Budapest, the grand jewel of the Danube, is one of the most beautiful and budget-friendly capital cities in Europe. The city is a paradise for those who like to explore on foot.
With beautiful Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings around every corner, you are sure to never run out of things to see in this city. From things to do during the day and places to go at night, here is all the information you need to have a great time in Budapest.
- One Day in Budapest Itinerary Map
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10 Best Things to Do in Budapest
- Climb up the St. Stephen's Basilica
- Stare at the Sheer Beauty of the Hungarian Parliament Building
- Pay Respect at the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial
- Walk up the Buda Castle
- Admire the City from Fisherman's Bastion
- Visit Matthias Church
- Have a Coffee at the Oldest Cafe in Budapest
- Look out to the City from Citadella
- Relax at the Thermal Baths of Budapest
- Party at Ruin Bars
- More Budapest Activities
- Where to Stay in Budapest?
- When to Visit Budapest?
- How to Get to Budapest?
- How to Get Around Budapest?
- What to Pack for Budapest, Hungary?
- Further Reading for Central Europe
One Day in Budapest Itinerary Map
Tips: Get the Budapest Card if you wish to visit all the tourist attractions I mentioned here and save money on entrance fees, public transportation, and more.
10 Best Things to Do in Budapest
1. Climb up the St. Stephen's Basilica
One of the most important churches in Hungary, St. Stephen's Basilica, is a great place to start your day in Budapest because it is located in the city center.
The place is known for its stunning Neo-Classical architectural style and decoration, both on the outside and inside, especially the incredible details of the cupola that you will find when you enter.
One of my favorite things about the church is the fact that you can climb up the bell tower and see the stunning cityscape of Budapest from above. There are plenty of viewpoints in Budapest, and this is one of the most accessible ones out there, so be sure to check it out when you are in Budapest.
- Maverick City Lodge (Budget)
- Adagio Hostel 2.0 Basilica (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- InterContinental Budapest, an IHG Hotel (High-End)
- Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise & Unlimited Prosseccoo (1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise (1 hour)
- Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music (2 hours 30 minutes)
2. Stare at the Sheer Beauty of the Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is possibly one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Budapest. With its gigantic Gothic Revival-style facade and a perfectly symmetrical dome at the center, there is no mistaking the building for anything else.
The building is definitely worth walking around and witnessing it up close, but if you want the very best viewpoint that will allow you to appreciate its epic scale in its entirety, I highly recommend going across the Danube River and admiring the building from there.
The place is extremely beautiful at sunset when the city lights illuminate the area, creating this beautiful glowing effect. It really is quite a sight to behold, so be sure to plan your visit carefully.
You can also make an appointment and go inside the Parliament building to see the famous Assembly Hall of the House of Magnates. However, be sure to book the tour as early as you can, as it can get booked out quite fast.
3. Pay Respect at the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial
The Shoes on the Danube Bank is a memorial dedicated to the 3,500 people who were shot into the Danube during the time of the Arrow Cross terror. They were ordered to take off their shoes before being shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies would be carried away by the water current.
Over sixty pairs of shoes were sculpted out of iron and attached to the stone embankment along the side of the Danube River as a reminder of the tragedy of war. It is extremely moving to witness and is one that you must visit when you are in Budapest.
4. Walk up the Buda Castle
After you are done with the Shoes on the Danube Bank, we can continue walking along the Danube River and cross the Chain Bridge to head towards Buda Castle, an elegant castle known for its rich history. It has served as a royal residence, a seat of power, and a symbol of Hungarian sovereignty.
There are several things you can do at the castle, from visiting all the historical museums in the area like the National Gallery, and the Castle Museum, or you can admire the incredible view of the city from here.
The castle area is open 24/7, but if you wish to visit the museums in the area, they are open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except on Mondays. So, be sure to plan your trip carefully.
5. Admire the City from Fisherman's Bastion
While you continue your journey across Castle Hill, head further north and visit the Fisherman's Bastion, one of the most picturesque tourist attractions in the city with its formidable walls and cone-shaped towers that will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
The view from the Fisherman's Bastion is unquestionably the best viewpoint you will get in this city. You will be able to see Budapest's cityscape and its surroundings in its entirety from the castle. There are also plenty of things to do up there, like visiting the Labyrinth, exploring the Castle District, and more.
6. Visit Matthias Church
Not too far from the bastion, you will also find Matthias Church, another impressive structure you should visit while you are exploring Castle Hill.
The church is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and the colorful, ornate roof tiles that drew inspiration from all sorts of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance to Baroque, and more.
The church is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays, and 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays. The entrance fee is around 6.5 EUR or 7.5 EUR if you wish to climb the tower.
7. Have a Coffee at the Oldest Cafe in Budapest
Photo by Joe Mabel
After you are done exploring Castle Hill, be sure to drop by and check out Ruszwurm Confectionery, the oldest cafe in Budapest, opened in 1827 and has been in operation for more than 100 years. Inside, you will find an incredible 200-year-old wooden counter that is even older than the cafe itself and is still in use to this day.
