visit budapest in 24 hours

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24 hours in budapest itinerary.

24 hours is rarely long enough to conquer any city, but you can give it a damn good go in Budapest. Read on to hear my favourite things to do in Budapest, as well as the best cafes and bars to get your much needed energy. So, if you’re up for the challenge, my itinerary below will help you spend your 24 hours in Budapest in the best way possible!

The itinerary shown below is the exact itinerary we followed on our one day in Budapest. Sure, there’s a lot of walking but that’s the beauty of Budapest – the compact Hungarian capital city makes it easy to pack it all into one day.

The routes shown are split out into morning and afternoon routes around the city. Of course, the timings can be adjusted to better fit your energy levels and preferences, but this itinerary really does cram in all the best bits. You might be shocked to see there’s not a thermal bath in sight on my itinerary. The famous baths are quite far out of the city and impossible to walk to. Because of that, I don’t think they belong in a list of things to do with only 24 hours in Budapest.

8:30 am: Tour the Hungarian Parliament

Yes it’s an early start, but you’ve got a lot to pack in today! Your first stop is to possibly the most beautiful building in Europe – the Hungarian Parliament. Believe it or not, it’s actually the tallest building in Budapest – tied with St Stephen’s Basilica.

Book tickets in advance  for a fascinating 45 minute tour. This will save time on the day (incredibly useful if you’ve only got 24 hours in Budapest!) and help avoid disappointment. You’ll hear from an expert guide all about the history as well as how the Hungarian parliament works today.

9:30 am: Walk along the Danube to the WWII memorial

From the Parliament Building, walk along the banks of the Danube past the incredibly moving memorial, Shoes on the Danube. The iron shoe sculptures commemorate the tragic murder of Hungarians who were shot along the river during WWII, leaving only their shoes behind. It’s a very sobering sight, but an important story to remember.

10:00 am: Try gelato at Gelarto Rosa

Take your time wandering along the river bank – you’ll be spoilt for choice of where to point your camera! Then, head east towards St Stephen’s Basilica and make a pit stop at Gelarto Rosa ready for when it opens at 10am. The artistic staff at this fantastic little ice cream cafe spend their days crafting your choice of flavours into the most beautiful creations. I mean, just look at this!

10:30 am: Visit St Stephen’s Basilica

St Stephen’s Basilica is a Roman Catholic church in the heart of the city. It’s not the most amazing of the things to see in Budapest, but the square it sits in is a great place to people watch and tuck into your ice cream. Inside the Basilica, marvel at the intricately decorated interior and take the elevator up to the dome to look out over the city.

12:00 pm: Have a traditional Hungarian Langos lunch

Surely you’ve worked up an appetite by now! Just 5 minutes walk from St Stephen’s Basilica is a delightful street food stall serving up delicious fried bread. A langos is a traditional Hungarian dish made up of deep-fried dough topped with your choice of savoury topping. The original (and, in my opinion, the best) is sour cream and cheese. De-licious!

1:00 pm: Walk over the Chain Bridge

With your belly full of yumminess, walk back towards the Danube and walk over the Chain Bridge. When you reach the other side, you have two options. You could either take a steep walk up to Buda Castle, or you could pay 1,200HUF for a trip on the funicular. If you’ve only got 24 hours in Budapest, you’re already pressed for time, so I do recommend the funicular on the way up, and the walk on the way back down. You might have to queue a little while, but you are treated to incredible views on the way up. The views are always worth it!

2:00 pm: Explore Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion

After your leisurely ride or dastardly hike up the Buda Castle, spend a few hours exploring the Castle District and Fisherman’s Bastion. Unless you’re a fan of art, history or libraries, there’s no need to pay to go inside. Instead, the beautiful grounds and exterior of Buda Castle are the main attraction here.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Buda Castle is one of the most instagrammable spots in Budapest – Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s a series of intricate turrets and beautiful towers and look out points, offering incredible views out over the city.

5:00 pm: Try a sweet Hungarian bake

Wander down the hill and along the banks of the Danube on the opposite side of the Parliament. This makes a fantastic photo opportunity of the building in all its glory! From there, head into Budapest’s main shopping district on Vaci Street towards Molnar’s Kurtoskalacs.

Kurtoskalacs, also known as chimney cakes, are delicious desserts so-called because of their cylindrical shape. They’re made by twirling long strips of dough around a giant rolling pin and then roasting over coals. At Molnar’s, the coked cakes are then dipped in your choice of flavours from cinnamon sugar, chocolate, chopped nuts, coconut or vanilla. Be warned, they’re pretty big so you’ll probably want to find someone to share it with!

6:00 pm: Enjoy a sunset boat tour along the Danube

You can’t come to Budapest without a trip along the Danube! Head to Dock 7 along the river bank to take your pick of companies that offer near enough the same tour. Top tip: take a seat on the right hand side of the boat. Most tours head up the river towards the Parliament Building before spinning around towards the Chain Bridge. That way, you’ll always be in the best spot for photos!

Depending on the time of year you visit, you might be lucky enough to be on a tour as the sun sets. The city becomes illuminated at night and is absolutely beautiful.

7:30 pm: Take your pick of street food delights at Karavan

You are spoilt for choice with places to eat in Budapest, but my favourite was Karavan food court. It serves up a huge variety of international street food under one canopy. Take your pick of Hungarian goulash, pizza, noodles, and the most delicious vegetarian cheese burger you will ever eat. I mean, the burger is actually deep fried cheese – divine!

9:30 pm: Have a Drink (or 10) at a Ruin Pub

Right next door to Karavan is the number one tourist attraction in Budapest, Szimpla Kert. Szimpla is the most famous of Budapest’s ‘ruin pubs’ – a group of bars characterised by unique surroundings, quirky furniture and a buzzing atmosphere, every hour of every day. You can also take a pub crawl of the Ruin bars if you fancy it!

Szimpla is a sprawling maze of corridors, balconies and bars serving up drinks in rooms filled with random junk and walls jam-packed with graffiti. Each bar serves different drinks, so don’t ask for a glass of wine in the beer room unless you want to be snarled at by the terrifying bar staff like I was.

??:?? Sleep when you feel like it!

After drinking your way through each room in Szimpla (now there’s a challenge for you!), it is time for a well-earned rest. We stayed at Hotel Parlament – a boutique design hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the Parliament Building. The breakfasts here are plentiful and the beds super comfy.

What are your must-visit places on a 24 hour trip to Budapest? Let us know your favourite things to do in the city in the comments below! Already been to Budapest? Perhaps you’d like to try  48 hours in Istanbul . Check out my post to find out where to eat, sleep and go in this stunning Turkish city.

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19 thoughts on “ 24 hours in Budapest Itinerary ”

This is perfect timing, next week I’m going to Budapest. 🙂

Yay for Budapest! I spent 4 days in the city an still missed some of your recommendations. Good excuse to go back! Need to check were Karavan is located. We stayed in the Jewish Quarter and there were several food courts like that one. Gosh the food there, so good!

This is PERFECT! I am hopefully heading to Budapest in January so this is great information. Thank you for sharing.

Great post! We ended up getting a hop on hop off bus, which I rarely do but it meant we could pack in a few more places but we did walk around a lot of these places too. I think Fisherman’s Bastion is my favourite! Great recommendations on all the food too! I never knew about Karavan despite going to Szimpla haha. Didn’t know you could to a tour of Parliament either, if I go back (my partner’s never been so it’s very likely!) then I’ll definitely be putting that on the list!

This is a nice list of things to do around a city for a self-guided tour. I think you still managed to experience a taste of Hungary without the thermal baths. As a solo traveler I try to avoid crowds when I want an epic photo so I’d probably hit up the castle first thing when it opens so I don’t get as many funky stares and glares when I set up my gorilla pod.

That is such a great post! I’ve been to Budapest a while ago and seeing all your stunning pictures really makes me wanna go back!

I love love love this guide. It’s so cool to see one that is a walking guide. When I visit a city my favorite way to see it is walking. I’ve been to Budapest before but I didn’t make it to all of these sites, I hope to go back and follow this plan!

I’d add Varosliget, Rudas baths (Friday or Saturday nights open till 4am), and if you’re near Parlament, have a coffee at Secessio café and take in the museum Honved utca 3, Budapest 1054, Hungary .

I visited Budapest for New Year’s Last Year, but it was so cold and so many things were closed over the holidays that I didn’t get to see as many things as I really wanted to. If I could visit again with nicer weather I would love to do this walking tour! And I’ve had similar cylindrical desserts in Prague and they are soooo tasty. I can definitely eat a whole one myself!

Nice pictures. Looks like a very chill place to be. Never even thought of going to Budapest. but maybe in the near future I will

OMG those food pics just made my mouth water. The pictures in generally are great! Awesome post and defintitely puts Budapest on my hit list.

Wow! You did a lot in 24 hours! I would love to go to Budapest especially to visit the Hungarian Parliament building, the iron memorial shoes on the Danube and Buda Castle. I love the way you included all the yummy sweet treats to try on the way!

I love it that this is a walking tour of historical places and favorite sweets. Seems you read my mind. I do this like every 2 hours or so we should have something to eat or a quaint cafe to go to. ?

What a great walking tour! I find that these types of guides really help you see the most out of a city without feeling rushed. or lost! Great photos!

Walking is my favorite way to get to know a city! Looks like you went to some amazing spots. And the food looks so delicious!

This is very helpful! I am always on the hunt for itineraries similar to do this so I can take advantage of a long layover. Thank you!

Myfootprintsaroundtheglobe.com

Excellent post! I had no clue there was so much to see in Budapest. Planning to go back to Eastern Europe soon so I’ve pinned this for later- thanks!

I almost followed your one day plan. I was in Budapest a few days ago and I visited same places like you. Generally I believe more in small local restaurant like a general famous tourist places so here I change your plan:). So I asked on the hostel and they recommended a small restaurant (Trombitás Söröző) The goulash was so traditional, they brought the soup in bowl on the fire:)

I also havent tried the funicular I rather choose a segway tour to the Buda Castle with local tour guide It was the faster possibility to look around because I havent got so much time and I havent use it before 🙂 – so i wanted to try it) The local tour guide recommended also the ruin pubs so I went to there. And it was amazing and very unique in Europe.

So thank you for the recommendation Anna:)

I’m heading to Budapest in May, admittedly it’s for a hen do, but this post has made me really excited to explore!

Sammy | http://www.cityofsimplicity.co.uk

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Around the World in 24 Hours

A Perfect 24 Hours in Budapest 2024

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Greetings Internet Stranger! I’m Stella Jane, author of the travel memoir Get Lost , and welcome to 24 hours in Budapest! As William Faulkner said, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” Nowhere is that more true that Budapest.

Even spending only 24 hours in Budapest is like traveling through time. You can see everything from medieval ruins, to the majesty of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to the destruction of World War II and the communist period. But because Budapest is so gorgeous, you’ll have a fascinating time as you learn.

During our 24 hours in Budapest, we will learn all about Budapest’s tragic history. But we will also enjoy the finest modern Hungarian bites. Then we’ll combine both past and present by whiling away the evening in some actual ruins. Ready to travel through Hungarian time? Let’s go!

Stella’s Top 3 Picks: 24 Hours in Budapest

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BUDAPEST FOOD TOUR ✔️ Delicious authentic treats ✔️ Expert local guide

DANUBE CRUIS E ✔️ Dinner included ✔️ Surprisingly affordable

ALL OTHER BUDAPEST TOURS ✔️ Find your favorite! ✔️ Get the best deals

24 Hours in Budapest

Morning: food tour.

I strongly recommend starting your 24 hours in Budapest with a food tour . After all, you can’t visit a beautiful city like Budapest and not take advantage of the delicious Hungarian food and wine! And on this tour, you’ll be able to experience some of the finest eats and drinks in the entire city.

Food tours are one of the best ways to get to know a city. And as a solo traveler, they are also an amazing way to meet people. Our Hungarian guide, whom I shall call Zsa Zsa, seemed to know everything about Hungarian food. By the end of the tour, we felt like we did too.

You can check rates and availability easily by clicking here .

I can’t spoonfeed you goulash through the computer screen, but I can spoonfeed you…

approximately top 5: 24 hours in budapest food

1) central market hall snacks

It’s definitely that time in our 24 hours in Budapest to begin to eat. And what better way to start our day than with dessert? The tour meets in the historic Central Market Hall, so it was a good opportunity to begin to snack our way through Budapest.

First thing, Zsa Zsa gave us the oddest candy I have ever eaten. It is called Túró Rudi, and it is chocolate covered cottage cheese. (It says Pottyos on the wrapping because that means polka dots.)

I had never realized that it was popular to wrap cottage cheese in chocolate before! I liked it because it wasn’t as sweet as most candy bars. And I’m sure the cottage cheese cancels out the calories in the chocolate. So basically eating Turo Rudi will help me get fit! I’ll go buy a whole bunch.

But there’s more to eat at the Central Market than odd candy. We feasted on enough Hungarian salamis and cured meats to please Zoltan Karpathy himself. Zsa Zsa said that salami was extremely popular in Hungary, and many Hungarians, especially older ones, don’t really understand the concept of being vegetarian.

Some of these cured meats were made spicy, with proper Hungarian paprika, and some were made extra fatty for the winter months. A salami for every season! I knew I would like Hungary.

2) ice cream

Well you know what they say. After eating chocolate-covered cottage cheese, it’s time for ice cream! Our next stop was at Levendula, which is often called the best ice cream in Budapest. The name means lavender, so they specialize in lavender flavors. But I can never resist a flavor of ice cream I’ve never seen before, so I ordered Blue Majik.

I didn’t realize when placing my order that Blue Majik is actually the name of a type of spirulina. So it’s basically a health food. It’s supposed to get you protein and boost your immune system and all that jazz.

It doesn’t have a delicious taste on its own though, so my Blue Majik ice cream just tasted like vanilla. It would make a pretty Instagram picture if I were even a little good at taking photos, though!

3) ruin bar time!

If you spend 24 hours in Budapest without going to a ruin bar, you are just making terrible life choices! Ruin bars are a truly Budapest tradition. They started because there were so many abandoned old buildings in Budapest, especially in the former Jewish ghetto.

So young Hungarians decided to turn one into a bar. (We’ll be visiting that one later today.) Now you can’t throw a Forint without hitting a ruin bar, it seems.

It seems like wine spritzers are very much the thing to get in Budapest. In Hungary they are called froccs, which is a great name. I think it should catch on worldwide. Zsa Zsa told us that seltzer making was invented in Hungary, which is one reason spritzers are so popular here. Definitely go with the rose spritzer if you want to have a HHGS (#HotHungarianGirlSummer).

4) jewish food

Hearing about the history behind ruin bars does bring a tragic note to sipping on a rose spritzer. The only reason some of those ruins were there in the first place is because the Jewish population of Budapest was murdered by the Nazis. So I’m glad that this food tour pays tribute to the Hungarian Jews with a hearty bowl of matzo ball soup.

I’m from New York City, so I grew up on the stuff, but in case you don’t know, matzo balls are made with mushed up matzo crackers. Jewish people eat matzo during Passover because it’s not permitted to eat bread with yeast in it. When the Jewish people were escaping from the Pharaoh, they didn’t have time to wait for the yeast to rise, after all.

This matzo ball soup has a bit of a twist because it’s served with an extremely hot pepper, not Hungarian paprika. Be very careful with the pepper, as it made one man in our tour group cry! You don’t need to put any in your soup at all.

5) hungarian seafood

Hungary is more famous for its meat dishes than its fish. After all, it is a landlocked country. But the mighty Danube runs through it, so certainly you can get plenty of fish here. We stopped at a restaurant that specializes in Hungarian fish. (It’s bringing seafood back.)

We feasted on freshwater fish like catfish and carp in three different ways: fried, smoked, and in a paste. I loved how flavorful the catfish and carp were. Who wants to eat a piece of seafood that tastes like frozen fish fingers?

The fish reminded me of the seafood I had eaten in Tulcea, Romania, which is also on the Danube. I always like to notice the differences and similarities between countries I visit, but I never say them aloud.

You never know if you will horribly offend a Hungarian by suggesting their seafood is anything like Romanian seafood. For all I know, the Hungarian might start ranting that Romania should give Hungary back Transylvania, and then where would we be?

6) goulash time!

It’s actually a crime to spend 24 hours in Budapest and not eat their goulash. They say the Hungarian Secret Police doesn’t operate anymore, but they do, and the only crime they investigate is people who don’t eat goulash. Having just been in Prague and Bratislava, where I ate the Czech and Slovak goulashes, I was surprised to see that the Hungarian goulash looked very different.

Zsa Zsa explained that the goulash in Hungary is more like a soup. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it is served more “dry”. Either way, it is highly scrumptious. You can add paprika to the goulash but you don’t have to. In either case, this paprika was a lot less spicy than the hot pepper we had with the matzo ball soup. Tears were shed by no one.

That’s it for the food tour, but trust me that there’s tons of tips and tricks I didn’t share.

Check rates and availability by going here to find out what they are!

Afternoon: House of Terror

The House of Terror is arguably the saddest building you’ll see in your 24 hours in Budapest. It was the headquarters of the Hungarian Nazi party during World War II. (The party had a different name; we’ll learn about that soon.)

As if that weren’t enough murder and cruelty for one building, this house was later used as the headquarters of the secret police of the Hungarian communist regime. No wonder it is called the House of Terror.

I always have a strange feeling about recommending places like this. Whenever I talk about a “dark tourism” attraction like Chernobyl or Schindler’s Factory in Krakow, I worry it can seem like I’m making light of a serious subject.

But one of my most deeply held beliefs is that laughter, learning, and love are the best weapons in the face of evil. So as long as we approach a place like this with the right attitude, I think we should visit to learn about what humanity is capable of, for good and evil.

No photos are allowed in the House of Terror, so I’ll have to make do with photos I took of other parts of Budapest. But I can share with you…

three facts: the house of terror

1) what happened in this building during wwii?

During World War II, Hungary was allied with the Axis powers. The government collaborated with the Nazis, and the Jewish population of the country was forced to wear yellow stars. Eventually they were sent to death camps. (My photo above is a Holocaust Memorial in Budapest. It was financed by legendary American film star Tony Curtis, whose father was a Hungarian Jew.)

As I mentioned in our last 24 hours in Budapest, Hungary tried to make a deal with the Allies in 1944, but this was crushed by the Nazis. At this point, the Hungarian Nazi party, led by Ferenc Szalasi came to power. (They called themselves the Arrow Cross party, but they were definitely Nazis.)

Szalasi set up his headquarters in the House of Terror building. He said that it should be called “the House of Loyalty”. Sounds like a charming fellow!

If you’re worried that Szalasi is still around, don’t be. He was executed for war crimes by a Hungarian court after the war. I generally think it’s bad form to wish one’s enemies were in Hell, but if Szalasi is there, I won’t shed even one tear.

2) did things get better in this building after wwii?

I really do not think so. After World War II, Hungary was invaded by the Soviets. Naturally that meant it had to become a Communist country. The Soviets decided to re-purpose the Arrow Cross headquarters and turn it into the headquarters for the State Security Office/Authority, aka the Secret Police. The Hungarian in charge was another charmer named Gabor Peter.

