2-Day Itinerary for Budapest

  • Day 1: Buda Castle
    20 minutes (3.0 kilometres) from Budapest city center

    Buda Castle is a historical castle and palace complex in the heart of Budapest. The UNESCO World Heritage site features beautiful Baroque architecture and houses several museums, including the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.

  • Day 1: Fisherman's Bastion
    10 minutes (600 metres) from Buda Castle

    Fisherman's Bastion is a neo-Gothic terrace in the Buda Castle district that overlooks the Danube River and provides stunning panoramic views of the city. The bastion, named after the guild of fishermen that protected this stretch of the city walls in the Middle Ages, also features seven turrets symbolizing the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the area in the 9th century.

  • Day 1: Széchenyi Thermal Bath
    30 minutes (3.3 kilometres) from Fisherman's Bastion

    Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest and most popular natural hot spring spa baths in Europe. The beautiful neo-baroque complex has both indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and other wellness facilities. The hot springs, which emerge from more than a thousand meters beneath the ground, contain several beneficial minerals and are known for their therapeutic and medical properties.

  • Day 2: Hungarian Parliament Building
    30 minutes (3.6 kilometres) from Széchenyi Thermal Bath

    The Hungarian Parliament Building is a magnificent landmark of Budapest and one of the largest Parliament buildings in the world. The impressive Neo-Gothic structure is built on the banks of the Danube River and features numerous statues, frescoes, and stained-glass windows. Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn about Hungarian history and politics.

  • Day 2: St. Stephen's Basilica
    15 minutes (1.6 kilometres) from Hungarian Parliament Building

    St. Stephen's Basilica is a beautiful Catholic church named after the first king of Hungary. The neo-classical building is the third-largest church in Hungary and has a stunning interior with frescoes, mosaics, and marble columns. Visitors can also climb the 96-meter-high dome for a panoramic view of the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Buda Castle (2 hours, free)
  • Fisherman's Bastion (1 hour, 1000 HUF)
  • Széchenyi Thermal Bath (3 hours, 7400 HUF)
  • Hungarian Parliament Building (1.5 hours, 6000 HUF)
  • St. Stephen's Basilica (1.5 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 14400 HUF

Transportation

To get around Budapest, travelers can use the efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. Tickets and passes can be purchased at vending machines and ticket offices. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but they can be more expensive. Expect to spend about 1000 HUF per day on public transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other popular attractions like the Hungarian State Opera House or the Gellért Baths. If you have less time, prioritize the landmarks you're most interested in and plan accordingly. Also, don't forget to try some traditional Hungarian food, such as goulash or chimney cake!

Airports

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the main airport serving Hungary and is located about 16 kilometres southeast of Budapest city center. It's the busiest airport in the country and offers flights to many destinations in Europe and beyond.

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