When you visit Hungary’s dynamic capital, you write your own Tale of Two Cities. Bisected by the beautiful blue Danube, each side of the river has its own distinctive personality, tempo, and feel. Buda climbs the heights, with domes and spires and castles that ascend away from the flow. On the other side of the Chain Bridge, Pest bustles with activity, inviting you to do the same. While exploring two cities in 24 hours will be busy, it’ll be fun—here’s how to do it.
Arrival
Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport—often still known locally by its old name, Ferihegy—sits about 14 miles southeast of the Chain Bridge. Although nonstop flights from North America are scarce, the airport receives many flights on national flag bearers (including direct flights from South Korea, Dubai, and Istanbul). It’s also a main hub for Hungarian low-cost carrier WizzAir.To reach the heart of the city (which takes 30 to 45 minutes by car), you have options. Ride-sharing service Bolt will set you back about $30 to $40. Save a few bucks by hopping on the 100E or 200E bus (about $4), which departs from the airport’s arrivals level and heads straight into the city.
