An idyllic Budapest in 3 days guide – all the places to see
When you think about romantic getaways in Europe, what comes to mind? Most certainly, you’ll think of Paris and some other parts of France, as well as Italy and Vienna. How about 3 days in Budapest?
If visiting Hungary’s capital is not on your bucket list, I suggest you immediately add it. Read along, and you’ll understand why.
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Table of Contents
- Where is Budapest
- Best places to stay in Budapest for 3 days
- Getting to Budapest from the airport
- What to see in Budapest in 3 days // Top Budapest attractions and things to do
- Budapest food and best cafes in Budapest
- Other City Break Options
Where is Budapest
Budapest is only 217 km east of Vienna and is easily accessible by plane, car, and train. So, if you come from afar, I suggest you add it to a wider tour of nearby cities. Vienna and Prague come to mind, but I think you should also consider places in Western Transylvania, such as the beautiful city of Oradea and its famous thermal spas.
Best places to stay in Budapest for 3 days
There are plenty of options when considering where to stay in Budapest.
Depending on your travel style and interests, you should decide which side of the Danube to book your accommodation on.
Buda
We stayed there mainly because of the view. Buda is the quieter part of Budapest, located on hills.
Here, you’ll find Buda Castle, the Citadella, and the Fisherman’s Bastion, but you will also find peace and tranquility. Because of its charm, I would love to live in this area of the city.
Here are some charming options to choose from:
- Maison Bistro & Hotel. It is a good mid-range hotel located in a historic building.
- Hotel Clark Budapest. You cannot miss this hotel, even if you want to, since it is opposite the Chain Bridge. It is a really cool hotel with rooms overlooking the Danube. The hotel has a bar and restaurant on the rooftop.
- Hotel Orion Várkert. This hotel has a classic feel and a great location, really close to all the main attractions. It is somewhere in the lower range of prices.
Pest
Pest is the “wilder” side of Budapest, where most of the fun happens. You will find cool bars, restaurants, the Opera, the Jewish Quarter, and many more.
Choose to stay on this side of the Danube if you want to feel the vibe of the city, and at the same time, you will be at the heart of the fun.
Here are some options you might want to take into consideration:
- Hotel Estilo Fashion Budapest is located on the main shopping street (Vaci utca). Due to its central location, my husband used to stay there when visiting on business.
- Aria Hotel Budapest. I also highlighted this hotel in another section of this post due to its amazing rooftop restaurant. The hotel is truly luxurious, from the lobby to its rooms. Naturally, it is more expensive, but everyone needs a bit of pampering sometimes.
- Roombach Hotel Budapest Center is close to all the cool spots in Budapest. It is the best place to stay if you are looking to have fun.
Getting to Budapest from the airport
Once you land at Ferenc Liszt International Airport, you have 2 ways of getting to the center:
- Bus or shuttle. The trip by bus was around 3 EUR one-way, and it took us around 30 minutes to get to the city center. As soon as you exit the airport, you will find ticket machines. Just look after the long lines of people and don’t stop at the first one since there are plenty more if you just walk a little bit to the left. TIP: Don’t buy the normal ticket; take the one with a plane on it (Airport shuttle).
- Taxi. Since our plane departed very early in the morning, we took a taxi from the city center, close to Buda Castle, where we stayed. We used Taxify, and the ride took around 25 min at a cost of roughly 25 EUR (but it depends on the hour). Also, be careful because I’ve understood that drivers at the airport tend to overcharge.
What to see in Budapest in 3 days // Top Budapest attractions and things to do
I loved Budapest so much that during the 72 hours I spent in Hungary’s capital, I managed to see most of the main attractions and do a lot of sightseeing.
The city is infused with a certain vibe and feeling that you get everywhere you go.
Maybe it was just me, or maybe it was because of the colors that Autumn brought along, but I truly felt like I was in an old romantic black-and-white film or a fairytale with princes and princesses.
It’s sometimes hard to put into words all the feelings a place or a thing brings your way, but even though it rained for 2 out of the 3 days, Budapest managed to sweep me off my feet for the second time.
But here are my recommendations for what to do in Budapest in 3 days and the greatest Budapest attractions not to miss, whether you spend 3 days or much more.
Day 1 of your 3 days in Budapest itinerary: explore Buda
The Funicular in Buda Castle
If you are not staying on this side of the Danube River, you’ll want to start your explorations there.
