budapest travel programmes

20-23 February 2025

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46th TRAVEL EXHIBITION See you again next year!

20-23 february 2025.

More than 200 exhibitors, almost 30,000 visitors and cautious optimism in the tourism industry – that’s how the just-ended Travel+ Exhibition and the Budapest Boat Show, which took place at the same time, can be summed up. The HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre hosted a number of professional events over the four days, and this year’s guests of honour Bulgaria, as well as Gyula and Békés county were introduced.

Although tourism figures have not yet reached pre-Covid levels, participants at this year’s Travel+ Exhibition were satisfied with this year’s event. The 68 foreign and 150 Hungarian exhibitors reported significant interest and numerous business deals after the close of the event.

The exhibition again hosted a number of professional meetings, round tables and workshops. On the opening day, a conference entitled “We’re turning the page to 2024” was held, at which representatives of the tourism industry spoke mainly about the fact that tourism had experienced a significant boom in 2022, but has since stagnated.

The weekend was – as usual – open to the general public, who could choose from 23 national and 28 international destinations with their own stands. More than 2.5 thousand people tried out an electric bike on the E-bike Test&Show test track, a significant increase of almost 50 percent compared to last year.

This year, the Caravan Salon showcased 60 motorhomes and caravans. Exhibitors have seen a significant increase in interest and on-site sales compared to previous years. Visitors were greeted by live animals, a multi-functional virtual community space, an active play area for children and free health screenings.

On the stages, they could enjoy a variety of destination presentations, buy tickets to several local festivals on Festival Island, meet travel influencers at Blogger Corner and meet the country’s famous independent backpackers and extreme travellers at the Journeys on the Road Festival.

Travel Exhibition 2024

Take a look at our photo gallery about the 46th TRAVEL Exhibition and enjoy the highlights of the event!

Privacy Overview

Discover Hungary's Beautiful Countryside

Visit budapest, welcome to hungary, welcome to ibusz.

We would like to recommend our company, IBUSZ Travel Agency, based in Budapest, offering the highest quality services, encompassing the whole of Hungary. IBUSZ is the largest and oldest travel agency in Hungary – founded in 1902 – and the best known brand in the tourism business. Our vastly experienced team has collected extensive knowledge on Hungary as a destination. Consequently, we are able to suggest the most suitable accomodation and the most attractive program ideas in order to meet your needs and to guarantee the success of your travel. With a network of reliable suppliers throughout Hungary we provide excellent quality services, with a personal touch. Take a look at our website and our friendly and knowledgeable team will be delighted to receive your enquiries and send you a detailed offer.

• Largest & oldest travel agency in Hungary
• 110+ years of experience in tourism and event management
• Full destination service
• Hotels & event venues for every taste and budget
• Creative & tailor made programs
• The most reliable service providers and local vendors
• Professionalism, quality, flexibility, reliability

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Our prices are quoted in Euros, inclusive of VAT and valid for 2021.

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• Mai programok
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Budapest programok

Programkereső.

• Budapest-Közép-Dunavidék
• Észak-Magyarország
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Program típusa

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Kiemelt programok

Budapest - programok.

• Színházi előadás

• Gasztronómia
• Dumaszínház
• Sörfesztivál
• Bor és szüreti fesztivál
• Augusztus 20.
• Szilveszter, Újév

Megjelenítve: 1 - 45 Összesen: 180

Kiemelt programok Budapest településen és környékén

13 of the best things to do in Budapest

Nov 15, 2023 • 7 min read

Experience Budapest with our guide to the best things to do © Balazs Kofarago / Getty Images

There are many fantastic experiences to be had in Budapest . From soaking in muscle-melting waters at centuries-old thermal baths , to romantic meeting points above the city and traveling back in time at a 19th-century coffeehouse, this guide to things to do in Hungary ’s vibrant capital will keep you busy.

Here are some of Budapest's best activities.

1. Visit Budapest's neo-Gothic Parliament building

Budapest’s neo-Gothic Parliament building dominates the curve of the Danube and is a true postcard superstar. It houses the Holy Crown (used to crown the country’s monarchs since the 12th century), as well as other royal jewels.

Not too far from Parliament, you’ll find one of the city’s most moving memorials – the Shoes on the Danube . The poignant monument honors the victims of the Holocaust who were marched to the riverbank on a dark winter’s day and ordered to remove their shoes before being shot and falling into the fast-flowing river beneath. 

Planning tip: English-language guided tours of Parliament are available, but it’s best to book ahead.

2. Soak at one of the city's incredible thermal spas

Budapest sits on a patchwork of thermal springs – mineral-rich water spouts from the ground – hence the abundance of thermal spas, many dating back to Turkish times. These waters are said to be capable of curing just about anything, and soaking in a thermal pool is a top Budapest experience. 

The world-famous Széchenyi Baths is the biggest spa complex in Europe, and while the location could certainly be described as a tourist trap, its majestic architectural elements and outdoor pools still make it an unmissable place to visit. Other spas dotted throughout Budapest also have special amenities, such as the rooftop hot tub at Rudas Baths .

Planning tip:  Gellért Baths , with its stained-glass windows and colorful porcelain tiles, is a wonderful place to go if you want more peaceful plunging. 

3. Explore the Castle District

The Buda side's rolling hills are crowned by the former Royal Palace , one of the city’s most emblematic buildings. Razed and rebuilt several times through the ages, today it houses the Hungarian Natural Gallery and major temporary exhibitions. 

Other iconic landmarks include  Fishermen’s Bastion , with its unparalleled panorama of Pest's skyline over the Danube. The Gothic Matthias Church is just steps away on twisting cobble-stoned streets. 

For coffee and cake , be sure to stop by Ruszwurm , the longest-running confectionery in Hungary. The Hospital in the Rock Museum , packed with wax figures and original medical equipment, was once a functioning hospital beneath the Royal Palace. The vintage funicular – one of the oldest funicular railways in the world – whisks you up to the palace in minutes. Alternatively, hop on bus 16, which has many stops throughout the city, or just hike up (it’s not as far as it seems, we promise).

4. Take a ride through downtown on Tram 2

Frequently cited as one of the most panoramic tram journeys in the world, Tram 2 travels all along the Danube shore between the Margaret Bridge (Jászai Mari tér) and south Pest. It chugs alongside everything you need to see downtown, all for the price of a regular public transport ticket. 

Planning tip:  A boat trip serves as a lovely alternative to the tram. If you don’t want to spend money on a sightseeing cruise, you can use the public boats with a regular transport ticket. 

5. See the religious relics of the Basilica

The ornate St Stephen’s Basilica is the city’s biggest church, found steps away from Deák Square. Inside, the basilica hides the country’s most revered (and eerie) religious relic – the embalmed right hand of St Stephen, the founding king of Hungary. Climb the 193 steps (or take the lift) to the basilica’s dome for some of the best views of Budapest. 

6. Stroll along Andrássy Avenue and in City Park 

Full of fancy shops, cafes and gorgeous buildings, tree-lined Andrássy Avenue is Budapest’s version of the Champs-Élysées. It begins behind the basilica and stretches all the way to Heroes’ Square , one of the city’s most famous monuments. Along the way, you’ll see the Hungarian State Opera and the harrowing House of Terror Museum , the former headquarters of the secret police, where victims of cruel regimes were once tortured. 

Where the avenue ends, City Park begins. The Pest side's biggest park is home to a rowboat-filled lake, which is an ice rink in winter, fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle and Széchenyi Baths.

Planning tip: Should you find the walk too long, the Millennium Underground, the oldest metro in continental Europe, runs the whole length of Andrássy.

7. Have a coffee at a historical coffeehouse

Budapest’s coffee-drinking culture dates back centuries, and its classic coffeehouses are a sight to behold. Many were cradles of culture and haunts for Hungary’s literary greats. The most prominent is New York Café , once chosen as the most beautiful coffeehouse in the world, where gilded and marble surfaces, crimson colors, crystals, frescoes, chandeliers and often live Hungarian music bring back that fin-de-siècle finesse. Gerbeaud Café , Hadik or Centrál are equally great choices for a trip back in time. 

8. See the city from a viewpoint or rooftop bar

With the curving Danube, beautiful bridges and stunning landmarks, Budapest is especially beautiful – and photogenic – from up above. If you fancy a bit of a walk, climb up to the Citadella and Budapest’s Statue of Liberty on Gellért Hill for a rewarding view. If you’d rather sit back with a drink and enjoy a front-row seat to all of Budapest, try any of the city’s many rooftop bars . 

Planning tip:  Several areas of the Citadella are under renovation and may be closed to visitors.

9. Spend a day on Margaret Island

Margaret Island is Budapest’s biggest green oasis – accessible by foot from the middle of yellow Margaret Bridge. The whole island is a huge park, home to the ruin of a medieval church, a lovely Japanese garden, century-old towering trees and endless picnics.

Planning tip: Head for the centerpiece of the island – a large fountain that lights up and “dances” to music every hour from spring to winter. The 9pm show is enhanced with a multimedia screening that displays images of Hungary’s greats projected onto a water curtain.

10. See the distinctive architecture of the Great Synagogue

The largest Jewish place of worship outside New York City, the Moorish-style Great Synagogue is one of Budapest’s most eye-catching buildings. Built in 1859, the distinctive structure, with its crenelated red-and-yellow glazed-brick facade and two enormous towers, stands next to the Hungarian Jewish Museum. In the courtyard is the poignant Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial , designed by sculptor Imre Varga.

11. Experience the best nightlife at ruin pubs and garden clubs

Budapest's nightlife is world famous, and a visit during the long, hot summer is not complete without an evening in one of the city's many so-called kertek , literally "gardens," but in Budapest, any outdoor spot that has been converted into an entertainment zone. These often rough-and-ready venues, including courtyards, rooftops and romkocsmák (ruin pubs) that rise phoenix-like from abandoned buildings, can change from year to year and are seasonal, but some of the more successful ones, like Szimpla Kert , are now permanent and open year-round.

12. Explore history in Memento Park

Containing statues and other memorials from the communist past,  Memento Park can only be described as a cemetery of socialist mistakes, or a well-manicured trash heap of history. In southern Buda, it’s home to about four dozen statues, busts and plaques of Lenin, Marx and home-grown henchmen like Béla Kun. Ogle the socialist-realist works and try to imagine that some were still being erected in the late 1980s and remained in their original locations until the early 1990s.

13. Ride the rails in the Buda Hills

They may be short on sights – though Béla Bartók’s house , where he spent his final year in Hungary, is open to visitors here – but the Buda Hills  are a very welcome respite from the hot, dusty city in the warmer months. Perhaps the hills' biggest draw is the unusual transportation: a narrow-gauge cog railway dating from the late 19th century will get you up into the hills, a train run by children takes you across them, and a chairlift will glide you back down to terra firma.

This article was first published February 2020 and updated November 2023

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The Perfect 4 Days in Budapest Itinerary (+ Map)

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Beloved by locals and tourists alike, Budapest stands out from other European destinations with its natural setting and an unmatched combination of history, culture, and fine cuisine besides holding a massive reserve of spring water which has made the city the spa capital of the world. In this post, we are sharing the ultimate 4 days in Budapest itinerary with sightseeing highlights in the city and beyond!

4 days in Budapest itinerary: Explore Budapest in 4 days

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Day 1 of Budapest 4 day itinerary:

• Fisherman’s Bastion

Matthias Church

• Buda Castle 
• Gellert Thermal Bath
• Liberty Bridge

Central Market Hall

• Szabo Ervin Library 

Day 2 of Budapest 4 day itinerary: :

• New York Cafe

Hungarian Parliament

Shoes on the Danube

• Danube Promenade Walk (Pest side)
• Dohány Street Synagogue (guided tours)

Jewish Quarter

• St Stephen’s Basilica 
• Dinner at Bestia 
• Ruin Bars (Szimpla Kert)

Day 3 of 4 days in Budapest itinerary:

• Szechenyi Thermal Bath (less crowded in the morning)

Vajdahunyad Castle

Heroes Square

Andrassy Avenue

Deak Ferenc Square

• Budapest Eye 

Day 4 of Budapest itinerary 4 days: Pick a day trip of your choice 

Short on time? Read our one day in Budapest itinerary | 2 day Budapest itinerary

The capital city of Hungary was formed in 1873 with the merging of the three cities of Obuda, Buda, and Pest. While Buda is where the elite resides, Pest is associated with the main population of the city. 

Both Buda and Pest are connected by the spectacular Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

To make the most of your four days in Budapest, follow this detailed itinerary which will ensure that you do not miss out on anything important and be fully prepared as to what to expect in the limited time available. 

We have included an extra day for sightseeing outside Budapest (the fourth day). If the first three days in Budapest are too fast-paced for your liking you can surely pick a few favorites on the final day!

Planning your trip to Budapest Hungary: Budapest Travel Tips

Assuming you are visiting Budapest for the first time, knowing beforehand how to get around will save you a lot of time. While most attractions are at a walkable distance, it is always better to have an idea of how the local public transport systems operate.

Getting around in Budapest

To access the city centre from the Liszt Ferenc international airport you can either pre-book a one-way shared transfer in a spacious mini-bus (€10 or $14 USD) or catch the 100E airport shuttle which operates every 20 minutes (€3 OR $4 USD). 

Finally, you can opt for a private shuttle which will cost you around €25 (about $26 USD). Or book a shared shuttle ride here

When you visit Budapest, make sure to download the BKK FUTAR app that will guide you through the city easily and help plan your trip using public transport.

Without public transport, you can get a hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus tour for 24, 48, or 72 hours . This way you can get to various attractions with ease. We like the Big Bus tours, as they always include an optional walking or sightseeing cruise.

In this 1-3 day hop-on and hop-off bus tour, you also get an hour cruise on the Danube. Book your tickets here

Where to stay in Budapest?

Whenever one is visiting a new destination, the problem of accommodation crops up first. To find the best place to stay, you must have a fair idea of the geographical location of Budapest.

The Danube River divides Budapest into two halves, Buda in the west and Pest in the east. While there is a wide range of accommodation available on both sides of the river, the focus should be on staying in close proximity to the city centre and the public transport network.

For a central location, try staying in the 1st District in Budapest, also known as the Castle District, or in Belvaros in the 5th District. Staying in either of these two places will allow you to explore most places in the city in your allotted time of three days. 

To experience the nightlife, the Jewish Quarter is a great area to make a base. Additionally, the 5th District includes Deak Ferenc Square, the main transport junction in Budapest. 

If you are not sure where to base yourself, here are some of my favorite places to stay in Budapest.

• Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest (Unparalleled luxury and comfort): This polished downtown hotel is just a minute’s walk away from the metro station and a further ten minutes from the Hungarian State Opera House. The rooms are luxuriously outfitted and the in-house restaurants serve high-quality local and international cuisine. You can book your stay here at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
• Leonardo Boutique Hotel Budapest M-Square (A balance of comfort and value): This mid-range hotel is located in downtown Madach Square, a few minutes away from the city centre. All rooms are well-equipped with all the basic amenities. Breakfast is complimentary and the spread is quite lavish. Click to view availability and photos
• iBis Styles Budapest Center (Mid budget hotel): Clean and bright rooms at this ibis Styles Budapest Center are all you need for a nice night’s sleep. This fuss-free property is located in a trendy district, surrounded by ruin pubs and shops. Check out their cute artwork in the rooms
• Pal’s Hostel (Budget):  Unlike other hostels, Pal’s Hostel is actually a chain of apartments adjacent to St Stephen’s Square. They have dorm beds, private rooms as well as complete apartments, where you can interact with fellow travelers and enjoy marvelous views of the Basilica from the hotel’s balcony. Pal’s Hostel won the 2018 Hostelworld award for being the 10th best hostel worldwide. Click to view rooms at the Pal’s Hostel and Apartments

Day 1 of Budapest 4 day itinerary: Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Buda Castle District, Citadella, Gellert Thermal Bath, Liberty Bridge, Central Market Hall, Szabo Ervin Library, Dinner and drinks at 360 Bar

Since the city is divided so perfectly, it is best to tackle each half separately. Start your first day at the ritzy Buda side of the Danube with a visit to an ornate, fairytale-like structure known as Fisherman’s Bastion on Castle Hill. 

Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is located in the heart of the Castle District and from its seven turrets, you can get unparalleled views of not only Buda but also Pest. 

The Bastion is made up of a series of walkways and stairs that lead up to each turret. The climb to the Fisherman’s Bastion is easy, but take the funicular for novelty value. (1200 HUF one way)

There are seven lookout towers on the terrace, representing the seven Hungarian tribes that founded Budapest. Admission is free, but there is an admission fee of 1 000 HUF if you want to visit the terrace. 

We particularly enjoyed Fisherman’s Bastion for its spectacular views from the lookout tower.

Buda Castle

Also at the complex is the Buda Castle which is home to the Budapest History Museum showcasing the country’s history from the Roman times to the modern day. The Castle dates back to the 13th century, and it used to be the primary residence of Hungarian rulers. 

The castle grounds are beautiful and offer great views of Pest. The entry fee to the Castle is 1 400 HUF ($4 USD approx.)

If you are a museum buff, stop at the Hungarian National Gallery, home to thousands of works of art, including Hungarian fine art displays. 

There are entry tickets for the Gallery, which are valid for one entry and include visits to both the temporary and permanent exhibitions. Tickets start at 2 900 HUF ($8 USD) for adults. 

Climb on top of the dome for marvelous city views. And don’t forget to walk across the Matthias Church, with its colorful tiled roof. 

Right next door is the unique Matthias Church, with vibrant colors and designs that are usually not found in European churches. Nothing remains of the original structure built in the 11th century, but the newly significantly renovated one has vaulted ceilings and ornate decor.

Matthias Church is a Roman Catholic church. If you enter, there is an admission fee of 800 HUF ($2.50 USD approx.), which will give you access to the church’s treasury as well.

Once you have had your fill of the views, head down to the Citadella, located on top of Gellert Hill. For this, you have to cross over to the Buda side and climb the 140m high Gellert Hill. 

Besides enjoying views of Buda and Pest from the top, you can explore Citadella, a fortress converted into a tourism centre in 1960 as well as Liberty Statue or Freedom Statue, a monument to commemorate those individuals who lost their lives in the freedom struggle.

The Citadella is a 19th-century fortress that was used as a military base and it also served as a prison during World War II. Today, it houses a museum, a restaurant, and a cafe.

Gellert Thermal Baths

From the Citadella, you can walk down to the Gellert Thermal Bath, which is located at the foot of the hill. The bath is fed by hot springs and it has several pools with different temperatures. 

There is also a wave pool, a sauna, and a steam room. After a day of exploring, you can relax in the baths and let all your worries melt away. The baths are located in a stunning Art Nouveau building and using the facilities costs around 6900 HUF ($20 USD).

Without bathing, you can still visit the complex to check out the Thermal Baths for 3000 HUF ($8 USD approx). 

Wander over to the Central Market Hall, a vibrant marketplace with a lively atmosphere offering a wonderful selection of inexpensive meals. It is highly recommended if you are a fan of supermarkets, but we would suggest walking around and admiring the beauty and not buying or eating anything inside.

Prices of toppings are not displayed and you can end up paying a lot of money for something you considered free.

Szabo Ervin Library

Once you have had your fill, walk over to the Szabo Ervin Library, which is located in a beautiful neo-renaissance building. Built at the end of the 19th century, a visit here will take you back to a time when libraries were housed in mansions, just like this one. 

Often left out of most guidebooks, the incredible hidden treasure of the Szabo Ervin Library, located in the busiest part of the city, is a must-visit on any 4 day itinerary to Budapest. The library has a collection of over two million books and it is the perfect place to spend an evening exploring.

360° rooftop bar

Your first day’s sightseeing must have taken a toll on your tummy as well as your legs, so it is time to spend the rest of the evening in the enchanting heated igloos of the 360° rooftop bar. 

Each igloo is strategically located to provide panoramic views of Budapest as you enjoy your food and drink. 

Did you know? You can co-work from Budapest’s highest rooftop bar between 02:00 pm to midnight hours (including weekends, hours may vary). 

Day 2 of the Budapest 4 day itinerary: Hungarian Parliament Building visit, Shoes on the Danube, Danube Promenade Walk (Pest side), Dohány Street Synagogue (guided tours), Jewish Quarter, St Stephen’s Basilica, dinner at Bestia, Ruin Bars (Szimpla Kert)

Explore Budapest’s iconic landmarks on your second day such as the Hungarian Parliament, and other attractions nearby. And finish the day with time at the Ruins Bars! 

We will be focusing on the Pest side today, so we recommend starting with breakfast at the iconic New York Cafe. Often called the ‘world’s most beautiful cafe’, the New York Cafe is a stunning place for a meal. 

It is a work of art and opulence with Italian Renaissance-style interiors. There are shining chandeliers dangling from high ceilings, and there are stunning frescoes everywhere. This cafe is one of the oldest cafes in Budapest, dating back 125 years.

Food items are pricey here, but again the ambiance and the interiors make it worth it!

Enjoying a stunning location on the banks of the Danube, the Hungarian Parliament is an incredible institution in its own right. The Hungarian Parliament is a beautiful Neo-Gothic building. 

If you want to explore the building from inside, book at least a couple of days in advance, and much more during the summer months. Multiple tours happen at the same time, so one has to stand close to the guide. 

Seeing the two military men guarding the Hungarian Crown Jewels was worth the price of the ticket. Should you fail to get admission, make it a point to admire the building from the outside as it will be a shame if you return without a photo or two of this fantastic place.

Here is a 45 minute Hungarian Parliament guided tour, that we recommend.

If you walk on the edge of the river after you are through with the Parliament building, you will find a number of bronze shoes (60 pairs), facing the waters. This is actually the Shoes on the Danube memorial, built in memory of the Jews who were executed on the river banks during WWII.

It is free to visit. 

Danube Promenade Walk

After paying your respects at the Shoes on the Danube, take a stroll down the Danube Promenade. 

We loved spending time at the Danube Promenade Walk. It provided stunning views of the Buda Castle and the Danube. 

The promenade connects the Elizabeth Bridge on the Pest side with the Chain Bridge . This is where the luxury hotels are located and some fine dining venues.

Dohany street synagogue

Built in 1854, the Dohany Street synagogue is the second biggest in the world and is also known as the Great Synagogue. 

Take a guided tour (the price includes an admission ticket to the synagogue) to learn more about this impressive building. In this guided tour, you will be led by an expert who will take you through the history of the synagogue and the Jewish community in Budapest.

If interested, you can also check out the Hungarian Jewish Museum , situated nearby.

You can also book Skip the Line Tickets only.

After your visit to the synagogue, explore the Jewish quarter, which is a beautiful area of Budapest. Stroll through the streets and admire the architecture. 

From casual dining to vibrant nightlife, there is no better place than the Jewish Quarter of Budapest. Most of the must-do things in the city can be found here, including the quirky ruin bars and diverse restaurants. 

The once dreaded wartime ghetto is now the party district, but the skyrocketing tourism has driven the prices up and customers away. However, this unique area is an area worth visiting. You will also love colorful street art in the Jewish Quarter. 

St Stephen’s Basilica

Built over a period of fifty years, the St Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Hungary and an unmissable landmark on any Budapest tour. 

Do check out the beautiful artwork and the mummified hand of St Stephen’s inside the little chapels. Entry is by donation, while you need to pay 2000 HUF to access the observation tower.

Dinner at Bestia

We found this buzzing restaurant overlooking the St Stephen’s Basilica the perfect place to enjoy grilled meats – the Bestia. The Bestia is very popular with tourists and locals. It has chic decor and a full-service bar that serves both cocktails and local beer.

They serve steak, seafood, and sandwiches. Their pork ribs made over a charcoal oven were exceptional. Food items were slightly pricey, but worth it for the ambiance! 

Ruin bars (Szimpla Kert)

Ruin bars have been flourishing in Budapest since 2001 when the first one was launched by the name of Szimpla Kert. These bars are located in the Jewish Quarter in the ruins of abandoned buildings that were left to decay after WWII. 

