If you’re looking for a place that is both historic and modern, then look no further than the capital of Hungary. A fascinating Turkish bath culture sitting on top of some great food and stunning architecture will make your trip worthwhile! Here is the best way to spend 2 days in Budapest.
The captivating story of Budapest starts with its name. Buda and Pest once were two different cities, separated by the Danube river. The Austro-Hungarian Empire chose to unite them under the same name to make it the capital of the country.
Buda was the residential side, while, at this time, Pest was more industrial. Nowadays, Budapest has buildings full of history on each side of the river and is also known as the “Pearl of the Danube“. It quickly became one of the most exciting European capitals to visit.
Beyond its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the city offers great opportunities for cruises with its unquestionable natural assets. The city of Budapest is a fascinating destination for anyone who loves food, culture but also underground nightlife.
Here are the best things to see in Budapest in 2 days. You’ll also find all the practical information you’ll need to make it a wonderful and stress-free Budapest weekend trip.
Why visit Budapest?
The vibrant city of Budapest is a must see for any traveler. The graceful buildings that make up this area are a living testimony to the rich culture and history of the country. The ruins from the Hungarian Empire can be found everywhere, just like the many thermal baths open year-round!
Thermal baths are a great starting point if you’re looking to tour around this popular destination before hitting some museums or discovering its underground culture! And, have you heard of the ruin bars of Budapest? These are very cool drinking spots inside pre-war neglected buildings. Yes, Budapest has it all.
How many days in Budapest?
If you want to visit the monuments, explore the basilica, relax in the thermal baths and find out what the word “party” means, two days in Budapest should definitely be enough.
But if you want more time for sightseeing and relaxation then three or four would be an excellent choice as well! But yes, all the top things to do in Budapest Hungary can be covered in 2 days.
What to see in Budapest in 2 days?
As the capital of Hungary, it is no wonder that there are so many things to do in Budapest. Some people may get lost among all the must see in Budapest lists but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Our top activities will guide your way through this beautiful city and help make sure everything doesn’t come down around here – literally (on some days). Here’s a complete Budapest 2 day itinerary.
2 days Budapest : Day 1
On your first day in Budapest, you have to visit the holy trinity. Not only the square, but also the Saint Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and the Buda Castle. This day will also include delicious local food, panoramic views, ruin bars and more. To sum it up, the absolute best of Budapest in 2 days.
St Matthias Church
The Matthias Church, also known as the Church of the Assumption, is a grand church in the heart of Budapest. It is located right in the middle of the Holy Trinity square, right next to the famous Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle district.
Its strategic location attracts many tourists, but so does its Roman Catholic architecture. This church offers a colorful and unique style with tiled roofs and impressive vaulted ceilings. This unique religious place was named after King Matthias, who was in power when the medieval Hungarian kingdom was the most powerful.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Out of all the things to do in Budapest in 2 days, the Fisherman’s Bastion is the one place you must visit at all costs. This white castle has become an iconic symbol of what makes this city so great! The building itself is completely dazzling, with its fairytale turrets and arches.
The castle offers many passages and doors in which you can stroll and take pictures, like real life princes and princesses. The Fisherman’s Bastion is also known for its impressive panoramic view over the Buda river and the attractions on the other bank. When planning an itinerary for Budapest, it’s really a must.
You can visit the lower terraces for free, while you’ll need to pay 1,000 HUF ($3.2 USD or 2.8€) per adult to access the upper towers of the castle. You can visit it any day, and the upper zone is open from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Buda Castle
Buda Castle is a beautiful piece of history that has been captured in stone. It is located on the western bank of the Danube River in a nice neighborhood with lots of statues, fountains and fortifications. It also offers some really great views on the city.
While not associated with any royal family, the castle now hosts the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. It is a collection of art from Hungary’s last two centuries and of history archives.
The art museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and costs 2,800 HUF (8€ or $9 USD) per adult. The history museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and costs 2,000 HUF (5.5€ or $6 USD) per adult.
Gellert Hill
After a long and interesting morning of history, it’s time to get some height! There’s no better place than Gellert Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of Budapest. From the top, you’ll get unparalleled views of the Danube, Buda and Pest!
Take your time climbing up this iconic hill, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush green grasses! It’s like a breath of fresh air away from the busy streets.
