3 Days In Budapest: The Perfect Budapest Itinerary

Tips for how to plan the perfect itinerary for 3 days in Budapest, whether it’s your first time or not. What to do, where to eat, and how to get around to make the most of your time in this majestic city.

Planning your itinerary for 3 days in Budapest?

You’re in the right place, as I’ve recently visited a friend in Budapest and created this 3 day itinerary. With my first hand experience, I can help you plan your first trip to one of Europe’s grandest cities.

Knowing where to start can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

The key to planning the ultimate Budapest trip is to plan ahead so you know which things to see in Budapest; stay in one of the centrally located, best neighborhoods in Budapest; and, plan strategically so you only visit 1-2 neighborhoods each day.

With these three approaches, you’re going to make the most of your 3 days in Budapest. Keep reading for a neighborhood by neighborhood Budapest guide, including where to stay and eat.

Where to stay in Budapest

The best neighborhoods to stay in Budapest are Terézváros (District VI), Belváros (Inner City / District V), Erzsébetváros (Jewish Quarter / District VII) and Castle Hill.

Staying in Budapest – Terézváros (District VI)

Named after Queen Maria Theresa, Terézváros is often called the ‘Champs-Élysées of Budapest’. It is also known as District VI and it has more of a local feel than the touristy areas of the city.

Here you will find sites such as the House of Terror Museum, a museum about fascism and communism in the 20th century in Hungary, and the Hungarian Opera House.

It’s a quiet residential area that is a short walk away from the more touristy and busier neighborhoods of Budapest. If you like to get away from the hustle and bustle at night, Terézváros is the best place to find accommodation.

> Book one of the best hotels in Terézváros

I stayed at the Mystery Hotel Budapest, a unique theme hotel that opened its doors in 2019. Originally built in 1896 as a meeting place for freemasons, the Mystery Hotel Budapest has retained the original character through its opulent decor.

The theme of the hotel is surrounded by strange legends and secrets, and you will sometimes feel like you’re in the middle of a Dan Brown novel.

One of my favorite things about the Mystery Hotel Budapest was The Secret Garden spa, located in the central courtyard of the building. It was the perfect place to escape the world for a little while.

This stunning hotel is part of a hand-picked collection by Preferred Hotels. My room was enormous, and had a gorgeous Leonardo da Vinci-inspired headboard, and a luxurious freestanding bathtub.

> Book the Mystery Hotel Budapest here

Staying in Budapest – Belváros (Inner City / District V)

Belváros is the beating heart of Pest, the city within the city of Budapest, located on the eastern side of the Danube.

Belváros is brimming with both traditional and trendy restaurants and cafes. A lot of the Budapest sights like the Parliament, can be found in this neighborhood, so you will likely be spending a lot of time here.

This is where you will find the top luxury hotels in Budapest.

> Book one of the best hotels in Belváros here

Staying in Budapest – Erzsébetváros (Jewish Quarter / District VII)

Also located in Pest, Erzsébetváros is the historic Jewish Quarter of Budapest. Named after Empress Elizabeth of Austria and Hungary, it literally means Elizabethtown. 

Today it’s an eclectic area with a really edgy and creative vibe. The streets are lined up with food stalls and restaurants, and both locals and visitors frequent the famous ruin bars, located in abandoned and dilapidated buildings.

> Book one of the best hotels in Erzsébetváros here

Staying in Budapest – Castle Hill

Castle Hill is located in Buda, on the western side of the city, towering over the Danube. Also known as Buda’s Old Town, this is where you find a lot of the Budapest landmarks and where you can enjoy the best view of the Parliament Building.

It gets very busy during the day with group tours, but in the evenings it quietens down and it’s a pleasant area to walk around.

> Book one of the best hotels in Castle Hill here

Day 1. Castle Hill, Gellert Hill & Gellert Baths

Stop 1. Castle Hill

Castle Hill in Buda is the oldest settlement in Budapest. It’s an area rich in history, grand buildings, monuments and some of the best views over Pest. So this is the area to spend your first day exploring this city.

The Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a great way to discover it is by joining a walking tour of Buda.

> Book your Classic Buda Castle Walking tour here

Alternatively, if you prefer not to join a tour, I’d recommend just getting lost in the narrow and crooked streets of Castle Hill and discovering what they hide. You will discover some of the most historic buildings in the city here.

