3 days in Budapest: Itinerary and Guide
- things to do
- November 8, 2024
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Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is a city of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. With its iconic landmarks, lively streets, and thermal baths, it’s a great destination all year round, perfect for both short and long stays.
3 days in Budapest is an ideal amount of time to explore all the must-see spots, and in this guide we’ll cover all the highlights so you don’t miss anything during your stay. Grab your notepad and get ready to explore.
Christmas in Budapest: Essentials
Language: Hungarian
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Country code: +36
Time Zone: GMT+1
Weather: 38°F (4°C) to 28°F (-2°C), maybe some snow or rain
Power sockets: types C and F
What to see in Budapest in 3 days?
With 3 days to explore Budapest, you’ll want to focus on its top attractions, but also add some hidden gems and local experiences as the cherry on top.
Budapest is divided into Buda and Pest, two sides of the city split by the Danube River. Buda offers hilltop castles and scenic views, while Pest is known for its bustling streets, museums, and nightlife.
Here are some unmissable places to visit during your stay:
Buda Castle
A well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Buda Castle offers breathtaking city views and houses an array of museums and cafés to be explored.
The castle complex, also known as the Royal Palace, has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The current palace was built in baroque style after the previous medieval castle was destroyed during the siege of Budapest in 1944.
Inside the Hungarian National Gallery, you’ll find an impressive collection of Hungarian art spanning from medieval times to the present. The highlight is the dome terrace, offering one of the best panoramic views of Pest. The permanent exhibition includes Gothic altarpieces, Renaissance sculptures, and 19th-century paintings that tell Hungary’s story through art.
The Budapest History Museum provides a fascinating journey through the city’s past. The medieval section in the castle’s Gothic Hall is particularly impressive, showcasing the original castle architecture. The restored palatial rooms give visitors a glimpse into royal life during the palace’s heyday.
The castle gardens, recently renovated, feature beautiful baroque fountains, hidden pathways, and peaceful corners away from the crowds. The Habsburg Steps, a grand ceremonial staircase, leads to a series of terraced gardens with seasonal flowers and ornamental statues.
Fisherman's Bastion
Famous for its fairy-tale-like architecture, Fisherman’s Bastion is a must-see in any Budapest visit. Explore the different level terraces and enjoy the uniquely framed views of the Danube and Parliament building.
This neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque structure looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, but it was actually built between 1895 and 1902. Its design isn’t just about aesthetics – the seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in 895 AD.
The structure’s architect, Frigyes Schulek, designed it to create a dramatic backdrop for Matthias Church, which he was restoring at the same time. The bastion’s design, with its crenellations and towers, refers to the architectural style of the early medieval times when the first Hungarian kings reigned.
Each of its viewing terraces offers a different perspective of the city. From the upper towers, you can see the Danube meandering through the city, while the lower terraces provide perfect frames for photographing the Parliament building. At night, when illuminated, the bastion takes on an ethereal quality that makes it even more magical.
Parliament Building
The most iconic building in Budapest, the Parliament is a must-visit for its breathtaking neo-gothic architecture and historical significance. As one of Europe’s largest parliamentary buildings, it offers guided tours where you can see the Hungarian crown jewels and all the beautiful frescoes in its interior. For best photo opportunities, make sure to take a walk outside and enjoy the riverside when visiting.
The palace took 17 years to build and was completed in 1902. The building’s impressive statistics match its grand appearance: it features 691 rooms, 28 staircases, and 242 sculptures on the walls. The design was inspired by the British Houses of Parliament, but incorporates Hungarian decorative elements.
Inside, the building is just as impressive as its exterior. The Grand Staircase, adorned with rich red carpets and gold leaf decorations, leads to the most spectacular areas. The Session Hall, where the National Assembly meets, features stunning frescoes and gilded ornaments. The highlight is the Holy Crown of Hungary and its jewels, which have survived centuries of tumultuous history.
The best part? If you’re there during a national holiday, the entrance is free.
St. Stephen's Basilica
Hungary’s largest church is a mandatory stop in any Budapest itinerary. Make sure to climb to the top for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Budapest.
Named after Hungary’s first king, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, neoclassical, took over 50 years to complete (1851-1905). During construction, the dome collapsed and had to be rebuilt, leading to the long construction period.
The building’s height of 96 meters is symbolic – it equals that of the Parliament Building, representing the balance between church and state in Hungary. And inside, the basilica houses Hungary’s most revered relic: the mummified right hand of King Saint Stephen. The hand, known as the “Holy Right,” is displayed in a gold reliquary and has survived centuries of Hungarian history, including being lost several times.
Budapest thermal baths
A must-try experience for your 3 days in Budapest is to soak in one of the world famous thermal bath houses. With many options to choose from — be it the well-known Széchenyi or to Lukács, a hidden gem mostly frequented by locals — we’ll go over the two best baths in Budapest. During your 3-day stay, make se to pick one.
