Budapest Solo Travel: 2 Days in Budapest in 2026

One of my favorite things about my time living in Italy was my ability to book spontaneous European vacations on Ryanair without breaking the bank! This is how I ended up packing up my carry-on, grabbing a train to Milan, and living out my Budapest solo travel dreams back in May of 2019.

Although ideally, you’d have much longer than two days to explore this gorgeous Eastern European city, a weekend was enough time to hit the highlights and get a feel for what this city is all about.

I relaxed in the famous Széchenyi Baths (and even grabbed a ticket to the Thermal Beer Spa!), discovered the deep-fried Hungarian food of my dreams—langos, took in incredible views from Fisherman’s Bastion, and even scared the shit out of myself riding the Budapest Eye. 

If you love food, views, and culture at an insanely affordable price—you’re going to fall in love. The city also gets bonus points for being totally safe for a solo female traveler. Have I sold you yet? If yes, keep reading to learn what to see in Budapest in 2 days completely solo.

Is Budapest a Good Destination for Solo Female Travelers?

As a seasoned solo female traveler, I highly recommend Budapest as a great solo travel destination in Europe.

As long as you take everyday precautions, this city is extremely safe for solo female travelers. In addition to being perfectly safe for women on their own, it’s affordable (even if you’re not splitting accommodation with friends), and everyone is super friendly—which makes it very easy to make friends during your visit. 

If you’re visiting Budapest solo, I recommend staying in a hostel (book a private room if you’re not about the dorm life) or staying in a hotel, and booking activities through a hostel. The hostel crowd tends to be the most social, and I’ll even go hang out at a hostel bar sometimes if I get bored while traveling alone. 

Overall, Budapest is a great destination for a little solo traveler’s getaway!

When to Visit Budapest?

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the best times to explore Budapest solo.

The weather is mild, the city isn’t packed with tourists, and it’s perfect for long walks, thermal baths, and riverside cafés. I visited in May and felt totally comfortable navigating the city on my own—it was warm, safe, and walkable.

Fall brings crisp air and beautiful autumn colors, especially around Buda Castle and City Park. And if you’re on a budget, winter is a great time to go. Prices drop, the crowds disappear, and the city’s holiday lights and thermal baths are super cozy.

Getting There & Around Solo

Getting to and around Budapest solo is super easy—the city is well-connected, affordable, and perfect for exploring on your own. Whether you’re walking, riding public transit, or hopping in a Bolt, it’s all solo-traveler friendly.

How to Get There

Getting to Budapest by air is easy, simply book a flight into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Wizz Air, a Budapest-based low-cost airline, makes it super easy to find affordable flights into Hungary from the rest of Europe—otherwise, most major airlines offer flights into Budapest. 

If you’re traveling from nearby cities in Europe (like Prague or Vienna), you can also take a train or a bus (although oftentimes flights are the same price, if not cheaper). Search Omio or Trainline for train routes in Europe or check out bus options on Flixbus. 

How to Get Around

The easiest way to get around Budapest is by walking since many attractions are near each other. For further destinations, visitors can utilize Hungary’s fantastic public transportation system.

If you’re over 65 and an EU citizen, public transit is free! For everyone else, single-ride tickets cost 450 HUF ($1.27), but 1-day, 3-day, and weeklong passes are also available. Simply download the BudapestGO app to purchase tickets. 

Additionally, Budapest has both Uber and Bolt (a European version of Uber), which are great to use late at night or if you’re splitting the cost with friends. (We used Bolt constantly during our 5-day trip to Lisbon and found it to be even cheaper than Uber.)

Is Budapest Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Yes—Budapest is absolutely a safe destination for solo female travelers. I always felt totally comfortable walking around alone. The city has a calm, welcoming vibe, and locals are generally helpful and used to tourists.

Like most European cities, the biggest thing to watch out for is petty theft or pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like metro stations or around major attractions. Keep an eye on your bag, avoid flashing valuables, and don’t carry more cash than you need.

If you’re extra cautious, I recommend using an anti-theft purse or a sling bag.

As long as you follow basic solo travel safety tips—keep your phone charged and loaded with data (I use an Airalo eSIM), watch your drink, trust your gut, and stay aware of your surroundings—you’ll feel totally at ease exploring Budapest on your own.

What to Pack

Packing for Budapest is pretty straightforward year-round—aside from bundling up in the winter, your staples won’t change much.

If you’re in a hostel, don’t forget your survival kit: microfiber towel, rubber flip-flops, combination lock, earplugs, and an eye mask. If you’re in a hotel or Airbnb, you can skip most of those—but I still bring the flip-flops and towel regardless.