Great Market Hall Budapest
After visiting the historical monuments of Budapest, you will be hungry! The Great Market Hall of Budapest is the best place for a first lunch in the city. There is just about any type of food, grocery or souvenir you could want, all gathered in one impressive hall.
To be honest, even if you don’t want to eat, this place is worth a visit! It was built in 1897 and the structure of the building is really impressive with its large windows and arches. Last but not least, it is central and easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
Szabo Ervin Library
If you are a book lover, it is time to soak up the atmosphere of one special library: the Ervin Szabó Metropolitan Library. It’s always an appreciated break after lunch, because people can relax surrounded by more books and fewer people.
It looks a lot like a movie library because it is located in an old building, with revolving stairs, high ceilings, a wooden bookcase and piles of books lined up everywhere.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
A fifteen-minute walk from the library will bring you down through Lipótváros’ quarter where there are plenty more buildings with equally awe inspiring architecture waiting around every corner! Among them, the Saint Stephen’s Basilica stands out.
Saint Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church of Budapest and the second largest in Hungary, after the Esztergom Basilica. It has everything that makes up an amazing church: large size, impressive architecture… It is one of those places you just can’t miss.
What’s very cool about St. Stephen’s basilica in Budapest is the panoramic terrace at the foot of its dome. It offers wonderful views on the city. To get there, you can either climb the 300 stairs or use the elevator. It’s a must do when you visit Budapest in 2 days.
Hungarian Parliament Building
Ten minutes away from the basilica is the famous Hungarian Parliament building. This is not a place you stumble upon by chance; it is located on the bank of the Danube and is so large that you can see it from almost every corner of the city.
In fact, the Hungarian Parliament is the third largest parliament in the world, after the Pentagon in the United States and the Palace of Parliament in Romania. It’s a must on any two days in Budapest itinerary.
Inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London, the building was constructed in 1896 by Imre Steindl. This neo-Gothic building is 268 meters long, 124 meters wide and 96 meters high.
It has almost 700 rooms in total! If you want to go inside, you will need to book a guided tour. The full tour lasts 45 minutes and costs 8,500 HUF ($26 USD or 24€).
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Right in front of the Parliament, you will see shoes lined up along the bank. It’s a memorial for the 3,500 people, including 800 jews, who were killed by the fascist party during World War II.
They were told to take off their shoes before the shooting as the military could resell them after. This memorial, called the “Shoes on the Danube Bank”, was conceived by Can Togay and created by sculptor Gyula Pauer in 2005.
Bars in Budapest
Then, what to do in Budapest at night? You’ve now seen a lot of iconic landmarks of the city during the first day of your Budapest itinerary. But have you really been to Budapest if you didn’t go to a ruin bar?
Ruin bars are very typical of Budapest. These are places where you can have a cheap drink in derelict, often outdoor, buildings. Those unused places were transformed into friendly and safe bars, where Hungarian youth meet.
Ruin bar : Szimpla Kert
The most known of them is called the Szimpla Kert. It’s located in the Jewish Quarter and is only five minutes away from the synagogue. The abandoned multi-level building became the meeting point of the Hungarian youth. That’s where the nightlife is at its summit!
Don’t pay attention to the chaos around you ; that’s what ruin bars are all about. It’s a beautiful and charming mess where people can truly be themselves and have fun! Most of the ruin bars are located around Gozsdu Court. It’s one of the best ways to truly see Budapest in 2 days.
360 bar Budapest
So, every city has one special party area… You must wonder : where is THE bar street in Budapest? The most exciting nightlife district is the V. District and Gozsdu Court. On Király Street and Wesselényi Street for instance, you can find dozens if not hundreds of bars and clubs with great music!
Mingling together, these streets create an electric atmosphere, perfect for having fun until dawn breaks through at last before returning home safely. One of the spots we recommend is the 360 Bar, located right in the bar area in Budapest.
With their nine heated igloos, this rooftop bar in Budapest has made it possible not only for you to stay warm during wintertime but also provide a perfect spot where guests can enjoy drinks and take stunning photos. It may be the most known bar in Budapest because it offers wonderful panoramic views.
Bath parties in Budapest
If you want to have a special experience, one of the best activities in Budapest is… a bath party! Yes, you read that correctly. Bath parties in Budapest are always a blast. You get to experience the ancient bath culture of this city along with modern electronic dance music.
We will talk more about the bath culture and your options to visit one during the day, but you should know that some parties are organized there! The two most famous spots are Sparty and Szechenyi Spa & Baths.
