With its more than 1.7 million inhabitants, Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. The largest city of Hungary which was originally divided by the river Danube into two cities, Buda and Pest, is full of amazing sites. Also the food specialities shouldn’t be missed like for example the Gulasch soup, the chicken paprikas served with small dumplings and the Gundel Palascinta, a pancake filled with chocolate sauce. We spent two days in this city and had enough time to visit the most important sights. I would recommend following itinerary for two wonderful days in Budapest:
Day 1
Start your day at the Hungarian State Opera House before walking down Andrássy út to the impressive Basilica of St Stephen. Go inside the Basilica to discover the interior and the mummified right hand of St Stephen. If you wanna have a nice view over the city you should definitely take the lift up to the dome (500 Ft). Then you can walk to the Danube river passing by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, where you can have a glance at the majestic Széchenyl Chain Bridge.
Walk northwards along the River Danube to the famous Shoes on the Danube, a monument that was build for the Hungarian jews that were shot and thrown into the Danube, before you reach the marvelous Parliament and the Ethnography Museum. Before going on a lunch break you have time to walk to the Liberty Square with its Army Memorial, the Bedo House and the fountain that turns off as soon as you walk through it.
For lunch break I would recommend the restaurant Kispiac (Hold utca 13) which serves delicious Hungarian specialities and which is very close to the square. After the refreshment you can start walking southwards to discover the most touristic street of Budapest the Váci u. Admire the Fishergirl Fountain, the Municipal Council Office, the Pest County Hall, take a look at the pretty Philanthia shop and do some shopping in the boutiques and the shopping malls. At the end of Váci u you will find Budapest’s biggest market called Nagyscarnok where you can buy some souvenirs.
After crossing Liberty Bridge it’s time to walk up to the top of Gellért Hill to discover the citadel, the liberty monument and the cave church, before ending the day in the famous Gellért Baths where you can relax in eight thermal pools.
Day 2
Start your day in the Jewish quarter Erzsébetváros where you can admire the Great Synagogue and get a drink at one of the most beautiful cafés in the world the “New York Café”. Then you should take the underground to the station “Széll Kálmán tér” to start your visit of Castle Hill. Go through Vienna Gate and admire Magdalene Tower and Matthias Church, one of the most amazing buildings in Budapest.
If you like museums you have the choice between the Museum of Military History, the Telephony Museum and the Music History Museum. If you wanna have something more fun you can visit the Buda Castle Labyrinth. Discover the history of Dracula and walk in dark caves just by following a rope. For lunch break you can eat at the “21 – Hungarian Restaurant” which serves delicious Hungarian specialities.
After the break you can start visiting the Royal Palace with its Convinus Gate, the Castle Museum and Matthias Fountain, before you go back down to the city center with the “Sikló”, an old funicular railway. Walk over the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to take the underground at “Vörösmarty tér” which will bring you to the City Park. Walk over Heroes’ Square, the largest square in Budapest, into the City Park where you can finish the sightseeing tour in the famous Széchenyi Baths, the largest medicinal bath extant in Europe with 15 indoor and 3 outdoor pools.
Accommodation: “Minestrone” apartment on Airbnb (spacious apartment with two big beds for 171€ + 6€ city tax for three nights in the center of Budapest close to Basilica St Stephen)