Széchenyi
In the city of thermal baths, Széchenyi is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Take the time for a dip in 18 different temperature pools and to enjoy sauna and steam rooms. If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out the SPArty events that happen over the weekends.
Géllert
Known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, Géllert baths are a great option if you’re looking for beauty. Located within the historic Gellért Hotel, the complex offers an array of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
Budapest ruin pubs
Nowhere there’s a nightlife scene like in Budapest, and its ruin bars a strong reason for that. Located in old abandoned buildings, these pubs are known for their charming kitschy decoration and mismatched furniture. No visit to the city is complete without a drink in Szimpla Kert, but make the most of your trip by pub hopping around the Jewish quarters. You can visit different types of places, like Mazel Tov as a the best restaurant of its kind, Instant-Fogas Complex for clubbing, or Ankert, which captures industrial minimalism perfectly in its spacious courtyard.
Feel free to check our map on Budapest ruin pubs in case you decide to go all-in on ruin pubs. A “tipsy” tour is also an option!
Budapest 3-day itinerary
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s check the best way to organize your trip. Here you’ll find a detailed Budapest itinerary for 3 days.
Whether you’re into history, art, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, this 3-day Budapest itinerary covers the essential spots and a few local favorites.
Day 1: Buda and Pest basics
1. To kick off your Budapest adventure, head to the Buda side of the city. Start the day with a walk around the Buda Castle, where you can find different museums, courtyards and incredible city views. The Hungarian National Gallery is particularly worth checking out if you’re into art. You can also stop for a coffee break in the many cafés available in the area – try Ruszwurm, one of the oldest cafés in Budapest, for their famous cream cakes. And make sure not to miss the back gardens which were recently renovated and have beautiful overviews of the Buda hills.
Pro tip: get there early to catch the morning light on the castle walls, and book your tickets in advance to skip lines. If you’re into walking tours, this area is great for that.
2. After that, find your way to Tóth Árpád sétány, which offers a pleasant route to your next destination: St Matthias church and Fisherman’s Bastion. There, you’ll have time to enjoy unparalleled views of the city and feel like you’re truly in a fairytale with the area’s architecture. The white stone towers of Fisherman’s Bastion make for perfect photo opportunities, and if you’re interested, you can climb the church tower for an extra special view.
3. Head down to Batthyány tér, where you can take the M2 to the Pest side and stop at the Parliament. This is actually one of the best spots to get a full view of the building, so have your camera ready! From there, walk down or take the tram on the Danube promenade, where you can see the Shoes at the Danube bank (a moving memorial worth spending a quiet moment at) and the famous Chain Bridge. If you’re lucky with timing, try to catch the sunset here – the light on the river is magical.
4. Going back to the inner city, you can walk around the Saint Stephen Basilica and Deák Ferenc tér, home to an array of shops and restaurants. This area comes alive in the evening, making it a good place for dinner – you can try some traditional Hungarian restaurants around here.
Day 2: Deep dive into the culture (Pest)
The Pest side of Budapest is where you’ll find some of the most famous landmarks, along with local experiences and bustling sights.
1. Start your day heading towards Heroes Square. This famous Budapest sight is home to two museums and also marks the entrance to the City Park. Around the park, you’ll be able to take your pick at attractions that include the world famous Széchenyi thermal baths, the Vajdahunyad castle, the newly-built House of Music and several museum options.
2. Back to the main park entrance, make your way down to Andrássy út. Known as the “Champs-Élysées of Budapest”, this street is home to several shops and restaurants, as well as some important buildings such as the House of Terror museum and the National Opera House.
3. Finish your day by roaming around the lively District VII — the old Jewish quarter — where you’ll find most ruin bars are located. Definitely stop at Szimpla Kert for a drink. And, for the full Budapest experience, try a shot of pálinka or Unicum while you’re there. Also, don’t forget to check Great Synagogue of Budapest. And if you end up going there earlier, consider going in.
Day 3: Satisfy your foodie side
For your final day, explore the best of both sides of the famous Liberty bridge.
1. Start your day at Kálvin tér, where you can find the National Hungarian Museum, not so far from there, you have Fővám tér, home to the Great Market Hall, buy souvenirs and explore local delicacies in the 19th century neo gothic building.
2. From there, walk across the Liberty Bridge, where you’ll find the foothills of Géllert Hill, you can choose to hike up for incredible city views, or perhaps explore the nearby art déco Géllert Baths, one of the city’s most famous thermal baths.
3. On your way down from the hill — or back from the spa — make sure to check out Béla Bartók utca, a local-filled street full of cozy cafés and traditional restaurants, a good spot for a late lunch or dinner.
4. You can finish your Budapest trip with a Danube cruise to see the top sights at night, including the Parliament. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
How much money to take to Budapest for 3 days?