Fisherman’s Bastion is perhaps the most popular site in Budapest, offering spectacular views over the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Danube River, and Pest. So you can imagine that it draws in big crowds. 

I’d recommend visiting at sunrise, when you will have the place to yourself. Also, you will be able to access it before the ticket office opens. 

Sunset is also a great time to visit, for people watching and to soak up the atmosphere around you. Although it tends to be a lot busier.

The bastion was built between 1895 and 1902, and it was named after the guild of fishermen who historically protected this stretch of the district. Its seven conical turrets represent the seven original Magyar tribes.

Famous for its Gothic elegance, The Matthias Church grants a visit too. Often people only admire the exterior of this beautiful church, but completely miss the intricately decorated interior. Don’t make that mistake.

Built and rebuilt over the years since the 13th century, it has been the location of two Kings’ coronations, including the coronation of Franz Joseph I of Austria.

You get free entry to Matthias Church if you have a 72 Hour Plus Budapest Card or you can also visit by attending a classical music concert.

> Book your Classical Music Concert at the Matthias Church here

Outside the Church you can admire the Trinity Column, a Baroque monument that commemorates the people of Buda who died from two outbreaks of the Black Plague in the 17th and 18th century.

As you walk around Castle Hill, you are likely to witness the Changing of the Guards, held every hour on the hour in front of the presidential Sándor Palace.

The Royal Palace, or Buda Castle, was originally built in the 13th century and was once the residence of the royal family. Today, the grand buildings that form the castle complex house the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.

Within the Royal Palace courtyard there are a number of monuments, of which Matthias Fountain stands out with its cascading water. It tells the story of Ilonka, the heroine of a 19th century Hungarian ballad, and how she fell in love with King Matthias while he hunted incognito.

Top Tip: Buy a 72 Hour Plus Budapest Card to gain entry to more than 30 attractions, including The Matthias Church, the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, a free walking tour of Buda and free use of the Official Buda Castle Bus.

Other places to visit in Budapest’s Castle Hill

1. The Castle Hill Funicular: Take the historic Castle Hill Funicular from the Buda end of Széchenyi Chain Bridge, all the way to the top and enjoy fabulous views of the city as you go up the hill. This is also included in the 72 Hour Plus Budapest Card.

2. Faust Wine Cellar: Escape the hustle and bustle of Castle Hill at the end of the day and pay a visit to this atmospheric underground wine cellar. You can access this hidden gem through the 13th century cloister that can be found within the grounds of the Hilton Budapest.

Budapest Castle Hill Tours

Where to eat in Castle Hill, Budapest

Ruszwurm

Ruszwurm is more of a breakfast or snack place for those with a sweet tooth. It’s been operating since 1827, and you will feel like you’ve traveled back to the 19th century.

It is a legendary pastry shop that was frequented by Empress Sissi, wife of Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. It is said to be the birthplace of the Hungarian linzer cookie, so you must not leave without trying it.

Stop 2. Gellert Hill and Gellert Spa Bath

After Castle Hill, stay on the same side of the river and head to Gellert Hill. This is another spot with some of the most beautiful views of Budapest.

But it’s not just about the views in Gellert Hill.

Here you will also find the Cave Church, built by monks in the 1920s in a natural cave. It was used as a hospital during WWII and as a shelter for war refugees, however, it was sealed off during the communist period and reopened in 1989 after the fall of the regime.

At the top of the hill you will also find the Citadella, a fortress built by the Habsburgs in the 19th century. And right in front of it, is the Liberty Statue, an enormous statue that commemorates the liberation of Hungary from Nazi rule. 

Gellért Baths are the second most popular baths in Budapest, and they are the perfect spot to relax at the end of a day exploring Buda.

Built in 1918, this stunning Art Nouveau spa is one of the most famous baths in Europe. It has 10 pools of various sizes and temperatures, and you can also get massage treatments.

And one of the best things about it is that not only is it stunning, but it’s not as busy as other baths like Szechenyi Thermal Baths, but I would still recommend booking your ticket in advance.

> Book your Gellert Spa Ticket here

Top Tip: Buy a 72 Hour Plus Budapest Card to gain entry to more than 30 attractions, including The Matthias Church, the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, a free walking tour of Buda and free use of the Official Buda Castle Bus.

Other places to visit in Gellert Hill

1. St Gellert Monument: This imposing monument is dedicated to St Gellert (or St Gerard), an Italian missionary thrown to his death from this spot by pagan Magyars for trying to convert them to Christianism. St Gellert Hill was named after him.

