Budapest is one of the most beautiful European cities, full of culture, history, and delicious local food. If you are lucky enough to live in the UK or another European city, Budapest is also very easy to travel to on a long weekend. You are there in 2-3 hours, enjoying the thermal baths (and maybe also partying in them!). There are a few things that you have to see and do when you are visiting the city, and you will find them all in this Budapest 3 day itinerary.
Something you should be aware of before visiting this beautiful city in Hungary is that Budapest is split into two sides: Buda side and the Pest side. They are separated by a river; the Pest side is the more modern/newly built part, and Buda side is the more historical and sightseeing part. It is easy to get between two parts but it is definitely easier to split your sightseeing days into two parts – as you will see below.
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Know before you go
Make sure to carry some cash! Most places to accept card/contactless but it is still useful to have cash with you.
There are 2 sides to the city, Buda and Pest. They are not too far but also not too close to one another so make sure to plan your days while keeping this in mind. It is best to dedicate one day to each side.
Public transport is pretty easy here. This is the best way to get around. Metro and trams are the primary ways of transportation in the city. You can buy a ticket at the train station or the bus but make sure to carry some cash with you as they will not accept card here!
There are few thermal baths you can book. As one of the main attractions in Budapest, visiting the thermal baths is a must. The main one is Szechenyi Thermal Baths, however, also check out Gellert, Lukács Baths, Rudas Baths, and there are many more. Do your research as they are all different from one another and are priced differently too.
Some baths and tours require advance booking. Make sure to book the Thermal baths and the parliament tour in advance if you want to go there as some of them may not have availability on the day.
Taxis are relatively cheap and easy to get around. However, be prepared in case you cannot find any as there are not a lot in the city.
Is 3 days enough in Budapest?
While it may not be long enough to explore every corner of Budapest, 3 days is enough time to get a very good idea of the city. We managed to do all the activities that we had on our list in 3 days, so it is definitely enough time if you are looking for a short city break for the weekend in Europe.
Where to stay
Budapest may feel big but it is actually very small. I would suggest staying near the center, walking distance to St Stephen’s Basilica on the Pest side. This location is perfect as it is very central and well connected to all the main attractions you may want to see.
Emerald Hotel & Suites ($)
We stayed in the inner city a few minutes walk from St Stephen’s Basilica and it was the perfect location, close to metro and bus stations. The name of our hotel was Emerald Hotel & Suites and it was a very nice hotel, clean and new, with a very nice bar and included breakfast, all for around £130 a night.
Continental Hotel Budapest ($$)
This hotel only opened in 2010 in the former site of a Hungarian bath, and it surely feels as new as it looks. When you walk in, you will be very impressed as you are greeted with the open, grand lobby.
The location of the hotel is also great as it is located at a walking distance to most main attractions and next to the M2 Metro line.
Anantara New York Palace Budapest ($$$)
This incredible hotel is the most luxurious place to stay in Budapest. If you are looking to be made to feel like a royal on each day of your stay in Budapest, then you definitely need to book Anantara New York Palace Budapest.
Home to the famous New York Cafe, the hotel is located inside an impressive 19th-century building. Your breakfast will be held each morning in the grandest of rooms. The location is perfectly central as the hotel is located close to the Opera and Andrássy Boulevard.
How to get around
It is very easy to get around Budapest, so here are some options so you can decide what does or doesn’t work for you.
🚕 Taxis are pretty cheap in Budapest (around £6-8), and come pretty quickly wherever you are. Make sure to download Bolt before you go as there is no Uber here.
🚌 Buses and trams are also pretty much everywhere in the city and go to most places. They are also very cheap (£0.7 for one ticket) and you can buy them once you board.
🚆 The metro is another options and pretty simple to get the hang of and also quick. You can buy tickets in the station but make sure to have cash on you.
Budapest 3 day itinerary
Day 1 – Pest side
Szechenyi Thermal Baths
Start your Budapest 3 day itinerary by visiting the Szechenyi Thermal Baths. These are the big and famous baths that you have probably seen pictures of – there is one main thermal pool outside and a lot of smaller pools inside also. These baths get very crowded by the tourists and locals alike so make sure that you go as early as you can if you want to avoid crowds. Entry is £20 and you can get a locker or a cabin. Bring your own towel if you want to avoid paying extra for them as well.
