Budapest, known as the “Pearl of the Danube,” is a magical city in Hungary where East meets West. As soon as you arrive, you’ll immediately fall in love with the stunning blend of 19th-century architecture—Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau styles. Here is how to spend a perfect 48 hours in Budapest. And just wait until sunset! Budapest’s iconic landmarks glow beautifully in the romantic golden hour.
Budapest offers a bit of everything—stress-releasing Turkish baths, awe-inspiring religious sites, a fairy tale castle district, a melting pot culinary scene—all at very affordable prices compared to many popular European destinations. Often called the “Paris of Eastern Europe,” Budapest is truly one of Europe’s hidden gems.
DAY ONE: WELCOME TO BUDAPEST
MORNING
Kick off your day with an early visit to the largest and oldest market in Budapest, the Central Market Hall. Built in 1897, this historic three-floor buzzy market has stalls offering fresh fruits and vegetables, local wines, tasty cheeses, Hungarian liquors, handmade gifts, traditional crafts, and so many tempting treats.
Don’t forget to buy some paprika—the country’s prized spice which makes a fabulous souvenir. Head up the top floor to take in this tremendous market and its spectacular Art Nouveau design.
Next, wander through the hip and bustling Jewish Quarter, filled with fun cafés, lively bars, street art, and boutiques. During World War II, Dohány Street served as the border of the Jewish ghetto. You can tour the impressive Moorish-style Dohány Street Synagogue (aka The Great Synagogue) which is the largest in Europe and second largest in the world!
Be sure to check out the peaceful memorial garden, and the beautiful shimmering silver Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial found in Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park. TIP: The Great Synagogue is open weekdays, but it’s closed Saturdays and on Jewish holidays. Even if you can’t enter, you can still admire its grand exterior and peek into the garden. You can spend more time in this area if you wish to visit additional temples and a museum.
When it’s time for brunch, make your way to Á La Maison, a top-rated French-style bistro that’s sure to delight. Situated in a former church showcasing a beautiful exterior fresco, this restaurant’s classy white and gold decor with an expansive marble bar has a welcoming vibe.
Á La Maison invites you to enjoy a refreshing drink—whether it’s tea, coffee, a smoothie, or a cocktail—while munching on delectable brunch options. Our highlights included the New Yorker Breakfast, a generous platter overloaded with eggs, sausage, fries, and pancakes. I devoured an expertly-cooked eggs benedict with avocado and hollandaise sauce. Mmm!
My daughter absolutely adored her colorful avocado toast topped with a poached egg, avocado cream, tomato salsa, goat cheese, and pomegranate. We were thrilled to find yummy gluten-free options too! And don’t miss out on the truffle parmesan fries—they’re a salty and flavorful treat.
The coffee concoctions made by the baristas wowed us, and the pink cups were oh so cute. The entire experience was enhanced by the lovely waitstaff and a laid back ambiance that invited us to laugh and feel right at home. TIP: If you’re into hot yoga take a zen break at the upstairs studio, and pick up a nutritious smoothie after class.
AFTERNOON
After getting a flavor of all the city has to offer, we then continued on to visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. With striking Neoclassical architecture, this grand Catholic church in Hungary amazes with its famed relic: the much revered mummified right hand of King St. Stephen and a sparkling treasury with incredible ecclesiastical objects.
Don’t miss the fabulous view from the top of the dome. TIP: I recommend purchasing your tickets online to skip long lines.
Craving a mid-afternoon snack? Pop into a local café or stop by a street vendor and try goulash, the national dish of Hungary. This hearty bowl of paprika-flavored soup or stew is jam packed with meat and vegetables.
Refueled and ready to go, it’s time to take an informative guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament. It’s not just an architectural gem, but also an important working government building. After the tour, stroll around Liberty Square, home to statues of former U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, the U.S. Embassy, the Monument of German Occupation, and more.
This square has played a pivotal role in Hungary’s past, witnessing protests, revolutions, and wars, and now stands as a symbol of freedom from communism. TIP: Book your tour of the Parliament ahead of time, since this popular attraction sells out.