Budapest 2 days : Day 2
Your second day in Budapest is all about feeling like a queen or king. With its thermal baths for relaxation, romantic castles to awaken your royalty dreams or restaurants in scenic settings, this 2 day Budapest itinerary is like no other.
Baths in Budapest : enjoy a blissful morning in a hot bath
With over a dozen thermal bath locations in the city, it is no wonder that Budapest thrives on spa culture. The Romans who settled in this area centuries ago discovered that these waters contained a high mineral content and could be used for relaxation or medicinal purposes.
Since then, people have flocked from all around the world to enjoy what has become one of Europe’s most renowned spas – if not THE favourite spot among tourists looking for some R&R! The baths of Budapest are an important part of what makes Budapest an attractive destination for tourists.
When visiting Budapest in two days, here are your best thermal bath options.
Rudas Baths
The Rudas Baths are an incredible Turkish-style bathing complex located in the heart of the city. It was built in the 16th century, when Budapest was under Ottoman rule. The main pool sits underneath a scenic dome. This pool offers an impressive setting and you can swim in a picturesque atmosphere.
There’s also a rooftop swimming pool that overlooks Hungary’s longest river, the Danube! The Ruda Baths have a wide range of thermal treatments for all sorts to choose from. In addition there is an entire section on physiotherapy in which you can receive professional care.
- Temperature: 11 °C (52 °F) to 42 °C (108 °F)
- Opening hours: 6 AM to 8 PM from Sunday to Thursday, 6 AM to 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays (day and night bathing)
- Prices: 5,500 HUF (15€ or $17 USD) per day on week days and 6,900 HUF (19€ or $21 USD) on weekends
- Address: Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
The Szechenyi baths are a place where you can relax and enjoy the warm water. The pools have been known for their therapeutic properties since 1913, when they were built by Kteleki Lajos as part of his plan to develop the bathing culture in Budapest in order to reduce common diseases.
The 18 pools with their healing natural hot spring waters make it an excellent place to take some time away from the city life while still being able enjoy what nature has provided us. There are also 10 saunas and steam cabins available as well as several massage therapies.
- Temperature: 18 °C (64 °F) and 40 °C (104 °F)
- Opening hours: 9 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Sunday
- Prices: 5,900 HUF (16€ or $19 USD) for a day ticket with locker usage
- Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
Király Baths
The Király Baths is a great place to go if you’re looking for an affordable and traditional thermal bathing experience away from the crowds. Imagine a place where you can relax in complete privacy, surrounded by luxurious tiles and marble.
The Turkish baths date back to 1565 but were partly damaged and rebuilt after World War II. The main pool is under an iconic dome dotted with skylights, which provide natural light for your relaxation experience!
The Király Baths truly offer an invigorating experience with its steam baths, saunas and underwater massage jets. These are all powered by thermal waters from nearby Lukács Baths, so they have healing properties too. This thermal bath closed in March 2020 for an indefinite period of time. Do some research before going!
- Temperature: 26 °C (79 °F) to 40 °C (104 °F)
- Opening hours: 9 AM to 9 PM from Monday to Sunday
- Prices: all-day ticket with cabin use: 2 700 HUF, locker: 2 400 HUF
- Address: Budapest, Fő u. 84, 1027 Hungary
Gellért Baths
Gellért Baths has been one of the favourite thermal baths of locals for decades. The complex was opened in 1918, and features both indoor and outdoor bathing areas fed by thermal springs from the nearby Gellért Hill -making it one of Budapest’s most beautiful bathhouses!
Gellért Baths is not just any old bath house. With its Roman columns, mosaic walls, sculptures and glass windows, it has the most beautiful architecture that anyone could hope for. You can relax in the different pools, dry and steam saunas or even private small thermal baths if you book in advance.
This thermal bath also is a special thermal therapy. There are treatment rooms for medicinal massages as well as a carbonic acid tub for those with cardiovascular issues or high blood pressure.
- Temperature: 26 °C (79 °F) to 40 °C (104 °F)
- Opening hours: 9 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Sunday
- Prices: 5,900 HUF (16€ or $19 USD) for a day ticket with locker usage
- Address: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Hungary
New York Café Budapest
After relaxing your entire body at the thermal baths, you should refill your stomach. The New York Cafe in Budapest is an institution and is considered to be the most beautiful restaurant in the world by some people.