Peter had been a tailor-in-training before he was put in charge of the secret police. In this very building in the photo above, Hungarians were imprisoned without trial or proper evidence.

If a neighbor didn’t like you and wished to report you for politically subversive behavior to the authorities, you would have no defense. The Hungarian secret police spied on the rest of the population constantly. You could never feel safe.

If you were taken to the secret police headquarters, you would have been tortured until you confessed, whether or not you committed the crime. Then you would be sent to prison or executed. It’s not surprising that no one I spoke to in Budapest misses the days of communism.

3) how did the house of terror become a museum?

This building stopped being the headquarters of the Hungarian secret police in the 1950s. And Gabor Peter was relieved of his position around the same time because he was Jewish. Peter died in 1993; his New York Times obituary is a very strange read. Apparently he was never sorry for any of his crimes.

The building where the House of Terror was now located fell into disrepair. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to live here or own a business here. In 2000, a non-profit purchased it in order to turn it into a museum about the crimes of the Nazi/Communist periods.

I was a little alarmed to read that right-wing politician Viktor Orban was Prime Minister during the planning of the House of Terror museum in 2000 because he is Prime Minister of Hungary now, and that is way too long for one person to be Prime Minister. Even Angela Merkel wasn’t Chancellor of Germany for over 20 years.

However, I did learn he wasn’t Prime Minister between 2002-2008, so at least that is something. Oddly enough, when researching this blog post, I found out that Orban and I have the same birthday, which is weird. I wouldn’t have pegged him for a Gemini.

Also, my vanity obligates me to point out that we are born the same day, but not the same year. I am not old enough to have been Prime Minister of Hungary for over 20 years.

Evening: Ruin Bar Time!

After all those Hungarian treats we had this morning, there’s probably no way you’re going to want a massive dinner. So I suggest we conclude our 24 hours in Budapest at some of Budapest’s finest ruin bars. We’ll have all the wine spritzers and decaying architecture that anyone could desire.

I think this experience is more fun with a group, so I suggest going on this excellent tour.

You can check rates and availability by going here .

If you’re only able to hit up one ruin bar in Budapest, let it be Szimpla Kert . It’s historic because it was the first ruin bar in the city. It used to be in a slightly different place, but the owners moved it to its current location in 2004 because this spot is bigger. (It used to be a factory, among other things.)

Szimpla Kert gets a crazy number of visitors every day, and many of them are tourists. So you need to be a little feisty to get a table so you can rest your spritzer because new people are dripping into the ruin bar at a constant pace. But even though Szimpla Kert is hardly off the beaten track, it’s still a tremendous amount of fun.

Also the idea of converting a building into a new purpose instead of knocking the whole thing down and building a bigger one is an eco-friendly concept many cities can adopt. Let’s drink heavily to fight climate change! A slogan every college student can get behind.

24 hour treat: langos

If all that Hungarian wine and seltzer water starts to make you snacky again, head to the Karavan Street Food court just next to Szimpla Kert and buy a langos. This is a flat, fried bread topped with sour cream and cheese.

I admire the commitment to fat involved in combining cheese, sour cream, and fried bread. It’s almost American in its splendor. Again, after the food tour we took this morning, I’ll be very surprised if you need anything more than the langos to make you feel full. And on top of that, it’s the perfect end to 24 hours in Budapest.

24 Hour Tip

Those are all the secrets of the Hungarian wine that I can share for now.

You’ll have to go ahead and book this tour by going here to find the rest!

24 hours in Budapest

Where to stay.

Because Budapest has become such a popular tourist destination, hotels in the city can be very expensive. Remember that Budapest is really a combination of two cities. If you’re looking at Google Maps, Buda will be on the left hand side of the Danube, and Pest is on the right. When I was looking at hotels, the ones in Pest were cheaper, though I suppose that could always change.

I recommend staying at the Diana Club Hotel in Pest. The rooms are adorable and the staff couldn’t be more helpful. It’s not within walking distance of attractions like the Castle District but there’s public transportation nearby that will get you there quickly, so you won’t waste your 24 hours in Budapest

If you want a great deal on this hotel, click here .

And if you’d rather explore great deals on tons of other great hotels in Budapest, click here .

This search engine will help you find the perfect place to stay during your time in Budapest. With hundreds of options to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find something for your schedule and budget.

That’s a Perfect 24 Hours in Budapest!

What would you do with 24 hours in Budapest? Are you ready to start booking your hotel in Budapest right now? Do you have an opinion about dark tourism? And if I asked Viktor Orban if he’d share his birthday party with me, what would he say? Please email me at [email protected] and let me know!

Note:  If you want to know how I put my travel itineraries together, just click here . Keep in mind that while each article is about how to spend 24 hours in a place, that doesn’t mean you should ONLY spend 24 hours in Budapest.

You can add 24 hours in Prague . Enjoy a one day in Prague itinerary . Go for a one day in Bratislava itinerary . Check out a 24 hours in Bratislava . Add on a one day in Budapest itinerary . Try out the best walking tours in Budapest . Get to know the Prague best tours .

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February 13, 2020

With just   24 hours in Budapest , you might be wondering how to best spend your time in the city. One day in Budapest may not seem like long, especially when exploring one of the most underappreciated gems of Europe, but you’ll be surprised by how much you can fit in. Budapest is home to modern and contemporary art galleries, great spots to try new foods, historic gems, and peaceful landscapes. Music dominates my life so I love heading to a rock bar, free concert, or one of the city’s jam sessions; experiencing gigs and the music scene. The country’s culture is really cool and Budapest is a great place to experience its quirkiness. I’m a big fan of my city; what I love most is that it presents an unknown grittiness coupled with the traditional; in its castles, hikes, and cool upcoming art scene. It’s a little moody at first but it is simply part of its charm; it just takes you in. With a variety of things to do in Budapest, your Budapest day trip will be packed with the best in the city. From visiting landmarks of Hungarian history to tasting your way through the best of the city’s cuisine to soaking up the vibe of a cozy ruin bar, enjoy the best of Budapest during your time exploring the capital. 

Kickstart your day at Trinity Square close to Chain Bridge. A walk around the area surrounding the bank of the Danube will introduce you to Budapest with a full panorama of the city, and most of its most famous buildings. Check out the Halászbástya or Fisherman's Bastion in the early morning before the tourists arrive; a pretty terrace in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style situated at the right bank of the Danube with spectacular views, on the Castle Hill of Budapest, next to Matthias Church. Get a glimpse at lots of sights and interesting buildings around the area. Stop by the Shoe Memorial and Parliament; head inside and see a square full of statues from Hungarian history. It’s an interesting area to sit down, pause and think about the tumultuous history and rich culture of the place you are in. The Parliament building is unique; it’s the third biggest in the world and the biggest in Europe. With a baroque and gothic exterior, bullet holes on the building, and an interior alluding to communism, revolution and Bloody Thursday, the spot is a fascinating memory for the next generation. 

Before lunch, stroll around Liberty Square; the gateway between the Basilica and Parliament. The square is controversial and hated by many, as it’s home to one of the only remaining Soviet monuments. Then, on to October 6th Street, a food hub full of restaurants where you can grab lunch, a snack or dessert, no matter what your cravings. Fancy a Sloppy Joe burger, or vegan pasta dish on a street overflowing with history? This is the spot for you. And don’t miss adding strudel tasting to your one day in Budapest travel itinerary, and learning about the secrets of traditional strudel making! Head to the First Strudel House of Pest Cafe & Restaurant, housed in a historic building, where you can taste strudel with various fillings; such as cottage cheese, chicken, salmon, plum, cherry and apple. Or if you like marzipan, be sure to check out Szamos . In the 1930s a young apprentice confectioner, Mátyás Szamos, mastered the art of making a pretty rose from the almondy, sweets that are now known as marzipan. Today, Szamos is home to high quality crafted marzipan which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the rose being the most famous. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love marzipan bonbons covered with dark chocolate.

After lunch, head to the Buda side (the name Budapest is a combination of two city names, Buda and Pest, which became a single city with the unification of Buda and Óbuda on the west bank of the river, and Pest on the east bank). Stroll around the leafy green gem of the city and chill out on Margaret Island; a green spot in the middle of the river. A peaceful getaway with pedestrian streets, at Margaret Island you can amble around the parkland, check out an art nouveau water tower, a musical fountain, the ruins of a 13th-century Dominican convent, and even visit a small zoo. There is a running track, but with one day in Budapest, I would recommend the thermal baths instead! Budapest’s thermal baths are an icon of the city, so try to make time for a visit to the spa or have a dip in an open-air swimming pool. In the summertime, the area is thriving with pop-up bars and restaurants, as well as live music. Afterwards, head to Buda Castle ; a historical gem and palace complex which belonged to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. First completed in 1265, the majestic structure is not to be missed when travelling in Hungary. 

Evening and Night

Spend your evening in the Jewish District; a spot for everyone despite being known as the party district with pubs, clubs and a thriving local culture . Although if you’re looking for the liveliest and best area to stay in Budapest for nightlife , then this is the right place for you. Home to plenty of cool bars and biggest and most vibrant clubs where you can don your dancing shoes and party the night away, Erzsébetváros (aka Jewish District) is the smallest, but also the most populous neighbourhood in the city. As the sun sets, witness the area come alive with nightlife. But if that’s not your thing, this Budapest neighbourhood is also home to a number of cultural sights, such as the must-see Dohány Street Synagogue and the Zeller Bistro local restaurant. 

Abundant in restaurants and cool food experiences , you’ll be spoilt for choice with any kind of cuisine you want. The local, middle Eastern-inspired food spot Mazel Tov has a fairytale atmosphere where you can eat under a canopy of fairy lights; hands down one of the most awesome things to do in Budapest at night. Over time the area grew and expanded into the totally crazy, yet sophisticated, place it is now. The history is interesting, the buildings are breathtaking, and the district has its own charm.

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One Day In Budapest Itinerary, What To Do In 24 Hours

Looking for a one day in Budapest itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

Budapest is an exotic city on the Danube River. It has an unparalleled combination of charm and ruggedness.

The city has iconic scenery, stunning architecture, and a distinctive culture and gastronomy. You can spend your time relaxing in thermals spas, hitting ruin bars, or visiting one of its many quirky museums or landmarks.

Overview Of One Day In Budapest Itinerary

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you can see with one day in Budapest:

• Buda | Castle Hill

Fisherman’s Bastion

Matthias church, buda castle.

• Castle Hill Funicular

Shoes on the Danube

• New York or Central Cafe
• St. Stephens Cathedral
• Jewish Synagogue

House of Terror or Hungarian Opera House

• Danube Cruise | Ruin Bars | Thermal Baths

Before You Go: Here’s How To Plan Your Visit To Budapest

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and experiences in Budapest. Donʻt forget to plan ahead, especially in high season.

Top Tours & Experiences:

• City tour with Parliament visit
• Buda walking tour
• One hour sightseeing cruise
• Visit Széchenyi Spa
• Gellert Spa Pass
• Ruins bars tour
• 1 Day Budapest Card

Top Hotels:

• Corinthia Budapest
• Aria Hotel Budapest
• Casati Hotel
• Parisi Udvar Hotel
• Four Seasons Hotel in Gresham Palace

One Day In Budapest Itinerary

One day in Budapest isn’t much time. It’s a big city and the attractions are spread out.

But one day may be all you have, especially if you are embarking on a Danube River cruise from the city.

Because of that, you should pre-plan your day to see everything you want and buy the necessary tickets in advance.

Buda Neighborhood

Budapest is more like two cities cut in half by the Danube River. Buda is in the western part of the city and that’s where you’ll start.

You can cross Chain Bridge, Budapest’s most famous bridge, to get there. Although Buda is mostly residential, it’s beautiful and has several attractions.

Once there, you can grab a coffee or espresso at Goosebumps Coffee Lab or coffee and a pastry at Waltzer Cafe . If you want to eat before heading across the river to Buda, try Cirkusz , which is known as one of Budapest’s best breakfast spots.

Book a Castle Hill tour with entrance to Matthias Church here .

Amidst the warrens of medieval lanes of Buda Hill, you’ll find the Neo-Romanesque terrace known as  Fisherman’s Bastion , built between 1895 and 1902. 

It’s a fantastical cliff side structure consisting of seven fairytale lookout towers, representing the seven Maygar tribes that founded Budapest.

Fisherman’s Bastion is free of charge, except for a small fee for the upper towers. It’s worth it. The terrace is one of the best viewing points in Budapest.

The exotic  Matthias Church  won my heart — with its majolica tiled roof, colorful interior, and frilly Neo-Gothic spire. Matthias is one of the most important churches in Hungary.

Once inside, you’ll be dazzled by the vaulted ceilings and unusually ornate and colorful decorations. The sumptuous church was a mosque for a time, which explains its oriental feel and vibrant colors that aren’t the norm in European churches.

For nice views, you can hoof it up almost 200 steps to the top of the church tower. This is covered by a second ticket. You’ll have views over both sides of the Danube.

It costs approximately $5 to visit the church and $5 to climb the bell tower.

The Neo-Classical Buda Castle sits on the very top of Castle Hill and is one of the city’s most recognizable monuments. Beginning in the 13th century, it was the home of the Hungarian royal family.

The green roofed castle now houses three museums, which showcase Hungarian history and art: the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the Széchényi Library.

With only one day in Budapest, it’s a tough call whether to spend time going inside or not. But I would say you can skip the museums unless they fit your preferred art niche.

The palace is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated Click  here  to book a guided tour of Buda Castle.

Castle Hill Funicular & Chain Bridge

When you’re done, take the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular (Budavári Sikló) down to Chain Bridge on the Danube. Cars run every 5-10 minutes and cost about $8.50. (You could take it up at the beginning of the day too.)

First opened in 1870, it’s a lovely old wooden funicular and it’s just something fun to do. On a ride, you’ll have panoramic views across the Danube.

The ascent is fairly slow, so you have time to really enjoy those views. The best views are from the lower carriages.

Then, take a stroll over Chain Bridge, the most famous bridge on the Danube. It connects Buda and Pest.

As you walk across, you can inspect the bridge up close and admire the lion sculptures. You’ll also have gorgeous views.

Hungarian Parliament

With its majestic location on the east bank of the Danube River, the cream colored  Parliament  building is easily the most stunning and most photographed building in Budapest.

Begun in 1885, it took 19 years to construct. Its Neo-Gothic design is a forest of pinnacles and flying buttresses, topped by a Neo-Renaissance egg-shaped dome.

Not surprisingly, the glorious pile was inspired by the Houses of Parliament in  London . Not only is it the tallest structure in Budapest, it’s actually the largest in Hungary. There are eye popping staircases, intricate ceilings, and gold (84 pounds of it) everywhere.

On the 45 minute guided tour, you can admire the Main Staircase, the Dome Hall, and the Assembly Hall of the Upper House. Parliament also serves as the repository of the Hungarian crown jewels. 

The centerpiece is the Crown of St. Stephen, directly under the dome, protected by two dour looking guards.

You can book a city tour that includes a visit to Parliament. Or check the website for ticket availability.

Near Parliament, you’ll find 60 pairs of iron shoes from the 1940s.  Shoes on the Danube  is a memorial to the people killed by Budapest’s Arrow Cross militiamen during WWII.

It was created in 2005 by film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer. It’s haunting in its simplicity and an unmissable cultural spot in Budapest.

Lunch: New York Cafe Or Central Cafe

For lunch, reserve at New York Cafe . As with so many historic cafes in  Paris  or  Vienna , the beautiful New York Cafe was very popular among writers and cultural influencers in the early 20th century.

It’s one of Europe’s most beautiful cafes — gold trim, sparkling chandeliers, stunning staircases, sculptural details, and fresco on the walls and ceilings.

You can get Hungarian-style coffee, Hungarian classics, and other multi-national goodies. Be forewarned, it’s expensive.

Central Grand Cafe is another beautiful cafe to try and a bit less precious than the New York Cafe. Be sure to top off your lunch with a piece of Esterhazy Cake.

If these opulent cafes are too pricey for you, why not sample some of Budapest’s street food in Pest? A great place to try is Karavan on Kazinczy Street in the Jewish Quarter.

It’s a food court that’s home to numerous food trucks and booths. There’s both Hungarian and International cuisine.

In the same area, you will find Bors GasztroBar , which is famous for their long pressed sandwiches and creative soups.

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Then, for lunch, you should head to The Magic . It’s a Hogwarts-esque cafe serving drinks in cauldrons and decorated to the nines. But it’s more for the experience than the quality of food, I would say.

St. Stephens Basilica

After you’re fueled up, head to St. Stephen’s Basilica . It is Budapest’s largest church. It’s an eclectic mix of styles, reflecting its many architects.

The basilica has a dimly-lit but showy interior that’s dedicated to Hungary’s first king, St. Istvan. You’ll find frescos and the king’s mummified hand.

There’s a viewing terrace offering up great vistas. You can climb 300+ steps or take elevator and hoof it a few steps. While the church is free (with a suggested donation of 200 florints), the terrace costs $5.

If you book a guided tour , you can also visit the terrace and treasury. The church also hosts classical musical concerts some evenings.

Jewish Quarter & Synagogue

Then, head to the Jewish quarter for a brief stroll. If you are interested in Jewish history or the Holocaust, you can also book a guided walking tour of this area.

The district is now the epicenter of Budapest nightlife and gastronomy. You’ll find street art, ruin bars, design shops, and street food.

Be sure to check out the Dohány Street Synagogue. It’s a beautiful building, built in a Moorish revival style in 1859, like you’d find at Granada’s  Alhambra . Dohány is the largest synagogue in Europe and second largest in the world.

Click  here  to book a skip the line ticket for the synagogue. Click  here  to book a 3 hour tour of Jewish Budapest with a historian.

It’s probably late afternoon at this point in your one day in Budapest itinerary. So, for your next attraction, make a choice between the House of Terror museum or the recently opened Hungarian Opera House.

The House of Terror

The House of Terror is one of the best museums in Budapest and a must see site for history buffs. 

In this building, the Hungarian secret police once tortured their own citizens. The museum documents, in creepy fashion, the horrors perpetrated by the fascist Nazis and the communist Soviets.

There are four floors of high tech and interactive exhibits. You’ll see maps of the USSR gulags, artifacts, locker rooms, cells for political prisoners, video footage, propaganda exhibits, and explanations of how the Hungarian resistance emerged.

Click  here  to book a guided tour of this interesting Budapest attraction.

Opera House

The Hungarian Opera House finally reopened to the public in March 2022 after being closed for years for renovations. The Baroque style building is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest. 

 It was designed by architect Miklós Ybl in the 19th century. The interior is slathered in gold, marble, and frescos from Greek mythology. The auditorium is a U-shaped vision of red and velvet.

Normally, you can visit the lobby for free before show time. If you’d like to take in a show, you can expect operas, folk dance performances, and Broadway hits.

Budapest is a great place to have a pre-dinner cocktail at a rooftop bar, particularly at sunset. 360 Bar is famous for its views and igloos.

You can also eat there. It gets crowded, so you should reserve a spot in advance.

They High Note SkyBar at the Aria Hotel is another great option. It’s a luxurious spot with sweeping views of all Budapest’s landmarks.

A more secret option is to head to Liebling in the Jewish district. It is less expensive and has an artsy vibe.

