One day in Budapest, Hungary – top things to do

One day in Budapest is all it took for me to fall in love with the Hungarian capital. If you haven’t visited it yet, get ready to be pleasantly surprised because Budapest will most likely exceed your expectations, just like it did in my case.

 

It’s an incredibly beautiful city with impressive architecture, hills that offer sweeping panoramic views, and streets, buildings, and monuments that seem to tell their own stories through every detail.

 

The city stretches on both sides of the Danube and is home to almost 2 million people. What makes it even more special is the cultural mix: people from all over Europe and beyond have chosen to live here, giving Budapest a unique energy and vibe.

 

So diverse, in fact, that you’ll hear Romanian, Russian, German, Turkish, and even Chinese. And no, I’m not talking about tourists, I mean locals who loved it so much they decided to call it home, permanently or not.

 

What I use every time I travel:

• To book hotels: Booking.com
• To book tours: GetYourGuide.com

 

 

 

Fun facts about Budapest

 

• One day in Budapest might not be enough, but you’ll definitely fall for the views from its iconic bridges.

• Until 1849, Buda and Pest had no physical connection. That changed with the construction of the famous Chain Bridge.

• In 1873, Buda and Pest officially became one city, today known as Budapest, one of the prettiest capitals in Eastern Europe.

• Pest is the lively, modern side, full of shops and nightlife. Buda is calmer, filled with historic buildings and cozy vibes.

• Even with just one day in Budapest, you can explore many attractions on foot, most of the things to do in Budapest are close together.

• The city has the second-oldest subway line in the world, perfect for speeding through your Budapest 1 day itinerary.

• Need a quick recap? This article is your go-to Budapest 1 day itinerary. Save it and thank me later.

 

 

Where to stay in Budapest: 

 

Budapest offers plenty of great accommodation options, no matter your budget. If you’re planning to explore the main attractions, stay close to District V (Belváros-Lipótváros) for Parliament views, District I (Castle District) for history lovers, or District VII (Jewish Quarter) for nightlife and cool cafes.

 

• low-budget: Vagabond SOHO  – excellent location, airport shuttle, free Wifi
• mid-budget: Cortile Budapest Hotel – excellent location, pool, free Wifi, superb breakfast
• luxury: Hotel Moments Budapest  – excellent location, restaurant, bar, superb breakfast, fitness center

 

    Of course, there are many other activities to be done in Budapest and places to see, but I had one day at my disposal, and these were my priorities for a first visit to the city. I will definitely come back here soon, and then I will add much more to the list. Budapest, you rock!

 

Where to eat and drink in Budapest:

 

In Budapest, you will find many restaurants with delicious food and cafes with great design. Of course, you can’t miss the New York Cafe in Budapest, one of the most beautiful in the world, but others are also worthwhile to include in your itinerary.

 

•  enjoy a tasty burger at Beerstro 14
• try Mediterranean cuisine at Uncensored Restaurant
• have delicious seafood at Tapassio
• enjoy a freshly-made croissant at Coffee Shop 64

 

 

 

One day in Budapest – Top things to do

 

 

  Admire the panorama of the city from the Citadella

 

    Located on Gellert Hill, the Citadella is the place where you will definitely want to get a taste of the history of the country, but also for the incredible views of Budapest.

 

From here, you will have visual access to the Danube and the famous bridges that cross it, but also to the most significant buildings in the city: Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and the Parliament Building are just a few of them.

 

    Also, here you will learn that Americans are not the only ones to enjoy a Statue of Liberty. The Hungarians have their own statue of this kind, and its appearance has no resemblance to that of New York.

 

 

 

 

 

While Lady Liberty in Manhattan holds a torch and a tablet marked July 4th, the Statue of Liberty in Budapest proudly raises a palm leaf with both hands, a completely different symbol, but equally powerful.

 

This statue was completed in 1947 and marks the liberation of Hungary by the Soviet Union during World War II. Whether or not you agree with the symbolism, it’s undeniably a piece of the city’s complex history and worth seeing during your one day in Budapest.

 

Inside the Citadella park, you’ll also find other meaningful statues tied to Hungarian history, plus a handful of stalls selling traditional dishes and travel souvenirs (your fridge magnet collection will thank you).

 

Plan to spend around two hours here, ideally in the morning, it’s one of those things to do in Budapest that sets the mood for the rest of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

Discover Matthias Church

 

The 700-year-old church will instantly catch your eye with its unmistakable Gothic architecture and the colorful mosaic roof: orange, blue, red, green, yellow… basically, a rainbow in tile form.

 

It’s not just a religious and cultural icon, but also a place of major political significance, as some of Hungary’s greatest kings were crowned right here.

 

Why Matthias? It’s named after Matei Corvin, one of Hungary’s most legendary rulers, and yes, he got married inside this church twice.

 

Matthias Church is located inside the Buda Fortress, right in Trinity Square, and it’s easily one of the top things to do in Budapest, especially if you only have one day in Budapest and want to focus on highlights with both beauty and history.

 

⇒ Get your tickets for Matthias Church

 

 

 

 

 Feel like in a fairy tale at Fishermen’s Bastion

 

 

Once you’ve finished visiting the church, head straight to one of the most magical spots in the city: the Fishermen’s Bastion. It genuinely feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with its white walls and castle-like towers that look straight out of a storybook.