What makes this coffee and restaurant so special is its decor. It was built in 1894 and has a very high ceiling, fancy mirrors, chandeliers and frescoes. The decor is as picturesque as classy. The decor might be full of gilt and velvet, the food doesn’t disappoint either.
Their coffee speciality is Hungarian coffee, made of traditional black cherry pálinka, chili, brown sugar, coffee and cream. For lunch or dinner, you can have traditional plates, like goulash, a beef soup with vegetables.
Heroes’ Square
To visit Budapest in two days, you’ll have to pass through Heroes’ Square at some point. It is a large and popular square in Budapest. This square has an impressive Millenary Monument called the Millenniumi emlékmű. It is a 36 meter high pillar with an Archangel Gabriel on top of it. The angel is holding the Hungarian crown.
The size of this space makes it one of the most symbolic squares within this beautiful country! Heroes’ square is This square is one of the most photographed spots of the city. It is also extremely well located, between Andrassy Avenue and Varosliget Park.
Vajdahunyad Castle
Near Heroes’ square, you’ll find the Vajdahunyad Castle. It is a picturesque castle that commands magnificent views of the city and its surroundings. Visiting this castle is like taking a step back in time to when life was more carefree and simple.
The romantic castle has been beautifully preserved, with its foreboding stone walls looming over you as soon as you enter through the doors of this historical site. The architecture blends different styles, such as Romanesque, Gothic Renaissance and Baroque. It creates an engaging atmosphere for visitors to experience all year round!
The courtyard of the castle is open 24/7, but the Agriculture Museum inside the castle can be visited between 10 AM to 5 PM. It costs HUF 1,600 per adult and HUF 800 per student or senior.
Hungarian National Museum
Founded in 1802, the Hungarian National Museum is one of Europe’s oldest national museums and houses a vast collection spanning centuries. The exhibits include art from all over Hungary as well other countries that have been part of the former empire – including Transylvania!
It preserves and celebrates the history, art and culture of Hungary. This famous museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. The entrance ticket costs HUF 2,600 per adult that is not from Europe, HUF 1,300 for Hungarians and Europeans or young adults under 26 years old.
Shopping in Budapest
After a long and interesting day of visits, it’s time for some shopping. Bálna is a commercial, cultural and entertaining hub that offers visitors so much more than just its basic restaurants. From the bustling market to handicrafts for sale on every corner you’ll never run out from something new!
Váci Street is one of the most famous streets in central Budapest. The street has many restaurants and shops, mainly for tourists, but still worth checking out. Even if it’s quite touristy, it’s definitely among the places to see in Budapest in 2 days.
Budapest in 3 days : optional additional days for Sziget Festival
48 hours in Budapest is not enough… If you want the full Budapest experience, there’s one special event you need to witness. And that’s the famous Sziget Festival! This is one of the most iconic festivals in the world. Why? It is held in August for 7 days and welcomes the most talented artists from around the world.
The first Sziget Festival was organized in 1993 and now, it is one of the largest European festivals. It takes place on an island between Buda and Pest, whose nickname is the island of freedom. You would witness the best concerts in the world, but also take yoga lessons, visit a circus, go to the beach and more!
Budapest Travel Tips – Know Before You Go
Where to stay in Budapest?
Whether you’re spending 2 nights in Budapest or more, here are good options for every budget and travel style.
Hotel Memories OldTown (Luxury)
Looking for the best luxurious accommodation in Budapest? Hotel Memories OldTown stands out with renovated vintage style and elegance. There are brick walls, big industrial windows, handmade decor, plants… It all looks very good and classy!
The luxurious and spacious accommodations come with everything from air conditioning, Nespresso coffee machine, kettles as well as wardrobes for your clothes. The staff here is very welcoming so you’ll feel right at home. This neo-industrial hotel is like no other and even has its own bistro and fitness center.
The restaurant offers a rich buffet of Hungarian flavors and the fitness center has a spa with a hot tub. The standard double room costs 46,500 HUF (131€ or $150 USD).
✔️ Secure your room at Hotel Memories OldTown right now!
Szőnyi Garden Hotel Pest (Mid Range)
The Szőnyi Garden Hotel Pest is a family-run hotel located in the greenbelt of Budapest, only 5 kilometers from the city center. It has big, air conditioned rooms with all amenities you need for your stay. The hotel even has a hot tub and its own restaurant!
