It is hard to choose what to see in Budapest in one day! Our efficient itinerary can help you. We will take you step by step through the streets of Pest and Buda, to see the most beautiful landmarks and viewpoints.
The beautiful capital of Hungary, also known as the Queen or Pearl of the Danube, deserves at least two or three days. Still, just one day is enough to see the main attractions and start discovering this wonderful city.
I have been showing the city to friends and family since 2014, when I moved here, but there is always more to learn. We would like to thank experienced local guide Adam Marot of Behind Budapest for his precious advice! Check out his guided tours for a deeper experience of Budapest, full of interesting stories, funny anecdotes, and tons of facts.
DISCLAIMER: This itinerary is written during the 2020 pandemic, according to how the situation was before the crisis. Please consider that the city and the attractions may have changed since then.
How to use this one day in Budapest itinerary
This one-day itinerary is structured in 3 blocks of 2-3 hours (morning, afternoon, late afternoon/evening) plus suggestions for the night: you can adapt it to your interests, to the weather, to your starting point, to your speed, to the opening hours of attractions.
The whole itinerary is on foot, but there are suggestions for public transport.
Here is the map of the one-day itinerary:
Keep in mind:
- Budapest is divided in half by the Danube river, which flows from North to South
- Pest, the flat part, is to the East (sunrise) and Buda, the hilly part, is to the West (sunset)
- It can get windy along the Danube river
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Have some Hungarian Forints in cash with you
- Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere
You may also be interested in tips to prepare for your trip to Budapest, and more places to visit in Hungary.
MORNING: Pest city centre – Basilica, Parliament and Danube
- Duration: approximately 2 hours
- Suggested period: morning, from 10 to 12
- Length: 3,2 km
In a couple of hours, you will visit all the landmarks of Pest city centre, in the northern neighbourhood of Lipotvaros.
From the central Deák Square, you will walk by Saint Stephen Basilica, cross the peaceful Liberty Square, and reach the magnificent Hungarian Parliament. You will walk back along the river Danube, admiring the landmarks of the Buda side and the iconic Chain Bridge, and return to Deák Square.
When to visit Pest city centre
The area of Pest from Deak Square to the Parliament is gorgeous at any time of the day.
The Parliament is particularly pretty during the morning, when the sun illuminates the facade on Kossuth Square. Saint Stephen Basilica, instead, looks lovely also in the late afternoon, when the sun lights up its facade.
Be efficient: Consider the opening hours of the Parliament and of the Basilica in case you wish to visit.
Deák tér, Deák utca “Fashion street” and Erszébet ter
Deák Square is a small and unremarkable square, but 3 metro lines meet here with countless bus lines, so it is considered the core of the city centre.
Budapest’s “Fashion Street” is Deák utca, always crowded with tourists. Here and on nearby Vaci Street are the usual multinational international shops like Zara, Intimissimi, Stradivarius, Mango etc, as well as some souvenir shops and overpriced cafés.
Cross to the green Erzsébet ter.
Bars Akvarium and Terasz are very popular, and lots of locals sit around a shallow pool to relax in the summer!
Continue straight until Saint Stephen Basilica.
TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes
St. Stephen Basilica – Szent István Bazilika
Access: 2000 HUF as of 2023 (5 EUR), find on the official website of the Basilica all prices and opening hours.
Panorama lookout from the Dome: 3200 HUF (8 EUR)
Classical music and organ concerts take place very often.
The second-largest church in Hungary, St. Stephen Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is actually a cathedral. With its 96-meters high dome (same as the Parliament), it towers over the old town of Pest and on the relatively small St Stephen’s Square (map here).
Its construction began in 1851 with architect Jozsef Hild, in Neo-Classical style; it stopped in 1868, when the dome collapsed, and the plan was updated by Miklos Ybl. Finally, Emperor Franz Jozsef inaugurated it in 1906.
The interior is richly decorated with bright colours and lots of gold. Pay attention to the main altar: it is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first Christian king of Hungary, instead of Jesus. The relic of his right hand is kept in a chapel to the left of the main altar.