Another good place for a cocktail is right on the Danube at Esetleg Bistro or PONTOON .

For dinner, there is no end of delicious options. You can go fancy or casual.

For something upscalse, splash out on  Onyx , Budapest’s renowned Michelin-starred beauty in the Gerbeaud building. Amid crystal chandeliers, you’ll have an old world European dining experience.

The Liszt Restaurant serves up historic dishes with a modern twist. Carnivores will love the Michelin-starred Borkonyha .

Rosenstein is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with nummy classic dishes. Mazel Tov has a plant-filled open air courtyard and serves up falafel and shawarma.

Another option is to go on a guided food tour with 10 tastings. Or, you can learn all about Hungarian wine on this  2 hour evening tasting .

If you want to hang out with the locals, head to Erzsebet Park with a blanket and picnic. It’s at the Deak Ferenc ter metro station.

You can stop in and buy a bottle of Hungarian wine or beer. Unlike the US, you can buy a single bottle of beer in Budapest.

The ferris wheel is in the park and the place is magical at sunset.

Here are three options for the evening of your one day in Budapest itinerary.

1. Danube Cruise

You can’t visit Budapest and not take Danube River cruise. It’s an unmissable iconic thing to do with one day in Budapest and the perfect way to spend you evening.

There are lots of options to choose from when selecting a cruise on the Danube. You can pick a cruise with or without dinner, with drinks, with entertainment (music or a folk show), etc. They generally last 1-3 hours and run anywhere from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

There are myriad cruise options. You can take:

• 1 hour sunset cruise
• 2 hour cruise with a Hungarian dinner
• nighttime cruise with drinks and live music
• nighttime walking tour + cruise

2. Ruin Bars

Another way to spend the evening with one day in Budapest is to hit up some “Ruin bars.” They are a uniquely Budapest institution.

The trend began in the early 2000s when locals began building bars in abandoned buildings. Some underwent renovation and other are still grungy.

The most popular ruin bar in Budapest in Szimpla Kert on Kazinczy Street in the Jewish Quarter. It takes up an entire city block.

It’s a cool place with an eclectic design wrapped in fairy lights. Art, sculpture, and graffiti decorate the walls. Szimpla also runs a design store and coffee shop across the street.

But Szimpla is almost always filled to the brim and you might not even be able to get in. For this reason, you might consider going during the day after seeing the Synagogue. The potato platter makes a great snack.

Other bars you can hit are Ankert , UdvarRom , Szatyor Ba r , and Mazel Tov (more upscale). Click  here  to book a guided pub crawl of Budapest’s ruins bars.

3. Night Baths

If you didn’t have time to hit up a thermal bath during the day, some of them are open late on Friday or Saturday night.

Rudas Baths is open for night bathing from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am on Friday and Saturday. If you want to soak in a rooftop hot tub, Rudas is your go to place!

From the top, you can enjoy gorgeous views of Budapest. Click here to purchase a spa and dining experience at Rudas.

Szechenyi is the most famous bath house in Budapest and therefore can be very crowded. It sometimes has parties on Saturday with bathing and cocktails. It’s open until 8:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Gellert Spa , where I went, is open until 8:00 pm and is just lovely and peaceful. It’s a beautiful Art Nouveau bath house with over 125 thermal spas and many pools.

Click here to purchase for a pass to Geller Spa and here for a ticket to Szechenyi Spa.

Practical Tips For A One Day In Budapest Itinerary

Here are some must know tips for having an efficient 1 day in Budapest.

1. How To Get To Budapest

You’ll likely fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. A taxi ride into the city center takes about 20 minutes and will cost around $30. To minimize any hassle, you can also book a private transfer .

There’s also an express bus that takes you from the airport to Deak Ferenc ter, the metro stop in the city center. It’s a very easy option.

You can also arrive in Budapest by train. The main station is Budapest Keleti in Pest. You can reach the city center in 15 minutes by bus or metro.

2. How To Get Around Budapest

The best way to get around Budapest is to walk. But know that the attractions are spread out.

That’s one reason I don’t have you going to Heroes’ Square on this one day in Budapest itinerary. it’s just too far. You can book a  3 hour walking tour  to help make the most of your time. 

I don’t advise taking taxis in Budapest. The taxi drivers are notorious for ripping off tourists.

Many of them don’t even have meters. I was scammed on my last visit. If you need a cab, it’s best to get one at a reputable hotel. But be prepared to sit in traffic.

You can also get around with Budapest’s BuBi bike sharing system. There are buses trolleys, and trams that roam the city. But Uber and Lyft don’t operate in Budapest.

The 1 day Budapest Card will also give you free transportation, as well as entry to many attractions.

There are also plenty of fun tours to get you around Budapest fast, which can save time. You can book a  hop on hop off bus tour , a  tuk tuk tour , Segway tour , an  e-scooter tour , or a  sightseeing van tour  to get around.

3. Where To Stay in Budapest

With only one day in Budapest, you should stay in Pest not Buda. Buda is beautiful of course. But Pest is much more convenient and that’s where most of the attractions, restaurants, bars, and hotels are located.

There are some swanky luxury hotels in Budapest, perhaps earning the city its nickname of the “Paris of the East.”

Compared to the cost of living in Budapest, the hotel prices are higher than you would expect. If you are on a budget, you may have better luck with Air Bnb.

If you want to splash out, though, Budapest has some lovely choices. The last time I visited, I stayed in the Aria Hotel . It’s a beautiful, music themed hotel with incredibly elegant (and colorful) rooms. It’s also home o the High Note Skybar.

The top luxury hotel in Budapest may be the Parisi Udvar also known as Paris Court or Burden House in English.

Dating from 1909, it has a Parisian-style shopping arcade on the first floor and Moorish stylings that will wow you. And it’s one of the only buildings in Budapest with a formal interior courtyard and highly decorative rooftop.

The hotel’s rooms are luxe modern with gray and cream tones. The hotel has been featured in several spy movies.

The Four Seasons Hotel in Gresham Palace is also a knockout, with a location right on the Danube overlooking Chain Bridge. It’s just 5 minutes from St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

There’s a dramatic lobby that you can take a peak into (even if you’re not staying there) complete with Dale Chihuly chandeliers. The 5 star retreat is known for its opulent rooms and interiors.

Some other great hotel options include: 

• Corinthia Budapest  (looks like a chateau with a subterranean spa)
• Casati Hotel  (chic adults only option)
• Ritz Carlton (grand and sophisticated)
• Ananatara New York Palace (home to the New York Cafe)

4. Currency

Budapest’s currency is the forint, not the euro. You’ll need some cash for daily expenses. Not all places take credit cards.

If you need to get some money in Budapest, it’s best to go into a bank rather than using an ATM. You’ll have a better exchange rate.

If you are given the option to use their conversion rate or your bank’s rate, choose your bank’s.

Some shops accept euros as well as forints.

5. When To Visit Budapest

I recommend visiting Budapest from May to early October.

Summer is the most crowded and the heat can be intense. But it has its advantages. You’ll get longer days and more festivals.

The rest of the year can be quite chilly. Of course, it will also be less expensive and less crowed. During the holiday season, there will be concerts and Christmas markets.

7. More Attractions

If you have more time in the city, there is plenty more to do.

You can head to Heroes’ Square, go shopping on Andrassy Avenue, or hiking in Buda. Andrassy is home to all the international luxury brands as well as local designers. For local pieces, stop by Nubu, Dorko, or Punch.

Another place to go is the Museum of Applied Arts . It’s in a gorgeous building built by Hungarian architect Odon Lechner at the end of the 19th century.

The building is a crazy, but eye catching, blend of Art Nouveau, Hindi, and Islamic architecture. The iconic green roof has Hungarian porcelain tiles. Inside you’ll find artifacts, porcelain, furnishings, etc.

If you are a music fan, you could check out the Liszt Museum or the brand new House of Music .

You can also head to Heroes’ Square and the Dracula-like  Vajdahunyad Castle . I’m not the biggest fan of the square. It’s a bit bombastic in style and uninspired to my mind.

But the castle is pretty unique. It has Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. To add to the ambiance, there’s a statue of Bela Lugosi.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Budapest itinerary. You may enjoy these other itineraries for cities in Europe:

• 3 days in Paris itinerary
• 3 days in Vienna itinerary
• 3 days in Rome itinerary
• 3 days in Barcelona itinerary
• 3 days in Seville itinerary
• 3 days in Florence itinerary
• 3 days in Venice itinerary
• 2 days in Madrid itinerary
• 2 days in Dubrovnik itinerary
• 2 days in Lisbon itinerary
• 2 days in Porto itinerary

If you want to spend one day Budapest, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

Best 24 hours in Budapest itinerary

If you have only 24 hours in budapest and want to see all the major budapest  attractions…. this detailed budapest itinerary is for you. .

We covered a synopsis of our 24 hour Budapest itinerary in our earlier post. For a quick overview read,   ‘ Things to do in Budapest in one day’ . 

Our detailed step by step travel guide to see  Budapest in a day:

In our 24 hours in Budapest itinerary we will cover :  St. Stephen’s Basilica,  Andrássy Avenue, Opera building, Heroes Square, parliament building, Shoes on the Danube, Margaret Island,  Fisherman’s Bastion, Royal Palace and ruin pubs. 

First things first, you have only one day in Budapest and loads to cover. So, buy a 24 hour public transport card from any ticket machine. It would cost you 1650 HUF per 24 hour travel pass. 

We covered most of the things to do in Budapest in one day by efficiently using Budapest’s public transport system. Since we were staying on the Pest side of the city, we started our sightseeing tour by visiting the St. Stephen’s Basilica. It is a well-known attraction and is also the starting point for many Budapest tours.  

Then we walked till the Opera building on the famous Andrássy Avenue. This road is full of old buildings and it is a fulfilling walk with a lot to explore. Even though the avenue ends at Heroes’ Square, we opted to use our Budapest card and took the underground metro (Line 1) from Opera as Heroes Square is another 2 kilometres walk from here.  

Once you reach Heroes Square do roam around the area as there is a beautiful park right behind it and so is the famous Budapest attraction Szechenyi Bath . We enquired about entry prices and did peek into the popular Budapest bath. Now you can choose to take the metro back from the Szechenyi station or walk a bit on this side of Andrássy Avenue and take the metro at the next station.  

Wherever you choose to board the metro, just get off at the last station on Line 1. You will reach the main active city centre which happens to be just a few meters away from the Danube (river) which separates Buda from Pest. Walk around the city centre for a while and you will come across a flee market for sure. Some of Budapest’s famous bakeries  like Gerbeaud House also have outlets in the area. If you are hungry, do stop by for some cake and coffee.  

Pro Travel Tip: A better option would be to get a cake parcelled and sit at a bench along the river and enjoy the yummy dessert and the heavenly view (you can see the famous chain bridge from here). Takeaway cakes are cheaper than dine-in.

  Budapest’s public transport is comprehensive and connects all the parts of the city.   Walk towards the river and take the tram 2 going towards the Budapest Parliament Building. This tram runs along the river and has some spectacular views. Little wonder then that you will find it full of tourists during the day. Get off at the parliament building and spend some time taking in its grandeur. Don’t miss the ‘Shoes on the Danube Promenade’ which is close by (just walk along the river). It is a sculpture built to honour the memory of jews killed during World War II.  

Again hop on to tram 2 or walk till the ‘Jaszai Mari ter’ tram stop where you can change the tram line to tram 4 and get off at the bridge if you are interested in visiting ‘Margaret Island’ . The musical fountain at Margaret Island is free for visitors. Even if you don’t plan to visit the island, the view from here is worth a stop and you can catch the next tram after admiring the view. This is one of the advantages of buying a 24 hour Budapest card with unlimited public transport access.  

Now get off at ‘Szell Kalman ter’ which is a public transport interchange for the tram, metro and buses. Take the bus 16 from here which connects Buda with Pest and on its way has stops at Matthias Church or Fisherman’s Bastion . After clicking some pictures you can again board bus 16 till the Royal Palace.  

After spending some time roaming around the Royal Palace, you can either opt to take the Bus 16 again to go down to Pest or walk down towards the Chain Bridge. We opted to walk and got to experience some stunning views of the city.  There are many pedestrian paths from the Budapest Royal Palace  which lead to Danube. The Chain Bridge is the iconic image of Budapest. If you have little energy, we would highly highly recommend walking down and then crossing the Chain Bridge on foot. 

It should be early evening by now, so relax at some pub or sit next to the river or go back to your hotel or eat dinner.  

Once it’s dark, make use of your 24 hours Budapest public transport travel pass again. Take the tram 2 and enjoy the beautifully lit palace and government buildings along the river . Do stop at the parliament to click some night shots. If you are not on a budget then sunset boat tours at the Danube are also a popular way to witness the famous Budapest landmarks in the night.

End your day at a ‘ ruin pub’. Even if you are not into drinks and nightlife a visit to a few ruin pubs in Budapest is a must. They quirky bars built in abandoned or old buildings, majorly located on the Pest side of the town.

Hope you enjoy this packed day and fall in love with the beautiful city of Budapest just as we did.

Pro Travel Tip: If you have another day in Budapest, you can head to the Central Market Hall for some food and then spend some time at one of the thermal baths in Budapest.

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Things to Do in Budapest in One Day

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Female Solo Travel Blog

24 Hours In Budapest, Hungary: What To See & Do

This post will share how to spend 24 hours in Budapest, Hungary

For my 19th country, I decided to head down to Budapest in Hungary, which has been on my travel list forever.

This year, I decided to explore more of Central Europe and started with a trip to Vienna .

While I love my annual trips to Belgium and Italy , I figured it was time to venture out of Western Europe.

As a Black woman travelling solo, I feel a lot safer in Southern and Western Europe for obvious reasons.

So, steering towards the opposite direction poses a challenge, but I’ve decided to face it head-on.

The worst that will happen is the stares, and no one ever died from being stared at.

I figured as long as I’m not physically attacked for my skin colour, I should mostly be fine.

While Vienna proved slightly hostile and unwelcoming, Budapest was quite the opposite.

Granted, I was a bit tense from the get-go, but for some reason, that tension began to ease away after a few hours.

Maybe it was because everyone I spoke to happily replied in English; I’m not quite sure.

Despite the chilling weather, the friendliness of the locals could pass for a Western European country.

This immediately made me feel even more comfortable, meaning I made a mental note to return.

While I had little time to explore the city, I tried to make the best of my little time.

Here’s How To Spend 24 Hours In Budapest On A Budget

Hungary is a Central European country, with its capital, Budapest, one of the capital cities that sit along the banks of the River Danube .

I’ve been curious about this second-longest river in Europe that runs through ten countries since my trip to Vienna earlier in the year.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered the best part of the river, the Danube Bend is actually in Budapest.

So, for the first time in my solo travel journey, I regretted not allocating enough time to this trip.

Aside from all the city has to offer, I also needed extra time to explore the towns around the Danube Bend.

To top it all off, I needed more time to explore Sturovo , a bordering Slovakian town opposite the Hungarian city of Esztergom.

With all this, the ideal time needed is between three to four full days in the Spring or Summer.

Unfortunately, I only had 24 hours, and while I was incredibly tempted to do everything, including a quick short trip to Sturovo, I tried not to overexert myself.

How To Maximise Limited Time To See Attractions

While I love exploring new countries on foot, sometimes there’s not enough time to do so without burning out.

Also, I realised all the time and energy spent walking about could be used to see more attractions.

So, if it is not a small city with all the attractions centrally located, your best bet is to take public transport.

This way, you could hit more stops with less energy.

Now, if you have even more limited time between 12 to 24 hours , jumping on a Hop On Hop Off Bus is the best and most practical option.

Yes, I know you’ll probably save money exploring the attractions with public transport, but in this case, time is money.

You don’t have the luxury of time, so you have to spend the money.

These tour buses also come in super handy in the colder months.

In the case of Budapest, there are a ton of companies offering Daytime & nighttime River Danube cruises.

So the best bang for your buck is to book a bundle package with a Hop On Hop Off Bus , as they also offer free River cruises.

Before going forward with the must-see attractions in Budapest, here are a few other details that went into planning the trip.

Return: £128.69 ~ €147.56

I took an 8:20 am Ryanair flight. As it was one of the day’s earlier flights, there were few to no delays.

The flight time from Manchester was almost three hours.

After landing, Passport Control went super fast despite the small crowd, which was a far cry from my experience in Faro Airport last month.

Airport Transfer

One way: 2200HUF ~ €5.83

After landing, it was time to go to the city centre.

Just outside the Arrivals terminal are two Airport shuttle buses: 100E and 200E .

Google Maps directed me to take the 100E bus, as it was a five-minute walk to my hotel.

Before that, I had downloaded the official public transport app, Budapest Go, so I bought a single shuttle bus ticket for 2200 HUF.

So that you know, there are ticket inspectors, ensure you buy a ticket jet before boarding the bus.

If you don’t want to download the app, there’s a vending machine at the bus stop.

Accommodation

Two nights: €117.17

While trying to book a place to stay for two nights, I realized how incredibly affordable Budapest hotels were.

I saw a cheap hostel for £9 per night, which wasn’t half bad.

With that in mind, I decided to splurge a little by getting a single room.

After searching Booking.com and reading reviews on Google, I finally chose the Leo Boutique Rooms .

I found the hotel on Booking but booked directly on their website as I could save some coins and get extra perks like free late checkout .

While I was taking my sweet time to book, the single room sold out, and I had to settle for a double room.

I was so sad as it was about £79 for both nights.

Hotel Review

Leo Boutique Rooms is probably the most unique hotel I’ve ever stayed in date.

It’s a selection of hotel rooms on the second floor of a four-storey residential building.

At first impression, the building and the whole setup throw you off.

But thankfully, the booking process was seamless as you are sent access codes to the entrance via email.

Everything screams historic, dated and traditional, from the exterior to the lift.

But then you step inside the hotel itself, and it transforms magically.

The decor, from the reception down to the rooms, is tasteful and exquisite, giving you a taste of the traditional Hungarian interior.

The rooms are clean and well maintained with every essential you’ll need, from a mini fridge to a coffee machine and electric kettle.

Despite being small, it is well-equipped with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay without compromising the decor.

This is one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in, and just like my favourite hostel in Brussels , I’ll be returning.

Transportation

It’s super easy to move around Budapest via public transport.

Most of the attractions are scattered around the city centre.

While you can get by on foot, I recommend getting the Budapest Go app for those longer journeys or when you’re tired of walking.

If you don’t want to commit to a 24-hour bus pass, buy single or time-based tickets for 450 HUF each, around £1.19.

To save money, instead of buying the 1 Day Hop On Hop Off ticket for €25+, buy the 24H Budapest travel card for 2500 HUF, which is around €6.

Then, go to the website and follow their route using public transport.

That’s the fastest way to hack a day trip.

Must-See Attractions If You’re Spending 24 Hours In Budapest

You’ll be happy to know that Budapest isn’t one of those cities you can skim through in 24 hours.

Like Rome, it is one of those historic cities with layers.

You need a few days to explore, if not a week, properly.

That being said, you can see the main sights in 24 hours.