As the sun starts to set, make your way back to Parliament. Along the Danube River, you’ll see a poignant monument called “Shoes on the Danube,” memorializing the dozens of Hungarian Jews shot and thrown into the river by the Fascist Party in 1944. The 60 pairs of cast iron old-fashioned boots and shoes are an emotional reminder of that terrible time in history.
EVENING
Our adventure continued with a relaxing Duna Bella Legenda Cruise that allowed us to experience the beauty of Budapest from the water. This city reveals its true majesty when viewed from the river, where its distinctive architecture comes alive.
We particularly appreciated the narration, which skillfully used a male voice for sights on one side of the river and a female voice for the other. This thoughtful approach made it super easy to spot landmarks along the river.
I highly recommend timing your cruise to catch the sunset. We sat on the upper deck of the boat to enjoy the fresh air (and as a bonus, unobstructed photo-ops. As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll be treated to a dreamy display of vibrant yellows and red hues in the sky.
A highlight of the journey is passing under Budapest’s many magnificent bridges, including the Chain Bridge, the Margaret Bridge, and the Liberty Bridge. But the real magic happened when night fell, and the iconic buildings along the river, such as the Parliament and the castle, lit up beautifully—simply magical!
Onboard, Legenda Cruise also serves complimentary champagne, along with a selection of other refreshing drinks. TIP: The cruise gets you up close to Margaret Island, a lush serene area with landscaped parks, walking paths, swimming pools, a wildlife park, and more, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Depending on the timing of your cruise, you may have the option to disembark there and catch a later return boat.
For dinner, we headed to Mazel Tov, a buzzing hotspot in the lively Jewish Quarter. Boy, were we glad we made reservations! When we saw the long line stretching down the block, we knew we’d made the right decision! Mazel Tov has it all—an upbeat vibe, Mediterranean-Middle Eastern fusion cuisine, and a menu that is constantly updated and reinvented.
From the second you walk into this space, you will be awed by the gorgeous urban indoor garden with long green vines and a pulsing atmosphere. The expansive drink menu is like a treasure trove, complete with a wide variety of international wines and creative cocktail offerings.
TIP: Some nights Mazel Tov hosts live music and DJs, which amps up the fun quotient. Before or after dinner, head upstairs to the rooftop lounge, Balagan—the ideal spot for sipping expertly crafted cocktails.
To start our meal, we shared a generous mezze dip selection with hummus, labneh, babaganoush, olives, and freshly grilled sourdough pita (so perfect for dipping!). The quinoa tabbouleh was tasty, blending all the right flavors of tomato, cucumber, onion, mint, and pomegranate.
For our entrees, we had a blast with the DIY falafel sandwich, stuffing our pitas with crispy falafel, creamy hummus, Israeli salad, and crunchy cabbage. The DIY chicken shawarma plate delighted with its “secret spices,” beetroot salad, matbucha, and tahini.
But my favorite was the 14-day smoked brisket pastrami sandwich on rye, served with mustard, pickles, and a tangy BBQ sauce. And definitely save room for their famous Jerusalem Cheesecake!
After dinner, gather your crew and stroll a few blocks away to Szimpla Kert, Budapest’s most famous Ruin Bar. This quirky spot is bursting with character, filled with colorful decor and giving off a rough around the edges vibe.
With graffiti scribbled all over the walls and flea market odds and ends creatively pieced together into kitschy sculptures, this lively bar is a must-visit. Throughout Budapest, Ruin Bars transform abandoned buildings into edgy bars and restaurants with a nightclub feel. TIP: Consider visiting Szimpla Kert on Sunday mornings for their farmers market and craft fair.
And if you’re looking to keep the party going, Budapest is known for dance clubs that stay open until the wee hours of the morning, especially around the bustling Jewish Quarter.
DAY TWO: BEAUTIFUL BUDA & TASTY PEST
MORNING – Day 2
Start your day bright and early with a fun photoshoot at one of Budapest’s most majestic locations, Fisherman’s Bastion, situated on the Buda side of the river. The morning sun casts just the right light for capturing those picture-perfect moments!
