With its spectacular buildings and thermal baths, the capital of Hungary deserves every minute you have to spare. But if you only have a short amount of time, here’s how you can discover Budapest in two days.

Day one – Heroes’ Square, City Park and Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Although it might be tempting to head straight for the Parliament Building, Donau and the city center as soon as you’ve arrived, there’s much to be seen and to be done before you reach the core of the city.

Heroes’ Square

Close to the city center you’ll find Heroes’ Square, also known as Hősök tere. Start off the first day by visiting this UNESCO world heritage site and let yourself be impressed by the iconic MIllenium Monument – a 36-meter column that stands in the center of the square, surrounded by statues raised in honor of Hungarian national leaders. Here you will also find the Hall of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts.

City Park Ice Rink and City Park

Once you’ve taken in the statues and monument, it’s time to make your way across the bridge. From here you enter the City Park – or Városliget as it is known to the locals.  

The City Park Ice Rink is the largest open-air ice rink in all of Europe. It has a magical setting as it is enclosed by the Vajdahunyad Castle on one side and Városliget Café on the other – making this a real life Disney-moment.

Visiting Budapest in summertime? Not to worry, you can still enjoy that romantic Disney-moment as this area turns into a boating lake during the summer.

Once you enter the City Park you can either take a ride in the giant hot air balloon, attend an event at Vajdahunyad Castle or simply just take a relaxing stroll through the park with a coffee bought at one of cafés inside the park.

Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Known as the city of baths, a visit to Budapest is not complete before you have visited one of the thermal baths. Just across from the City Park is Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of the largest spa baths in Europe. It has 15 indoor pools and a big outside area with three outdoor pools surrounded by a beautiful neo-baroque palace.

Széchenyi Thermal Baths makes a perfect ending to a perfect day. Soak in the different baths and take in the beautiful environment while relaxing in the hot water. Maybe you’ll even challenge the locals for a game or two of pool chess.

Day two – House of Parliament, Buda Castle and a boat trip on the Donau

Hopefully the thermal baths worked its magic on you, and you feel well and rested for take on this city for another day.

House of Parliament

One of the most famous landmarks of this country and a truly spectacular building, the House of Parliament sits like a king on a throne ruling the Donau. If you are curious as to what the inside of the building looks like, you can take a guided tour that departs every hour.

But even if you don’t make it inside, make sure to check out the building from every angle. And don’t miss out on taking that mandatory picture with the water reflecting the building.  

The Central Market Hall, walk across a bridge and Buda Castle

If you feel a bit peckish after the visiting the Parliament building, head for the Central Market Hall to grab a bite or some Hungarian specialties. With its three floors you’ll find everything from meat, vegetables, restaurants and souvenirs.

Once you’re all stocked up, cross the Donau on one of the bridges and make your way to Buda Castle and the historic castle district. Do a tour inside the castle, marvel at the churches and stroll atop the board walks while you are in awe of the great view of Budapest.

If you want to save time and make it easier to get around, you can also check out the hop on and hop off bus tours that will take you to all of the important sights.

Take a boat trip on the Donau

Budapest might be a beauty during daytime, but at night this city truly lights up. And the best way to see all the lights, and to finish off this two-day itinerary, is by boat on the Donau.

Wrap up warm, sit back and watch as Buda castle, House of Parliament, Gellert Thermal Baths and the Central Market Hall gently rolls past you. And make sure to have some battery left on your phone to take some more pictures – you’re going to need it.

Want to keep traveling?