Szimpla Kert is located in an old factory, with an open courtyard and a top floor where one can enjoy a drink.

Day 3 of the 4 day Budapest itinerary: Szechenyi Thermal Bath (less crowded in the morning), Vajdahunyad Castle, City Park, Heroes Square, Andrassy Avenue, Deak Ferenc Square, Budapest Eye 

Kickstart your third day Budapest itinerary by soaking in at the Szechenyi thermal baths. 

Szechenyi thermal baths

Budapest is home to thermal baths, which are a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing. Or in the morning when it is not busy.

Széchenyi thermal baths in the City Park have 18 pools and are the largest in the EU. They are extremely popular with the locals and tourists alike, so head there early in the morning (opens at 6:00 am) to avoid the crowds. 

The lovely yellow-colored buildings came up only in 1913, though these springs have been in use since Roman times. Remember to carry your own bathing suits and slippers, though lockers and towels are available for rent.

The baths are fed by hot springs and they have several pools with different temperatures. There is also a sauna, a steam room, and a massage service.

Book: Entry tickets with optional Palinka Tour

Connected by the City Park via Heroes Square, the Vajdahunyad Castle is a replica of some other castles in Europe and was built during the Millennial Exhibition of 1896 to mark the conquest of the Carpathian Basin. 

The building is so spectacular looking from the outside, that you must stop by for a quick stroll and photos. To enter the Vajdahunyad Castle grounds is free. 

Christmas markets and many other festivals are held at this beautiful castle. 

If you wish to visit the museum at the Vajdahunyad Castle, there is an entry fee (Tickets for Adults: HUF 1,600/ $4.50 USD).

You must have passed the City Park on your way to the Baths, but what is important to know is that this gorgeous place is used as a cultural centre including some motorsports. Its main entrance is from Heroes Square in District XIII. 

The best way to explore the park is by walking from the Vajdahunyad Castle end to the Zoo.

One of the best ways to explore some of the landmarks of Budapest is by taking a stroll along Andrassy Avenue. This World Heritage site is home to the Hungarian National Opera House and other amazing architecture. 

There are lots of quaint bars and cafes where you can rest and enjoy a drink.

This historic place is located at the end of Andrassy Avenue and is known for the famous monument depicting the Seven Chieftains that ruled Magyar. It was built in 1896 to commemorate the country’s 1000th anniversary.

Heroes Square is free to visit. 

There are good art galleries on either side of the square, which are all well worth a visit.

Named after Deak Ferenc, this is a major transport hub in Budapest. An assortment of sculptures and small statues and a huge pool where people can dip their feet are located here. 

Besides the obvious metro connections, we found it to be a cool place to relax and have a drink on a nice sunny day.

Budapest eye

Set up in popular Erzsebet Square near the city centre, the 65m high Budapest Eye is the largest Ferris wheel in Europe. 

The wheel operates every day, even during festivals, and offers amazing views of Budapest, especially at night when it is decked with fairy lights. It has 41 air-conditioned cabins, each holding eight occupants.

Tickets start at 2400 HUF (about $6 USD) for adults.

Danube river cruise

Alternatively, you can also opt for a Danube river dinner sightseeing cruise for this evening. We personally love river cruises, and Budapest was one of the first sightseeing cruises that we took, and absolutely loved it. Read our detailed Budapest river cruise review

Cruise ships in Budapest operate at different times of the day with a variety of thematic trips. You can choose from a one-hour sightseeing cruise with a welcome drink, or a full-on 3-course dinner (like we did).

During a one or three-hour duration trip, the ship sails past some iconic sights of Budapest like the Hungarian Parliament, Gellert Hill, and the Gresham Palace.

Tour options:

• 1 hour sightseeing cruise with a welcome drink
• 1 hour evening sightseeing cruise with a welcome drink
• Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music

Day 4 of the Budapest itinerary 4 days: Day trip ideas

Hungary is said to have the highest density of attractions and historic sites of any country in Europe. Given its central location, Budapest is the right place to make your base for venturing out to see different parts of the country.

Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Hungary as a day trip from Budapest on the fourth day of your itinerary 

Located 140 km east of Budapest, Eger is, without doubt, one of the most stunning of all small towns in Europe. 

Nestled on the southern slopes of the Bukk Mountains, Eger boasts thermal baths and as many as 17 Baroque churches. The highlights here include the beautiful Eger Cathedral, the Eger Castle, and the Istvan Dobo Castle Museum. 

The Hungarian Open Air Museum

This museum, also known as the Szentendrei Skanzen Village Museum, lies just 23 km from Budapest. The building showcases in detail the lifestyle of the different 18th century Hungarian settlements. 

Besides the quaint houses, you will come across old mills, barns, and workshops. A guided tour is the best way to learn more about this museum. Kids get to ride on the historic Skanzen train.

Aggtelek National Park

Much of it is a protected World Heritage site, the Aggtelek National Park covers an area of almost 200 sq km and is situated on the border with Slovakia. 

Since it takes just 2.5 hours by car to access Aggtelek, it has become a popular day trip destination from Budapest. 

Apart from excellent hiking trails and the diverse flora and fauna found here, the star attraction here by far is the Baradla Caves. The caves are 25 km (15.5 miles) long and these impressive stalactites and stalagmites wonder come in different colors and extend well into neighboring Slovakia.

Hortobagy National Park

Near the eastern Hungarian town of Debrecen are 800 sq km of vast grass-covered steppes and pastures that form the beautiful Hortobagy National Park, bounded by the Tisza River. 

Traditional farming still takes place here, as a result, many visitors come here to see the unique flora and fauna and many small villages and towns. The park is a haven for birders, who come from far and wide to see some of the rare and endangered birds which nest here. 

A variety of domestic Hungarian animals can be found here like the Puli dog and nonius horse.

Danube Bend and Ram Canyon Hiking day trip

Spend the day in the volcanic Visegradi Hills on a day trip from Budapest – this is where an old volcano still pervades Hungary. The volcano is no longer active, making it a great spot for hikes with stunning views.

This hike starts at a tiny village on the coast of the Danube, called Dömös. After a steep climb, it welcomes you to panoramic views over the river Danube and surrounding mountains.

From here you can also find huge volcanic rocks that were left behind after the ancient eruption.

You can book a hiking tour that also includes a guided climb to Predikaloszek, the summit with some of the best views in Hungary. This place is perfect for nature-lovers.

4 day Budapest Itinerary Sightseeing Map

Alternate tour recommendations for Budapest itinerary for 4 days

When planning your trip to Budapest, it is advisable to think about nature and architecture also. To get the maximum bang out for your buck, make sure you visit Margaret Island, a quick and nice place to visit, known for its surreal views.

Visit this place, both during the day and night, to enjoy two totally different experiences. While the days are peaceful and calm after dark allows you spectacular views of the lights of the city.

As you walk along the banks of the Danube, you will come across other attractions such as a beach, a zoo, Sculpture Avenue and a nice spa. You must check out the musical fountain, which choreographs water with music five times a day.

Another way to unwind at the end of a tiring day of sightseeing is by visiting the Gellert Baths, where you can take a dip in mineral-rich waters, a great therapeutic way to get rid of the aches and pains after a hard day outdoors.

There are a good number of free walking tours available in Budapest (but remember to tip the guide), that provides a novel way to orient yourself and learn about the culture of the country. Strawberry Tours and Generation Tours are highly recommended.

When visiting the Buda Castle grounds, you can also visit the Castle Garden Bazaar, which is located at the base or bottom of the castle. This so-called Bazaar of the Royal Garden is also known as Varkert Bazar, which is the Hungarian name. 

The site is home to manicured gardens and exhibitions. 

Hungary Travel Tips

Depending on your passport, you might have to apply for a tourist visa for Hungary. Hungary is a European Union member, and it uses the Schengen Agreement to allow nonvisa-exempt visitors to enter the country. 

A Schengen Visa is not a visa on arrival, so it has to be applied for prior to your visit. This is the same visa that applies to a majority of countries in Europe. 

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however, from 2025, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel. 

Although Hungary is a part of the European Union, it hasn’t adopted the Euro as its currency and still uses the HUF or Hungarian Forint. This means you will have to exchange money from time to time through the exchange dealers. 

We found that many places did accept Euros, but the change was returned in HUF. 

If Hungary is the only country that you are visiting on your Europe trip, then exchange money when you are in the country, or use ATM machines at reputed banks for one time withdrawal to avoid paying transaction fees multiple times. 

Do not go near the Euronet ATMs as they give an unfavorable rate and on top charge a commission as well. You might be better off using your travel credit card instead. 

And finally, be sure to check your restaurant bill before making payment. Local hotels routinely overcharge unsuspecting tourists by adding gratuity or an extra item or two.

What to eat and drink in Budapest?

Budapest is one of the cheapest/most affordable European cities (and beautiful too). Their food is one of the most delicious in the world, and we highly recommend setting aside time to relish them.

• Goulash : Goulash is the National Dish of Hungary,  and it is a stew made of beef, onions, paprika, tomatoes, and pepper. It is delicious and spicy. You can order this anywhere in Hungary, and nearby countries like the Czech Republic.
• Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake): Chimney cakes are sweets, like the Trdelník in Prague or any other parts of Central Europe. These sweet treats are made of a sugary dough that is wrapped around a cone or a rod and roasted over charcoal. Some come sprinkled with butter, chocolate, or cream fillings. 
• Töltött káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage): This Hungarian delicacy is made of cooked cabbage that is stuffed with ground pork and beef, rice, tomatoes, and sauerkraut. 
• Other food items include sausages, cured meats, meat pancakes, Chicken Paprikash or paprika, etc. 

What to pack for Budapest?

Here are some quick tips for packing for Budapest,

• Universal adaptor: Europe uses the round power pins, and the same goes for Budapest, so carry a universal adapter. Here is what we use
• Anti-theft backpack : Because we travel in trains, and use other means of public transportation, we recommend carrying an anti-theft backpack (or a daypack). We use the same backpack as a carryon (and – I carry 4-5 dresses, 4 blouses, 2 light jackets, and a small cosmetics bag)
• Comfortable walking shoes : Walking shoes are a must for Budapest and nearby areas. You will end up walking and climbing to the castle and many squares and neighborhoods so pack comfortable walking shoes . 
• Lightweight waterproof jacket : Highly recommend carrying a lightweight waterproof jacket, especially when visiting in the spring. But it is a good idea to pack one for all times of the year. 
• Swimsuit: Pack swimwear so that you can enjoy the thermal baths.

As always don’t forget your travel documents, credit cards, currency, and travel insurance.

Yes, 4 days is perfect for sightseeing in Budapest. It will allow you to check off all the prime attractions, hang out in thermal spas or chill in ruin bars. An extra day in and around Budapest is perfect to enjoy nature and the small towns near it. 

If you are only interested in visiting the iconic landmarks in Budapest, with a sightseeing cruise or a nice dinner on another night, then 2 days in the city would be enough. Just ensure all the tickets are booked in advance and do pick your favorites before you visit.

For a short visit, staying in Pest is better as you are close to sightseeing attractions. Buda is great if you like to be in a quieter part of town, and go easy on sightseeing.

Were 4 days in Budapest enough?

Budapest is a destination where you can really chill and relax, so it is a good idea to have some extra time on hand, in which case three to four days in the city, though action-packed, would be ideal. 

Not only will you be able to explore most of the big attractions, but have enough time for rest and relaxation as well. 

The major plus point of visiting the Hungarian capital is that the city is quite affordable. So if you think your sightseeing schedule is hectic and you want to move at your own pace, you can spend even a week here without breaking the bank.

Moreover, there is a quirky side to Budapest as well, and you would want to keep some extra time aside to start your day slowly if you would have had more than just a few drinks the night before.

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Budapest.city

Your Essential Budapest Travel Guide

Discover Budapest: Your Essential Travel Guide

Welcome to Budapest! This is your ultimate guide to the heart of Hungary. Immerse yourself in this stunning city’s vibrant culture , rich history , and breathtaking scenery.

From the iconic Chain Bridge to the stunning architecture of Parliament , Budapest is a feast for the senses.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, our expertly curated travel guide has everything you need to plan your perfect trip. So what are you waiting for? Let us take you on a journey to discover the magic of Budapest!

Budapest city

Welcome to Budapest.city – The ultimate travel guide to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Our team of travel experts provides insider tips, top attractions , and hidden gems to help you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, we’re here to make your trip unforgettable. Join us and discover the best of Budapest!

Attractions

Accommodation, transportation.

Expert advice and top suggestions

Insider tips and local’s recommendations for lesser-known places in Budapest.

sightseeing

Top attractions

Buda Castle

Dominating the city skyline , Buda Castle is an iconic landmark. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. The panoramic views of the city from Castle Hill are simply unforgettable.

Parliament Building

One of the largest parliament buildings in the world, this magnificent structure is a perfect example of neo-gothic architecture. The guided tours offer a glimpse into Hungary’s political history.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Named after the first King of Hungary, St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest. The stunning interior, combined with the breathtaking views from the dome , make this a must-visit attraction.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion offers the best views over Budapest, a beautiful neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style terrace. It’s one of the most visited sites in Budapest, particularly loved for its fairy-tale-like architecture.

Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths , and Széchenyi is the largest in Europe. Relaxing in its thermal waters is a quintessential Budapest experience.

The Danube Promenade

Strolling along the Danube promenade, particularly at sunset, is a mesmerizing experience. The river beautifully separates the city into Buda and Pest , each offering unique charm.

What’s more?

Travel guides

Discover budapest like never before with budapest.city travel guide.

Welcome to Budapest, the heart of Hungary and the crown jewel of the Danube! Our comprehensive travel guide, www.budapest.city , is your essential companion in uncovering the layers of history, culture, and vibrancy this city offers. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture, or a spontaneous traveler, we’ve got you covered.

Dive Deep into Budapest’s Rich History

Start your journey with our detailed section about Budapest, delving deep into its storied past. From the enigmatic Great Age of Migrations and the pivotal rule of the Clan of Árpád to the impactful times of the Turkish Occupation and the Habsburg Rule , each epoch leaves its indelible mark on the city’s architecture, streets, and psyche. Relive the events of March 1848 and explore the influences of World War I and Soviet Power , understanding Budapest’s resilience and its phoenix-like resurgence.

A Treasure Trove of Experiences

Our ‘Explore’ section brings to you the glittering array of top sights, picturesque neighborhoods , and atmospheric districts . Whether it’s the iconic thermal baths that promise relaxation or the lush parks and gardens offering a slice of tranquility, we guide you through it all. And for those seeking a cultural immersion, Budapest’s churches , synagogues , museums , galleries , and landmarks are sure to mesmerize. Don’t forget to delve into our detailed segments on the city’s stunning palaces and historic buildings – a testament to Budapest’s architectural grandeur.

Beyond the City’s Bounds

But there’s more! Just a stone’s throw away from Budapest, discover attractions that promise an equally captivating experience. Whether it’s a castle, a quaint village, or natural wonders, you’ll find it listed in our ‘Near Budapest’ section.

Your Practical Guide to Budapest

Navigating a new city can be daunting, but fret not! From detailed transportation guides on reaching Budapest by bus , plane, or train to invaluable local tips , we ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable. Our sections on accommodation , currency exchange , and even a list of what not to do, equip you with all the practical information you’ll ever need.

Unlock the City’s Secrets

For the explorers at heart, our ‘Insights’ section is a goldmine. Dive into local tips, uncover hidden gems, and discover offbeat attractions that only the locals might know of. We guarantee experiences that will make your trip truly memorable.

So, why wait? Let www.budapest.city be your trusted guide in exploring Budapest’s magic. Dive into our site, craft your own journey, and let the city’s charm unfold before you. Every alley, every bridge, every spire has a story. Come, discover yours!

Discover the magic of Budapest with our comprehensive guide — bookmark it now and share the love on Facebook and other platforms, so your friends and family can also embark on this unforgettable journey!

Budapest Travel Guide

Home / Budapest Travel Guide

Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and is ideal for those who want to relax at high-class  spas, enjoy the Hungarian cuisine, shop and live luxuriously without having to spend a fortune.

Budapest is a city that is very close to my heart, partly because I have family from Hungary, but also thanks to all the city has to offer. 

In this travel guide, I share my best advice both before and during the trip.

Tourist Attractions in Budapest

Hungarian parliament.

The Hungarian Parliament is one of the world’s most famous landmarks, and daily guided tours are available that showcase all the sculptures, statues, paintings and the beautiful interior and exterior.

It is also here that you can have a look at the holy crown of St. Stephen and the Hungarian crown jewels. The best views of this magnificent building can be seen from the other side of the river, at the Fishermen’s Bastion.

Address: Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3. Metro station: Kossuth Lajos ter. Line M2.

Heroes Square

Heroes’ Square is a beautiful attraction that’s also included on the UNESCO list of world heritages. On this square stands the Millennium Monument with statues representing the seven chiefs who founded Hungary in the 800s.

In the middle of the monument stands a giant statue depicting the archangel Gabriel. On the same monument, you can see 14 sculptures of various compatriots who have made great contributions to Hungary throughout history.

Metro station: Hősök tere. Line M1.

Matthias Church

Matthias Church in Budapest is one of the most beautiful churches I’ve put my foot in. The church was founded in 1015 and offers a dreamlike architecture, both on the inside as well as the outside.

Matthias Church is located on the Buda side next to the Fisherman’s Bastion; about 5 minutes walk from the castle. It costs about 40 SEK to go into the church, but it is well worth it if you like old buildings.

It is a magical feeling and certain calm that hangs over this church which is still used by locals, both for praying and weddings.

Address: Szentháromság tér second

St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most visited tourist attractions. The basilica is Hungary’s main church building and located right in the heart of the city, near Vaci Utca. This church is also where they keep King Stephen I’s mummified hand.

St. Stephen’s Basilica offers a fantastic architecture, including a beautiful spiral stair leading up to the dome. For about 4 Euros, one can go to the top of the church and enjoy an excellent view of the city.

Address: Szent István tér first Metro: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út. Line M1.

Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall in Budapest offers a classic marketplace that attracts both tourists and locals. People come here to buy Hungarian sausages, fruits, vegetables and other local delicacies.

In addition to food, there are also plenty of crafts, porcelain, and lots of souvenirs. If you get hungry, there are plenty of food stalls serving traditional Hungarian dishes at reasonable prices.

The large market hall is a must place to visit, and although there are a lot of people, there’s still a homely atmosphere and mood.

Address: Vámház utca 1-3. Metro station: Fovam ter. Line M4.

Hungarian State Opera House

Classical Music and Opera is not my personal favorite, but if there is anywhere in the world to go to the Opera, it is in Budapest. The Hungarian State Opera House was built in the late 1800s and is considered one of the best and most beautiful opera houses.

Best of all is perhaps that it’s so cheap, but still give you a five-star performance.

Address: Andrássy út 22nd Metro Station: Opera. Line M1.

Buda Castle

Budapest Castle is located on the other side of the river, more precisely, on top of a hill on the Buda side.

This tourist attraction is also a part of the Unesco world heritage, and on the castle grounds awaits royal architecture, great views and fun activities such as crossbows and traditional Hungarian archery.

For those who are more interested in what’s inside the castle, there are guided tours to attend

The fastest way to get here is by cable car which goes all the way up, but it is just as easy to walk (about 10-15 minutes). It is free to enter the castle grounds, but it costs if you want to get into the castle itself.

Address: Szent György tér second

Spa & Thermal Baths

With over one hundred different thermal springs, it is not surprising that Budapest is nicknamed “the world’s spa capital”. Budapest is a city that will make your body and the soul smile.

Here are everything from old Turkish baths to traditional Hungarian spas and thermal baths, which both offer a great bathing experience, but also history and beautiful architecture.

Király Bath and the Rudas are two Turkish baths that I highly recommend, both built during the 1500s where much of the old architecture has been preserved.

Gellért

This bath opened up its gates as early as 1918 and is perhaps the most famous Spa in Budapest. Here awaits a magnificent bath house in pure Art Nouveau style. Gellért has both outdoor pools and indoor pools at different temperatures.

The water comes from a mineral-rich spring that is particularly rich in magnesium, calcium, sulfate, and chloride, to name a few. The water is said to heal several ailments and will be particularly effective for people with musculoskeletal, metabolic disorders and nerve pain.

Besides swimming, you are also offered a wide variety of treatments and massages. It is also possible to book a romantic spa experience with a private pool for two people.

Address: Kelenhegyi out 4. On the Buda side.

Szechenyi bath

In another part of Budapest, you will find another famous spa – The Szechenyi Bath, which is at least as impressive as Gellert. Szechenyi Bath is a bit outside the center, thus offers a more local and traditional experience.

There are many pools to choose from, just as it is with their spa treatments: mud baths, foot massage, and medical healing massage just to name a few.

In the summers you’ll also see old Hungarian men playing chess in the pool area.

Address: Állatkerti körut 11. Just next to the metro station. Metro station: Szechenyi Baths. Line M1.

Budapest has a broad range of stores and shopping centers and has in recent years emerged as one of fashion cities in Europe. Here you’ll find everything from exclusive designer boutiques to local designers and international chains.

When it comes to shopping, Budapest has something for everyone, regardless of taste and budget.

A popular pedestrian street lined with shops and international restaurants. H & M, Pull & Bear, and Zara are some of the stores located here. Personally, I’d rather go to one of the shopping centers, but a walk along Váci Utca is always nice.

Metro station: Ferenciek tere. M3 line.

Andrassy ut

Do you have a slightly more upscale taste than what is offered on Vaci Utca? Then you should go to the Andrassy Avenue. Here are all the major fashion houses represented along with luxury designer jewelry and other branded stores.

Andrassy Avenue runs all the way from the Hungarian State Opera to Heroes’ Square, but the majority of shops are located in the part that lies closest to the State Opera.

Andrassy Avenue is also one of the World Heritage sites of Budapest, in addition to shopping, you can also go and admire the beautiful architecture and the well-preserved houses.

Metro Station: Opera – Opera. Heroes Square – Hősök tere. Line M1.

Westend City Center

WestEnd is one of Europe’s largest shopping center and, with its 400 different shops, it offers a broad range of shopping to suit all tastes. Here is everything you can imagine including a food court with various restaurants. Metro line number 3 stops just below the mall.

Address: 1062 Budapest. Váci út 1-3. Metro station: Nyugati Pályaudvar. M3 line.

Arcade shopping center

Arcade is not as large as WestEnd, but virtually all international chains are represented, such as H & M, Mango, Zara, and Bershka just to name a few.

Address: Örs vezér tér 25th Metro station: Örs vezér tér station. Line M2.

Arena Plaza

This shopping center has a similar range as WestEnd and Arcade. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but most of the clothes I purchased in Budapest have been found at Arena Plaza.

Address: Kerepesi út 9th Metro Station: Keleti pályaudvar (Train Station). Line M2. Next one, or take bus 178 or 95th

All around Vaci Utca and the central parts, it is easy to get around by foot, but if you want to go to attractions in the outer part of the city, it’s better to use public transport.

Public transportation in Budapest is both efficient and well-developed. You can choose between the metro, bus, and tram that takes you around to the different parts of the city. If you know that you’ll use public transportation a lot, it pays to buy 24 or 72-hour ticket.

Tickets cost about 6 and 13 Euros.

The underground system is easy and goes to most places of interest. Hungarians are generally very helpful and kind, so even if it’s unlikely to get lost, you can always ask someone who walks by.

Taxis, however, should you be used with caution. Always use an official taxi company such as Buda Taxi or City Taxi. Or even better, get an Uber, it’s both cheaper and more convenient.

Recommended hotels in Budapest

Four seasons hotel gresham palace.

A luxury hotel that opened its doors already in 1906. The hotel is located just in front of the Chain Bridge and offers a beautiful view of Buda and the Danube. Rooms at the Gresham Palace are spacious and nicely decorated. The staff also does their utmost for their guests. Nor should I forget to mention the hotel’s luxurious spa, indoor pool, and sauna.