Inside the baths, there is another unique experience that you can try. There is a beer spa, where you bathe in beer malt, salts and hops while drinking unlimited beer for 45 minutes. Sounds amazing, right?! Well, it is amazing. Even better, the beer salts make your hair shiny and your skin soft, and the unlimited beer on tap is icing on the cake. This experience costs £25 and is absolutely worth it.
Central Market Hall
After the baths, you will be nice and relaxed and this will be the perfect opportunity to do some sightseeing. If you don’t enjoy walking around aimlessly, you can join a free walking tour that will take you around all the main sites and attractions.
Head to the Central Market, where you will find lots of fresh produce, juices and souvenirs on the upper floor. The street leading here is also very nice, full of restaurants and cafes. It is a nice area if you want to walk around and discover the city on foot independently.
Lunch & St Stephen’s Basilica
Next on your 3 day Budapest itinerary is the St Stephen’s Basilica and the main square. The Basilica is very beautiful from the outside and also the inside. I would suggest buying a ticket to go inside – you can visit the church inside and also go to the top of the cupola to see the most amazing views of the city. These were the best views we saw in the whole of Budapest so I would absolutely suggest going to the top. You can also do this at sunset for more amazing views.
For lunch, there are many restaurants in this area that are nice. We ate at a place called Cafe Kor and it had delicious local food and reasonable prices. I had beef stroganoff with croquettes and it was a really nice and heartwarming local dish.
Parliament
Walking distance from St Stephen’s Basilica is the Hungarian Parliament building. This is a building which is a must visit in Budapest as it is one of the most amazing buildings in the city. You can book a tour of the Parliament but this booking needs to be made in advance. It costs about £10 and is really impressive. You can book your tickets here.
Shoes on the Danube River
This is one of the must-see places in Budapest. It is simply an exhibition of shoes next to the river, dedicated to the Jews who died during the Second World War. The Jews were ordered to take off their shoes as shoes were valuable and could be re-sold after the massacre. They were then shot at the edge of the river, so they fell into it and were carried away by the water. The memorial is a representation of their shoes being left behind.
It is a really moving piece and is located walking distance from the Parliament building, so make sure that you don’t miss it.
Holocaust Memorial Centre/ National museum
Afterwards you can visit the Holocaust Memorial Centre. Entry costs £5 and it is an interesting museum to learn about the part that Budapest had during the Holocaust. It is located at a bit of a distance from the shoes installation but can be easily accessed via bus or taxi.
Hungarian State Opera
The Hungarian State Opera House is a beautiful building and worth visiting if you happen to be in the area. The entry is free and the interior is definitely one of the most beautiful ones in Budapest. However it is not only an impressive building, but it also happens to be the symbol of the Hungarian operatic tradition for more than 300 years.
For the full experience, you can also book a ticket for the opera or ballet performance here. If not, there are also three 45 minute walking tours held here each day and you can buy tickets at the box office.
Sparty
If your Budapest 3 day itinerary falls on a weekend and if you are feeling up for it, every Saturday, in the Szechenyi Thermal Baths is hosted the “Sparty“. As you have probably guessed from the name, it is a huge party happening in the baths.
As you bathe in the thermal waters, the DJ plays some of your favourite tunes and there are performers doing fire shows.
You can of course buy drinks, but you will need to bring cash with you as the only way to do this is to top up a card, which you use to pay for drinks the whole night. It is really a unique experience so if you get the chance, try to experience it! You can book it here.
Day 2 – Buda Side
Fisherman’s Bastion
Visit this breathtaking place first thing in the morning. It is really the best place to watch the sunrise so try to get here as early as possible to avoid crowds and witness amazing views. If you want to take some shots, be prepared to be patient as even at 6 am there are photographers and content creators here trying to capture that perfect shot!
Entry here is free, except for one area upstairs which you may have to pay for. When we came here at 6 am we did not have to pay for it.
Buda Castle
Start the second day of your Budapest 3 day itinerary by visiting Buda Castle. This beautiful castle first completed in the 13th century, but the palace you see today is from the 18th century. The Castle used to be the home of the Hungarian Kings, and today it is mainly a tourist attraction, containing the Hungarian National Museum inside it.
Entry costs £5 and inside you can see the museum and the history of the palace. There is also one room of the palace available to view, with slotted entry and available audio guides. To be completely honest, I did not think that entry inside was worth it although it was interesting to learn about the history of the place.
