1 Day in Budapest: Itinerary and Best Things to Do (2025)
Wondering what to see in Budapest in one day? Here is the perfect 1 day in Budapest itinerary!
I am originally from Budapest and although I have been living abroad for about 15 years, I am always amazed by how beautiful Budapest is whenever I go home.
Budapest is famous for its beautiful architecture and the River Danube splitting the city into two sides: Pest and Buda.
If you only have one day in Budapest, some of the must-see tourist attractions are the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, chilling in the thermal baths, going on a river cruise and having a drink in one of the ruin bars.
So, here is what to see in Budapest in one day!
1 Day in Budapest Itinerary
MORNING
If you only have one day in Budapest, you will want to cover as many attractions in one day as possible. The good thing is that with good planning, you can cover the main attractions in one day!
One of the easiest ways to see the main tourist attractions in Budapest is to hire a taxi to take you to the must-see sites.
Top 5 Attractions to See in Budapest:
- Parliament
- Heroes’ Square
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Buda Castle
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
To cover these 5 places of attractions, it usually takes around 2-3 hours if you hire a taxi. The taxi then drives you to all the places and waits for you while you walk around and take some photos.
The taxi in Budapest is more affordable than in western Europe. For example, if you hire a taxi for 2 hours, it will go on the meter and cost you around USD 16/hour (including time when the taxi waits for you while you walk around the attractions).
This is the fastest and most comfortable way to see as many attractions in Budapest in one day as possible. You can always discuss with the taxi driver which places you’d like to visit and how much time you’d like to spend there.
One thing to note is to make sure that the taxi driver will go on the meter. As an estimate, a 2-hour drive to the tourist attractions should cost you around USD 32.
PARLIAMENT
If you only have one day in Budapest, visiting the Hungarian Parliament is a must! It is located by the River Danube and the building is really beautiful, especially in the evenings.
It is possible to walk around the Parliament and see the design up close, however, you can get the best views from the other side of the river at Batthyány Square.
HEROES’ SQUARE
The Heroes’ Square (“Hősök tere” in Hungarian) is an iconic spot in Budapest. The monument features the statues of the Seven chiefs of the Magyars, and other Hungarian national leaders.
The square is located right next to the City Park, and it also hosts 2 museums, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Arts.
FISHERMAN’S BASTION
The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most popular places to visit in Budapest. It is not only that the bastion is built in a beautiful Neo-Romanesque style, but you also get great views of Budapest.
It’s very beautiful and you can get some really nice photos here. It can get very crowded during the day, so the best time to visit is in the early morning.
BUDA CASTLE
The Buda Castle was first completed in 1265, although the current castle complex was built between 1749-1769.
The castle also houses the Budapest Historical Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and the Szechenyi National Library.
ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA
St. Stephen’s Basilica was built in neo-classical architecture between 1851-1905. The Basilica is dedicated to king St. Stephen who was the founder of the Hungarian State.
There is a lookout on top of the Basilica if you want to get some views of the city.
AFTERNOON
THERMAL BATHS
After exploring the main tourist attractions in Budapest in the morning, the best way to relax in the afternoon is to go to one of the thermal baths in Budapest.
Budapest is well known for its thermal baths and there are many to choose from! Two of the most popular thermal baths are the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and the Gellért Thermal Bath.
Book a Full Day at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath including Spa here! (Rated 4.3/5 ⭐ on 16,477 Reviews)
If you are looking for less touristy thermal baths, check out Veli Bej Baths, Lukács Baths or Rudas Baths.
The thermal baths have both indoor and outdoor baths, as well as hot and cold water baths.
The best thing is if you happen to visit Budapest in the winter when it snows. One time I was in one of the thermal baths when it was snowing. It’s really cool to be in the outdoor hot water thermal baths while it is snowing.
EVENING
RIVER DANUBE CRUISE
The best thing to do in Budapest in the evening is to go on a boat cruise on the River Danube. Budapest is split into two by the River Danube and you get a very nice view of the famous buildings in Budapest as you cruise along the river.
