One of my favorite things about traveling is this surreal feeling I have when I see something I’ve read about. Knowing what you want to see in a city builds this excitement. You’ll stand there in awe.
With 24 hours in Budapest, I wanted to make the most of it. I quickly got to reading.
So, here are sights to see and things to do in just 24 hours in the magical, jaw-dropping city that is Budapest.
Spend the Day in Buda District
- Breakfast at “Pantry”
Whether you just arrived in Budapest or you have been in the city for a few days, I highly recommend brunch at “Pantry.” Aside from it being some of the most beautiful food you will see, it is also delicious! The staff is very friendly.
You can mix-and-match your breakfast, with a wide variety of options to choose from. This isn’t your traditional menu. You are given your own with a pencil to mark what you want. You can choose a meal with 3, 5 or 7 items.
You choose from eggs, meats, salads, fruits, bowls, baked goods and more! You can of course add on more items if you wish. There is something for everyone.
Meal choices range from 7 USD to 17 USD. A coffee is affordable at 850 Hungarian Forint (2.80 USD).
Money tip: you can use Euros to purchase, but your change will be in Hungarian currency.
- Fisherman’s Bastion
Are you chasing after some incredible views? This is the place to go. Once you reach the top, you will see a panoramic view of the city.
- Buda Castle
Close to the Fisherman’s Bastion, you won’t have to walk far to see the architecture on Castle Hill. With plenty of lookovers and cafes, you can easily spend 3 hours in this area and not run out of things to do!
- Walk Across Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge spans over the Danube River and was the first bridge to connect Buda and Pest when they were once two separate cities.
Night Adventures in Pest District
- Late lunch at Dobrumba
After a day in the Buda district, cross over the bridge to head to dinner at Dobrumba. This restaurant was recommended to us by our Airbnb host and it most definitely did not disappoint. Head over after a long day to enjoy was Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.
- Take a Night Ferry after dinner
A night ferry is a must. If you don’t have time to go to the Parliament Building, this ferry will give you a jaw-dropping view of the city, especially the Parliament Building. You can buy tickets in person ahead of the scheduled boat ride or use a website to book ahead of time.
- Walk down Andrássy Avenue
Take a stroll through this boulevard to see the different architectural styles in Budapest, walk past embassy buildings and marvel at the city right before your eyes.
- Heroes’ Square
At the end of Andrássy Avenue, you will find Heroes’ Square. While my friends headed into Szechenyi Bath thermal baths, I wandered around Heroes’ Square. This is one of the most well-known sites of Budapest.
The central pillar depicts the Archangel Gabriel holding the Hungarian crown. Two rows of columns symmetrically built depict other key Hungarian figures. Museums and other shops surround the square. Across the square, you can find an incredible skating rink. After walking around to see the city at night, I stepped into a coffee shop and listened to live music, sipping my cappuccino and writing in my journal.
wessam hazaymeh 
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