Even so, we had to climb a number of stairs and hills to get to the top. Thus, a ride on Budapest’s Funicular would have been a great way to start the day without a full workout.
The Funicular stop is easy to see at the end of Chain Bridge. It takes just a few minutes to get up the hill and offers a great view over the Danube.
Useful information:
Address: Clark Adam Square, District I, 1013 Budapest
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 7.30 am to 10 pm
Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church
This is definitely one of the first places you will need to stop because it offers one of the best views over the city and looks like a place torn from a fairytale or, even better, an old Disney film.
We decided to try to find a place that was not very crowded without waking up too early in the morning, so we climbed the hill and reached the Fisherman’s Bastion at around 9 a.m.
Needless to say, we were disappointed to see the crowds already gathering and people running around trying to capture the best shot of this place.
So, if you want to have the place all to yourself, you might have to get up as early as possible and head to this place.
If not, go whenever and:
- Explore one of the 7 turrets (some have free entrance, and a few have an entrance fee) representing the 7 tribes who founded the present country in 895
- Take lunch or dinner in the charming Halaszbastya Restaurant
- Wander away from the Bastion and admire the beautiful, colorful houses and cobbled streets.
- You can enter Matthias Church, built in the 14th century, or simply admire the impressive Roman Catholic place of worship from the outside.
Useful information:
Matthias Church opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am – 5 pm; Sat: 9 am – 1 pm; Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm
Fisherman’s Bastion Upper Towers opening hours: from 9 am to 7 pm (March 16 to April 30); from 9 am to 8 pm (May 1 to October 15)
Buda Castle
Huge, imposing, overwhelming, romantic—those are all the words that came to mind when I first saw the Buda Castle, one of the main attractions of Budapest and one that cannot be missed when visiting Hungary’s capital.
The castle was standing between our room and the Danube River, tall and proud on the hill, offering us a charming view whenever we approached the window.
Budapest’s important landmark greeted us early in the morning when we passed it on our way to the city, and wished us goodnight as we lay too bad.
Nowadays, Buda Castle is home to the National Gallery and Budapest History Museum.
Gellert Hill and the Citadella
We climbed the Gellert Hill, through the foliage-filled park, stopping every now and then to admire our surroundings, since everything was so charming.
We passed several playgrounds and benches perfect for sweethearts, climbed God knows how many stairs, passed several Belleview balconies, and finally reached the top of the hill.
One thing I know holds true: the whole climb is totally worth it once you see the view!
We didn’t really visit the Citadel, the fortress built in 1848-49 and now one of Budapest’s tourist attractions, but you should go inside if you have the time. The admission fee is around 1 EUR—1 USD—300 HUF.
Other things to visit on Gellert Hill:
- The statue of liberty
- The Cave Church
- The Taban
Elizabeth Bridge and the Yellow Tram
Once we got off the hill we ended up right at the foot of Elizabeth Bridge and waited in the rain for the yellow tram to cross it and take the perfect picture with it in the background.
Call us crazy, but it was totally worth it!
The Parliament from the other side of the Danube
The Parliament Building is perhaps the most iconic building in Budapest. Located on the banks of the Danube River, it cannot be missed and makes for a perfect setting for some lovely pictures.
Day 2 of your 3 days in Budapest itinerary: explore Pest
Vajdahunyad Castle
Although not as close to the city center as the previous attractions, Vajdahunyad Castle is easily reachable by public transportation. We got there by metro, only a few small stops from Astoria station, and got back by bus, having the chance to admire other parts of the city.
And since we’re here, did you know that Budapest’s metro is the oldest electrified underground railway on the European continent? Yes, it’s true! Use it while in Budapest, and you will feel its charm, as well as the small yellow and narrow trains.
But coming back to the Vajdahunyad Castle, this place will sweep you off your feet, or at least it did so with me.
The castle, built in 1896, is surrounded by a beautiful park (the City Park) and in the middle of a small lake. It is, in fact, a fantasy mix showcasing Hungarian architecture’s evolution throughout the years.
Go inside the garden, take a walk around it, step inside the church, and admire all the spots perfectly suited for out-of-this-world pictures (it’s no wonder we’ve seen several photographers with their muses—or clients—during our visit).
