Ending the Budapest series with a functional cheat sheet that I’m hoping you can use as a quick printed reference in your trip, or to help you in your overall planning.  Download the printable guide here.

WHERE TO STAY:

Stay in the Pest side especially if it’s your first time in Budapest.
Save: Opera Garden Hotel & Apartment, approximately €80/night, advanced booking, non-refundable, breakfast included
Splurge: Four Seasons Gresham Hotel Budapest, approximately €285/night, breakfast included

WHERE TO EAT

Café Bouchon 1066 Bp.Zichy Jenő u. 33.
Hungarian fusion
€25pp for dinner of appetizer, entrée & dessert (wine not included)

Pizza EATaliano étterem Budapest, VI. Andrássy út 41.
Comfort Italian food, €10 pp for lunch

WHAT TO DO

Suggested two-day itinerary:

Day 1: Have a Buda & Bath day.

1. Walk to Chain Bridge (from Pest) and take daytime photos. Enjoy the view as you cross the bridge to Buda.
2. Don’t get on the funicular yet. Instead, turn left until you’re opposite the House of Parliament for a great photo opportunity.
3. Walk back to the funicular or take the tram for a scenic ride.
4. Climb up the stairs or take the funicular up to Castle Hill.
5. If you’re timing is right, catch the changing of the guards at noon.
6. Explore Buda Castle (National Gallery). Don’t forget to take amazing shots of Pest.
7. Walk to Matthias Church and try to spot the crafts market along the way.
8. Spend time inside  Matthias Church.
9. Walk around Fisherman’s Bastion and take in the view.
10. Head to Gellert Hill/Citadel for the Liberty Monument and the best panoramic view of Budapest. The climb is steep so you may want to hop on a cab if you’re pressed for time.
11. Head to Szechenyi Thermal Bath after a full day of walking. Try to go at sunset so you see the bath both in day time and at night.
12. After the bath, walk to Heroes Square. It’s magical in the evening.
13. Walk or take the metro towards Opera for dinner at Café Bouchon. Make sure to take a night shot of the Opera House when you get out of the station.
14. Head to Chain Bridge to digest your dinner and take beautiful night photos of the bridge and Buda in the distance.

Day 2: Enjoy Pest & an opera.

15. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica first thing in the morning without the crowds to see it at its most serene and peaceful state. Entrance is free but donation is appreciated.
16. Catch a show at the Hungarian State Opera. An opera or ballet can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours.
17. Visit the Terror Háza Múzeum. Given the serious subject matter, make sure to come prepared (mind & emotions) and with ample time as you cannot rush through to appreciate the exhibit. Allow at least 2 hours. (Note: The House of Terror’s heavy material can alter your mood slightly so you may want to squeeze it between “lighter” activities.)
18. Walk along Andrássy út for food, shopping or even just for souvenirs.

Download the printable guide.