The view from the dome is nice, but in my opinion, the view from the Fisherman’s Bastion is better.
Walk from St. Stephen Square along Hercegprimas utca or Sas utca until Liberty Square.
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes, excluding visit of the Church
Liberty Square – Szabadság tér
The green Liberty Square is the home of many unique landmarks (map here), designed in different styles.
The weird statue representing an eagle attacking an angel should symbolize the evil Nazis invading and taking control of innocent Hungary. Unfortunately, it is known that the Hungarian Arrow Cross squads assisted the Nazi during the occupation and committed their share of crimes. The white stones and memories of the Jewish victims make sure nobody forgets it.
The gigantic building on the side of the Danube river is the former Stock Exchange and the TV-Radio headquarters. Currently, it is not used.
On the side of the Parliament, there is a very international corner. You will notice the massive memorial to the Russian fallen soldiers of World War II. One of the buildings nearby is the USA Embassy, easy to notice because of the large gates and security systems. Quite a Cold War stand-off, isn’t it?
Well, next to the Russian memorial there is also a statue of Ronald Reagan, in honour of his efforts to help end the Cold War and Russia’s control over Hungary.
Continue over to Kossuth Square and the Parliament. You can reach it from the corner along Vecsey utca, or from the front along Honved utca and then left on Alkotmany utca.
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
The Hungarian Parliament – Országház
Access: the Parliament can be visited only with a guided tour. The languages available are Hungarian, English, French, Hebrew, German, Russian, Italian and Spanish.
Tickets: the price for EU citizens is 3200 HUF (approx. 9 EUR) and the price for non-EU citizens is 6400 HUF (approx. 18 EUR). Discounts are available for children and families.
Opening hours: the Parliament can be closed to visitors for special events, meetings, visits from foreign leaders, and many more reasons. Check Jegymester before you plan.
The Parliament is one of the symbols of Budapest (map here).
Built between 1885 and 1902 in neo-Gothic style, all materials used came from within the borders of the Hungarian Kingdom at the time (part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire).
Kossuth Square, in front of the Parliament, provides for countless photo ideas: with the imposing statues, through the flowers and bushes, from the fountain, when tram 2 is passing by…
The highlights of the Parliament guided tour are the impressive staircase, the Hungarian Crown, and the House of Commons.
Be efficient: The tours can be crowded, so book in advance on Jegymester. Make sure you have your ID with you and be there 15 minutes in advance for the security check. The entrance of the Visitor Centre (látogatás központ) is to the right side of the Parliament, facing it.
TOTAL TIME: spend 20 minutes in front of the Parliament.
The Shoes by the Danube Promenade
Walk down the stairs, cross the street to the Danube and continue slightly to the left towards Chain Bridge.
The Shoes on the Danube Promenade is the most touching memorial sculpture in Budapest (map here).
During World War II, the Nazi forces together with the Hungarian Arrow Cross would line up Jewish people here. They were ordered to remove their shoes and valuables; afterwards, they were shot, and fell into the river.
Nowadays, the 60 pairs of iron shoes often have white rocks and pebbles inside and around them, the Jewish sign of commemoration of the dead.
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
Danube promenade
Walk South along the Danube, towards Chain Bridge.
The promenade right by the Danube is a great spot for pictures of the Castle Hill on the other side: you can see the Fishermen’s Bastion, the colourful roof of Matthias Church, and Buda Castle.
It’s wonderful to walk along the bushes and benches, on the soft sand and pebbles. During spring and summer, many river cruise ships dock along here.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Chain Bridge – Széchenyi Lanchíd
Before walking back into the city, get up and close with Chain Bridge.
One of the most iconic sights in Budapest, Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Lanchíd, map here) is gorgeous from all sides and at any time of the day and night. It was built between 1842 and 1849, and then reconstructed in 1949 after the Nazis blew it up.
Be efficient: if you like this view, remember to pass by here again after sunset, to admire Chain Bridge at night!
Walk to Szechenyi Square by crossing at the tram 2 stop, and walk around the square.
