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 provide travelers with 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
This interactive map I created via My Maps shows the various places I visited in Budapest. You can use the map to help you plan your trip! (The light blue icons note historical sites.)
To learn how to create your own My Maps, visit this post.
Ideal One-Day Itinerary Idea
Before starting your adventures in Budapest, I highly recommend that travelers buy a transportation pass. Visit my post on public transportation in Budapest 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 and decorated foyer.
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 amazing views of the city and 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 is time to explore Pest a bit more by taking a scenic route from the basilica to the Parliament Building. Walk towards Október 6. u. and follow the road 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. When you finish walking through Liberty Square, continue wandering towards Kossuth Lajos Square, which is where you will find 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, where you will 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 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 guide to dining in Budapest post.
Multi-Day Itinerary Ideas
If staying in Budapest for a few days, I highly recommend that travelers take some time to meander through the city and not just rush from site to site. In this city, there are so many hidden art and architectural gems that are waiting to be discovered! I lost count of the number of sculptures 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 buildings 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: If you have some extra time while visiting Matthias Church and are feeling adventurous, purchase 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, and it was quite the 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, giving travelers the opportunity to have 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 from famous artists such as Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne alongside the works of 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 they have time, join a guided tour. The tour includes a visit to several notable sites, such as the Dohaney Synagogue and Tree of Life Holocaust Memorial, and it serves as an opportunity to learn about those who bravely took great risks to save the lives of Hungarian Jews during World War II.
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 suggest taking a moment to stop by 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 neverending 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 going to 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. I recommend this museum mainly to those with a strong interest in these topics.
Culinary Adventures in Budapest
A special experience that travelers can have in Budapest is taking a class at Chef Parade. Chef Parade is a cooking school in Hungary that provides a multitude of courses ranging from traditional Hungarian dishes to Italian street food and Brazilian classics. This is a fun and interesting experience for those who enjoy cooking.
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