Bring shoes you can actually walk in (you’ll be doing a lot of it), a light jacket for layering, and a compact umbrella—just in case. It’s also smart to keep some cash on hand since not every place takes cards.

• Kindle Paperwhite (solo travel must-have)
• Apple AirTags
• Downloadable eSIM (I like Airalo—use code MADI10 for 10% off)
• Calpak Slingbag—my go-to everyday travel bag
• Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes
• Jase Case or travel-size first aid kit
• Power bank
• Voltage adapter (if you’re coming from the U.S.)
• Door stopper alarm (especially if you’re staying solo in an Airbnb)
• Reusable tumbler or water bottle
• Handheld portable fan (trust me, a lifesaver in August)
• My free guide to taking awesome travel shots alone

Where to Stay in Budapest as a Solo Traveler

Whether you’re balling on a budget or looking for a bit more comfort, Budapest has solid accommodation options for every solo travel style.

📍 Budget-Friendly: Wombat’s City Hostel

Whenever I travel solo, I always book hostels. It’s the best way to guarantee you’ll make friends while solo traveling. When choosing the perfect hostel for solo-travel, make sure it ticks the following boxes: affordable, great location, in-room lockers and, of course, a hostel bar. 

Wombat’s City Hostel checked all my boxes and ended up being the perfect accommodation for my mini-vacay. It’s got a great location in the city center, a great social atmosphere, and—with dorm rooms starting at $14/night—it’s the perfect accommodation option for travelers on a budget.

Pro Tip: Are you a solo traveler who’s outgrown dorm living? Book a private room in a hostel instead!

👉🏼 Book your stay at Wombat’s City Hostel here!

📍 Mid-Range: House Beletage-Boutique Hotel

If you’re looking for an excellent and moderately-priced hotel in Budapest, look no further than the House Beletage-Boutique Hotel. Located in the city center, in the 8th district specifically, House Beletage offers beautifully decorated rooms and modern conveniences. Guests will enjoy air-conditioned rooms, a wonderful breakfast, on-site parking, and a lovely outdoor terrace. 

With rooms starting around $100/night in the shoulder season, it’s the perfect accommodation for travelers looking for affordable luxury. 

👉🏼 Book your stay at the House Beletage-Boutique Hotel here!

📍 Luxury: Aria Hotel

If your hotel has a fantastic rooftop bar…what else do you even need? 

Aria Hotel is undeniably one of the most luxurious hotels in Budapest. Although it’s wayyyy out of my budget, I stopped by for a local brew at their rooftop bar during my solo trip (that I could afford). I felt like a princess just walking through the lobby to get to the elevator—the interior is that gorgeous. 

Guests of the Aria Hotel will enjoy an indoor swimming pool, on-site spa and fitness center, complimentary wine and cheese on the rooftop every afternoon, and breakfast each morning. 

👉🏼 Book your stay at The Aria Hotel here!

Day 1: Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Parliament, Central Market & River Cruise

I won’t lie to you—day one is a doozy. Since you only have two days in Budapest, I’ve jam-packed this itinerary with everything you can possibly see in 48 hours.

I fully understand that it’s probably too busy for some people’s tastes. If you’re looking for a more laid-back, leisurely-paced trip, simply narrow it down to the activities that interest you the most. 

However, if you’re all in, get ready for a fantastic first introduction to Budapest! Pack your portable charger, lather on that sunscreen, lace up those comfortable walking shoes, and get ready for a fun-filled first day. 

Today, we’re crossing the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and checking off not one, not two, not three, but five must-visit stops in the city. 

**I did the activities on this itinerary as a solo female traveler visiting Budapest for the first time. I felt completely safe and even met a few friends along the way! Whether you’re traveling alone or with companions, this itinerary is guaranteed to show you the best of Budapest in 2 days.

Breakfast at Bambi Café

You can’t sightsee on an empty stomach! First and foremost, it’s time to fuel up with a hearty breakfast from a well-loved local establishment—Bambi Eszpresszó. 

Bambi isn’t for tourists; it’s not the kind of place where the customer is always right and it’s not trying to be something it’s not. This cafe has been serving breakfast to patrons lounging on faux-leather upholstery since 1961—it’s no-frills, affordable, and authentically Hungarian. 

If you’re looking for something more in the IG brunch, eggs benny, and artsy latte category—head to Franziska instead.

Take in the Views from Fisherman’s Bastion

Built in the 19th century by the Hungarian architect Frigyes Schulek, Fisherman’s Bastion is hands-down one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city and should be on every solo traveler’s Budapest bucket list.