These include:

• St. Stephen’s Basilica : The largest religious building in Hungary, named after the founding King, houses the mummified ‘Holy Right Hand,’ one of the country’s most important relics from the 19th century.
• The Szechenyi Chain Bridge : Budapest’s first permanent bridge over the Danube River connecting Buda to Pest.
• Dohany Street Synagogue : The second-largest synagogue in the world and Europe’s largest, which commemorates the 10,000 Hungarian Jewish soldiers who died while serving their homeland during the First World War.
• Heroes’s Square : A UNESCO World Heritage Site with iconic statues, the largest Square in Budapest.
• Margaret Bridge : Budapest’s second permanent bridge over the Danube River, whose construction started twenty years after the Chain Bridge. You can also access Magaret Island, which sits in the middle of the Danube through the bridge.
• The Hungarian Parliament : The iconic 19th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, which sits on the banks of the Danube and is a vision to watch at night.
• Citadella : Another 19th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site with an unmissable Statue of Liberty on the Budapest Skyline.
• Buda Castle : A medieval royal residence which houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and the National Széchényi Library.

To maximize your 24 hours in Budapest, I recommend you get a bundle package with a Hop On Hop Off Bus in the daytime and take the nighttime cruise along the Danube.

If you’re on a budget and have to pick one activity in Budapest, I recommend the Nighttime Sightseeing Cruise .

In conclusion, I can only say Budapest is the city it thinks it is.

It’s stunning and packed with tons of activities to keep you busy.

While 24 hours in the city is doable, I recommend you plan to return as you wouldn’t want to leave.

It’s been a while since a city has impressed me, and I’m so glad I finally made this trip.

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How to spend a happy and spa filled 24 hours in Budapest

Recently updated on February 21st, 2020 at 04:06 pm

Sliced top-to-toe by the great blue Danube, Hungary’s capital is quite literally a tale of two cities. On the west side, hilly Buda is all grandiose historic monuments and sweeping vistas, while buzzy Pest is the city’s beating heart with lively shops, cafes and markets. If you’re spending 24 hours in Budapest, don’t miss its highlights with our essential itinerary.

Next, take a walk over the city’s iconic Chain Bridge – it was this construction that first linked Buda and Pest in the 19 th century. On the Pest side, in the city centre and adjoining Palace District, you’ll find an array of quaint cafes and coffee shops perfect for a quick lunch. For a truly unforgettable experience, dine at the famous New York Café . With marble columns and frescoed ceilings, the opulent eatery is considered the world’s most beautiful café.

No visit to Budapest would be complete without a dip in one of its thermal baths; their mineral-rich spring water is reputed to have healing properties. The baroque, Széchenyi Baths are Budapest’s largest with fun and relaxing pools to bob about in. They’re open all year round, so in winter the naturally hot baths steam up into the bracing fresh air.

Take an afternoon tour of Hungary’s Hungary’s grandiose Parliament building on the banks of the Danube, It’s the world’s third largest parliament building and houses the Hungarian crown jewels.

For dinner, keep it authentic and seek out the traditional Hungarian dish, Goulash at a local restaurant in Pest like Rustica where you’ll be serenaded by a folk band. A rich, meaty stew made with beef, vegetables, macaroni, herbs and sweet paprika (Hungary’s signature spice), this hearty dish is guaranteed to warm you up on chilly winter nights. There’s no better way to round up your day in Budapest than with a taste of the local tipple, palinka . A feisty fruit brandy that comes in a cornucopia of flavours, palinka is a popular Hungarian digestif – don’t forget to raise your glass and proclaim, “egészségedre!” which is Hungarian for “good health!”

To discover the architectural grandeur and 19 th century romance of Budapest you can visit on our Prague, Vienna and Budapest , Imperial Europe and Bohemian Highlights trips.

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Budapestbylocals.com

Budapest in one day, plan well if you want to see the best of the city in 24 hours.

If you want to see Budapest in a day , you have to plan that day thoroughly to fully enjoy your stay, and yet not to get overwhelmed.

This page is for those visitors who only have 1 day or less to explore Budapest.

The trick is that don’t try to cram every sight, each historical monument, museum into a 24-hour program, otherwise you’ll be exhausted by the end of it, and you won’t have fun at all.

  TIP: For a complete experience, visit both parts of the city: the major sights in Buda , mainly the Castle (home to the Royal Palace, the Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Church, as well as some great museums, restaurants and cafes), and the city centre in Pest .

Happy exploration!

Quick Links:

Recommended Tours – Hungarian Dinner with Folk Music & Dance – Night Entertainment

Budapest in One Day – Starting Fresh in the Morning

After you’ve had a substantial breakfast at your hotel or one of the cafes of Budapest , go and visit Castle District while you’re full of energy and up to walking.

The district, called Várnegyed in Hungarian, is situated on a hill at the Buda end of Chain Bridge .

The whole district, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site , reflects medieval and baroque Budapest with many fine buildings and narrow cobbled-stoned streets with footpaths winding around the hill.

TIP1: To be close to all the major sights stay in a Hotel in Budapest City Centre.

TIP 2: the Budapest City Card offers free, unlimited travel on all public transport services, free entry to the Lukács Thermal bath , free entry or discounts to a range of museums, other Budapest baths, and restaurants.

The 24-hour card costs 29 EUR (with collection points at Budapest Aiport or free delivery to your hotel/apartman.)

Current Prices 2022:

• 24-Hour Card: 29 EUR
• 48-Hour Card: 43 EUR
• 72-Hour Card: 54 EUR
• 72-Hour Plus Card: 87 EUR
• 96-Hour Card: 69 EUR
• 120-Hour Card: 82 EUR

TIP 3: A convenient and inexpensive way of seeing all the major sights, is going on a Hop On Hop Off Bus Sightseeing Tour .

Modern, air-conditioned bus takes you to to a tour of the city showing you many sights and attractions. Audio guide in several languages is provided.

The main historical attractions in Buda Castle District include:

• the Royal Palace ,
• Matthias Church on Holy Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér), and
• Fishermen’s Bastion from where you can admire the fine view of the Danube with the bridges, the Parliament building on the Pest side, and the rolling Buda Hills.

Getting to Castle District: either take trams 4, 6 to Széll Kálmán tér then walk up to the district, or get on the Castle bus (No. 16, it departs from Deák tér – a metro hub of the city – if it’s more convenient for you)

or take the Funicular from Clark Adam Square at the Buda end of Chain Bridge (Lánchíd).

This way you get a closer view of the first permanent bridge of Budapest that became the symbol of the Hungarian capital.

If you find the 1 200 HUF ticket (700 HUF for kids, and 1 800 for a return ticket) for the Funicular (Sikló) too expensive, you can take the stairs starting near Clark Adam Square leading up to the heart of Castle District.

By the time you explored much of the Castle District you’ll be ready for a short rest at a cafe.

For a really good coffee made from freshly roasted coffee beans, pop in the Walzer Cafe in Táncsics Mihály utca (utca=street) near Matthias Church.

A variety of coffee drinks are offered that you can sip leisurely, while enjoying the cozy coffee house atmosphere.

The oldest coffee house and cake shop in Budapest, Ruszwurm is also in Castle District.

Find out more about Ruszwurm Cafe and other historic Budapest coffee houses.

Inner City Tour To see the Heart of Pest

Take the Castle bus to Deák tér to continue your Budapest-in-a day adventure in the inner city . Here the three metro lines of Budapest meet, so if you’re tired of walking, take one of the underground lines.

But if you’re still up for some strolling , keep your sightseeing on foot. You will be able to see more of the city’s beautiful buildings.

You have several options to go from Deák Square:

• Head for downtown Budapest’s most popular square, Vörösmarty tér , that is just a 5 minute walk to the west from Deák tér. (cc. 400 m) and home to a classic coffee house and cake shop, Gerbeaud. Do stop for a slice of delicious cake : Dobos torte, Gerbeaud pastry, Sacher cake or a divine Hungarian dessert: Somló sponge cake.
• You can turn south into Váci utca , a shopping street that connects Vörösmarty tér with the Great (or Central Market Hall) on Vámház körút at the Pest end of  the Liberty bridge.
• St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is at a stone’s throw from Deák Tér, to the north. It is the tallest building of Budapest and the lookout terrace on the cupola offers fantastic panorama.
• For more scenic views hop on the Eye, a Ferris wheel set up at Erzsébet Square , a park with a small lake across the street from Deák tér

But first, if you love shopping, check out Fashion Street in Deák Ferenc utca where a dozen of famous fashion brands (Tomy Hilfiger, Mexx, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren etc.) have outlets.

There’s also a Starbucks at the Deák tér end of the street, should you need more cafeine or snacks.

És Deli in Kempinski Corvinus is also a good choice for gourmet coffee, pastries, fruit juices, muesli and other healthy treats.

If you choose to take a look at St. Stephen’s Basilica , Budapest’s largest church, from there you can take Zrínyi utca that will lead you to Széchenyi tér at the Pest side of the Danube.

Alternatively, you can get here from Castle Hill by descending with the Funicular and walking over the Chain Bridge.

TIP: From Szécheniy square you can take this short walking tour of downtown Budapest .

If you’ve had enough walking then take tram 2 that travels from Vágóhíd utca in district IX. to Jászai Mari tér at Margaret Bridge (best to get on at Boráros tér or at the Central Market Hall stop at Szabadság Bridge).

The tram runs along the Pest side of the Danube offering a beautiful view of the Parliament, the Castle Hill and Gellért Hill in Buda, and the Danube bridges.

Alternative Tours – An Ideal Way to Get to Know the City

You can also do unique walk or bike tours in Budapest to see the most important sights within a short time. Local guides will tell you all the necessary facts about the sights and their history, adding interesting stories few know about.

New Main Street (Új Fő Utca)

If you have time do include a walk on Budapest’s new, partially pedestrianized street, the so-called New Main Street between Kálvin tér and Szabadság tér .

Stop for a taste of strudel in the First Strudel House of Pest Cafe on Október 6 utca, where you can sample this sweet Hungarian delicacy with a cup of coffee.

If you don’t have much time, do only one part of the street e.g. starting from Kálvin Square along Kecskeméti utca till Egyetem tér.

This is one my favourite parts of the city centre with lovely terraced cafes, bistros and shops.

This part was finished during the 1st step of the project. The 2nd phase included the refurbishment of Ferenciek tere that was completed in 2013.

Ferenciek tere

If you appreciate great coffee stop by Madal Espresso & Brew Bar at Fernciek tere 3 – it’s a new-wave cafe where coffe is prepared from a good selection of freshly roasted, specialty beans (bothe espresso and filter/AeroPress, Hario, Chemex).

Madal Specialty Coffee Shop, at Ferenciek tere

Szabadsag Square

Where to Eat During Your Budapest Visit?

The city centre offers ample choice where to eat a nice lunch or dinner. Avoid eating in Váci utca, try instead the neighbourhood of the Basilica : Sas utca and Hercegprímás utca is packed with restaurants, bistros, and street food bars.

You can try the Michelin star place, Borkonyha in Sas utca or the Akadémia Italia, a spacious two-storey Italian restaurant, cafe and gourmet shop right next to the Basilica.

Aszú Restaurant is also located in Sas u., where you can enjoy fine meals by pleasant piano music in the evenings.

They also have an outstanding wine list featuring some unique Hungarian wines. Laci?Pecsenye! (Sas utca 11.) is also good if you fancy hearty meat dishes.

• Hungarian Restaurants in Budapest
• Best Restaurants in Budapest

If you’re tight on budget try one of the cheap eateries or check out the offering of the food stalls in the Central Market Hall at Fővám tér near Liberty Bridge.

You can sample some Hungarian street food like lángos (deep fried dough with sour cream and grated cheese on top) or sit down in one of the restaurants specializing in hearty Hungarian meals like goulash or stuffed cabbage.

While in the market take time to admire the great architecture of the building the roof of which is covered with the famous Zsolnay tiles.

TIP: There’s a great wine restaurant called Borbíróság nearby the Market where you can taste fine wines from Hungary’s major wine growing districts, and try typical Hungarian dishes.

After lunch I would either return to my hotel room for a short nap, or go to one of the parks in Budapest to relax.

Thermal Baths – Historic Spas in Buda and Pest

Even if you’re here only for a day try to cram in a visit to one of the bath houses our city is famous for.

In the afternoon head for a spa to pamper yourself in the thermal pools and try some of the treatments and services (sauna,massage etc.).

I recommend the Széchenyi Baths in City Park, Gellért is also good and it’s more centrally located (at the foot of the Gellért Hill) than the Széchenyi, or one of the Turkish Baths : Rudas was nicely refurbished and a modernized (the rooftop jacuzzi offers a fantastic panorama)

Programs for Night, Cruising, Clubbing, Partying on a Boat

To crown your Budapest city break, and see the beautiful city scape illuminated by lights at night , go for a Cruise on the Danube.

During the 1.5-hour trip you’ll have a fine 4-course dinner and, on the cruise departing at 19.00 you can enjoy live music, too.

If you’re more into partying just head for district VII. (Király utca, Dob utca, Wesselényi utca) , the old Jewish quarter, that is packed with ruin pubs: crazy places in old, run-down buildings with mismatched, retro-style decor, affordable drinks.

The best-known is Szimpla Kert in Kazinczy Street (you can just walk in during the day to have a look, take photos, if you don’t want to have a taste of a night party there).

Party on the Danube

Dates: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 23.00 (from 01. April –  31. October)

Have a fabulous night on a boat on the Danube! Enjoy a 1.5 our sightseeing on the river, great music and people.

Ticket includes a welcome drink , but you can buy it with a beverage package, that includes unlimited consumption from the bar.

See more recommended nightclubs in Budapest .

Other Resources on What to Build Into Your Budapest in 1 Day Schedule:

Suggested Tours – organized sightseeing tours including bus tours.

Sightseeing Tips – summarizes Budapest’s top attractions.

Top Budapest Attractions – a more detailed guide that includes our favourite sights.

Top Summer Things to Do – some more program tips for the summer.

Things to Do and See in Budapest – main page on activities and program recommendations.

Downtown Budapest – overview of major sights and places of interest in the city centre.

Váci Street – one of the most attractive pedestrian shopping streets in world.

Andrássy Avenue – the boulevard connecting City Park with the city center is lined with beautiful buildings, great restaurants, and high-end shops.

Parliament – include it in your tight one-day program only if you love massive, historic buildings.

Jewish Budapest – visit the monuments testifying the city’s rich Jewish heritage.

Culture in Budapest – includes the most important cultural venues.

One Day in Budapest

Budapest 24-hour itinerary, heroes square, vajdahunyad castle, széchenyi thermal bath, budapest zoo and botanical garden, ice skating rink, budapest circus, szechenyi thermal baths, great market hall, castle hill, fisherman’s bastion, st. stephen’s basilica, hungarian parliament building, gellért hill, hungarian national museum, danube promenade, shoes on the danube bank, margaret island, house of terror, how to get around budapest, district v (inner city), district vii (jewish quarter), district i (castle district), district vi (terézváros), travel tips.

Budapest – the city of thermal baths, beautiful architecture, and rich history. You have only 24 hours to experience it all, but trust me – it’s possible.

Start your day early with a visit to the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath . There’s nothing like soaking in the warm water, surrounded by stunning Neo-Baroque architecture, and starting your day relaxed and rejuvenated. The thermal bath also offers sauna sessions and massages, so you can treat yourself to some pampering before starting your adventure.

Next, head over to Castle Hill , where you can explore the beautiful Buda Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century. The castle is located on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city. Take a stroll through the old town’s cobbled streets, and visit the stunning Matthias Church, which boasts beautiful stained-glass windows and a colorful tiled roof.

For lunch, head to the Great Market Hall , where you can find a variety of delicious Hungarian dishes, including goulash, lángos (deep-fried dough with sour cream and cheese), and chimney cake. The market also offers a variety of local produce, souvenirs, and handicrafts, making it a great spot to do some shopping and soak up the local atmosphere.

After lunch, head over to the Hungarian Parliament Building , one of the most iconic buildings in Budapest. The Gothic Revival-style building is located on the banks of the Danube River and is the largest building in Hungary. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture and marvel at the stunning interior decor and artwork.

Finally, end your day with a visit to the Szimpla Kert ruin bar , one of Budapest’s most famous ruin bars. The bar is in a restored old building, with quirky decor and a lively atmosphere. Sip on a cocktail or a local beer and soak up the unique atmosphere of this Budapest institution.

In just 24 hours, you can experience the best of Budapest, from the thermal baths to the historic landmarks and the vibrant nightlife. Take your time, savor the flavors, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

While it’s impossible to see everything in one day, you can still get a good taste of the city’s culture, history, and landmarks by following this itinerary:

• 9:00 am – Start your day at Heroes Square , a famous landmark in Budapest that showcases Hungary’s history and culture. Admire the statues and monuments and learn about the country’s past.
• 10:00 am – From Heroes’ Square, take a leisurely walk through City Park , one of Budapest’s largest green spaces. Take in the beautiful scenery and stop at the Vajdahunyad Castle , a stunning building home to several museums.
• 11:00 am – Head to the Szechenyi Thermal Baths , one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. Relax in the hot pools, saunas, and steam rooms, and enjoy a massage or other spa treatments if you have time.
• 1:00 pm – After a refreshing morning at the baths, head to the nearby Great Market Hall to grab lunch. The market is known for its delicious local cuisine, including goulash, stuffed peppers, and chimney cake.
• 2:00 pm – Walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge , the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest. Stop in the middle to take in the stunning views of the Danube River and the city skyline.
• 3:00 pm – Take the funicular up to Castle Hill , a historic district home to the Buda Castle and several other landmarks. Explore the Castle District , admire the beautiful architecture, and take in the panoramic views of the city.
• 5:00 pm – Head to Fisherman’s Bastion , a beautiful lookout point that’s a must-see for its stunning Danube and the Parliament Building views.
• 6:00 pm – Finish your day with a relaxing dinner at one of Budapest’s many fine restaurants. If you have time, stop at a ruin pub , a popular type of bar in Budapest that’s known for its unique atmosphere.

Of course, this itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests and preferences, and there are many other sights and attractions in Budapest worth exploring. But this should give you a good overview of the city’s main highlights.

Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere in Hungarian) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest, located at the end of Andrássy Avenue in the heart of the city. It’s a large square built in 1896 to commemorate the thousandth anniversary of Hungary’s settlement by the Magyars, the nomadic people who founded the country.

At the center of Heroes’ Square stands the Millennium Monument, a large pillar topped with the Archangel Gabriel statue holding a Hungarian crown and a double cross. The pillar is surrounded by statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, who led the Hungarian tribes to the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century.

On either side of the pillar are two colonnades with statues of critical Hungarian figures, including kings, politicians, and artists. The colonnades are also decorated with beautiful frescoes that depict scenes from Hungarian history.

Heroes Square is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and it’s often used as a venue for events and celebrations. The square is surrounded by several important cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art, both worth visiting.

Overall, Heroes’ Square is a beautiful and historically significant landmark worth visiting if you’re in Budapest. It’s a great place to learn about Hungary’s rich history and culture and admire some stunning architecture and artwork.

City Park (Városliget in Hungarian) is a large public park in Budapest’s heart. It covers an area of about 302 acres (1.2 square kilometers) and is one of the city’s most popular recreational areas. Here are some of the highlights of City Park:

This beautiful castle is located within the park and was built in the late 19th century to showcase different architectural styles throughout Hungary’s history. The castle is now home to the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, which features exhibits on the country’s rural heritage.