Before turning into Zrinyi street, have a close look at the wonderful facade of the Gresham Palace, now Four Seasons Hotel. A beautiful example of Hungarian Art Nouveau style.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Back to Deák Square
As you walk on Zrinyi utca, you will get closer and closer to the imposing dome of Saint Stephen Square.
Turn right into Oktober 6 utca in order to reach Erzsebet ter. You will walk right by the Budapest Eye, and reach the starting point at Deak Square.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Suggestions for coffee, a snack or lunch
Time for a break is not calculated in the itinerary, but here are our recommendations:
- 0,75 Bistro & Bar for a coffee or a lemonade with the gorgeous view of the Basilica (map here)
- Első Pesti Reteshaz for excellent “retes”, typical Hungarian pastry stuffed with savoury or fruity fillings (map here), recommended for lunch
- Retek Bisztro for a traditional Hungarian lunch (map here and it may be wise to book)
AFTERNOON: Pest city centre – Synagogue, Market Hall and Danube promenade
- Duration: approximately 2 – 2,5 hours
- Suggested period: early afternoon, from 1:30 to 3:30/4 PM
- Length: 4 km
During the early afternoon, you will discover the southern part of Pest city centre.
Along the Kiskörút avenue, you will see the Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum and the Central Market Hall. From Liberty Bridge you will walk back on the popular shopping street Váci utca or along the Danube promenade.
When to visit Pest city centre
The best time to visit Budapest city centre depends on the attractions you want to visit. Find below the opening hours.
The early afternoon is the best time to visit these popular areas of Pest, but also the late afternoon is a good time.
The Dohány Street Synagogue – Dohány utcai Zsinagóga
A few beautiful landmarks are located on the Kiskörút, the Small Ring Avenue which starts at Deák tér and finishes at Fővám tér.
From Deák tér, walk along Károly körút and stay on the left side. Shortly, you will see on your left the Dohany Synagogue (map here).
Access: You can only visit the Synagogue with a guided tour, which is included in the ticket price. Check updated information here.
Built between 1854 and 1859, the Great Synagogue is the largest in Hungary and the second largest in the world after the New York Synagogue. It can hold almost 3000 worshippers!
I love the red bricks of the Moorish facade, topped by the shiny domes on the towers.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Extra: Szimpla Kert
A couple of streets away from the Dohany Synagogue is one of the first and most famous ruin pubs in Budapest: Szimpla Kert (map here).
You would never think that bric-a-brac, mismatched chairs and tables, old computer screens and broken skis would create such a unique, relaxed and special atmosphere.
Be efficient: If you want to enjoy Szimpla in peace, go there in the afternoon, when it’s still quite empty and you can actually see the furnishing. Instead, if you want to try the famous Budapest nightlife, come around after dark and keep in mind that you may have to queue!
TOTAL TIME: 30 mins to reach Szimpla, have a walk inside, and go back to the Synagogue.
The Hungarian National Museum – Nemzeti Múzeum
Continue straight on Muzeum körút, a lovely avenue with lots of antique bookshops on the right side.
Shortly, the Hungarian National Museum will stand on your left with its grand, Greek facade (map here). Here the poet Petöfi stood in 1848 and rallied the crowd to start the revolution against the Habsburg empire.
The museum showcases the rich collection of count Széchenyi, arranged into the permanent exhibition “History of Hungary”. Plenty of temporary exhibitions are organized on a regular basis.
More info on the official website.
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
The Central Market Hall – Központi/Nagy Vasárcsárnok
After Kalvin ter, you will reach Fővám ter and the Great Market Hall, on the left (map here).
Access: Free of charge
Opening hours: 6 AM to 5 PM on Mondays, 6 AM to 6 PM Tuesday to Friday, and 6 AM to 3 PM on Saturday. The Market is closed on Sunday and on national holidays. Check for any updates here.
Built in 1897, the facade and the colourful roof tiles make the Great Market Hall one of the most famous Budapest landmarks. The spacious interior, crowded with food stalls of local delicacies, is pretty cool to visit: with its 150 meters of length, the roof structure is extremely spacious and eye-catching.