The Neo-Romanesque and Gothic Revival style terrace is all windows and stone arches, and anywhere you look you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of Pest below. 

At the very top of Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll find the beautiful Matthias Church—dating all the way back to 1015. If you have time, be sure to check out the interior. Unlike many churches, it’s filled with colorful, Neo-Gothic features!

Fisherman’s Bastion is free to enter and the terrace is littered with tiny bars and restaurants all boasting the same magnificent view. Although a cocktail there will cost you at least 3x anywhere else in the city, it’s worth the splurge to enjoy an ice-cold Aperol Spritz with that view. (Although let’s be honest—when have I not considered an Aperol Spritz worth the splurge?)

Visit Buda Castle

Just down the street from Fisherman’s Bastion lies Buda Castle—a 13th-century residence for Hungarian kings, a battle fortress, and the administrative center of Hungary. Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion are both part of Castle Hill—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Sadly, I didn’t have time to tour the inside of the castle with only 2 days in Budapest. However, if you’re a history buff, a tour of Buda Castle and the Hungarian National Gallery is definitely one of the best things to do in Budapest. 

If I haven’t caught your attention yet: just wait. Buda Castle actually sits on a network of underground caves and tunnels known as the Labyrinth under Castle Hill. If you love a spooky tour (and aren’t claustrophobic), I highly recommend adding a labyrinth tour to your Budapest itinerary. 

Stop for Lunch at the Central Market Hall

There’s nothing I love more than a local market in a new destination. The Central Market Hall is home to aisles of fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers, and piles and piles of paprika. Even better, the top level houses a “street food” market with some of the most delicious eats in the city.

The market was actually my first meal in town and I can honestly say it was some of the best food I had during my trip. Be careful though, the upstairs can get very crowded, especially around lunchtime.

During my trip, I visited two stands for traditional Hungarian food: Macro Magyaros Konyha and Panorana Etelbar. At Macro Magyaros Konya, I ordered a cold beer and a cabbage roll. Stuffed with savory ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, stuffed cabbage is a must-try in Budapest.

Although I was already pretty full at this point, I couldn’t leave without trying traditional goulash—so I ordered a bowl from Panorana Etelbar. The verdict? Savory broth filled with beef, spices, and roasted vegetables is delicious even in the summer heat. There’s no better dish to really taste that Hungarian paprika!

Additionally, the Central Market Hall offers tons of fun tastings and food tours like this 2-hour private market tour from a local!

Ride the Budapest Eye

Apparently forgetting how much I hate Ferris Wheels, I decided to hop on the Budapest Eye and check out the city views from above.

Although the views were gorgeous, especially at night, they weren’t quite gorgeous enough for me to forget my fear of heights—a fear that became very apparent when my car stalled at the top for five full minutes.

If you’re less afraid of seemingly flimsy, giant manmade wheels than I am, you can purchase tickets to the Eye on-site for 4,300 HUF ($12.10) for anyone 12+, or 5,300 HUF ($14.90) for a skip-the-line priority ticket. 

Tour the Hungarian Parliament Building

Once you see it in person, you’ll understand why the Hungarian Parliament Building is the most recognized landmark in Hungary. Not only is it the largest building in the country, but it’s also the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. 

Completed in 1904, this Gothic structure is the third-largest parliament building in the world—after the Romanian and Argentinian Parliaments—with almost 700 rooms (691 to be exact). If you plan to visit the Parliament Building, tickets cost 6,000 HUF ($16.80) for EEA citizens and 12,000 HUF ($33.70) for non-EEA citizens. 

For only around $10 more, you can book a Parliament Building Tour with an audio guide!

Pro Tip: After your visit, pay a quick visit to the Shoes on the Danube Promenade—a monument to the Hungarian Jews who were shot on the banks of the Danube in the winter of 1944-1945.

Have Dinner at Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov, located in the Jewish Quarter, is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Budapest (which is clear by the line of patrons waiting outside) and the perfect choice for night 1 of your solo trip to Budapest.

The main area of the restaurant is an indoor patio covered with hanging plants and lights that make the perfect Instagram shot. 

After a second with the menu, I decided on the hummus plate with tahina, parsley, oil, and pita bread as a starter and the shawarma chicken fillet with spices for my entree. I also ordered Fröccs—a popular Hungarian drink consisting of white wine mixed with soda water. 

I would definitely come back to Mazel Tov on my next visit. Although, I would be sure to make a reservation in advance next time (I waited a while). 

Take a Wine Cruise on the Danube River (or Visit a Rooftop Bar)

If there’s one thing I love—it’s a wine cruise! I took a lovely dinner and drinks cruise along the Vltava River on a trip to Prague (back in 2019), and more recently, enjoyed sunset cocktails while cruising the coast of Cartagena, Colombia earlier this year.