One of Budapest’s most famous thermal baths, Széchenyi offers indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and other facilities for relaxation and rejuvenation.

This zoo is home to over 1,000 species worldwide, including elephants, giraffes, and lions. The botanical garden is also lovely to explore and features several beautiful greenhouses.

As mentioned earlier, this iconic square is located at the entrance to City Park and features a large monument to Hungary’s national heroes.

In the winter, the park’s central lake is transformed into a giant ice skating rink, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Located near the entrance to City Park, the Budapest Circus offers a variety of shows and performances featuring acrobats, clowns, and other circus performers.

Overall, City Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some beautiful green spaces and cultural attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just some good old-fashioned relaxation, there’s something for everyone in this lovely park.

Széchenyi Thermal Baths are one of Budapest’s most popular tourist attractions and are known for its relaxing and rejuvenating thermal waters. The baths are located in City Park and are housed in a beautiful Neo-Baroque building that dates back to 1913.

The baths feature 15 indoor and outdoor thermal pools, ranging from 20 to 38 degrees Celsius (68 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit), and several saunas, steam rooms, and massage services. The thermal waters at Széchenyi are rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfate, which are said to have therapeutic benefits for various ailments, including arthritis and other joint pain.

The outdoor pools at Széchenyi are trendy, especially in winter when steam rises from the warm waters, creating a magical atmosphere. There’s also a unique “beer spa” where visitors can soak in thermal waters infused with beer, which is said to have health benefits for the skin.

In addition to the thermal baths, Széchenyi also features a range of other amenities, including a restaurant, a café, and a fitness center. Various events and programs, such as music performances and art exhibitions, are held throughout the year.

Overall, Széchenyi Thermal Baths is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to relax and unwind in Budapest. The beautiful surroundings, warm waters, and therapeutic benefits make it a unique and memorable experience.

The Great Market Hall, also known as Central Market Hall, is one of Budapest’s largest and most popular indoor markets. Located in the city center, it’s a must-visit destination for foodies, shoppers, and anyone looking to experience a slice of local life.

The market hall was built in the late 19th century and featured a striking neo-Gothic facade. Inside, you’ll find a bustling marketplace spread over three floors, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and meats to souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.

On the ground floor, you’ll find stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and other fresh produce. This is a great place to sample some of Hungary’s traditional dishes, such as goulash soup or lángos, a deep-fried flatbread.

The first floor is home to vendors selling traditional Hungarian arts and crafts, such as hand-painted ceramics, embroidered textiles, and wooden toys. You’ll also find a variety of souvenir shops selling items like postcards, magnets, and T-shirts.

The second floor features several restaurants and cafes where you can sit and enjoy a meal or a coffee while viewing the bustling marketplace below.

Overall, the Great Market Hall is a great place to experience Budapest’s vibrant culture and sample some of its delicious food. Whether you’re looking to shop, enjoy a meal, or soak up the local atmosphere, this bustling marketplace is worth a visit.

Castle Hill is a historic district located in the heart of Budapest, and it’s one of the city’s top attractions. It’s named after the beautiful Buda Castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Danube River and the Pest side of the town.

The Buda Castle complex is home to several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, as well as the Royal Palace, which was once the home of the Hungarian royal family. The castle is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, offering stunning city views from its hilltop location.

In addition to the castle, Castle Hill is home to several other historic buildings and landmarks, including Matthias Church, a beautiful Gothic-style church that dates back to the 14th century, and Fisherman’s Bastion, a terrace with seven turrets and panoramic views of the city.

The district’s cobblestone streets and colorful buildings are also home to many restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to wander and explore. The pedestrianized area makes it easy to stroll around and enjoy sights.

One of the best ways to explore Castle Hill is on foot, as there are many hidden alleys and courtyards to discover. Alternatively, you can take the funicular railway from the foot of the hill to the top, which is a fun and scenic way to reach the castle and enjoy the views.

Overall, Castle Hill is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture, as well as those simply looking to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of Budapest.

Fisherman’s Bastion is a beautiful terrace on Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary. It was built in the late 19th century and is named after the guild of fishermen who once defended this stretch of the city walls.

The Bastion is located next to Matthias Church and offers panoramic views of the Danube River, the Pest side of the city, and the Parliament building. Its seven turrets and white-stoned walls resemble a fairytale castle, making it one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks.

Visitors can climb the stairs of the Bastion for free to take in the stunning views of the city. The Bastion also has several balconies, each offering a different city view. The upper terraces require a small fee to access, but the views from there are worth it.

In addition to the beautiful views, Fisherman’s Bastion is a popular spot for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light is stunning. There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby where visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal while enjoying the views.

Overall, Fisherman’s Bastion is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Budapest. Its stunning architecture and panoramic city views make it a truly unforgettable experience.

More Must-See Attractions

Budapest has many attractions and sights to see, and if you have extra time to explore the city, here are some other must-visit places:

This stunning cathedral is the largest in Budapest and boasts beautiful architecture, including a dome with panoramic city views.

One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, this beautiful Gothic Revival building is home to the country’s legislature and is a must-see for its stunning architecture.

A popular spot for hiking and sightseeing, Gellért Hill offers panoramic views of the city and is home to the Gellért Baths, a beautiful Art Nouveau spa.

If you’re interested in history, this museum is a must-visit. It showcases Hungary’s rich past and exhibits everything from its prehistoric past to modern history.

Take a stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the beautiful views of the Danube River and the city skyline.

This moving memorial is a tribute to the thousands of Jews killed by the Nazis during World War II. The memorial features bronze shoes along the riverbank to symbolize the shoes left behind by those killed.

This beautiful island in the Danube River is a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and cycling. It also features several attractions, including a musical fountain and a medieval ruins garden.

This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Hungary’s 20th-century history. It features exhibits of the country’s fascist and communist regimes and is housed in a building that was once the headquarters of the secret police.

These are just a few attractions and sights worth seeing in Budapest. Depending on your interests and time, this beautiful city has many more places to explore.

Budapest has an efficient and extensive public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, metro lines, and suburban railways. The public transportation system is a cost-effective and convenient way to get around the city.

The metro system is handy, as it covers most of the city and is the fastest way to get around. The Budapest Metro has four lines (M1, M2, M3, and M4), and each line is color-coded and numbered. The metro system operates from early in the morning until around midnight.

The trams and buses are also an excellent option for getting around Budapest, especially if traveling to areas not covered by the metro. There are also several night bus and tram lines that run throughout the night.

Another popular way to get around Budapest is by bike . The city has an expanding network of bike lanes and several bike rental companies throughout the city. Renting a bike is a great way to explore Budapest’s parks and bike-friendly neighborhoods.

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are also available in Budapest but are more expensive than public transportation.

The best way to get around Budapest depends on your preferences and itinerary. Public transportation is likely your best option if you plan to visit many of the city’s top attractions and landmarks. However, renting a bike or taking a taxi or ride-sharing service may be a better choice if you prefer a more independent way of exploring the city.

Staying the Night?

Budapest offers numerous accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some popular areas to stay in Budapest:

This is the heart of Budapest, a popular area for first-time visitors. It’s home to many of the city’s top attractions, including St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament Building. The Inner City has many luxury hotels and more affordable options.

This trendy and vibrant area has many bars, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a popular area for young travelers who want to experience Budapest’s nightlife. The Jewish Quarter has many hostels, boutique hotels, and apartments for rent.

This is a historic and picturesque area located on Castle Hill. It’s home to many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Buda Castle complex and Fisherman’s Bastion. The Castle District has many boutique hotels and apartments with stunning city views.

This lively area has many shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Hungarian State Opera House and Heroes Square. The Terézváros district has many hotels and apartments for rent, and it’s a good option for travelers who want to be close to the city’s cultural attractions.

Budapest is a safe city; visitors can find suitable accommodation in many different areas. It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the high season (June-August) and around major events and festivals.

here are some additional tips for visiting Budapest:

• Buy a Budapest Card : The Budapest Card is an excellent option for travelers who want to save money on transportation, attractions, and tours. The card offers unlimited public transport, free entry to museums and attractions, and discounts at restaurants and shops. You can buy the card online or at many tourist information offices throughout the city.
• Try local cuisine : Budapest is known for its delicious cuisine, including hearty soups, stews, and savory pastries. Don’t miss out on local dishes like goulash, chimney cake, and langos. Budapest also has many trendy cafes and restaurants serving international cuisine.
• Visit thermal baths : Budapest is home to many, a relaxing and rejuvenating way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. The thermal baths include Szechenyi, Gellert, and Rudas. Be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Be aware of scams : Budapest has its fair share of scams and pickpocketing, like any tourist destination. Be cautious of people approaching you on the street and trying to sell you something or ask for money. Also, be aware of taxi drivers who overcharge tourists. It’s best to use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services.
• Respect local customs and traditions : Hungary has a rich cultural heritage, so respect local customs and traditions. For example, it’s customary to greet people with a handshake or nod, and it’s polite to say “please” and “thank you” when interacting with locals. Dress modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites.
• Learn some basic Hungarian phrases : While many Hungarians speak English, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn some basic Hungarian phrases, such as “hello” (szia), “thank you” (köszönöm), and “please” (kérem). It can help you connect with locals and enhance your travel experience.

Here are some helpful resources for planning a trip to Budapest:

• Budapest Tourism Official Website: The official website of Budapest Tourism provides information on accommodations, attractions, events, and transportation. It also offers a free Budapest City Guide, maps, and suggested itineraries. Link:  https://www.budapestinfo.hu/
• TripAdvisor Budapest: TripAdvisor is a popular travel website that provides user reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Budapest. You can also find travel tips and forums on the site. Link: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g274887-Budapest_Central_Hungary-Vacations.html
• Lonely Planet Budapest: Lonely Planet is a well-known travel guidebook publisher that offers comprehensive information on Budapest. The website provides practical travel advice, suggested itineraries, and insider tips from locals. Link: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/hungary/budapest
• Budapest by Locals: Budapest by Locals is a travel blog that provides in-depth information on Budapest’s hidden gems, local restaurants, and cultural events. The blog also offers practical transportation, safety, and budget travel tips. Link: https://budapestbylocals.com/
• Budapest Card: The Budapest Card is a discount card that provides free public transportation, free entry to many museums and attractions, and discounts at restaurants and shops. You can buy the card online or at many tourist information offices throughout the city. Link: https://www.budapestcard.org

I hope these resources help you plan your trip to Budapest!

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Blog > 24 hours in: Budapest

24 hours in: Budapest

One day in the gorgeous Hungarian capital will no doubt leave you wanting more, but if 24 hours is all you have (this time!), then we can help you cram in the best the city has to offer. Our itinerary below will give you the perfect 24 hours in Budapest — but you could also hop on one of our Budapest city tours for a true local experience with our friendly guides.

Early morning: 7 – 9am

Start your day refreshed with a visit to one of the big bath houses in the city, where open-air pools make for a great way to greet the morning. Széchenyi and Gellért are very popular picks, but we suggest you check out Lukács Spa. This late-19th-century bath house has a long history of hosting local cultural figures and other famous Hungarians as regular visitors. It’s likely the spas will be much less crowded in the early hours, and by waking up for an early swim, you’ll get true local insight into the real spa culture of the city.

Morning: 9am – 12pm

Stay in the Buda side of the city and discover the area around Lukács Spa. Gül Baba Street, considered by some to be the loveliest street in the city, is just five minutes away. This short but steep cobblestone street leads up to Rózsavölgy (Rosehill), the residential area that was once home to some of the wealthiest families of the city.

You can either get lost among the beautiful villas or just head toward Víziváros (Watertown) along the Danube, which is a 20-minute walk from Lukács Spa. This area offers a different side to Buda, which tends to be most known for the Castle and Gellért hill. The closer you get to Castle Hill, the more romantic the area becomes, with cobblestone streets and staircases leading your way. Along the river, you can find a few nice coffeehouses to grab a drink or bite to eat. Sweets lovers should check out Dolcissima , those who are interested in the retro vibe of Communist times will like Bambi Eszpresszó , and bohemian travellers will appreciate Móka Café — no matter your personal taste, you’ll find a place that suits you here.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with some Hungarian pastries at a local café | Photo by Budapest Urban Adventures

Midday: 12 – 2pm

Wander from the Batthyány Square in Víziváros over to Jászai Mari Square (it’ll take you about 20 minutes), to see a truly unique side of Budapest. Újlipótváros (New Leopold Town), or Újlipócia as the residents have nicknamed it, was a neighbourhood built between the two World Wars — which makes it quite different from the rest of the inner city, which was born during the golden age of the monarchy before WWI. Among the stunning pre-modern apartment buildings you can catch a glimpse of the everyday life of the middle class and upper middle class of Budapest.

Great restaurants await you here, so you’ve got plenty of options for a lunch stop. Depending on your preferences, you can try classic Hungarian dishes at Pozsonyi Kisvendéglő, or a more high-scale meal with modern touch, visit Laci! , Konyha or Babka . Not to mention the numerous charming cafés and confectioneries that fill the streets parallel to the Danube. If you feel like just having a rest instead, Szent István Park is there for you to kick back and relax in a bit of nature.

Or, if you’d rather spend your entire afternoon in Budapest eating, just skip lunch and book onto our food-packed Bites & Sights tour ! Check out a sneak peek of the tour here:

Afternoon: 2 – 6pm

For a nice afternoon, the 5th district is perfect to explore and do some classic sightseeing. There are way too many places to see in one day, so you’ll have to pick your must-see sites. From the dazzling Parlament to St. Stephen’s Basilica to the Great Market Hall, this part of the city includes some of the most famous sites of Budapest. If you don’t mind walking through the whole district, you can go from Újlipótváros to the very heart of the district, Vörösmarty Square, in about half an hour; or take tram line 2 for a quicker trip.

The area that once was the medieval city (Belváros, Inner City) still resembles some of the romance of those old times. So don’t be afraid to let the small streets and alleys lead your way while you wander around the neighbourhood. If you are lucky, you may find a few gates open so you can peek inside the hidden courtyards.

Note: Since this is a highly visited area, the city’s most famous shopping street and pedestrian area is also here. Váci Street has amazing architecture, but be warned, there’s some low quality goods and the tendency to rip people off in the restaurants and small souvenir shops here. Instead, while you are in the neighbourhood, be sure to discover the lovely small design shops and showrooms that serve some of the highest quality souvenirs and clothes you can ask for. For those shops, check the Stylewalker website .

Evening: 6pm until late!

Head towards the Jewish district! You can walk to Astoria from Váci Street, and then you’re practically there, or from the Great Market Hall you can take trams 47 or 49. Here, you’ll find countless eateries but we suggest you should have some gulyás (goulash) or pörkölt (meat stew) at Gettó Gulyás , close to the Great Synagogue. This fairly new place is run by an enthusiastic young crew, so the interior is more trendy than authentic, but the dishes will still give you the real Hungarian gastronomic experience. If you don’t feel like sitting in a restaurant and would rather have something fast, just go to Kazinczy Street, where you can find several great and non-expensive fast food options.

After dinner, walk around the neighbourhood, which has become extremely famous for its nightlife over the past few years. There are approximately 500 bars, pubs and restaurants in this one square kilometre area (!!!), so there are plenty of places for the thousands of people who come here every night. From the most famous ones (the original ruin pub Szimpla Garden or the party complex Fogas ) to the more bohemian bars ( Kőleves Garden , Kisüzem and Fekete Kutya ) to the trendy corner ( Telep and Központ ), you can easily spend your whole night here.

You simply can’t go to Budapest and not check out the nightlife! | Photo by Budapest Urban Adventures

Shorter stays

If you want to spend some quality time in the city, you’ll need at least six hours’ layover time between flights. There is a direct bus connection (the 100E) that takes only half an hour to reach the city centre. But be aware, it only runs twice per hour. By taxi, it is approximately half an hour as well, but of course costs more (about EUR 25).

If you’re in Budapest on a morning or afternoon layover , take the 100E (or taxi) to Kálvin tér. If you’re feeling jetlagged and in need of an energy boost, get a takeaway coffee from one of the cafés at Baross utca, just a minute away from the bus stop, then head towards the Danube. You could take a look inside the Great Market Hall, but we think a better option would be to walk onto the Liberty Bridge and take in the view of the UNESCO-protected city centre — one look and you’ll understand why Budapest is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If you have time, continue your walk on the Pest side along the Danube, heading north to the Elizabeth Bridge, or just check out the small parallel streets. You’ll need about one hour to 90 minutes for Market Hall and the Liberty Bridge, plus another one hour if you want to walk further.

The view from the Liberty Bridge is just as stunning during the night as in daylight — if not more. So this is a great option for an evening or nighttime layover as well. But, with Budapest’s famous nightlife, you really should see what caused the craze among backpackers and city-breakers. To get a quick taste of the famous nightlife of the Jewish district, take the 100E bus to the last stop, Deák Ferenc tér. Here you can just follow the crowd into the small streets and have a drink at any place. We’d recommend about two hours to enjoy the district before you head back to the airport.

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How to spend a perfect weekend in Budapest

Sep 19, 2019 • 7 min read

People watch the fountain show on Margaret Island © Kata Fári / Lonely Planet

Budapest , the Grand Dame of the Danube, is a special city: beautiful, thanks to a 19th century facade dotted with art nouveau marvels; cultured, its historical monuments and opulent bathhouses are revered; and oh so much fun, a gig in the courtyard of a crumbling mansion, anyone?

The Hungarian capital is one of Europe’s most rewarding weekend breaks, with a compact centre – spanning the two former cities of Buda (west of the River Danube) and Pest (east of the Danube) – that means most sights are within walking distance of each other. Unsure where to start? Here’s our guide to spending a perfect weekend in Budapest.

Friday evening

A great way to kick off your weekend in the Hungarian capital is to get as high as you can. Budapest is magnificent when viewed from above, with the city’s most postcard-pretty sights – such as the Royal Palace , the Basilica , and the ornate bridges that span the Danube – all squeezing into the same vista (read: prime Instagram opportunity). Take advantage of these views, which are extra beautiful when backed by an orange sunset, at one of Budapest’s best rooftop bars ; perennially popular 360 Bar is a good choice for those looking to party, while High Note is a top spot for an intimate evening. Be sure to book ahead!

If you’re more the active type – or don’t want to start spending straight away – a great alternative is to climb atop Gellért Hill to the The Liberty Monument for the same views at no cost.

Saturday morning

For breakfast, grab a Hungarian pastry from any bakery – try a spiral-shaped kakaós csiga (chocolate snail), a favourite of locals. Having fuelled up, spend your morning exploring some of Budapest’s prettiest sights on foot. 

Start your journey from the iconic Chain Bridge , the first permanent crossing on the Danube built in 1849. Take a glance at the impressive Four Seasons Gresham Palace on the Pest end, where all the A-list stars stay, then cross over to the Buda side and climb up to the Castle District . The vintage funicular – one of the oldest funicular railways in the world – whisks you up the hill in minutes (for a fee), but you can also hop on bus 16 or just hike up (it’s not as far as it seems, we promise!). Once there, cobble-stoned twisting streets lead you to grand Buda Castle , razed and rebuilt numerous times through the ages, and the Hungarian National Gallery within, showcasing the history of Hungarian artistry from Renaissance stonework to striking 20th-century sculptures – it’s certainly worth having a nose around. Nearby, the fairy-tale Fishermen’s Bastion provides a dazzling view over Pest across the river.

