Planning a trip to Budapest? This 3 days in Budapest itinerary is perfect for first timers. I’ve also included tips, where to stay and where to eat, along with a saveable map.
Once run down and grey, the Hungarian capital city of Budapest has long left behind its dark Soviet past, today it is a city that can easily rival any large cosmopolitan city! Don’t just take my word for it, 6 million tourists visited Budapest in 2024. Although there are still remnants of its Soviet past, Budapest is mostly vibrant with grand historical buildings and colourful modern establishments. On top of that the locals are friendly, helpful and welcoming.
Over these 3 day in Budapest, we’re hitting Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellért Hill, and St Stephen’s Basilica, as well as some stuff you won’t find in every guide, like sipping coffee surrounded by lemurs at a zoo cafe, floating above the city in a hot air balloon, and joining a boat party on the Danube after dark.
I’ve put together a Google Map with everything colour coded by day, including the restaurants and coffee shops I actually rate. Keep it handy when you’re wandering around at 9pm wondering where to grab dinner.
- Budapest Essentials
- Where To Stay In Budapest
- Getting Around Budapest
- 3 Day Budapest Itinerary Map
- Day 1 Budapest Itinerary: Explore ‘Pest’
- Day 2 Budapest Itinerary: Explore ‘Buda’
- 3. Chimney Cake
- Day 3 Budapest Itinerary: Thermal Bath, City Park, Zoo Cafe, Central Market
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Save this 3 days in Budapest itinerary to Pinterest
- Related Posts
Affiliate disclaimer – Please note some of my links are affiliate links, if you make a purchase through this link I might make a small commission, at no extra cost you.
Budapest Essentials
Travel Insurance: I recommend True Traveller for EU/UK citizens and World Nomads for anyone outside of here.
Airalo is a super convenient e-sim that you can just download to your phone for mobile data! Prices start from $4.50.
Car Rental: DiscoverCars for the best prices
Budapest Card to save on transport and 30+ attractions
Tram 2 is considered one of the most beautiful tram routes in the world, hop on for an affordable sightseeing ride
Where To Stay In Budapest
- District V: This is the best area in Budapest for tourists! Located on the Pest side of the Danube you will be close to all the top sites. Surrounded by history, elegant buildings and a lively atmosphere it’s the place to stay for first timers!
- Jewish Quarter: Also referred to as the 7th district, or Erzsébetváros, this is the best area to stay in Budapest for nightlife.
- District I: known as the castle district, located on the buda side of the city! Here you will be close to the fishermans bastion, buda castle, and gellert hill. The pest side is just a scenic walk or tram ride across the river! This area is best suited for families, or couples. If, you want an area with lively nightlife then do not stay here.
Recommended Hotels In Budapest
$$$
Verno
House
Located in the heart of Budapest, just a 5 minutes walk from St Stephen’s Basilica. Hotel features a fitness centre, spa and sauna. Rooms are large and elegant, along with an amazing bathroom
$$
Monastery Boutique Hotel
600 metres from the Fishermans Bastion in District 1, this is the perfect hotel in Budapest for a quiet stay. Rooms are cosy and modern. You can avail of the breakfast buffet each morning.
In the Jewish Quarter, this is a great base for experiencing this city’s nightlife. There is a shared kitchen for any travellers on a budget. There are private rooms along with same sex and mixed sex dorms.
Getting Around Budapest
The trams are the best way to get around Budapest! The city is huge and although walkable you will probably use the public transport a here a few times during your three days in Budapest.
The easiest way to purchase a ticket is to download the Budapest Go app. In this app you can purchase single, timed or daily tickets. Once purchased you must activate the ticket prior to getting onboard via the QR code on the exterior of the bus and tram doors, or at the blue machines at the entrance of the metro stations. Without doing this your ticket is not valid and you can be fined.
There are a few different ticket types;
- Single – valid for 1 trip with no transfers, 450 HUF
- Timed – 30 or 60 minutes (530 HUF or 750 HUF), allowed to transfer
- 24 hour – 2500 HUF
- 72 hour – 5000 HUF
If you are staying in a central area then I think it is better value to buy single tickets rather than a 24 hour or 72 hour card. Budapest is a lovely city to walk around.
3 Day Budapest Itinerary Map
Day 1 Budapest Itinerary: Explore ‘Pest’
Day 1 of this 3 days in Budapest itinerary we are getting to know the Pest side of the city, seeing all the top historical sights.
