Don’t worry if you have just one day to spend in Budapest! The city is full of exciting things to see and do and you can discover many of them in a single day. There’s plenty to see such as famous landmarks and lovely views of the Danube, all of which will impress you. Because of its deep history, great architecture and active culture, visitors to this city will always find something interesting. We’re going to explore an itinerary that lets you see and do the most in 24 hours in this amazing city.

Morning

Plan to start your day by walking across Chain Bridge which connects Buda with Pest, the two primary parts of Budapest. Not only does this bridge provide an important way to cross the Danube; it also represents the unity and determination of Budapest. As you cross the bridge, admire the Danube River as well as the city around you from all directions. A soft glow coming from the morning light sets the scene for beautiful pictures and a smooth start to your day.

Buda Castle

When you reach the Chain Bridge, go toward the wonderful Buda Castle on Castle Hill. This landmark possesses the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inside you will find the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Have a stroll through the castle valley, wander in the courtyards and notice the unique combination of medieval, baroque and contemporary styles. Don’t skip your chance to see how beautiful the city and the river are from the castle.

Fisherman’s Bastion

After that, go to the Fisherman’s Bastion which sits atop Buda Castle Hill. Looking like a fairy tale, the castle is complete with turrets and terraces. To see the city skyline from a unique point, stop at the Fisherman’s Bastion which offers excellent views over Pest and the Danube. Here, the well-known Parliament building on the other side immediately catches your eye and allows you to observe the lively people below. Step onto the terraces, take in the views, photograph what catches your interest and stop in one of the close-by cafes for some coffee.

Afternoon

After a satisfying morning in Buda, walk back to Pest and have a pleasant stroll on Andrássy Avenue. On this important road are elegant Neo-Renaissance buildings, stylish boutiques and cozy cafes. Many say that the Bund is comparable to the Champs-Élysées in Paris and the Bund also has World Heritage status. Take in the well-planned appearance of the city and observe the beautiful exterior details such as well-designed facades and handsome balconies.

Heroes’ Square

Take a walk along Andrássy to the beautiful Heroes’ Square at its end. Heroes Square is a well-known place in Budapest dedicated to the country’s main leaders and the year Hungary was founded. In the middle is the Millennium Monument which is surrounded by statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important historical figures. The wide open space and stunning sculptures at the square give visitors a great chance to reflect on Hungarian history and see the artistic splendor of the location.

The St. Stephen’s Basilica

From Heroes’ Square, proceed towards St. Stephen’s Basilica which is one of the best known sights in Budapest. The basilica is called after Hungary’s first king and has a magnificent dome and beautiful stone carvings. The church has a beautiful interior design and inside is the famous mummified hand of St. Stephen, considered holy by many. If you can, use your time to enjoy the view from the observation deck at the top of the dome. Visitors to the basilica appreciate how peaceful it is compared to the busy city street

Evening

After sundown, Budapest’s bright lights reveal the spectrum of late-night life that keep the city interesting.

Ruin bars

Begin your night at a special ruin bar that Budapest is known for. They are set up in buildings that were abandoned before and these venues are turned into quirky bars with old furniture, funky decor and lots of people. Ruin bars are famous in Budapest for the atmosphere they provide which relaxes both locals and tourists. You can try a unique craft beer, enjoy live tunes or simply love the bohemian ambiance and ruin bars won’t disappoint you.

A trip along the Danube by river

Finish your day on a romantic cruise along the River Danube. As afternoon changes into night, visit the river and watch the bright lights of the bridges and old buildings while chilling on a boat. The Chain Bridge, Parliament building and Buda Castle are extra enchanting with lights at night. A lot of cruises provide dinner, so you can try Hungarian dishes and see the city from the deck. This peaceful and beautiful evening is an ideal last experience in Budapest.

Keep in mind, this schedule only includes some of the many things to see in Budapest. There are so many activities to do in the city that you might need several days. The Parliament building, Shoes on the Danube Bank and the city’s traditional thermal baths are some of the other attractions you can visit if you have more time.

By using a smart route and having good plans ahead of time, visitors can still enjoy the highlights of Budapest in a short visit. It’s organized so you get a taste of the city’s past, unique culture, architectural highlights and interesting flavors. Have a great time on your tour!