From here you have walking distance to most of the city sights. The hotel restaurant is of high class and serves Italian and Hungarian cuisine.

Looking for a luxury experience in Budapest? Then Gresham Palace is an excellent choice.

Price level: Luxury. Star rating: Five.

Click here to see photos, reviews, and prices

Eurostars Budapest Center

A relatively new hotel that has existed since 2010. The Eurostars Budapest Center is close to Vaci Utca and the Ferenciek Tere metro station. From here you can enjoy most attractions within walking distance while staying at a budget hotel with high standards.

The hotel’s restaurant serves Hungarian and international gourmet dishes at reasonable prices. Eurostars is a hotel that I highly recommend.

Price level : Medium. Stars : Four.

Queen’s Court Hotel & Residence

This hotel is located near all the famous sights in Budapest. Queen’s Court Hotel & Residence is the perfect choice when you want to feel pampered without having to empty your wallet.

The hotel’s suites are spacious and fresh decorated. As if that were not enough, you also have access to the spa, featuring an indoor pool and whirlpool.

Price level: Medium. Star rating: Five.

Click here to see photos, reviews and prices

K9 Residence

For those who prefer to travel cheaply and put the money on experiences and other things, K9 Residence is a great option. The hotel is about two minutes away from the metro station Deak Ferenc Ter and has everything you could possibly need when traveling to Budapest.

The hotel is centrally located and all the rooms have a kitchen, bathroom, and free wireless Internet access.

The standard is admittedly simple, but to be a budget hotel so keep K9 Residence a high budget class, which is also reflected by all the top reviews from previous guests.

Price level: Budget. Star rating: Three.

Food and Drinks

Hungary has a strong food culture that goes way back in time, all the way to the mongols and the seven chiefs. The most famous dish is goulash, which of course is a must to eat when visiting Hungary.

But Hungarian cuisine has a lot of other good dishes to offer, including my personal favorites: Pörkölt, paprikáscsirke, langos, Hortobágyi palacsinta, rántott Csirke and Töltött káposzta.

Besides great food, there are also good wines to enjoy. The finest Hungarian wines come from Tokaj region, but also Egri Bikaver and Törley is popular. If you prefer beer, there is no reason to be disappointed.

Hungary, has a whole bunch of domestic beers, of which the best known are: Dreher, Kaiser, Borsodi and Arany Ászok.

Last but not least are two liquors that Hungarians are very proud of. These are Palinka (a kind of brandy) and Unicum (liquor made from herbs). Palinka is a personal favorite that comes in several varieties of flavors, with peach, plum and pear the most famous ones.

Drinking pálinka is definitely one of the must things to do when you travel to Hungary.

Good things to know

Budapest: GMT +2.

Average temperature in Budapest

From April to October the average temperature is between 15-25 degrees. During the summer months it can be up to 30-35 degrees. From November to February, the temperature drops and lies about 5 degrees with some days around 0 degrees and some days with temperatures upwards of 10 degrees.

The climate of Budapest is pleasant for most of the year and the best time to visit the town according to me is from May to June and September to October. When it is less tourists, yet comfortable weather.

Currency and debit cards

Hungarian Forint (HUF). Cards are accepted in many shops and at most major hotels and restaurants.

Visa & Passport Conditions

Hungary is a member of the EU and thus no visa is needed if you’re from Europe. For other nationalities please check current visa status. A valid ID card should be enough, but I still recommend everyone to bring your passport to be on the safe side.

Electrical outlets

220 volts. No adapter needed if you have a standard European plug.

Tap Water in Budapest

It’s fine to drink the tap water in Budapest. Tap water is safe to drink, but can contain a different bacterial flora that cause a minor reaction for sensitive people, such as diarrhea. However, it will be just fine for most people.

Approximately 1.7 million people.

Hungarian. English is also widely spoken, at least among younger people. Older generation often speak less english, but within the city most people speak basic english.

Christianity (Catholic).

A Super Efficient 4 Day Budapest Itinerary

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Planning your next city break to Budapest? This 4 day Budapest itinerary shows you an easy and efficient way to see the city.

A couple of weeks ago, I spontaneously booked a trip to Budapest after seeing some stunning photos of the city. I hadn’t been to Hungary before and I was eager to explore the capital city! And oh my – it was amazing! Budapest has so much to offer and is filled with the most amazing buildings, tasty cuisine and the friendliest people. This 4 day Budapest itinerary shows you exactly what we did during our time in Budapest and will hopefully convince you to visit this not-so-hidden gem in Eastern Europe, too.

* The Navigatio uses affiliate links . If you make a purchase through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

The Ultimate Four Days in Budapest

Hungary’s capital actually consists of two cities, Buda and Pest. They were completely independent until they merged together in 1873. The Danube River divides the two parts of Budapest but multiple bridges connect them (including the famous Chain Bridge and Liberty Bridge). Budapest makes for a perfect city trip with its magical, picturesque buildings, thermal bathhouses, tasty dishes and friendly people. Four days in Budapest gives you the opportunity to see all the city’s highlights alongside some hidden gems and time to chill in the city’s hot spring spas. I hope this itinerary gives you a good idea of what you can do in Budapest and how to fill a midweek in this beautiful city.

If you’re visiting Budapest for a shorter time, check out this 2 day or 3 day itinerary instead.

Day 1 in Budapest

We spent our first day in Budapest seeing some of the main highlights in the Buda part of the city. Because we stayed in Pest, we started by crossing the famous Széchenyi   Chain Bridge , that connects the two parts of the city on either side of the Danube River. This bridge was actually the first bridge to connect Buda and Pest, playing an important role in the history of the city. It took almost 10 years to construct! But apart from the history this bridge carries, the way it looks is maybe even more impressive.

After crossing the Chain Bridge, you’re right in front of the next sight: Buda Castle District. From the bridge, you can walk towards the Buda Hill Funicular. Rather than climbing up the hill yourself, you can take the funicular to the top for 1,200 Ft per person for a single ticket. I’d recommend buying a single ticket and walking down. The ride itself only takes about 45 seconds, but you get a lovely view over the river and the chain bridge. Plus, it’s pretty cool to ride a funicular that has been in operating since 1870.

Once you arrive at the top of Buda Hill, you’re right next to Buda Castle . This almost 800-year-old castle is one of the main highlights of the city. You’ll get a stunning view over Budapest from the castle hill too. When exploring Buda Castle, you can choose to visit the Castle Museum, but we decided to just wander around the complex instead. Strolling around the castle gives you the opportunity for some great photos 😉

About 10 minutes on foot from Buda Castle, you can find one of my absolute favourite sights in Budapest: Fisherman’s Bastion . If you think Buda Castle looks like a fairytale, get ready for this spot. It actually feels and looks like it’s stolen straight out of a fairytale book. Even though it may seem older, the bastion was only built just over 100 years ago to celebrate the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian state. The magical look was inspired by an early medieval architecture style that was popular when the first Hungarian king ruled the state.

Behind Fisherman’s Bastion, you will find the gorgeous Matthias Church . It has been serving the city since 1015 and was founded by the first Hungarian King. It was this type of architecture that inspired Fisherman’s Bastion, and you can easily see the resemblance. The neo-gothic features really make this church stand out, it’s unlike any church I’ve visited before.

It’s then time to head back over across the Chain Bridge to Pest. Even though we’ve already seen the Parliament Building from Fisherman’s Bastion, a building as beautiful as this deserves a closer look. On the way towards it, make sure to stop at the Shoes on the Danube Bank. This memorial honours the memory of the Jews who were killed during the Second World War in Budapest. They were ordered to take off their shoes before they were shot. It’s not easy to see monuments like this, but I think it’s important that we remember the victims of the war. We need to learn from it so something like this will never happen again.

It doesn’t take much to notice how incredibly gorgeous Budapest’s Parliament Building is. It may be one of the most impressive buildings I’ve ever seen. Just like the Fisherman’s Bastion, the building was constructed to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Hungary. The building has 691 rooms and contains 20 km (!!!) of stairs. You can book a guided tour through the building to see the main entrance hall, the House of Lords and some of the Hungarian Crown Jewels.

Day 2 in Budapest

We started our second day in Budapest visiting the Dohany Street Synagogue . Located in the Jewish Quarter, this beautiful synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world. It costs 4000 Ft to enter and it includes a tour of the synagogue (available in different languages). The entree ticket also includes entree to the Hungarian Jewish Museum which is located on the side of the synagogue. Make sure to check out the Tree of Life memorial in the courtyard. 30.000 Names of Holocaust victims can be found on the leaves of the tree.

Because the synagogue is located in the Jewish Quarter , you can take some time afterwards to explore this neighbourhood. It’s filled with beautiful street art, murals and tons of coffee shops. We really enjoyed walking around this area just to enjoy all the buildings and pieces of art.

When you’re done exploring the Jewish Quarter, head over to the Central Market Hall . In this beautifully restored neo-gothic market hall, you can find tons of vendors selling food, souvenirs and other Hungarian products. On the top floor, you can buy hot dishes to eat as well. I did think it was a bit crowded on the top floor, which is why we decided to not eat here – but walking through it was a lot of fun! Especially with all the Christmas decorations, that made this stunning hall even more beautiful.

Just a few meters from the Market Hall stands the Liberty Bridge . Walking across it brings you back to the Buda side of the city. Personally, it’s my favourite bridge in Budapest due to its pretty appearance. It’s the shortest bridge in Budapest and it was the first bridge to be repaired after the damage that had been done to the city during WWII. By crossing the bridge, you get to Gellert Square.

Budapest isn’t nicknamed “City of Spas” for no reason. With a booming 125 natural springs in the city, it’s to no one’s surprise the city has turned itself into a hotspot for thermal baths. (See what I did there? HOT…spot…?) The natural water is filled with natural minerals which supposedly have medicinal and healing powers. You basically can’t visit Budapest for four days and not visit one of the many thermal baths in the city!

We decided to start our spa adventures at Gellert Thermal Bath . It’s one of the most popular ones in the city and it’s one of the baths in the city that’s mixed (no separation between male and female). Entry to the baths sits around 6000-6600 Ft for the entire day. Because it was so affordable compared to my home country, we also decided to book in a 20-minute massage. Oh, the luxury! The 20-minute massage cost us 7400 Ft per person and was absolutely fantastic. I felt so relaxed after spending our afternoon here!

Fully relaxed from your spa afternoon, it’s time to hit the town 😉 Budapest’s famous Ruin Bars are on the evening itinerary. Heading back towards the Jewish Quarter, you can find these funky bars. The ruin bars are located in old buildings (the ruins ). This is where all the cool kids hang. One of the most popular ones is Szimpla Kert, where you can drink, dance and meet other travellers and locals!

Day 3 in Budapest

On day three, we start back at Gellert Hill on the Buda side of the river. You’re going to have to do some walking today, so be prepared 😉 Start by making your way to the Gerard of Csanád Monument . It’s a beautiful memorial to celebrate the first Bishop of  Csanád  in Hungary. It also acts as a good resting stop while climbing Gellert Hill.

Walking all the way to the top may take a little effort, but the view at the Liberty Statue is worth it! This is probably the best view you’ll get of the city (if you… visit on a day without mist unlike yours truly).

In the afternoon, you should consider visiting one of Budapest’s best museums. I’d recommend to either go to the House of Terror or the Hungary National Museum . The House of Terror is completely focussed on the historic regimes (fascist and communist regime) and their practices. It’s definitely not easy to take all of it in, so for those who want something a bit lighter, I’d recommend going to the National Museum instead. In the Hungary National Museum, you will find the best of Hungary’s history, art and archaeology. Either of these makes for a great afternoon activity.

Another highlight you cannot miss when in Budapest is St. Stephen Basilica . This beautiful building is the largest church in Budapest and an iconic sight on the Budapest skyline. It also houses one of Hungary’s most sacred treasures, the mummified hand of Hungary’s first king (Saint Stephen), after who the church is named. It’s free to visit the basilica, but you can book a guided tour for some more information.

If you’re visiting Budapest in the winter, you can also find a big part of Budapest’s Christmas Market on the square in front of St. Stephen Basilica. Filled with stalls selling handmade crafts, mulled wine and Hungarian delicacies, it’s a great place to end your day.

Day 4 in Budapest

The last day of this 4 day Budapest itinerary starts at Heroes’ Square . This UNESCO world heritage site was constructed in 1896 and is one of Budapest’s most impressive squares. It celebrates 900 years of Hungary’s best kings and military leaders. You can also find the Tomb of the unknown soldier at this square.

After walking through Heroes’ Square, you’ll find yourself in Budapest’s City Park. If you’re visiting Budapest in winter (like we did), you get the chance to skate on Europe’s largest and oldest ice rink. It was first opened in 1870. During the summer, this part of the park is filled with water to create a lovely pond.

When in the city park, stop by the beautiful Vajdahunyad Castle . I absolutely ADORED this castle and the stunning vicinity. Some people don’t like this castle as much as it’s a lot younger than it appears (and some call it fake ), but I still enjoyed visiting this picturesque place a lot. Despite its design, the castle is only just over 100 years old. It was designed to show different architectural styles that Hungary had seen over the last 1000 years, turning it into some sort of fairytale castle. You can also visit the Hungarian Agricultural Museum when you’re near the castle grounds.

In the afternoon, we headed towards our last stop of this Budapest trip: Szechenyi Thermal Baths . When in Budapest, especially during the winter months, trying more than one bathhouse is something I’d highly recommend. When you’re in Budapest for four days, you may as well enjoy some quality time at these amazing thermal baths. Szechenyi Thermal Baths are by far the most popular and famous baths in the city. It was built in 1913 and gets its water from two natural hot springs. The water is filled with natural minerals and is the biggest thermal bathhouse in Europe (with 15 indoor baths, 3 outdoor pools and 10 saunas). Entree for a full day sits between 5800 Ft – 6500 Ft (depending on what day you’re visiting and if you want a cabin or locker). Personally, I liked this spa even better than Gellert Baths because of the awesome outdoor pools!

Where to stay in Budapest

During our four days in Budapest, we stayed in the 7th district of Budapest called “ Erzsébetváros “. It’s located in the Pest side of the city and known for its historic Jewish Quarter. We decided to stay in this part of Budapest because it’s very central and close to pretty much any sight that we planned to see.

Instead of staying in a hotel, we decided to book an Airbnb for this trip. Because we were staying for 5 nights, we wanted to have some more space compared to a hotel room. The Airbnb we chose was really great, perfect for 5 nights. It was very affordable too and having a whole apartment for ourselves was ideal for a city trip like this. (Plus, look at the apartment! It’s so stylish!).

Where to eat in Budapest

When in Hungary, there are so many delicious dishes you should try. Goulash, paprikash, strudel, langos… Here are some restaurants/cafes that we really enjoyed during our trip!

Pub for sale

Across the street from the Market Hall, you can find Pub for Sale. Even though the name may be a little confusing (the pub isn’t actually for sale), it’s a perfect place to stop for lunch. Even though the food itself is already a good enough reason to visit, the decor is why this spot is a must-visit. Pub for Sale allows visitors to leave their own personal advertisements on the walls, which has given the restaurant such a unique look. You’re also allowed to leave a message on their wall/ceiling!

Address: Vámház krt. 2, 1053 Hungary NOTE : this is a cash-only restaurant!

Strudel Hugo

The smell of freshly baked strudel welcomes you to this lovely little coffee house. They have tons of different flavours to try and I really enjoyed their coffee too. It’s a perfect place to sit down for a while and enjoy one of Hungary’s favourite dishes.

Address: Kertész u. 22, 1073 Hungary

Chimney cake

You may have seen this one in my 4 day Prague itinerary , where they are called trdelnik . The Chimney Cake actually originates from Hungary, which is why they can be found all across Budapest. We’ve seen them in quite a few flavours, but my favourite remains cinnamon sugar.

AVOID New York Cafe

When doing research on my trip to Budapest, almost every article I read recommended New York Cafe. Even though it is supposedly the prettiest cafe in Europe, we left before we even ordered food. I hate having to speak negatively about a place on my website, but after seeing so many recommendations about this place, I feel like I need to share my thoughts on it.

Yes, the cafe is pretty. The decor makes me understand why so many bloggers/Instagrammers recommend this place. But really? There aren’t many seats in the main hall (where you can find all the pretty Instagram photos), so big chance that you’ll be seated someplace else. The chairs look and feel cheap, as do the glass tables. They just don’t fit in with the “ fancy ” atmosphere. Especially for the extortionate prices they ask for their dishes. 9000 Ft (€30) for a breakfast buffet? 3000 Ft (€10) for 3 fried eggs? 2250 Ft (€8,50) for a CAPPUCCINO? That’s actually insane! Especially if you compare that to the prices of other cafes in Budapest, that’s just outrages.

To me, it just felt like a huge tourist trap. You can read Teaspoon of Adventure’s post about her experience in the New York Cafe here.

Budapest Travel Tips

Of course, it’s good to know what sights to see and how to see the most of the city in a timely manner – but what else do you need to know before going to Budapest? In this section, I share some Budapest 101 tips to make your trip even easier and less stressful.

Money & Language

The currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF/Ft). The exchange rate sits around:

€1 = 335 Ft $1 = 300 Ft £1 = 395 Ft

It’s good custom to leave between 10-15% as a tip when eating at a restaurant. Usually, a service charge is already included so you don’t have to leave anything extra – but make sure to double check. If you want to know how much we spent on our entire trip, check out my Budapest budget breakdown post.

As for the language, Hungarian is classed as one of the most difficult languages to learn for English speakers. It won’t come to a surprise to many locals if you don’t know any Hungarian. You’ll be fine with English, as many Hungarians speak English too. It’s always fun and good custom to learn a few Hungarian words/sentences.

• Szia: Hello (when greeting one person)
• Sziasztok: Hello (when greeting more than one person)
• Yes/No: Igen/Nem
• Köszi : Thanks
• Elnézést : Excuse me

Is the Budapest Card worth it?

When travelling, you want to make it budget-friendly when possible, right? You may have heard of the Budapest Card when doing research for your trip and wonder if it’s worth the money. Will it pay itself back in the end? For this specific itinerary, I would NOT get a Budapest Card.

For 96 hours (4 days), it would cost you € 52.99 per person. And even though you do get free access to some places (and a little discount on some others), it doesn’t really pay itself back. You can also use public transport with the Budapest Card, but you should be fine buying a 10 pack for public transport (which costs only 3000 Ft/€9 ).

What to pack?

Packing obviously depends on the time of year, but there are a few things that you should bring to Budapest all year round:

• Slippers: Not every thermal spa requires you to wear slippers, but in some it’s obligatory. Save yourself the hassle (and money) paying for overprices slippers at the bathhouses themselves by bringing a cheap pair with you. Plus, it’s a lot more hygienic wear slippers at these places anyway.
• Bath towel: Same as for the slippers, it’s best to bring an extra towel to use at the thermal baths. You can rent them, but they will cost you around 2000-4000 Ft (prices vary depending on the different baths).
• Swimming cap: If you’re planning on swimming in one of the pools at the thermal baths, you need to take a swimming cap. You don’t have to wear one if you only want to use the thermal baths, though.
• Comfortable shoes: With many cobblestoned streets, Budapest requires you to bring some comfortable shoes! You’d be surprised how many miles you’ll make when visiting this city for four days.

How to get to Budapest?

The easiest way to get to Budapest is by plane. From the city’s international airport, there are multiple ways to get to Budapest. You can book an airport transfer or use a taxi, but they tend to get pretty expensive. It’s much cheaper (and not that much harder) to use public transport instead. The airport shuttle bus (100E) costs 900 Ft and takes about 45-60 minutes to get you to the middle of Budapest.

How to get around Budapest?

I’m not gonna lie, Budapest turned out to be a lot bigger than I expected! Even though you can try and see the city on foot, it’s good to know how public transport works in cause you’re sick of walking (we were after a couple of days). There are many busses, metros and trams to get around the city. You can buy a single ticket (or a 10-pack of single tickets) at newsstands or at metro stations. Make sure to validate your ticket by ticket-puncher on the trams/busses or at the metro station. Alternatively, you can buy a one-day, three-day, or seven-day ticket to use public transport as much as you want.

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Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

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20 thoughts on “A Super Efficient 4 Day Budapest Itinerary”

Budapest is such a lovely city. I had a photography workshop in December last year and my participants loved it. Thanks for the hint about the New York Café. I didn’t have time to visit but read about it everywhere.

I’ve never been to this part of the world but the more I read about it the more I am becoming attracted to visiting. Is there a best time to visit?

I just came back from Budapest myself and I loooove going back to the city! There is so much to explore and do – especially the thermal baths!

Budapest has been on my list for a few years now. I’m hoping to make it there next year. And if I do, I’m definitely going to Pub for sale:) Love checking out unique places like that. Thank for all the great tips.

I would love to visit Budapest, especially the baths. Didn’t ever realise the rest of the city was so pretty too. Need to go next year! Tamz x

Such a helpful and informative post!

Also, how beautiful is Buda Castle.

Phenomenal post! Your pictures are just incredible!! Budapest is very high on our list – I can’t believe I’ve never been; always heard good things! Thanks for sharing! xx

Love this itinerary and can’t wait to make it back to Budapest one day. Thanks for including my New York Cafe review. Totally agree with you that it is way overrated! Walk in to take a photo and then walk out!

Love this blog post! I have so many fond memories of all my times that I visited this city! Together with Paris it’s probably my favourite city in Europe!

Beautiful guide and stunning pictures. I have pinned it as Budapest is one of the top destinations I want to visit when we can travel again. Thanks for sharing it!

I have been planning for Budapest for so long. My trip last year got cancelled but I am hoping to visit this year.

I’d love to go to Budapest one day so I’m definitely pinning this for later! Great guide!

What a beautiful and thorough guide!! I’m especially drawn to Gellert Thermal Bath 🙂 I need to go back to Budapest and see more things you listed here!

Once spent an amazing New Year here. Reading this really makes me want to go back to those steamy baths and to see the incredible architecture. Thanks for sharing. Really useful!

So I’ve been to Budapest once for New Year’s and was able to go to a few Christmas markets — they were magic! The only time I’ve ever seen blue gluwhein at an Xmas market! But I have to go back to Budapest one day because when I tried to visit the thermal spas they were FULL! Love this itinerary and you saw so much!

Budapest is one of my absolute favorite cities! I’ve returned three times and always find something new to do! Have yet to do the funicular though, so that’s next!

Gorgeous photos! Desperate to get to Budapest once we’re allowed out again, pinned your post for future reference 😉

Despite being on a spontaneous visit to Budapest, you have utilized your stay in this lovey city like a pro traveller. This 4-day Budapest itinerary is good to enjoy the best things in leisure.

Would you mind sharing which Airbnb you stayed in? My husband and I would like to be walking distance to the synagogue in order to attend services there.

Hey Sussanna, we stayed in this airbnb: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/37149746

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4 days in budapest: a detailed itinerary to hungary’s capital.

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Updated: 1 April 2023

Budapest is truly one of my favorite cities in the world.  As some of you know, I had the honor of visiting Budapest twice, once in summer and once in winter, and both trips were a ton of fun. 

In many ways, Budapest is a city that perfectly fits my own travel style. For example, I love snapping photos of ornate architecture (Budapest literally has no bad angles), sitting in a historic cafe with cake and coffee, and then learning new ideas inside a museum.

In addition, I’ve always been a “city gal” at heart, and Budapest ticks all the “what Rachel likes most when traveling” boxes. 

Now I know that 4 days in Budapest may seem like a lot, but personally, I think it’s a great amount of time to see and do everything essential for tourists.

Finally, along with loving cities, I’m a “slow” traveler at heart. Meaning I would rather spend multiple days in one city than zip from place to place. 

Table of Contents

Budapest Travel Tips

Since I’ve been to Budapest twice, I think I’m pretty qualified to help you navigate one of the prettiest urban gems in all of Europe.

