How to Best Spend 24 Hours in Budapest
Are you planning a vacation to Budapest and wondering how to make the most of your 24 hours there?
This charming Eastern European destination has been dubbed the "Paris of the East" due to its equally chic culture. Budapest offers plenty to do in a single day with its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine.
With so much to choose from, where do you start? Whether you have a one-night stop over at a vacation rental or are traveling through, there is no wrong way to spend the day in Budapest. Let us be your travel guide on how to create the ultimate action-packed 24-hour Budapest itinerary.
Morning in Budapest
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Start the day with a relaxing soak at the most famous thermal spa in Budapest. The city known as the “Spa Capital of Europe” has a myriad of thermal baths and spas to explore, with over a hundred sources providing hot water up to 76°C. As one of two capital cities in the world blessed with hot springs, it offers a unique experience that tourists shouldn't miss when in the city.
The Baths of Budapest have a long history and were first established in 1565 by the Turks, who constructed the thermal baths for personal use in the event of a siege.
Soak away pain and discomfort with mineral-rich waters known for their healing properties, from degenerative joint illnesses to poor circulation and even deformations of the spine - your body will thank you!
If you like to seek out non-traditional experiences, perhaps a visit to the thermal beer spa is for you!
City Park
Now that you're invigorated for the day ahead take some time to explore the bath's surroundings in City Park (Városliget).
Hungary's 1,000th-anniversary celebrations came to life in 1896 with the creation of this enchanting park, a sprawling green paradise of monuments, restaurants, walkways, and romantic picnic hideaways - captivating locals and visitors alike.
City Park's Vajdahunyad Castle looks like it comes right out of an enchanted storybook - it was actually made of cardboard and wood for the 1896 Millennium Celebrations, making it a truly one-of-a-kind attraction.
Nowadays, it's certainly made of sturdier stuff, and you can walk through the courtyard and wonder at the curious architecture (it's an amalgam of styles from across the centuries). The castle's lake also provides plenty of fun–in the summer, you can go boating, and in the winter, it's transformed into one of Europe's largest outdoor ice skating rinks!
You can also visit the mind-blowing architecture of the House of Music Budapest, one of the newest additions to the park’s cultural landscape.
Heroes' Square
Take a journey through time as you explore Heroes' Square (Hosök Tere), Budapest's grandest landmark, and be awed by its magical magnificence commemorating Hungary's great leaders, who arrived eight centuries past.
The awe-inspiring Heroes' Square was brought to life in 1896 when Hungary's 1000th anniversary was celebrated with the construction of a monument. After 33 years of hard work, it was finally completed in 1929 and given its renowned name. At its core stands the majestic Millenium Monument, resembling London's Nelson Column - centered around a Corinthian pillar and flanked by two twin colonnades.
Atop the majestic column, the Archangel Gabriel stands gracefully, gazing upon a group of courageous Hungarian heroes. Emblazoning the colonnade, memorable leaders and politicians make a lasting impression. If you circle its base, you'll see the faces of seven courageous Magyar chieftains - memorialized as the founders of Hungary.
Heroes' Square frequently hosts large events of public spectacle, from a jack-o-lantern festival to even visits from the Pope himself!
This area is also where you will find Kunsthalle, a 19th-century Hungarian and international contemporary art museum, and the Museum of Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum), a neoclassical art museum with a phenomenal collection of Egyptian artifacts and Renaissance era frescos.
Now that you're ready to head back into the city center, hop onto the historic Metro 1 (the first underground metro station in Continental Europe) straight from Heroes' Square.
Afternoon in Budapest
Try a Traditional Hungarian Lángos.
After strolling City Park, it’s time for a well-earned lunch break, with some sightseeing thrown in! Disembark the metro at Opera station and briefly take in the splendor of the recently-renovated Hungarian State Opera house before continuing to Retro Lángos Büfé.
What is a lángos, you might ask?
Lángos is the most popular snack in Hungary. It is a potato-based dough that is flattened and then deep fried, resulting in a round, large, crispy dish. Eat like a local and get yours topped with garlic, sour cream, and soft trappista cheese. Yum!
St. Stephen's Basilica
St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) packs a big punch as the largest church in Budapest, capable of holding 8,500 people. Sightseers should not miss out on this Neo-Renaissance architectural masterpiece when visiting Budapest.