2. Liberty Bridge: Located at the bottom of Gellert Hill, Liberty Bridge was built for the Millennium World Exhibition in 1896. It’s the shortest bridge in Budapest and it’s possibly the most beautiful bridge, and my favorite.

Budapest Gellert Hill Tours

Day 2. Hungarian Parliament, Great Market Hall & Jewish Quarter

Stop 1. Hungarian Parliament Building

If you are staying at the Mystery Hotel Budapest, you are only a short walk away from the Hungarian Parliament Building. So you can get there first thing in the morning before the big crowds arrive, which is the best time to enjoy this magnificent building.

Built between 1885 and 1902, this stunning building is Hungary’s most iconic building and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the Banks of the Danube. It is said to have been inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London.

The building is incredible from the outside as well as the inside, so it’s definitely worth doing a tour of the interior. You can do a tour of the city that includes a visit to the Parliament.

> Book your Grand Tour of Budapest with Parliament Visit here

After your visit to the Parliament Building, walk along the river bank towards the Inner City and you will come across the Shoes on the Danube Promenade memorial.

This poignant installation stands as a memorial to the approximately 20,000 Jews executed along the river bank during WWII. The victims were forced to remove their shoes before being shot and falling in the river.

Other things to do near the Hungarian Parliament Building

1. Margaret Island: A 2.5km long green island in the middle of the Danube River, and one of the best hidden gems in Budapest. It’s great to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. And for some added relaxation, you can visit the Margaret Island Spa too.

2. St. Stephen’s Basilica: Named in honor of the first King of Hungary, this magnificent Basilica is one of the tallest buildings in Budapest, together with the Parliament Building. You can visit the Basilica through a guided tour or with the 72 Hour Plus Budapest Card.

Tours near the Hungarian Parliament building

Stop 2. Great Market Hall

To get to the Great Market Hall, hop on Tram No. 2, which is an experience in itself and a ride not to be missed. Tram No. 2 is considered to be one of the Top 10 Trolley Rides in the world according to National Geographic.

It follows the curve of the Danube River and offers a fantastic view of Buda Castle across the river as well as the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Make sure you sit on the side of the river for the best views.

Get off at the Great Market Hall, the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. It is also the most beautiful market in the city, and despite it now being mostly aimed at tourists, it’s still worth a visit.

Also known as Central Market Hall, it is also a good place to get something to eat. It will be slightly more expensive than the rest of the city, but it can be convenient if you find yourself here at lunchtime. 

Other places to visit near the Great Market Hall

1. Liberty Bridge: If you didn’t get a chance to see this beautiful bridge on day one of this 3 day Budapest itinerary, then today you have another chance, as it’s right next to the market.

2. Bálna (Whale): A colossal glass and metal structure in the shape of a whale (bálna) where you can shop until you drop. Don’t miss the viewpoint at the top from which you can enjoy an amazing view of the city.

Budapest Great Market Hall Tours

Where to eat at the Great Market Hall

Fakanal

This buffet kind of restaurant is a favorite with tourists and also a bit of an institution when it comes to Hungarian fast food. Here you will find sausages, lángos, black pudding, lecsó and gulyás. I had the traditional gulyás and it was pretty good.

Stop 3. Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter in Budapest has a very complex past, and the best way to explore it and learn about its turbulent history is on a guided tour with a historian. 

> Book your Tour of Jewish Budapest with Historian here

With the most active Jewish community in Eastern Europe, this area of Budapest is one of the most popular on the Pest side.

If you prefer to explore it independently, just walk through the streets of the former Ghetto, where you will find synagogues, monuments, kosher restaurants, and kosher shops.

Don’t miss a visit to the Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world.

Built in the 19th century, it is still at the center of the Jewish community in Budapest. The interior is breathtaking, with incredible architectural details. And inside you will also find a number of memorials to the lives lost in Budapest during WWII.

If you only take one guided tour in Budapest, I would highly recommend you take a tour of the Great Synagogue.

> Book a Skip The Line Ticket with a Guided Tour of the Great Synagogue here

Top Tip: Buy a 72 Hour Plus Budapest Card to get a 10% discounted entry ticket to the Great Synagogue as well as free entry to more than 30 attractions, including a free guided walking tour of Pest.

Just a short walk from the synagogue you will find the most beautiful cafe in the world, New York Cafe. And it’s not just me saying that. 