Budapest is a great solo travel city , but the Hungarian capital is also wonderful for groups of friends. Still, don’t put off your trip if you have no one to go with. Budapest is very conveniently located in Europe, making it a perfect base on a larger Central Europe itinerary, and as a popular spot, the city has a wonderful tourism infrastructure. 

Let’s talk about your arrival and how to get into the city. You’ll want to plan ahead especially if you’re jetlagged and not in the mood to figure out public transportation in a new country, haha. 

Getting Around Budapest

Budapest airport.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is the main international hub for travelers coming to Hungary.

Keep in mind that if you’re arriving from outside the EU, be prepared to go through customs and allow extra time – especially if you plan on scheduling activities that first day. 

To reach Budapest, you can take  Bus 100E to the center of the city. This bus runs frequently (every 30 minutes) and a traffic-free ride should take the same amount of time (30 minutes or so). Bus stations are located at both terminals. 

If you’re incredibly jet-lagged, you may want to splurge on a taxi. The average price is around 26€. Don’t be afraid to ask about the price before getting into the taxi. Although I didn’t have any issues, you don’t want to overpay for a taxi. 

Booking a private airport transfer ahead of time is also an option if you don’t want to feel stressed out after you land in Hungary.

Public Transportation in Budapest

Budapest is a compact city with a plethora of transportation options . Personally, I loved taking the metro and tram cars. 

Budapest’s metro has 4 lines: Metro 1 (Yellow), Metro 2 (Red), Metro 3 (Blue), and Metro 4 (Green). 

These lines will take you all over Budapest. In particular, make sure to ride the yellow line, which is one of the oldest metros in continental Europe and considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 

As always, validate your metro tickets ahead of time. You don’t want to pay a ridiculous fine. 

What to Pack for Budapest

Your packing list will vary depending on what time you visit Budapest .

For off-season travelers, I have an extensive post about what to wear in Budapest in winter to help you plan your trip.

However, you should always bring the following items to Budapest:

• Budapest Guidebook: Your pocket guide to Budapest will give you the most up to date information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and more!
• Comfortable Shoes: Merrell makes my favorite shoes for traveling! A comfortable slip-on shoe, such as this classy black pair , will make walking miles throughout Budapest’s street soothing on your poor feet.
• Theft-Proof Crossbody Bag: Like other European capitals, you may encounter pickpockets on the streets. Invest in a theft-proof crossbody bag if you have concerns about keeping your belongings safe.
• Travel Insurance: Budapest is a super safe city, but it never hurts to be prepared! I buy a travel insurance policy with World Nomads to keep me safe on the road.
• Travel Scarf: Speakeasy travel scarves are my favorites, because they include a hidden pocket for your most important belongings! 

Where to Stay in Budapest

As a capital city, Budapest has plenty of options for accommodation. I wanted to appeal to every budget, so I’ve included recommendations for both hotels and hostels in Budapest. I would stay at any of these places!

• Hostel One Budapest: If you want a social atmosphere, then you need to check out Hostel One Budapest! Free dinners and other activities provide an atmosphere for travelers to bond with one another (see prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com ).
• Lavender Circus Hostel: This hostel is located right across from the Hungarian National Museum. Lavender Circus Hostel offers a quiet stay in historical Budapest (see prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com ).
• Maverick City Lodge:   A boutique hostel in Budapest’s thriving Jewish quarter. This modern sleek hostel has large common areas and a fully equipped communal kitchen (see prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com ).

• Anantara New York Palace Budapest:   Want to stay in an elegant 19th century building and feel like a Romantic writer? Look no further! (see prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com )
• Hotel Moments Budapest: This highly rated hotel is located on the famous iconic Andrássy Avenue. Travelers can expect to be pampered in their wellness facilities (see prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com )
• Hotel Palazzo Zichy Budapest:   I stayed here on my winter trip to Budapest! This hotel is located in the gorgeous historic Palace Quarter of Budapest, which makes sightseeing easy. Can’t beat this location! (see prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com )

The Best Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest has an abundance of things to do and see. The city has a great vibe that appeals to a diverse group of travelers. It’s one of the most popular stops in Central Europe for good reason. 

Here are some top things to see and do during your 4 days in Budapest.

Delicious Hungarian Food

Hungarian food is hearty and filling. Don’t come to Budapest expecting to count calories. 

Below are some of my favorite Hungarian dishes:

• Goulash/Gulyás:  This is the staple of Hungarian cuisine. 
• Halászlé:  I love this paprika-based fish stew in the winter. Perfect for travelers who adore fresh seafood. 
• Lángos: This deeply-fried bread is usually sold on the streets by vendors. I’m a sucker for fried dough. The dough is topped with sour cream yogurt, cheese, mushrooms, and more!

You’ll also want to visit some cafes for coffee and cake, but I’ll talk about them in the itinerary section of this guide!

Hot Springs Galore 

Budapest is well-known for its relaxing thermal baths . What better way to soak off the stress of a busy travel? The most famous hot baths are Széchenyi Spa and Gellert Spa .

With 4 days in Budapest, you’ll probably have time to take a dip in both baths, but if I had to choose one, I’d go with Széchenyi Spa due to its size and ambience. I loved being outside!

Lastly, if you’re traveling in “high season,” I recommend buying fast entrance tickets to Széchenyi Spa and Gellert Spa ahead of time. You don’t want to feel excited for a spa day and then realize all the time slots are completely booked!

Stunning and Unique Architecture

Budapest’s Gothic and Baroque architecture are wonders for your eyes and cameras. You can spend hours getting lost in this city and snapping photos of buildings. 

On your 4 days in Budapest, you mustn’t miss the neo-Gothic Parliament Building that towers over the Danube.

Nor should you skip a tour of the neo-Rennaissance Hungarian State Opera House .

And don’t forget Fisherman’s Bastion’s fairy tale towers and panoramic views of Pest!

Walking Tours  

Walking tours are wonderful for learning the history and culture of your latest destination. And Budapest’s fascinating history means that you need to take advantage of the walking tours!

With 4 days in Budapest, I would select a walking tour that appeals to your personal interests. No two walking tours are alike, and it’s important to do research ahead of time. 

Here are a couple of walking tour recommendations:

• Budapest Alternative Culture Walking Tour:   If you want to learn all about the local art scene, check out this tour that shows a different side to Budapest. I’d especially recommend for street art lovers. 
• Budapest Food Walking Tour: Did you love all those Hungarian foods that I talked about in this guide? Then you should go on a food tour with stops at hidden eateries and the Central Market! Come with an empty stomach. 
• Budapest Ideal City Tour:   If you want an overview of Budapest’s main attractions, then this is the walking tour for you!
• Budapest Jewish Heritage Walking Tour: Budapest has one of the greatest Jewish quarters in all of Europe. On this tour, you’ll learn all about Budapest’s Jewish history with stops at Kazinczy Street Synagogue, Raul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park, the Jewish Museum, etc.

4 Days in Budapest Itinerary: An Overview

4 Days in Budapest: Detailed Itinerary

Let’s dedicate our first day to  Buda,  which is located on the west side of the Danube River. Buda may lack nightlife, but the gorgeous scenery and rich history will steal your heart. 

If you’re staying in Pest, to reach Buda, cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge , a stunning 19th century suspension bridge, and take pictures of the lions.

Buda’s main attractions are at the top of  Castle Hill.  The climb to the top of the hill is easy (trust me, if I can do it, anyone can), but you’re welcome to take the funicular too. 

Buda is home to some of the city’s greatest architecture. On Castle Hill, take a walk through Fisherman’s Bastion and snap photos of Hungary’s Parliament Building from any of the available vantage points. You’ll feel like a princess as you wander through the towers. Of course, you’ll also want to see  Buda Castle , as well as  Mattias Church , with its bright tile roof. 

In Buda, one of my favorite museums is Hospital in the Rock  – which is only available to those who book a tour. You’ll learn all about how this underground hospital functioned in World War II, as well as how it was used as a nuclear bunker in the cold war.

Lastly, make a reservation for the Faust Wine Cellar and sip Hungarian wine under ground in an intimate environment. 

Your second day in Budapest will start in  Pest. 

Let’s begin with a  walking tour and learn some history about this UNESCO city!

As I’ve already stated, Budapest has many tours available, and I would select one based on your own personal interests. Even though 4 days in Budapest is plenty of time, you want to maximize those hours with a highly qualified guide. 

Afterwards, I recommend taking a tour of the  Hungarian Parliament Building , which is one of the most famous structures in all of Budapest. Be sure to reserve your tour ahead of time, as it does sell out in the busiest weeks.

Then take a walk along the river to see the  Shoes on the Danube Bank, a long row of 1940s-style sculptured shoes. After Hitler replaced the previous ruler with Ferenc Szalasi, nearly 20,000 Jews were shot along the Danube River with many more thousands upon thousands marched to concentration camps. Jews were forced to remove their shoes before being killed in cold blood. 

Afterwards, swing around to  Liberty Square  and then walk to  St. Stephen’s Basilica.  If you’re feeling hungry, then I would walk a little further to  New York Cafe , which is one of the most famous places to grab a coffee in Budapest! You’ll feel like a princess in the ornate Renaissance surroundings.

Last but not least, be sure to take the time to explore Budapest’s vibrant  Jewish Quarter.  In addition to the beautiful Dohány Street Synagogue , you absolutely want to experience all the Ruin Bars. 

Today you’re going to learn all about Budapest’s complicated recent history. 

Start your day with a visit to  Memento Park.  This open air museum is home to 42 pieces of art from the Communist Era. You can see how impactful these propaganda statues of Lenin, Engels, Marx must have been during the Soviet Occupation of Hungary.

My personal favorite piece? Stalin’s boots!

Memento Park is located outside Budapest. You will need to take a bus, with the easiest route being Memento Park Direct Bus transfer from Deak Square. This direct bus leaves every day at 11:00 am, although it’s important to check the times just in case. 

After returning to Budapest, you’ll need to go to my favorite museum of all time: the  House of Terror.

The House of Terror is dedicated to all the victims of the Nazi and Soviet Regimes. This museum also features how the people fought back. The audio tour of the House of Terror is one of the best that I have ever experienced on my travels. 

It’s important to know that the House of Terror limits the number of people permitted inside the museum at any given time. You’ll have to wait in line, but it’s SO worth it. The House of Terror is a gem to add to your 4 days in Budapest.

Your 4 days in Budapest is about to end! Let’s make the most of your time!

You’ll want to start off with a thermal bath experience. I recommend going to Széchenyi Thermal Bath  in the morning. This amazing spa is located right next to  City Park and  Heroes’ Square,  where you can take even more photos of Budapest’s landmark statues. 

Afterwards, I highly recommend hopping on the metro and going on a tour of Hungarian State Opera . Even if you’re not an opera fan, the elegant ceiling frescos and plush red seats will blow you away. Without a doubt, this is one of the most gorgeous buildings in all of Budapest. 

Hope on the metro again to go to  Gellert Hill. See all the extravagant caves, panoramic views from Liberty Statue, and Gellert Spas.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to end your 4 days in Budapest with a  night river cruise . I love seeing all the buildings lit up and sparkling on the river!  

Are you planning to spend 4 days in Budapest? What do you want to see and do? Have a wonderful trip! You will love the Hungarian capital city!

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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The Ideal 3 Days in Budapest Itinerary (+ Travel Guide)

When we first spent 3 days in Budapest in 2015, we immediately knew that we would be back–and after many trips to Budapest over the years, it’s safe to say we were right!

Budapest grabbed us hard right from the start, and we quickly fell for the city’s beautiful architecture, amazing river views, and unique repertoire of things to do (the lower-than-usual prices for exploring an epic European capital city helped, too!).

At this point, we’ve cumulatively spent several weeks visiting Budapest during most seasons of the year, getting to know the city a bit deeper on each visit–and each time we say goodbye, we find that we’ve fallen in love with it even more.

Planning a trip to the capital of Hungary for the first time?

This 3 days in Budapest itinerary is designed to make the most of your first trip!

Table of Contents

The Perfect 3 Days in Budapest Itinerary

Where to stay when visiting budapest, getting around during 3 days in budapest, how many days in budapest, more than 3 days in budapest, read more about visiting budapest (and beyond).

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Day One in Budapest Itinerary: Parliament, the Danube, Fisherman’s Bastion + Beyond

Visit the epic hungarian parliament..

Nestled right up against the Danube, Hungary’s incredible Parliament building is known as one of the most beautiful in the world for good reason!

If you’d like to take a tour inside the building, you’ll need to book a tour at least a few days in advance .

When updating this post in 2023, I was surprised to see how far in advance tickets are booked out–so the further ahead you can plan this visit, the better!

(If tickets are sold out for your dates and you want to be sure to visit, another option is booking a third-party guided tour like this that includes a visit to Parliament.

If you’d rather not fork over the forint, admiring the building up close from the outside is definitely still worth stopping by .

We make a point to walk by several times during all of our trips to Budapest!

Stop by the Shoes on the Danube monument.

If you leave the Parliament Building and walk along the edge of the Danube River toward the Chain Bridge, you’ll soon notice dozens of bronze shoes on the ground, facing the water.

These represent a memorial to people (many of them Jews) who were murdered along the banks of the Danube in Budapest between 1944 and 1945.

Before being shot and having their bodies fall into the Danube to be swept away, victims were forced to remove their (valuable) shoes, so as not to waste them.

It’s a very moving tribute and a must-see spot when visiting Budapest.

Stroll across the Chain Bridge.

After reflecting at the Shoes on the Danube Memorial, it’s just a short walk to the Chain Bridge.

Complete with its iconic lion statues, the Chain Bridge is one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks, and no visit to Budapest could be considered complete without walking across it.

The views of the river and the Parliament are beautiful–be sure to stop for plenty of pictures!

Enjoy the views from Fisherman’s Bastion.

Justifiably Instagram-famous, beautiful Fisherman’s Bastion is home to some of the best views in Budapest (though not the very best in our totally biased opinion).

We love climbing all over the towers and through all of the viewpoints–in many ways, Fisherman’s Bastion is a bit of a grown-up’s castle jungle gym!

If you’re hoping to snap photos… well, you’ll be sharing the view with a few hundred friends.

If dreamy Fisherman’s Bastion photos with no crowds are on your Budapest wish list, consider shuffling this Budapest itinerary around and arriving around dawn.

To get to Fisherman’s Bastion from the base of the Chain Bridge, you can either catch a local bus, ride the funicular up Castle Hill, or make your way up via a long and steep walk!

Step inside Matthias Church.

Directly behind Fisherman’s Bastion sits one of the best places to visit in Budapest: the colorful and striking Matthias Church.

W ith its brightly colored tiled roof, detailed painted interior, and architectural splendor, it’s no surprise to learn that this building has quite a history.

Dating back to the 13th century (with significant changes and rebuilds at several points dating into the 19th), Matthias Church has, among other highlights, played host to royal weddings, the coronations of two Hapsburg Kings, and spent 150 years as a mosque.

Walk to Buda Castle.

Buda Castle is an iconic landmark in the city and features gorgeous views of the Danube and the city from the free-to-access terraces in front of the castle.

Whether you want to visit just for some of the beautiful views from the grounds and to enjoy the exterior of the building or you feel like ducking inside the Hungarian National Gallery or Budapest History Museum, Buda Castle is a must-see item on any Budapest itinerary.

We visited the National Gallery during our first trip to Budapest and greatly enjoyed it–eventually, we’ll make it to the Budapest History Museum, too!

Take a cruise on the Danube River.

… And for best results, take one at sunset.

On our first trip to Budapest, we watched the sun go down and the city lights come on from the water, and it was one of those magical travel moments that ended up sticking with us for years.

Whether you opt for an extremely affordable sightseeing cruise or a dinner cruise featuring Hungarian food and folk dancing , it’s definitely worth the splurge to hit the water while in Budapest.

Book your Danube River cruise today!

Day Two in Budapest Itinerary: Central Market Hall + Thermal Baths

Begin at central market hall..

No 3 days in Budapest itinerary would be complete without a stop at Central Market Hall–honestly, this is one of our favorite spots in Budapest!

We love markets of all kinds, and this one is particularly large and beautiful.

The ground floor is made up of groceries and is a great place to pick up some Hungarian paprika (and yes, you should definitely get some) to take back home.

The second floor (or first floor for Europeans) is home to souvenirs, and, more importantly, the prepared foods section.

Be sure to try a Hungarian langos while you’re there!

They serve them in just about any way imaginable these days, but for your first taste, go traditional: fried bread, sour cream, and cheese.

Sounds a little strange (at least it did to us), but it is amazing.

Make your way across Liberty Bridge.

After filling up at Central Market Hall, take a quick walk across the Liberty Bridge!

Also known as Freedom Bridge, this is one of the best-known bridges in Budapest after the iconic Chain Bridge.

The views are pretty and the walk is likely necessary after binging on langos, but the real purpose of this walk is to make it to the other side of the Danube, where the rest of the day awaits.

Visit the Cave Church.

Almost directly across the street from the Liberty Bridge sits Cave Church, which is literally exactly what it sounds like: a church in a cave.

Set literally inside Gellert Hill, the church is (clearly) remarkable in appearance and makes for a very interesting stop in any Budapest itinerary.

There’s also plenty of history here, including surrounding WW2 and the Communist Era in Hungary.

Relax the afternoon away at the Gellert Baths (or the Szechenyi Baths ) .

Luxurious thermal baths in a building that makes you feel like Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan are about to wander through the door at any moment–what could be better than that?

We love the architecture inside the Gellert Baths , and can easily spend hours there.

… A nd that’s without even splurging on a massage, which we’ve promised each other we will do next time!

The baths also have an outdoor section that is more like a community pool than anything, but we prefer to stick to the indoors most of the time.

If you’d rather make the Szechenyi Baths part of your 3 days in Budapest (those would be the ones with the yellow building in the background that you see all the time on Instagram), they are all the way across town on the Pest side of the river.

For that reason, if you’re headed there, you may want to consider shuffling this Budapest itinerary around and starting your morning there before going to Central Market Hall.

Whichever bath you choose, one thing is certain: spending an afternoon relaxing in thermal baths is one of the absolute best things to do in Budapest!

Grab tickets for the Gellert Baths or Szechenyi Baths today!

Enjoy sunset at the Citadel.

Remember how I mentioned that the view from Fisherman’s Bastion wasn’t our favorite view in Budapest?

Well, this one is–especially at sunset.

The Citadel is set at the top of Gellert Hill, and watching the sun go down over the Danube from that vantage point is a remarkable experience.

Be sure to stick around long enough to watch the lights come on over the city!

There’s nothing like seeing Parliament, Buda Castle, the bridges, and more lit up and glowing in the night sky.

Alternative: enjoy a Hungarian wine-tasting class.

One of the most memorable wine tastings we have ever done (and we’ve done more than our fair share!) is this evening wine tasting in Budapest .

Put on by Taste Hungary, everything from the wines to the charcuterie to the atmosphere was perfect–and I will never, ever forget the flavor combination of blue cheese and Tokaj wine.

Throughout the tasting, we sat with one other couple as our sommelier, Gergely walked us through details of not only the sparkling wine but also one other white and two reds.

Gergely was an expert, and he used a map of Hungary laid out in front of each of us to show us the regions that each wine came from (he was also the one who taught us that Hungary has 22 distinct wine regions!) and taught us different facts about the taste and history of each wine.

For most of the year, taking this class would mean missing sunset at the Citadel–but for foodies and wine fans (no expertise required), it’s an incredible experience.

Book your Hungarian wine-tasting class today!

Day Three in Budapest Itinerary: Caving, Viewpoints + Ruin Pubs

Spend the morning adventuring through budapest’s cave system..

It may not be the most traditional sightseeing activity, but climbing and crawling our way through some of the caves under Budapest is, hands down, one of our favorite things we have done in the city.

Adventurous travelers will love, love, love the opportunity to explore these caves!

W e seriously can’t recommend this experience enough, and even with only 3 days in Budapest, it deserves to be on the itinerary.

If you are interested in experiencing the caves but don’t think that an intense adventure tour is for you, there are walking tours available in more accessible parts of the cave system as well.

Head to the Szabo Ervin Library.

I’ll be honest: this library is a tiny bit out of the way from the rest of the stops lined up for the afternoon, but if you’re a book lover, it is so worth it.

Nestled on the fourth floor of the Szabo Ervin Library sit several absolutely beautiful rooms that had me just about squealing.

If you grew up dreaming of having thousands of books or of replicating Belle’s Beauty and the Beast library for yourself, well… it’s in Budapest, and the ticket to get in is just a handful of forint.

Stop by the gorgeous Central Cafe.

Budapest is famous for its glitzy, glamorous cafe scene–most famous, of course, is the New York Cafe.

Beautiful 19th-century cafes can be found all over Budapest, however, and we’re partial to the lovely (and much less crowded) Central Grand Cafe .

Their Esterhazy cake is one of my favorite cakes in the world (the traditional Dobos cake, pictured below, is fantastic too).

We stop here at least once on every trip to Budapest!

Tour the Hungarian State Opera House.

Majestic and beautiful, the Hungarian State Opera House is well worth a visit.

Guided tours run 3 times per day in the afternoons, or you can check for shows running during your visit if you’d like to spend an evening at the opera!

Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica.

One of the two tallest buildings in Budapest (it’s tied with the Parliament building), St. Stephen’s Basilica is remarkably beautiful and ornate, both inside and out.

If you’d like to add a gorgeous view to your list of things to see in and around St. Stephen’s Basilica, be sure to climb the tower!

Take a ride on the Budapest Eye.

Had enough incredible views of Budapest yet (seriously, it’s an amazing city to look at)?

Hopefully not, because just a short walk away from St. Stephen’s Basilica sits the Budapest Eye.

Far less famous than the London Eye (though with what I imagine are much shorter lines), the Budapest Eye is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the city .

I have a deep-seated and highly irrational fear of Ferris Wheels, but even with that, I can confidently say that riding the Budapest Eye was worth it (once).

Stop by a ruin pub.

The ruin pubs are one of Budapest’s unique features and are a must-stop on any 3 days in Budapest itinerary.

The pubs are set up in what used to be abandoned buildings in Budapest’s old Jewish Quarter (technically called District VII).

The ruined buildings, mismatched furniture, funky art, and, of course, the bars themselves all make the atmosphere wonderful and a spot you can’t afford to miss in Budapest.

The oldest and largest of these ruin pubs is Szimpla Kert, which makes a great first stop on any ruin pub crawl.

If you’d like to make your way through several ruin pubs and prefer a group experience, a ruin pub crawl can be a fun way to wrap up your visit to Budapest!

Trying to decide where to stay in Budapest ?

Be sure to first decide whether or not to stay in Buda or Pest! We break down that decision here.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for any budget on either side of the river!

Here are a few well-reviewed picks for where to stay in Budapest.

Jackquaters  — Located right next to Vaci Utca and only 100 meters from the Danube, Jackquaters is the perfect location for anyone visiting Budapest.

Budapest highlights like the Chain Bridge and Great Market Hall are within easy walking distance.

Check rates & book your stay at Jackquaters!

Hotel Erzsébet  — With Central Market Hall and Vaci Utca at your fingertips, you definitely won’t go hungry while staying at the beautiful Hotel Erzsébet!

With modern interiors, easy access to the metro, and a central location, this well-reviewed property is a reliable and cozy place to stay.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Erzsébet!

Hotel Mika Superior  — Not only does Hotel Mika Superior offer beautiful rooms, fabulous service, and a delicious included breakfast, but it’s also located in the old Jewish Quarter of the city, near the Dohany Street Synagogue and Hungarian Opera House.

This is one of our personal favorite neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Budapest!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Mika Superior!

Budapest has a great public transportation network comprised of trams, a metro, and buses.

You can buy single tickets, a group of 10 tickets, a 24-hour pass, a 72-hour pass, or a 7-day pass to the transportation system.

