taytrum travels

Budapest is one of those cities that you understand the hype of as soon as you get a good view across the river. If you only have one day here, you can still pack it full of amazing sights, yummy bites, and fun moments at hip and grundgy bars.

Wondering what to do in Budapest in 1 day? In this guide, I break down a complete one-day Budapest itinerary from morning until night based on the highlights of my three days in Budapest as a solo female backpacker.

Where is Budapest?

First, where is Budapest exactly? Budapest is nearly at the center of Hungary. It is about 2 hours by car southeast from Bratislava, Slovakia and 3.5 hours northeast of Zagreb, Croatia.

The Danube River runs directly through the city, separating one side into Buda and the other into Pest. Buda is to the west, pest to the east. Buda is more residential, while Pest is where a lot of the action and sights are.

How to Get to Budapest

You can get to Budapest many ways, but the most common are by air, train, and bus/car.

If you’re flying in, you’ll want to use the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), located 25 minutes from the city center by taxi or car.

Main train lines run to and through Budapest. There are many overnight train options from major cities in Europe.

A popular budget-friendly way to get there is by bus. This is how I arrived to Budapest from Bratislava. Flixbus is one of the main operators and as someone with a lot of experience with FlixBus, I really do recommend them for their clean, (mostly) punctual, wifi-enabled, and even trackable in the app buses.

One Day Itinerary for Budapest

Here I detail a full 24-hour itinerary for Budapest. It is great especially for first-time visitors to Budapest.

Sunrise at Fisherman’s Bastion

You’ll want to start early. Set your alarm, grab a coffee from your hotel or Airbnb, and head over to Fisherman’s Bastion. Watching the sun rise over the Danube River and seeing the Parliament building glow golden in the morning light? An excellent way to kick off the day and dodge the crowds.

There’s almost no one there this early. Walk around the terraces, snap some photos, and just soak in the quiet peace with an awesome view before the city starts to come alive.

Breakfast at Café Gerlóczy

After your morning stroll, it’s time for breakfast. Head to Café Gerlóczy. It is a bit like a Parisian café hidden in Budapest. Sit outside if the weather is nice, order a cappuccino and a buttery croissant (or go full Hungarian and get a hearty egg dish).

Museum Time: Hungarian National Museum or House of Terror

If you love history and pretty architecture, the Hungarian National Museum is an absolute must. It’s this grand, neoclassical building, and inside, it’s packed with everything from medieval swords to communist-era artifacts. You’ll leave with such a deeper appreciation for everything Budapest has been through.

If you’re in the mood for something intense, educational, and thought-provoking, the House of Terror Museum is another option. It covers the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary. It’s heavy history, but really well done. I think it’s a must if you’re considering what to do in Budapest in one day. It really taught me a lot about this era in history.

Lunch at Mazel Tov

I cannot stress this enough: you need to eat lunch at Mazel Tov. It’s this light-filled ruin bar turned restaurant in the Jewish Quarter, and it’s full of plants and fairy lights.

Order the hummus platter, the shakshuka, or anything off their Middle Eastern menu. Pair it with a cold spritz or a local craft beer. Bonus: they’re really good about veggie and vegan options too!

Explore the Jewish Quarter + Street Art Tour

After lunch, you’re already in the Jewish Quarter, so take time to wander. This area is full of street art, indie shops, quirky cafes, and hidden bars tucked behind unassuming doors.

If you’re a street art fan, you’ll love spotting massive, colorful murals on the sides of old buildings. Some tell political stories, some are just snaps for the ‘gram. You can even book a walking tour if you want a local guide to give you the insider scoop.

Thermal Bath Bliss at Széchenyi Spa

Grab your swimsuit and head to Széchenyi Thermal Baths, aka one of the most iconic and beautiful spa complexes in Europe. It’s known for its yellow walls and turquoise waters – creating quite the contrast.

Picture yourself floating in these giant, steaming outdoor pools surrounded by grand yellow buildings. It’s a fun outing with friends or relaxing solo. They also have indoor pools and saunas if you want to make it a whole spa experience.

