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    Home » Travel » Europe

    One Day Budapest Itinerary

    Published: Nov 27, 2017 · Modified: Mar 31, 2021 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links 22 Comments

    A one day Budapest itinerary is not enough, but it was all we had on this trip. The capital of Hungary has everything I look for in a destination in Europe.

    Sites in Budapest, Hungary.

    When we booked the Romantic Danube Viking River Cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, I was so excited about finally spending some time in this quintessential city. Budapest is as breathtaking as all the photos you've seen. 

    This time, I was only traveling with my husband and friends, but a taking a river cruise with your family can be magical, too. Our daughters loved it!

    View of Fisherman's Bastian.

    The Hungarian way to pronounce the name of the city is Bood-ah-pescht, and it's hard to believe now that it was almost Pestbuda.

    An explanation of the two names is fairly simple; there are actually two sides to Budapest. The Danube divides the city, and on one side is Buda (historical, museums) and on the other, Pest (more urban, Parliament, Basilica.)

    The history of Budapest is not so simple, and began around the years of 41-54 AD when about 500 cavalry units arrived in what then was known as Aquincum.

    If you are a history buff, even just a little, spend some time reading about Obuda before you go.

    I wish we had been able to spend a month in this part of Europe! As Hungary is bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, I would have loved to be able to visit each country.

    Maybe if we do this particular Viking River Cruise again, we'll consider more time. For this trip, we would be seeing parts of Germany, Austria, and Hungary. 

    View of Budapest.

    How to Spend One Day in Budapest

    As I mentioned, we only had one day to see Budapest. We had planned to arrive early, but two of our flights were delayed, getting us in just in time to freshen up for dinner.

    Thankfully, the Viking Egil was docking in Budapest overnight, so we still had a full day to see the city, but my planned full Budapest itinerary would have to wait.

    If you do get in early in the day on any of the Viking Cruises, there is usually a Welcome Walk that is included in your cruise. You wouldn't know unless you asked, but it will be listed in your program guide. It's one of the many extras you'll notice after sailing with Viking.

    As we were meeting friends onboard, we decided to venture out on our first night. We also wanted to see the famous ruin bars.

    There are so many great restaurants in Budapest, many of which serve traditional Hungarian dishes. We were able to walk to many of the restaurants, which is the beauty of sailing with Viking.

    You are usually docked right downtown, and public transport is pretty easy, too, including the metro station, buses, the trolley, and more.

    Budapest Bridge.

    After a fantastic meal, we set out for the ruin bars, on the Pest side of Budapest.

    It's said that back around 2001, a group of young guys was looking for cheap places to have a drink. Someone had the idea to put up a small bar in an alleyway, others followed suit, and the ruin bars were born.

    As many photos as I took, the lighting was just not cooperating. Fortunately, I can always count on my husband for a selfie. This one is with Annette White's (Bucket List Journey) husband, Peter.

    Two men at Ruin Bars in Budapest.

    Whether you drink or not, it's cool to see the ruin bars. The decor is artsy, and just taking the short walk through is pretty fascinating. It's a great place to hang out and people watch.

    I grabbed a beer and just walked around taking photos. Everywhere I turned was another little bar. It was kind of hard to tell sometimes where one ended and the next began.

    Sign for Escape Rooms.

    Though I would venture to say it's not for everyone, we all agreed that we were glad we took the time to check out the hip little area.

    We also knew we had an early excursion, so we didn't stay more than an hour or so. Maybe one more photo of Buda Castle, a UNESCO Heritage Site and Chain Bridge.

    Budapest at night.

    Budapest Excursion

    Heroes Square

    Especially if it's your first time, great way to see the highlights of the city is though a guided tour, and guests have free access to them in most cities where Viking docks.

    The guides are always so knowledgeable and friendly, making it a unique opportunity to see the city through a local's eyes. As I really didn't have a Budapest itinerary planned, this was helpful in getting the lay of the land.