Personally, we always buy the passes.

It tends to work out to be cheaper and is also more convenient–we don’t want to worry about forgetting to validate a ticket and end up with a hefty fine .

T hey do watch tickets very carefully in Budapest–we had ours checked several times.

As many days as you have in Budapest, that’s how many you can spend in the city ( here are our suggestions if you only have one day in Budapest ).

I n our minds, Budapest is perfect for longer stays , which is why in an ideal world we like to stay for a week or more.

T here is enough to do that you can’t get bored, and so many things that are wonderful about the city (looking at you, thermal baths) can be enjoyed over and over again.

However, if you’re trying to work Budapest into a greater European itinerary, 3 days in Budapest is the perfect amount of time for a first overview of the city.

Y ou’ll see the bulk of the major sights and attractions, get a taste of the nightlife, and have enough time to fall just enough in love with the city that you leave planning your next trip back.

If you have more than 3 days in Budapest, you’ll find that there’s plenty more to see!

Consider taking a trip out to Margaret Island to enjoy a bit of green space, visiting the Hospital in the Rock, dropping by the Pinball Museum (high on our list for our next visit), or visiting the House of Terror.

Don’t confuse the House of Terror with the cheesy medieval museums that pop up across Europe: this is an in-depth look at the pain and fear spread by the back-to-back fascist and communist regimes in the 20th century.

Other options include visiting Heroes Square and Vajdahunyad Castle, touring the Dohany Street Synagogue, and relaxing in one of the many other thermal baths in the city.

Looking for day trip ideas?

Consider heading out to the beautiful town of Szentendre !

For even more ideas for how to enjoy more than a few days in Budapest, check out our guide to 50+ fun things to do in Budapest .

Ready to keep planning your trip to Central Europe?

We’d love to help!

You can browse all of our Hungary blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• The Best Food in Budapest: What to Eat & Experience
• The Perfect 2 Days in Krakow Itinerary
• 5 Reasons to Go Hiking in Slovakia’s High Tatras
• Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Beyond: An Epic Central Europe Itinerary
• How to Spend One Magical Day in Munich (Itinerary + Travel Tips!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

50 thoughts on “The Ideal 3 Days in Budapest Itinerary (+ Travel Guide)”

The ruin pubs sound awesome, I remember having a sneaky drink on a Soviet bar in Buda when I was about 15 and had escaped from my parents with some young locals!

Always good to find a mix of cultural a d fun and it seems Budapest has exactly what you need to make that possible.

Next time I head to Budapest I’ll be sure to use your itinerary for odeas.

Haha, what a cool memory from Budapest! I’m sure you had a great time!

It seems as wherever you goin Budapest you have an amazing view of the city! Look at that first photo of the Hungarian parliament! What a building! The Matthias church is beautiful aswell. A romantic sunset moment at the Citadel doesnt look bad either, one must come back with a beautiful sunset of the city right!? Budapest has been on my wish list for some time now but to be honest I am not sure whenever I will get the chance to explore the city. But that day I do, I would surely be happy that I have stumble upon your post!

It often feels that way–there are sooooo many amazing viewpoints in Budapest!

So glad to hear you fell in love with Budapest too! Has a magic pull doesn’t it! the views from Fisherman’s Bastion were some of my favorite in the city, and then taking a Danube river cruise to see the Parliament building and the city lit up – awe inspiring! Was so glad to see each of these on day one of your recommended itinerary 🙂

It definitely does have a magic pull–I’m sure visit #3 isn’t too many years away for us!

Oh, the shoe thing just gets me. We just visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC and the bin full of shoes made me cry. Budapest is a beautiful city and your photos are gorgeous. I didn’t realize Budapest had an Eye. That’s something that the hubby and I would have to do just to see the view. Thanks so sharing your itinerary.

Oh, I know. 🙁 The first time we visited Budapest was just days after seeing Auschwitz-Birkenau, and it was even worse seeing them with those memories so fresh as compared to this most recent time. Such a sad spot.

Apart from the (obvious) Parliament, I also like the architecture of Fisherman’s Bastion, your pictures are amazing! I had a friend who visited Budapest and wasn’t really impressed and since then, I’ve been a little unsure about placing it in my list of countries I’d like to see but I do like your suggestions and it seems like the sort of place I’d love to explore as a solo traveller. I might just fly there for a long weekend, thanks for sharing this 3-day itinerary, it’ll be super useful for me if I do that.

I agree, Budapest would make a great long weekend! I love Fisherman’s Bastion, too–we’re not really winter people, but if I could be guaranteed to see snow falling on Fisherman’s Bastion, I’d probably make the trip during the cold!

Wow, Budapest looks so gorgeous through your pictures. I have never been and it is definitely on my list for my next European adventure. I am someone who went and cried at Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam. So I definitely would be crying if I saw the bronze shoes by the river too. Thank you for sharing your itinerary.

I know, they are so very sad. 🙁

Thanks for the details and the info on how many days to spend in Budapest. For people like me who travel a long way with a long bucketlist it is really helpful to know how many days to spend in each place .photps are really good as well ?. Great post

Thank you! I agree–especially back in the 9-5 days, one of the hardest parts of travel was deciding how many days to spend where!

This is a great itinerary and includes tons of things I did not do when I was there. I am now thinking I need to return too. The story about the shoes is especially poignant and tragic!

There’s always a reason to return, right? That’s one of my favorite things about Budapest–even “big” items like the thermal baths can easily be enjoyed again and again.

You gave a very detailed overview of Budapest. My favorite, the library. I LOVE libraries, and love visiting them as I go around, so seing that photo was super captivating for me. And the photo of the Citadella was enough for me to follow you on Instagram. So intrigued by your travels ?

Aw, that’s awesome Karen! Glad to have you on Instagram. 🙂 I agree, we adore libraries (and bookstores, and books in general) as well–it’s actually a subject I’m hoping to blog more about in 2018!

I was in Budapest three months back and I fell madly in love with the city, it is so beautiful and rightly called the “Paris of the East”. I loved the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit the Cave church. Hopefully I’ll be able to do it this year.

There’s always a reason to go back, right?! Budapest is an addicting city, I swear. 🙂

Superb guide to Budapest, Even though it was cold and windy in Budapest, the Budapest Eye was enclosed and gave protection from the wind. It was a great view from the top of Budapest. A great place to get some sceneic photos over the city and the rooftops. Or even a great place to sit and watch the wheel go around.

Agreed! I imagine it must have been quite the reprieve from the cold if you visited in the winter–I wonder if they’re let you bring mulled wine on board? 🙂

Sunset at the Citadel definitely looks like a highlight. Would have to witness it one day!

It definitely is!

Budapest looks so stunning! Would love to visit one day!

I live in Budapest and it was really nice to read how much you love our places here.:) I must admit neither I have been to all of them.:D However, I’d suggest visiting some beautiful places in the countryside too, we have a lot to see there as well.

I agree! We’d love to make it to the Hungarian countryside and to some of the smaller towns and cities–maybe our next trip will finally be the time we head out there. 🙂

hi Kate, We are planning a trip to Budapest and feel lucky to get hold of your itinerary. Plan to make best use of it. After completing 11 days medical treatment for our son in Poland (Mielno Town near Gdansk), We want to cover 2 places, 3 days each, in Europebefore we head back to our home in India. Which is the other city you would recommend in addition to Budapest. We were thinking of Berlin. What’s your view on that ? But i am afraid if we go to Berlin we will miss the train ride – we were originally thinking of doing a train ride between Berlin – Prague. Any inputs will be helpful. Thanks, Rishi

Not sure what you mean by catching the train–you mean you’ll be taking a train ride to Prague to head back to India?–but I’m afraid I can’t offer much guidance on Berlin, as we’ve never been there.

As far as options near Budapest for your second city, Vienna and Prague are both very popular and easy to access, and not as far from Budapest as Berlin.

THIS ITINERARY IS FABULOUS! IT WAS REALLY HELPFUL FOR ME AND FAMILY TO GET AROUND BUDAPEST. JUST HAD A QUICK QUESTION, WOULD IT BE IDEAL TO DO PRAGUE WITHIN THESE THREE DAYS? HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. DESIREE.

Glad we could help, Desiree! If you’re asking if you could do Prague as one of your three days in Budapest (so two in Budapest and one day trip to Prague), I wouldn’t recommend it–it’s further than it looks, and Budapest has a lot to see! Better to save Prague for a different trip, or visit before or after seeing Budapest.

Thank for all the time you spend in putting this three day itinerary together. We are head there in August/September before the start of a river cruise to Linz. Any suggestions on a private tour of some of the sites using Viatour? Thank you. Rev. Alan

Thanks, Alan!

We actually use Get Your Guide instead of Viator, but they offer similar services. I’ve linked some options in the post, but they are generally group tours. If you’re looking for a private experience, you’ll likely find options with similar itineraries available on both sites!

Hope you have a great trip!

Thank You, Especially How Many Days To Spend . For People Like Me Who Travel A Long Way Thanks Useful Tip

Glad we could help!

Hi Kate, I love your blog – it’s definitely help me with planning my trip to Budapest. Can i ask which caves you visit in Day 3 – all the crawling and climbing, I’m interested in doing those as well. Thanks!

Hi Kaylee! I’m actually not sure of the exact name of the caves, but we went with a small company called Caving Under Budapest on their adventure tour (so not one of the caves with marked paths). You can find their exact link in our Things to Do in Budapest post. 🙂 The tour was amazing, and we highly recommend it! Definitely among the most memorable things we have done while traveling.

I’m traveling to Budapest and Vienna next week thanks for the suggestions my first solo trip

Glad we could help, Anna!

Hope your first solo trip is absolutely fantastic!

Very good and helpful, thank you. One question . On public transport can you get a combined ticket for bus and Train. We also want to go out of the city. We are in Budapest for 7 days. Susan

Yes, the public transport tickets are good for buses, trains, and trams, but you will need separate tickets for your specific destination when taking a trip outside of Budapest. Within Budapest though, the tickets are combined. 🙂

Thanks for the itinerary. How is shopping in Budapest? Do you get all the international brands at a reasonable price or is it only Hungarian brands that sell the most? Which would be a good place for shopping?

Vaci Street is considered Budapest’s shopping street that is most popular with tourists, and you’ll find all the usual international brands there.

Not sure on the price comparisons–haven’t paid too much attention to those myself.

Hi Kate, We are a group of 4 and are planning to visit Budapest in February 2020 (middle of the coldest month). I liked your 3 day itinerary and can extend to 4 to 5 days. Please advice: 1. Will February be too cold to visit all the sights in Budapest? 2. Is a wine tour or a trip to Margaret Island possible in February?

Not sure about the trip to Margaret Island, but I’d think so. The wine tasting we did in the cellar in town runs year-round last I checked.

I would say that February won’t be too cold for sightseeing but absolutely bundle up–if you come from a warm climate, bundle up about twice as much as you might expect! Of course, you’ll want to check the exact weather for your dates as things get closer.

Hey Kate! What a wonderful descriptive itinerary! Kudos. I read every bit of it and fell in love with Budapest. I will be travelling Solo in 2nd week March this year. Request you to suggest about Danube cruise/ferry, how costly is that, can we buy tickets at counters there or need to purchase it online.

Many Thanks!

Thanks so much, Jonnie!

The cruises vary a bit in price, but depending on inclusions can be very affordable–certainly under $20 USD/person. I have a popular one linked in the post that should give you a good idea of price.

You can definitely buy tickets from various tour companies on the ground, personal preference as to whether you want to book in advance or not!

I visited Budapest in December, but it is impossible to explore this city only for 3 days! Especially in winter, it was a bit cold to walk a lot through the city 🙁 Thank you very much for this itinerary, it is very helpful! I noted some new spots for my next trip in summer! 🙂

I’m delighted to see this fantastic 3-day Budapest itinerary! Budapest is undoubtedly a city that captures the heart of every traveler with its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.

The recommendations here, from exploring iconic landmarks like the Parliament building and Fisherman’s Bastion to indulging in the thermal baths and visiting ruin pubs, promise an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to this enchanting city, Budapest has something new to offer every time. Happy travels!

Thanks so much, Eve! Enjoy Budapest 🙂

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How to Spend Two Days in Budapest – The Perfect 48 Hour Budapest Itinerary

September 1, 2021

Merging whimsy with grit, Budapest fires the imagination and fills the camera card. Here’s an inside guide on how to spend two days in Budapest, complete with a bespoke 48 hour Budapest itinerary.

2 Days in Budapest At A Glance

Castle Hill

Pest & Gellert Hill

Michelin star dining

 and ruin pubs

Budapest Parliament

House of Terror

Retro Budapest

Or Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Table of Contents

Your Budapest Travel Guide

• Find the best flights to Budapest through Kayak  
• Book your travel insurance with Heymondo
• Pack a universal adapter , power bank , and packing cubes
• Read the Lonely Planet Budapest Travel Guide here

Bookmark this post on two days in Budapest on Pinterest and read later

Meet Budapest: Whimsy and Grit

Like a spinning coin, Budapest is a city with two sides. The whimsical, classical Budapest of cream puff architecture, hazy views, spires and spy novels.  And the gritty, complicated Budapest, where ruin pubs snarl their way through the scorched difficulties of the 20 th century.

Even the name Budapest comes as two parts: hilly Buda and flatter Pest, divided forever by the Danube. Political patterns pair up as well: the Nazis and the Soviets. Christianity vs Islam.

Budapest is a place where those deep footprints of history leave imprints in the most beautiful and ugly of places.  

Combine 2 Days in Budapest with a Danube River Cruise

However you spend your time in Budapest, be sure to see her from the river. The view from the Danube of the parliament buildings is one of the best in the world. 

On my first trip to Budapest, I opted for a short evening river cruise. 

This last time, my two days in Budapest were part of my 10 day Danube River Cruise with Avalon Waterways [ad] That trip surprised me in so many ways and you can read the full Avalon review here. 

But one of the best parts? Avalon’s attention to time spent on land as well as on the water. Many of the recommendations in this 48 hour Budapest itinerary come straight from their programme and their tour guides. 

But that’s what makes the city so fascinating – and deserving of more than just two days in Budapest.

But everyone’s gotta do what they gotta do, right? If two days in Budapest is all you have then two days in Budapest it shall be!

And I’m here, with my experience of many visits to this Hungarian city, to give you my two day itinerary for visiting Budapest.

• Don’t miss the food! Here’s a  guide to the most famous Hungarian dishes you need to try.  

Disclosure – Some recommendations may have been discovered during a hosted trip and this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As ever, all thoughts and opinions are truly my own, otherwise what’s the point?!

Fishermen’s Bastion

Budapest in Two Days 

Day one in budapest.

Good morning Budapest! There truly is no better place to greet the city than on top of Castle Hill amid the cream stone and archways of the Fishermen’s Bastion. Since we’re not the first to have noticed this, the place does attract a good crowd.

The best advice? Get up early and get there first. A stay at the Hilton Budapest (found and booked for me as day one of my cruise with Avalon Waterways ) makes this easy. It’s right next door and this is the view from the room:

The view of Fishermen’s Bastion from Hilton Budapest

Fishermen’s Bastion – Halászbástya

Academic texts may describe the place as a terrace in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style; instagrammers probably call it heaven. We’ll settle for a mix between an austere religious institution and a Disney castle dream and all can agree it’s one of the top attractions in Budapest.

But what actually is it? Despite the formidable name, the Fishermen’s Bastion was only ever built as a decorative panoramic spot, protected by the fishermen’s guild and built between 1895 – 1902. Its seven turrets represent the seven tribes who founded Hungary back in 895 and its café represents the universal need for travellers to refresh themselves and traders to trade.

It’s open all year round and entrance to the most part is free: to access all the turrets you’ll need to buy a ticket but as time is tight in this two day Budapest itinerary, it may be worth skipping this.

Matthias Church

Matthias Church – Mátyás-templom

The beautiful clean white stone of Matthias Church pierces the sky with cheery triumph at the top of Castle Hill. Its zig-zag bright roof tiles succeeding in drawing the eye away from the otherwise majestic panorama of Budapest at all.

Aside from being a beauty, this Roman Catholic church notches up some other well-eraned triumphs. It was the second largest medieval church in Buda and the seventh largest in the medieval Hungarian kingdom. Its life began in Romanesque style in 1015, only to be reworked into a florid Gothic masterpiece in the 14 th century.

Both kings and queens and fame and fortune have come and gone here.

Saint Stephen, King of Hungary, founded and named the place over 1000 years ago. Since then, it’s been a mosque, a Nazi and then Soviet military camp, and a coronation site (the last two kings of the Habsburg Empire first put on the crown within its walls.)

On a quieter note, it’s also the home to the Ecclesiastical Art Museum and its accompanying sacred relics and medieval stone carvings.

Afficionados could probably spend the day here but with only two days in Budapest, it’s time to walk around, walk in and walk on.

Lunch on Castle Hill

The area atop Castle Hill is perfect for a leisurely lunch, especially in summer when chairs and parasols spill onto pavements and hearty goulash seems entirely inappropriate. Several restaurants and cafes sit on top of the hill – all with tourists in mind but the flavours are still paprika-smoked, fresh and tasty. I loved Ramazuri Bistronomy for its chic mix of traditional Hungarian favourites – and the open air view and location.

Another Great Viewpoint: Budavari Siklo

Walk through the royal areas to the top of the funicular to see the landmarks of Budapest line up before your eyes: the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Gresham Palace, and St. Stephen’s Basilica

From here, you can funicular all the way down as we’ll be crossing the Danube to the Pest side of town.

Great or Central Market Hall – Nagyvásárcsarnok

Markets always fascinate me. They show such a glimpse into the character and tradition of a place. The Great Market Hall earns its place on this 48 hours in Budapest itinerary because, of course, it’s stunning, but you can also easily dip in and out if you find yourself short on time.

Designed and built by Samu Pecz in 1897, Budapest even managed to throw in a neogothic touch to the simple sale of fruit and vegetables. Over three storetys and 10 000 square metres, goods such as meats, spices, spirits and pickled vegetables exchange hands in what can often feel like a reimagined train station.

If you skipped lunch on Castle Hill, look out for eateries on the second floor here. A word of warning: the market doesn’t open on Sundays so check before you plan to eat.

Street Food Market

Váci Utca

In utilitarian terms, Váci Utca is just a street. But that would be like saying Sir Isaac Newton was just a scientist or that Nelson Mandela was just a guy who gave a lot of speeches.

In reality, Váci Utca pulses through Budapest as one of the most scenic pedestrian shopping streets in the world. What Brits or Americans may see as yet another line of chain stores, locals saw as a revolution after the fall of the Iron Curtain.

In addition to shops and cafes, look out for the Fountain of the Fishmonger Girls, the Nude Boy and the Hermes Fountain in Régiposta utca.

Chimney Cake 

Look out for chimney cake, or Kürtőskalács, a sweet treat made by coiling dough to form a chimney. Often served dusted with sugar and cinnamon, chimney cakes go well with coffee and friends. They’re huge so it’s hard to eat one all in one go. Enjoy this traditional Hungarian snack!

Gerbeaud Coffee House Budapest

Sure, Vienna is the famous place for coffeehouses. But can I let you in on a secret? The gilded and glorious Gerbeaud Coffee House in Budapest is my favourite by far.

With 160 years of history and a spacious interior that oozes old world charm without the inconvenience of the hardships of the time, Gerbeaud is a rich and creamy treat.

Try a slice of Dobos cake for me on Vörösmarty Square.

Er, what? This is no ordinary McDonalds , the Nyugati one on Teréz krt. 55, is the first to open after the fall of the Iron Curtain and a symbol of freedom (in a way.) Don’t worry, though. The menus are still the same…

The Hungarian State Opera House

Wander past the State Opera House for a fix of Neo-Renaissance. Bear in mind though that it’s undergoing extensive renovations until 2020. Guided tours are available or you can watch a show if you have more time. 

Dinner: Borkonhya Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Move beyond the mighty McD with a Michelin-starred dining experience at Borkonhya. Inside a mirror lined dining room, Borkonhya serves up Hungarian wine and experimental dishes alongside classical Hungarian cuisine. The food is great and the atmosphere unpretentious.

Gellert Hill and Baths

Thermal springs are a thing in Budapest. A steamy, classical, orchestrated thing. But to truly enjoy them takes time. So, consider your choice carefully when planning your 48 hour Budapest itinerary.

The Gellért Baths live on the hill of the same name. They mix art nouveau with a cathedral vibe and carry the added bonus of a great view from the peak.

UNESCO Budapest

When it comes to UNESCO World Heritage in Budapest, a combination of great sites combine to make one. The banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue all combine to make one listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day Two in Budapest

With key highlights covered on day one, as well as time to explore, day two has a few more options. The day starts with one of Budapest’s highlights, the Parliament Building, before branching off into two very different kinds of history… Let’s go. 

The Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest’s Parliament Buildings are simply some of the most beautiful in the world. And they’re not too hard to visit, as long as you make some preparations in advance.

Budapest Parliament Buildings

The neo-gothic palace remains the most expensive building ever constructed in Hungary, with over 40kilograms of gold leaf, towering marble, statues, paintings and, of course ,the King Stephen crown.

Completed in 1896, for a country more than twice its current size, there are two fantastic ways to see it. From the inside on a velvet-edged tour. Or outside, as part of a fabulous Danube River Cruise.

Andrássy Avenue 

Often referred to as the Champs-Elysees of Budapest, this grand old avenue swishes through town wearing leafy trees and stately facades. Today, it hosts boutiques and residences but in days gone by, it was the house of terror.

Not for the faint of heart, the House of Terror takes an unflinching (though not particularly reflective) look at the way freedom and those who fought it suffered under the USSR, and the Nazis before that. It’s housed on 60 Andrássy Avenue, the former headquarters of the Hungarian Nazi Party and then the State Security Authority. Bleak and brooding, it is educational rather than sensational, and provides an essential grounding in the recent history that flows through these leafy Hungarian streets.  

It is possible to squeeze both the parliament buildings and the House of Terror into a single morning, but it will be a rush. Better to visit one before and one after lunch and skip one of the following recommendations. Bu tit’s up to you…

Heroes Square – Hősök tere

At the end of Andrássy Avenue, you’ll find the iconic statues of the seven Magyars and the Memorial Stone of Heroes. But if time is tight, don’t feel bad if you skip it – especially if weather conditions are harsh. 

The New York Café 

Dubbed the most instagrammable café in Budapest, this will either entice you or frighten you forever. Either way, the food is good and the interior intriguing. Check out the cream and gold New York cafe here.

“There is no literature without a Café,” according to Sándor Márai, a Hungarian writer and patron of the New York Café.

The famous Trabant cars

Retro Budapest: Ruin Pubs and Stalin’s Boots

It’s entirely possible to visit these retro landmarks independently but I’d highly recommend joining a guided tour. It’s a little awkward to reach the monument park on your own, and the thrill of riding in a retro Trabant is an experience in itself. Plus, there is poignancy in hearing stories of life behind the Iron Curtain first hand from those who lived it during a walking tour.

The Retro Budapest tour arranged by Avalon covered both retro bars, ruin pubs and the Memento Park.

But if you want to go it alone, here’s how. 

Stalin Boots

Memento Park – Szorborpark

What happens when a regime falls? All those posturing statues have to go somewhere – and that somewhere is Stalin Park in Harbin.

It’s a little out of town and tricky, though not impossible, to visit on your own. Better yet is to join the Retro Budapest Tour and head there in a characterful. 

The visit itself is a mix of kitsch and killer. After the colourful chatter of the cars, it is sobering to stand in silence between these broken giants and ponder the scale of suffering and oppression that they signify.

Budapest Ruin Pubs

If drinking amid spray can skulls, cascading plants, cracked concrete and a cool but also kinda tourist crowd suits you, then head to Budapest’s ruin bars. In fact, head there anyway as they’re a curio to be seen once, even if, like me, you don’t particularly enjoy them!