This opulent and over the top cafe is one of Budapest’s main attractions, and for good reason.

Decorated in the neo-Renaissance style, this opulence comes with a hefty price tag on a simple coffee. But it is all worth it!

Another experience that can’t be missed in the Jewish Quarter is the famous ruin bars, of which there are many. 

Ruin bars are derelict buildings that were transformed into bars and clubs in the early 2000s, and are now some of the most famous attractions in Budapest.

Szimpla Kert is the most famous and the best ruin bar in Budapest. It’s a world in its own right – from colorful neon lights and eclectic furniture, to disco balls and plants hanging from the ceiling, all arranged throughout a whole building where each room comes with a different bar and vibe.

It’s like a labyrinth where you want to get lost and try all sorts of beer, cocktails, and even shisha.

Other great ruin bars to visit include Instant-Fogas, the largest in Budapest, Mazel Tov, Udvar ROM, and Köleves Kert.

If you’d like to visit a number of ruin bars on the same day, you can do a ruin bar tour.

> Book your Ruin Bar Tour here

Other places to visit in the Jewish Quarter

1. Brudern House: Paris Courtyard, also known as Brudern House, is one of the most ornamented houses in Europe. It’s an eclectic building with elements of Moorish, Gothic and Art Nouveau style. An architecture lover’s dream.

2. Ferris Wheel of Budapest: Also known as Budapest Eye, this ferris wheel is one of the best places to get panoramic views of Budapest from a height of 65 meters. It’s located in the heart of the city, in Erzsébet Square.

3. Gozsdu Courtyard: It comprises seven buildings and their courtyards which used to be the main center of Jewish shopkeepers before WWII. Today you can find restaurants, cafes, clubs, pubs and a wide range of entertainment and nightlife venues.

4. Molnár’s Kürtőskalács: The most famous kürtőskalács (chimney cake) bakery and a great place to try it if you haven’t tried it before. If you purchase a 72 Hour Plus Budapest Card you get a free chimney cake at Molnár’s Kürtőskalács. 

Budapest Jewish Quarter Tours

Where to eat in the Jewish Quarter

Macesz Bistro

My friend from Budapest took me to this little Hungarian bistro and I absolutely loved it. It offers a combination of both Hungarian and Jewish cuisine, with a traditional and a modern twist.

I had the duck consomme with matzo ball as a starter, and the duck breast with cabbage strudel with orange jus. Both were absolutely delicious!

Day 3. City Park, Szechenyi Thermal Baths & Danube River Cruise

Stop 1. Heroes Square and City Park

After a packed day on day 2, you will probably welcome a slower day today, so I recommend starting the day with a visit to the iconic Heroes Square.

Located at the end of Andrássy Avenue, one of the most important boulevards in Budapest, Heroes Square is the largest square in the city. It commemorates the leaders of the seven chieftains of the Magyars that founded Hungary.

This impressive square was built in 1896, to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Hungary. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

Heroes Square is the gateway to City Park, the largest public park in Budapest. City Park is like an oasis of calm within a busy city, and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.

I loved walking around the different paths that criss-cross this green haven, and one of my favorite discoveries was Vajdahunyad Castle (or City Park Castle). 

Built to host the 1896 Millennium Expo exhibitions, this eclectic castle is a mishmash of different Hungarian architectural styles. In fact, all parts of the castle are copies of buildings in Hungary.

Europe’s largest ice-skating rink is also located within City Park, with 12,000 sq m of ice surface during the winter. During the summer, the ice rink is filled with water and you can rent boats. Sadly, when I was there was no water in it as they were carrying out maintenance.

For those who love modern architecture, I’d recommend a visit to the House of Hungarian Music, a striking museum and concert venue in the heart of the park.

Designed by Sou Fujimoto, the building is designed to blend in with nature and it does a very good job of it too.

If you’d like to visit City Park but want to leave the planning and the decisions on where to go to someone else, you can let a guide show you around by taking a tour of Heroes Square and City Park Castle.

> Book your Heroes Square and City Park Castle tour here 

Other places to visit in City Park

1. Museum of Fine Arts: The Museum of Fine Arts is Hungary’s most important art gallery, with exhibits that include Egyptian, Roman and Greek art, as well as a very fine collection of Italian art. 

Top Tip: Buy a 72 Hour Plus Budapest Card to get free entry to more than 30 attractions, including the Museum of Fine Arts.

