1 Day Budapest Itinerary | Hungary

I spent a fantastic day in Budapest, and although I only had one day, I feel like I got the essence of this beautiful city.

With just one day, you can still see its most famous sights, enjoy great food, and soak in its spa culture. This Budapest itinerary is packed but doable, and it shows you both sides of the city, Buda and Pest, without rushing too much.

Short on time? Here is a summary of the Budapest 1 day itinerary:

1. Start the day in Budapest at Fisherman’s Bastion

2. Head over to Pest side and check out the Hungarian Parliament Building

3. Have lunch in the Budapest Old Town

4. Finish the day in Széchenyi Thermal Baths

5. If you want to stay out - check out Ruin bars

Start the day in Buda: Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church

Begin your day in Budapest at Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church (also known as the Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle).

The Buda Castle District is the best place to start early because it gets very crowded later in the day. Fisherman’s Bastion looks like something out of a fairytale, with white towers and wide terraces. Fisherman’s Bastion may look medieval, but it’s actually much newer than it seems. It was built in the late 1800s to celebrate 1,000 years of Hungary’s history. The name comes from the fishermen’s guild who once protected this part of the city wall in the Middle Ages. The seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that founded Hungary. Unlike real fortresses, this one was never meant for battle, it was built purely for beauty, views, and national pride. That’s why it feels more like a fairytale lookout than a defensive castle. There are parts that you can visit for a fee, but overall, the Fisherman’s Bastion area is free to wander.

Matthias Church is right next to it and is just as special. The colorful roof and detailed interior make it one of the most beautiful churches in Hungary. Kings were crowned here, and the church has played a big role in the country’s history. The standard entrance ticket is around 9 Euros.

From here, you get one of the best views of the Pest side, including the Parliament and the Danube River.

Next Stop: Hungarian Parliament Building

Your next stop is the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most iconic buildings in Europe. It sits right on the river and looks stunning from every angle.

The Parliament Building is still used today and is home to Hungary’s National Assembly. Yes, you can go inside. Guided tours are available and include the main hall, the grand staircase, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. Tickets sell out fast, so booking ahead is a good idea.

To get to the Parliament Building from Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church, you have two options:

• Walk across the Chain Bridge - a beautiful route crossing the Danube River with great views of Budapest. The Chain Bridge is very important as it was the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest.

• Take a taxi - the walk is scenic but quite long, especially if you’re short on time.

Once on the Pest side, you can explore a bit of the Budapest Old Town and city center area that features beautiful historic buildings and venues like:

• St. Stephen’s Basilica - one of the most important churches in the city.

• Hungarian State Opera House - a stunning 19th-century building along Andrássy Avenue, worth seeing even from the outside.

• Váci Street - a famous walking street with shops and cafés.

Also, a great location where to take a break and have lunch.

🌿 For my fellow veggies for lunch, I can recommend 'Vegan Garden'. Absolutely fantastic food experience. The food was amazing, and I got to try local cuisine just in a vegetarian version.

Even if you are not hungry, you can have a coffee break in places like Café Gerbeaud or New York Cafe, which are part of the city’s cultural history and are known for their grand interiors and classic Hungarian cakes.

Finish the day in Széchenyi Baths

An absolute must-do in Budapest is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. It is so iconic to Budapest that you can't miss out on it. It’s one of the largest thermal baths in Europe. The complex has outdoor pools, indoor thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms. They even offer a beer spa!

Opened in 1913, the thermal baths were built during Budapest’s golden age and quickly became a social hub, not just a place to relax. The thermal baths are fed by natural hot springs from deep underground and are rich in minerals believed to help joints and circulation.

Széchenyi is open every day, year-round, usually from early morning until late evening, which makes it easy to fit into a one-day itinerary. The prices are around 40 Euros per person, with options for lockers or private changing cabins. I recommend booking the tickets in advance, as you will be guaranteed an entrance and will skip the queue that way. But don't worry, if you decide to visit at the last minute, you can also buy tickets on arrival, just note, you might need to wait quite a bit. Afternoons and evenings are the busiest, especially on weekends.

Locals come here year-round, even in winter. I actually visited in January and absolutely loved it. One of the best parts is soaking in the warm outdoor pools while the air is cold.

Try to arrive before sunset, so you can enjoy the baths in daylight and then stay as the lights come on. At night, the atmosphere feels magical.

For the evening in Budapest - Ruin Bars

If you want to stay out in Budapest, you have to visit some of the Ruin Bars in the city center, a nightlife concept you won’t really find anywhere else. Ruin bars started in the early 2000s when abandoned buildings in the Jewish Quarter were turned into ruin bars instead of being torn down. The most famous ruin bar is Szimpla Kert, known for its mismatched furniture, street-art walls, and relaxed vibe. Ruin bars are more authentic and not fancy cocktail bars. Even if you only visit one ruin bar, it’s a great way to experience Budapest’s alternative side.

For a more romantic option, opt for one of the evening cruises down the Danube River. A magical way to see Budapest in night lights. And you can find options as cheap as 10 Euros!

I followed this itinerary and had the best day in Budapest, despite the fact that it was very cold that day. I hope you can pick some great ideas from this guide for your trip to Budapest!

I did not have enough time to visit Buda Castle and the Hungarian National Gallery, but if I were to return, I would add them to my list!

FAQ about Budapest

What local Hungarian dishes should I try?

Some of the most popular Hungarian dishes are Goulash, Chicken Paprikash, and Lángos. A popular dessert in Hungary is Chimney cake. Hungarian cuisine is very meat focused but in Budapest you will find many amazing vegan restaurants offering local dishes in a vegetarian version.

Where can I find the best views of Budapest?

The best view of Budapest is from the Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda side.

What are the best nightlife options in Budapest?

For a unique night out in Budapest, you have to visit one of the Ruin Bars. Abundant buildings turned into quirky bars with very interesting designs.

Is there anything to do in Budapest in winter?

Yes, in winter, Budapest hosts an amazing Christmas market. The Christmas market in Budapest usually lasts from November until January.

Which are the most famous thermal baths in Budapest?

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the most famous one in Budapest. It is open all year round, even in winter.