For coffee and cake in the Castle District be sure to stop by Ruszwurm , the longest-running confectionery in Hungary – even the cafe’s counter is 200 years old. It’s always busy, so avoid prime lunchtime for your best chance of getting seats. If you can squeeze it in, finish the morning exploring the fascinating Hospital in The Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum , a once functioning hospital beneath the Buda Castle.

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Saturday afternoon

From the Castle District, bus 16 takes you to focal Deák Ferenc Square, where a real highlight, St. Stephen’s Basilica , is just a few steps away. Hiding inside is the country’s most revered – and possibly eerie – religious relic, the embalmed right hand of Saint Stephen, the founding king of Hungary. A huge pipe organ is also on display and is brought to life during concerts you can visit for an extra charge. Clamber up 193 steps (or, alternatively, hop in the elevator) to the cathedral’s dome for more panoramic views of the city. 

Next, take a stroll down the city’s showpiece avenue, Andrássy , which begins behind the Basilica. For this journey, you can pick up an ice-cream skilfully made to resemble a rose from nearby Gelarto Rosa , or, for the more adventurous, sample Budapest’s best lángos , a disc-shaped deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, garlic and cheese – an all-time favourite in Hungary. Grab one from the small stall (Retró Büfé) by the Arany János utca metro station.

Full of fancy shops, cafes, restaurants and beautiful buildings, Andrássy Avenue is Budapest’s version of Paris’s Champs-Élysées. You’ll find the Hungarian State Opera House here – currently under renovation until 2020 – and the harrowing House of Terror Museum , the former headquarters of the secret police, where victims of cruel regimes were once tortured. A visit makes for a deeply saddening but enlightening experience.

You can walk the tree-lined Andrássy Avenue – which is flanked with cafes should you still be peckish – all the way to Heroes’ Square (though you can shorten the trip by hopping on the Millennium Underground, the oldest metro in continental Europe, which runs the whole length of Andrássy). The square is one of the city’s most iconic monuments, paying homage to major figures from Hungarian history.

Saturday evening

Heroes’ Square is the gateway to City Park , home to a rowboat-filled lake – which in the winter often turns into an alfresco ice-skating rink – and the stone Vajdahunyad Castle . 

Have a stroll around the park all the way to the world-famous Széchenyi Baths , where you can soak in muscle-melting healing thermal waters, enjoy saunas, massages or even attend a sparty . Budapest, of course, has many baths to choose from , and Széchenyi is often lumbered with the tag of ‘touristy’, but with its contrasting colours of yellow walls and bright blue waters and wonderful outside pools, it remains one of the most atmospheric. Depending on your schedule, dedicate a good 2-3 hours here. After emerging from the spa, dinner awaits at the legendary Gundel Restaurant nearby, offering traditional Hungarian dishes with a modern twist.

When day turns into night, a visit to one of the city’s ruin bars is essential. The highest concentration of these ramshackle spots, adorned with skip-found furniture and random knick-knacks, can be found in District VII. Essential stop-offs include Szimpla Kert , the first ever ruin bar, and Ellátó Kert (Kazinczy u. 48), a dilapidated former meat processing facility with an expansive outdoor courtyard and eclectic music choice. Many people come to Budapest solely for the nightlife, so get lost in it; bar hop, meet locals and try your hand at local pub games.

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Sunday morning

Ease into Sunday like royalty with a leisurely breakfast at the New York Café , once chosen as the most beautiful coffeehouse in the world. Surrounded by gilded and marble surfaces, fragrant flowers, crimson colours, crystals, frescoes, chandeliers and often live Hungarian music, here you can immerse yourself into authentic 19th-century coffeehouse culture. 

Energy levels restored, hop on the nearby metro (M2) red line in the direction of Parliament – ideally with a quick stop off at Astoria to see the Great Synagogue , the second largest in the world. 

One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, the Parliament dominates the curve of the Danube and is home to the Holy Crown (used to crown the country’s monarchs since the 12th century), as well as other royal jewels. English guided tours are available, but it’s best to book ahead. Right by the Parliament you’ll find Budapest’s most moving memorial, the Shoes on the Danube . This poignant monument remembers the victims of the Holocaust who were marched to the riverbank on a dark winter’s day, ordered to remove their shoes and shot before falling into the fast flowing river beneath.

Sunday afternoon

For one of the prettiest panoramas of Budapest, stroll along yellow Margaret Bridge next to the Parliament. Halfway across, you’ll find the entrance to Margaret Island, the city’s biggest green oasis. The whole island is a huge park in the middle of the city with a Medieval church ruin, a gorgeous Japanese Garden and century-old towering trees. Make sure you stick around for the centrepiece: the large fountain that lights up and ‘dances’ to music every hour.

From the Pest-end of Margaret Bridge, take panoramic Tram 2 all the way along the river shore. Get off at Vigadó , where tourist boats with front-row seats to the city’s most amazing landmarks lay waiting. To finish on a high note, you can book a dinner cruise. (If you’re on a budget, Budapest’s public transport system also offers ferries that you can take for the price of a regular ticket.) The cruise should leave you on the Pest riverbank, where a final stroll along the Danube Corso is a great way to say goodbye to sparkling Budapest.

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Day Trips From Budapest

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Best Museums

Thermal Baths

Shopping in Budapest

Hungarian Dishes to Try

Best Restaurants in Budapest

Ruin Bars to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Budapest Airport Guide

Public Transportation

Neighborhoods to Know

72-Hour Itinerary

72 Hours in Budapest: The Ultimate Itinerary

Jennifer Walker is a freelance writer specializing in art, travel, and culture. Jennifer's work has appeared in many publications, including Matador Network and CNN Travel.

Budapest is the perfect destination for a short city break. In three days, you can tick off the main highlights that make Budapest unique, without tiring yourself out. This itinerary will take you around the most beautiful and interesting parts of the city including St. Stephen's Basilica, the historic Castle District, and thermal baths.

Most of the destinations each day can be accessed on foot or easily with public transportation . There’s plenty of room for flexibility if you have something else you’d rather see, and there room to add in more sights if you feel so inclined.

Budapest Travel Tips

A little preparation can go a long way, so make the most of Budapest with these tips: 

• Get a transport pass. You can get a three-day pass from one of the purple ticket machines in metro stations, and most tram or bus stops, or from the kiosks in the metro stations. These will give you unlimited transport for 72 hours across the city. 
• Download a map onto your phone. You can download Google maps for Budapest and run it when you’re offline, so you always know where you are.
• Wear good, comfy shoes. Since you’ll be walking and standing a lot, make sure you bring a pair of shoes you feel comfortable in.
• Bring a bathing suit. Bringing your swimwear may not seem obvious for a city break in landlocked Central Europe. However, you must visit at least one Budapest thermal bath while you’re here. 
• Keep some cash on you. Some bars and cafes only accept cash, so keep enough on you for when you can’t pay by card. Also, many ATMs in the Jewish Quarter and City Center—the EuroNet ones—charge very high fees and give you a poor exchange rate. Avoid them at all costs. 

Day 1: Morning

8 a.m.: Begin day one at the stunning, light-flooded, 19th-century Central Market Hall. It can get crowded later in the day, so come early to take in the sights and smells of local produce before it fills up. Even if you don’t buy any dried paprika or cured sausages, you can still get your camera out to snap some mouthwatering shots.

10 a.m.: Take the number 2 tram to Széchenyi István tér. Snap a few photos of the Chain Bridge before turning down Zrínyi utca to St. Stephen’s Basilica . The Basilica is one of Budapest’s most popular sites, admired for its opulent interior and the curious mummified hand of St. Stephen, the king-turned-saint who founded the Hungarian state. But the real highlight is the viewing platform surrounding the dome with 360-degree views over downtown Pest.

Day 1: Afternoon

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris 

Noon: The good news is there’s plenty of great dining options around the Basilica. If you’re in the mood to sit down and be wined and dined, farm-to-table Zeller Bistro won’t disappoint. But if you want something quick and informal, head to the Downtown Market on Hold Street for the Séf Utcája gourmet street food court.

3 p.m.: Wander over to the Hungarian Parliament and take the hour-long guided tour through its ornate gold-lined corridors. Afterward, head down to the Danube Banks to the poignant "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial. It commemorates the Jews who were shot into the river during World War II.

Day 1: Evening

Courtesy of High Note Sky Bar 

7 p.m.: If you’re feeling spendy, book at table at one of Budapest's Michelin-starred restaurants like Onyx or Costes Downtown . Alternatively, explore the streets surrounding St. Stephen's Basilica for restaurants catering to a variety of budgets and tastes.

9 p.m.: Enjoy a few drinks on one of the nearby rooftop bars, like the Aria Hotel’s High Note Bar .

Day 2: Morning

Tanatat pongphibool ,thailand / Getty Images 

9 a.m.: Fisherman’s Bastion is perhaps the number one photo spot in the city, and at peak times this 19th-century neo-Gothic monument can get very crowded. If you time your visit for the opening though, you’ll get lovely light and more breathing room. Make sure you head to the upper observation deck to catch amazing views of the Danube.

10 a.m.: Once you’ve taken a few photos, head to Hospital in the Rock for a tour into this subterranean museum. You’ll be transported back in time to a former underground military hospital that was in operation during World War II and the 1956 Revolution. An exciting part of this museum is the old nuclear bunker that was fully prepared during the Cold War.

Day 2: Afternoon & Evening

12:30 p.m.: Fortuna Street offers great options for a quality lunch, with places like Pierrot , 21 Magyar Vendéglő , and the Pest-Buda Bistro . There is also Baltazár Grill on nearby Kapisztrán Square. For dessert, go to Ruszwurm , the oldest cafe and confectionery in the city, or Rétesvár for a hole-in-the-wall strudel place.

2 p.m.: Walk to the Royal Palace of Buda Castle for a few hours at one of the museums. Art lovers should visit the Hungarian National Gallery for a journey through Hungarian art history. If you’re interested in the history of the castle, a visit to the Budapest History Museum is a must. Although this museum covers the history of the city, the most interesting part is getting to explore the rooms once belonging to the Renaissance part of the castle.

7 p.m.: Escape the crowds in the vibrant Buda neighborhood of Lágymányos, lined with fin de siecle buildings, trendy restaurants, and bars. Grab dinner in Hadik , Kelet, or Vegan Love and enjoy a few drinks in Gdansk, Szatyor , or Béla .

Day 3: Morning

 Maremagnum / Getty Images

7 a.m.: You can’t leave Budapest without trying one of the famous thermal baths, If you come early in the morning, you can skip the crowds at the Széchenyi Baths . Take a simple soak in the healing thermal waters and admire the beautiful architecture while charging up for the day ahead. It’s the absolute best way to start the day.

10 a.m.: After the baths, explore the surrounding City Park. Stroll through the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle , a 19th-century “castle” drawing from various architectural styles in the region. The castle is also home to the Museum of Agriculture, which is worth a visit before heading to Heroes’ Square, a monumental plaza encircled by colonnades and statues of Hungarian kings.

Day 3: Afternoon

12:30 p.m.: Although Gundel is pricey—it has hosted world leaders after all—they do offer a moderately priced lunch menu that’s a great value for such an iconic culinary institution. Alternatively, you can try neighboring Bagolyvár for great Hungarian food or Városliget Café and Bar for views of the lake and Vajdahunyad Castle .

2 p.m.: The Museum of Fine Arts on Heroes’ Square is worth exploring for a few hours. If you’re interested in archaeology, descend into the basement for their extensive Egypt, Greece, and Roman collections. Art lovers should explore the first floor for works by masters like Raphael, El Greco, and Titian. Don’t miss the Romanesque Hall which is covered head to toe in Medieval inspired frescoes that only opened to the public for the first time in 75 years in 2018.

Day 3: Evening

6 p.m.: Take metro 1 to Opera and turn right as you come out and head into the Jewish Quarter. Make a bee-line to Kazinczy Street, passing the art nouveau Kazinczy Street Synagogue and trendy ruin bars. There, you’ll have plenty of options for dinner, like Kőleves Vendéglő or the Karavan street food court. Head over to Szimpla Kert for evening drinks to see Budapest’s most famous ruin bar in action.

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48 Hours in Budapest Itinerary: Budapest’s Highlights in 2 Days

• July 20, 2023

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

Lots of people add 48 hours in Budapest to their Europe itinerary, or decide to visit there on a short city break, but don’t really know why they want to go to Budapest, or what there is to do there!

Sure, it’s famous for its scenic thermal baths, Hungarian Goulash and cheap beer, but there is plenty more to see, do and experience here!

No worries, though – I’ve got you. I’ve just returned from my first trip to Budapest, and now I’m armed with travel tips and insider knowledge.

From my awesome experience, I’ve pulled together this tried-and-tested, jam-packed 48 hours in Budapest itinerary. 

I actually stayed in Budapest for four days and made sure I did just about everything in the city, so you can be certain that this 2 days in Budapest itinerary contains only the absolute best activities that Budapest has to offer. 

Top tip: The  currency in Hungary  is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), but I have listed most of the prices in this post in Euros to keep everything simple.

Table of Contents

How to Spend 2 Days (48 Hours) In Budapest

Day 1: iconic landmarks, stop 1: hungarian parliament.

Let’s start off this 48 hours in Budapest itinerary with a visit to the most iconic landmark of Budapest, the Hungarian Parliament Building.

Situated on the banks of the River Danube on the Pest Side, the huge building is absolutely gorgeous.

You won’t be able to resist taking photos of it from every angle and looking out to the river. The building has a staggering 691 rooms and took 17 years to build.

You can’t go inside without a guided tour , but most visitors are happy just to see it from the outside. Plus, you’re able to explore the outside of the building for free .

Top tip – Budapest actually consists of Buda, west of the river, and Pest, east of the river.

Stop 2: Shoes on the Danube

Near the Hungarian Parliament Building you’ll find the “Shoes on the Danube” memorial . This collection of metal shoes pays tribute to the Jews who were murdered by the Arrow Cross Party in Budapest during WW2. 

During these executions, the victims were ordered to take their shoes off (because they were valuable at the time and could be resold by the militia) and were then shot, with their bodies falling into the river to be carried away.

It’s an absolutely horrifying side to the city’s history, but it’s really important that these atrocities, and the victims, are remembered.

Stop 3: Lunch at Ildikó Konyhája

This super-cheap and homely restaurant is the perfect place to visit for lunch if you want to try some authentic Hungarian food. What’s even better is they serve up both “regular” and small portions of each dish.

You’ll notice pretty quickly that “regular” Hungarian portion sizes are huge.

This option is ideal if you’re wanting to try both goulash soup and a Hungarian stew because if you ordered the “regular” portions of both you would struggle to finish your meal!

I ordered a small goulash soup, a small mushroom Hungarian stew, and a large beer, and it cost me €8.80 . Nice!

Stop 4: Fisherman’s Bastion

Now it’s time to walk uphill to the prettiest viewpoint in Budapest , the Fisherman’s Bastion! Not only are the views from up there incredible, but the structure itself is Insta-perfect.

It’s no surprise, then, that most people there spend their visit posing for Instagram photos.

Since everybody else is doing it, you may as well join in…

You can walk around the main areas of the Fisherman’s Bastion for free , but there is a small upper area that offers slightly better views and costs around €3.40 to enter .

Given the sweeping views and the fact that it’s far quieter than the other areas (the small price tag deters the crowds) I did find that paying for entry to this section was worth it.

Built between 1895 and 1902 as part of several buildings constructed to commemorate the Hungarian State’s 1000th birthday. It’s easily one of the most beautiful spots in the city and a must-visit during your 2 days in Budapest.

Stop 5: Buda Castle

Just slightly further along from Fisherman’s Bastion, and also on the city’s “ Castle Hill ”, you’ll find Buda Castle.

There’s been a castle at this site since 1265, however the majority of the building we can see today dates back to the 1760s. 

It’s now home to the National Gallery (€9) and the Budapest History Museum (€6.25) . If you’re on a budget you can just walk around the castle area for free, checking out more viewpoints.

There’s a funicular that runs from Buda Castle back down towards the river but, at €3 for a one-way ticket , I decided to just walk down the hill which is fairly quick and not too gruelling.

Stop 6: Dinner

For dinner, I recommend heading to Koleves Vendéglő . This very cool and hipster restaurant in the Jewish Quarter serves up delicious Jewish food .

It’s not particularly cheap by Budapest standards (mains cost around €10 ), but a large beer only costs around €2 , and their Jewish beans dish is delicious!

Stop 7: Szimpla Kert

You may have heard of Budapest’s ruin bars, fun places to grab a drink that were once derelict buildings or warehouses, and they’re most frequently in the city’s Jewish district.

You really can’t leave Budapest without visiting a ruin bar. If you only have time to visit one, make it Szimpla Kert, the original and most popular .

Szimpla Kert opened in 2004 and has been a roaring success, inspiring many other ruin bars to pop up in the area. Inside, you’ll see that this place is like a labyrinth, with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

The quirky, mix-and-match-style decor adds to the fun vibe, and you’ll find this place buzzing every night of the week.

Drinks are definitely more expensive here than elsewhere, which I guess makes sense given its popularity, but just bear that in mind.

Also, since it’s super popular, there’s a chance you’ll have to queue to get in , especially later in the evening, but the queue moves quickly. 

Day 2: Museums and Relaxation

Stop 1: new york cafe.

Opening its doors in 1894 , Budapest’s New York Cafe is one of the most opulent and downright regal cafes you’ll ever step foot in. It’s also beloved by tourists, so I recommend getting here as early as you can to reduce the amount of time you’ll have to wait.

I also recommend only stopping by for a coffee or tea because the prices here are astronomical. It’s justifiable, because having a coffee here is such a unique experience, but yeah… It’s expensive .

For example, you’ll pay a whopping €8.50 for a coffee and €7.30 for a tea. Yikes!

If you’d prefer to start your day at a regular coffee shop and save some money I don’t blame you, but since visiting New York Cafe is one of the most popular things to do in Budapest I knew it needed to be included in this 48 hours Budapest itinerary.

Stop 2: House of Terror

I’m embarrassed to say that before visiting Budapest I hadn’t even realised that Hungary used to be part of the Soviet Union – and I’m a history nerd!

Not to worry, though, as the brilliant House of Terror museum documents Hungary’s time under Nazi and then Soviet occupation, telling the story of what Hungary was like during this time, and what life was like for ordinary people there.

It also acts as a memorial to the victims who lost their lives under these regimes. It’s rough, that’s for sure, but also absolutely fascinating. It’s a must-visit if you want to discover the best of Budapest in 48 hours.

You’ll find the House of Terror at 60 Andrassy Boulevard. The building was once the Hungarian Nazi Party headquarters, and later the headquarters of the Soviet State Security Authority .

It’s fair to say that some truly harrowing things happened in this building, and the museum won’t let you forget that.

This museum is up there with my very favourites in Europe – it’s definitely worth the €7.75 ticket price.

We spent around three hours here, and still didn’t read everything, but if you’re not a huge history buff you can probably get a good overview of everything in 2 hours .