The Danube River is the perfect place for a little cruise and a little sip sip while admiring all the beautiful sights—like the Parliament Building on the Pest side and Castle Hill on the Buda side. For only $18 (plus the cost of drinks), there’s pretty much no reason not to do it!

👉🏼 Book your Danube River cruise here!

OR, if you’re looking for something a little more chill to ring in day one on your solo trip, hop on over to the Aria Hotel and have a few drinks on their rooftop bar.

I ordered a Hungarian-crafted Pilsner and enjoyed the sunset overlooking St. Stephen’s Basilica. Magical ✨

Day 2: Food Tour, Széchenyi Baths, Beer Spa, Retro Langos & Pub Crawl

I hope you’re not too tired from yesterday because day two of your Budapest two day itinerary is also chock-full of exciting things to do in this gorgeous Eastern European city.  

Today, you’ll start with a traditional food tour (or swap it out for a bike tour instead!), get your relaxation on in the Széchenyi Baths, take a dip in the Thermal Beer Spa, try one of the most delicious dishes in Hungary, and visit one of the city’s iconic ruin bars. 

Ready? Let’s go!

Take a Food Tour

I’m a huge foodie, so taking a street food tour is hands-down one of my favorite activities to book as a solo traveler in a new city. I just embarked on a street food tour on my 1 day trip to Seville, and it was worth every penny! 

If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the Hungarian culinary scene, a local food tour is the way to go. This top-rated tour includes tons of stops for Hungarian street food, desserts, and beer—but be sure to arrive hungry (pun intended)! You’re guaranteed to fill up on traditional Hungarian specialties like langos, paprika sausage, chimney cake, and strudel on this tour. 

If a food tour isn’t your thing, immerse yourself in the city’s culture on a bike tour instead. You end up seeing more than you would on a walking tour, and it’s the more budget-friendly option of the two. I did a wonderful bike tour on my visit to Munich and it was one of the highlights of the trip (other than the world’s largest drinking festival that is). 

Relax in the Famous Széchenyi Baths

Budapest is known for its abundance of thermal baths and Széchenyi is the most well-known. The Széchenyi Baths have a large indoor area of heated pools, but the real fun is outside.

Although the pools are heated, the experience is much better in the summer months when you can work on your tan in one of the beach loungers and grab a frosty Hungarian beer from one of the many food stands nearby!

If you happen to be in town on a Saturday night, head over to the Baths for one of their famous sparties! Tickets can get a bit pricey at upwards of €59, but partying in a “nightclub pool” is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Regrettably, I wasn’t able to attend a SPARTY during my trip, but it’s definitely on my bucket list for next time.

Plan your night on the official SPARTY website. There are Széchenyi Bath tickets available on Viator, but it’s cheaper to book directly through the official website.

And Don’t Forget the Thermal Beer Spa!

The only thing better than a good thermal bath is a great Thermal Beer Spa. The staff treats you like a VIP while you get changed in your own private dressing room and brought downstairs for the relaxing, hops-filled main event.

They fill a tub of hot water with the fresh ingredients that go into making beer: malt, hops, and yeast. The ingredients are all-natural, smell great, and are supposed to do wonders for your skin! And the best part? It includes your own personal and unlimited beer tap next to your tub!

If you love beer, the Thermal Beer Spa should be on the top of your list when deciding what to do in Budapest. They offer beer spa + Széchenyi Bath tickets on Viator, but you can buy a combo ticket for a more reasonable price through the official beer spa website.

Hungry and in a hurry?

Head to Széchenyi Kertvendéglö—the restaurant right outside of the Széchenyi Baths! I ordered the egg dumplings, which is basically the Hungarian equivalent of gnocchi.

Try Lágos at Retro Lángos

Eating lángos should be at the top of anyone’s Budapest itinerary! It’s the perfect easy and solo traveler-friendly dinner for your last night in the city. 

This is one of Hungary’s most popular dishes consisting of a deep-fried pastry smothered in sour cream and cheese.

A friend of mine swore that the best lángos she’d ever had came from a tiny street stand by the name of Retro Lángos and, although I didn’t have anything to compare it to, I enjoyed every bite of my classic lángos. (I even contemplated going back for seconds.)

Retro Lángos offers an array of flavors and twists on traditional lángos. Some of their flavors include Southwest, Greek, and Nutella for dessert lovers.

