I didn’t realize how much I absolutely loved Budapest until I started noticing that I would bring it up randomly in conversation. The city is affordable, active, relaxing, and has some delicious food and deep history. I highly suggest taking a long weekend trip to Budapest or adding it to your European adventure. Check out Budapest Digital Itinerary for 3 full days of restaurants and activities. All of my Digital Itineraries include links to directions, menus, and booking websites.
Basic Information
Transportation
Most likely, you will be arriving by plane. I suggest taking the Airport Express Bus 100E for 370 HUF (=$2.5).
Lodging
We stayed at an airbnb in the Jewish Quarter. Condos and apartments on Airbnb start as low as $40 a night. When we are traveling to explore an area, we tend to chose minimal lodging accommodations since we are there to see, do, and eat our way through the city.
BUDA & PEST
The river is called the Danube, and west of the river is Buda and east is Pest.
How to spend 1 day in Budapest!
8am-Cafe Brunch Budapest
This is a modern breakfast spot has a great patio and a variety of large dishes to fuel you for the day! Try their eggs Benedict or a more traditional Hungarian breakfast.
9am-Sightseeing
Make your way from the restaurant to the Buda side crossing the Széchenyi bridge towards Buda Castle. Stop to get a picture on the bridge! There is a great view of Parliament in the background.
Buda Castle-FREE general admission
Considering you only have 1 day in Budapest, I would recommend exploring the general admission so that you can see more of the sights nearby, like the Fisherman’s Bastion.
Considering you only have 1 day in Budapest, I would recommend exploring the general admission so that you can see more of the sights nearby, like the Fisherman’s Bastion.
Fisherman’s Bastion-FREE
Explore the nooks and towers of this beautiful fortress. This unique landmark towers over the Danube and can get quite busy throughout the day. See the tours button for more information, but again, I would suggest GA route here.
Pro Tip Suggestion: Wake up before sunrise and plan to watch the morning start and the sun to rise in this open air fortress.
Matthias Church-2560 HUF ($7)
You can tour Matthias Church for a small fee. The large elegant church dates back to the 13th century and struts large stain-glass windows. Pay for the ticket at the ticket booth.
12pm-Walk to lunch
By noon you will likely be starting to think about lunch. Head back over the Széchenyi bridge and walk along the promenade until you pass the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a WWII memorial. The restaurant is only a few blocks from this location.
Hungarikum Bisztró
This is a traditional Hungarian restaurant with delicious traditional dishes. Try the goulash and the paprika chicken!
1:30pm-Head to City Park
You can take the metro from Vörösmarty tér to Széchenyi Fürdö (26 minutes)
OR
You can take bus 70 or 72 from Arany János utca M to Széchenyi Fürdö (24-32 minutes)
2pm-Széchenyi Thermal Bath
You can purchase tickets to the thermal baths online. I suggest adding the beer bath experience as well if you are a beer fan. You soak in a tub with hops and malt while enjoying your own tap for a 45 minute soak session. Tickets to the thermal baths start at 7370 HUF ($20). You can book beer spa and thermal bath packages online! Be sure to book ahead of time.
4:30pm-Head back to the lodging accommodations
Take a quick break, freshen up, change clothes, and get ready for the evening. Grab a jacket before you go out if you need one!
5:30pm-Ferris Wheel Budapest
Ride the ferris wheel to see Budapest from above! 3900 HUF (=$11)
6:30pm-The Jewish Quarter
Make your way over to see the Dohány Street Synagogue. Although it will likely be close, you can marvel at its majestic beauty from the street.
As you are roaming the streets of the Jewish Quarter, be on the lookout for hidden street art.
7:30pm-Karavan Street Food
This is one of my favorite spots in Budapest. Karavan has many different food trucks so take your time roaming through and make sure to try some Langos and Chimney Cakes!
8:30pm-Ruins Bar
The bar scene on Kazinczy is super fun! Szimpla Kert is probably the most famous and feels like a giant house party with rooms, tower, patios, and gardens scattered throughout. Grab a drink at one of the bars or hop around until you find some live music that fits your vibe.
Stay longer than 1 day!
There is countless activities to enjoy while visiting Budapest including paddle boarding, river boat cruises and even caving! If you are spending more than 1 day in Budapest, check out my detailed Budapest Digital Itinerary for more activities and restaurant suggestions. All of my Digital Itineraries include links to directions, menus, and booking websites and is compatible with both Apple Maps and Google Maps.
