How to Spend a Perfect Weekend In Budapest?

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and offers an immense variety of activities for its visitors. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a full week, there are plenty of ways to make the best of your time. With stunning architecture from the Roman-era, delicious traditional food, stunning parks and art galleries, Budapest is the perfect spot for a quick getaway.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to plan the perfect weekend in Budapest with plenty of activities to make the most of your time there. From exploring the nightlife and food to taking a stroll along the Danube, there’s something for everyone. Let’s get started.

Friday

Your weekend in Budapest should start off with getting to know the city’s culture and history. A great place to start is with a guided walking tour that takes you around locals spots and famous landmarks. These tours often highlight the city’s grandiose architecture, and you won’t be disappointed with what you’ll find. If you’re looking to get up close and personal, you can take a tour of the Chain Bridge which spans over the Danube and was built in 1849. From the bridge, you can get great views of both Buda and Pest sides of the city.

If Hungarian heritage is what you’re looking for, there is plenty to explore. One of the top attractions is the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge which links Buda and Pest at the very heart of the city. An even better way to get up close – and if it’s in your budget – is to take a guided helicopter tour of the city. This way, you get to see the city from above and with plenty of commentary from your guide.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a weekend in Budapest without trying the traditional Hungarian cuisine. Budapest is known for its goulash, Langos – another famous local dish – and everything in between. Every night of the week, you’ll find numerous food markets around town and everyone should spend at least one night trying out these delicious Hungarian dishes!

Saturday

If you’re looking for something to do on a Saturday in Budapest, there are tons of activities guaranteed to make your day special. For starters, there’s always plenty to do around the central Vörösmarty Square area, with cobbled streets and plenty of boutiques – perfect for some souvenir shopping! And while you’re there, you can always pop into Café Gerbeaud and try some authentic Hungarian cakes and pastries, including Dobostorte, or pancake-streusel with chocolate glaze.

But there’s much more to seeing Budapest than just spending your Saturday in cafés and shops. There are plenty of interesting attractions to explore including St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vajdahunyad Castle, which are both worth visiting for some breathtaking views. Head out onto Margaret Island to see its many parks, thermal baths and fountains – it’s a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life!

For a unique experience in Budapest, visit Gellert Hill which is situated atop the Buda side of the Danube. There are beautiful views here on a clear day as well as a monument to honor those killed during Hungary’s 1956 Uprising against Soviet control.

No Saturday in Budapest would be complete without sampling some of the city’s world-famous nightlife. Head out to one of the many ruin pub districts that have become famous throughout Europe such as Szimpla Kert or Instant. And once you’ve had your fun, take an evening cruise down the Danube on a breathtaking night-time sightseeing tour!

Sunday

The final day of your weekend getaway in Budapest can be spent with a visit to some of the city’s best markets and parks. Start off with a stroll through Széchenyi Square where you’ll find not only locals shopping around but also children enjoying rides in Műjégpálya’s ice-skating rink during wintertime!

Then make your way towards Mátyás király tér where you’ll find antique markets selling various objects full of character. Here, you might pick up jewellery, tools or even vinyl records – not forgetting some Hungarian souvenirs! Alternatively, grab some groceries at one of the city’s vintage markets such as Hungarikum Food Hall where you’ll find traditional delicacies like Kürtőskalács!

Now that you’ve made it past mid-day on Sunday, why not enjoy one final relaxing activity in Budapest? Drop by Városliget Park where you can go for a walk and see City Park’s iconic sights such as Hosök Tere and Vajdahunyad Concert Hall. On a warm summer day, there’s also a beach located close by where you can enjoy some refreshments! Or if its wintertime feel free to take a picturesque stroll through one of the many ice-skating rinks across town!

As your last weekend activity in Budapest why not join in on an exciting night out? The Budapest Bingo Bar Crawl is an amazing way to experience some great local haunts while having fun! On this tour you’ll visit four bars while exploring unique drinks, dancing and playing classic bingo games with new friends! With great music playing all night long, it’s an awesome way to top off your perfect weekend in Budapest.

So what are you waiting for? Book your spot on the Budapest Bingo Bar Crawl now and end your stay in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities with an unforgettable night!