The cafe is located a block away from Fisherman's Bastion, which makes for a great stop to take a break from all the exploration with your favorite pastries and a cup of coffee. The price for coffees and cakes here remains quite cheap, considering its popularity among tourists. The place is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day.
8. Look out to the City from Citadella
Can't get enough of the views of Budapest from above? You can continue to explore the hills around Budapest and climb all the way to the top of Citadella, a fortress located at the top of Gellért Hill, not too far from Castle Hill.
The Citadella has seen many occupants since its construction, from the Nazis, who used it as an anti-aircraft position, to the Communists, who used it to bombard the people in the city.
Due to its strategic location, you will realize why this place played such an important role in the city's history, as you will have a sweeping view of the city on both sides of the river. The place is open 24/7, and there is no entrance fee to enter.
9. Relax at the Thermal Baths of Budapest
Budapest is incredibly well-known for its thermal baths, thanks to an abundance of hot springs discovered around the area, so much so that the city was named the "Spa City" in 1934. One of the most famous thermal baths that you should check out while you are here is Széchenyi Thermal Bath, which is located on the outer rim of the city.
The place is one of the most popular thermal baths in the city, with its beautiful yellow-painted architecture and a cupola surrounding the large pool area. It is one of the most photogenic and popular thermal baths out here, so if you want to reserve a spot, be sure to book the ticket in advance.
Photo by Roberto Ventre
If you prefer a place within walking distance of the city, you can check out Gellért Thermal Bath instead. Relaxing in the thermal baths of Budapest is one of the best things you can do here, so be sure not to miss it.
10. Party at Ruin Bars
Of course, you can't visit Budapest without visiting the famous ruin bars that are scattered across the city. Ruin bars like Szimpla Kert are known for their fun vibe and lively atmosphere. They are often located inside these very cool and rustic deteriorating old buildings, which is where they all got their name from.
If you are looking for a place to go on a night out around the city, Szimpla Kert comes highly recommended. The place is open from 3 PM to 4 AM on weekdays, 12 PM to 4 AM on Saturdays, and 9 AM to 3:30 AM on Sundays.
More Budapest Activities
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
- Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise & Unlimited Prosseccoo (1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise (1 hour)
- Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music (2 hours 30 minutes)
Where to Stay in Budapest?
When to Visit Budapest?
September to October is the best time to visit Budapest as there will be fewer people compared to June - August, the weather is still great, and, best of all, the colors of the city start to shift towards autumn, so you will be able to see a more colorful side of Budapest, especially from Buda Castle.
How to Get to Budapest?
If you are coming from outside of Europe, you can find a cheap flight into Budapest via Skyscanner or Expedia.
If you are already in Europe and on a budget, you can also take a bus from anywhere with Flixbus for only a few EUR.
How to Get Around Budapest?
Most of the attractions recommended here are all within walking distance, and Budapest is best seen on foot. Therefore, I would recommend that you walk as much as you can.
If you are planning to travel away from the city center, metros or buses are a great way to move around the city. You can buy the single trip ticket for 350 HUF (1.3 USD) at any train station. With this ticket, you can use metros, buses, or trams. However, if your trip requires you to change to a different line or type of transportation, you will need to get a different ticket for 530 HUF (2.10 USD). Don't forget to validate the ticket when you enter the platform.
For this itinerary, I highly recommend getting the Budapest Pass, which not only gives you free access to many of the tourist attractions in the city but also provides free public transportation for the duration you choose. For one day, the 24 Hours Budapest Pass is more than enough to cover everything, so don't forget to grab that before your trip.
Daily Budget
This location is moderately priced, with transportation, food, and accommodation averaging around $35 - $55 USD per day per person. It's not exactly cheap, but it's not overly expensive either.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Budapest, Hungary?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Budapest, Hungary:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
- Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
- Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
- Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Central Europe
I hope you found this Hungary travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Hungary and Central Europe, here are a selection of articles you might like:
- Bratislava is one of the most off-the-beaten-path capital cities to visit in Europe. It's way less crowded, small, and very charming, yet it has a lot to offer. Here are the 15 best things to do in Bratislava.
- Kosice is the second largest city in Slovakia, and it is probably one of the country's best-kept secrets. The city is much more peaceful and laid-back than the capital. The creative scene is flourishing, and it has a lot to offer for those who are looking to get off the beaten path. Here are the 13 Best Things To Do In Kosice.
- Planning to visit Slovenia soon? Check out: 7-Day Backpacking Slovenia Itinerary.
- Ljubljana is one of the most romantic and charming capital cities in Europe. With its small size, beautiful medieval architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Ljubljana comes highly recommended. If you are wondering what there is to do here, here are the 16 best things to do in Ljubljana.
- Lake Bled is definitely the highlight of visiting Slovenia, and with so many cool things to do, both outdoors and indoors, you are going to need this guide: 10 best things to do in Lake Bled.
- Poland is also a great country to visit while you are exploring Eastern Europe. If you are heading north, be sure to check out our 2-week backpacking itinerary for Poland.
- Are you traveling to Hungary as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
- Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe can be extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to assist you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
- Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Hungary, visit the Hungary Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Central Europe Travel Guide, Eastern Europe Travel Guide, or The Balkans Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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