    We started at Heroes' Square, the largest square in Budapest, also a UNESCO Heritage Site, and one of the most visited spots. It was built in 1896, as a monument to the 1,000 anniversary of Hungary.

    The statue in the middle is the Millenium Monument, with Archangel Gabriel towering over at 36 meters high in the center and holding St. Stephen's crown.

    The crown can actually be seen at the Budapest Parliament. Below, you can see statues of the seven Hungarian tribes' chieftains on horses.

    Heroes' Square.

    Fisherman's Bastian

    We walked along Fisherman's Hill to Fisherman's Bastian (Halaszbastya), also built to celebrate the thousandth anniversary of Hungary.

    Fisherman's Bastain view.

    The views are spectacular, and it's a pretty popular place for photos.

    Woman on balcony at Fisherman's Bastian.

    The statue is of St. Stephen, Hungary's first king, from the year 1000-1038.

    St. Stephens statue at Fisherman's Bastian.

    Matthias Church is steps away from Fisherman's Bastian, and truly one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. It's named after King Matthias, king of Hungary from 1458 to 1490.

    Matthias Church is Budapest.

    Originally built in 1015, and in the Romanesque architectural style, it is said there are no real archaeological remains of that building.

    The building that stands now is Gothic style, and built in the 14th century, though massive updates came in the 19th century.

    Matthias Church in Budapest.

    Notice the raven on top of the steeple? The legend says that on the death of the current king, during the 15th century, Matthias' mother sent for him in Prague by sending a raven with a gold ring in its mouth.

    Raven on top of Matthias Church in Budapest.

    On the Pest side of the city, you can see the Hungarian Parliament Building, though the view of it is fantastic from the Buda side of the city, too. 

    City of Budapest view.

    I was glad I got this shot of the Eszter Basilica, too, as we were sailing by. This stunning cathedral is the largest church in Hungary, built between the 10th and 13th centuries.

    Photos I've seen of the other side are just incredible. Maybe next time. One day is definitely not enough.

    Bridge in Budapest.

    Pastry Shops

    All that walking makes you hungry, and there is no shortage of cafes and shops to stop for a pastry in Budapest. And you should. Hungarian pastries are swoon-worthy (and Instagram perfect!)

    Photo of dessert on Instagram.

    As we wandered around after the Viking excursion, we ended up at Buvadar Ruszwurm Confectionery, one of the oldest pastry shops in Budapest.

    And when I say old, I mean old like 1827. Our definition of old in the United States is not quite the same as it is in Europe!

    Dessert on a white plate.

    With shelf after shelf of pastries, it was hard to choose one. I suggest you order at least one per person and share!

    Piece of cake on a white plate.

    After our morning excursion, the Viking bus picked us up and took us to Visegrad where we met the ship before it headed to Vienna.

    I would love to see Budapest again. There is never enough time to see it all!

    Onboard the Viking Egil

    The rest of our afternoon was spent enjoying the gorgeous fall foliage.

    Fall colors on trees across river.

    With a snack. Because snacks and bubbly are important when you're on vacation!

    Bottle of wine and fruit on a table on balcony of river cruise ship.

    It's pretty relaxing to hang out on your balcony, which I definitely suggest.

    Fall colors on trees across river.

    An afternoon Hungarian Teatime was offered, as well as a presentation about Austrian Coffee Houses and Mozart.

    Before we knew it, cocktails were being served for the daily Cocktail Hour in the lounge, and the official Welcome Dinner was served.

    This salad was one of my favorite dishes of the evening. Those rounds of deliciousness are lightly fried goat cheese.

    Salad with fried cheese on a white plate.

    And though you can always say no to dessert, you really don't want to.

    Slice of chocolate cake on a white plate.

    If you're wondering about nightlife on Viking, there is always something offered. On this night, a short lesson in the German language was offered and there was live after-dinner music in the lounge.

    As for my husband and me, we were exhausted by the time we finished our dessert and decaf. That comfortable bed in our stateroom was waiting and we couldn't wait to see Vienna, Austria.

