If you’re looking for the perfect weekend escape from Vienna, Budapest is an unbeatable choice. Just a short train or car ride away, the Hungarian capital offers the perfect mix of history, culture, architecture, and nightlife. We spent two nights and two full days exploring this incredible city.

From strolling along the Danube promenade and admiring the grand Parliament building to relaxing in thermal baths and enjoying a magical sunset river cruise, Budapest delivered unforgettable memories at every turn. Here’s how we made the most of our quick trip and how you can too.

Our evening in Budapest was amazing. We booked a sunset cruise with DUNA Cruises, which was such an amazing experience! We boarded a sunset river cruise and were warmly greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne, which set the perfect tone for the experience ahead. The boat initially headed in one direction along the Danube, gliding past the beautiful landmarks and under majestic bridges. As we cruised back in the opposite direction, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the city. We had front-row seats to one of the most enchanting transitions imaginable. The sky shifted from vibrant oranges and pinks to deep blues, and gradually, the historical buildings and bridges of Budapest came alive with light. The Parliament building, Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, and Liberty Bridge all illuminated one by one, reflecting beautifully on the calm water. The atmosphere was peaceful and breathtaking. Watching the city transform from day to night from the river was an experience we’ll never forget. It was the perfect way to soak in the charm and elegance of Budapest.

Since they also offer historical cruises, we would definitely try that out and book with them again next time we’re in Budapest!
Duna Cruises

Our weekend in Budapest was packed with amazing sights, food, and unique experiences. After our unforgettable sunset river cruise, the next day we set out to explore the city. We started at Fisherman’s Bastion, where we grabbed a cold drink and soaked up the stunning views of Budapest and the Danube. It was the perfect peaceful start to the day. From there, we walked down the winding stairs and headed to Leo Rooftop Bar for drinks and lunch with another incredible view over the city.

After eating, we crossed the Chain Bridge, enjoying the view of the river and city skyline. We made our way to the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, which was even more impressive up close than we expected. We had an early dinner at Café Vian, which we highly recommend. If you go, you must try the bruschetta. the tomatoes were the best I’ve ever had!

That night, we experienced Budapest's famous nightlife. We bar-hopped to Bouti'q Bar, KAA, and of course, the legendary ruin bars. The atmosphere, energy, and creativity of these spots made for an unforgettable night out.

The next morning, we went to Széchenyi Thermal Bath and treated ourselves to the beer bath experience. We sat in tubs filled with malt and nutrients while having a personal beer tap between us for unlimited pours. It was such a fun and relaxing way to spend the morning.
Here is the link to the Spa

We then walked over to Vajdahunyad Castle, which truly felt like stepping into a Harry Potter movie. Definitely a must-see! Our stroll continued to Heroes’ Square, and to keep the magic going, we had lunch at The Magic, a Harry Potter-themed restaurant. Later in the day, we wandered around and stopped at the quirky For Sale Pub, where travelers
from all over the world leave handwritten notes and drawings on the walls. To end our trip on a high note, we watched the sunset from Liz and Chain Rooftop, which had absolutely spectacular views (be sure to make a reservation!).

We finished the night walking through the charming streets of Budapest, and of course, treated ourselves to a famous chimney cake with ice cream. It was the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable weekend in Budapest!