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
Quick Summary
| ♥️ Must Visit: | The Hungarian Parliament Building |
|---|---|
| ☀️ Great Day Trip: | Széchenyi Thermal Bath |
| 🛌 Place to Stay: | Adagio Hostel 2.0 Basilica |
| 🌤️ When to visit: | Sep - Oct |
Where to Stay in Budapest?
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
- 📍 Location: St. Stephen's Basilica [Map Link]
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "One of the best viewpoints you can get in Budapest is from the top of this basilica's bell tower, so don't miss it."
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
- 📍 Location: The Hungarian Parliament Building [Map Link]
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "The sheer scale of the Hungarian Parliament Building is absolutely bonkers. You don't even have to go inside! Just admire it from different viewpoints around the city."
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
- 📍 Location: The Shoes on the Danube Bank [Map Link]
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "A little monument with a powerful history and a sad story behind it. Read up on the Shoes on the Danube before coming here."
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
- 📍 Location: Buda Castle [Map Link]
- 🕐 Opening Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "A beautiful castle with museums you can check out; save this for rainy days."
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
- 📍 Location: Fisherman's Bastion [Map Link]
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "This is as iconic as the Hungarian Parliament Building. You will find lots of people taking photos here, so if you want to have the place to yourself, come in the early morning."
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
- 📍 Location: Matthias Church [Map Link]
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Visitor hours vary with church services; check the official schedule for your date
- 💰 Entry Fees: 3,400 HUF for the church; 4,000 HUF for the tower
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "This is a beautiful church not too far from the bastion, so you can visit it together."
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.
Visitor hours at Matthias Church can change around liturgical events, so it is best to check the official schedule for the day you plan to visit. As of 2026, an adult ticket to the church costs 3,400 HUF, while a separate tower ticket costs 4,000 HUF and includes access to the panoramic terrace via 197 steps.
7. See the Historic Ruszwurm Confectionery
Photo by Joe Mabel
- 📍 Location: Ruszwurm Confectionery [Map Link]
- 🕐 Current Status: Closed since August 2025
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "A friend of mine took me to this place, and I love it! It's a little bit cramped inside, but hey, it's the oldest cafe in Budapest!"
After you are done exploring Castle Hill, you can still walk past Ruszwurm Confectionery, one of Budapest's most historic cafes, which dates back to 1827. Unfortunately, the original cafe closed in August 2025 after a long-running dispute over the premises and remains closed as of 2026. The district has said it hopes the historic location can operate as a confectionery again in the future.
When I visited, this was a great little stop near Fisherman's Bastion for coffee and pastries, and I especially loved its old-fashioned interior. You cannot currently go inside, but I would keep an eye on its status if you are visiting in the future, as there are plans to eventually bring a confectionery back to this historic space.
8. Look out to the City from Citadella
- 📍 Location: Citadella [Map Link]
- 🕐 Opening Hours: Park: 6 AM - midnight Apr-Oct; 8 AM - 10 PM Nov-Mar. Outer promenade and Liberty Statue: 24/7
- 💰 Entry Fees: Park and viewpoints are free; The Bastion of Liberty exhibition costs 4,900 HUF
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "It’s a bit of a climb, but the view at the top is well worth the effort."
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, the 19th-century fortress on top of Gellért Hill. After years of restoration, the Citadella reopened in March 2026 with a new public park, viewing terraces, visitor facilities, and a permanent historical exhibition.
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 renewed Citadella Park and its viewpoints are free to visit during opening hours: 6 AM to midnight from April to October and 8 AM to 10 PM from November to March. The Liberty Statue and outer promenade remain accessible 24/7. If you want to visit The Bastion of Liberty exhibition and its additional rooftop viewpoints, an adult ticket costs 4,900 HUF.
9. Relax at the Thermal Baths of Budapest
- 📍 Location: Széchenyi Thermal Bath [Map Link]
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "This city is basically built around thermal baths, so it would be a shame to come all the way here without visiting some of the famous baths."
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 surrounding the large outdoor pools. In 2026, a standard daily ticket with locker use costs 13,200 HUF from Monday to Thursday, 14,800 HUF on Fridays and weekends, and 15,800 HUF during holidays and peak periods. It can get busy, so if you know when you want to go, it is worth booking your ticket in advance.
Photo by Roberto Ventre
Gellért Thermal Bath was another beautiful option closer to the center when I visited, but it closed for a major renovation on October 1, 2025, and is currently expected to reopen in 2028. For now, stick with Széchenyi or one of Budapest's other operating thermal baths.
10. Party at Ruin Bars
- 📍 Location: Szimpla Kert [Map Link]
- 🕐 Opening Hours: 3 PM - 4 AM
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.
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, Budapest's metros, trams, and buses make it easy to get around. As of 2026, a standard public transportation single ticket costs 500 HUF and is valid for one uninterrupted journey on one vehicle, with transfers allowed between metro lines in the same direction. If you need to transfer between different vehicles, a 30-minute ticket costs 600 HUF and a 90-minute ticket costs 850 HUF. Paper single tickets need to be validated before entering the metro or immediately after boarding other services.
For this itinerary, if you mainly need transportation, the regular 24-hour Budapest travelcard is the simpler option at 2,750 HUF and includes unlimited travel on most public transport within the city. If you also plan to use attraction discounts, compare it with the Budapest Card, which includes public transportation plus discounts at participating attractions. Neither the regular 24-hour travelcard nor ordinary public transportation tickets cover the 100E Airport Express, which requires a separate 2,500 HUF airport ticket.
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.
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