1. Pest Walking Tour
To kick off this itinerary we are going on a walking tour to find our feet in the city, learn some cool facts, and see some of the best historical sites. Budapest has an interesting history including German occupation in World War II followed by Soviet occupation for four decades after.
The walking tour that I recommend is this 2 hour city centre tour of the Pest side of the city. What better way to start your time in Budapest then getting shown the historical sites by a local professional guide.
The tour starts at Marcius 15 Square, taking in the panoramic views from the Duna Corso, and continuing to St Stephens Basilica,Liberty Square, and Kossuth Square with the Hungarian Parliament.
The tour concludes at Kossuth Square beside the Hungarian Parliament, where you can also visit sombre sites like Shoes on the Danube Bank.
If a walking tour does not excite you then consider an alternative tour such as this scenic tuk-tuk tour, or MonsteRoller E-Scooter Tour.
2. Hungarian Parliament Building
Your walking tour will conclude at the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The exterior of the building is beautiful; it is one of the largest legislative buildings in the world, with a mind boggling 18,000 square meters of floor space, including 20 km of stairs and 691 rooms. It’s also home to the Hungarian crown jewels.
The Hungarian Parliament Building has withstood turbulent times in Hungary’s past, including World War II, during which it sustained damage, the fall of communism, and the 1989 proclamation of the Hungarian Republic.
To visit the inside of the Hungarian Parliament Building, you’ll need to book your tickets a few weeks in advance, as they sell out fast! You can book your visit to the Hungarian Parliament Building here.
3. St Stephens Basilica
You already visited the outside of St Stephens Basilica this morning on the walking tour, but now you are going inside to climb up to the terrace for some incredible views of the city!
St Stephens Basilica is a must visit during your 3 days in Budapest, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest, and can be seen all across the city! I thought that the panoramic observation deck was epic, the walk up the 364 steps of the dark spiral staircase to get there was also pretty fun, albeit slightly scary!
Some other cool things to check out at St Stephens Basilica is the right hand of the first King of Hungary displayed in a glass case (it’s a bit creepy), the magnificent main altar with its detailed sculptures and paintings, and of course the dome’s observation deck where you get awesome panoramic views of the city. I was there in December, the snow capped rooftops made it magical.
You can purchase tickets on the day at the cathedral, book online, or book a tour guide via get my guide. I don’t think you need a tour for this basilica, unless you would like more background on the history.
If you are visiting Budapest in December you might just get lucky and see the choir practice some Christmas hymns. It was such a highlight to light a candle in this beautiful cathedral to a backdrop of a live choir.
4. Cookie Beacon
I saw Cookie Beacon pop up all over instagram and TikTok, another over hyped place I thought to myself. I could not have been more wrong! Cookie Beacon served me the BEST cookie I have ever tasted in my life! The cookies are warm, soft, and gooey, with a large variety of flavours.
You can also choose to sit inside and order from their highly reviewed lunch menu, however queues to be seated can be more than one hour. I recommend just getting a cookie to go, the takeaway queue (on the right) is usually very short and goes fast.
Flavours include red velvet, caramel and pecan, oreo, and kinder bueno. I ordered the red velvet and classic chocolate chip, so so good.
5 (i) Terror Museum
Learn more about Hungary’s dark fascist and communist past, at the Terror museum!
Once the former headquarters of the secret police who employed tactics such as propaganda, intimidation, interrogation, and spying to control the Hungarians during the communist period. Today, it is now a museum with exhibitions detailing these oppressive tactics, it is one of the more sombre things to do on this 3 day Budapest itinerary.
Full disclaimer, some parts are tough, you will feel a sense of disbelief at how cruel humanity can be, but is an important place to learn more about Hungary’s past.
Please note that tickets can only be purchased at the museum, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
If you are would like to learn more about communism in Hungary, you might want to check out this Life Under Communism tour.
5 (ii) Food Tour
The Terror Museum is not going to be everyones cup of tea, an alternative thing to do is joining a food tour either with a local, such as this food tour with 10 tastings, or self guided!
Hungarian food is hearty, delicious, and will keep you coming back for more! Some things to try are langos (deep fried bread), sausages, goulash, chimney cake, strudel, and stuffed cabbage.
Check out my food recommendations on my shared Google Maps (green cutlery symbols) for some of my favourite places I ate during my 3 weeks in Budapest.
6. Jewish Quarter
Known as the party district of Budapest, the Jewish Quarter (officially called Erzsébetváros) is a unique and hip area that is definitely worth visiting during your three days in Budapest. Its narrow streets are lined with trendy restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and street art are all tucked into its narrow streets.
