Although twenty-four little hours are certainly not enough to build Rome (or, in this case, Budapest) from the ground up, when it comes to discovering instead of constructing, a single day can really make a difference. During our very first twenty-four-hour trip around Hungary’s capital, we take a deep breath and dive into the depths of the underground.

MORNING
A bluesy breakfast

Head over to bluesy Kiadó Pub, where even an omelette has a five o’clock shadow, or broaden your mind with unique books while enjoying a cup of coffee with chunks of brownies at Massolit Books and Café.

Other possible destinations: Printa, a multifunctional coffee shop centered around arts, and My Little Melbourne, a tiny snug with an Australian infusion.
FORENOON Alternative sights

Explore the alternative options of sightseeing, such as the ones provided by Unique Budapest, Discover Budapest, and Budapest Beyond. If you happen to be a bike-junkie, you should definitely check out Budapest Bike. In case you’re into architectural peculiarities, KÉK (Centre of Contemporary Architecture) is where you should be heading.
NOON
Thai or Serbian?

If you fancy Thai cuisine, cozy Kis Parázs – where take-away is also a possibility – is the perfect place for you. In case you’re looking for something heavy-weighted, spacious 400Bar should be your choice of lunchery. 400 offers large portions of Serbian cuisine, a wallet-friendly daily menu consisting of two courses, and a jovial owner with a funny accent.

Also worth mentioning: Castro, a homely spot with Serbian dishes, and Fecske, where munching a hamburger is a must.
AFTERNOON Retro kicks, lessons from the past, and chillin’ like a villain

As Bob Dylan would say, take care of your body, as you care for your soul, and it is high time you took care of the latter. You’ve got three options: you could go on a shopping spree and elevate your T-Shirt game at BP Shop with a pair of gangsta pandas, then, to top it all off, you could purchase a pair of retro kicks at Tisza Shop. Tisza Shoes, a renowned Hungarianbrand which had its heydays during the 1970s, was given new life in 2003, and has risen to the top once again thanks to its revamped retro design.

The second option is culture-centric. If you’re not afraid to face the monsters of the past, taking a look around The House of Terror – which contains exhibits realted to the fascist and communist regimes of the 20th century while also commemorating the victims of said regimes – is a must.  For a less terrifying experience, buy a ticket to Ernst Museum, where you’ll surely come across spectacular pieces of comtemporary art.

The third option might seem like something aimed at old-timers, but don’t judge a book by its cover. Chillin’ like a villain in the many pools of Rudas Bath or Király Bath guarantees good times and strees relief, and you can always scan the scene for some eye-candy while playing chess with one of the regulars.
AT SUNSET
A Spare Key right Now!

For a meal and a beer, head over to Most! (Now!) right now! Most!, an underground bistro situated only a couple of blocks away from Andrássy Avenue, offers a wooden interior dominated by books and contemporary paintings. Prices are low, the dish-quality is high, the atmosphere is bohemian and welcoming – what else could you wish for?

Nonetheless, if Most! did not catch your imagination, Pótkulcs (Spare Key) will gladly give it a go. Located adjacent to Nyugati Railway Station, so close to but so far from the buzz of downtown Budapest, Pótkulcs is characterized by Eastern European cuisine, a romantic courtyard, comfy couches, and live music almost every night.

Also worth mentioning: Doblo Wine Bar, a not so dime-a-dozen mixture of a loft and a wine cellar situated in the Party District, and Jelen, a ruin pubish bar frequented by arts students and alternative lads and gals.
AT NIGHT
A party before a party

To warm up your all-nighter, hop into a cab, and don’t let the driver stop until you arrive at your destination, which should be A38, a reincarnated Ukranian stone-carrier ship anchored nearby Petőfi Bridge. Since its inauguration in 2003, A38 morphed into a world-famous cultural venue providing world-class parties and concerts, while also sporting a splendid restaurant.
BEFORE SUNRISE
Instant pioneers

Situated in Nagymező Street, an area often denoted as the Broadway of Budapest, Instant is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the city’s nightlife. Although it is housed by a dilapidated building, Instant is much more than a ruin pub: it is a varied complex with several dance floors, bar counters, and psychedelic design elements. Affordable prices, dizzying drinks, and a artsy crowd of party-goers make Instant an instant sensation, and a perfectly suited venue for living it up.

Also worth mentioning: Fogasház - meaning "House of Teeth" -, an insanely designed ruin pub housed by a historic building.
AT SUNRISE
A healing meal

To satisfy your post-party hunger, grab a late-night snack from Montenegrói Gurman, a non-stop restaurant that serves as heaven on Earth for the enthusiasts of Balkan cuisine. Good night, and good luck!
+1: A PLACE TO REST YOUR HEAD

Grandio, a party hostel that also functions as a popular courtyard bar during the summer months, is a place that rarely sleeps, but who needs sleep when you can hang out with cool cats from all over the globe? Grandio offers reasonable prices, grill dishes, and an interior that is a romantic mixture of a ruin pub and a Mediterranean courtyard.
Also worth mentioning: Big Fish Hostel, InstantGroove Hostel, Blue Danube Hostel.