Often referred to as the “Grand Dame of the Danube”, Budapest is one of Europe’s most unique and beautiful cities as well as a famous short-break destination. With its compact center, comprised of the Buda (west) and Pest (east) separated by the Danube River, and excellent public transportation system, the city can easily be explored even if you only have a weekend to spare. This is why plenty of locals and travelers from nearby countries flock to Budapest for a weekend getaway.
From its Art Nouveau architecture and historical landmarks to the incredible bathhouses and buzzing markets, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Hungarian capital. Below, you will find our quick guide to spending the perfect weekend in Budapest.
Weekend Trip To Budapest
To make your time in Budapest more convenient and enjoyable, consider the following tips:
- Purchase a Budapest City Card, which gives you unlimited access to transportation, free entrance to some of the city’s top attractions, free walking tours, and discounts on numerous other establishments.
- Choose an accommodation that not only fits your budget but also has a central location and quality amenities.
- With so much walking to do, wear comfortable shoes to prevent sore feet.
- Drop off your things at a Budapest luggage storage facility for convenience.
Since the city is divided into two parts (Buda and Pest), this itinerary is designed so you could focus on one part per day – Buda on day one and Pest on day two.
Day 1: Guide To The Buda Side
The west side of the city, known as Buda, is renowned for its rich heritage, historic buildings, and hilly landscapes offering the best views. Here are some of the spots you shouldn’t miss when exploring Buda:
- Fisherman’s Bastion
Known locally as Halászbástya, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a building that has been around since the Middle Ages and one of Budapest’s main attractions. The building, which was named after the fishermen that protected that section of the city, has a stunning stone terrace where visitors can get panoramic views of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city. The best part is, entrance to the Fisherman’s Bastion is free.
No trip to Budapest would be complete without seeing the grand Buda Castle, found in the city’s Castle Hill district, which once served as the residence of Hungarian royalty. The castle was initially completed in 1265 but because of its tumultuous history, particularly during the Second World War, it has undergone several renovations throughout the years. At present, the Buda Castle is a well-known tourist attraction and houses two of the city’s major museums – the National Gallery, which is dedicated to Hungarian Art, and the Budapest History Museum, which explores Budapest’s history starting from the Roman times up to present day.
- Matthias Church
This Gothic-style church, which has been around since the 14th century, is filled with history and one that you should definitely visit during your stay in Budapest. Located across Fisherman’s Bastion, the Matthias Church was where Franz Joseph I was crowned in 1867. Inside, visitors can view the underground gallery, which houses an array of relics and historic artifacts, such as replicas of coronation jewels and crowns and medieval stone carvings.
- Gellért Hill
One of two renowned hills in Budapest, the Gellért Hill is a 235-meter tall hill that’s frequented by both locals and tourists for its fantastic viewpoint. Due to its height and strategic location, the hill once served as an important defensive site for Budapest. To get to the top of the hill, you can either go through the Gellért Baths pathway or hike up the stairs near the Elizabeth Bridge.
Other notable attractions in the Buda area:
- Sándor Palace
- Wolf’s Meadow Cemetary
- Tomb of Gül Baba
- Memento Park
- Liberty Statue
Day 2: See The Best Of Pest
On the eastern side of the city, Pest has a completely different vibe from Buda. While there are plenty of historic landmarks here, Pest has a more modern feel with its collection of world-class restaurants, shopping districts, and trendy ruin bars.
- Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall is housed in a Neo-Gothic building and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Frequented by locals and tourists, the market has an array of vendors selling local delicacies, seasonal produce, and unique spices. The Central Market Hall also occasionally serves as a venue for cultural and food-related events. For the best experience, book one of the many guided tours of the market.
- City Park
The ultimate tourist destination in the city, City Park covers 302 acres of outdoor space and houses a number of Budapest’s most renowned landmarks and attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed public park is where you will find the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Vajdahunyad Castle, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
- Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is the largest building in Hungary and is among the most visited attractions in Budapest. Located in Kossuth Square, this Neo-Gothic building serves as the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary and is open to the public when the assembly is not in session. Found within the vicinity of the building are important sites, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Museum of Ethnography. Plan your visit to the Hungarian Parliament Building through the information found here.
- Andrássy Avenue
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, this sophisticated and buzzing avenue is a recreational and cultural center, lined with museums, exhibition halls, cafés, restaurants, shops, and more. Stretching nearly three kilometers in length, Andrássy Avenue is home to sites such as the Heroes’ Square, Hungarian State Opera House, and the Liszt Ferenc Square (aka Pesti Broadway). To make sure that you experience the best of Andrássy Avenue, check out the different walking tours available to you.
Other notable attractions in the Pest area:
- Dohány Street Synagogue
- Stephen’s Basilica
- Danube Promenade
- Elizabeth Square
- Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar
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