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Things to do in Budapest

12 places · 19 h of sightseeing · 4 days

How many days do you need in Budapest?

12 places add up to 19 h of pure sightseeing. At 6 hours a day, not counting walking and meals, that's 4 days.

The best-known places in order, as long as they fit into 6 hours of sightseeing a day. Sightseeing only, without walking and meals — build the day-by-day plan with opening hours and the route in a RouteMarket notebook.

Top sights

Ordered by how well known each place is. Data: OpenStreetMap and Wikipedia.

Hungarian Parliament Building — 1 h 15 min visit. It serves as the seat of the Hungarian Parliament, measuring 96 meters in height and featuring 691 rooms. Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00 · Sat–Sun 08:00–16:00.
Buda Castle — 3 h visit. This historic residence of Hungarian kings, rebuilt since the 13th century, now houses three important cultural institutions.
Heroes' Square — 45 min visit
Széchenyi Chain Bridge — 30 min visit. Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest. Hours: open 24/7.
St. Stephen's Basilica — 1 h 15 min visit. One of the largest temples, its northern tower, 96 meters high, matches the Parliament building. Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00 · Sat 09:00–13:00 · Sun 13:00–17:00.
Hungarian State Opera House — 3 h visit. Built in Neo-Renaissance style between 1875 and 1884 according to Miklós Ybl's design, it is one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe.
Hungarian Academy of Sciences — 45 min visit. The seat of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, a monumental Neo-Renaissance building from 1862-1865, serves scientific functions, unlike Országház.
Matthias Church — 1 h visit. The coronation church of Hungarian kings from the 13th century is distinguished by Neo-Gothic decorations and characteristic colorful glazed roof tiles. Hours: Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00 · Sun 13:00–17:00.
Margaret Island — 3 h visit
Fisherman's Bastion — 1 h visit. The seven towers of this Neo-Romanesque building symbolize the seven Magyar tribes; it was completed in the early 20th century purely for decoration and views. Hours: Mon–Sun 09:00–23:00.
Museum of Fine Arts — 2 h 30 min visit Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00.
Great Synagogue — 1 h visit. It is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world, built between 1854 and 1859. Hours: Mar–Sep Sun–Thu 10:00–20:00 · Mar–Oct Fri 10:00–16:00 · Nov–Feb Sun–Thu 10:00–16:00 · Nov–Feb Fri 10:00–14:00 · Mar–Apr Sun–Thu 10:00–16:00 · Oct Sun–Thu 10:00–16:00.
National Bank of Hungary — 15 min visit. It serves as the country's key financial institution, distinguishing it from Sándor Palace or the historic ruins of the Church of Mary Magdalene.
Hungarian National Museum — 2 h visit Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00.
Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music — 1 h visit. Although completed in 1907, as a music academy it serves a different function than theater buildings, e.g., Vígszínház, or financial institutions.
Budapest-Keleti — 15 min visit
Sándor Palace — 15 min visit. The residence of the President of Hungary, built between 1803 and 1806, is not accessible to visitors.
City Park — 4 h visit
Hungarian National Gallery — 3 h 30 min visit. It is the largest art museum in Budapest, showcasing Hungarian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Hours: Mon–Sun 10:00–18:00.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath — 4 h visit Hours: Mon–Thu 07:00–20:00 · Fri 07:00–22:00 · Sat,Sun 08:00–20:00.
Liberty Statue — 1 h visit. As a monumental sculpture, it commemorates the liberation of Hungary, erected in 1947, which distinguishes it from fortress buildings.
National Theatre — 25 min visit Hours: Mon–Sun 10:00–18:00.
Central Market Hall — 1 h visit. Opened in 1897, it is the largest and oldest market hall in Budapest, distinguished by its impressive cast-iron structure and colorful roof. Hours: Mon–Fri 06:00–18:00 · Sat 06:00–16:00 · Sun 10:00–16:00.
Museum of Applied Arts — 1 h 30 min visit Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00.

Where to eat

Gerbeaud Cukrászda — Founded in 1858 by Henri Émile Gerbeaud, it is a famous confectionery with elegant Empire and Rococo style interiors.
Costes — It was the first restaurant in Budapest to receive a Michelin star, specializing in refined fusion cuisine.
Onyx — Unlike Costes Downtown, it focuses on innovative dishes of modern Hungarian cuisine.
Restaurant Pierrot — Located in a 13th-century historic building in the Castle District, it offers live piano music and a romantic garden.
Kiosk Buda — Its creative approach to Hungarian and international cuisine contrasts with traditional eateries such as Hunyadi Étterem.
Hunyadi Étterem — It serves traditional goulash and paprikash in an interior referencing Hungarian culture, creating an authentic culinary experience.
Kicsi Csángó Magyar Konyha — It is a fast-food bar serving exclusively traditional Hungarian home-style dishes, unlike restaurants with an international menu.
Babel — In contrast to Costes Downtown, it focuses on sophisticated Hungarian cuisine with modern accents.

What to see in Budapest in one day?

Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Heroes' Square, Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Ready-made notebooks for this city

Budapest in two days — first visit

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