I don’t think the food on the first floor is anything special, but if there isn’t any queue, you could try some Hungarian specialties at Fákanal restaurant, a typical canteen-style place.
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes with a short visit inside
Liberty Bridge – Szabadság Híd
The panorama of the Danube and Buda side is beautiful on either side of Liberty Bridge (map here). On top of Gellert Hill, on the other side of the river, stands the Statue of Liberty. On Pest side, you can admire the elegant facades from the turn of the century.
The original Liberty Bridge, opened in 1896 during the Millennium celebrations and named Franz Joseph Bridge, was unfortunately destroyed in 1945.
It was rebuilt in the same style in 1946, but it was renamed Liberty Bridge; instead, the white Elizabeth Bridge, kept its original name, but was rebuilt in a modern, sleek and minimal style. The Austro-Hungarian imperial couple, Franz Joseph and Elizabeth “Sissi”, are not meant to be together on the Danube shores of Budapest.
Be efficient: check what time sunset is! Especially if you find yourself here in the late afternoon, Liberty bridge and the Danube promenade are a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset in Budapest! Consider that it may be a little earlier than what Google or your weather app say, because of the hills on Buda side.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Váci utca
It is time to walk back to Chain Bridge, along Váci utca and on the Danube Promenade.
Váci utca is the commercial and touristy street of the Budapest city centre. In the Middle Ages, this was the entire length of Pest (map here).
The lower part from Fővám ter (where the Market Hall is) to Ferenciék tere mostly houses cafés, (tourist traps) restaurants and handicraft shops; it is not particularly crowded.
The upper part from Ferenciek tere to Vörösmarty ter is dedicated to clothes shops, like the usual H&M, Zara and similar, some souvenir shops, and some more tourist trap restaurants. It can be quite crowded, but some buildings are very pretty.
Walk from Fővám ter along Váci utca until you see Elizabeth Bridge, the white bridge, on your left. If you want to visit Parisi Hotel, turn right towards Ferenciek Square, otherwise continue straight and cross the avenue.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Parisi Udvar Hotel
If you like Art Nouveau, make a small detour at Ferenciek Square and have a look at the Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, recently renovated to its original splendour (map here).
Originally built in 1909, everything about Parisi Udvar is upscale and luxurious, with an antique flair. Green, oriental windows and delicate golden mosaics decorate the facade and differentiate it from all other buildings in Budapest; inside, a wonderful gallery reminiscent of a shiny Gothic church house a café, a restaurant, and the Hotel Reception.
Even without enjoying a (pricey) slice of cake and a coffee, it’s worth entering the café and admiring the gallery.
TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes
The Danube Promenade
Walk from the Parisi Hotel to Váci utca, under the arch, across Március 15. ter and until the promenade. Keep walking towards Chain Bridge. You will pass in front of the modern (ugly) building of Marriott Hotel.
The spacious Danube promenade is perfect to relax, while the Danube flows peaceful and powerful, and the Buda hills are waiting to be discovered.
It’s pretty easy to picture carriages with horses, ladies holding umbrellas for shade, and couples sitting on the benches, 100 years ago. Unfortunately, the Marriott Hotel building doesn’t blend in the historical atmosphere.
Since lots of sightseeing cruises dock their boats in this area, I recommend walking on the promenade by the hotels and buildings, instead of on the narrow and crowded sidewalk by the river.
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
Vigadó ter
The elegant facade of the Vigadó Concert Hall overlooks this precious, green square (map here). The Romantic-style interior decorations are unique and very captivating.
Before Chain Bridge was built, this square was where the pontoon bridge was moored. Nowadays, the tram n.2 stop is a lovely spot to admire the view of the Royal Palace on Buda Castle Hill.
Say hello to the statue of the little princess, “Kiskirálylány“, sitting on the fence to the right of the tram stop! She’s a Budapest landmark!
TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes for pictures and panorama
Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)
Walk along the promenade until Széchenyi Square, cross the square and reach Chain Bridge.
