain Bridge was and still is an architectural marvel.
Once you have had your fill of the bridge, you can head to Adam Clark Square which is home to the limestone sculpture “0.”
This milestone Kilometer 0 monument is the reference point from which all road distances to Budapest from throughout Hungary are measured.
Trust me, both of these iconic Budapest tourist attractions should be a part of your 2 days in Budapest itinerary.
Check Out: Budapest: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Extras
Check Out: Budapest: Buda Castle Cave Tour
Stop 2: Explore Romantic Castle Hill
On your trip to Budapest, you cannot miss out on the iconic Castle Hill.
This is one of the popular Budapest sightseeing spots and you can reach the top by a funicular ride.
You can also walk to the top but the hill is quite high and the sidewalks are steep, so be ready for some exercise. If you are short on time, then you can take a bus to reach this spot.
Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Budapest city and explore the cobblestone streets here.
Don’t be in a hurry and wear closed-toe shoes so that you are comfortable while exploring Budapest for two days.
Check Out: 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest
Check Out: Budapest: 3-Hour Grand City Tour and Castle Walk
Stop 3: Watch The Changing Of The Guard At Buda Castle
Another one of the Budapest must-see places that should be a part of your 2 day itinerary for Budapest is the Buda Castle.
Also known as the Royal Palace, it is a part of the iconic Castle Hill.
The highlight of this historic sight in Budapest’s Old Town is the changing of the guards in front of the Presidential Palace.
The guard changing ceremony occurs every hour in the day and looks quite regal and colorful.
You can also explore the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery when spending 2 days in Budapest.
Check Out: Budapest: Buda Castle District Walking Tour
Check Out: Budapest: Buda Castle Walking Tour with St. Stephen’s Hall
Stop 4: Visit Fisherman’s Bastion For Sweeping Vistas of Budapest
One of the most popular Budapest tourist attractions, Fisherman’s Bastion offers majestic views of the Danube and the Parliament Building.
I visited this Budapest Old Town sight on a weekend and it was extremely crowded.
Since you will need time to take photos of the beautiful Danube, the city, and especially the Parliament Building, I would recommend you visit this place early in the morning.
Plan a trip to one of the best Budapest tourist attractions at sunrise and enjoy the view in serenity. This is the best way to ensure that you enjoy your 2 days in Budapest.
Check Out: Budapest: Buda Castle District Walking Tour with a Historian
Check Out: Budapest: Evening Castle Hill Tour with Fishermen’s Bastion
Stop 5: Admire The Architecture Of Matthias Church
One of the top sights to see in Budapest for history and culture lovers like me is the Matthias Church.
It is named after one of Hungary’s most beloved medieval kings and is located over Fisherman’s Bastion.
It was earlier used as a worship place by the Turkish invaders and you can still see their influence inside the church.
You need to pay an entry fee but I feel it is completely worth it.
Similar to the Fisherman’s Bastion, this church is quite busy as well but you can plan an early morning visit to this site on your 2 day trip to Budapest.
So, if you are spending only 2 days in Budapest, don’t forget to include this beautiful architectural marvel.
Check Out: Budapest: Castle District Walk with Matthias Church Entry
Check Out: Budapest: Classical Music Concerts in Matthias Church
Stop 6: Enjoy Hungarian Cafe Culture By Stopping At A Coffeehouse
After all the Budapest sightseeing, you will need to refresh yourself, and what better to do that than with a cup of coffee?
Budapest has a strong cafe culture and most Hungarians like to start their day with a super strong espresso.
The cafes in Budapest serve not just coffee, but also other delicacies such as pastries, cakes, and more.
So, you must visit one of these cafes on your 2 days in Budapest.
Check Out: Budapest: Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer
Check Out: Classic Budapest Private Walking Tour with a Coffee Break
Stop 7: Cruise The Danube To See Beautiful Budapest
Of course, your 2 day itinerary for Budapest is incomplete without an hour or two of cruising on the River Danube.
You can choose from a daytime or a night cruise and enjoy the view of the city and the beautiful Budapest sightseeing spots.
Trust me, one of the best things to do in Budapest at night is to watch the Hungarian Parliament Building illuminated!
Check Out: Budapest: Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco
Check Out: Budapest: Evening Cruise including Drinks and Live Music
Day 2: Continue Your 2 Days In Budapest Exploring Cosmopolitan Pest.