Stop 3: Lunch at Paprika Vendéglő

After a short journey on the bus or underground you’ll arrive at Paprika Vendéglő. This is one of the most popular places in Budapest to sample the famous Hungarian dish, Chicken Paprikash .

The dish costs €6.75 , but if you fancy something else they have a huge menu offering up plenty of Hungarian classics.

As you can see, food in Budapest is affordable, but not surprisingly so. Prices generally in Budapest are far higher than those in Albania or the prices in Poland for travellers.

That said, Budapest a very affordable destination compared to its pricey neighbour, Vienna , or the notoriously expensive London .

Stop 4: Heroes’ Square

Just a short walk from Paprika Vendéglő you’ll find Heroes’ Square, the largest square in Budapest.

In the centre, you’ll find a 36-metre tall pillar surrounded by statues of Hungarian rulers and statesmen and the original chieftains who first settled in the area in the 9th century.

You don’t need to spend much time here, but since it’s on the way to our next stop it’s definitely worth the short detour to make a visit and snap a few photos.

Stop 5: Széchenyi Thermal Baths

After such an intense morning at the House of Terror, it’s time for some relaxation. And where better to chill out than one of Budapest’s most famous attractions, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths!

This thermal spa complex is over 100 years old and is so huge that you’ll almost definitely get lost wandering from pool to pool during your visit.

You’ll probably recognise its outside thermal pool, surrounded by the yellow, palatial-style baths building. 

There are a staggering 18 pools to lounge in, all with varying temperatures. You’re also able to buy beer and other drinks by the outdoor pool, where you can relax on sun loungers (if you’re visiting in summer, at least!). 

Although there are numerous thermal baths in Budapest, Széchenyi is definitely the most popular.

You could easily spend 5+ hours here, but if you’re just going for the pools, and not to sunbathe or receive spa treatments, three hours should be the right amount of time.

Since Széchenyi is so popular, the ticket queues can get pretty wild . We stupidly didn’t book our tickets in advance and had to wait in line for half an hour… And that wasn’t even in peak tourist season!

For this reason, you should definitely book your tickets online in advance. The counter for pre-booked entry had no queue, so it’s definitely worth being prepared. 

Click here to book your Széchenyi tickets!

For dinner on your second day you may want to head to Retro Langos , a very popular and casual eatery serving up a Hungarian classic dish, Langos (Hungarian pizza).

It has deep-fried dough and is topped with ingredients of your choosing. Langos are very cheap, at around €4 each , and they’re very filling.

Langos are popular but weren’t for me. However, I’m glad I gave them a try so I wanted to make the recommendation just in case you want to decide for yourself.

Stop 7: Evening Danube River Cruise

You can’t visit Budapest without taking a short sightseeing cruise along the Danube River.

These cruises are super cheap, last for around one hour, and pass all of Budapest’s most famous landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings and Fisherman’s Bastion. 

You’ll also get the best photos of these landmarks from the water, so bring your camera!

I joined this sightseeing cruise which lasted for one hour, included a welcome drink, and cost just €9 ! There are loads of departure times, so you could take the cruise at 6pm, for sunset, or head out on the water as late as 11pm after some dinner and drinks.

Insider tip – when you board, everybody will flock to the top deck. Instead, stay downstairs. You’ll actually be able to head outside to the downstairs “balcony” area that runs the length of the boat.

It’s far quieter here, and you’ll feel like you’re on a private cruise, even if the boat itself is busy!

Click here to book!

How Many Days Should I Spend in Budapest?

Like I said, I spent four days in Budapest as I wanted to move at a leisurely pace, visit everything (even the “meh” attractions) to ensure my recommendations to you are solid, and spend plenty of time lounging by the river with a beer.

If I was a regular traveller instead of a travel blogger, two full days would have been the perfect amount of time to spend in Budapest. With two days in the city you’ll see all the highlights , get to cruise down the Danube River, eat your bodyweight in yummy Hungarian food and chill in the city’s most famous thermal spa.

If you want to extend your trip to Budapest, I recommend following this itinerary over 3 days, which will leave you with more time to relax and sleep in.

Anything over 3 full days in Budapest would be slightly too long , in my experience. There aren’t really any “must-visit” day trips from the city, and, to be honest, it doesn’t really have that many attractions! That’s why I overall recommend spending 2 days in Budapest. It’s perfect for a weekend break.

Budapest Card: Is It Worth It?

Like many cities popular with tourists, Budapest offers a Budapest Card. The card covers entry to a few museums and also includes a public transport pass.

In my opinion, the Budapest Card isn’t essential. Unless you’re planning to visit tons of museums, you simply won’t get your money’s worth. However, it is pretty popular, so it’s worth looking into it to see if it suits your plans.

The card lasts for 24, 48 or 72 hours , and costs €21.99, €32.99 or €66.90 , depending on how long you get it for. You can find out more about it here .

For a better idea of how much you’ll need to budget for your trip to Budapest, check out my full cost of travel in Budapest guide !

Extra Travel Information for Your 48 Hours in Budapest

The language in Budapest is Hungarian , although for your trip you’ll find that pretty much everybody you need to speak with on your trip will speak English.

Tourism is huge in Budapest, so your ticket vendors, waiters, hotel staff and bartenders will all be able to communicate with you. 

It’s worth learning the Hungarian words for “Hello” (“Szia” – see-yaw ) and  “Thank You” (“Köszönöm” – keu-seu-neum ) before your trip to show locals that you’re willing to make the effort.

Most restaurants have an English menu even if they’re not super touristy.

Budapest Airport and Transportation Tips

Budapest is surprisingly spread out, so you’ll probably need to purchase a Budapest travel pass. The pass is valid for 24 hours – €4.30, 72 hours – €10.85, or one week – €12.95.

You can purchase your pass on the Budapest Go app , which is also a great tool for working out how to get from A to B in Budapest.

Budapest has a great public transport system, with trains, buses, an underground system and a tram system. You won’t really need to use taxis unless you’re coming home super late after a night out.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport is around 20km from the city centre, and you can get into the city by taxi, shuttle bus, or public bus.

A taxi to the city centre will cost around €30 and will take around 35 minutes . Uber isn’t in Budapest, but Bolt is very widely used, so it’s a good idea to download the Bolt app and set up an account in advance.

The shuttle bus is the 100E , and you’ll find the bus stop by following the “shuttle bus” signs in the airport. Tickets cost €3 each way and the journey takes around 35 minutes . 

Getting to the city by public bus was the option I went for because it barely takes any longer than the airport shuttle bus and you can use your BudapestGo travelcard .

To use the public bus simply use your travelcard on the BudapestGO app then search for your destination and follow the journey plan (without using the 100E shuttle bus).

The journey takes around 45 minutes , and the public bus stop at the airport is next to the shuttle bus stop.

What is the Best Time to Visit Budapest?

I visited Budapest in May , which felt like the perfect time of year. It was very warm, reaching 24°C on some days, but the summer Interrail crowd hadn’t yet descended on the city. 

That said, I accidentally visited on the same weekend as Budapest hosted the Giro D’Italia, a famous bike race, so the city was PACKED! For this reason, it’s definitely worth checking that your intended travel dates don’t clash with a city event .

Overall, for the mildest temperatures and great value accommodation, I always recommend travelling to European cities in the shoulder season ( spring and autumn ).

I personally wouldn’t visit Budapest in summer as I think the crowds would drive me insane – but it’s up to you!

Budapest is a very popular destination for British stag-do’s (Bachelor parties), so most weekends of the year you’ll see huge groups of drunk British men, usually in the Jewish Quarter.

They’re pretty harmless but can be intimidating due to the sheer size and rowdiness of the groups. 

If you’d prefer to avoid these, I recommend visiting Budapest mid-week, or simply researching pubs that don’t allow stag dos before you visit (the Koleves Kert beer garden is one of these, and is a very chill place!).

Where to Stay in Budapest

Budapest is firmly on the European backpacker trail, so it has no shortage of kick-ass hostels for you to choose from. This top-rated hostel is your best bet – it has an epic 9.6/10 rating on Hostelworld, is located right in the centre of the city, and gets rave reviews for its cleanliness. It is slightly pricey, though, with a dorm bed costing €24 per night.

If you’re looking for a cheaper hostel that still gets good reviews, check out this one , which costs just €12 per night for a dorm bed.

Budget Hotel

There’s no shortage of great quality accommodation in Budapest, but this budget hotel probably offers you the most bang for your buck. At just €42 you’ll get a clean and modern room, a comfy bed, and a central location. 

I’ve stayed with this hotel chain in Belfast and Brussels and can highly recommend them – for the price they really can’t be beaten!

Click here to check availability!

Mid-Range Hotel

If you’re looking for a memorable stay, look no further than this contemporary boutique hotel . It’s just a short stroll from the nightlife of the Jewish Quarter, and, with breakfast included in the price, you’ll save time in the morning by not having to go out searching for it – leaving more time for sightseeing! 

Double rooms start at €75 , so if you’re travelling as a pair this turns out to be a really good deal.

Final Thoughts: 48 Hours in Budapest Itinerary

So, now that you know how you’re going to spend your two days in Budapest, it’s time to plan where you’re going afterwards!

Vienna is the obvious choice, since it’s just 2 hours and 40 minutes away on the train. Luckily, I have a Vienna itinerary for two or three days just waiting for you to read (and yes, it includes where to find the yummiest cakes that the city is famous for).

Keen to stick to a budget? Then you’re better off catching the 6-hour direct train to Krakow, Poland, and wouldn’t you know it – I have a 48 hour itinerary for that city, too! I also have guides to the best free things to do and days out from the city, if you fancy sticking around for longer.

Happy travels!

Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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• An Art Lovers Guide To...

An Art Lover's Guide to Budapest in 24 Hours

Budapest is home to a vibrant artistic scene, with a combination of traditional museums and recently opened galleries contributing to its eclectic selection of artistic venues. If you find yourself short on time but still want to experience the art of Budapest , these are the places to put on your itinerary.

Must-visit museums.

Hungarian National Gallery For an all-encompassing look into the history of Hungarian art, this museum found in Buda Castle is a must visit. Founded in 1957, the gallery is home to collections of art from across the centuries – ranging from the stone carvings of the 11th century to works painted by renowned Hungarian artists during the 1900s.

Insider tip: You can get a Budapest Card for a period of 24, 48, or 72 hours, which offers unlimited transport in the city as well as discounted entry to a number of museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery.

Hungarian National Gallery, Szent György tér 2., Budapest, Hungary , +36 20 439 7325

Museum of Applied Arts Built during the late 1800s in the Art Nouveau style, the outside of the museum is a work of art in itself, with its colorful tiled exterior. Inside, you’ll find plenty more creative inspiration: the museum houses art works showcasing Hungarian craftmanship, displayed according to craft, material and technique. The museum displays a number of temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection and runs events throughout the year.

Insider tip: On Hungary’s three national holidays (March 15, August 20, and October 23) Hungarian and EEA citizens can visit the museum for free; on the third Saturday of the month, the permanent exhibition is free to visit for those under the age of 26 as well as two parents accompanying those under the age of 18.

Museum of Applied Arts, Üllői út 33-37, Budapest, Hungary , +36 1 456 5107

Kunsthalle (Budapest Hall Of Art) An impressive building on Budapest’s Heroes’ Square, this museum plays host to a large number of contemporary art pieces by Hungarian and international artists. As well as established works created by well-known artists, the museum provides a platform for up-and-coming talent, allowing it to present the latest artistic trends.

Insider tip: Book tickets online to skip the queue; the Budapest Card also offers visitors a 20% reduction on ticket prices at the Hall of Art.

Kunstahlle, Dózsa György út 37, Budapest, Hungary , +36 1 460 7000

New York Café This luxuriously decorated café is notable for its history as one of the city’s former meeting points for intellectuals and artists during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Opened in 1894, it originally housed the offices of the Nyugat magazine and was a hub of creativity in its heyday. Hungarian sculptor Károly Senyei contributed works to the café’s interior and exterior, while frescoes by Gusztav Mannheimer and Ferenc Eisenhut adorn the ceiling. The café itself serves a range of drinks and traditional Hungarian cakes and, with its old world charm and grand scale, is a great place to stop off on your tour of the city’s artistic hangouts!

New York Café, Erzsébet krt. 9-11, Budapest, Hungary , +36 1 886 6167

Hadik Café Originally opened in 1911, this café on the Buda side of the city was a Budapest institution for over 40 years before closing down in 1949. During this time, it welcomed a number of intellectual and artistic figures, with writers and journalists such as Karinthy, Móricz, and Kosztolányi passing through its doors. Re-opened in 2016, the café retains much of its original charm and creative atmosphere.

Hadik Café, Bartók Béla út 36, Budapest, Hungary , +36 1 279 0290

Must-visit galleries

Müszi This cultural space off the beaten path holds exhibitions on a regular basis, with community arts projects, workshops and events all on the calendar. The gallery only opened in 2012, but has already gained a loyal local following. Resident and guest artists all show their work here, and the focus is on its role as a community art space – its full title is Művelődési Szint , which means Community and Art Floor in Hungarian.

Müszi, Blaha Lujza tér 1, Budapest, Hungary

Hungarian House of Photography Spread over three floors, the former home of Hungarian Imperial and Royal Court Photographer Mai Manó has been turned into a must-visit gallery in the center of Budapest. Dedicated to photographic works of art as well as educating visitors on the history of photography, pieces from international and local photographers are on display and the bookstore on the ground floor is also worth a browse.

Hungarian House of Photography, Nagymező u. 20, Budapest, Hungary , +36 1 473 2666

See the city’s street art

Empty, run-down building façades in Budapest have become canvases for a number of street artists over the last few years, as a number of projects work to brighten up the city through art. Neonpaint Works and the Szines Varos group are both responsible for some of the city’s best public art : just take a walk through the Jewish District and see for yourself! Alternatively, take a street art tour to learn more about each piece as you go along – Original Europe Tours offer a free walking tour of the alternative side to Budapest, with street art and graffiti covered along the way.

Artsy Restaurants

KönyvBár This restaurant in Budapest’s 7th district features a menu designed entirely around a different book each week. The walls are covered with literary tomes, the atmosphere is cosy, and the service comes with a smile – not to mention the environment is decidedly creative!

Insider tip: book in advance – the restaurant is popular with visitors and locals, and reservations are almost always essential.

KönyvBár, Dob u. 45, Budapest, Hungary , +36 20 922 7027

http://instagram.com/p/BOzZeIuAZeb/?taken-at=559377375

M. Restaurant Traditional Hungarian cuisine with a hint of French cooking, drawing-covered walls, and an intimate atmosphere all make this bistro in the Jewish Quarter one to visit on your art tour of the city. Tables are covered in paper and pens are provided to let visitors create their own work of art.

Insider tip: arrive early or book ahead: as a small restaurant, tables fill up quickly!

M. Restaurant, Kertész u. 48, Budapest, Hungary , +36 1 322 3108

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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All aboard the budapest railway staffed (almost) entirely by children.

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The best luxury hotels to book in hungary.

Introducing Panel Magazine, The Literary Journal Born In A Budapest Bookshop

Artist Márta Kucsora Talks Hungarian Art and Where To See It in Budapest

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The most beautiful ödön lechner buildings in budapest.

Lake Balaton: Journey to the Hungarian Sea with Photographer Zsófia Pályi

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The 8 best cafes in szentendre.

The Best Spa Hotels in Hungary

The Best Hotels to Book in Debrecen, Hungary, for Every Traveller

The 7 Best Places to Stay in Szentendre, Hungary

The Best Hotels in Hungary for Every Traveller

Coming Home: The Revival of Jewish Life in Budapest

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Things open 24 hours a day in Budapest

24 hour bars, 24 hour takeaway food, 24 hour groceries, 24 hour cigarettes and alcohol, 24 hour transport, 24 hour pharmacies, 24 hour gyms, 24 hour tanning salons.

Move over New York, Budapest is fast becoming a city that never sleeps, thanks to a growing number of locals and expats that start their nights out late and end them even later, expecting things to stay open for them.

Wander the streets late at night, or, indeed early in the morning, and you’ll find plenty of dive bars still open for business. While some may look dodgy, in fact, you’re likely to find a warm, albeit drunk crowd, and it’s even possible to make friends with the locals - as the alcohol will have given them more confidence to speak English.

Legjobb Kocsma is a fast growing chain of cheap and cheerful downtown bars with a lively atmosphere, and their range of ‘4es6os’ bars that line the major stops of the 4/6 tramline on the Grand Boulevard, are mostly open 24 hours.

Alongside a whole host of kebab shops that run 24 hours, Pizza King is a growing chain of 24 hour pizza and kebab (and now salads and baklava) takeaway shops that are dotted all over the city and also do delivery. Several branches of McDonalds, particularly ones on the outskirts of the city near main roads, are open 24 hours a day, although usually drive/walk-through only.

Many small, family-owned convenience stores are open 24 hours a day, but many are restricted from selling alcohol between the hours of 11pm and 6am (but may still do so discreetly) and none are allowed to sell cigarettes.

Roni ABC is the most consistent convenience store chain with non-stop 24 hour stores. Prices are reasonable and food selection is fairly good compared to supermarkets.

If you’ve not found a grocery store willing to serve you alcohol after 11pm then you need to find a Dohánybolt . These are the government-licenced stores that sell cigarettes, tobacco products and in many cases alcohol. You’ll find them on almost every street, but only some are open 24 hours.

Remember, drinking on the street is technically illegal in Budapest, but while some, particularly underage people, do get fined by the police, drinking is mostly overlooked if done in parks or other discrete parts of the city.

BKK , Budapest’s public transport provider runs an extensive network of night buses and trolleybuses. As well as this the 4/6 tram line, which spans the Grand Boulevard and across into Buda, runs 24 hours. Keep in mind that you still need a ticket, even at night, and inspectors will stand at the doors of most busses and trams to ensure you have one. If you don’t most will sell you one on the spot.

It’s also possible to rent and use the BKK Bubi bikes at night.

You’ll quickly discover that any medication, even basic over-the-counter painkillers, need to be purchased from a pharmacy. Here’s a list of 24 hour pharmacies along with their phone numbers and a map of them, and 24 hour emergency centres as well.

Gilda Max is Budapest’s largest 24 hour gym and has 5 locations across the city with a full range of aerobic equipment and weights. During the day they can get crowded, so a nighttime visit is very much encouraged.

Hungarians have a weird obsession with tanning and, as a result, there are plenty of salons all over the city. Many open 24 hours, mostly located on the Grand Boulevard.

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Fact Sheet: Vice President Harris Announces Historic Advancements in Long-Term Care to Support the Care   Economy

Actions are the latest in a series of steps the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to improve safety, provide support for care workers and family caregivers, and to expand access to affordable, high-quality care

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and to have access to quality care. That’s why, today, Vice President Harris is announcing two landmark final rules that fulfill the President’s commitment to safety in care, improving access to long-term care and the quality of caregiving jobs. Ensuring that all Americans, including older Americans and people with disabilities, have access to care – including home-based care – that is safe, reliable, and of high quality is an important part of the President’s agenda and a part of the President’s broader commitment to care. Today’s announcements deliver on the President’s promise in the State of the Union to crack down on nursing homes that endanger resident safety as well as his historic Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers , which included the most comprehensive set of executive actions any President has taken to improve care for millions of seniors and people with disabilities while supporting care workers and family caregivers.

