Budapest is a fascinating place with beautiful parks and city squares and great cultural sites and museums. And best of all are the magnificent views of the Danube River from the hills of Buda! As Budapest is a large city, and most must-see sites are not close to each other, travelers need to carefully plan their trip to make the most of their time.
In this post, I offer travelers an ideal one-day itinerary and, for those who have more time to spend in Budapest, a list of recommended experiences and sites to explore.
Interactive Planning Map
Fellow adventurers, here is a great map you can use to plan your trip to Budapest! I created this map while planning my own trip and added the restaurants I visited afterward.
Check out this travel guide to learn how to create your own My Maps for your next trip.
| Light Green ~ Museums | Magenta ~ Jewish Quarter | Red ~ Restaurants |
| Purple ~ Historical Sites | Dark Green ~ City Park | Light Blue – Chef Parade |
| Gray ~ Historical Church | Orange ~ City Squares | Blue ~ Hotel |
Ideal One-Day Itinerary Idea
Before embarking on your adventures in Budapest, I highly recommend that travelers purchase a transportation pass. Visit my post on Budapest public transportation for more information.
If you only have a day in Budapest, this suggested itinerary covers most must-see sites. You will begin your adventures in Pest and then meander west until you finish in Buda.
Start your adventures at Heroes’ Square. It is best to arrive early at this historically significant site to beat the crowds and have the opportunity to take great photographs.
When you are done exploring Heroes’ Square, take the metro (Line 1) to the Opera House. With just one day in Budapest, there is no time for a tour, but one can still explore the masterfully painted foyer and the splendid exterior.
Then, head to St. Stephen’s Basilica, which is about three blocks west of the Opera House. This is definitely a must-see site in Budapest, and a visit to the church should last 20 to 25 minutes. If you have a few minutes to spare, I recommend visiting the panoramic terrace, which offers fantastic views of the city and the Buda Hills.
There are several cafes and eateries around St. Stephen’s Basilica, so this is the perfect opportunity to grab some lunch and coffee.
Now, it’s time to venture to the Parliament Building via a scenic route. From the Basilica, walk towards Október 6. u. (about two blocks west) and follow the road northward until it ends at Liberty Square. This square is home to several monuments, including the Memorial for Victims of the German Occupation and a statue of President Ronald Reagan. After exploring Liberty Square, take Vécsey u., towards Kossuth Lajos Square, where you’ll discover the Parliament Building (you cannot miss it!).
After a few moments of taking pictures and marveling at the size of the Parliament Building, hop on tram #23 (there is a stop next to the building) to the Széchenyi István tér stop. From there, walk a few feet to the stop for bus #16. This bus will take you across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and up the hill to Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Here, you will not only explore a beautiful historic church but also be greeted with magnificent views of the Danube River and Pest.
It has been a long day of sightseeing, and I am sure you have worked up an appetite! Take bus #16 back to Pest and make your way to either Vígvarjú Étterem or Gerlóczy Kávéház for a delicious dinner. For more information on these great restaurants, visit my Budapest dining guide.
Multi-Day Itinerary Ideas
For travelers with more time in Budapest, I highly recommend taking some time to meander through the city, rather than rushing from site to site. One thing that I loved about Budapest was the numerous hidden art and architectural gems waiting to be discovered! I lost count of the number of sculptures and uniquely decorated buildings I came across during my three-day visit.
Another suggestion is that travelers grab a cup of coffee and sit on a bench by the Danube River. It’s definitely a great way to relax and take a break from sightseeing.
A wonderful experience that cannot be missed is a cruise down the Danube, especially at sunset. It is a sight to behold, seeing the bridges and historic sites light up and then sailing past the Parliament Building with its facade lit up against the twilight sky. For more information on this experience, visit my Danube River City Cruise post.
Things To Do in Budapest by Interest
History, Religion, Architecture: If feeling adventurous while visiting Matthias Church, consider buying a ticket to climb the tower. This ticket also includes a 10-minute guided tour. Visitors also have the opportunity to attend an organ concert at Matthias Church. During my visit, our tour group was treated to a short, impromptu organ concert, which was quite an experience. (Visit my YouTube channel for clips of the concert.)
History, Art, Architecture, Music: The Hungarian State Opera House is a masterpiece of Hungarian art and architecture and a site I consider a must-see while in Budapest. I recommend that travelers take the one-hour guided tour, which includes a short concert at the end.
The Hungarian State Opera House hosts numerous performances throughout the year, providing travelers with a memorable evening in Budapest.
Art: The Hungarian National Gallery is a museum that art lovers will greatly enjoy. This well-curated museum spans 4 buildings within Buda Castle and displays artworks from the 10th century through the 1800s. Travelers will find paintings by famous artists, such as Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne, alongside the works of the renowned Hungarian artist Mihály Munkácsy.
The Hungarian National Gallery offers a special guided tour that grants travelers access to the Habsburg Palatine Crypt.
History, Religion, Architecture: One of my most profound experiences in Budapest was the guided tour of the Jewish Quarter. I highly recommend that travelers visit the Jewish Quarters and, if time permits, join a guided tour. The tour includes a visit to several notable sites, such as the Dohaney Synagogue and Tree of Life Holocaust Memorial. It serves as an opportunity to learn more about the Holocaust, life in the Jewish Ghetto, and the stories of those who bravely took risks to save the lives of Hungarian Jews during the war.
History, Religion, Architecture: St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Hungary’s most significant religious sites and a wonder of Neoclassical art and architecture. In addition to the beautiful church, the basilica houses a small museum and a panoramic terrace with amazing views of the city.
Visitors are allowed to explore the basilica during holy mass services, which is a great opportunity to hear the church organ and choir.
History: The Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, located not far from the Parliament Building, commemorates the lives lost at the hands of the Arrow Cross Party during World War II. If you have time during your trip, I recommend taking a moment to visit this memorial.
Cuisine, Shopping: If you enjoy food and shopping, the Central Market Hall is a good place to visit if you have a few days in Budapest. The Central Market Hall is filled with never-ending rows of stalls selling every imaginable product. But the main attraction is the stalls selling Hungarian paprika, a must-buy while in Budapest!
History, Parks: Budapest’s Városliget (City Park) is a wonderful place to escape the rush of the city. This park, spanning over 300 acres, is home to gardens, historical buildings, museums, the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and so much more. Városliget is located right next to Heroes’ Square, so when visiting that site, take the time afterward to go for a stroll.
When visiting Városliget, I highly recommend stopping at Gundel and trying the famous Gundel pancake! You can read more about Gundel in my Budapest dining guide post.
History: The House of Terror museum focuses on two of Hungary’s darkest chapters: rule by the Arrow Cross Party, followed by communist oppression supported by the Soviet Union. This museum has three floors filled with displays showcasing the hardships and brutality faced by Hungarians during these periods.
Culinary Adventures in Budapest
An interesting and unique opportunity in Budapest is participating in a cooking class at Chef Parade. This cooking school, with several locations in the city, offers a multitude of courses ranging from traditional Hungarian dishes to Italian street food and Brazilian classics. For those who love cooking, this is a great experience!
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