Chill Time at Margaret Island

After your spa time, grab an e-scooter and cruise over to Margaret Island, a peaceful green oasis right in the middle of the Danube.

You can rent a bike or a pedal cart and loop around the island in about an hour. There’s a musical fountain, random medieval ruins, and so many spots to just sit and people-watch. It’s a super chill, and honestly, the perfect late afternoon reset before the night kicks off. Besides that, it is one of the best things to do in Budapest in one day in my opinion if you like a laid-back holiday.

If you’re looking for a snack or a drink to take to the lovely gardens and park, pop by Madal Coffee Co. or Anjuna Ice Pops on the way for a treat. This is also a great place to bring a book and blanket to read, especially for my solo travelers.

Dinner at Menza

Head to Menza (Menza Étterem és Kávéház) in Liszt Ferenc Square. It’s a stylish, retro-inspired restaurant that somehow manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh. It has both indoor and outdoor seating.

It serves great Hungarian and Mediterranean dishes, as well as other unexpected things (like vegan cauliflower tacos). Get the goulash soup, then go for something like the duck breast or paprika chicken with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings). The prices are reasonable. Also: excellent wine list. Hungarian wines are underrated.

Drinks at a Ruin Bar

You cannot come to Budapest and not experience a ruin bar. It’s a rule, sorry. The more random and underground the better.

Szimpla Kert is an old, abandoned building turned eclectic, artsy bar filled with mismatched furniture, graffiti, and vintage randomness everywhere you look. Grab a cocktail or a craft beer and wander from room to room.

If you’re feeling up for it, bar hop around the area. There are tons of ruin bars nearby, each with its own vibe.

Late Night Views at the Danube River

Before you call it a night, no Budapest 1-day itinerary is complete without a good bar. Walk (or Bolt/Uber) down to the riverbanks and see Budapest lit up in all her nighttime glory.

The Parliament building, Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge- They all sparkle and reflect in the Danube. You may even want to take an affordable Danube night cruise to see it from many angles while relaxing with a drink.

Getting around in Budapest

Budapest in one day will need efficient travel to get as a many cool things into the itinerary as you can. The city is honestly very easy to navigate, even if you don’t speak a word of Hungarian. Here’s how to do it:

• Public transport: Trams, buses, and the metro are super efficient and cheap. Get a 24-hour travel card if you plan to use them a lot. Tram 2 along the Danube is especially nice.
• Walking: The city is super walkable, especially within each neighborhood. Pack comfy shoes because those cobblestones are not kind to your feet.
• E-scooters: Lime, Bird, and other scooter rentals are everywhere and SO fun for short distances. Just be mindful of other people and vehicles. Don’t be obnoxious and always ride safely.
• Uber/Taxi: Uber doesn’t technically operate here, but Bolt (similar app) is easy to use and much cheaper than regular taxis.
• Bike rentals: If you’re feeling sporty, you can rent bikes to cruise along the river paths or around Margaret Island.

Where to Stay in Budapest

If you’re in Budapest on a budget, check out Avenue Hostel. It is a social and well located hostel. This is where I stayed for a few days one summer. However, in full transparency I would opt for a room here with fewer bunks (4 instead if 10). If you travel in the summer, this may also not be the best fit as it was blistering hot and a sweaty sleep with no AC – which is usually not a problem, but it was a real bummer when I visited. The bar crawls and social scene were great though.

At a middle price point, I’d recommend Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher. It has 4 stars, over 500 reviews, and is exceptionally rated by visitors. It is well located and walkable to many of the top things to see.

Conclusion

In sum, 1 day in Budapest will include sweeping, panoramic views, museums, chill park time, great meals, and cool bars. Budapest for a day is not quite enough (three days in Budapest would be even better), but it gives you all the more reason to come back and see much more. One day in Budapest is a great sample, but there is so much more to see just in the city alone, much less the rest of Hungary.

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