It is close to public transportation so guests can easily explore Greater Budapest without having to worry about how they will get around town. The premium twin room starts at 29,800 HUF (84€ or $96 USD).
✔️ Secure your room at Szőnyi Garden Hotel Pest right now!
Central Market Hall Zen Hostel (Budget Travel)
Central Market Hall Zen Hostel is a welcoming and affordable hostel in Budapest. The shared lounge spaces, kitchen and terrace offer guests a chance for socializing with others, if they wish.
The best part? This historic property offers an unbeatable location just steps away from some must see attractions like the Great Market Hall, the Gellert Thermal Baths and the Hungarian National Museum.
As in all hostels, you can find cheap bunk beds in shared dorm rooms for very cheap. At Central Market Hall Zen Hostel, you can have a bed for as little as 4,200 HUF (12€ or $13,7 USD) right in the heart of Lipótváros district, one of the best areas to stay in Budapest.
✔️ Secure your spot at Central Market Hall Zen Hostel right now!
How to get to Budapest?
How to get to Budapest from Prague?
Reaching Budapest from inland Europe is very easy because most big cities have very good transport systems connecting them. For instance, journeys like Prague to Budapest, Vienna to Budapest or Athens to Budapest can easily be done by bus, for less than 6,200 HUF ($20 USD or 17€).
If you want to rent a car, you can also drive from one city to another by yourself. This part of Europe is very road trip friendly. For instance, driving from Budapest to Vienna would take you 2 hours and a half, and Prague to Budapest, 5 hours.
💡 You could spend one day in Prague to discover the city of thousands spires before heading to Budapest!
How to get to Budapest from UK?
The easiest way to reach Budapest from the UK is to take a plane as there’s the sea between them. There are tons of daily flights to Budapest, from big UK cities like London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham or Edinburgh.
How to get to Budapest from USA?
If you come from the USA or another part of the world, you’ll obviously need to take a plane to join Budapest. There are no direct flights going from the USA to one of the airports in Budapest (Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport).
You’ll most likely first take a Delta or Lufthansa plane to an European capital. Then, you’ll board on a second plane of one of the common airlines in Budapest, such as Easyjet, Ryanair, Wizz Air or Jet2. On average, a trip from NYC to Budapest should take around 9 hours, excluding the layover.
How to get around Budapest?
The pearl of the Danube is a very walkable city, but in order to see all of Budapest in 2 days, you will have to use public transport. Luckily for you, there’s pretty much every kind of transport you could think of! First, let’s talk about public transport.
Public transport Budapest
Bus or trolley buses are perfect to get around town, from one point of interest to another. This is the most used transport system by tourists. There are 3 tramlines that connect the attractions well : the lines 2, 4 and 6. Last but not least, you can also use the subway or the Danube River Ferry Service.
If you want to go from Budapest airport to city center, you’ll need to take the direct bus line 100E. It will take you straight to Deak Square and costs 900 HUF (2.5€ or $2.8 USD). This bus line starts at 5 AM and finishes at 0:30 AM.
Taxi in Budapest
The fare for a cab in Budapest is quite affordable, with the base fee being 700 HUF (2€ or $2.2 USD), plus an additional charge of 300 HUF (0.83€ or $1 USD) per kilometer. A ride from the airport to the city center lasts 30 to 40 minutes and costs around 9,000 HUF (25€ or $28 USD).
As of 2022, there’s no uber or similar VTC app in Budapest. The alternative would be Taxify, but you should always take verified taxi cabs if you don’t want to journey to be overpriced. The official cabs all use meters.
Best time to visit Budapest
The perfect time to spend a weekend in Budapest is from April to October. Except for the high season of July and August, visiting Budapest during those months is ideal because the city won’t be crowded by tourists.
The weather is also quite idyllic at this time of the year, temperatures going from 8° in April and October to 28° in July and August. However, make sure to pack your coat or jacket even in summer as it may get chilly at night.
After spring and summer, be aware that autumn in Budapest is also a great time to visit as it is very bustling with live events. Orange autumn leaves add to the charm of the city.
Is Budapest safe?
Tourism in Budapest is incredibly safe. One can feel comfortable walking around the city with no fear of being assaulted. Minor crimes do happen, like everywhere, but as long as travelers take minimum precautions, the risk is very low. For instance, don’t walk alone at night in a quiet neighborhood.
Is Budapest expensive?
