So where should you go to discover the most outstanding features of this "Eastern European gem" in two days?

Matthias Church on the Buda side, one of the must-see attractions in Budapest - Photo: thewanderingstardust

According to travel experts, to explore the two cities of Buda and Pest in Budapest, separated on opposite banks of the Danube River and connected by several bridges, visitors can use the subway, walk, or take a boat.

* First day in Buda CityBuilt on a hill on the west bank of the Danube River, the journey will begin at 9:00 AM with the destination beingMatthias ChurchOver 700 years old, it stands magnificent with its gleaming golden tiled roof and majestic bell tower soaring into the sky.

A view of Matthias Church on the Buda side - Photo: retrofm

Hungarians call this the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of Budapest, and for tourists, it's a must-see destination on any trip to Budapest.

Matthias Church has been rebuilt many times and has been the site of the coronations of several Hungarian leaders. The atmosphere around the church is softened by the activities of street artists.

* After enjoying the sights and sounds at Matthias Church, you should go tofishermen's strongholdNot far from there, according to locals, this is one of the seven architectural wonders of Hungary. From the railings of the city walls, visitors can easily admire the Danube River flowing like a silk ribbon below...

* Tarnok Cafe - RestaurantWith its bright orange lobby nestled between two souvenir shops, visitors can enjoy a delicious lunch without breaking the bank. In this warm and inviting space, furnished with thick wooden furniture, savoring famous Hungarian beef stews and signature Hungarian salads will provide a delightful experience.

The facade of Tarnok Cafe - Photo: panoramamio

During your stopover here, you can explore unforgettable Hungarian desserts before embarking on your afternoon sightseeing tour.

* 3 PM is the best time to gostroll through the old town of BudaVisitors will find time flies by as they stroll through the tranquil area surrounding Buda Castle, the former royal palace.

Exploring Buda Old Town by horse-drawn carriage - Photo: fanshare

The entrance hall of the National Library in Buda Castle - Photo: wiki

Inside the castle, you can admire the finest examples of Hungarian art displayed in the National Library. Meanwhile, adventurous visitors can explore the labyrinth of the city's catacombs in the castle's basement.

You still have time to climb the stairs ofGellert HillAt an altitude of 200m, it offers panoramic views of Budapest at sunset, allowing you to admire Castle Hill and the beautiful mansions reflected on the gently flowing Danube River...

Buda Castle glitters in the Buda night - Photo: paramio. Dinner will leave a special impression on visitors.Marvanymenyasszony restaurantLocated at 6 Marvany Street, visitors can enjoy Hungarian cuisine infused with traditional dances performed by live bands and dancers right beside them.

The atmosphere was so friendly that many tourists volunteered to join the dancers in the performance!

* For tourists who want to learn moreBudapest nightlifeThe pubs in the old, decades-old ruins will offer many unforgettable attractions during your brief time exploring Hungary.

Folk dance performance at a restaurant in Budapest - Photo: Google

At the end of the narrow alleyways, many residents live crammed into old, often abandoned buildings. Yet, it is also here that a vibrant, sociable atmosphere thrives, filled with art galleries, film screenings, concerts, and other artistic performances.

According to the locals, it was here that they found the happiness of everyday life, even if only for a moment.

* Since 2002,old Szimpla KertLocated in the Jewish Quarter, it is one of the iconic places for Hungarian youth.

Here, old apartments have been converted into various cafes. The building's corridors have become auditoriums for musical performances. The courtyard is a gathering place for young people and sometimes serves as an open-air theater. Every Sunday, this area becomes a farmers' market.

An old building in the Szimpla area - Photo: wiki

*The city of Pest is on the east bank of the Danube River.This is the destination for the rest of the day in Budapest. The journey begins at 8 am and heads straight to the ancient yet magnificent synagogue located in the former slums of Budapest, in the Erzsebetvaros district.

There are currently around 100,000 Jewish people living in Budapest. This synagogue is also the largest in Europe, with 3,000 seats.

Synagogue - Photo: singolo

* After admiring the magnificent interior of the cathedral, visitors can stroll to Raoul Wallenberg Park Cemetery located in the backyard, wheretree of life(Metal weeping willow tree), a memorial to the 600,000 Hungarian Jews murdered by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Tree of life in the cemetery of the synagogue - Photo: gibsonchop

* Hungarian Parliament buildingThe next destination is Kossuth Lajos Square. This is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Budapest, even if it requires an entrance fee. Passing through one of the 27 gates, the first thing you see are the imposing guards, and looking up a little higher, you'll see the magnificent 96-meter-high dome of the building.

After climbing the 96 steps, you'll begin your exploration of the 696 rooms, admiring the gleaming golden windows bathed in sunlight. The perfect balance of interior and exterior beauty in this neoclassical parliament building will make you reluctant to leave...

The Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest - Photo: mostbeautifulplacesintheworld

* The meeting point at 11 am will be the areaCentral Market HallOn Vamhaz Avenue lies Budapest's oldest and largest indoor market. Here, all your senses will be awakened by the myriad colors and smells of the neatly arranged and clean stalls.

In the dazzle of sunlight streaming through the enormous stained-glass windows surrounding the market, you'll be overwhelmed by the stalls displaying fresh produce from all over Hungary, from spices, nuts, dried fruits, Hungarian wines and spirits to countless famous specialties such as chili sausages, foie gras, duck liver...

On the second floor of the market are shops selling souvenirs in a dazzling array of artistic colors, with mountains of goods reaching the ceiling! You can relax at the stalls in the market before preparing for another "sweep" of the shops!

Central Market Hall in Budapest - Photo: panoramamio*

After enjoying some shopping, you should experience it atSzechenyi Outdoor Hot Spring BathLocated on Allatkerti Avenue, within the Spa Szechenyi in the city park, this is one of the largest mineral bath complexes in Europe. According to travel experts, if you haven't visited this place, you can say you haven't truly been to Budapest!

The therapeutic baths (mineral baths) and 21 pools with average temperatures ranging from 21 to 78 degrees Celsius at Spa Szechenyi welcome thousands of visitors every week and are bustling with people throughout the year.

The outdoor mineral bath is part of the largest and most famous Szechenyi Spa complex in Budapest - Photo: bathsbudapest

Besides the outdoor and indoor mineral baths, there are also cold water pools, bubbling pools, wave pools, saunas, sunbathing areas, and even massage and beauty services... Every Saturday evening during the summer, the place becomes more lively and dazzling with underwater dance performances supported by spectacular lighting effects.

In its more than 100 years of existence, Spa Szechenyi has welcomed at least 100 million visitors...

̣* House of TerrorThe War Crimes Museum could also be a good option for an afternoon visit after recharging your energy at the Szechenyi thermal springs.

During World War II, this building served as the headquarters of the Nazi secret police in Hungary, and from 1945 to 1956 it was used as a security agency specializing in interrogating criminals. The building's four floors display torture instruments. The interrogation rooms, cramped cells, and numerous images, films, and documents also offer fascinating discoveries.

Terror Museum - Photo: thefabweb

Your last night in Budapest will be even more memorable when you take a cruise.downstream on the DanubeTo admire a romantic and magical Budapest in the lights.

Take a boat trip on the Danube River to fully appreciate the beauty of Budapest - Photo: fotopedia

And in just an hour on the Danube, you'll feel like you're capturing Budapest's turbulent past and incredibly peaceful present through images of the Chain Bridge, a masterpiece of architecture over 300 years old; Buda Castle; the Statue of Liberty atop Gellert Hill; and the majestic Parliament building... all brilliantly illuminated at night.

The stunning scenery along the banks of the Danube River as it flows through Budapest has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The Thanh