Last autumn, I spent a long weekend in Budapest as part of a road trip through Hungary and Slovakia — and it quickly became one of my favorite photography-filled getaways. This post combines my best photos from the trip with a complete guide to help you plan your own great weekend in Budapest.
I followed most of the classic highlights in this guide, but as a travel photographer, I couldn’t resist packing in much more shooting than usual — from quiet sunrise walks along the Danube at 5 a.m. to capturing the city lights shimmering at 10 p.m. Budapest is a city that rewards early risers and night owls alike, and every corner seems made for the camera.
If there’s one European city that feels made for a long weekend, it’s Budapest. The Hungarian capital has everything — grand architecture, world-famous baths, delicious food, cozy cafés, and some of the most photogenic river views in Europe.
It’s the kind of place where you can wander for hours with your camera, relax in thermal water with a view of a palace, and end your day watching the Danube sparkle under the lights of the Chain Bridge.
Whether you’re into photography, history, or food (or all three), this ultimate weekend guide to Budapest will show you how to make the most of 48 hours in one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.
Why Budapest Is Perfect for a Weekend Trip
Budapest is incredibly compact, easy to explore, and endlessly rewarding. The city is split by the Danube River — with hilly, historic Buda on one side and vibrant, lively Pest on the other.
In just two or three days, you can explore both worlds — grand castles, quirky ruin bars, and stunning views that change beautifully from morning to night.
It’s also one of the most affordable European capitals, with excellent food, cozy boutique hotels, and attractions you can easily reach on foot or via its efficient public transport.
What to Know Before You Go
Language: Hungarian (Magyar). English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s smart to carry a little cash.
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET).
Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants.
Best for: Architecture lovers, photographers, couples, and history enthusiasts.
When to Visit Budapest
Budapest is great year-round, but each season brings a different atmosphere:
- Spring (April–June): Flowers bloom around Castle Hill, and the cafés start to spill onto the sidewalks.
- Summer (July–August): The Danube sparkles, festivals fill the city, and evenings are lively — but expect crowds.
- Autumn (September–October): Fewer tourists, warm light, and perfect photo conditions.
- Winter (November–February): Thermal baths feel extra magical in the cold; Christmas markets light up the squares.
For photographers, late autumn and early spring offer the best balance of light, color, and manageable crowds.
How to Get to Budapest
Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is well-connected across Europe.
You can reach the city center in 30–40 minutes by:
- Airport bus (100E) – Direct to Deák Ferenc Square.
- Taxi – Use Főtaxi or Bolt for fair prices (around €25).
- Airport shuttle – Convenient if you have luggage or arrive late at night.
If you’re traveling by train, Keleti Station connects Budapest to Vienna, Prague, and Bratislava — perfect if you’re exploring Central Europe.
Where to Stay in Budapest
Choose based on your vibe:
- Castle District (Buda): Quiet, elegant, and full of history. Stay here if you love architecture and viewpoints.
- District V (Belváros): Central and walkable — ideal for first-time visitors.
- Jewish Quarter (District VII): Trendy cafés, ruin bars, and nightlife.
Top Picks:
- Hotel Clark Budapest (adults-only, with panoramic river views)
- Aria Hotel Budapest (luxury and design with a rooftop bar)
- Roombach Hotel Budapest Center (affordable, colorful, and central)
What to Pack
- Comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot.
- A tripod for night photography.
- Swimwear for the baths.
- A power bank (especially if you shoot all day).
- A light jacket — evenings by the river can be cool.
Weekend Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Budapest
Day 1 – The Buda Side: History, Hills, and Views
Morning: Explore Castle Hill
Start your morning with a walk up Castle Hill, one of Budapest’s most photogenic areas.
Wander through cobblestone streets lined with pastel houses and Baroque buildings until you reach the Fisherman’s Bastion — the city’s most iconic viewpoint.
Photography Tip: Arrive early (around 7–8 AM) to capture soft morning light and avoid crowds. The bastion’s arches perfectly frame the Parliament Building across the Danube.
Nearby, visit Matthias Church, known for its colorful tiled roof and Gothic spires — a masterpiece for both architecture and photography lovers.
Grab coffee and a pastry at Ruszwurm Cukrászda, one of Budapest’s oldest cafés, before continuing.
