Budapest was born from the merger of two cities that the Danube still separates: Buda, the peaceful royal hill, and Pest, the lively plain where Hungarian life beats. Between the two, a majestic river and illuminated bridges that, at nightfall, offer one of the finest urban spectacles in Europe. Add thermal baths inherited from the Ottomans and gentle prices, and you have one of the best city-trip destinations on the continent.
Two days are enough to make the most of it. Here's our itinerary — find the visits on our what to do in Budapest page.
Day 1 — Royal Buda: castle & Fisherman’s Bastion
Climb the Buda hill, where the castle district unfolds its cobbled lanes and royal palace. Don't miss the Fisherman's Bastion, a gallery of white neo-Romanesque turrets from which the view over the Danube, the Parliament and Pest is simply sublime — especially at daybreak.
Opposite, on the Pest bank, the Hungarian Parliament lines up its neo-Gothic spires in a fairy-tale setting. Inspired by Westminster, it's one of the largest in the world, and its lavishly gilded interior is well worth the visit.
Parliament & Danube cruise
Parliament tickets, Danube cruises and guided tours.
Day 2 — Thermal baths and buzzing Pest
Enjoy a typically Hungarian experience: the Széchenyi Baths, a huge neo-baroque thermal complex where you soak in open-air pools of hot water, even in winter, surrounded by clouds of steam. It's as much a local ritual as an absolute pleasure.
In the afternoon, explore Pest: the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe, the covered central market with its stalls of paprika, then the famous “ruin bars” set up in old dilapidated buildings of the Jewish quarter — the city's festive, bohemian soul.
Thermal baths & experiences
Entries to the Széchenyi Baths, dinner cruises and themed tours.
