Budapest in 48 hours. Being for the second time in Budapest strengthens our idea that Budapest is one of your favorite city in Europe. Indeed, Budapest is full of history, architecture, nightlife and you will fall in love with the place at first sight.
Did you know that Budapest was originally two separate towns called “Buda” and “Pest” which were divided by the Danube River ? Buda was the west side, and Pest the east side.
With that being said, Budapest is a must-see if you are planning a trip in the Eastern Europe countries. To help you out we have listed for you the top things to do.
Sunrise at the Fisherman’s Bastion
Without doubt the most scenic view point in Budapest. Along with the Parliament, it is arguably one of the city’s iconic landmarks. The view over Budapest and more particularly the Pest district is sublime, you can see the Danube and the points that cross it, Margaret Island, the Parliament …
If you wanna enjoy the place for yourself, avoid getting there for sunset. It’s gonna be way too crowed. Instead, come for sunrise. You will see the sun rising behind the Parliament, having the first beam of light kissing your skin. Please note all the photos below have been taken during the sunrise.
There’s a also a bar where you can enjoy a beer or a coffee while watching the sun setting behind the Parliament.
You can visit most of the place for free. However, to access certain areas of the Bastion, you have to pay around €1,50.
Liberty Bridge
It’s the shortest bridge in Budapest and on it you can find art nouveau design and mythological sculptures. In addition, the tram pass on it which is great for photographers to take nice shot! It was built for the The Millenium Celebrations of 1896, its original name being Francis Joseph Bridge.
Visit the Hungarian Parliament
The Budapest Parliament is one of the jewels of Hungarian architecture. Also, if you visit it, you should go through a guided tour.
Count between €5-€9 per visit, depending on the daily exchange rate. You can book directly on site or online.
It’s the third largest parliament building in the world.
Eat local food
Among the Hungarian specialties we find:
- Langos : a donut-like flatbread in which garlic, cream and cheese are traditionally added.
- The Paprikàscsirke: chicken… with paprika, of course!
- Goulash soup
- Kürtőskalács: cakes baked on a spit, also called chimney cake.
- Pörkölt: meat stew, generally served with “noddles”.
We tried Kurtos and Langos. Take a Langos for lunch, it’s sort of pizza but it’s fried. Really good! And for desert, find a Kurtos : they are amazing and so sweet! It cost 3€ at most. It taste like a churro, just better, and you can find many different taste : cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, coconut, honey…
Sunset at The Szechenyi Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge is one of Budapest’s most well-known monuments. Between Széchenyi Square on the Pest side and Clark Adám Square in Buda, a lovely ancient stone bridge spans the Danube. Indeed, you can stroll across it from Buda to Pest and back, which is a fantastic opportunity to take in the World Heritage-listed vistas and panoramas while also getting some great images. It has one of the most beautiful views in the city.
The bridge is closed until 2023 due to construction.
Sunrise at Szechenyi Thermal Bath
I’m saying sunrise just to once again, avoid the crowds! With the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Parliament, these thermal bath are really touristic. They open at 6am (or 7am, you need to check) and the entry fee range between 15€ and 20€ depending on the day and the season.
There are about fifteen indoor baths and three outdoor swimming pools, as well as two saunas and a hammam.
In the same place, there’s also a beer spa! Sadly, we didn’t get the chance to do it as it’s opening at 10am (or sometimes 11am) and we had to leave before. It cost an extra 20€ for 40 minutes, bathing in bubbly water with yeast, hop and malt. And obviously, you can drink unlimited beers!
Have a drink at a Ruin Bar
The, the last unmissable experience in Budapest: go for a drink in a Ruin Bar! The concept ? Bars installed in abandoned buildings. They take possession of the interior courtyard or of a few floors. Each ruin bar has its own vibe and they are often decorated with reclaimed items.
View of St Stephen Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest. Entrance is on donation, and I really recommend that you take a look around to admire the gilding, mosaics and paintings by Hungarian artists in the Basilica.
High Note Skybar is the most scenic bar with view of the city. Despite many other skybar, we decided to come to this one to admire the view of the Basilica while sipping a cocktails. However, the prices are of course not cheap. We paid 20€ for 2 cocktails. But definitely worth the view and you can also eat!
How to move around Budapest ?
Budapest’s public transportation is great : tram, bus, metro, train and trolleybus connect every corner of the city. Clearly, you’ll never struggle to get around this lovely city.
The tickets must be bought before boarding; you cannot buy them from the driver (except on the night bus network). They are available at metro stations, tobacconists, newsagents, and from vending machines at many bus and tram stops in the city center.
◦ A single ticket in Budapest cost 350 HUF (1.10€)
◦ Ten tickets for 3000 HUF (9,30€).
◦ A Budapest 24-hour travelcardcost 1650 HUF (5,10€)
◦ A Budapest 72-hour travelcardcost 4150 HUF (12,90€)
◦ A Budapest 7-day travelcard cost 4950 HUF (15,40€)
◦ Monthly pass: 10500 HUF (32,5€)
There are dozens of other types, feel free to check it out here!
Be careful about fake inspectors ticket in the metro scamming people.
Budapest Travel Card
◦ 24h : 5500 HUF (22€)
◦ 48h : 8500 HUF (33€)
◦ 72h : 8900 HUF (33€)
◦ 72h : 10900 HUF (43€)
◦ 96h : 14500 HUF (53 €)
◦ 120h : 17500 HUF (63€)