Useful information:
Address: Budapest, Vajdahunyad stny., 1146 Hungary
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 am – 4 pm (1 November – 31 March), 10 am – 5 pm (April 1 – October 31); Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm; Mondays closed; The Courtyard is always open
Heroes Square (Hősök tere)
Right next to the castle, you’ll see lots of people gathering around in a pretty big square with the statues of the 7 chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders set up in a semicircle.
Heroes Square, or Hősök Tere, is one of the largest squares in Budapest. Here, you’ll also find the Memorial Stone of Heroes.
As you’ve guessed, this is one of the major picture-perfect spots in Budapest, which you should not miss, also because of the view it offers over Vajdahunyad Castle.
Váci Street
Like any important town out there, Budapest has its own pedestrian street filled with shops and restaurants.
In the heart of Budapest, Váci Street is where you’ll want to take a walk, shop for souvenirs, or eat traditional, delicious Hungarian food.
Central Market Hall
At the end (or beginning, depending on where you’re starting your walk from) of Váci Street, you’ll find the Budapest Central Market Hall.
It is the perfect place to explore whether you are a foodie or not, but I have always believed that local cuisine is the best way of really getting to know a place and its people.
Unfortunately, when we got there on a Sunday, the market was closed, but if you are more organized in arranging your Budapest 3-day itinerary, you’ll get to see and taste everything.
Useful information:
Address: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary
Opening hours: Monday 6 AM to 5 PM; Tu – Fr 6 AM to 6 PM; Saturday 6 AM to 3 PM; Closed on Sunday
Erzsébet Square and the Budapest Eye
Central Pest and its old buildings and parks are lovely, but Erzsébet Square is maybe the most iconic one in town. It is the largest green area in the inner city, and you’ll recognize it from afar after the huge wheel rising from here.
St Stephen’s Basilica
Named in honor of the first king of Hungary, St. Stephen’s Basilica rules Budapest’s skyline with its beautiful cupola. It is one of the most iconic landmarks and definitely one of the best things to see in your 3 days in Budapest.
The Jewish Quarter
During the day you won’t see much around these parts of town, except for the Synagogues of course, which can be visited and are pretty nice. But as soon as night falls, here is where you want to be heading for a night of fun in town, especially in the ruin bars Budapest is so well known for.
We’ve been to Szimpa Kert, the most iconic of them all, which was really interesting and different from anything we’ve ever experienced.
It is located in a dilapidated pre-war building with several rooms and different bars (a wine bar, a disco bar, a techno-punk room, and several more intriguing places).
Even though we didn’t really have fun since nobody was dancing and I felt like most of the people coming there were tourists coming to see the place itself and have a drink, it sure is an experience, and I’m glad we’ve been there, even if for only less than an hour. I wouldn’t count it off of the party destinations in Europe.
Day 3 of your 3 days in Budapest itinerary: Thermal baths and Danube River cruise
Relaxation time at Thermal Baths in Budapest
One cannot leave Budapest without trying one of the thermal baths in town.
Whether you choose the Gellert Baths or the Szechenyi Bath, indulge yourself with a few hours of relaxation and pampering in Budapest. You well deserve it after the first 2 days packed with activities.
Boat trip on the Danube River
I did this during my first visit to Budapest and again during my second visit, so I shouldn’t say it again: it is a must!
We haven’t booked the trip ahead of time, and you will find plenty of boat companies leaving at different times of the day (every hour or so) along the docks of the Danube River.
My recommendation would be to take one of the boats in the evening, during sunset, because that’s when all the magical colors come alive, and the city is brought to life in a whole different way. Also, you will get to see the most important landmarks beautifully lit up.
Budapest food and best cafes in Budapest
If there’s something I like in life, that’s good food and great locations, and I found plenty of that in Budapest. Sometimes I discover places that look amazing, but the food is not really in my cup of tea or the other way around, delicious food in a boring place. In Budapest, you’ll find so many options – yes, even if you’re a vegan.
Let me introduce you to all the great places for foodies and Instagrammers alike, to go to in Budapest. Since we’ve mainly had 2 meals per day (brunch and dinner), I’ll split the locations into these 2 categories.
Best Brunch places we got to eat at in Budapest
Zoska – $
We were on the bus from the airport towards the city and feeling famished when I took to the internet to look for the greatest places for brunch in Budapest and found this little hidden gem really close to Astoria, where we were getting off.