Széchenyi Baths

The Széchenyi Baths combine timeless luxury with a rather brusque reminder of the recent Cold War past within the grounds of City Park. Spread over several sites, including a dramatic outdoor section, the architecture may say ornate but the service says functional.

More than two days in Budapest?

Can you see budapest in two days.

It’s tight but you can have a great weekend in Budapest and get a hearty flavour of the city. However, to fully explore the place would take longer. If you have more time, here are my suggestions:

Margaret Island Open Air Theatre

During summer, watch theatre programmes beneath starry skies in this calm area with lush lawns and swaying trees. IN winter, stride past to see the ornate Water Tower. A baby in European terms, it’s more than 100 years old.

The Great Synagogue

Twentieth century Budapest saw all the worst horrors there were visited upon the Jewish community here. Yet in the 1850s, one of Europe’s largest and most richly decorated Jewish temples was built here in Budapest. It can hold nearly 3000 within its walls and reached fame when Franz Liszt and Emile Saint-Saëns played its pipe organ before the wars.

As you’d expect, there are holocaust memorials in the courtyard. Also look out for the memorial Shoes on the Danube along the banks of the river. It commemorates how prisoners had to remove their shoes at the edge before they were shot during the second world war.

Oh, and you’ll also see it referred to has the Dohány Street Synagogue too.

St Stephen’s Basilica

Named in honour of the first king of Hungary, St Stephen, this Roman Catholic co-cathedral is the third largest church building in the country. Yet, with only 48 hours in Budapest, tough decisions need to be made. Visit Matthias instead on Castle Hill and save St Stephen’s for a longer trip.

The Budapest History Museum

The Budapest History Museum has many branches, including the Castle Museum, which makes it tricky to fit into a two day Budapest itinerary. But there’s obviously plenty to be found within as exhibits sift through over 2000 years of history.

Buda Castle

This behemoth of a building sits on Castle Hill, right by the funicular and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Inside, it offers the Hungarian National Gallery in several of its wings and the Budapest History Museum so why isn’t it on the core 48 hours in Budapest itinerary? Time, that’s why. Come and see it another day.

The Jewish Quarter

Spend more time exploring the street art and history of the Jewish Quarter in Budapest. Fellow travel blogger Michael Turtle describes the best of the Jewish Quarter here.

Budapest with Children

Budapest zoo.

Zoos remain controversial but the Budapest Zoo also showcases an art nouveau Elephant house, designed by architect Károly Kós.

Beyond the animals, a glass-walled greenhouse shelters tropical plants and trees and a botanical garden accompanies a huge children’s playground.

Public transport in Budapest

How to Get Around Budapest

In European terms, Budapest is quite a big city and you’re unlikely to manage it all on foot. Luckily, public transport is clean, friendly and plentiful and the city’s striking landmarks make it even easier to get around.

Buses run on 268 routes throughout the city and beyond, operating throughout the day and night. Look out for buses marked with an ‘E’ to indicate an express service with limited stops.

Cycling is a growing trend in Budapest, with more dedicated cycling lanes appearing. 

Taxis are also a fairly cheap option. Reputable firms are said to be Budapest Taxi, City Taxi, Fő Taxi, Taxi 4.

Where to Stay in Budapest

I’ve stayed in a variety of places but there are two standout spots in the city when it comes to Budapest hotels:

Hilton Budapest

Up on Castle Hill, right next to the Fishermen’s Bastion, this international chain delivers reliable service with a spectacular view. Find prices and availability for the Hilton Budapest here.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

A lux stay in a beautiful location by the River Danube. Expect grandeur, great service and a higher price tag than many of the other hotels in the city. Find prices and availability for the Four Seasons Budapest here.

Should you buy the Budapest card?

Like many cities, there’s the option to buy a tourist card that combines discounts with public transport tickets. As in most other cities, you have to tourist like a whirling dervish in order to get your money back. However, the money spent can be worth it in terms of reducing the hassle and time spent grappling with machines and queues at each individual place.

You can find out more and buy here:  Budapest Card

When to go to Budapest, Hungary

There’s no bad time to have two days in Budapest. In winter, the weather is harsh and cold but that makes the thermal baths more inviting. In summer, the temperature can soar and the crowds can seem oppressive but it’s glorious weather for cruising and wandering through the parks. For maximum sightseeing and chalking up Budapest attractions, visit in the spring or autumn/fall. 

2 thoughts on “How to Spend Two Days in Budapest – The Perfect 48 Hour Budapest Itinerary”

Budapest has always been my dream city which I know I will be there very soon and with this tips you have shared, am confident of it helping me to have a great trip. Thanks for sharing.

Have a wonderful trip!

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20+ különleges hétvégi, szabadtéri program Budapesten és környékén

Ezen a hétvégén is számtalan – főként szabadtéri – program vár bennünket Budapesten és környékén. Túrák, vásárok, gasztroélmények, workshopok és családi programok is tülekednek, hogy elnyerjék kegyeinket. Válasszatok közülük!

Lépj ki Normafáról 10.5 / 6 (péntek)

Pénteken két távon is indul túra a Normafáról, a hosszabbik 10,5 km-es ezen az útvonalon halad majd: Normafa – Csacsi-rét – János-hegy – Erzsébet-kilátó – Szépjuhászné – Tündér-hegy – volt Disznófő Étterem – Normafa. A túrák több kupamozgalomban is (pl.: Stabil Kupa, Péntek13 Kupa, Budapest Kupa, 7Nap 7Éjszaka Kupa, stb) elszámolhatóak! A pontos részleteket megtalálod a  https://tturak.hu/  weboldalon!

További kirándulástippeket kerestek? Vízparti válogatásunkban 5 csodás helyszínt találtok:

Nem is gondolnátok, a főváros zaját és betondzsungelét hátrahagyva milyen hamar bukkanhatunk vízparti kirándulóhelyekre.

Bajai bográcsos halászléfőzés a Czakó Kertben (péntek)

Minden hónap első péntekén bajai halászlé fő bográcsban Budán, a Czakó Kertben. Délben lehet érkezni a friss halból készült első kóstolóért, összesen pedig 80 adag halászlé várja majd rajongóit minden alkalommal. Foglaljatok asztalt!

Nincsen szabad asztal? 40+ kerthelyiség válogatásunkból bátran tudtok szemezgetni:

Kerületek szerint tudtok keresgélni a kerthelyiségek között.

Sup túra egy elvarázsolt világban (péntek)

Egy elvarázsolt világba invitálnak benneteket Budapest szomszédságába. Bedőlt fák, hódok, szürkegémek, borostyánnal benőtt öblös fák, csend és csak a természet hangja, ami vár.

Zero Waste Garázsvásár (péntek-szombat)

Miért költenél el egy vagyont vadi új ruhákra? Legyél te is zero waste és menj Garázsvásárra! Gondosan kiválogatott márkás ruhák XS-es mérettől egészen XL-es méretig.

Újra együtt – Megnyit a Mazel Tov (péntek-vasárnap)

Végre visszatér az élet Mazel Tovba is: a Hot Jazz Band zenekar érkezik a leporolt színpadra pénteken, kezdés 20:00 órakor. Szombaton a ‘Mazel Tov All Stars’ csapata, azaz a Falafel Boys (Andrew J – dj set, Jász Andris – szaxofon, Farkas Izsák – elektro hegedű) repít 19:00 órától Tel-Aviv irányába. A kalandozás másnap egy családias vasárnapi ebéd keretén belül Jemen térségében folytatódik.

Még több gasztroélményért keressétek fel kedvenc teraszaink egyikét:

Teraszok tavasza, avagy nyitnak a vendéglátóhelyek.

E-rolleres kalandok Zebegényben (péntek-vasárnap)

A népszerű Duna-parti Zebegény sok túrázó kedvelt úti célja, hiszen központjából többféle nehézségi fokú túraútvonal indul, melyek közös metszete a káprázatos dunai panoráma. Most már nem csak bakancsban fedezhetitek fel ezt az élménygazdag települést, hanem már elektromos rollereken is, önállóan vagy szakértő túravezető társaságában. A 2-4 fős túrák előtt lehetőségetek nyílik kiválasztani a számotokra legideálisabb e-rollereket (gyorsaság, méret, kényelem). A ZEBIZERGE foglalási információit a weboldalon találjátok: https://www.zebizerge.hu/

Eper, lángos, mámor, festmények – Piacozás a Rómain! (szombat)

4 év után újabb területtel bővül a Római piac, így az újonnan csatlakozni vágyó árusok is tudnak majd szép, állandó helyet kapni. Szombaton ott lesz Debreczeny Zoltán festőművész is, aki csupaszín és csupaélet festményeiből rögtönzött kiállítást rendez és tart róluk előadást, ha kéretik. És persze lesz majd lángos, szürkemarha-hamburger és sült kolbász is.

Mad Kert Mozi – Kill Bill vol1. (szombat)

A vetítés ingyenes a Mad Kert vendégei részére. Asztalfoglalás nincs.

Faállat Fafaragás Workshop – Faművelők (szombat)

A workshopon megtanítanak titeket a fafaragás alapjaira és megmutatják hogyan tudtok nagyszerű fajátékokat és dekorációkat készíteni.

Street Food Hétvége Margitsziget (szombat-vasárnap)

Street Food szezonnyitó hétvége a Margitszigeten a Gasztro Sétányon. Látogassatok el ide a hétvégén és merüljetek el a street food világában!

E-bike Adventures – Normafa Síház (szombat-vasárnap)

Májusban minden hétvégén lehetőségetek van kipróbálni az új hegyi őrületet, az elektromos bringázást. A FreeRide Club csapata szombat és vasárnap is várnak a Síház udvarán, hogy együtt felkerekedjetek és vezetett túra keretén belül új élményeket szerezzetek. Ha nem akarsz a túrán részt venni, akkor van lehetőséged csak bérlésre is.

Ha inkább saját biciklivel indulnátok útnak, fedezzétek fel a Dunakanyart két keréken:

Összeraktunk nektek egy egész napos biciklitúratervet, aminek a kevésbé gyakorlott pedálhajtók is bátran nekiveselkedhetnek. Nyeregbe fel!

Szezonnyitó Családi Főzdenapok (szombat-vasárnap)

A hónapok óta tartó bezártság után végre kiszabadulhatunk és egy sportos családi hétvégét tölthetünk a Fóti Kézműves Sörfőzdében és az előtte elterülő kaszálón. Lesz zumbaóra gyerekeknek, e-bike teszt, veterán autók és több koncert is várja a kilátogatókat.

Termelői piac és török street food Nar Gourmet-vel (vasárnap)

Romkocsmából közösségi piac minden vasárnap 9:00-14:00 óráig. Az Élesztőház udvarán szerveződik egy a magyar őstermelőket felsorakoztató közösségi piac. Olyan termelők kínálják portékáikat, akiknek fontos a természettel való összhang. Szezonális zöldségek-gyümölcsök, sajtok, házi sonkák és szalámik, pékáruk, szörpök, lekvárok, gyümölcslevek, borok. Ebéddel most a Nar Gourmet készül, igazi török street food, a kumpir lesz a menü.

A budai Várnegyed és barlangrendszerének titkai túra (vasárnap)

A séta 15 titokzatos lakóház udvaráról, illetve a nagyközönség számára eddig nem ismert török kori pincerendszerről rántja le a leplet.

Szabadtéri kultúrából is akad még lehetőség, olvassátok el gyűjtésünket:

Itt a május, ami nemcsak sok napsütést és újranyitott teraszokat hozott magával, hanem izgalmas szabadtéri kiállításokat is Budapest utcáin.

Kutyás Kirándulás-Kő-hegy (vasárnap)

Csodálatos kilátás, vad sziklaalakzatok Szentendre környékén. Rövid, de változatos kirándulás a Szentendre és Pomáz között magasodó, fantasztikus panorámájú Kő-hegyre. További infót, az alábbi linken találtok: https://kirandulastippek.hu/budapest-kornyeke/ko-hegy

Kutyás kalandokból sosem elég, megmásztuk Drégely-várát:

A Kutyabarát.hu szerzője, Szalay-Bujdosó Adél és Tatyi kutyája ezúttal a történelem nyomába eredtek, és meg sem álltak Drégely váráig.

Szentendrei Duna ártéri erdeinek kajakos felfedezése (vasárnap)

Evezés tengeri kajakokkal a szentendrei Duna-ágban vízimadarak, teknősök és hódok között. A túra Dömös hajóállomástól indul, a vége Leányfalun lesz, így aki nem fáradt el, még sétálhat, fagyizhat egy jót a gyönyörű Duna Korzón vagy a főutcában.

A Vadálló kövek és a Prédikálószék (vasárnap)

Járd be a Pilis híres és szép helyeit, ahol most virágzó mannakőrisek és óriási gyertyánok szépségében gyönyörködhetsz, sőt megkóstolhatod a különleges manna-cukrot is. Jelentkezés az [email protected] e-mail címen vagy a +36 20/954-2252 telefonon.

30+ csodálatos hétvégi, húsvéti program Budapesten és környékén – 2024. március 28. – április 1.

Összegyűjtöttünk nektek több tucat húsvéti programot Budapesten a 2024-es hosszú hétvégére.

30+ kihagyhatatlan hétvégi program Budapesten és környékén – 2024. március 20-24.

Sokszínű hétvégi programok várnak benneteket Budapesten ezen a héten is.

5 izgalmas ingyenes program a március 15-ei hosszú hétvégére Budapesten

Idén is számos helyszínen, izgalmas programokkal emlékezhettek meg a hős márciusi ifjakról.

35+ kihagyhatatlan program Budapesten a március 15-i hosszú hétvégén

Mivel március 15-e péntekre esik 2024-ben, így egy hosszú hétvégénk lesz ünnepelni, kikapcsolódni.

30+ kihagyhatatlan hétvégi, nőnapi program Budapesten – 2024. március 6-10.

Sokszínű hétvégi programok várnak benneteket Budapesten március második hétvégéjén.

A főváros 5 leghangulatosabb belső udvara tavaszi lazításhoz

A Perfect Itinerary For 4 Days In Budapest

Categories Europe , Hungary

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is a gorgeous European city that is perfect to visit any time of the year.

Table of Contents

The healing thermal baths are a great way to soak away any stresses, aches or pains- even in the coldest months.

There are a range of hip bars and restaurants for foodies, including ‘ruin pubs’- pubs that have breathed new life into old, derelict buildings. 

You can also cruise the Danube River that splits Buda and Pest in two; or explore well-preserved sites where Hungary’s history played out.

Basically- there is something for everyone in Budapest!

In February, the Haggis and I spent 3 nights and 4 days in Budapest with Jet2CityBreaks .

I think 3 nights / 4 days in Budapest is a good amount of time to experience many of the main attractions.

Obviously, longer would be better, but I’m going to show you the exact 4 day Budapest itinerary we followed that includes a mix of the must-sees and a few hidden gems.

Our trip to Budapest was gifted by Jet2CityBreaks. All opinions are my own. For more info check out my disclosure page.

A City Escape With Jet2CityBreaks

Incredible views of the Fisherman’s Bastion from our hotel window

Jet2 has a vast range of packaged holidays departing from Edinburgh and the rest of the UK. The Haggis and I love our city breaks, already ticking Prague off our bucket list during winter, so we were really excited to explore Budapest! 

Our Jet2 package included flights to Budapest and accommodation. The only things we had to organise were travel insurance and our itinerary. Easy peasy.

Our flight departed Edinburgh at 8am on Thursday and our return flight was Sunday 7.45pm- so we had almost 4 full days to explore Budapest.

I was interested to learn that Jet2 is one of the top 10 airlines in the world, and was voted by TripAdvisor as the best airline in the UK in 2019. Infants under 2 years old travel free, and they also offer part payment plans on their packages. To secure your Jet2CityBreaks package you just need to pay a £60 deposit per person!

This blows my mind as when I worked as a travel agent, all packages had to be paid in full at the time of booking. Often packages were booked through several vendors too- meaning things could get mixed up easily as your booking would pass through many hands.

It’s reassuring to know that Jet2 makes it easier for people to book their holidays, and that they have better control over their product because they own the airline.

Checking in was a breeze- we checked in online the evening before so all we had to do was drop our bags at check-in the day we flew out. Our flights were on time and the flight was buzzing with activity between the friendly flight attendants and a group of women who were heading to Budapest to celebrate a hens party!

Our Jet2CityBreaks hotel was the Hilton Budapest .

Budapest is made up of two areas: Buda and Pest. The Hilton Budapest is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Castle District in Buda, the quieter area of the two.

This was my first time staying in a Hilton, and it won’t be my last. Firstly, the location has arguably the best views of Budapest. From our room [Superior Room with Danube River View] we had amazing views of the Hungarian Parliament Building  and the Fisherman’s Bastion. 

The amazing view of the Hungarian Parliament Building from our hotel room

We slept with the curtains open so we could wake up to the view. 

It’s useful to know that all of Jet2’s packaged accommodation is located centrally, which means you’ll be super close to the main attractions each destination has to offer.

Hilton Budapest has a fascinating history. The hotel was built in and around a 13th century Dominican abbey and cloister. You can physically touch the history!

DID YOU KNOW

There are nearly six miles of tunnels and caves underneath Buda Castle Hill.

You can explore some of the tunnels if you book an underground caving adventure tour or visit the Hospital in the Rock or Gellért Hill Cave.

A few snaps of the Hilton Budapest

4 Days in Budapest Itinerary

The Hungarian Parliament Building at sunset

Day 1: Exploring Budapest on foot, New York Cafe & Szimpla Kert ruin bar

After checking into our hotel we decided to go for a walk to get our bearings. 

Our hotel was located right next to Mattias Church , a gorgeous Roman Catholic church located in the Holy Trinity Square. In front of the church is Fisherman’s Bastion , one of the most photographed monuments in Budapest. There are also fantastic views of Pest from this monument.

We crossed the Danube River via the Széchenyi Chain Bridge , Budapest’s most famous bridge that connects Buda with Pest. It’s also a popular spot with Instagrammers- even in winter there were still several tourists lined up taking selfies sitting on the iconic bridge [which I do not recommend!].

Fisherman’s Bastion and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge

We decided we would walk to Pest for afternoon tea. Our chosen place was the New York Cafe which is located in the New York Palace hotel. It’s known as the most beautiful cafe in the world.

While their menu is pricey, having a meal here should be on everyone’s Budapest bucket list. It was certainly an unforgettable experience drinking wine, nibbling on sweet and savoury treats while listening to a violinist play- all in the beautiful surrounds of a palace!

New York Cafe – the ‘most beautiful cafe in the world’

On our walk to the New York Cafe we also passed the beautiful architecture of  St Stephen’s Basilica  and the Dohány Street Synagogue .  

Soon we were feeling thirsty and I was dying to check out Budapest’s ruin bars, so we headed to the most famous one, Szimpla Kert for drinks.

Szimpla Kert was once a derelict factory that has now been transformed into an open-air cinema and pub. From its graffiti laden walls to its modest recycled tyre and bathtub seating, Szimpla Kert is an alternative delight.

It’s definitely one for quirky pub lovers- and I highly recommend checking it out when you’re in Budapest.

Szimpla Kert- one of the quirkiest, coolest pubs I’ve been to

After a few drinks we had a casual dinner at Restaurante Fuego across the street. We stopped at the rock bar, Liquid Rock , for one last drink before walking back to our hotel.

Day 2: Széchenyi Thermal Bath & trying traditional Hungarian food

We started our day with an amazing buffet breakfast at the Hilton, and the selection was massive! You could ask the on-duty chef to make you an omelette, or you could fill your plate with cereals, breads, bacon, eggs and sausages, dumplings and unlimited condiments. They also have a waffle machine so you can make your own waffles. There was even champagne- and yes, I happily accepted a glass!

The breakfast room also offers views across Budapest.

An amazing breakfast with amazing views at Hilton Budapest

After breakfast the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath  was too good to pass up.

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the largest medicinal bath in Europe, and is supplied by two thermal springs.

You can buy your skip the line ticket here .

Relaxing in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath – it’s around 36 degrees!

Vajdahunyad Castle  is located next to the thermal bath, as well as Heroes’ Square , the largest square in Budapest.

On our way back to the city centre, we hired Lime electric scooters. The scooters were fun and much faster than walking- but make sure that you ditch the scooters before you get to the city centre as this is outside the drop off zone.

We hired them for around 40 minutes and it cost £7 each.

BUDAPEST TRAVEL TIP

Budapest is a huge city, so I recommend purchasing a ticket for a Hop On Hop Off bus tour . It’s a great way to get your bearings and learn about the city, plus you’ll need transport to get to some of the must-dos in this itinerary.

You can buy your tickets online here .

After freshening up at our hotel, we went for a walk to find somewhere for dinner when we stumbled across Kacsa Étterem , a beautiful traditional Hungarian restaurant.

Every time I travel, I attempt to find a traditional restaurant where you find more locals than tourists. I understand that most big European cities are designed to get tourists through the door- but I always yearn for something a little more authentic.

If you’re looking to eat at a local Hungarian restaurant by candlelight to live music- I highly recommend dinner at Kacsa Étterem . 

Kacsa Étterem has delicious food in a perfectly traditional setting

This restaurant is one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Budapest, and is known for its wide variety of traditional Hungarian dishes. 

They have an great value three-course menu- which comes with four glasses each of Hungarian wine from their cellar.

Yes, you read correctly- that’s four glasses of wine each!

Day 3: Gellért Hill Cave, markets & the House of Terror

After another amazing breakfast at the Hilton Budapest , we walked to  Gellért Hill Cave , a church that was formed in the series of underground tunnels within Gellért Hill.

A hermit called Saint Ivan lived in the cave and used the water from the thermal spring to heal the sick.

The best thing about Gellért Hill Cave  is the price; it costs just 500 HUF!

Gellért Hill Cave – the church in the cave

Next we headed to the Central Food Market , a huge famous market across the Liberty Bridge in Pest. We bought our tacky souvenirs [a magnet for our fridge and a decoration for our Christmas tree] and tried lángos : deep-fried flat bread. 

There are many varieties of lángos [including ones with sweet toppings]. We opted for traditional toppings- cheese and garlic sauce!

Trying lángos- yes we shared it!

Next we headed to a different market, the Gozsdu Weekend Market.  This market is held in an historic courtyard and features antiques, art, jewelry and quirky home decor for sale from local artists.

Then we visited the House of Terror Museum , which came highly recommended by a friend who used to work as a tour guide in Budapest.

I recommend paying for the audio tour, otherwise the museum is a little confusing.

The museum was once used as the headquarters for the Nazi regime, and later used by the communists as a jail, torture and execution chamber. 

The jail on the bottom floor was an emotional experience; the cells are cold and small, and it is a haunting experience to imagine what life would have been like for the prisoners who were kept there.

However haunting, I think it’s important for every tourist to visit the House of Terror to learn how the wars shaped Hungary’s future, and to ensure the horrors committed never happen again.

The museum also has touching memorials to the victims of the fascist and communist regimes. 

For dinner we went to Vicky Barcelona , a tapas restaurant with excellent cocktails [I recommend the Picnic cocktail].

Afterwards we went to play UV mini golf [a must do every time I travel with the Haggis] at Neonis 3D Blacklight Minigolf .

Personally I preferred the blacklight mini golf in Prague, but this was still a fun activity to try if you’re looking for something to do at night!

Day 4: The Hospital in the Rock, Buda Castle and trying chimney cake

On our final day in Budapest, we explored the Buda Castle district in more detail.

We did a tour of the Hospital in the Rock – a secret hospital built into the caverns of the Buda Castle rock. The Hospital in the Rock was originally built as an air raid shelter for World War II, however it was soon transformed into a hospital to care for the injured.

During the Cold War, parts of the hospital were transformed into a nuclear bunker. Luckily, it was never used for this purpose.

The Hospital in the Rock museum

The tour was absolutely fascinating- and one of the highlights of our trip. 