 

Designed by architect Frigyes Schulek, the bastion blends neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

 

Its seven towers symbolize the seven Hungarian tribes that settled in the Pannonian Plain in the 9th century, and with this level of detail, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most Instagrammable things to do in Budapest.

 

 

From the promenade, you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Parliament Building, which we’ll talk about in a bit. Grab a cappuccino or a scoop of gelato and just take it all in.

 

It does get busy, but the atmosphere remains peaceful, with everyone soaking in the panorama over Pest and the Danube.

 

To get here, you can drive, take the bus, or ride one of the coolest forms of transport in the city: the historic funicular at the end of the Chain Bridge.

 

The Buda Castle complex is like a tiny city full of charming spots and cafés, so if you’re following a Budapest 1 day itinerary, make sure you allow a few solid hours to explore this area. It’s a must for one day in Budapest.

 

⇒ Book a Walking Tour of Buda Castle with a Historian

 

 

 

  Cross the famous Chain Bridge

 

 

One of the essential things to do in Budapest, especially if you’re following a Budapest 1 day itinerary, is to cross the iconic Chain Bridge.

 

Though commonly referred to as the Chain Bridge, its official name is Széchenyi Chain Bridge, named after Count Széchenyi István, the visionary who came up with the brilliant idea of connecting Buda and Pest. Thanks to him, the city can now enjoy one of its most recognizable symbols, proudly featured on every Budapest postcard.

 

Built right after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, this was the first bridge over the Danube in Hungary, completed in 1849. At the time, it held the impressive title of being the longest suspended bridge in the world.

 

And if it looks oddly familiar, that’s because it closely resembles the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, although, just to set the record straight, Budapest’s came almost 20 years earlier. So maybe we should say Brooklyn took a little inspiration from Buda, not the other way around.

 

 

 

It is an absolutely superb bridge, built in a classical style, with added wrought iron elements and a pair of lion-like statues at each entrance, guarding the structure and giving it an imposing allure. You can cross it both by car and on foot, there’s a pedestrian walkway in both directions, which makes it ideal to include in your Budapest 1 day itinerary.

 

It’s a great walk no matter the time of day, but if you want the full wow effect, do it in the evening, when the city lights up with thousands of bulbs and the view becomes simply magical. In just 380 meters, you’ll go from Buda to Pest. Or vice versa, depending on how you planned your one day in Budapest!

 

 

Admire the most impressive building in Budapest, the Parliament building

 

Not many buildings will impress you as much as this one. The Parliament building is so beautiful and spectacular that it will trigger a wave of emotion and make you wish you could meet the architect who designed it. Too bad the construction was finished over a century ago.

 

While the average tourist will admire it for its size and design, architecture lovers will feel like they’ve reached heaven. It’s a true masterpiece, inspired by Westminster Palace in London, combining neo-Gothic style with Baroque and Renaissance accents.

 

As glamorous as its symmetrical exterior with the immense dome, statues, and turrets, the interior is equally stunning, with ceiling frescoes, stained glass windows, huge halls, and glass mosaic paintings.

 

The Parliament building is definitely one of the top things to do in Budapest, whether you see it during the day or all lit up at night. Some say it looks best from the Danube on a river cruise (especially if you only have one day in Budapest), but if you’re short on time, admire it from across the river, the view is still breathtaking.

 

⇒ Book a tour inside the Parliament building 

 

 

 

Find out the sad story of the shoes on the Danube

 

If you only have a day in Budapest, make sure to include this stop; it’s not just one of the most emotional things to do in Budapest, but also one that will stay with you long after you leave.

 

Before I got here, I heard about the controversial monument on the Danube’s bank and really wanted to see it. The story of the shoes is deeply touching and tragic, and you’ll inevitably feel emotionally overwhelmed when you get close to them.

 

Right here, between 1944 and 1945, during the Holocaust, groups of Jews were lined up, ordered to remove their shoes, and shot, their bodies falling into the river. Sixty rusted iron shoes, anchored in the stone dike, remain as eternal witnesses to those horrific moments.

 

The atmosphere is so intense that many people bring flowers and candles in memory of the victims.

 

 

 Explore the streets of Budapest

 

 

One of the best things to do in Budapest, especially if you only have one day in Budapest, is to simply walk its streets: slowly, curiously, without a fixed plan.

 

Budapest is a chic and elegant city, packed with charming corners, gorgeous architecture, and local life happening in real time. Spend at least one hour near the center just strolling and taking it all in: the vibe, the people, the beauty. Chances are, you’ll want to come back soon to explore even more.

 

 

 

 

 

Unmissable Tours in Budapest

 

Budapest is not just beautiful, it’s also packed with amazing activities. Whether or not they involve the Danube, there’s plenty to do! Of course, the Danube river cruise is the star – especially at night, when the city lights will truly take your breath away. But here are a few more experiences I totally recommend:

 

• spend a relaxing day at the most famous spa in Budapest

• attend a classical music concert inside St. Stephen’s Basilica

• explore the majestic Buda Castle

• learn more about Jewish history in Budapest

• enjoy a coffee at New York Café, one of the most beautiful cafés in the world