Stop 1: Start At Heroes’ Square, The Largest Square In Budapest
After having one of the fun nights in Budapest, start your day 2 of the Budapest trip by visiting the Heroes’ Square.
This is a World Heritage Site and one of the largest squares in the city.
Here, you will find several monuments and statues including the famous Millenium Monument that commemorates the 1000-year history of Hungary.
A large statue of the Archangel Gabriel stands in the center of it.
If you love history, then do include a visit to this square on your 2 days in Budapest itinerary.
Check Out: Budapest: The Great Synagogue Skip the Line Ticket
Check Out: Budapest: Buda Castle District Vampires & Myths Walking Tour
Stop 2: Experience the ambiance of Budapest along the chic Andrassy Avenue.
After visiting the famous Heroes’ Square, you can head to the connected Andrassy Avenue.
One of the best things to do in Budapest is to take a tour of this Avenue where you will find a plethora of upscale shops, cafes, and hotels.
Check Out: Budapest: Grand Sightseeing Bike Tour
Check Out: Budapest: Festive & Jewish Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour
Stop 3: Visit The Hungarian State Opera House To Learn About Hungarian Culture
A must-do Budapest activity is to visit the famous Hungarian Opera House.
Modeled after the great opera house in Vienna, it is considered one of the most beautiful ones in Europe
During my visit to Budapest, the opera house was closed and I was quite disappointed.
Its ornate neo-renaissance architecture is quite alluring and the inside is referred to as an “enchanted jewel box,”.
You can take guided tours of the interior and even attend a ballet or opera when spending 2 days in Budapest.
Check Out: Budapest City Sightseeing Tour
Check Out: Classic Budapest Private Walking Tour with a Coffee Break
Stop 4: Take A Bath With The Hungarians That You Will Never Forget
If you spend 2 days in Budapest, one of the best things to do in Budapest is enjoy a bath in the thermal waters here.
Hungarians enjoy regular thermal baths as the mineral water has a restorative and curative effect on degenerative joint diseases.
One of the best places to see in Budapest is the Szecheni Baths complex. It is large and offers a variety of baths to choose from.
You can select from indoor and outdoor therapy pools that offer both hot and cold water. There are steam rooms and hot saunas as well here.
My visit to the mineral water of Szecheni was a memorable activity in Budapest for me.
Check Out: Budapest: Széchenyi Spa Full Day with Optional Pálinka Tour
Check Out: Budapest: Sparty – The Ultimate Late-Night Spa Party Ticket
Stop 5: Visit Váci Street For The Ultimate Shopping And Dining Experience
If it is your first time traveling to Budapest, then you might want to explore the famous street of Budapest – Vaci Street.
You will find many cafes, restaurants, and designer shops to explore here.
Do take some time out of your 2 days in Budapest sightseeing to shop and chill on Vaci Street.
Check Out: Budapest Card: Public Transport, 30+ Top Attractions & Tours
Check Out: Budapest: Private City Tuk-Tuk Tour & Boat Cruise
Stop 6: Get Your Paprika At The Grand Market Hall
Another must-do Budapest is the Grand Market Hall which is a 5-minute walk from Budapest’s city center.
Due to its location, it is also known as the Central Market Hall.
This is one of the most visited Budapest’s markets where you can find three floors of fresh fruits, vegetables, and paprika.
You can also purchase Hungarian wines and take a guided tour of the market.
This is indeed a great place to buy souvenirs when you plan to spend 2 days in Budapest.
Check Out: Budapest: Food and Wine Tastings Tour
Check Out: Budapest: Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals
Stop 7: Observe A Moment Of Silence At The Shoes On The Danube Monument
Although a heartbreaking sight, the Shoes on the Danube Monument is a must-do Budapest attraction on your 2 days in Budapest itinerary.
This monument is located in Pest and tells the story of the Hungarian Jews who were shot into the Danube River during World War II.
The victims were made to remove their shoes before they were killed because shoes were valuable during that time.
Currently, you will find 60 pairs of men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes made out of cast iron here.
In the evening, you will find locals praying, lighting candles, and paying respect to the victims beside the banks of the Danube.