Next we decided to go for a walk through the grounds of Buda Castle . The castle was once home to the Hungarian kings.

It is now home to the National Gallery  and the  Budapest History Museum . There are also several festivals held in the castle throughout the year!

Before grabbing a taxi to the airport we had lunch at Arany Hordó Étterem , a casual yet affordable restaurant with a friendly, family feel.

Afterwards we went across the road to a street vendor for kürtöskalács [chimney cake]. Chimney cake is a cylinder shaped sweet treat; it’s crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside with a hollow center. It’s often rolled in sugar and comes with toppings such as nutella or chocolate.

Hot wine and chimney cake! There’s no better way to warm yourself up in Budapest during winter

So would I recommend a city break in Budapest, Hungary with Jet2CityBreaks? Definitely! 

Usually I spend hours and hours researching flights, accommodation and transport, so it was a nice break to have everything taken care of so I could relax and focus on fitting as many activities in as possible. 

I’m usually quite skeptical when it comes to booking package holidays. I used to work as a travel agent and I know a lot of the cheaply priced packages are often that- cheap and low quality.

But Jet2 are different; their hotels are located close to all the main attractions and sites, plus they have their own airline- meaning they have full control over their product.

If you need reassurance about booking a Jet2CityBreaks package- here it is. I would [and will] travel with them again!

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

My Suggested 3 Day Itinerary for Budapest

Before I first visited Budapest , I pictured the city as a rundown former Communist capital with little to do. I thought it would be drab.

Fortunately, I was wrong.

Very wrong.

Budapest is a vibrant city with a rich history, beautiful parks and buildings, bustling food halls, cool underground bars , and centuries-old thermal baths.

And, in the decade since that first visit, Budapest has only gotten better.

It’s a lively capital that rivals the best of Western Europe. While it may have something of a drab exterior due to all those Soviet era buildings, if you can look beyond its concrete façade you’ll find a cool city with plenty on offer.

To help you plan your visit to this marvelous Central European capital, I’ve created this Budapest itinerary with the best things to see and do in the city so you can have an amazing, budget-friendly experience. It’s a packed itinerary, but you don’t have to do everything — just pick and choose the things you prefer to see!

Budapest Itinerary Highlights

Day 1 : Castle Hill, National Gallery, Fisherman’s Bastion, & more

Day 2 : Parliament, Great Market Hall, Ruin Bars, & more

Day 3 : Gellért Hill, Cave Church, Terror Museum, & more

Budapest Itinerary: Day 1

Take a Walking Tour I love walking tours. If you’ve read some of my other posts, you probably know that already, since I’m always recommending them. They are a wonderful way to get an overview of a place, learn about its culture, orient yourself, and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Budapest has a number of good tours — just be sure to tip your guide at the end:

• Tourist Angel
• Trip to Budapest
• Generation Tours

After the walking tour, which lasts two to three hours, head over to Castle Hill.

Tour Castle Hill This area has a lot of charm, with cobblestone streets and narrow alleys running through the Old Town. There are panoramic views of Pest and the Danube, great cafés and restaurants, and shops to explore.

The cheapest and easiest way to get up the hill is on the No. 16 bus. The funicular is another option, but it usually has a lengthy wait. I actually prefer walking, as I don’t think the hill is that steep.

See Buda Castle They call it a castle but it’s more of a palace complex than a traditional castle. Though it was originally constructed in the 13th century, the huge Baroque complex you see today was built between 1749 and 1769. The palace’s days of being a luxurious living space ended in World War II, though, when Nazi (and then Russian) troops looted it. Today, it’s home to a collection of museums (see below).

Beneath the castle, Vlad the Impaler (who we know colloquially as Count Dracula) was apparently imprisoned for 14 years. In the dungeon area, there is a labyrinth that tourists can explore.

Szent György tér 2, +36 1 458 3000, budacastlebudapest.com. The courtyards are open 24/7 while the castle has hours that align with the museum and gallery below. Tours cost 6,180 HUF (must be booked in advance).

Visit the Budapest History Museum This museum covers four floors of Buda Castle and really gives you a comprehensive overview of the city’s entire history (plus the views across town are amazing!). Rooms date back to the 15th century, including the old cellar, which you’re free to explore. The museum also offers an insightful overview of the historical sites around the city center and their role in Hungarian history, from prehistoric times right up to the present.

2 Szent Gyorgy Square, +36-1-487-8854, budacastlebudapest.com/budapest-history-museum. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 3,800 HUF (free admission if you have the Budapest Card ). There is an additional charge for taking pictures.

Admire the Hungarian National Gallery Established in 1957, this art museum is located inside Buda Castle. Once one of the most glorious royal residences in Europe, Buda Castle dates to the 14th century and was restored in the Baroque style in the late 1700s. World War II damaged the palace severely and it was restored again in the 1960s before becoming home to the National Gallery in 1975. It has works from prominent Hungarian and European artists as well as a collection of Medieval altarpieces from the 15th century.

During your visit, you can also check out the underground Habsburg Palatine Crypt and climb to the top of the iconic dome for panoramic views of the city.

1014 Budapest, +36 20 439 7325, mng.hu. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 4,800 HUF and there is an additional charge for taking pictures. Audio guides are available for 1,200 HUF.

See the Hospital in the Rock This museum is underneath Castle Hill and just a five-minute walk from the castle. It has a fascinating history, having served as a hospital, bomb shelter, prison, and nuclear bunker. Inside, you can learn about World War II, the 1956 revolution, and the Cold War. It opened as a museum in 2008 and is one of the most popular attractions in town. There’s a one-hour guided tour complete with wax figures, tools, equipment, and furnishings.

Lovas ut 4/c , +36 70 701 0101, sziklakorhaz.eu/en. Open daily 10am-7pm. Guided tours in English are one hour long and cost around 7,500 HUF.

Visit Matthias Church This Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic is super unique. I’ve seen hundreds of churches and cathedrals across Europe , and this one is unique. The colorful roof almost looks like it was built from Lego. The original church was built in the 11th century, though nothing remains of it. The current building was constructed in the 14th century and it saw significant renovations in the 19th century. Once inside, look out for the vaulted ceilings and ornate décor. It was a mosque for a while, which explains its vibrant colors and painted designs that aren’t the norm in European churches.

Szentháromság tér 2, +36 1 355 5657, matyas-templom.hu. Open 9am-5pm on weekdays, 9am-1pm on Saturdays, and 1pm-5pm on Sundays. Admission to the church is 2,900 HUF and it’s 3,400 HUF to visit the tower.

See Fisherman’s Bastion This ornate, fairytale structure faces Pest and provides great panoramic views across the Danube River. Built between 1895 and 1902, the terrace comprises seven lookout towers that represent the seven Hungarian tribes that founded Budapest. (It was designed by the same architect who constructed the Matthias Church next door.) The name comes from either the fact that the terrace overlooks the fishermen’s guild or that the fishermen’s guild actually was responsible for protecting that area of the wall (no one is certain which).

Szentháromság tér, +36 1 458 3030, fishermansbastion.com. Open daily 9am-11pm. Admission is free in the mornings before 9am or evenings after 7pm, with a charge of 1,200 HUF to visit the upper turrets.

Tour the Hungarian Presidential Palace This is the home of the Hungarian president. The palace is called Sándor-Palota (Alexander Palace), and while it’s not terribly eye-catching compared to the surrounding buildings, you can see the changing of the guard at the top of each hour for free (from 9am-5pm, excluding Sundays). Occasionally, the palace is open for tours in the summer (you’ll have to inquire in person about prices and hours as they occur infrequently).

Szent György tér 2, +36 1 224 5000. Admission to the changing of the guard is free. There is an additional fee for palace admission (when available).

See Buda Tower This reconstructed “tower” is all that remains of the Church of Mary Magdalene, which was built in the 13th century but nearly destroyed during an air raid in World War II. When the Turks occupied the city between 1541-1699, it was used as a mosque. Since reopening in 2017, you can now climb the 172 steps to the top, but given the great free views of Castle Hill, I’d skip it and just view the tower from the outside.

Kapisztrán tér 6, budatower.hu/en. Open daily 10am-4pm (except January-February when it’s only open on weekends). Admission is 1,500 HUF or free if you have the Budapest Card .  

Budapest Itinerary: Day 2

Visit Parliament This massive building on the Danube is where the Hungarian legislature meets. The literal translation means “House of the Nation” or “House of the Country.” After the three cities that make up modern Budapest (Buda, Pest, and Óbuda) united in 1873, it was decided that a new parliament building was needed. This massive structure took 19 years to build, with construction finishing in 1904. Not only is it the tallest structure in Budapest but it’s actually the largest in the entire country.

These days, you can tour the Gothic Revival edifice and watch the changing of the guard. I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, as the lines to buy tickets on-site can be incredibly long.

Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, +36 1 441 4415, parlament.hu. Open daily 8am-4pm (8am-6pm from April-Oct). Admission is 12,000 HUF for non-EU residents and 6,000 HUF for EU residents.

Stroll Along the Danube A walk along the river is a nice activity after visiting Parliament. Head south and check out the promenade and its many green spaces and sculptures, including the sobering “Shoes on the Danube Bank,” a memorial honoring the Jews who were executed here during World War II. During World War II, fascist militia rounded up 3,500 citizens (800 of which were Jewish) and ordered them to take off their shoes before they were executed and thrown in the Danube. It’s a sobering, but necessary, stop.

Walk Across the Chain Bridge Continuing south, you’ll reach the Széchenyi Chain Bridge connecting Pest with Buda. This wrought-iron and stone suspension bridge is 375 meters (1,230 feet) in length. It opened in 1849, though it had to be rebuilt after World War II. At the Pest (east) end of the Chain Bridge is the Gresham Palace, a beautiful Art Nouveau building. It was once a luxurious office/apartment building and is now a luxurious hotel. Be sure to bring your camera as you can snap some nice pictures here.

Eat at the Great Market Hall Built in 1897, this is the oldest and largest indoor market in the country, located a bit southwest of the Jewish Quarter. There’s mostly produce, meats, baked goods, and candy on the ground floor, while the upper floor is home to restaurants and souvenir shops. It has a lot of traditional places to eat, so be sure to walk around and explore first. Sure, it’s touristy (it’s the central market, after all!), but I still found the food tasty.

Vámház körút 1–3, budapestmarkethall.com/great-market-hall-budapest. Open Monday 6am-5pm, Tuesday-Friday 6am-6pm, and Saturday 6am-3pm. Admission is free but tours are available (7,895 HUF for a guided tour or 25,650 HUF for a tour with samples of local specialties, such as Hungarian cheese scones, salami, truffle cream, and more). Market tasting tours are Saturdays at 11am.

Gaze at St. Stephen’s Basilica This is the largest church in Hungary and can’t be missed. It is beautiful inside and out, with ornate architecture, gorgeous artwork, sparkling marble, and a tall dome. No wonder it took 50 years to build! If you go inside, check out all the little chapels and St. Stephen’s mummified hand. If you’re there on a Monday, you can go to an organ concert.

Szent István tér 1, +36 1 311 0839, bazilika.biz. Open daily 9am-5:45pm (1pm-5:45pm on Sundays). Entry to the basilica is 2,300 HUF or 6,000 HUF for a ticket that includes the panoramic tower/observation deck.

Check out Dohány Street Synagogue Also known as the Great Synagogue, this is the second-largest synagogue in the world. It was built in 1854 and boasts some 3,000 seats. Make sure you go on the guided tour (included with admission) to get more perspective on the building. The guides are super knowledgeable, and you can learn about the construction of the synagogue, Jewish life during World War II, and a lot more. Also check out Wallenberg Memorial Park (right behind the synagogue) and the nearby Hungarian Jewish Museum.

Dohány u. 2, +36 1 413 5584, jewishtourhungary.com/en. Hours vary from month to month; call ahead or check the website for details. Admission is 10,800 HUF.

See the Hungarian State Opera House You can go inside this Neo-Renaissance masterpiece or just view it from outside. I recommend the latter usually as the tour doesn’t cover much of the architecture and it’s usually cheaper to just see a performance than take a tour (if you’re a die-hard opera fan than the tour might be worth it). Check the website before you visit to see what’s playing as I do recommend seeing a performance if you can. They are really impressive and usually quite affordable!

Andrássy u. 22, 1061, +36 1-81-47-100, opera.hu. Tours cost around 9,000 HUF and last one hour. Performances vary but can cost as little as 2,150 HUF.

Party at the Ruin Bars Ruin bars are all the rage in Budapest and have been around since the 2001 founding of Szimpla Kert, the mecca of all ruin bars. They are in Budapest’s District VII neighborhood (the old Jewish Quarter) in the ruins of abandoned buildings, stores, or lots. This neighborhood was left to decay after World War II, so it was a perfect place to develop an underground bar scene. (Not so underground anymore, though!)

From the outside, these bars look like normal homes. They don’t have large signs pointing the way, you don’t hear any loud noise, and there’s no line of people waiting to get in. My two favorite bars are:

• Szimpla Kert – This is the original and most famous ruin bar that started this trend. Once an abandoned factory, it has a large open courtyard, a top floor with eclectic furniture, cocktail bars, and even an old, stripped-down Trabant (Communist-era car) you can have a drink in. It’s one of the coolest bars in the world. Kazinczy u. 14, szimpla.hu. Open Monday-Friday 3pm-4am, Saturdays 12pm-4am, and Sundays 9am-4am.
• Instant – Occupying an entire apartment building, Instant is the biggest ruin bar, with more than 20 rooms. They’ve knocked down many of the walls to connect the apartments and make space for the DJs and dancing. It has more of a club vibe. Akácfa u. 49-51, +36 70 638 5040, instant-fogas.com. Open daily 6pm-6am.

For a longer list of the best ruin bars in Budapest, check out my in-depth guide .  

Budapest Itinerary: Day 3

There are several monuments on the hill that are worth stopping to appreciate:

• Liberty Statue – This bronze statue was erected in 1947 to celebrate the liberating Soviet forces who defeated the Nazis. It’s 14 meters (49 feet) tall and sits on a 26-meter tall (85 feet) pedestal. When Hungary adopted democracy in 1989, the transcription and meaning of the statue was changed to reflect this.
• Statue of Queen Elisabeth – This statue is dedicated to the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, Elisabeth, who married Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria.
• Statue of King Saint Stephen – This statue is dedicated to Hungary’s first king, who reigned from 1000 to 1038 CE. He helped establish the country as a Christian nation and provided a period of relative peace and stability.
• Szent Gellért Monument – This monument is dedicated to Saint Gerard, who was the first Bishop of Csanád in what was the Kingdom of Hungary in 1030 CE. He kicked off the conversion of Hungary to Christianity, and a monument was constructed in his honor in 1904.

See the Cave Church Aside from these picturesque statues and the epic view, Gellért Hill is home to the most unusual church in the city. In the 1920s, monks built this church in a cave that had been previously used by a hermit monk. It was used as a hospital during World War II, but then the Communist government covered the entrance in concrete after the war and executed the head monk. There’s a lot more to the history of this church than I have room to cover here, so make sure to use the audio guide. It’s very insightful!

Sziklatemplom út Gellért Hill. Open Monday-Saturday from 9:30am-7:30pm. Admission is 1,000 HUF.

Visit the House of Terror Museum In this frightening museum, you learn what life was like for Hungarians under the fascist and Communist regimes of the 1900s. The building was used by the ÁVH (Secret Police) and Arrow Cross Party (the Hungarian Nazi party). The permanent exhibits are spread over four floors and house all sorts of old propaganda, weapons, and informative multimedia displays. Over 700,000 Hungarians were killed or imprisoned by the Soviets, and the museum does a good job of illustrating just how dreadful their daily lives were.

Andrássy út 60, +36 1-374 26 00, terrorhaza.hu/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm. Admission is 4,000 HUF.

Tour Heroes’ Square At the end of Andrássy Avenue is the largest square in Hungary. Its centerpiece is the Millennial Memorial and the statues of Hungarian kings and other historical figures, including the seven chiefs who led the Magyars (modern-day Hungarians) in the 9th century. The monument was built in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary. At this time, Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled by the Hapsburgs, and space was left for statues of future Hapsburg leaders.

The square is at the entrance to City Park, where you can visit the zoo and the Széchenyi Baths (see below) if there’s time. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art are located nearby as well, making for interesting stops if you’re interested in art.

Soak at the Baths Hungarians love their thermal spa baths. Budapest has more than 100 mineral hot springs that have been put to good use since Roman times. With 18 pools, the Széchenyi Baths in City Park are the largest and most famous in Europe. The stunning yellow buildings were built in 1913, and it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. If you’re only going to one thermal spa, this is the one!

Állatkerti krt. 9-11, +36-20 435 0051, szechenyifurdo.hu. Open from 7am-7pm and weekends from 9am-8pm. Admission starts at 10,500 HUF on weekdays, 12,000 HUF on weekends, and 13,000 HUF on holidays.

These are lots of other baths around town too. Some worth checking out include:

• Veli Bej Bath – This is another Turkish-style bath, with a luxurious feel. Constructed in 1575, it’s one of the oldest (and arguably most beautiful) in town. Admission starts at 4,500 HUF.
• Dandár Bath – This is a no-frills bath that a lot of locals go to. Opened in 1930, it has an Art Deco style and was recently refurbished. You can also enjoy massages, a diving pool, and a sauna. Admission starts at 2,300 HUF for a two-hour ticket.
• Gellért Baths – Located in Hotel Gellért, this complex was built in the early 1900s. There are several indoor and outdoor pools that are great for relaxing and, some say, curing illnesses. The mosaic floors and stained glass windows are beautiful and make for quite the bathing experience! Admission starts at 10,500 HUF.
• Rudas Spa – At the foot of Gellért Hill, this spa’s interior dates back to 1550 and Ottoman rule. There are six therapy pools here as well as a swimming pool, with the water said to cure all sorts of illnesses. Admission starts at 9,300 HUF for weekdays,12,200 HUF on the weekends, and 13,000 HUF on holidays.

When visiting the baths, don’t forget your bathing suit and flip-flops. You can typically rent towels and lockers.  

Other Things to See and Do in Budapest

Visit the House of Houdini Harry Houdini was one of the most famous and well-known illusionists in the world. He was known for his elaborate escape tricks, and he was actually born in Hungary. This is the only museum in Europe dedicated to the Budapest native. It’s home to quite a few Houdini props and pieces of memorabilia, as well as live magic shows.

11 Dísz Square, +36 1-951-8066, houseofhoudinibudapest.com. Open daily 10am-7pm. Admission is 4,735 HUF per person.

Take a Tour Beyond free walking tours, Budapest has tons of other great walking, food, and historical tours. They aren’t free, but you definitely get your money’s worth! Here are a few worth checking out:

• Taste Hungary Food Tour
• Pub Crawl Budapest
• Buda Castle Vampires & Myths Evening Walking Tour
• Jewish Budapest Walking Tour

Admire Budapest’s Street Art In recent years, Budapest has become known for its street art scene. Budapest Flow, in addition to offering some cool alternative tours, has created a map of all the best street art spots so you can create your own walking tour or make a small detour to see different things in each area as you pass.

Go Caving Located on the Buda side of Budapest are around 200 underground caves. These hydrothermal caves were created by the thermal springs that supply the thermal baths in the city. Caving Under Budapest runs three types of tours, including one where you can climb up walls and squeeze through incredibly narrow spaces within the sprawling 30-kilometer (19-mile) cave system beneath the city. A three-hour guided adventure caving tour costs around 26,900 HUF.

Take a River Cruise The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe (after the Volga). If you want to tour the city by water, lots of hostels organize weekly Danube boat parties (the Budapest Party Hostel group is famous for theirs). Other boat tours are available with or without dinner and drink options as well. It’s a fun way to see the city and enjoy a night out. For a 90-minute river cruise (with an audio guide and unlimited prosecco), expect to pay around 9,780 HUF.  

Where to Stay in Budapest

• BUDGET: Onefam Budapest – This cool hostel boasts a fully equipped kitchen, laid-back common areas, and Netflix if you’re in need of more tame activities. There are free weekly dinners and organized activities throughout the day so it’s always easy to meet people.
• BUDGET: Carpe Noctem Original – This is the original party hostel in Budapest. It’s super social and they organize trips out on the town every night. It’s a really small hostel, and it almost feels like you’re staying at a friend’s place.
• MIDRANGE: Three Corners Downtown – This stylish four-star hotel is right downtown, making it a great base to explore from (St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian State Opera are both nearby). There’s a sauna and fitness center on-site and the breakfast is exceptional.
• LUXURY: Párisi Udvar Hotel – This lavish, ornate five-star property is arguably the nicest hotel in the entire city. The interior feels like you’re in a palace, not a hotel, and the rooms are elegant and spacious. This is the pinnacle of luxury in the city.

Budapest is a fun city that really does have something for everyone. Don’t let the grim façade fool you. Budapest is vibrant and modern and packed with awesome things to see and do, whether you’re a history buff or night owl looking to party (or both!). It’s one of the best capitals to visit in all of Europe so you better make sure you add this quirky, historic destination to your bucket list!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Budapest: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My top places to stay in the city are:

• Carpe Noctem

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in Budapest !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Budapest? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Budapest for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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3 Days in Budapest (Itinerary, Spending Money + BUDGET Planning)

Planning a 3-day trip to Budapest and want to know what are the best things to see and do on your break? Well, keep reading! Budapest in Hungary is by no means an expensive country to travel in .

But a lot of people visit whilst travelling around Europe therefore even if you’re spending 3 days in Budapest you might be on a tight budget.

Here are your Budapest must-see attractions and things to do , including spending costs so you can decide how much spending money to take to Budapest.

3 days in Budapest (your typical long-weekend break)

This itinerary is based on 3 days in Budapest (your typical long-weekend break).

But you can also use for a 2-day itinerary too. If you are staying longer than 3 days in Budapest you might want to read my post What to see in Budapest for some more ideas .

Budapest Travel Costs

How much were my flights from the uk to budapest.

I visited Budapest as a cheap city break. After searching via the Explore option on Skyscanner I found some return flights from my local UK airport ( East Midlands ) for £35 return with RyanAir (bargain!).

Travel in the City – Budapest City Card

***Please note I love walking  when I explore a city. I will include details for public transport if you don’t want to walk as much as me on your Budapest 3-day break!***

You can buy the Budapest City Card  which includes public transport plus other discounts to help you plan your trip in advance.

• Save and buy your Budapest City Card before you go, check out prices here.

Budapest 3-day Itinerary

Day 1 – (3 days in budapest) + budget.

Free Budapest Walking Tour

Castle Hill Area

St Matthias Church

Fisherman’s Bastion

Day 2 – (3 days in Budapest) + Budget

Free Street Art and Urban Walking Tour

St Stephen’s Basilica

Caving Adventure

Hit the Ruin Bars

Day 3 – (3 days in Budapest) + Budget

Heroes Square & Vajdahunyad Castle

Central Food Market

Rudas Baths, Budapest

More information about Budapest + Budget Planning

What are the Transportation Options to/from the Airport?

How to Travel Around Budapest City?

What Currency do you need in Budapest?

How much Money do you need for 3 days in Budapest?

Where to Stay in Budapest?

Where to Eat in Budapest?

More Things to do in 3 days in Budapest (or Longer)

Day 1 – (3 days in Budapest)

Many people will plan an itinerary in Budapest by spending time on either the Pest or Buda side on a particular day.

But when you arrive in Budapest, you’ll realise that the Buda and Pest areas are literally only across the river so they are easy to visit both areas in a day.

Free Budapest Walking Tour (PEST)

• Vörösmarty Square
• St Stephen’s Basilica
• Budapest Houses of Parliament
• Memorial on the River Danube
• Plus more stops in Budapest

If you are travelling on a budget then try one of the FREE walking tours in Budapest. I opted for the Original Budapest Tour. This is a great way to orientate yourself around the city. And learn a few things too.

There are a few companies that offer these tours, all taking slightly different routes around the city.