The famous buildings are decorated with lights in the evenings and so it is the best time for a river cruise.
There are various river cruises in Budapest that you can choose from, either a simple river cruise, a cruise with traditional Hungarian dinner or there is also an option for cruises with dinner and live music.
Book a Cruise on the River Danube here! (Rated 4.5/5 ⭐ on 24,256 Reviews)
Walking Routes in Budapest
Budapest is a walkable city! There are many tourist attractions close to each other in the city centre that can be explored on foot.
If you don’t want to hire a taxi to take you to the tourist attractions, you can also explore Budapest on foot.
In addition, the public transport in Budapest is extensive and affordable, so it is a good way to get around if you get tired.
If you decide to walk or take public transport, just be aware that it will take a longer time, and you may not be able to cover as much as if you had hired a taxi.
Walking Routes in Budapest
- Option 1: Deák Ferenc tér – St. Stephen’s Basilica – Shoes on the River Danube – Parliament – Margaret Island
- Option 2: Deák Ferenc tér – cross the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd/Bridge) – take the Funicular to Buda Castle – Buda Castle – Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church
- Option 3: Fisherman’s Bastion/Matthias Church – Buda Castle – Gellért Hill/Citadella – Gellért Thermal Bath
- Option 4: Opera – House of Terror – Heroes’ Square – City Park + Vajdahunyad Castle – Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Other Activities in Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and there are so many things to do and places to visit!
The five most famous attractions in Budapest are the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and the St. Stephen’s Basilica. However, there are many other things to do in Budapest.
Some other activities you may be interested in:
- Central Market Hall: traditional Hungarian market where you can explore Hungarian delicacies such as salami, pickles and spices. Good place to buy some Hungarian souvenirs.
- House of Terror: The House of Terror is a memorial to the victims of the fascist and communist regimes of the 20th century Hungary. Visiting the museum can be very moving as it depicts the torture and those killed in the building.
- Ruin Bars: “Ruin bars” in Budapest are a fun place for drinks. They have a unique atmosphere with funny furniture, like bath tubs for chairs, and even furniture stuck to the ceiling. Szimpla Kert is one of the most popular and famous ruin bars in Budapest!
Hungarian Food & Restaurants
Even if you’re in Budapest just for a day, you must try Hungarian food. Some of the traditional Hungarian dishes include:
- Goulash soup
- Pörkölt (beef stew)
- Hortobágyi palacsinta (crepe filled with meat)
- Cherry soup
- Stuffed cabbage
- Lángos (deep fried dough with sour cream. It’s more like a snack)
- Chimney cake (dessert)
🥘 Follow your stomach and join a Food Tour in Budapest here!
For traditional Hungarian food, here are some of the best restaurants:
Hotels in Budapest
Looking for a place to stay in Budapest? Here are my top recommendations for every budget:
📍 Budget Hostel: Maverick City Lodge
📍 Mid-Range Hotel: D50 Hotel
📍 High-End Hotel: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
FAQs: 1 Day in Budapest: Itinerary and Best Things to Do
Is it worth going to Budapest for one day?
Yes, it is definitely worth going to Budapest for one day!
The main attractions and things to do in Budapest in one day include visiting the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, thermal baths and going on a river cruise.
Although it is best to spend at least a couple of days in Budapest, if you only have one day in Budapest, it is still worth it!
You can cover a lot in one day especially if you hire a taxi to get you around the city to the main tourist attractions.
What to do in Budapest for 6 hours?
If you only have 6 hours in Budapest, your best option is to hire a taxi to take you to the main tourist attractions such as the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and the St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Taxis in Budapest are affordable and if you get a taxi, you can cover the main attractions in about 2 hours in Budapest.
If you hire a taxi for 2 hours, it will go on the meter and cost you around USD 16/hour (including time when the taxi waits for you while you walk around the attractions).
What do tourists typically do when they visit Budapest?