The stone sculptures of lions at the head of Chain Bridge certainly add even more importance to this landmark. Yes, they do have a tongue, contrary to what the legends say: Scottish engineer Adam Clark did not commit suicide in shame when this shocking mistake was discovered. Instead, the roundabout on Buda side is named after Adam Clark, the only square which kept an English name during post-WWII times.
Be efficient: choose which view you prefer before you cross the bridge! On the left you will see better Buda Castle; on the right, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Right at the start of the bridge, there is a tunnel to pass from the left to the right side.
2023 update: The renovation of the Chain Bridge should be finished by fall 2023. Until then, pedestrians cannot use the bridge, but it is open to public transport. So, to cross the bridge, you can hop on a bus at the stop before the bridge, and hop off right after the bridge, for free! Here is the map.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Take a break, have a snack
Budapest is famous for multi-layered cakes and lots of other desserts! Try them here:
- Cafe Frei, with unique coffee flavours from all around the world (map here)
- Centrál Kávéház, an Art Nouveau café with a classy atmosphere from the past century (map here)
- Vígvarjú Étterem, on the ground floor of the Vigadó Concert Hall, beautiful decorations and excellent túró gomboc cottage cheese dessert (map here)
LATE AFTERNOON: Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and Buda Castle
- Duration: approximately 2 hours
- Suggested period: late afternoon, from 4 to 6 PM
- Length: 2 km
In the late afternoon, you will cross Chain Bridge to the Buda side.
On Buda Castle Hill, you will visit the most beautiful landmarks of Budapest: Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle.
When to visit Buda Castle Hill
In the late afternoon and evening, the light is golden and soft as the sun sets behind the hills in the West, on the other side compared to Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. There are fewer tourists, especially compared to the large groups that visit Buda Castle hill during the morning and afternoon.
Shortly after sunset, the night illumination is turned on on the Church, the Bastion and the Royal Palace.
As usual, keep into account the opening hours of the attractions you are interested in. Matthias Church may also be closed because of a wedding.
The Fisherman’s Bastion is extremely popular for photographers at all times, including sunrise and sunsets. Make sure you go there to “block your spot” in advance, if you want a picture without people.
Walk up Castle Hill
When you reach the Buda side at Clark Adam Square (map here), ignore the Funicular on the left: the queue is usually very long, the ride is too short, the view is limited, and the price is too high.
Instead, take Hunyadi út on the right of the roundabout. Here you can choose the direction of this circular itinerary.
- You can take the stairs to the left, among the trees, and follow the zig-zagging path to the bridge passages above the funicular: it’s much more entertaining to watch it move, instead of being inside it! This way, you will walk up the hill until you reach the Royal Palace, and then proceed to Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. You will walk down Hunyadi út on the way back.
- Otherwise, you can walk to the right, up the hill along Hunyadi út until you reach the bottom of the stairs leading to Fisherman’s Bastion. It is a stunning view of white turrets protecting the Neo-Gothic, graceful Matthias Church. From there, you will walk to Buda Castle, and come back down along the zig-zagging path.
In the itinerary below, I will describe the second choice. If you prefer to start with the stairs, go to the end of the itinerary and do it backwards.
Walk up Hunyadi út (the pavement is on the right side), and keep going after you see the Jezuita stairs going up on the left.
The magnificent stair leading to the Bastion corresponds with an automatic barrier for cars and buses.
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes
Fisherman’s Bastion – Halászbástya
The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest (map here).
These walls and towers took the name of the fishermen’s guild, who used to protect the Castle Hill in the Middle Ages and run a market nearby. However, the bastion was built only between 1890 and 1905 as a lookout terrace, its 7 towers a tribute to the 7 tribes who settled in Hungary and conquered the Motherland in 896.
The part of the Bastion right behind the Statue of Saint Stephen requires a ticket to access it. In my opinion, it’s not worth it: the balconies and arches behind the Church are perfect for pictures, and the view from the top of the biggest tower is just gorgeous.
Be efficient: the Fisherman’s Bastion is always crowded and it may be hard to take nice pictures. When queueing and waiting for your turn, be kind but firm, step forward go for it!