Visit An Iconic Ruin Bar

Budapest is known for its ruin bars—unique bars housed in abandoned buildings throughout the city. The best thing about visiting a ruin bar is it can be whatever you want it to be! Whether you want a quiet cocktail in a quirky setting or you want to dance the night away to EDM—the ruin bar scene is the scene for you. 

Szimpla Kert is widely considered one of the best ruin bars in town (and happens to be the oldest of them all). During my trip, I stopped by quickly during the day when it turns into a Farmer’s & Flea Market. At night, the drinks are reasonably priced, the vibes are immaculate, and the party goes all night long. 

Alternatively, you could also book yourself on a Budapest pub crawl with a local party guide!

However, if you’re traveling solo, be sure to take safety precautions with both of these options. Always have your wits about you (which means not getting absolutely obliterated), keep a close eye on your drink, and never walk home alone late at night. 

Things to Do with More Time in Budapest

• Enjoy a Hungarian wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie
• Take a bike tour of Budapest
• Visit the historic St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika): Built in 1905, the basilica is the third largest church in Hungary. In addition to the high arches and religious artwork, St. Stephen’s Basilica holds Hungary’s most sacred treasure, the mummified hand of St. Stephen. Entrance is free!
• Take a free walking tour of Budapest with Sandeman’s New Europe
• Tour the State Opera House 
• Take a day trip to Margaret Island: Go for a dip in the island’s famous thermal baths, Palatinus Strand, or climb to the top of the water tower for incredible views.
• Stroll around Heroes Square: This famous square commemorates the first 1,000 years of Hungary’s history and the seven Magyar tribes that founded the country.
• Take a walk through history at the National Museum: Entrance tickets cost 3,500 HUF or around $10.
• Explore the Jewish Quarter

The Budapest Card: Do you need it?

The Budapest Card is a tourist pass that offers visitors free entry to certain attractions, free use of public transit, discounts at certain establishments, and other perks for a flat fee.

There are five different options: the 24-hour card for $43.57, the 48-hour card for $59.21, the 72-hour card for $77.08, the 96-hour card for $97.19, and the 120-hour card for $107.25—all available on the official website. 

If you’re really into visiting museums, the card might be worth it for you. My advice would be to decide which activities you absolutely want to experience during your solo trip to Budapest, tally up the total cost, and compare it to the cost of the card. 

Stay Connected in Budapest

As a solo traveler, the #1 safety tip I have for you is to have a fully charged phone and reliable internet throughout your trip. When it comes to international data, I always use Airalo’s fast and easy eSIMs.

Simply download the app, choose your eSIM, and follow the directions to install it on your phone. You’ll have data within minutes! (I usually do this on the airport wifi before I head into the city.)

Use code MADI10 for 10% off your purchase!

Hungary has the following package options: 

• Szia! 1 GB for 7 days
• Szia! 2 GB for 15 days
• Szia! 3 GB for 30 days
• Szia! 5 GB for 30 days
• Szia! 10 GB for 30 days
• Szia! 20 GB for 30 days

Protect Your Trip to Budapest

Whenever I plan a trip, I always make sure to protect myself and my wallet with travel insurance. I’ve always booked travel insurance before trips, but I had to learn the hard way that not all travel insurance programs are created equal.

During the two months I lived in Thailand in 2022, I injured my foot on a weekend trip to Khao Sok National Park, which led to four months of limping around Southeast Asia and an eventual surgery in Canggu.

Since I was buying travel insurance month-to-month through AXA, none of my surgery was covered and I was out $3,500—even though I had active travel insurance at the time.

Since then, I started traveling with SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance. It’s perfect for both short-term travelers and digital nomads since you can tailor it exactly to your dates and needs.

You can use it as a monthly subscription (what I usually do), or pay in full for a set date range. You can also take advantage of their useful add-ons like U.S. coverage (not for U.S. citizens, unfortunately), adventure sports, and electronics theft! Grab a quote below for your next trip 👇🏼

Budapest Solo Travel & Beyond

Budapest solo travel? Checked off the bucket list.

From thermal baths and ruin bars to hilltop castles and riverside strolls, this city brings a perfect mix of adventure and chill—all without needing a travel partner to keep up.

After exploring Budapest solo, I can confidently say it’s one of the best spots in Europe for a solocation. The vibe is laid-back, the food is amazing, and the views? Unreal. And now that I’ve tempted myself with all these goulash flashbacks…a return trip might be happening sooner than expected.

If this was your first time tackling Hungary solo, you crushed it. But don’t stop now—dive deeper into my solo travel tips across Eastern Europe. There’s so much more to see, taste, and explore 💫

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to 4 Days in Prague

How to Spend a Long Weekend in Krakow, Poland Solo

How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Bucharest, ROmania

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