Cracking Down on Inadequate Nursing Home Care

Medicare and Medicaid pay billions of dollars per year to ensure that 1.2 million Americans that receive care in nursing homes are cared for, yet too many nursing homes chronically understaff their facilities, leading to sub-standard or unsafe care. When facilities are understaffed, residents may go without basic necessities like baths, trips to the bathroom, and meals – and it is less safe when residents have a medical emergency. Understaffing can also have a disproportionate impact on women and people of color who make up a large proportion of the nursing home workforce because, without sufficient support, these dedicated workers can’t provide the care they know the residents deserve. In his 2022 State of the Union address, President Biden pledged that he would “protect seniors’ lives and life savings by cracking down on nursing homes that commit fraud, endanger patient safety, or prescribe drugs they don’t need.”

The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule finalized today will require all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses (0.55 hours per resident per day) and nurse aides (2.45 per resident per day). This means a facility with 100 residents would need at least two or three RNs and at least ten or eleven nurse aides as well as two additional nurse staff (which could be registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, or nurse aides) per shift to meet the minimum staffing standards. Many facilities would need to staff at a higher level based on their residents’ needs. It will also require facilities to have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide skilled nursing care, which will further improve nursing home safety. Adequate staffing is proven to be one of the measures most strongly associated with safety and good care outcomes.

To make sure nursing homes have the time they need to hire necessary staff, the requirements of this rule will be introduced in phases, with longer timeframes for rural communities. Limited, temporary exemptions will be available for both the 24/7 registered nurse requirement and the underlying staffing standards for nursing homes in workforce shortage areas that demonstrate a good faith effort to hire.

Strong transparency measures will ensure nursing home residents and their families are aware when a nursing home is using an exemption.

This rule will not only benefit residents and their families, it will also ensure that workers aren’t stretched too thin by having inadequate staff on site, which is currently a common reason for worker burnout and turnover. Workers who are on the frontlines interacting with residents and understanding their needs will also be given a voice in developing staffing plans for nursing homes. The Biden-Harris Administration also continues to invest in expanding the pipeline of nursing workers and other care workers, who are so essential to our economy, including through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Improving Access to Home Care and the Quality of Home Care Jobs

Over seven million seniors and people with disabilities, alongside their families, rely on home and community-based services to provide for long-term care needs in their own homes and communities. This critical care is provided by a dedicated home care workforce, made up disproportionately by women of color, that often struggles to make ends meet due to low wages and few benefits. At the same time, home care is still very inaccessible for many Medicaid enrollees, with more than threequarters of home care providers not accepting new clients, leaving hundreds of thousands of older Americans and Americans with disabilities on waiting lists or struggling to afford the care they need.

The “Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services” final rule, finalized today, will help improve access to home care services as well as improve the quality caregiving jobs through its new provisions for home care. Specifically, the rule will ensure adequate compensation for home care workers by requiring that at least 80 percent of Medicaid payments for home care services go to workers’ wages. This policy would also allow states to take into account the unique experiences that small home care providers and providers in rural areas face while ensuring their employees receive their fair share of Medicaid payments and continued training as well as the delivery of quality care. Higher wages will likely reduce turnover, leading to higher quality of care for older adults and people with disabilities across the nation, as studies have shown. States will also be required to be more transparent in how much they pay for home care services and how they set those rates, increasing the accountability for home care providers. Finally, states will have to create a home care rate-setting advisory group made up of beneficiaries, home care workers and other key stakeholders to advise and consult on provider payment rates and direct compensation for direct care workers.

Strong Record on Improving Access to Care and Supporting Caregivers

Today’s new final rules are in addition to an already impressive track record on delivering on the President’s Executive Order on Care. Over the last year, the Biden-Harris Administration has:

• Increased pay for care workers, including by proposing a rule to gradually increase pay for Head Start teachers by about $10,000, to reach parity with the salaries of public preschool teachers.
• Cut child care costs for low-income families by finalizing a rule that will reduce or eliminate copayments for more than 100,000 working families, and lowering the cost of care for lower earning service members, thereby reducing the cost of child care for nearly two-thirds of children receiving care on military bases. Military families earning $45,000 would see a 34% decrease in the amount they pay for child care.
• Supported family caregivers by making it easier for family caregivers to access Medicare beneficiary information and provide more support as they prepare for their loved ones to be discharged from the hospital. The Administration has also expanded access to mental health services for tens of thousands of family caregivers who are helping veterans.

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2024 NFL Draft grades, Round 6: Patriots get C+ for Joe Milton III selection, Ravens earn B- for Devin Leary

Chris trapasso grades the sixth round of the 2024 nfl draft.

Want to know what I think of every pick made in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft? You can follow along throughout the day Saturday as I grade all the Round 6 picks below. Be sure to refresh this page throughout the night to get the latest grades. 

Be sure to refresh this page throughout the weekend to get the latest grades. If you want to do all that plus track the best available prospects and get access to every pick in the draft on one page, you can in our  draft tracker . And follow along with each pick in our  live blog  and all the trades in our  trade tracker .

Grades:   Round 1  •  Round 2  •  Round 3  •  Round 4  •  Round 5 • Round 6 • Round 7

177. Vikings: Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma

Classic Sooners blocker. Huge, clunky feet with plenty of power. Will torque defenders out of running lanes. Plays with strong grip strength. Not a tortoise getting out into space just won't be a speciality in the NFL. Further ahead in pass protection but can stretched beyond athletic limit by outside rushers. 

178. Steelers: Logan Lee, DT, Iowa

Vintage Steelers pick here. High-caliber athlete who can win at any alignment up front although his productivity in college didn't match how good of an athlete he is. Could stand to add some weight at next level. Has to get stronger but can win with slippery rushes between gaps. 

179. Seahawks: Sataoa Laumea, IOL, Utah

One of my favorite mashers in this class. College OT but will play guard at the next level. Short-area quicks with good length and once he locks on, it's over. Nice lateral quicks, will be useful inside. Has enough burst to get across the face of DTs on reach blocks. Awesomely balanced too. Starter. 

180. Patriots: Marcellus Dial, CB, South Carolina

This is tremendous value. Zone awareness for days. Didn't see the football thrown in his direction much. Outstanding ball skills when it does arrive. Doesn't miss many tackles either. Hard to find a clear flaw to his game. 

181. Chargers: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy

This is a future feature back. Stocky, well-built frame. Between the tackles experience and can blend slashing and multi-cut style together. Elusive, sets up blockers well and has effortless power through contact at times. Not a true burner. 

182. Titans: Jha'Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane

Small, somewhat twitchy vertical threat. Not as ridiculous changing direction as his size would indicate but has electric burst and speed. Minuscule catch radius but flashed some bounce to go up and get it at times, although physicality and longer CBs give him problems. 

183. Giants: Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA

No-hesitation off-ball LB with length deficiency. Quicker than fast but plays with good speed because of how fast he reacts to what he sees happening. Unafraid to meet blockers in the hole and give them a jolt. Average ball skills and tackling soundness. Feels like someone who can outplay draft position. 

184. Dolphins: Malik Washington, WR, Virginia

Electric short, not small wideout who was the heartbeat of the Virginia offense after transferring from Northwestern. Wins understand with explosion and powerful lower half gives him high-end contact balance. Won't be huge separator on full route tree. Leaper who can find it in the air. Good, not great speed. Niche type but a lot of fun. 

185. Eagles: Johnny Wilson, WR, FSU

Enormous wideout, essentially a sleek TE but has legit WR-like movement skills. Hands are incredibly boom-or-burst. A moose in the open field leads to him dragging defenders and is a capable blocker. 

186. Falcons: Jase McClellan, RB, Alabama

Jack of all trades, master of none with minimal mileage on his legs. Will run away from some slower defenders but not a true burner. Receiving ability is there. Vision is a strength between the tackles. Elusive but not special in that regard. Classic scatback.

187. Falcons: Casey Washington, WR, Illinois

Good-sized outside WR who plays with a throwback style. Jump balls, back-shoulders etc. are his speciality. Good speed for his size too. Just doesn't have the bend or suddenness to separate consistently. 

188. Texans: Jamal Hill, LB, Oregon

ormer safety and it shows on his tape. He is more comfortable working in coverage than playing down in the box, but there is value in his skillset considering it is the same defensive system that allowed Talanoa Hufanga to succeed. -- Josh Edwards

189. Lions: Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU

Smaller, upfield rusher with some pass-rush moves, he simply needs to utilize more. Dynamic off the snap and can win with his first step alone at times. Gets overwhelmed against the run. 

190. Eagles: Dylan McMahon, IOL, NC State

One of the elite testers at the center spot in this class. Lacks supreme length and it hurts him at times. Counters drive him crazy for long stretches. Accurate when climbing to second level. Balance could improve. Project-y type with traits. 

191. Cardinals: Tejhaun Porter, WR, UAB

Bigger-bodied classic outside receiver who wins at the catch point with good regularity. Burst off the ball is lacking, and he's stiff changing directions, so uncovering from NFL CBs will be a challenge. Some YAC ability. Surprised he was picked. 

192. Seahawks: D.J. James, CB, Auburn

Has a case as the twitchiest CB in the class. Played a lot of zone and has the click-and-close skills to shine there but can also lock up in man. Tackling must improve. Serious speed to run with downfield routes. Well-rounded CB who feels like a quick transition to the pro game. 

193. Patriots: Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee

Will immediately have one of the strongest arms in the NFL. Grew a lot as a passer after transfer to Tennessee. Accuracy is very hit or miss and he's an average athlete. Coverage-reading needs to improve. 

194. Bengals: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

Older TE prospect with reasonable separation skill and consistent YAC production. Athleticism is solid overall. Project as a blocker but the receiving skill makes this worthwhile. 

195. Steelers: Ryan Watts, CB, Texas

Huge, sensationally long outside CB. Not crazy fast nor a freaky athlete but can get to the football because of his length. Explosive from his backpedal and active against the run. Wants to blow up outside screens and does so often. Ball skills aren't stellar right now. Fascinating project. 

196. Rams: Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson

Stocky, reasonably charged-up interior rusher. Doesn't play with diverse pass-rush moves but brings the power every snap. Gets off blocks in the run game as well as any defensive tackle in the class and can win with his bull rush as a pass rusher. Great find here post Aaron Donald retirement. 

197. Falcons: Zion Logue, DT, Georgia

Big, long, thick SEC-tested DL with some above-average burst for his size and a pass-rush move every so often. Production never matched his size or athleticism. 

198. Dolphins: Patrick McMorris, S, California

Checks size and physicality boxes but doesn't meet normal athleticism or tackling-reliability requirements. Multi-positional usage in college will help him learn the playbook in the NFL. Surprising selection. 

199. Saints: Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa

Big-bodied NT with athletic prowess. Rushes tend to get high, and while he converts speed to power on occasion, if he sunk the pad level, he could be a very powerful defensive lineman. Pass-rush move arsenal isn't barren just not relied upon often. Unique NT with DT abilities. 

200. Panthers: Jaden Crumedy, DT, Mississippi State

Older, very experienced interior rusher who won from multiple alignments in the SEC and has smooth athletic traits. Production never matched how fluid he is as an athlete and his hands. Needs to have a pass-rush plan more often. Has long stretches of invisibility. Plays hard every snap. 

201. Colts: Micah Abraham, CB, Marshall

Reasonable size, Bouncy in zone to make plays on the football. Spindly frame. Plenty of ball production. Athleticism will be tested at the next level. Good speed. 

202. Packers: Travis Glover, OT, Georgia State

Wide offensive tackle with the frame of a guard but plenty of length. Smooth athleticism for his size and loves to mash at the second level. Balance is good but can get a little overzealous in pass pro. Hand work and punch timing are solid. Another classic Packers pick. Versatile. 

203. Vikings: Will Reichard, K, Alabama

Multiple years of high-level accuracy, and his make percentage actually increased in each of three years. Big, not enormous leg. This is a need. 

204. Bills: Tylan Grable, OT, UCF

Height and length type at OT who probably plays guard at the next level. Smooth athleticism and can sustain speed throughout the play. Not just quick. Hands are more active and heavy than they are accurate. Good depth add here with positional versatility. Can grow into his frame. 

205. Texans: Jawhar Jordan, RB, Louisville

Tiny RB who plays bigger and doesn't have elite speed nor elusiveness. Even with tinier frame, he sheds tacklers with decent regularity. Even at this late, this feels early. 

206. Browns: Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State

Enormous, towering off-ball LB. Not a deft block-defeater despite that but has the strength to make one-arm tackles when engaged. Hard to find a missed tackle on film. QB spy or blitzer, not a coverage type. 

207. Seahawks: Mike Jerrell, OT, Findlay

Small-school stud with plus athleticism and awesome pad level that equates to serious power. Can slip off defenders when engaged but will get to most of his assignments in a flash. More offensive line investment. 

208. Raiders: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire

Insane receiving RB. Built low to the ground and had fine testing figures before the draft. Low, side-to-side wiggle, but lacks speed once he finds space. Contact balance is good too. Think the small-school Blake Corum. 

209. Rams: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford

Big athlete with three years of experience, but not loads of kicking opportunities. Sizable leg and was very accurate over the past three years. 

210. Lions: Christian Mahogany, IOL, Boston College

Had pre-season hype but fell off many blocks and didn't play with awesome balance in his final season for the Eagles. Has the length and squatty frame that projects well to guard. Feels about right for him. 

211. Chiefs: Kamal Hadden, CB, Tennessee

Good-sized boundary CB with better on-field athleticism than his workout suggests. Mirrors well at all three levels but not a true burner when tested deep. Plus ball skills but have incomplete grade on his run-support ability because he played so much off coverage. Good, not great movement skill.

212. Jaguars: Cam Little, K, Arkansas

Three years of 80-plus percent make rate on field goals in the SEC. 

213. Rams: Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas

Sizable but limited athlete who plays with some dynamic skills after the catch. Reasonable ball skills too. Will play to his size over the middle in traffic or on the boundary. Was in clogged WR room but had minimal receiving productivity in college. 

214. Bengals: Cedric Johnson, EDGE, Mississippi

Stocky defensive end with dynamic flashes. Love his swipe move, just wished he utilized it more frequently. Powerful player who has to be coached up on how to utilize his length better to keep blockers off him. Ascending rusher. I like this pick. 

215. 49ers: Jarrett Kingston, IOL, USC

Chippy, high-energy blocker without big-time length or size but carries out his duties with plenty of consistency. Can play any position up front. Good getting across the line of scrimmage on zone plays. Stays square to the line of scrimmage. Not a people-mover power wise. 

216. Cowboys: Ryan Flournoy, WR, SE Missouri State

Big, chiseled vertical threat who makes it a nightmare for DBs to corral him once he gets the ball in his hands. While he's not incredibly sudden, he is a horse in space. Back-shoulder skill is there. Love this pick. 

217. Rams: Beaux Limmer, IOL, Arkansas

This is a future starting center. Big, strong, and explosive. Run-game master. Can win ugly when he's not square but that only happens on rare occasions. Under control at second level. Can get a bit too overanxious in pass pro but overall his balance is awesome. Super experienced. 

218. Ravens: Devin Leary, QB, Kentucky

Never quite developed after huge year early in his NC State career. But certainly has NFL-caliber arm strength. Many impressive in-pocket throws on film. Just crumbles under pressure. 

219. Bills: Daequan Hardy, CB, Penn State

Case for most sudden, twitch-up athlete at CB in the class. Super speedy too. Plus recovery talent. Explosiveness in every movement. Not always sticky in coverage but does have high-caliber reps. Check Ohio State game. Erratic tackling and hard to get off blockers because of his size. Chippy in trying to make plays on screens. 

220. Buccaneers: Elijah Klein, IOL, UTEP

Smooth operator at guard. Quality run-blocking abilities. Opens the gate too soon in pass pro and not ultra-experienced there. Not many true sets in college. 

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Deathbed confession leads to bodies of mother and daughter killed 24 years ago

A man on his deathbed confessed to killing a mother and daughter 24 years ago, leading to the recovery of their remains this week, officials announced Tuesday.

Susan Carter and her 10-year-old daughter, Natasha "Alex" Carter, vanished in August 2000, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Tony Rausa said at a news conference Tuesday.

Their bodies were recovered in suspect Larry Webb's West Virginia backyard Monday, the day he died in custody.

Rick Lafferty, Alex Carter’s father, said Tuesday that it was a "sad day but also a happy day," because he could finally "bring my baby home." He said that because the "case went cold so many times," he "almost lost hope several times."

"I can tell anyone that’s in my position, just never give up. Never give up hope on finding your child," Lafferty said.

Eighteen months ago, officials obtained a search warrant for Webb's home in Beckley, West Virginia.

The mother and daughter had been living there when they disappeared. Susan Carter had been in a contentious custody battle with Lafferty at the time, according to an FBI flyer from then.

While executing the warrant, authorities found a bullet embedded in the wall of a bedroom "known to have been occupied by 10-year-old Alex Carter," Rausa said at the news conference.

The bullet, covered in blood, went to an FBI lab for DNA testing, and it was confirmed the blood on the bullet was that of Alex Carter, Rausa said.

A grand jury indicted Webb in October 2023 on charges of first-degree murder. Ben Hatfield, the Raleigh County prosecuting attorney, said the “evidence they possessed was so overwhelmingly in favor of Larry Webb being the individual” believed to have committed the crimes.

But the case was held up because of delayed court proceedings related to Webb’s health, including medical clearance required incarcerate him.

In the first week of April, Hatfield said, he and other investigators went to Hilltop Nursing Home Center to speak with Webb, who confessed to the killings.

Rausa said Webb explained how he wrapped both bodies in bed linens and left them on his basement floor as he spent two days digging a shallow grave in his backyard. He buried the bodies together in the unmarked grave, where they remained until this week.

"It was a detailed, undeniable, unconflicted confession," Hatfield said, adding it "aligned with exactly the investigative efforts and the evidence collected."

Hatfield said Webb confessed to shooting Susan Carter after an argument about finances when he discovered some money was missing from the home.

Hatfield recalled Webb said that "at that moment, he knew he had ruined his life forever." Webb then said he believed he had to kill Alex Carter, too, to avoid detection in her mother's death, Hatfield said.

After the killings, Webb "cried himself to sleep that night" before he dug the grave, Hatfield said.

Webb also told investigators where they could find Susan and Alex Carter's remains.

With the help of a landscaper who lived in the neighborhood and his crew, officials uncovered the bodies Monday, on the third day of digging, Rausa said.

Based on the manner of the killings detailed by Webb and the conditions in which the bodies were found, Rausa said, they confirmed “with a high degree of certainty” that the two bodies were those of Susan and Alex Carter.

Rausa said Webb confessed because he “was on his deathbed, looking to come to Jesus at that point.”

He was transferred from the Southern Regional Jail to Mount Olive Correctional Complex on Friday, Hatfield said.

On Monday, Webb was transferred again to Montgomery General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 10:30 a.m., hours before Susan and Alex Carter's remains were uncovered.

Hatfield called it "a bit of a poetic ending that not even I could write."

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.