Exploring Budapest: A 2-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

9:00am 

Breakfast at Leo Bistro:  A great place for breakfast located within the Hotel Clark.

10:30am 

Private city tour:   Rockhoppers, the tour company we used while in Budapest, can build a custom tour to cover major sites including:

• Buda Castle: Home to the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum.
• Fisherman’s Bastion: Offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
• Lunch at Central Market Hall: Sample various Hungarian foods at this bustling market.
• Heroes’ Square: A monumental square featuring statues of Hungarian leaders.
• Andrássy Avenue: A UNESCO World Heritage site lined with grand buildings.
• Gellért Hill and Citadel: Visit the Citadel for breathtaking views of Budapest. Don’t miss the Liberty Statue and the surrounding park.

8:00pm

Dinner at Kollázs Brasserie & Bar:  Located within the stunning Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Kolláz Brasserie offers a memorable culinary experience, serving the best of Hungarian cuisine in a modern, luxurious setting.  Try the 8-course tasting menu for a great variety of delicious dishes.

10:30pm

Boat Tour:  Seeing Budapest from the Danube at night is a breathtaking experience. We booked our 30-minute sunset boat ride with Dunarama, and it was absolutely fabulous! We popped open a bottle of bubbly as the captain cranked up Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and started playing, “All aboard, ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ay ay ay ay, ay, ay, ay,” as we sped off on an exhilarating ride. Witnessing iconic landmarks such as the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge, all illuminated and reflecting on the water, was truly stunning. I recommend booking the 60-minute ride instead of the 30-minute one we did, as it’s so much fun and goes by quickly.

8:30am

Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Spend a relaxing morning at one of Europe’s largest spa complexes. Enjoy the thermal baths and saunas.

12:00pm

Brunch at Café Gerbeaud: Enjoy brunch at one of Budapest’s most famous and historic cafés.

2:00pm 

Visit on your own:

• Hungarian Parliament Building: One of the most iconic buildings in Budapest, offering guided tours.
• St. Stephen’s Basilica: Budapest’s largest church with stunning architecture.

5:00pm 

Faust Wine Cellar:  Enjoy an intimate wine-tasting experience set in a medieval cave.    We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here.  The cellar provides a cozy ambiance, and the sommelier has a wealth of knowledge and can make recommendations if you’re unsure.  I recommend the premium tasting menu which features some stellar Hungarian wines, along with bread and cheese.  There are only 6 or 7 tables, so be sure to make reservations well in advance.

8:00pm

Dinner at Onyx Restaurant: Enjoy a luxurious dinner at this Michelin-starred restaurant, offering fresh interpretations of Hungarian cuisine.