We had such a great time posing in this dreamy locale as our talented photographer Ihsan Unuvar snapped away. Ihsan immediately put us at ease, encouraging giggles, and getting one of my daughters to twirl round and round with her hair flowing in the wind.
Ihsan expertly captured so many joyful memories with THE most picturesque backdrop in the city. And the final frame-worthy photos turned into our favorite souvenirs of our trip!
After the photoshoot, we dedicated our morning to exploring this fantastical Castle area with its long list of things to see and do. We began by gawking at the spectacular colorful interior of Matthias’ Church, which has been around since 1015.
This mammoth church surprises at every turn, boasting a mystical ambiance, Neo-Gothic details, and inspiration drawn from both Oriental and Romantic Historicism styles. Truly a wow moment!
Then, we were lucky to catch the choreography of the mid-day Changing of the Guard in front of the Sándor Palace, the official residence of the Hungarian president. Afterward, we took a quick spin through the Hungarian National Gallery, home to this country’s largest collection of artwork.
Be sure to take the fifty-four steps up to the gallery’s dome for mind-blowing views! We absolutely adored this area of Buda and could have easily spent our entire day there. Every which way you look, the vistas across the river of Pest will amaze you! TIP: For a slice of history (and a fun ride), hop on the 19th-century historic Buda Hill Funicular.
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to Grumpy—one of TripAdvisor’s top-rated cafés in the world! This warm and homey café is bound to put a smile on your face.
With a friendly waitstaff and the cheery chef-owner Szilvia Ispán (or Sziszi, as everyone calls her) who pours her heart into cooking for her guests, every single bite of our tasty lunch was a treat. Grumpy specializes in Parisian-inspired dishes, offering brunch, tapas, and French options for lunch and dinner each day. Grumpy prioritizes fresh and high-quality ingredients.
We especially loved inventive pesto-fried eggs, fluffy pancakes loaded with oversized fresh berries, scrumptious roasted pumpkin, expertly crafted coffee drinks, homemade fruit-flavored soda, and light-as-air macarons. We noticed that many of the guests were regulars who knew the staff by name, which gave the place such an inviting vibe.
With colorful, whimsical wall art, beautifully presented dishes on gold-edged plates, and an open mini-kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, Grumpy accomplishes its mission of providing guests with a delightful culinary journey. Plus, they offer several options for vegans and gluten free-guests. Be sure to say hi to Sziszi—she is a gem!
AFTERNOON
Prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable experience! Make your way to one of Budapest’s “must do” attractions: the thermal baths. While the city has many renowned baths, including the opulent Széchenyi Baths, we decided to pamper ourselves at the breathtaking Gellért Thermal Bath.
This lovely spot has been welcoming guests since 1918 and is nestled in a stunning Art Deco building on the Buda side of the river. With your entrance ticket, the door opens to a blissful world of relaxation, featuring eight unique pools, five rejuvenating saunas, and two zen steam rooms. You’ll love transitioning between the invigorating indoor and outdoor pools, decorated with colorful mosaics reminiscent of an old world aesthetic.
From the incredible lobby with its soaring dome to the exquisite communal spaces, you could easily spend all day here — especially if you splurge on a massage. TIP: To save a bit of cash, pack your own bathing suit, a towel, and a pair of flip-flops. All of these items are available on site to buy or rent.
While you can easily soak the afternoon away, if you are like us and want explore more during your stay, here are some options for your own adventure:
- Dive into Hungary’s tragic history and eventual independence at the thought-provoking and moving House of Terror Museum.
- Catch a tour or matinee performance at The Hungarian State Opera House. Built in the late nineteenth century, this architectural masterpiece is considered one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. TIP: A peek into the over-the-top lobby is free.
- Indulge in some retail therapy on some of this city’s most famous shopping streets—Andrássy Avenue (cafés, stores, and stunning Neo-renaissance architecture), Váci Utca (luxury retailers), and Falk Miksa Utca (an antique lover’s paradise).