Underground Labyrinth
This is a really unique place in Budapest and a must add to your Budapest 3 day itinerary if you are not scared of the dark. The maze was originally created as a cellar and acted as a bomb shelter. According to Legend, Dracula was once imprisoned here…
Today it is a labyrinth and a maze, as well as an underground museum. As you descend the stairs, you will find dark corridors, and wax figures behind bars. These really give a creepy effect, but don’t worry – there are arrows everywhere to direct you where you need to go for the exit.
Ruszwurm (local dessert spot)
Nearby you will find a spot called Ruszwurm, where you can try some local Hungarian desserts. This traditional dessert shop is the oldest pastry shop in Budapest. Walking in here feels like stepping into someone’s home, and it is the perfect place to try some of the local sweets, such as Dobos torta, Somloi Sponge Cake or the creamy Kremes.
We tried Hungarian Kremes and a cheesecake and both were delicious. However if you are not a fan of creme it may be best to skip these!
Matthias Church
This is another church that you can visit on the Buda side, and is really beautiful from the outside and inside too. Founded in 1015, it is also one of the most unique churches in Europe. The church is constructed in a Neo-Gothic style and has a very fascinating history. It has also acted as the place of coronation for many Hungarian Kings and Queens, including Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth of Austria, and Charles IV and Zita of Bourbon-Parma.
You can buy entry inside only, or you can also go to the top. However, you can only go to the top in certain time slots so make sure to plan ahead.
Hungarikum Bisztró
Head to Hungarikum Bisztró for lunch – you will not regret it. This homely and cosy restaurant will give you everything you want from the restaurant experience in Budapest and more. It very much has a cafeteria/dining relaxed vibe to it, but the food here is really special – just the way your grandma would have made it.
Here I tried the traditional bread with cheese dish (Langos), and had the beef for the main. We also got dessert and everything was very delicious! It felt like we were having a home-cooked meal. There is also a cool feature in this restaurant that allows you to scroll through the pictures of the food on the iPad to help with choosing.
Vaci Street
Head to Vaci Street if you want to do some shopping or to experience the feel of this European city. This street reminded me of Gran Via in Madrid – it is a pretty touristy area in terms of restaurants but is great if you are looking to do some shopping in all the main shops, such as Zara, Mango, Cos and many more.
If you find yourself here, you can also try wine tasting at CultiVini. In this cosy winery, you can try everything from Hungarian to international wines, accompanied with a charcuterie board. This is ideal for a mid day snack.
Leo Rooftop bar
Your Budapest 3 day itinerary cannot be complete without a visit to a rooftop bar. Leo Rooftop bar is located on the Buda side and offers some great vibes alongside nice views of the city. From here you can see the Castle, the Danube river, and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. It is more expensive than most other places we visited in Budapest, but still relatively affordable. It is really nice to come here for sunset and see the amazing views from the top and experience nice vibes.
Danube River Cruise
If there is one thing you do in Budapest, let this be it. Doing a cruise on the Danube river was one of the most amazing ways to see the main sights of the city lit up at night.
You can book a table in advance to get a seat and enjoy the magical sights with candlelight. We did not book in advance and ended up buying tickets at the pier 10 minutes before the cruise was about to start! Our ticket included a welcome drink and we got seats without a table. However we still thought it was worth it as the vibe was great!
We did the 1 hour sightseeing cruise, but you can also do a cruise while enjoying dinner on board. This can also be a great option and costs slightly more.
Day 3 – Pest side
New York Cafe
On the last day of your 3 day Budapest itinerary, make sure to visit the New York Cafe. Voted as ‘The Most Beautiful Cafe in the World’, New York Cafe is definitely one of the most beautiful cafes I have ever seen. You will feel like you are walking into a royal palace as the layout is absolutely incredible. Located in the Anantara New York Hotel, the cafe was first opened in 1894 and acted as the meeting place for actors, poets and writers.
Here you can have delicious brunch and they serve afternoon tea-style breakfast too. It is more on the pricey side but a visit here is really worth it as this is one of the most impressive buildings in Budapest. However, make sure to get here as early as you can (it opens at 7 am), as it does get very busy as people queue to get a table.
Heroes Square
This square is another iconic spot in Budapest. It has played a very important part in Hungarian history and a lot of political events have taken place here in the past. Here you will find statues of several Hungarian National leaders, as well as the memorial stone of heroes. It is a really beautiful square worth visiting.
