Budapest, Hungary has oodles of history, a thriving foodie and nightlife scene, and its Christmas Markets have been voted some of the best in Europe. 24 hours isnโt long to soak up everything this city has to offer but it is long enough to kick-start the festivities.
Marvel at the shimmering Christmas lights, warm up with a spiced mulled wine or hot Aperol from a market stall, browse traditional Hungarian souvenirs and submerge yourself in a natural thermal bath. Hereโs how to maximise 24 hours in Budapest!
Morning
Vรถrรถsmarty Tรฉr Christmas Market
Once youโve arrived at your accommodation, wrap up warm and head straight to Vรถrรถsmarty Tรฉr Christmas Market – the oldest and most popular market in the city.
Start by perusing the stalls adorned with wreaths, baubles, and twinkling fairy lights. Here youโll find everything from ceramics, jewellery, and artwork to mulled wine, goulash, and roasted chestnuts. Make sure you sample the traditional Hungarian street food dish Langos, a deep-fried bread topped with garlic butter, sour cream, and cheese before moving on to Hungaryโs famous chimney cake with your choice of toppings.
Afternoon
Head to the waterfront where youโll find the spectacular spikey skyline of Buda Castle and Fishermanโs Bastion across the river Danube. To the right, youโll also be able to spot the impressive Chain Bridge, which is one of eight bridges connecting Buda and Pest.
Buda Castle and Fishermanโs Bastion
If youโd like to visit Buda Castle and Fishermanโs Bastion hop on the Line 16 bus. Alternatively, you can walk, take a taxi, or jump on the funicular at the bottom of Buda Castle hill. You can visit the castle courtyards for free or organise a tour to go inside.
Once youโre done exploring, walk to Fishermanโs Bastion, which offers outstanding views across Pest including the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building.
Budapest Thermal Baths
If youโd rather spend your afternoon relaxing, visit one of Budapestโs thermal baths. Szรฉchenyi Thermal Baths are the most famous and can be found in City Park. Booking ahead is advised and tickets cost between 9,400 and 10,900 HUF (ยฃ20 – ยฃ25). Other thermal baths include Gellรฉrt, Rudas, and Kirรกly.
Evening
St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market
Nowโs the time to head back to the city centre to experience the prettiest Christmas Market in Budapest at St. Stephen’s Basilica. This Christmas market is hugged by some of the most beautiful architecture in Budapest and comes alive at night-time – as you approach the road that leads up to the Basilica, you canโt help but be wowed.
A line of wooden market stalls selling strudel, quality handicrafts, and โfestive punchโ perfectly frame the grand Basilica and sparkling bow-embellished Christmas tree. Beneath the Basilica youโll find a square with more stalls, a small ice rink, and live music. Make sure you stick around for the festive light show, which projects on the Basilica daily every half an hour from 5.30pm โ 10pm.
Dinner
If you want a budget-friendly dinner, grab something from one of the many food street stalls. Warming goulash, crispy potato pancakes, roasted duck leg, and hun-dogs โ baguette, pickles, and Hungarian sausage โ are all dishes youโll find everywhere.
Alternatively, head back to your hotel to check-in and freshen up, and then venture out to your choice of restaurant. Budapest has a great restaurant scene and you can sample anything from traditional Hungarian cuisine to Mediterranean, Jewish, and Asian. Well-reputed restaurants to check out include Mazel Tov, Rosenstein, TwentySix, and Cafรฉ Kor.
Nightlife
After dinner, go to one of the cityโs world-renowned ruin bars. These wacky neglected pre-war buildings have become somewhat of an institute in Budapestโs nightlife and are made up of rooms brimming with quirky furniture and a buzzing atmosphere. Some of the most popular ruin bars are Szimpla Kert, UdvarRom and Ellato Kert.
Morning
If time allows head to Cirkusz for breakfast. This trendy cafรฉ has been coined one of the worldโs top brunch spots and serves everything from pulled pork benedict to American pancakes and waffles. You may have to wait for a table but, rumour has it, their eggs benedict is worth missing your flight home forโฆ
ย 24 hours isnโt long to soak up everything Budapest has to offer but I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of the time you have!