Check Out: Budapest: Downtown Budget Sightseeing Cruise
Stop 8: Marvel At The Marvelous Hungarian Parliament Building
Well, of course, you cannot miss out on including the famous Hungarian Parliament Building on your 2 days in Budapest itinerary.
It is the largest building in all of Hungary and the tallest building in Budapest.
This is one of Budapest’s top places to visit at night as the building gets beautifully illuminated.
The building features a neo-Gothic architectural style with precious stones and real gold used abundantly in her construction.
You can tour the beautiful and massive Hungarian Parliament Building on your 2 day itinerary for Budapest when the national assembly is not in session.
Learn the history of Hungary and marvel at the gorgeous Hungarian Crown Jewels on a guided tour here.
I highly recommend it.
Check Out: Budapest: Grand City Tour with Parliament Visit
Check Out: Budapest: City Center Walking Tour
Where to Stay in Budapest
Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection – Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Collection is a 5-star hotel in Budapest that is perfect for those looking for a luxurious and relaxing trip.
The hotel offers stunning views of downtown Budapest. Plus, you can make sure of the spa here that comes with a pool, saunas, and a hammam.
Stories Boutique Hotel – If you are looking for a mid-range hotel to spend a couple of nights in Budapest, then Stories Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice.
This 4-star hotel offers you all the amazing facilities and is located close to most Budapest tourist attractions such as the Hungarian State Opera, Dohany Street Synagogue, and more.
The Hive Party Hostel Budapest – For solo and budget travelers, one of the best places to stay in Budapest is the Hive Party Hostel Budapest.
You can stay in a dorm room or a private room and participate in the live events and parties that they hold regularly here.
Packing Tips For Your 2 Days In Budapest
Look here for tips on how to pack lightly and how to survive a long haul flight.
This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
GTGhese RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.
I was never a fan of packing cu. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!
Look here: Budapest Card: Public Transport, 30+ Top Attractions & Tours
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.
Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find filter replacements here.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great..
These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.
Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.
You may be visiting Budapest in warmer weather as I did, and you may want a pair of sandals to wear exploring. I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.
I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip-flops.
If experiencing culture at the Hungarian baths is on your list you will want to bring along swimwear. This lightweight men’s swim trunk is quick drying and affordable.
I like this women’s one-piece bathing suit. It has a moderately high leg cut and is lined for modesty’s sake. It has a built-in bra and comes in neat colors.
This fast-drying, lightweight, and very absorbent towel is perfect.
Or you could opt for this mesh swim backpack bag that has separate areas for dry and wet items.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.
If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
If you need new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.
Both sets come with TSA-approved zipper locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you plan to travel to Budapest.
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How To Get Around In Budapest
By subway. Did you know that Hungary’s capital city of Budapest is home to mainland Europe’s first subway system? It was constructed in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s millennium celebration.
Today Hungarians and tourists alike use the Millenium subway system to get around town.
By Tram or trolly. Budapest has an extensive tram and trolly system operating in the city since 1866.
If you use the tram you can head out and about town and see just about all the sights and attractions that interest you.
Budapest buses stop all over the city. If you plan to hop on and off frequently avoid the express buses.
Try a ride on the cable railway. The funicular runs from the foot of Castle Hill to the top of the Castle District.
Quick Tips For Your 2 Days In Budapest
Before you leave home, contact your credit card company and check to see if your credit card does or does not have foreign transaction fees.
If it does, inquire about the possibility of applying for one that does not carry foreign transaction fees attached to it. Remember to notify your bank of the dates you will be out of the country.
When you visit an ATM in Hungary, check to be sure it is on the same network as your bank, so you are not charged a transaction fee every time you withdraw cash.
Withdrawing larger amounts of money will help you limit bank transition fees.
Purchase advanced tickets to attractions whenever possible.
Admission tickets purchased online are usually offered at a discount, and you will save a lot of time waiting in lines to buy tickets at the individual attractions.
Your 2 days in Budapest will be less stressful when you have your plan and can pace yourself and not have to worry about the availability of tickets at each location you wish to visit.
One Day in Budapest: The Ultimate Itinerary
William S
Thanks for this really helpful list. I hope to visit Budapest next year and this will certainly help me find a lot of fun things to do 🙂
Linda Malys Yore
You are welcome. Budapest is a very exciting city.