Budapest is very affordable for tourists. It’s one of the cheapest European capitals to travel to! As always, things can get a little pricey in touristy areas but as long as you’re paying attention to your budget, you’ll be fine.
For an average meal in Budapest, you’ll have to pay 2,600 HUF (7€ or $8 USD). The cost of beer attracts a lot of tourists wanting to party as well : 420 HUF (1€ or $1.3 USD). A bed in a dorm costs very little money : 2,500 HUF (7€ or $8 USD).
How to pay in Budapest?
Even though Hungary is part of the European Union, you will need to pay for your purchases in Forint, withdrawn from ATMs in Budapest. Most shops and restaurants accept euros but paying in HUF is the best way to avoid currency conversion fees. There are many international banks in Budapest.
Days trips from Budapest
Budapest to Szentendre
The town of Szentendre is a must-see for any visitor to Budapest. Upstream from downtown, this small town has an artistic vibe with its pretty architecture. It’s no wonder it quickly became one of most popular day trips for those looking for something different than “just” exploring castles and cathedrals!
The “ Artists’ Village” is a great place for art lovers. With its unique atmosphere that feels like you’re in an old film from Europe, this village has been home to many creative communities since before World War I. Szentendre’s bohemian feel lives on today with galleries and craft stores dotting the town.
Budapest to Lake Balaton
Hungary may be a landlocked country, it has the largest lake in Europe! If you’re looking for a getaway to a laid-back town, head to the shores of Lake Balaton. It is a beautiful lake that has been attracting people from all over Central Europe for centuries.
With its vineyards, volcanic mountains and thermal spa resorts on the shores it’s no wonder why so many sun seekers find their way here every year! The crystal clear waters of Balaton are a great place to take it easy, particularly around the shores where you can find resort towns like Zalakaros and Siófok.
Budapest to Aggtelek National Park
The Aggtelek National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers nearly 200 square kilometers. The vast expanse of the park sits in between its borders with Slovakia to one side and Hungary on another. It’s a short 2 hour and a half drive from Budapest, making it an easy day trip.
The park is a hidden treasure of natural beauty, with its lush green trees and winding paths attracting walkers from all over Europe. This peaceful haven offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most popular spots is the Baradla Cave.
Budapest to Bratislava
What’s amazing in Europe is that you can cross the border of another country within a few hours. After spending a few days in Budapest, it could be very fun to visit a city of another country, right? One of the most interesting nearby cities to visit from Budapest is Bratislava in Slovakia.
Bratislava was not built to be a capital at first, unlike Budapest or Vienna. However, it became the political, cultural and economic hub of Slovakia. It has many museums, important historical buildings such as the Slovak Radio building or the Bratislava Castle, galleries and restaurants.
Last but not least, the nightlife in Bratislava is an experience for any visitor. From the bustling pubs and clubs to cozy bars along the river, there’s always something going on! You can easily spend your evening hopping from one bar to another, as they are all quite close.
For a typical experience, you should try one of the “party barges” that line up along one of Europe’s longest rivers – the Danube! Bratislava is only 2 hour away from Budapest by car, and there are many direct bus lines for little money.
Budapest to Vienna
Budapest is quite close to the capital of Austria, Vienna. This city is the perfect getaway from Budapest as it’s only a 2 hour and a half drive from there. Vienna has a mind blowing city center, made of historical buildings, stunning parks and expressive street art all around.
Vienna’s imperial architecture ranges from Gothic to Baroque to Art Nouveau. You can visit the famous Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral or the Vienna State Opera. Afterwards, take advantage of Vienna’s great coffee culture to enjoy a tasty break in the late afternoon.
Is Prague or Budapest better?
Budapest and Prague are often compared because they are the two most famous capitals of Eastern Europe. Indeed, they are very similar in terms of architecture and historical buildings. Prague is a bit smaller so you can really do everything by foot. The main attractions are easily doable in 1 or 2 days.
There are more attractions in Budapest, one of them being the famous thermal baths. Both cities are very interesting to visit, historically and culturally. Overall, it all depends on how long you’re staying in the city and what type of trip you are looking for.
2 days in Budapest : the Wrap-Up
You now know everything you can do in 2 days in Budapest. Now, it’s time to book your flights and hotels. If you want to visit more of Europe, you can head south and spend 5 days in Greece, the marvelous white and blue country. You could also head west and visit the famous Cinq Terre in Italy!