DINNER – Day 2
Before dinner, wander the hipster and trendy Gozsdu Courtyard section of Budapest. This festive labyrinth of alleys includes stalls selling handicrafts, restaurants, and vintage goods.
For an epic finale to your two days in Budapest, you should check out one of our favorite restaurants in Europe, Vicky Barcelona. This restaurant does a fabulous job of whisking you away to the energetic and romantic vibe of Barcelona, Spain.
The atmosphere is electric, with pulsing music, and a creative mix of globally-inspired tapas that invites you to share dishes with your dinner companions. Prepare to be dazzled by the innovative cocktail and mocktail menu!
Every drink is a work of art, served in an over-the-top way, poured into gorgeous stemware and whimsical vessels such as shiny silver pineapples and elegant glass birds, then decorated with colorful fruit and vegetables.
Our dinner at Vicky Barcelona was an unforgettable dining experience. Honestly, everything we tried was fantastic! We dug into the tapas theme and shared a bunch of delectable dishes. Our dinner was elevated by upbeat and super accommodating wait staff, who helped us navigate various dietary restrictions without missing a beat.
One of our table’s highlights was the crispy tempura zucchini served atop a flavorful yogurt sauce with spiced honey and edible flowers—to die for! My favorite bite was the succulent shrimp wrapped with dates and bacon, paired with zesty kimchi and fiery Tabasco crème fraîche.
We were impressed with the yummy shrimp fricassee sandwich, which shines with its unexpected accompaniments of crème fraîche, harissa, arugula, cured lemon, roasted peppers, kimchi, and shallots. Make sure to try their mouthwatering take on patatas bravas— double-fried potatoes with a dollop of chili sauce and smoked crème fraîche.
We rounded out our meal with a goat cheese and berry salad, a dish of Spanish olives, and calamari coated with red paprika that we dipped into spiced mayonnaise. Trust me, save room for the selection of lip-smacking desserts. The creamy Basque cheesecake was the bomb! TIP: Some nights, Vicky Barcelona offers live guitar and other nights, it turns into an electrifying Latino dance party! This restaurant books up weeks in advance so be sure to make a reservation.
WHERE TO STAY IN BUDAPEST
We loved our stay on the Pest side of Budapest at the well-located Hilton Garden Inn Budapest City Centre. It was just around the corner from the stunning Hungarian State Opera House and a short walk to the metro and other popular attractions such as the Hungarian Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Staying at this hotel made our time in the city a breeze. The Hilton Garden Inn features a full-service restaurant, an inviting bar and lobby, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace. And as a huge plus, the friendly and extra helpful staff answered all my detailed questions.
HOW TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY IN BUDAPEST
To make the most of your experience while saving some cash, consider purchasing a Budapest Card. This handy little card grants you access to a ton of sites for free or at reduced prices, plus provides access to free public transportation! The Budapest Card even includes a thermal bath ticket and free sightseeing cruise.
And while you’re planning your trip, check out the Budapest Official website, which is packed with practical information.
Budapest is a magical city brimming with historical riches, beautiful vistas, exquisite cuisine, and countless attractions waiting to inspire you. Use this guide to craft an unforgettable 48 hours in this enchanting destination. Gather your travel companions and embark on an amazing journey filled with magic and romance in Buda-ful Budapest!
DISCLAIMER
The author was provided with some discounted and/or complimentary passes and meals so that she could try the attractions/restaurants and review them for your information. All opinions are her own. Most images courtesy of Lisa Grabelle unless otherwise noted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This guest post was written by Lisa Grabelle. Lisa, a freelance travel writer, has been traveling all her life…44 countries and loving it! Originally from the sunny skies of Miami, Lisa, a former big firm lawyer, lives near Philadelphia. Travel is her passion. As soon as one vacation ends, Lisa busily plans her next adventure for her non-stop family of adventurers. Lisa’s motto is “don’t just visit the destination…live it!” You can follow Lisa on Instagram.
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