Typically, tourists in Budapest explore the main attractions (Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica), relax in the thermal baths or go on a boat cruise on the River Danube.
What you cannot miss in Budapest?
If you are visiting Budapest, you cannot miss the must-see attractions (Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica), chilling in the thermal baths, going on a river cruise and having a drink in one of the “ruin bars”.
What is the famous thing in Budapest?
Budapest is famous for its beautiful architecture and the River Danube splitting the city into two sides: Pest and Buda.
If you are in Budapest, make sure not to miss going on a cruise on the River Danube in the evening and see the famous buildings along the river at night!
What to see in Budapest in one day?
If you only have one day in Budapest, the must-see attractions are the Hungarian Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and the St. Stephen’s Basilica.
In addition, Budapest is also known for its thermal baths and cruises on the River Danube and are great activities to relax after sightseeing.
Conclusion
Budapest is famous for its beautiful architecture and the River Danube splitting the city into two sides: Pest and Buda.
If you only have one day in Budapest, some of the must-see attractions are the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
To get the most out of your 1 day in Budapest, you can hire a taxi to take you to the most famous tourist attractions in the city. You can cover around 5 famous sites in 2 hours including around 10 minutes waiting time at each location. The taxi going on the meter will cost around USD 32 for 2 hours to take you to 5 attractions.
In addition, Budapest is also known for its thermal baths and cruises on the River Danube and are great activities to relax after sightseeing.
Hungary Quick Guide
How to get from the Budapest Airport to City Center?
The 3 easiest way to get from the Budapest Airport to the city center is by taking the airport shuttle bus, taxi, or pre-booking a private transfer.
For more information, check out how to get from the Budapest Airport to city center here.
Should I get a Hungarian SIM card?
If you don’t get free roaming in Budapest, then the best thing to do is to get an Airalo eSIM for Hungary.
They have packages for 7, 15 or 30 days and the prices are affordable.
Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Hungary?
Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Hungary, including apps for booking taxis, using public transport, ordering food, or translating.
Check out my list of the most useful apps in Budapest for travellers.
What is the currency in Budapest? Can I pay by cash or card?
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
You can use both cash and cards in Budapest. Card payments are widely accepted all over Budapest and it is only the small shops or street vendors that take only cash payments.
Is the public transport good in Budapest?
Yes! The public transport in Budapest is well-connected and affordable.
The main modes of transport in Budapest are the metro, buses, HÉV trains, trolley buses and there are even public boats!
If you want to save some time or comfort, taking a taxi is a good option. When booking a taxi in Budapest, you can either hail a regular taxi or book one through a taxi app (Uber or Bolt).
Can I drink tap water in Budapest?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Budapest (and all across Hungary).
The tap water goes through a strict water treatment process in Hungary which makes it safe to drink for everyone.
Do they speak English in Budapest?
Yes, people speak good English in Budapest, especially the younger generation.
The older population may not speak English that well, so if you have to ask for information, the best is to approach someone who is younger.
In most tourist places, hotels, restaurants and bars, the staff has a good level of English, so you will get by easily.
Hungary Trip Planning
✈️ Book Flights to Hungary:
Find the best flight deals on Skyscanner or Kiwi.com!
🏠 Book Hotels for Hungary:
Booking.com: best budget, mid-range and luxury hotels.
Hostelworld.com: best for cheapest hostels!
(P.S: The best areas in Budapest are District 5 and 6, right in the city center)
🥘 Book Activities for Hungary:
Book the best activities, tours and day trips on GetYourGuide and Viator. There is everything from river cruises, thermal baths and walking tours to food tours and pub crawls!
🎒 Get Travel Insurance for Hungary: Be on the safe side and get a SafetyWing Travel Insurance – one of the most affordable international travel insurances!
💳 Get Your Travel Cards: Wise and Revolut have travel cards that you can top up with multiple currencies. They have great exchange rates and you can easily use them for payments in shops and restaurants worldwide.
✅ Check out my complete list of travel resources to plan your trip!