Be spontaneous: if the crowd makes you itch, focus instead on the reflective windows of the Hilton Hotel. Plenty of opportunities for artistic pictures of Matthias Church and the Bastion.
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes to walk around and take a million pictures
Matthias Church – Mátyás-templom
Access: the Church welcomes only those who wish to pray just on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Holy Saturday (Saturday before Easter).
Opening hours: many events take place at Matthias Church, so check the updated hours here.
Tickets: both the ticket to visit the Church and the ticket to climb the tower are 1800 HUF (approx 5 EUR). You can buy them at the ticket office by the Church and also online.
Right behind the Fisherman’s Bastion is another Budapest landmark: Matthias Church (map here).
Originally built through the 13th to 14th centuries, Matthias Church is named after King Matthias, who got married twice here.
What you see now is actually the restoration by Frigyes Schulek, which took place between 1873 and 1896. With its 80-meter tower, it is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic grace. The colourful roof, composed of famous Zsolnay ceramic tiles, brings such life to the light stone of the church. The interior is painted with eclectic frescoes, with oriental, floral and geometric motifs: a wonderful and unexpected surprise.
I strongly recommend visiting it, especially if the queue at the ticket office is short.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes (without entrance to the Church)
Buda Castle Hill – Várhegy
It’s very easy to spend an hour wandering around the historical streets, discovering the picturesque alleys, noticing the layers of old stone and new paint, and admiring the view of the Buda hills from Tóth Árpád sétány.
Unfortunately, if you have only one day in Budapest, we recommend going straight to Buda Castle.
Walk on Tárnok utca until Dísz tér (map here).
This street is already a postcard of what Middle-Age Buda looked like: its golden age was the 15th century, when it became an important European city, a melting pot of different nations.
The decline started in 1541 with the Turkish invasion; afterwards, the Baroque reconstructions during the Habsburg era did not really survive the following sieges, wars and bombings. There were 31 sieges in total.
Nowadays, Buda Castle district is very peaceful. The reconstruction made space for museums and residential flats, behind the colourful, historical facades.
From Dísz ter, keep the right and continue straight.
The Castle walls are frequently being cleaned and fixed, there can be souvenir kiosks or historical posters.
In front of you is Buda Castle! Head left towards the lookout terrace.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Buda Castle – Budai vár or Budavári Palota
The view from the terrace by the statue of the Turul bird, next to the arrival station of the funicular, is absolutely lovely (map here). In one straight line, you can admire Chain Bridge, Gresham Palace, and the dome of St. Stephen Basilica; all around, Pest downtown, until the Parliament to the left.
Buda Castle, or Royal Palace, is the huge building to the South (your right, looking at Pest side, map here). As you have noticed, it doesn’t look like a medieval castle with towers and moats, but more like a palace with hundreds of halls and a large dome.
After lots of expansions and modifications over the centuries, nowadays it hosts the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Library.
If you have time, take a walk around the Castle. Walk down the stairs to the front of the Palace, where the bronze statue of Eugene of Savoy on his horse overlooks the Danube. From here, turn right to the inner courtyard (behind the statue) to reach the other side of the Castle. The large statue by the wall depicts King Matthias as a hunter and a girl who fell in love with him. Turn right again to leave Buda Castle, and right again to go back to the lookout terrace.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes (without Castle walk)
Back to Chain Bridge
Tired? This was a very busy day!
Head back down the hill by taking the stairs under the Turul Bird sculpture. A paved path goes downhill, zig-zagging through the trees, with a few steps from time to time.
Along the path, you will also walk on the small bridges on top of the funicular. Another panoramic terrace is situated almost at the bottom.
(Very tired? Take bus 16 at Dísz ter back to the centre at Deák ter).
You should reach the bottom at the original fork in the road at the beginning of the Castle Hill walk: stairs or street.
TOTAL TIME: 15-20 minutes
You’re now back at Clark Adam Square. Cross Chain Bridge back to Pest side, rest at the Hotel, and get ready for some Budapest nightlife!
Alternative: Várkert Bazár Gardens
Not tired yet? You can walk back down to the Danube through the Várkert Bazár in 15-20 minutes (map here).