Midday: Buda Castle & the Funicular
From the Bastion, walk toward Buda Castle. You can explore the Budapest History Museum or just enjoy the sweeping views from the terraces.
Then, take the Budavári Sikló (Castle Hill Funicular) down to the river — an old-fashioned ride that’s great for photos, especially of the Chain Bridge below.
Have lunch nearby at Pest-Buda Bistro, serving hearty Hungarian classics like goulash and paprikash.
Afternoon: Relax in Gellért Thermal Bath
Cross the river to the Gellért Baths, a true Budapest icon. This Art Nouveau masterpiece is filled with mosaic-tiled pools and soft natural light that’s fantastic for photography.
If you have extra time, hike up Gellért Hill for one of the city’s most famous sunset viewpoints — overlooking the Danube, Parliament, and bridges in one panorama.
Evening: Dinner and Night Shots
Head back across the river to Pest for dinner at Menza or Paprika Vendéglő.
Then, walk along the Danube Promenade — the reflections of the illuminated Parliament Building and Chain Bridge make for stunning night shots.
Pro tip: Use a tripod for long exposure shots — Budapest’s night lights are spectacular.
Day 2 – The Pest Side: Culture, Food, and City Life
Morning: Parliament & Danube Views
Start your day with Budapest’s most famous landmark — the Hungarian Parliament Building.
It’s worth booking a short guided tour, but the real magic is outside.
Walk along the riverbank for the best angles — especially the “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial, a moving and important place to photograph respectfully.
Then cross the Margaret Bridge for panoramic shots of both the Parliament and Chain Bridge together.
Midday: Central Market Hall & Lunch
Head south to the Central Market Hall, Budapest’s oldest indoor market.
This is food photographer heaven — colorful piles of paprika, sausages, pastries, and fruit stalls.
Grab lunch upstairs — try Lángos, a fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese, or goulash in a bread bowl.
Afternoon: Heroes’ Square and City Park
Take the M1 metro (the oldest subway line in continental Europe) to Heroes’ Square.
Snap a few shots of the Millennium Monument, then stroll through City Park toward Vajdahunyad Castle — a fairy-tale-style building by the lake.
If you love thermal baths, finish with a soak in Széchenyi Baths — the famous yellow Neo-Baroque complex is especially beautiful during golden hour.
Evening: Sunset at Fisherman’s Bastion
For your final evening, return to Buda for a classic — sunset from Fisherman’s Bastion.
The golden light hits the Parliament perfectly, and the city glows as the lights come on.
Finish your weekend with dinner at Halászbástya Étterem, a fine-dining restaurant inside the bastion with unbeatable views.
Best Photo Spots in Budapest
- Fisherman’s Bastion – Best for sunrise shots.
- Chain Bridge – Capture reflections on the Danube at blue hour.
- Gellért Hill – Panoramic sunset view over the whole city.
- Parliament Building from Batthyány Square – Perfect symmetry shots.
- Liberty Bridge – Great at sunrise when trams cross in soft light.
- Heroes’ Square – Dramatic architecture with long shadows.
- Széchenyi Baths – Steam and color contrast in morning light.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Paprika Vendéglő – Authentic Hungarian comfort food.
- Menza – Trendy and colorful bistro in Liszt Ferenc Square.
- Gerbeaud Café – Elegant desserts and coffee in a 19th-century setting.
- 360 Bar – Rooftop cocktails with a panoramic view.
- New York Café – Possibly the most beautiful café in the world.
How to Get Around
- Walking: Most sights are within walking distance.
- Metro: Fast and cheap (especially Line M1 for sightseeing).
- Tram 2: Runs along the Danube — one of the most scenic tram routes in Europe.
- Taxi or Bolt app: Safe and convenient for late nights.
FAQs About a Weekend Trip to Budapest
1. Is Budapest walkable?
Yes, most major attractions are within walking distance, especially around the river.
2. How many days do you need in Budapest?
Two full days is perfect for a weekend trip — enough for the highlights and photography.
3. Is Budapest expensive?
It’s affordable compared to Western Europe. Expect around €10–15 for a good meal.
4. Can you drink tap water in Budapest?
Absolutely — the city’s tap water is clean and safe.
5. Are the baths open year-round?
Yes! They’re heated, so winter visits are extra magical.