When you love to travel but are short on time, a weekend trip may be your only option. In a sprawling city like Budapest, this may be a challenge. Fear not. Even with just two days, you can see a lot.

With little time, sharp decision-making is of the essence. Are you after the busy metropolis feel? Pest is where you want to be. If, on the other hand, what you are seeking is imperial grandeur with mixed in picturesque cuteness, point your GPS towards the hilly Buda side.

FISHERMAN’S BASTION – BEAUTIFUL SIMPLICITY

My personal taste and this blog always focus on minimalist, simple design and art. Much to my surprise, the architecture of Buda’s Fisherman’s Bastion fits the bill perfectly. The best way to explore its bleached neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque stone turrets, terraces and imposing stairways is early in the morning when you can have (almost) the entire place to yourself. The views alone are worthy of the early wake-up call. From the Chain Bridge to the Parliament, you can see the entire Pest panorama from here.

While at the Buda Castle area, stop by the Matthias church next door. Its stunning colorful geometric-tiled roof and tall spire dominate the Buda skyline and you should not miss it.

BUT WHAT ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ART?

Worry not. It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t find contemporary art even in the very historic center of Buda. The Koller Galeria is a stone’s throw from the Bastion and houses a surprisingly interesting collection of modern painting, photography and sculpture and a beautiful garden.

Buda is now home also to a few other galleries that are worth a visit. Stop by the Godot Galéria that represents Hungary's “middle-generation” artists..

For more art, hop on the No.16 bus and head across the famous Chain Bridge to Pest. Take a peek at the Inda Gallery and its mix media art: painting, photography, and video art. Another place worth stopping by is Deak Erika Galeria, one of Budapest’s most established galleries and its collection of both local and international artists.

WAIT, I WANT TO SEE THE PEST SIDE, TOO

Pest is the commercial side of town. It’s wide boulevards and once-grand apartment buildings are busy with traffic and renovations, with cranes and excavations virtually everywhere you look. One can only imagine how spectacular the city will be once the work is completed. For now, stroll around and explore the other major sites, whether it is the St. Stephen’s Basilica, the spectacular Parliament building, or the many, many heroic monuments scattered around town.

Just like that, before you know it, your two days are up and you catch yourself thinking about the areas you want to explore on your next visit.