Two days in Budapest… what is it enough for? – Cool itinerary!

Budapest is a city that you should visit at least once in your lifetime, but since there are so many things to see, like the Parliament, the Chain Bridge, museums and historic cafés, if you have a tight schedule, it might seem hard to cram everything into just two days – unless you follow this handy guide.

US travel magazine Earth Trekkers has put together a schedule for spending two days in Budapest that could come useful even if you do not follow it rigorously.

Day 1 – exploring the Castle Hill, Gellért Hill and Pest

9:00: Fisherman’s Bastion

Climbing up to the Castle District is already a great way to kick off your day, but wait until you see the view of Pest from the Fisherman’s Bastion.

9:45: Matthias Church

The Matthias Church is right next to the Fisherman’s Bastion and King Matthias’s statue, so after you have taken in the morning view of the city thoroughly, check out Budapest’s best church from top to bottom: both the colourful tiled-roof and the adorned interior will leave you awe-struck.

10:30: Exploring the Castle Hill

Your next destination from Matthias Church is the Royal Palace, where you can check out the National Gallery as well. When you arrive at the funicular, give yourself time to enjoy the view of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the Gresham Palace and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

11:00: Széchenyi Chain Bridge

This bridge was the first to unite Buda and Pest, and even though it was destroyed in the 1940s, the city took no time to rebuild it – the lions guarding both entrances are the original statues, though.

11:30: Gresham Palace

Staying at the Four Seasons Hotel located inside Gresham Palace might seem costly, but you can take a quick look at the interior of this Art Nouveau wonder even if you have not booked a room.

12:00 Lunch

Head in the direction of St. Stephen’s Basilica from the hotel by taking Zrínyi Street. There are numerous restaurants in the area; Earth Trekkers suggests these three: KOLLÁZS – Brasserie & Bar (right around the corner from the Gresham Palace), 0,75 Bistro (with a view of the Basilica) and Meatology Budapest (behind St. Stephen’s Basilica).

13:00: St. Stephen’s Basilica

Although it feels much older, Hungary’s largest Roman Catholic Church was built only 100 years ago. St. Stephen’s 1000-year-old mummified right hand is kept here in a jewelled glass case. Another great view of Budapest is provided here by the Bell Tower on top of the Basilica.

14:00: Exploring Pest

Walk from St. Stephen’s Basilica to Vörösmarty Square, which is the town centre of Pest. Have a late dessert accompanying your lunch at Gerbeaud’s – you can try some of the best Hungarian cakes here.

Now, walk back to the Danube bank, where the view of Buda is magnificent, and you can recap your day that started at the Castle Hill.