Start your day by visiting Margaret Island, the green oasis located in the middle of the Danube River. This park is car-free and is filled with gardens, fountains, and fantastic views of the surrounding cityscape. Take a leisurely stroll or rent a bike or a scooter to explore the park’s highlights, including Japanese and French gardens, musical fountains, a 13th-century church ruin, and a small zoo. You can also have a picnic or visit one of the island’s many restaurants offering outdoor seating.
Next, visit the Buda Hills, a scenic spot that offers stunning vistas of Budapest from above. Take the cogwheel train from Városmajor station to the top of János Hill, the highest point in Budapest. From here, take a short hike to the Elizabeth lookout tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills. You can also visit the Chairlift, which takes you on a bird's eye view tour of the hill and the city.
Begin your second day in Budapest by visiting Gellért Hill, located on the Buda side of the Danube River. This forested hill is topped by the Citadel, which offers breathtaking views of Budapest. You can also take a stroll through the hillside paths, which are often covered with cherry flowers during the springtime. Additionally, you can visit the Gellert Baths after a long day of walking in the hills.
End your Budapest trip with a visit to the Danube Bend, where the Danube River curves sharply and enters the hilly Visegrád region. Here, you can visit the charming towns of Szentendre, Visegrád, and Esztergom, which offer stunning views of the river and its surroundings. Don’t miss the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, and the Visegrád Castle, a medieval fortress that was once a royal palace.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Széchenyi Thermal Bath or the City Park on the first day of your trip. Alternatively, you can visit the Fisherman's Bastion and the Matthias Church in the Buda Castle District on the second day. If you have less time, consider skipping the Danube Bend and spending more time exploring the city's many parks and green spaces, such as the City Park or the Nepliget park.