The “Budapest’s Bests in Two Days” page, offers an immersive exploration of Budapest’s renowned thermal baths, unique architectural gems, and sites reflecting Hungary’s diverse history. The itinerary encourages relaxation at Széchenyi Baths, exploration of Vajdahunyad Castle’s varied architectural styles, a visit to the temporarily closed Fine Arts Museum, a stroll up Andrássy út, insights into Hungary’s political past at the Terror House, and marvels at the Great Synagogue and the Art Nouveau brilliance of the Applied Arts Museum. This curated guide promises a blend of relaxation and discovery, perfect for travelers seeking to dive deeper into Budapest’s cultural and historical richness.
After a hard day of major sightseeing on Day 1, take the plunge and relax in one of Budapest’s world-renowned thermal baths, while still admiring its architectural beauty, then get out and about again to uncover some of the unique buildings that reflect the country’s varied and troubled past.
START: Take the M1 or “Millennium Underground” to Széchenyi Fürdő.
Széchenyi Baths (Fürdő)
The therapeutic waters of this neo-Baroque bathing bonanza will revitalize tired joints and set you up for a fulfilling day. That’s provided you don’t spend all your time being slow-cooked in the hot pools, which will leave you seriously sleepy.
Alternate between hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms, and take some time out in the medium temperature pools or just chill out on a deckchair.
The most luxurious pool is the outdoor semi-circular one, from which steam dramatically rises in the cold of winter as locals play chess.
The whirlpool is great for kids.
Time: 2 hours. Go early to avoid the crowds, especially in summer. For more information please read our post Best Baths in Budapest.
Location: Budapest, Állatkerti körút 11.
Vajdahunyad Castle
Looking at it now, it’s hard to believe that this fairly authentic-looking folly was once made out of cardboard and dates back barely a century. Vajdahunyad Castle went up as a temporary structure as part of the Magyar millennium celebrations in 1896, depicting the various Hungarian architectural styles over the centuries.
By 1908, Vajdahunyad had been transformed into a collection of stone replicas representing treasured creations from right across the Magyar realm. Particularly prominent are the ramparts facing the lake from Vajdahunyad Castle and Sighişoara’s clocktower, both in present-day Romania.
Time: 30 minutes.
Location: Metro: M1 to Hősök tere / Széchenyi Fürdő.
Fine Arts Museum (Szépművészeti Múzeum)
The mighty Habsburgs who once ruled as far as Spain and the Netherlands acquired an astonishing collection of impressive artworks, many of which found their way here. A tour de force in European art from the 13th to the late 18th centuries, lovers of Madrid’s Prado gallery will see similarities with this collection, which is also particularly strong in Spanish masters, with El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo, Ribera, Cano, Zurbarán and Goya all represented. El Greco’s Annunciation, painted in the late 16th century, is set to heavenly clouds and bright lights, while Velázquez’s early work Peasants Around a Table, dated around 1619, magically preserves the time-honored tradition of getting stuck into conversation over a few drinks.
Time: 1,5–2 hr. Go early when major temporary exhibitions are running.
Location: Budapest, Dózsa György út 41. Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–5:30 pm. Metro: M1 Hősök tere.
Walk up Andrássy út
You are more than likely to have explored portions of this, the grandest of Budapest’s boulevards on Day 1 when checking out the Opera House, but further examination is rewarding. Walking from Heroes Square the first stretch is lined with luxurious villas, including Kogart, an arts center, and a restaurant.
Further up, Andrássy út is traversed by Kodály körönd, a striking square of faded but ornately painted townhouses.
Time: 30 minutes.
Terror House
It’s funny how both the Fascists and the Communists favored this location on classy Andrássy út to do their worst. An address that seems to be cursed, this visually impressive museum caused controversy with its highly politicized opening in 2002. Seen by many as an affront to the re-spun Hungarian Socialist Party, which once ruled Hungary with an iron fist but has changed beyond recognition, on behalf of their archrivals Fidesz, it was even sponsored by the then Fidesz Prime Minister Victor Orbán. More about the: Terror House.
Cynics’ claims are backed up by the fleeting coverage of Fascist Hungary and the much denser coverage of the red terror. However, the fascist Hungarian Arrow Cross Party ran the country for only a year, coming into power in 1944, but what a gruesome year that was, with the previously protected Jewish population being shipped off in droves to concentration camps.
Politics aside, from the Russian tank that greets you; to the pictures of victims and their jailors; the industrial and dark classical soundtrack; film footage and interviews; genuine exhibits including Hungarian Nazi Arrow Cross uniforms; and the trip to the cells and gallows.
Time: 60 minutes. Opening hours: Tues–Fri 10 am– 6 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am–7 pm.
Location: Budapest, Andrássy út 60. Metro: M1 to Vörösmarty utca.
Great Synagogue
With its onion domes, and Moorish and Byzantine influences, Budapest’s great synagogue not only pioneered a new style of Jewish architecture, it also spawned the father of modern Zionism who was born here, Tivadar Herzl.
Time: 15 minutes.
Location: Budapest, Dohány utca 2. Metro: M2 to Astoria.
Applied Arts Museum
You might have encountered this remarkable-looking Art Nouveau masterpiece by Ödön Lechner, Budapest’s answer to Gaudí if you took the road in from the airport. Lechner, who also worked on the building’s plans with secessionist sidekick Gyula Pártos, created a Hungarian take on the Art Nouveau movement, adding Hungarian folk touches and emphasizing certain Eastern influences on Hungary.
Accordingly, traces of architectural styles from as far afield as India can be detected, and the bright green and gold Zsolnay tiles that adorn the roof and dome are more Oriental than European. You may find more info about this Museum here.
Time: 1,5-2 hours. Opening hours: Tues–Sun 10am– 6pm.
Location: Budapest, Üllői út 33–37. Metro: M3 to Ferenc körút.
Countinue here: Budapest’s Bests in Three Days.