The place is small but incredibly cute. It has a mix of old chairs and tables, a whole wall covered with pink posts, the table next to the window (which we were lucky to find empty), the famous Ikea shark toy, and delicious food.
The place is filled with youngsters, so I’ve concluded that some universities must be really close by.
We had a ham and cheese omelet and a coffee latte for around 5 EUR. They also serve pancakes, English breakfast, sausage, and traditional Hungarian food.
A la Maison Grand – $$$
One night, we were walking in the city center, finding our way back home, when we passed by this pretty place. Being a breakfast and brunch place, it was, of course, closed at that time, but we decided this was the place we were returning to the following day.
And so we did.
Even though neither of us remembered the name, we somehow managed to redo the way back and found ourselves in front of this chic place. I would recommend making a reservation beforehand if you don’t want to wait, but even so, it is surely worthwhile.
Even though the place is a bit more pricey, they have a large menu with everything you can think of, from sweet pancakes, crepes, sultry crepes, waffles, eggs Benedict, English breakfast, you name it!
Stika – $$
Another great brunch we savored was at this little (and I mean little) place in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest. They have a few tables outside, but if it’s raining (as it was on both occasions that I’ve visited Budapest), it might not be fun to sit outside.
Come prepared to wait in line for a table (people after us waited even for 30 minutes) and enjoy a delicious meal and coffee. We were hungry when we got there, so we decided to try the Eggs Benedict and share some pancakes with raspberry jam.
All I can say is the food is delicious and worth visiting this hip place!
Best Dinner places we got to eat at in Budapest
My post is about 3 days in Budapest, which is the time most people have for a long weekend or city break. But if you stay longer, I’ll recommend 4 places you should not miss.
Kazimir Bistro – $$
I found this place by chance, but I ate the best goulash there is! It has a great atmosphere with live instrumental music, delicious wine, and everything that makes a dinner unforgettable.
Deryne Bistro – $$$
Also, by chance, we bumped into this place and decided to have dinner there one evening since it was really close to our Airbnb. From the outside, it looked totally different from the posh, stylish place we found inside.
The food was delicious, and although they had a large variety of meat, we chose something traditional (wild boar paprikas) and some refreshing white Hungarian wine.
Langos Papa – $
Promise me you won’t leave Budapest without eating langos at least once during your stay!
We also have it in Romania, in the areas with Hungarian heritage. I am a huge fan. Every time I visit a Transylvanian city, I sample some langos. Naturally, I did the same in Budapest.
Langos Papa is located in the heart of the city, close to the Opera house. From what I can tell, it’s a family business.
You don’t have to try anything fancy; just go for the traditional langos with sour cream and cheese. It won’t disappoint.
New York Cafe Budapest – $$$
This place!
You enter its doorway, and you get love-struck!
The restaurant is almost torn from a fairytale. It looks like the interior of a castle, with classical music playing all around and delicious food.
We only went there for dessert and a glass of wine (which was kind of hard to get, haha), but I suggest booking a table in advance if you don’t want to wait in line to be seated.
Rooftop bars with amazing views in Budapest
High Note SkyBar at Aria Hotel
On the 9th floor of Aria Hotel, offering a 360-degree view over Budapest, this place is perfect for a romantic dinner under the stars or just a drink (as we had) with a charming view over St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Tip: Book a table on their website in advance.
360 Bar
More relaxed, in the central part of Pest, come here for a relaxing cocktail
Intermezzo Roof Terrace at Hotel President
Apart from the great view, it offers over the city, they even have an ice skating ring on the rooftop terrace! How cool is that?
Now that you have all the information you need to spend 3 days in Budapest, what are you waiting for?
Other City Break Options
- Spend 4 days and discover Hong Kong
- The Ultimate 4 days in London
- 2 days in Vienna
- Ho Chi Minh Itinerary: Discover Vietnam’s largest city.
- Enjoy the best 2 days in Munich
- 2 days in Berlin
- One day in Nuremberg
- One day in Frankfurt
- 3 days in Seoul: A Complete Itinerary
- 2 days in Lisbon
- Unusual things to do in Amsterdam
- Love at first sight: 3 days in Stockholm
- Things to do in Barcelona
- One Day in Bologna
- 3 days in Thessaloniki
- Your perfect 2 days in Rome
- 2 days in Athens
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