    If this Budapest itinerary was helpful to you, save it on Pinterest so you have it handy for your trip.

    Many thanks to Viking River Cruises for hosting me on this trip.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. AnnMarie John

      November 28, 2017 at 7:54 pm

      I have never been to Budapest before! It's definitely amazing and there are so many things to see! It's really worth going to!

      Reply
    2. Myrah Duque

      November 28, 2017 at 1:31 pm

      What an amazing trip! Budapest has been on my bucket list forever. It's time to plan a trip! I admire you...you did so much in my single day. BUT, it's not often you get to Budapest right?

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 15, 2017 at 12:26 pm

        Exactly. I want to take full advantage of being in a new city, especially a UNESCO Heritage site!

        Reply
    3. Rosey

      November 28, 2017 at 5:03 am

      Budapest has been on my list for awhile. I'd love waking up and spending some time on my balcony there too!! And those desserts... #yum

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        November 28, 2017 at 6:50 am

        Right?! It's pretty amazing. I adore Viking! Thanks for visiting Rosey!

        Reply
    4. Toni | Boulder Locavore

      November 28, 2017 at 1:26 am

      Budapest is such a great place! This should be on our bucket list next year!

      Reply
    5. Sara Welch

      November 28, 2017 at 1:15 am

      Only one day?!? It was so gorgeous. I would need a month longer!!

      Reply
    6. Heather

      November 28, 2017 at 12:58 am

      I love living history, and Budapest looks like a perfect way to explore Europe. You're right about things sounding old in America is different than Europe. It really puts into perspective how young our country is when you see things that have been around for centuries.

      Reply
    7. Crystal

      November 28, 2017 at 12:55 am

      You packed so much into one day! I would love to see Budapest in person some day. The history, the food--it all sounds amazing.

      Reply
    8. Joyce Brewer

      November 27, 2017 at 11:19 pm

      That photo of the cathedral is breathtaking. Thanks for sharing your one day journey.

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 15, 2017 at 12:26 pm

        Thank you, Joyce. It was amazing!

        Reply
    9. Brianne

      November 27, 2017 at 10:41 pm

      Wow your photos are stunning! I would love to go there some day!

      Reply
    10. Claudia K

      November 27, 2017 at 10:28 pm

      i LOVE your photos and want to go experience Budapest myself. The scenery and the food look fantastic.

      Reply
    11. travel blogger

      November 27, 2017 at 9:25 pm

      This sounds so amazing! I have always wanted to go to Budapest. The ruin bars sound awesome, and there is so much incredible history. Maybe I will tell my hubby on want to go on a Viking Cruise for Christmas!

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 15, 2017 at 12:27 pm

        You totally should! Viking is amazing!

        Reply
    12. Theresa

      November 27, 2017 at 8:59 pm

      I would love to spend a day in Budapest. The architecture alone would have me mesmerized. There seems to be so much to explore, I'd definitely have to book a return trip for more time later though 🙂

      Reply
    13. Liz Mays

      November 27, 2017 at 8:00 pm

      You visited so many beautiful places! I think a Budapest trip would be such a new and exciting experience for us.

      Reply
    14. Bill Sweeney

      November 27, 2017 at 6:52 pm

      Budapest is a very lovely city. To spend one day admiring the architecture would be amazing.

      Reply
    15. Maureen

      November 27, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      Looks like you had a great time in Budapest. I love that you shared how someone can enjoy one day there, that will be perfect.

      Reply
    16. My Teen Guide

      November 27, 2017 at 4:30 pm

      The Matthias Church is so majestic! What a sight to see! I have always wanted to explore Budapest and your photos are really giving me some serious wanderlust!

      Reply
    17. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle

      November 27, 2017 at 12:57 pm

      I'm bookmarking this! We've been tying to get a trip to Budapest going, and I want to do everything I can when we finally get there!

      Reply
    18. robin rue

      November 27, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      That sounds beyond amazing. I would LOVE to go to Budapest one of these days!!!

      Reply

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