2. BalloonFly: Hop into a hot air balloon for some of the best views of the City Park as well as Budapest from a height of 150 m. BalloonFly is obviously weather dependent, but if you get the chance to go, don’t skip it.

3. Museum of Ethnography: The new home of the Museum of Ethnography is a stunning looking building in the shape of a wave that is partly underground. It has a collection of over 250,000 pieces from all over the world.

Budapest Tours near City Park

Where to eat near City Park

Városliget Cafe

Városliget Cafe is located in the heart of the City Park, with stunning views over the ice-skating rink in the winter or the boat lake in the summer.

The service has been highly praised, and the atmosphere will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. One not to miss!

Stop 2. Szechenyi Thermal Baths

After exploring City Park, head to Széchenyi Thermal Bath for a relaxing afternoon in Budapest’s most famous baths.

Not only is it the most famous, but it’s also Europe’s largest spa complex. Built in 1913, it is the most visited attraction in Budapest. But don’t let that put you off. A visit should be on everyone’s Budapest itinerary.

It is a stunning historical thermal bath complex with 15 indoor pools and 3 vast outdoor pools. The water at Széchenyi Thermal Baths has medicinal and healing properties.

As it is such a popular site, it is highly recommended that you book your ticket in advance.

> Book your Széchenyi Spa Pass here

If you are more of a party animal rather than a ‘taking it slow at the spa’ kind of person, you can also join a late night spa party or ‘sparty’, normally held on Saturday nights.

> Book your Széchenyi Late Night Spa Party here

Top Tip: Buy a 72 Hour Budapest Card to get a 20% discounted entry ticket to Széchenyi Bath as well as free entry to more than 30 attractions, including St. Lukács Thermal Bath.

Other thermal baths to visit in Budapest

1. St. Lukács Thermal Bath: Built in 1880, the location of this historic spa has been used for healing since the 12th century, making it Budapest’s oldest thermal bath. People travel from all over the world for the healing properties of its waters. 

If you buy a 72 Hour Budapest Card, you can get free admission to St. Lukács Thermal Bath. Alternatively, you can book your ticket here.

>Book your ticket to St. Lukács Thermal Bath here

2. Rudas Baths: Located at the foot of Gellert Hill, Rudas Baths is the original Turkish bath in Budapest. This 500 year old Ottoman bath was renovated in 2014, and it has a jacuzzi with a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

You can get a 20% discount on the admission ticket if you buy a 72 Hour Budapest Card, or why not book a wellness and dining experience at Rudas Bath here?

>Book your Rudas Bath wellness and dining experience here

Budapest Baths Experiences

Stop 3. Danube River Cruise

After a relaxation session, you cannot spend 3 days in Budapest without a Danube River cruise.

Seeing the city from the water, particularly at sunset or nighttime, it’s a great experience and you get to see the main attractions lit up at night from the perfect angle.

There are plenty of Danube River cruise experiences to choose from. The most popular option tends to be this Evening Sightseeing Cruise and Unlimited Prosecco. Or this option with a cruise that includes dinner and live music.

Top Tip: Buy a 72 Hour Plus Budapest Card to gain entry to more than 30 attractions, including a Danube river cruise with Legenda Duna Bella.

Other Danube River Tours worth checking out

If you have more than 3 days in Budapest

If you have more than 3 days in Budapest, the city still has a lot to discover, but I would consider taking a day trip to the Danube Bend, which includes a visit to the largest basilica in Hungary and to the former royal residence of Visegrád.

> Book your day trip to the Danube Bend here

Another popular day trip from Budapest is to Lake Balaton. Known as the Hungarian Sea, it is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe.

> Book your day trip to Lake Balaton here

Other day trips from Budapest

Budapest Travel FAQs

How to get to Budapest

Budapest is located in the heart of Central Europe, so you can arrive by plane, train or by road (car/bus). You could even get a boat from Vienna or Bratislava.  

By plane, many European budget airlines fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (Code: BUD), which is only 25 km from the city center. Depending on traffic, plan for 30-40 minutes to get to your accommodation from the airport.

You can travel from Budapest airport to the city by public transportation, private transfer or airport shuttle transfer. 

Airport transfers in Budapest

Do you have any questions about this itinerary for 3 days in Budapest?
Let me know in the comments!

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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Preferred Hotels. As always, all views are my own.