Walk in front of the Castle to the very end, and take the stairs to the green garden on the side of the hill.
Várkert Bazár is a Neo-Renaissance complex of gardens and hidden exhibition halls, which was recently renovated. It often features outdoor photo exhibitions.
Once you reach the street, go back to Chain Bridge on the left, or continue right along the Danube or along one of the inner streets.
If you still have time and energies, it’s worth walking up to Saint Gellert statue to admire the view (map here).
Otherwise, cross over to Pest side on Elizabeth Bridge, or continue even to Liberty Bridge.
Food and snacks
Buda Castle Hill is extremely touristy. For example, Ruszwurm Café (map here) is a historical café, said to be the favourite of Empress Sissi; even though it’s special to sit at the outdoor tables and admire Matthias Church, there are more unique spots close by.
- Rétesvár offers excellent “rétes” cake from a tiny shop inside a hidden gallery (map here)
- Walzer Café has a unique historical atmosphere (map here)
- 4minute Café is very minimalist and green (map here)
- Hunyadi Lakásbisztró es Kézműves Söröző is great for coffee, a drink, or even a Hungarian meal (map here)
What to do in Budapest at night
There is so much to do in Budapest at night, from enjoying a delicious dinner, to discovering the ruin pubs and the party district, and of course admiring the night illumination.
Best restaurants in Budapest for dinner
Please note that these recommendations could be affected by the 2020 pandemic. Check your chosen venue before you go there.
Quite obviously, lots of restaurants offer local dishes. If you are looking for great Hungarian cuisine and a special atmosphere, we recommend Gerloczy Café (map here) and Zeller (map here).
If you are more interested in a luxurious setting, choose instead the New York Café (map here) or Halászbástya Étterem (map here): the dishes are tasty, but what you are paying for is the location.
Best bars and pubs in Budapest
Most of the nightlife in Budapest is in the party district, the area of the 7th district around Kiraly street and Kazinczy street.
The most famous ruin pubs are Szimpla, Mika Tivadar, and Instant for some dancing.
Gozdu Udvar gallery is full of restaurants, bars and cafes, it’s quite touristy but very diverse and fun.
Night sightseeing in Budapest
The night illumination is absolutely magical. The bridges, Buda Castle, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Basilica and the Parliament are among the buildings worth a night stroll.
If your feet refuse another step, take tram n.2, which runs along the Danube on Pest side: between Liberty Bridge stop and Jászai Mári tér stop, you will see almost all of these beautiful landmarks.
Conclusion
With only one day in Budapest, our efficient itinerary takes you step by step to the most stunning landmarks. You still have some free time to enjoy the delicious Hungarian cuisine, and to rest and digest the marvels of the Hungarian capital.
Read also our tips to prepare for your trip to Budapest, and discover more places to visit in Hungary.
Are you planning to visit Budapest? Let us know in the comments, we’ll be happy to help! If you found our itinerary useful, please give us some feedback 🙂
This was very helpful, thank you!
Hi Oliver, great to hear! Thank you for your comment! 🙂
Budapest is such a lovely city! I was there a couple of years ago with very little time for sightseeing. It was so hard to decide what to go and see. Would have been lovely to have your guide.
I know, there are so many things to see in Budapest! I’m glad you find my itinerary useful 🙂
cool itinerary
Thank you, Cassandra 🙂
Wow you have really covered everything! This blog post is great!
Thank you, Katie! I hope you will find this itinerary useful, when you visit Budapest 🙂
Love how in-depth this is! I was in Budapest twice and I can’t wait to visit again. It’s such a beautiful city 🙂
Thank, Ivana! I’m happy you loved Budapest 🙂
What a fantastic itinerary! I love how much detail you’ve gone into, it’s a perfect guide for anyone wanting to get the most out of a short time in Budapest. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Lucy!
Budapest is one of my all-time favorite cities in Europe and I have travelled to hundreds of medium and large-sized European cities. You give a great itinerary for sightseeing this beautiful place.
Thank you for your comment, Christina! We hope you will come to visit again soon 🙂