Prior to World War II, this area was home to over 200,000 Jews but was declared a Jewish Ghetto in 1944, where residents lived in misery. Today, there are some remnants of the strong Jewish community that once stood here. One such reminder is the largest synagogue in Europe, the Dohany Synagogue. Here, you can visit a Holocaust memorial garden, weeping willow tree statue and a museum. You can also visit two other synagogues in the are, Rumbach street synagogue, and Kazincy street synagogue.
Here are some other things to see in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter:
- Gozsdu Court – large alleyway with restaurants, bars, and karaoke
- Food Karavan – lively outdoor street food market
- Mazel Tov – amazing Israeli food, trust me, you need to eat here!
- The street art scene is thriving and ever changing, BudapestFlow.com have an up to date list of where the newest art is located.
It’s most famous building is Szimpla Kert which is the next stop on this Budapest trip.
7. Ruins Bar
The Jewish Quarter has a host of ruin bars, the most popular one being Szimpla Kert, which tends to see large crowds every night.
Ruin pubs are a relatively new concept, stemming from the 2000s when young people wanted to drink somewhere rather than upper class bars in the city centre. Abandoned buildings were kitted out with old furniture and local art.
It is so much of fun exploring the floors and rooms of Szimpla! The atmosphere is always lively, and you never know what you will walk into.
Other good ruin bars in the area are UdvarROM and Instant & Fogas Complex.
Day 2 Budapest Itinerary: Explore ‘Buda’
Day 2 of this 3 day Budapest itinerary explores the Buda side of the city.
1. Walk Across Széchenyi Chain Bridge
We are starting the day by walking across the first stone bridge that connected Buda and Pest, Széchenyi Chain Bridge! There are now 11 bridges that connect the Buda and Pest side.
This suspension bridge is, in my opinion, the most beautiful bridge in Budapest, and one of the things you cannot miss on your 3 days in Budapest itinerary! Széchenyi Chain Bridge crosses the Danube River, and should only take about 15 minutes, but you will likely want to stop and take lots of photos!
Strolling across Széchenyi Chain Bridge with a coffee in hand, along with views of Castle Hill and the great Danube is one of the more relaxing things to do in Budapest!
☕ Fancy a morning coffee? Badass Coffee and Kávétársaság on the Pest side of the bridge and Zërgë Coffeeshop on the Buda side have delicious coffee.
2. Fishermans Bastion
From one iconic landmark to the next, the Fisherman’s Bastion is at the top of most visitors’ list of things to do in Budapest!
Built in 1902 as a celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state, the Fisherman’s bastion is reminiscent of a fairytale castle with its neo-gothic turrets and towers. From here, you can get the BEST views of the Parliament Building!
Entrance is free, but to visit the St Matthias church at the top, you need to pay a small fee. In my opinion, the best bits are the free areas, and I would recommend that you skip St Matthias church.
Get here early to avoid the crowds as it can get very busy.
3. Chimney Cake
All of the morning’s walking will likely have given you an appetite. One of the best ways to curb that appetite is to devour a fresh and warm chimney cake, or as they are known in Hungary, kürtoskalács.
Kürtoskalács are made from sweet yeast dough, wrapped around a cylinder, and baked on an open fire. Once cooked, the cakes are rolled in sugar and cinnamon, and some are lightly filled with nutella or ice cream. It goes without saying how delicious they are!
Close to Fishermans Bastion and the next stop Buda Castle is Budavár Kürtoskalács! They were my absolute favourite Kürtoskalács in Budapest!
An unforgettable experience in Budapest is attending a chimney cake workshop. Here you will learn how to bake your very own kürtoskalács, all ingredients and toppings are provided.
4. Buda Castle
Built in the 13th century, Buda Castle sits on top of Castle Hill, along with amazing views across the Danube River, it’s a must visit on this 3 day Budapest itinerary. Highlights include the Hungarian National Gallery, Changing of the Guards Ceremony, Budapest History Museum, and Szechenyi Library.
There is a lot to see at this sprawling Baroque castle complex, and if you are interested in history then booking a guided tour of Buda Castle with a local could be a great idea!
5. Gellért Hill – citadel lookout
After walking around the castle for the last while, this next activity gets you out into nature! Gellért Hill is another prominent landmark in Budapest. The best thing to do is to climb up the hill to the citadel lookout; the views here are truly incredible.
Start across from Elisabet Bridge and go up the stairs on the right hand side towards St. Gerard Sagredo Statue, the guardian of Budapest.
