Itineraries for Your Trip to Budapest
1 Day in Budapest for First Timers
Budapest is one of my favorite European cities for a number of reasons. First, there are lots of thermal baths where you can take a curative soak in warm, mineral-rich waters sourced directly from geothermal springs. On my first visit to Budapest, I was surprised to learn that you can get a doctor’s note that will entitle you to a free or subsidized visit, complete with a massage in some cases. While I love the baths, there’s plenty more that keeps me coming back to the Hungarian capital again and again, from gorgeous architecture to incredibly tasty food. Here’s how I’d suggest spending one day in Budapest if it’s your first time in the city.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Széchenyi Thermal Baths.
Always bring layers, even in the summer.
The best way to get familiar with a new city is on foot, and Budapest is a great place for walking. Spend your first morning in the city getting your bearings. A guided walking tour is a good way to make the most of your time in Budapest, and you’ll probably come away from the experience with some interesting anecdotes and facts about the city. Many tours pass by key landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Basilica and the House of Parliament.
In the afternoon, grab your swimsuit and a towel and head to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths for a soak. This massive complex features a wide range of indoor soaking pools of different temperatures, but its crown jewel is just outside, where you can soak and swim in two huge pools while taking in views of the complex's grand neo-baroque architecture. There’s even a beer spa where you can soak in a tub dosed with malt, hops, and yeast while you sip on a frothy beer.
Budapest is particularly beautiful after dark, when many of the city’s most beautiful buildings and structures are illuminated. For some of the best views (and photo ops), take a night cruise on the Danube River and see highlights such as Buda Castle and the parliament building in all of their illuminated glory. Many cruises include dinner so that you can soak in the scenery while getting a taste of Hungarian flavors.
