Budapest is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe. It is a perfect destination for a short city break, as there is so much to see and do. In this guide, we will provide you with a detailed itinerary for a 3-day trip to Budapest, including travel tips, must-see places, recommended routes, where to sleep and eat, and information on free tours.
Day 1
- Start your day by visiting the Buda Castle, one of the most important landmarks of Budapest. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers stunning views of the city.
- Next, head to Fisherman’s Bastion, a popular lookout point that offers panoramic views of Budapest. Don’t forget to take your camera with you!
- After that, visit the Matthias Church, which is located in the heart of the Castle District. The church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
- Have lunch at a traditional Hungarian restaurant. Try some of the local specialties, such as goulash or chimney cake.
- In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Danube River and enjoy the views of the Parliament building and the Chain Bridge.
- In the evening, visit one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars, such as Szimpla Kert or Instant. These bars are located in the old Jewish quarter and offer a unique atmosphere.
Day 2
- Start your day by visiting the Heroes’ Square, one of the most important squares in Budapest. It is home to the Millennium Monument, which commemorates the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of Hungary.
- Next, visit the Vajdahunyad Castle, a beautiful castle that was built for the Millennial Exhibition in 1896.
- After that, head to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest thermal baths in Europe. Relax in the hot pools and saunas.
- Have lunch at one of the food markets in Budapest, such as the Great Market Hall or the Hold Street Market. Try some of the local street food, such as langos or kürtőskalács.
- In the afternoon, take a walk along Andrassy Avenue, one of the most elegant streets in Budapest. Visit the State Opera House and the House of Terror Museum.
- In the evening, attend a performance at the Budapest Opera House. The Opera House is one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest and hosts world-class opera and ballet performances.
Day 3
- Start your day by visiting the St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Budapest. It is named after Hungary’s first king and offers stunning views of the city from its dome.
- Next, take a stroll along the Danube Promenade and enjoy the views of the city’s iconic bridges.
- After that, visit the House of Parliament, one of the most impressive buildings in Budapest. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the building.
- Have lunch at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Onyx or Costes. These restaurants offer innovative Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist.
- In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which is home to an impressive collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Goya.
- In the evening, take a sunset cruise along the Danube River. Admire the city’s landmarks from the water as the sun sets over Budapest.
Travel Tips in Budapest
- Budapest is a walkable city, so wear comfortable shoes and explore on foot.
- The city has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro. Purchase a Budapest Card for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions and restaurants.
- Try to visit the city during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October) to avoid crowds and high prices.
- Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as goulash, chimney cake, and Tokaji wine.
What to See in Budapest – Most Important Places Highlighted in BOLD
- Buda Castle – UNESCO World Heritage site offering stunning views of the city.
- Fisherman’s Bastion – Popular lookout point offering panoramic views of Budapest.
- Matthias Church – Beautiful example of Gothic architecture located in the heart of the Castle District.
- Heroes’ Square – Important square in Budapest home to the Millennium Monument.
- Vajdahunyad Castle – Beautiful castle built for the Millennial Exhibition in 1896.
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath – One of the largest thermal baths in Europe.
- Great Market Hall – One of the oldest and largest indoor markets in Budapest, offering a wide variety of local food and souvenirs.
- Andrassy Avenue – One of the most elegant streets in Budapest, home to the State Opera House and the House of Terror Museum.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica – Important church in Budapest named after Hungary’s first king, offering stunning views of the city from its dome.
- House of Parliament – Impressive building on the banks of the Danube River, offering guided tours to learn about its history and architecture.
Routes in Budapest
- The Castle District Route – Explore the historic Buda Castle and its surroundings, including Fisherman’s Bast ion and Matthias Church.
- The Thermal Baths Route – Relax in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért.
- The Danube Promenade Route – Take a stroll along the Danube River and enjoy the views of the city’s iconic bridges and landmarks.
- The Jewish Quarter Route – Explore Budapest’s vibrant Jewish Quarter, including the famous ruin bars and the Great Synagogue.
- The Cultural Route – Visit some of Budapest’s most important cultural landmarks, including the State Opera House, the House of Terror Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Where to Sleep in Budapest
- Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace – Luxury hotel located in a historic Art Nouveau building on the banks of the Danube River.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest – Five-star hotel located in the heart of Budapest’s cultural district.
- Budapest Artemis – Stylish boutique hotel located in the trendy Jewish Quarter.
- Prestige Hotel Budapest – Elegant hotel located in a historic building in the city center.
- Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge – Luxury hotel located in a prime location overlooking the Danube River.
Where to Eat in Budapest
- Rézkakas Bistro – Traditional Hungarian cuisine in a cozy setting.
- Onyx – Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist.
- Macesz Huszár – Kosher restaurant offering Jewish-Hungarian fusion cuisine.
- Café Gerbeaud – Historic café and pastry shop offering traditional Hungarian desserts.
- Borkonyha Winekitchen – Michelin-starred restaurant offering a unique wine and food pairing experience.
Free Tours in Budapest
- Budapest Free Walking Tour – Discover the city’s history and culture on this free walking tour.
- Free Tours Budapest – Choose from a variety of free walking tours, including a Jewish Quarter tour and a Communist tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Budapest? The best time to visit Budapest is during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October) to avoid crowds and high prices.
- What are some must-see places in Budapest? Some must-see places in Budapest include Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, the House of Parliament, and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
- What is the best way to get around Budapest? Budapest has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro. Purchase a Budapest Card for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions and restaurants.
- What are some traditional Hungarian dishes to try? Some traditional Hungarian dishes to try include goulash, chimney cake, and langos.
- Are there any free tours in Budapest? Yes, there are several free walking tours available in Budapest, including the Budapest Free Walking Tour and Free Tours Budapest.
Conclusion
Budapest is a beautiful and historic city that offers something for everyone. With this 3-day travel guide, you can make the most of your time in Budapest and explore all the must-see places, try traditional Hungarian cuisine, and relax in the city’s famous thermal baths. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Budapest is a destination you won’t forget. For more information, visit the official tourism website of the city of Budapest: https://budapestinfo.hu/en/.