The majestic St. Stephen's Basilica stands proudly in Budapest, constructed between 1851 and 1905 and dedicated to Hungary's first Christian King. If you’re interested in seeing the most stunning cathedrals in Budapest, start with this one!
At the main pediment of the church lies a breathtaking sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary surrounded by Hungarian saints. Make your way inside and delight in mesmerizing frescoes, stunning stained glass windows, and majestic stone-covered columns that light up the divine interior.
If you feel like you need to exercise after that heavy lángos, you can climb all the way to the top of the Basilica for spectacular views (elevators are also available)!
From afar, its 96-meter-high dome is an impressive sight that glimmers with splendor. The Basilica’s prime location also makes it one of the best lookout places in Budapest.
Interestingly enough, the number 96 is highly significant in Hungary. 896 was the year that Arpád was crowned as the first king of the Magyars, effectively creating the Hungarian state. The Budapest Metro 1 line was opened to commemorate the country's 1000th birthday in 1896. And did you know that buildings in Budapest aren't supposed to be taller than 96 meters? Finally, when the national anthem is performed, it must be done within 96 seconds!
The Hungarian Parliament Building
Arguably the most famous Budapest landmark, the Hungarian Parliament or Parliament of Budapest, is just a 15-minute walk from St. Stephen's Basilica on the Pest side of the city.
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hungary. Built between 1885 and 1902 as part of Hungary's 1000th birthday celebrations, the building is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture and stands proudly on the banks of the Danube River. It is the largest legislative building in Europe and houses the Hungarian National Assembly.
Visitors can explore this impressive structure by taking a guided tour (we suggest booking in advance). One of the highlights is the majestic main staircase, which leads up to the entrance of the building and is made from white marble and adorned with statues.
Visitors will also be able to see the holy crown of St. Stephen himself--that alone has persuaded some to take the tour! From the outside, admire the elegance of the gothic spirals and guarding gargoyles.
Shoes on the Danube
As you continue down the Danube away from Parliament, you'll encounter one of the most somber but important memorials in Budapest.
A sad reminder of Hungary's past, a series of hauntingly beautiful iron shoes line the banks of the Danube–a tribute to the Jews who were forced to remove their shoes and then shot at the river's edge–murdered by Arrow Cross fascists during World War II.
These 1940s shoes, beautifully crafted in sizes and styles of all shapes and sizes, poignantly remind visitors of the horror of those times.
Margaret Island
Situated in the middle of the Danube River, Margaret Island is one of Budapest's most treasured sites. With its lush gardens, enchanting forests, and plentiful wildlife, this magical island truly captures the beauty and tranquility of Hungary's capital city.
The island is home to the ruins of a 13th-century convent and musical fountain. Strolling through its tree-lined paths and admiring the incredible views of both the Buda and Pest sides of the city is a must on your walking tour.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, often called the Chain Bridge, is one of a few notable bridges in Budapest. Inaugurated in 1849, it performed the momentous task of uniting Buda and Pest, which until then had been two independent cities.
Count István Széchenyi, a Hungarian reformer from the 19th century, devised the concept for a bridge over the Danube to connect Buda and Pest. Previously, pontoon barges had been used for transportation between the two cities due to the inclement weather, which had previously hindered his journey to be with his father who was on his deathbed.
In the winter, when the pontoons were removed, locals had to use ferries or travel across the frozen river. After waiting eight days for the storms to cease, Széchenyi attempted to make the crossing; unfortunately, his father had died at that time and he could not attend the funeral.
The bridge that emerged from his sorrow has now become a defining viewpoint in Budapest. Walk through the noble guard of the stone lions (once rumored not to have tongues, but you can look closely and decide for yourself) and view Budapest from the river!
*At the time of publication in spring 2023, the Chain Bridge is undergoing renovation.
Explore Castle Hill
The Castle District is one of the best-preserved areas in Budapest, and as such, it feels as if you’re walking back in time through the winding cobblestone streets. To reach Buda Castle, located at the top of Castle Hill, you may ride the Castle Hill Funicular (Budavári Sikló). This two-car funicular has been functioning since 1870 and covers 95 meters of incline at over 45%!