You might be asking yourself, “How much money do I need for 3 days in Budapest?” — like many things, the answer will depend on your preferences and travel style.
However, Budapest is overall an affordable city compared to other European capitals, but below we’ll give you a general breakdown of costs. The prices stated here are in euros, however Budapest is outside of the euro-zone, having the Hungarian Forint as the currency.
Accommodation
Budget hotels or hostels will cost around €30-€60 ($33-$66 / £26-£52) per night, while mid-range are about €70-€120 ($77-$132 / £61-£104) per night. Luxury stays are likely to start from €200 ($220 / £174) per night.
The good thing is Budapest has a solid range of accommodations, so you’ll be able to find a place that suits your needs — and pockets — fairly easily. From charming boutique hotels to modern hostels, the city has it all.
Just be sure to book in advance for busier months, such as August, where the city gets a large stream of visitors due to the Sziget Festival and State Foundation Day on the 20th. Prices can increase by 30-50% during these peak times.
Food & Drinks
You can enjoy affordable meals at local restaurants for around €8-€15 ($9-$16 / £7-£13) per meal. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost around €25-€30 ($27-$33 / £21-£26). Street food options like lángos or kürtőskalács are even cheaper, usually around €3-€5 ($3.30-$5.50 / £2.60-£4.35).
Transport
Public transport is very affordable, with a single ticket costing about €1.20 ($1.32 / £1.04). A Budapest 3-day travel pass will cost about €12-€15 ($13-$16.50 / £10-£13). These passes are valid on all metros, trams, and buses.
Attractions
Entry to major attractions like Buda Castle and Széchenyi Baths may range from €10 to €20 ($11-$22 / £9-£17) per ticket. Some museums offer discounts for students or free entry on certain days. The thermal baths often have morning or evening discounted rates.
For a comfortable trip, you should budget around €200-€300 ($220-$330 / £174-£261) for three days, excluding accommodation. If you plan to splurge on dining and activities, consider increasing your budget to around €400-€500 ($440-$550 / £348-£435).
Getting around Budapest for 3 days
Budapest public transport is efficient and well-organized. Your options for getting around include buses, trams, trains, and the metro.
The city is easy to navigate, and most tourist attractions are within a short distance from each other.
Budapest public transport
Budapest is a city with excellent public transport options, making it easy to explore the city without the need for a car.
Buses
Budapest’s bus network is extensive, covering both the city center and outer districts. They run frequently, and night buses are available for late-night travelers.
Trams
Trams are an iconic way to get around Budapest. Line 2, in particular, offers a scenic route along the Danube, passing landmarks such as the Parliament Building and Buda Castle. The 4-6 tram is also a convenient way to get around across the city, as it runs 24/7.
Metro
Budapest’s metro system has four lines that cover most of the city’s tourist areas. Line 1, the Millennium Underground, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the oldest metro lines in the world.
Trains
For destinations further from the city center, Budapest’s train system is a good option. The HEV suburban trains will take you to places like Szentendre, a beautiful town just outside Budapest.
Bikes
For a more active way to explore, consider renting a bike. Budapest is increasingly becoming bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and rental stations throughout the city. You’ll find “MOL Bubi” bikes all around the city, which are a convenient way of getting around.
Budapest 3-day travel passes
You can get a Budapest Card for unlimited public transportation, plus entry and discounts on the most important attractions and museums. It might look somewhat expensive, but it ends up paying off for those planning to enter the main attractions.
Another good option Budapest 3-day travel pass is a good option for tourists. It gives you unlimited access to all public transport for 72 hours and costs about €14.
Private transport options in Budapest
If you prefer private transport, taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are widely available and affordable. Just be cautious and use official taxi services to avoid overcharging.
Walking around Budapest
Budapest is a highly walkable city, and many of the main attractions are located within a short distance of each other. Only if you want to go to Buda, you might consider the funicular or some other way to go up the hill. Other than that, walking is a great way to soak up the city’s atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
Places to visit in Budapest for 3 days: Summary
Your three days in Budapest perfectly blend history, relaxation, and local culture.
Start on the Buda side with the Castle complex and Fisherman’s Bastion before crossing to Pest for St. Stephen’s Basilica. Day two takes you through Heroes’ Square and City Park (home to the famous Széchenyi baths), down elegant Andrássy Avenue, and into the Jewish Quarter’s vibrant ruin bar scene. Complete your journey at the Great Market Hall, then cross Liberty Bridge to either hike Gellért Hill or relax in the art deco Gellért Baths, before ending with a magical night cruise on the Danube, watching the illuminated city sparkle along the river.
As to money, budget around €200-300 (excluding accommodation) for comfortable exploration, with accommodations ranging from €30 for hostels to €200+ for luxury hotels. Budapest’s efficient public transport system makes getting around easy, though many attractions are within walking distance. For the best value, consider a Budapest Card for unlimited transport and attraction access.