Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Budapest?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Budapest?
Most people spend two to five days in Budapest during their visit. The artistic city offers amazing highlights such as the big city activities, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the nightlife scene.
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It's divided into two section, Buda, and Pest, which are separated by the Danube River and connected by the Chain Bridge. The Buda side is the hilly side. There's a funicular that runs up to the top of Castle Hill. The Pest side is flat with promenades and beautiful architecture. It also has a lively nightlife.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Budapest? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Budapest?
One week is more than enough time to see everything that Budapest has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend two to five days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the big city activities, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the nightlife scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend a week in Budapest
Since Budapest is such a large city, you can spend at least a day exploring the many neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. Break up visiting popular landmarks with the more authentic neighborhoods for shopping and dining. The city is large with an authentic atmosphere that contrasts some of the more touristy cities around Europe.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private city tour by van ($142)
- Budapest Tuk Tuk City Tour ($119)
- Budapest Private 4 Hour City Tour Experience with a car / van ($142)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl ($23)
- Bingo Bar Crawl ($25)
- All You Can Drink Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest ($59)
Budapest is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
Don't miss the Hungarian Parliament Building during your trip to Budapest, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Budapest is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Set against the river, the city has beautiful buildings and nice parks.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Budapest Art Nouveau Walking Tour: Decadence & Design ($75)
- Budapest to Szentendre bike & boat tour ($79)
- Welcome to Budapest Walking Tour ($3)
The public transit in Budapest is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Budapest, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Buda Castle's Secrets with a Historian ($49)
- Skip the Line: Budapest Pinball Museum Admission Ticket ($15)
- Segway Guided Tour In Budapest, Historical Buda Castle ($44)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Budapest Art Nouveau Walking Tour: Decadence & Design ($75)
- Welcome to Budapest Walking Tour ($3)
- Private Walking Tour in The Jewish District Budapest ($142)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Shopping in Budapest is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Budapest Shopping Tour by Car ($218)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Budapest, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Bratislava Day Trip from Budapest with lunch ($197)
- Budapest Puszta Day Trip to Kecskemet icluding Horse Show & Lunch ($108)
- Private Day Trip From Budapest To Bratislava ($238)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Budapest is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Budapest?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Budapest. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Budapest as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
Budapest
How to spend 2 weeks in Budapest
With 2 weeks in Budapest, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time experiencing the city's neighborhoods. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Private Bratislava Day Trip from Budapest with lunch ($197)
- Budapest Puszta Day Trip to Kecskemet icluding Horse Show & Lunch ($108)
- Private Day Trip From Budapest To Bratislava ($238)
- Day Trip to Hollókő (Visit the Village, the Castle and a Secret spot) ($141)
More Info
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