Vajdahunyad Castle
This beautiful castle will make you feel like you are walking into a Disney fairytale. It really looks like a princess castle, and is free to visit. The castle was built in 1896 and features a few different architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
You can walk here and admire the castle from the outside. There is also a lake and a park that the castle is located in – I would suggest walking around in the park and it really feels like a very different side to the city.
Lunch at Anonimus Cafe
This cafe is located inside the park and has really nice views of the lake. Eat here if you want some quick and simple food – they have a nice selection of flatbreads and refreshing drinks. This cafe really surprised us as the food was a lot better than we had expected!
Szimpla Kert ruins bar
End your Budapest 3 day itinerary by visiting the impressive Szimpla Kert ruins bar. Stepping in here feels a little bit like entering another world. The dark rooms illuminated with neon lighting, many different bar stalls where you can try Hungarian wine and many unique cocktails and beers, make this bar one of the coolest in the world. Even if you are not up for drinking, this bar is an absolute must visit so put this one on your list!
What makes this place great is also the fact that it is often frequented by locals. There are always some events on, with live music and great vibes. Make sure to leave a bit of time to explore this bar as you probably won’t want to leave…
If you have more time…
Gellert Baths
Gellert Baths are the perfect alternative for Szechenyi Thermal Baths. Open every day from 9 am till 7 pm, these baths are smaller than Szechenyi Thermal Baths but still offer 10 thermal pools. The baths are located inside an impressive Art Nouveau building and are definitely a lot more beautiful.
Entry here costs £40 and it includes access to the baths as well as a locker. You can also choose to add massages or other treatments if you so wish.
Twenty Six Restaurant
Twenty Six is definitely one of the most unique restaurants in Budapest. It is not just a restaurant, but it is also a shop, studio, house and garden. Serving delicious mediterranean food options and brunch, this is the perfect spot to escape the cold especially during the winter.
The tropical plants are present everywhere in the space and the environmentally conscious theme is also present in the restaurant. Order the “Plant a tree” cocktail and a tree will be planted in Budapest with your name on it.
Gellért Hill
This famous hill is 235 meters high and is known for the great views that it offers. From here, you can see a view of the Danube River, Buda Castle, the Parliament building, as well as multiple bridges connecting the Buda and Pest sides. The Gellert Hill is also considered a green oasis in the city and is great to walk around in this area.
The best way to get here is to take a cable car from Adam Clark square. The ride up is very scenic and offers great views over the city also.
Take a day trip
There are lots of great day trips you can do from Budapest, so if you have time during your Budapest 3 day itinerary, make sure to add these to your list.
You can take a trip to Szentendre, a charming town not far from Budapest. If you want to get a taste of how the locals live and what Hungary is like outside of the big city, then you will love this trip. You can discover the souvenir shops, explore the museums, and try the local cuisine here.
If you are looking for a more nature-based escape, head to Lake Balaton. This is the largest lake in Central Europe and is known as the Hungarian Sea – and the size of it is truly impressive. It takes about 1-2 hours to get here by train and there are a lot of places that you can explore in the area. There are more than 180 towns here to be explored, or you can also visit a vineyard to try Hungarian wine or go on a boat ride along the lake.
If you are after that Instagram photo, then you cannot miss the Prédikálószék lookout. This hike is not the easiest, but you it is definitely worth it once you are at the top. It is a very popular spot among hikers, and the most famous lookout spot in all of Hungary. To get here, you will need to get a train to Dömös which is where the hike begins.
Tour the murals
This is a really great way to see a different side to Budapest. Other than historical buildings and castles, you will also find some very cool street art in the District VII area of the Pest side. You can do a walking tour here or walk around the area yourself, and you will discover small streets that you may not have seen otherwise.
Try the chimney cake
This popular dessert is a must try when in Budapest. Hollow in the middle, the dessert is a pastry rolled around and cooked over a coal furnace. It has a crisp exterior but remains fluffy inside, and is usually topped with sugar, cinnamon and sometimes extra toppings such as Nutella can also be added.
Watch the full vlog!
To get a better idea of the city, here is a detailed vlog I made from our trip. Hope you find it useful and let me know your thoughts!
If you enjoyed this Budapest 3 day itinerary, make sure to check out some of my other European itineraries. Please also share and spread the love on social media as this really helps me a lot!
