48 hours in Budapest | practical itinerary

Budapest is one of the most fascinating cities in Eastern Europe, and you absolutely need to visit it, fact! Like most European capitals, there is a lot to do there, so this 48-hour itinerary in Budapest will help you cover the basics, okay?

Before anything else, here are some practical details about the city:

• The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian forint. As of the date of this post’s publication, 1 euro equals 378 forints, and 1 real equals 72 forints, approximately. Bring euros and exchange them once you arrive in Budapest.

• The time zone difference from Brasília can vary between 4 and 5 hours ahead, depending on the time of year.

• Brazilians do not need a visa to enter the country for tourism.

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How to get there

Budapest has an international airport, Ferenc Liszt, which receives flights from various destinations, including low-cost airlines.

Another alternative is arriving by land, in which case you can choose between bus, train, or car. The city is very close to other capitals, such as Bratislava (230 km), Vienna (275 km), and Prague (550 km). This way, you can plan a great itinerary by train or bus.

48 hours in Budapest

The city is divided into two sides: Buda and Pest. To make your 48-hour itinerary in Budapest more organized, I'll dedicate one day to each side, okay? On the first day, you can explore the Pest side, which is the "lower" part of the city.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

This is the largest church in the country and one of the tallest buildings in the city. You can visit it from the inside, but a donation is required. From the dome, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of Budapest.

I suggest starting your itinerary here, but first, add the places you want to visit to Google Maps to see if it makes sense to begin at the Basilica.

Parliament | 48 hours in Budapest

From the Basilica, walk to the Parliament building (1.1 km walk).

The Hungarian Parliament is currently the largest building in the country and the second-largest parliament in Europe, according to Wikipedia. It is definitely a must-see, both inside and outside!

Opening hours: Every day, from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM.

Ticket price: 6700 forints (approximately 17 euros).

Another tip: return to the Parliament area at night, as the building is beautifully illuminated, making it even more stunning!

Walk along the Danube River

From the Parliament, continue walking along the Danube River toward the Chain Bridge. Here, you’ll get a beautiful view of Buda Castle, so take some amazing photos with it in the background.

Further along, you’ll come across the "Shoes on the Danube" monument, which must be included in your 48-hour Budapest itinerary! It is a memorial honoring the Jewish victims who were killed during Nazi rule in World War II. They were forced to remove their shoes before being shot, so their bodies would fall directly into the river.

Here, you’ll also have a fantastic view of the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) and other bridges in the city. The suggestion is to not cross them on the first day, just keep walking along the riverbanks. Oh, and just like the Parliament, the Chain Bridge is beautifully illuminated at night, so be sure to return and check it out.

Thermal Baths | 48 hours in Budapest

To end your day, visit one of Budapest’s thermal baths, the most famous being Széchenyi.

• Opening hours: 09:00 AM – 08:00 PM.

• Entrance fee: Starting at 24 euros (prices may vary depending on the season).

  
  

Tip: Even in winter, this is a great option, as the pools are heated.

Buda Castle

On the second day of your 48-hour Budapest itinerary, I recommend exploring the Buda side and starting your day by walking across the Chain Bridge.

After crossing, you can walk up or take the funicular to reach the Castle.

This imposing and beautiful construction has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best thing to do is walk around the area, admire the architecture, and enjoy the city view.

Fisherman’s Bastion

From the Castle, head toward Fisherman’s Bastion, which is near Matthias Church. Here, you will have a breathtaking view of the Parliament and the Danube River, so take advantage of this perfect photo opportunity!

Matthias Church is a great example of Gothic architecture, pay special attention to its stunning roof tiles.

If the weather is nice, you can walk to Margaret Island for a picnic. Locals love spending sunny days there, exercising and relaxing. It’s a green, peaceful spot in the city!

Citadella

To end your day, watch the sunset from the Citadella, a fortress located on top of Gellért Hill.

Note: The sunset time and position may vary depending on the season.

If you still have energy and want to go out at night, visit Szimpla Kert, the most famous ruin pub in the city, definitely a unique experience! You can also explore the Jewish Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife. This will be the perfect way to wrap up your 48 hours in Budapest!

Now you know exactly what to do in 48 hours in Budapest! If you have more time, consider staying for another couple of days before heading to Prague (Czech Republic), Bratislava (Slovakia), Vienna (Austria), Kraków (Poland), or Belgrade (Serbia).

If you still have any questions, leave a comment below!

See you soon!