In 1945, the funicular had a brush with disaster when a shell struck it during World War II. Miraculously, this relic from another era has been restored and made new once more - thanks to its electric winch-operated replica carriages! Climb aboard and take your place in history on this iconic lift.
Buda Castle
Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Budapest's most beloved landmarks. Located on the banks of the Danube River in Buda, the castle has been home to Hungarian kings and queens for centuries. A visit to this majestic site is an absolute must for anyone spending 24 hours in Budapest.
Begin your exploration of Buda Castle at its main entrance, the Gate of Szentháromság. Built in the 1700s, this impressive structure is decorated with a double-headed eagle and a wrought iron gate depicting scenes from Hungarian history.
Once inside, visitors can explore the Castle Hill area, which offers stunning views of Budapest and the Danube River. Art lovers shouldn't miss out on exploring the Hungarian National Gallery, which is located just steps away from the castle.
Matthias Church
Matthias Church hosts some of Budapest’s most storied history as the place of coronations and worship over many centuries.
According to historical records, a church on this site was constructed by the first king of Hungary, St. Stephen, in 1015 as an offering to German settlers. The existing structure was most likely constructed during the mid-13th century, and its combination of architectural styles gives an insight into the city's turbulent past.
If you look closely, you'll see the striking arrangement of the colorful Zsolnay tiles--a crowning glory on this magnificent structure.
Fisherman's Bastion
Just next to Matthias Church is the Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya), a sightseeing terrace in the Castle Hill District. The structure has a distinct fairytale-like aesthetic (it could have come straight out of a Disney film) and is considered one of Budapest's top tourist attractions.
The Bastion was built between 1895 and 1902, combining Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque styles. This structure is named after the fishermen's guild that was meant to defend this part of the city walls during the Middle Ages, although it never fulfilled its defensive function.
The Fisherman's Bastion offers spectacular views of the Hungarian Parliament and the Danube river in Budapest--it's the perfect place for a photo op!
Evening in Budapest
Venture Up to the Citadella
Located atop Gellért Hill and just a shot 800m from Budahome’s vacation rentals, you’ll find this incredible viewpoint to enjoy the sunset as you relax and reflect on your day. Besides a stunning collection of Red Army artifacts from the Second World War, the Citadella offers 360-degree views of the city, so if you feel like you missed out on an area, this is the perfect way to get a birds-eye view from above.
From your rental, you can take the convenient local transportation (Bus #27 takes will get you there in less than 5 minutes), or you can take a brisk 10 to 15-minute walk - while it is uphill, it’s worth the effort!
Tuck into a Traditional Hungarian Dinner
You can’t come to Budapest without trying one of Hungary's most famous dishes: goulash! This traditional beef stew is usually served with potatoes, peppers, onions, and paprika-spiced sauce. It's the perfect way to wrap up a day of sightseeing and shopping. Head to Getto Gulyás to try this and other traditional Hungarian cuisine.
For dessert, try some Somlói Galuska, a Hungarian trifle made with sponge cake, walnuts, chocolate sauce, and raisins. It's a heavenly combination that will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth!
Visit a Ruin Bar
Ruin bars are a Budapest nightlife institution and absolutely can't be missed! Even if you're not a big drinker, they're still an interesting sight to see.
Ruin pubs are unique watering holes located in old buildings and courtyards that have been turned into lively bars. They often feature mismatched furniture, funky decorations made from recycled materials, and graffiti-covered walls. Head to the Jewish Quarter in the 7th District for a DIY ruin bar crawl!
Opened in 2002, Szimpla Kert is considered the first ruin bar in Budapest. It's a great place to mingle with locals and tourists alike, sip on some drinks, and enjoy live music or DJs. The atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and unpretentious, and definitely worth a stop on your 24-hour tour of the city! Other famous ruin bars are the Instant-Fogas complex or Doboz.
One Day in Budapest
We hope that this article gave you a great overview of the best way to spend your 24 hours in Budapest. From taking in the picturesque views from Fisherman’s Bastion to indulging in authentic Hungarian cuisine, this city will surely leave you enchanted.
If you are really looking for a memorable experience, consider staying the night at Budahome vacation rentals, which will give you a prime location near all the top attractions of Budapest!