After this, follow the winding path through the forest to the citadel lookout. Here, you can see expansive views of the city, including Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, St Stephens Basilica, and the Danube!
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the citadel lookout! After the citadel, there is a 200 year old fortress; however this is currently closed for renovations, expected to reopen December 2025.
6. Boat Cruise
Today was an action packed today, so why not rest your feet and unwind with a drink in hand on a nighttime cruise down the UNESCO listed Danube!
Budapest at night is stunning, the twinkling lights of the floodlit landmarks of Vigadó Concert Hall,Várkert Bazár, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, and of course the Parliament Building, need to be seen!
Types of cruises widely vary, options include 1 hour cruise with complimentary drink, dinner cruise with live music, or a party cruise!
Day 3 Budapest Itinerary: Thermal Bath, City Park, Zoo Cafe, Central Market
Day three of this 3 day Budapest itinerary is a bit more relaxing than the last two days!
1. Thermal Bath
You cannot come to Budapest, also known as the city of baths, and not visit at least one thermal bath! After all Budapest has nine thermal baths, and 123 hot springs! Aside from relaxation, thermal baths offer a catalogue of health benefits, such as improved circulation, stress reduction, pain relief, and detoxification. The Hippos in Budapest zoo even bathe in thermal water!
The water is drawn from mineral rich hot springs below the earths surface, the temperatures range from 30°C to 38°C across the different pools.
The largest and most popular bath is Széchenyi Thermal Bath; it is the biggest of its kind in Europe! Lots of tourists visit here, so it is a fantastic place for your first bath experience. Széchenyi Thermal Baths are large, with a whooping 15 indoor baths, 3 outdoor pools, 10 steam rooms & saunas, and a rooftop greenhouse.
If you would rather visit a less ‘touristy’ thermal bath, there are 8 more to choose from! I recommend the visually striking Gellert Thermal Baths or Rudas Thermal Baths.
2. City Park
If you decide to go to Széchenyi Thermal Bath, then you should take some time to walk around Budapest’s city park, one the oldest and biggest in Hungary.
Some notable things to check out are the Hereos’ Square, where you’ll find the millennium monument representing the seven Magyr chieftains, Vajdahunyad Castle, Városliget Lake, and during the winter months, an ice skating rink.
There is also BalloonFly, an observation balloon that takes guests to heights of up to 150 metres on a 15 minute ride. The deck is panoramic, so you get some awesome views of the city. The ride is completely dependent on weather; therefore it is impossible to book in advance. You just show up and purchase tickets on the spot.
3. Zoo Cafe
Zoo meets cafe in this cool concept cafe. Imagine sitting down with coffee and cakes, while every 10 minutes being handed an animal by a professional zookeeper.
Animals include snakes, lizards, parrots, hedgehogs, rabbits, cats, and much more! You get to interact and take photos with all of the animals you are handed.
Due to the popularity of the zoo cafe, you will need to reserve a table about a week or two in advance. Reservations are for 90 minutes and can be booked from their website.
This is definitely one of the more unique Budapest attractions.
4. Central Market
You have done a lot over the course of the last 3 days, now is the perfect time to get a few souvenirs. My final suggestion on this 3 days in Budapest itinerary is Central Market!
The central market is one of the oldest markets in Budapest, the architecture alone is worth checking out, with its red brick facade and tall colourful ceilings.
Inside are three floors selling Hungarian specialities such as paprika, Tokaji wine, fresh meats and cheeses, along with clothing and ornaments. Look for “Hungaricum” label for authentic local products.
On the top floor are a few food stalls, here you can try some of the best Hungarian cuisine such as Langos, sausages, goulash, and apple strudel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get from Budapest airport to the city?
You will be pleased to hear that getting from Budapest’s airport to the city centre is really straight forward!
The best and easiest way to get to Budapest city centre from the airport is the 100E express bus.
The bus departs from terminal 2 and stops at the following city centre locations; Kálvin tér, Astoria, and Deák tér station.
Tickets cost 2200 HUF (approximately €6) and can be purchased at BKK ticket offices in terminal a and b, or on vending machines outside arrivals.
How many days is enough in Budapest?
3 days is enough to see all the best attractions, experience the nightlife, and food! Especially if you follow my 3 day Budapest itinerary for first timers! However,If all you have is 2 days then do not worry because you can still see so much of Budapest, it will just be at a faster pace than if you had 3 days!
If you are visiting Budapest for 4 days consider taking a day trip such as this bear and wolf rescue sanctuary, or see the the beautiful sites of the Danube Bend.
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