My favourite tour company was ‘Trip to Budapest’. The idea is you join the tour and if you have a good experience you leave a tip.

Meeting point is Vörösmarty tér , a square in the centre of Budapest at 10.30 (afternoon tour at 14.30).

The walking tour ends 13.00/13.30. So it’s likely you will be hungry by now (every time I thought about being hungry in Hungary it made me smile!!)

The tour will take you around all the top tourist spots, including Budapest Houses of Parliament , St Stephen’s Basilica and many more awesome Budapest places.

Top Budapest tip

• Take HUF in cash for your tip on the Walking Tour.

Check out tour reviews with Trip Advisor

Castle Hill area (BUDA)

Walk or catch the bus cross the Chain Bridge (Buda side), you have two options to the top. Catch the traditional Funicular, originally opened in 1870 , then reopened again after damage in World War II in 1986.

The Funicular is now a major part of the landscape by UNESCO World Heritage Site .

They run every 5-10 minutes and don’t take long to reach the top. Or alternatively, you can walk and enjoy the views on the 10-minute walk up.

The Hungarian National Gallery is here, along with a café and toilets. (If you don’t have a museum ticket you have to pay 200 HUF for the toilets! )

Film geeks? – Check out this film tour of Budapest!

St Matthias Church (Buda)

St Matthias Church is beautiful and a must-see place on your 3-day Budapest trip.

If you’re visiting in the summer months then you’ll have the treat of seeing the stunning church roof (in winter it was covered in snow!) Another thing you can see in Budapest for free!

Depending on how much you’ve already walked around Budapest (it’s only day 1 of 3 days!), you may wish to jump on a bus number 16 back to Pest. I opted to explore the stunning St Matthias Church , only a 10-15 minute walk.

In winter the light was fading but I was in for a treat as the church was lit up and looked stunning.

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Fisherman’s Bastion (Buda)

Since you’re close by, next explore the Fisherman’s Bastion which is right next to St Matthias Churc h on your 3-day itinerary.

From here you have amazing night views of the city. There’s one section that you need to pay extra for (this is the best view of all). But on reflection it’s not essential, the views from lower are just as stunning.

The ONLY difference is the views of Budapest Houses of Parliament are completely unobstructed , lower down a church is slightly in the way (if you are really fussy). And there’s a café with a few low power heaters (handy in winter months).

Day 1 Spending Costs in Budapest

Food costs Breakfast pastry 260 HUF Lunch (burger + chips) 1800 HUF & (small beer) 800 HUF Dinner 1990 HUF & (small wine) 250 HUF Bar (beer) 200 HUF

Tour + activity costs Budapest walking tour tip 1,000 HUF St Stephen’s Basilica (inside the church) 200 HUF St Stephen’s Basilica (promenade view) 600 HUF Fisherman’s Bastion 280 HUF

Total spend 7,380 HUF/ 24 EUR

Additional/optional costs

Funicular (single) 1,200 HUF or (return) 1,800 HUF Hungarian National Gallery 1,800 HUF + 800 HUF (Audio guide) Bus ticket (Pest to Buda) Single 350 HUF or Return 700 HUF

Additional spend (maximum) 5,100 HUF/ 16 EUR

Go back to Budapest 3-day itinerary contents

Further Reading on Budapest

• Caving Adventure in Budapest
• Best cocktails bars in Budapest
• Awesome things to see and do in Budapest

Day 2 – (3 days in Budapest)

Free Street Art and Urban Walking Tour (Pest)

Another one of the FREE walking tours with ‘Trip to Budapest’ . This walking tour takes you around the Jewish Quarter in the Pest area.

It shows you a different part of Budapest. Again, at the end of the tour if you’ve enjoyed the experience then you leave a tip (be sure to include tips in your budget planning costs).

Same meeting point at Vörösmarty tér , in the centre of Budapest at 10.00 (1 Nov-31 Mar) and 15.30 (1 Apr-31 Oct).

This tour lasts 2-2.5 hours so the morning tour ends 12.00/12.30.

The great thing about this tour is that you finish in a local food market in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. And there’s a café serving traditional Hungarian food .

The local markets have great but also relatively cheap food, with big portions too!

Read next – Planning a sunshine getaway? Check out the beautiful island of Madeira (off the coast of Africa)

St Stephen’s Basilica (Pest)

On a clear day (i.e. not raining) go to St Stephen’s Basilica , you may have walked past this on the Free Budapest Walking Tour but now it’s time to go inside.

On a wet day in Budapest going inside would be a great idea! But you can also climb the 302 steps (or lift and steps) to the Panorama Tower so it’s great if it’s a clear day.

But you can also climb the 302 steps to the Panorama Tower

• The Panorama Tower is only open from 10.00 to 16.30

Budapest Caving Adventure (Buda)

40 minutes from the city centre (via bus no. 9 and 65) you can venture deep below ground to visit Budapest’s caves system . In winter, this is a great activity because it’s warmer in the caves than outside.

You’re underground for nearly 2 hours and it is the most amazing adventure.

This activity will take a good part of your day’s itinerary. Squeezing you through narrow passageways and tiny gaps in the rocks that you think are impossible to get through. But if you love a challenge then be sure to check this tour out.

More information here Viator Caving tours  or you can read about my full Budapest Caving experience here .

Caving tours are at 10.15 and 15.30 each day.

Hit the Ruin Bars (Pest)

Try out the ruin bars, these are famous in Budapest, created from unused buildings . They are all decorated in different art forms and make for very interesting places to go as there’s always something to look at.

I visited Ellato Kert & Taqueria Budapest, a Mexican themed bar as well as the most popular Szimpla Kert (as cliche as it is, you must go here!)

• If you enjoy your cocktails, try out the top 5 cocktail bars in Budapest .

Day 2 Budapest Spending Costs

Food Costs Breakfast pastry 250 HUF Lunch (Hungarian dish) 950 HUF Cake from the bakery 200 HUF Dinner 1190 HUF & (small wine) 390 HUF Ruin Bar (small wine) 250 HUF

Tour + Activity Costs Street Art & Urban walking tour tip 1,000 HUF Cave Adventure 7,000 HUF

Transport Costs Bus ticket x 2 (to Cave tour) 700 HUF Bus ticket & tram ticket (from Cave tour) 700 HUF

Total spend 11,440 HUF/ 37 EUR

Bus ticket (Buda to Pest) Single 350 HUF

Additional spend (maximum) 350 HUF/ 1 EUR

Day 3 – (3 days in Budapest)

Heroes Square & Vajdahunyad Castle (Pest)

Located in City Park, you can enjoy your time walking around Vajdahunyad Castle grounds. And even try out the Ice Skating when the pond is frozen (November to March).

This area is probably further away from the city centre but worth including in your itinerary as the Castle is stunning.

Wrap up warm in the winter months in Budapest, it’s pretty cool! I love my warm down jacket , perfect for weekend trips as it packs really small.

It’s about an hour’s walk to the Central Food Market. Or you can jump on the Yellow Metro line to Deak Ferenc ter .

Central Food Market (Pest)

Pop into the Budapest Central Food Market, downstairs you’ll find a huge selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and meat. Then if you are feeling brave head upstairs. This is a serious tourist fest .

There are so many gift shops, all selling the traditional magnets, mugs and so many other gifts I can’t possibly name them all. But you can also grab some lunch here from one of the many food stalls.

• When is the best time to visit Budapest
• Best thermal baths in Budapest
• Friends Hostel and Apartments

Rudas Baths (Buda)

The Rudas Baths are located on the Buda side of the city , close to Gellert Hill. If you are spending longer than 3 days in Budapest you might just want to visit the baths more than once as they are so relaxing ( or try one of the many other baths in Budapest ). Allow at least 2 hours in your itinerary.

Try an evening cruise on the Danube – Check out Trip Advisor reviews here

If you are spending longer than 3 days in Budapest you might just want to visit the baths more than once

Check out Trip Advisor reviews for Gellert Baths or Szechenyi Baths

Day 3 Budapest spending Costs

Food + Drink Costs Breakfast pastry 250 HUF Lunch (cake!) 200 HUF Dinner + tip 2,290 HUF & (small beer) 420 HUF Ruin bar – wine (Szimpla Kert) 250 HUF

Tour + Activity Costs Budapest Thermal Baths (Rudas baths) 5,500 HUF

Other Costs Public toilet 200 HUF

Total spend 9,110 HUF/ 29 EUR

Ice Skating at Budapest Castle 1,500/2,000 HUF + 1,800 HUF (Skating hire) Massage at Ruda Baths (Aroma massage – 20 minutes) from 4,400 Bus ticket (Buda to Pest) Single 350 HUF

Additional spend (maximum) 8,550 HUF/ 28 EUR

More information about Budapest

What are the Transporation Options To/From the Airport?

Budapest airport bus.

Catch the 100E bus straight outside the airport. This drops you off at Deak Ference ter (Deak Square) in the centre on the Pest side (very close to the Jewish District.

Use the purple ticket machine to buy a ticket (or at busy times they may have staff you can buy one directly from. It takes 35-40 minutes.

Top Tip – Remember to buy your return ticket from one of the machines (there isn’t one at the bus stop).

Cost – 900 HUF/ 3 EUR

Taxis in Budapest

Taxis are available directly outside the airport. Time to Budapest  city is about 25-30 minutes.

Cost – 6,000-8,000 HUF/ 19-26 EUR

How to Travel around Budapest City?

Walk – This is a great city to walk around. And with so many huge landmarks it’s difficult to get lost. Each day I walked between 20,000-25,000 steps (for those of you that have Fitbits!) A great way to exercise, enjoy the sites and create some space for all the delicious food and wine!

Bus/tram/metro (Single tickets) – You may wish to use public transport a few times whilst you are visiting. I even did once or twice and I love walking! Tickets are 350 per journey.

Check out Trip Advisor reviews for the Hop-on Hop-off bus

Bus/tram/metro (10 tickets) – Same as above but for a discounted price you can buy 10 tickets for 3,000 HUF = 300 HUF per single journey . If you’re travelling with someone else this is definitely worth doing, you’ll easily use 5 single trips each.

Taxis – Don’t flag one down on the street. If you opt for a taxi in Budapest then ask your accommodation or restaurant to book one for you.

Buy the Budapest City Card which includes FREE public transport

What currency do you need in Budapest?

In Hungary, they use the Hungarian Forint (HUF) . This is the national currency and as such be prepared to pay in HUF, even though some prices are quoted in euros.

There are a few places that accept euros, however, the exchange rate is normally lower (300 HUF to 1 EUR). Plus change will be given in HUF.

• The only exception was when I paid in euros at the airport for a bottle of water I received the change in euros.

How much money do you need for 3 days in Budapest?

Currency 300 HUF = 1 EUR

Want to know how much spending money to take to Budapest? For my 3 days in Budapest, I spent 29,730 HUF/ 96 EUR (See costs above + airport bus). So on average 10,000 HUF/33 EUR per day

Costs for meals over the 3 days

= 2000-3000 HUF per meal

Costs for Drinks

= Small beers 200-800 HUF (Large beers cost more!)

= Wine 250-400 HUF per glass (depending on how touristy the venue is!)

Cost for Tours + Activites in Budapest

Since I was travelling on a budget in Budapest I limited the tours that I did. These were the biggest costs on my trip.

= Budapest Caving Tour from 7,000 HUF

=Rudas Baths from 5,500 HUF

Where to stay in Budapest?

Generally, the Pest area of Budapest has more accommodation options, as well as a good choice of restaurants and bars . So if you’d like to be close to everything this is the best place to stay.

Over on the other side of the Danube this a more residential area but there are a few hotel options in Buda .

• Or check out Airbnb for alternative accommodation options in Budapest ( £25 off your first stay at Airbnb )

On my Budapest trip, I stayed at Friends Hostel on the Pest side of the Danube. They also have private rooms and apartments so options for all travellers.

The location was in the city centre, close to the Jewish District and about 15-minute walk from where the airport bus dropped me off at Deak Ferenc ter.

You can read my full review of Friends Hostel Budapest here

More places to stay in Budapest here

(Check the prices now – especially in peak season)

Where to eat in Budapest?

There are so many great bakeries, cafes and restaurants in Budapest (not to mention the Street Markets too!) Start your day with a good breakfast.

Depending on where you are staying, either visit one of the many cafes in Budapest or pop into one of the bakeries (they have a huge selection of pastries to choose from).

I tried out a few different restaurants whilst I was in Budapest (these are all on the Pest side). Here are a few of my favourites:

• Koleves  – A great selection of Hungarian meals including the famous goulash. They also have a good vegetarian choice too and a glass of Hungarian wine.
• Fancy something different, the Olive Tree does a gorgeous range of hummus dishes and have some great Hungarian wine to accompany your meal.
• Drum Cafe – A cute and friendly café that serves lots of traditional Hungarian food. As well as different flavoured beers – ginger, cranberry, elderberry and cherry beer.

Top tip – save money on your Budapest trip by carrying a cool water bottle with you. Saves buying plastic bottles!

What else to do in 3 days in Budapest (or longer)?

Budapest is one of those cities where there is so much to do and 3 days in Budapest will probably never be enough.

For more ideas and inspiration check out these Budapest tours with Viator  or search via Trip Advisor for reviews and cool tours to do!

You can check out my latest post on What to see in Budapest including FREE things to do in Budapest .

More days in Budapest? Drive, take a train or bus from Budapest to Eger in North Hungary (about 2 hours). Check out  Eger Hungary – a 2-day itinerary

Are you planning your trip to Budapest?

Hopefully, my ‘3 days in Budapest’ itinerary will give you some ideas what to see and do on your visit and how much money to take but feel free to ask me any questions in the comments

Save me to your Budapest travel Pinterest boards

*Becky the Traveller participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliate programmes. If you make a purchase through these, I earn from the qualifying links. This is at no extra cost to you. Read more here .

Becky the Traveller

9 thoughts on “ 3 days in budapest (itinerary, spending money + budget planning) ”.

One of the most beautiful European capitals <3

Yeah it’s absolutely stunning, I loved it 🙂

Great post as always, Becky! Love the detailed tips. Budapest is definitely on my list so I’ll be sure to come back to this when I finally get there.

Ah thanks Lynne, yeah Budapest is gorgeous I really want to go back again!

You…are an awesome blogger…extremly helpful!!!!!!!

Ah thanks so much Sunny that’s very kind, glad you find it helpful 🙂

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4 Days in Budapest: The Ultimate City Break Itinerary

If you’re wondering if 4 days in Budapest are enough, let me start by saying that you can (and should) spend a lot more time in the Hungarian capital if you can make it work. While you can even see some of the highlights of Budapest in a day , this city has so much to offer.

It has been on the back burner of my bucket list for quite some time, and when I actually got to visit, I was blown away. I know it’s a cliche, but Budapest is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe I’ve seen.

It has everything you need in a city break, but the thing that especially made me fall in love with it was that each and every building looked completely different and had unique architecture, and they all seemed to have so much history to tell.

But trying to describe why Budapest is worth visiting in a couple of sentences is impossible, so let’s dive into this detailed itinerary, that will hopefully help you make the most of your trip.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Looking for a budget-friendly activity in Budapest? Book yourself: – A classic free walking tour of Budapest – A free tour of the Jewish Quarter – A contemporary Budapest free tour

Table of Contents

BUDAPEST IN 4 DAYS – WHERE TO STAY

There’s no shortage of amazing places to stay in Budapest , from apartments to B&Bs to luxury hotels.

I stayed in a lovely central apartment, but unfortunately, it isn’t available at the moment. Check out these other highly-rated accommodations instead.

Pal’s Mini Hostel :  Located near the State Opera House, it offers both dorms and private rooms with a shared or private bathroom.  Read reviews and check availability here.

Anabelle Bed and Breakfast : Located near the Parliament building and the Danube River, it offers cozy double and triple rooms, and breakfast is included.  Read reviews and check availability here.

Hotel Parlament :  This boutique hotel is situated near Liberty Square. It offers various types of rooms from standard twin rooms to deluxe suites.  Read reviews and check availability here.

If you’re an avid luxury traveler and you want to stay in a 6-star hotel (an unofficial rating of a 5-star hotel that offers special luxury services), you can also check out the Gresham Palace .

Note:  If you want to be a responsible tourist and you’re planning to book an apartment, please avoid staying in the Jewish Quarter. The local guide in one of the walking tours I had taken talked about how the apartment rentals, specifically in the Jewish Quarter, were hurting the locals, causing high rent prices and disturbing noise.

4-DAY BUDAPEST ITINERARY SUMMARY

To get an idea of what this itinerary includes, here’s a quick summary:

Day 1: Buda Castle district (Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, and more).

Day 2: Pest (Dohany Synagogue, Jewish Quarter, Heroes Square, Vajdahunyad Castle).

Day 3: Pest (Museum of Sweets and Selfies, Andrassy Avenue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, street art walking tour, Hungarian Parliament Building, Tram 2).

Day 4: Day trip.

If you to change it a bit, here are highly-rated activities you can add to my Budapest itinerary:

• An evening Danube River sightseeing cruise (with unlimited sparkling wine)
• A spa day at the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath
• Hungarian wine tasting
• An alternative walking tour

FOUR DAYS IN BUDAPEST: TIPS AND NOTES

Here are a few things to know before visiting Budapest:

– Budget: Budapest is considered a budget-friendly city. Everything from food to attractions is relatively cheap (in comparison to other big European cities), and you can take quite a few fun free tours like a classic free walking tour of Budapest , a contemporary Budapest free tour , a free tour of the Jewish Quarter , and a free evening tour .

– Local currency: Hungarian Forint – HUF (1 USD = 294.5 HUF, 1 EUR = 357.2 HUF). Bring some HUF with you, but know that you can also exchange money or draw money at an ATM (American Express is not always accepted).

– When to visit: I loved visiting in spring because the weather was perfect. You can also visit in summer and early fall, and the city can also be an amazing European winter break destination .

– If you have more than 4 days, visit Budapest as part of a longer Hungary itinerary or even an Eastern Europe itinerary by train .

– Getting from the airport to the city center: I preferred taking a taxi for convenience, but you could use public transport instead. Read here for more info on that .

– Most of this itinerary is done on foot, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes . When you need to use public transport, purchasing a single-ride ticket should be enough.

– Vegans, this one is for you. Although Hungary is not the most vegan-friendly destination, finding places to eat vegan food in Budapest is a lot easier than you think.

4 DAYS IN BUDAPEST – DAY 1 – BUDA

Head to A La Maison Grand (Szervita tér 3), where dreams come true and where your needs in a delicious and insta-perfect breakfast are satisfied.

With every dish having several versions (like 5 types of pancakes, 5 types of eggs benedict, etc.), the menu looks like a book.

I highly recommend taking a look at it in advance on their website, or else you’ll be spending your first half an hour (if not more) just trying to decide what to devour.

With yummy, picture-perfect food and modern, inviting decor, A La Maison Grand is, without a doubt, one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in Budapest .

The rest of the day will focus on the landmarks on the Buda side of the city. You can visit them on your own or  take a guided tour of Buda / a free walking tour .

FISHERMAN’S BASTION

Who doesn’t love visiting places that look like they belong in a fairytale? That’s surely why Fisherman’s Bastion is one of Budapest’s top attractions.

Surprisingly, even though it is called a bastion, it actually never served as a fortification in Budapest. It was built in the late 19th century, so there would be a proper place to enjoy the views of the Danube river and the Pest side of the city. Genius, right?

The combination of the unique architecture and the beautiful scenery is definitely magical, yet you should expect to be surrounded by quite a few people.

If you want to take photos with no tourists around you, you’ll have to visit Fisherman’s Bastion very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Apart from the upper towers, which cost 1000 HUF (less than 4 euros) to access, all the other towers and balconies are completely free to stroll around.

How to get there:  Fisherman’s Bastion is located in the Castle District on the Buda side of the city. Bus number 16 gets there all the way from the Pest side.

MATTHIAS CHURCH

Right next to Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll find the stunning Matthias Church. Dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, the current building has hosted countless important events throughout the years.

Ceremonies like King Matthias’ royal wedding and the coronation of King Franz Joseph have made the church a significant historical landmark, which is now one of the most visited places in Budapest.

Beyond its history, the church’s Gothic-style architectural details, along with the colorful roof tiles and unique interiors, are a feast for the eyes (and the camera). To enter, you’ll need to buy a ticket with a specific time slot on  the church’s official website .

Bonus tip:  Matthias Church also hosts several classical music concerts throughout the year, which you can book here .

OTHER THINGS TO SEE NEAR FISHERMAN’S BASTION AND MATTHIAS CHURCH

1. colorful streets.

It’s so odd to see the area of the church and bastion packed with people while the surrounding streets are almost completely deserted.

Take advantage of this serenity and enjoy some colorful streets and squares like Táncsics Mihály and Bécsikapu .

2. HOSPITAL IN THE ROCK

This unusual museum is dedicated to a secret underground WWII military hospital.

You can only visit it with a 60-minute guided tour, where you’ll wander through the different rooms which have been restored to resemble wartime conditions.

You can also take a guided tour of Buda that includes the Hospital in the Rock.

3. HOUSE OF HOUDINI

This museum is dedicated to the Budapest-born magician Harry Houdini, showcasing original items of his and preserving his heritage.

4. TÓTH ÁRPÁD PROMENADE

This lovely avenue is filled with beautiful trees and overlooks the city. If you visit at the right time in spring, you’ll also get a chance to see some gorgeous pink blooms.

Scattered around the streets surrounding Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, you’ll find quite a few restaurants and cafes.

Are you a dessert person like me? Don’t miss the bakery Ruszwurm Cukrászda (Szentháromság 7) and have a piece of one of their delicious cakes.

BUDA CASTLE

As the former Royal Palace, the Buda Castle is a must-have on your 4-day Budapest travel itinerary.

Today, it houses the National Széchényi Library, the Budapest History Museum, and the Hungarian National Gallery. Each has its own price, but you can also wander around the courtyards for free.

For something more unique, take a night tour or explore the cave system underneath the castle .

At the foot of Buda Castle, you’ll find the Castle Garden Bazaar. This 19th-century complex of elegant buildings and gardens was designed to create an attractive cityscape near the castle. It is free to visit and can make a perfect afternoon stroll.

For a hearty dinner in a cozy environment, head to the nearby Marvelosa Restaurant (Lánchíd 13) , and indulge yourself in a Hungarian meal.

4 DAYS IN BUDAPEST – DAY 2 – PEST

Start your day at one of the Jewish Quarter’s cozy cafes. A few options to consider are Vintage Garden (Dob 21), Solinfo Cafe (Wesselényi 6 ) , and Pantry Brunch & Coffee (Dohány 5/B ) , but you’ll find plenty of other breakfast places in this lively area.

DOHANY SYNAGOGUE

I absolutely love exploring my Jewish heritage when traveling, and since the 19th-century Dohany Synagogue is the largest in Europe and second-largest in the world, I had to include it on my Budapest itinerary.

Even if you’re not Jewish, this is a remarkable landmark you don’t want to miss. Purchase your ticket in advance or take a guided tour of the synagogue .

JEWISH QUARTER

I loved roaming the beautiful streets of the Jewish Quarter. They’re packed with street art, shops, restaurants and cafes, and unique buildings, and they definitely deserve a couple of hours of exploring.

Tip:  Have a cup of coffee and some delicious cakes at The Sweet (Dob 21).

There’s no shortage of places to eat in the area, but if you’re looking to have Hungarian food, try Klauzál Café (Klauzál 23) or Korhely Faloda & Daloda (Liszt Ferenc tér 7 ) .

FREE JEWISH HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Continuing with the Jewish theme, I highly recommend taking a free Jewish history tour. It covers the Jewish landmarks in the area (including the synagogue, but only on the outside) and talks about the history of the community in Budapest.

I had an amazing guide, so I really enjoyed this walking tour, which you could learn more about here . The meeting point is Elizabeth Square (where the Budapest Eye is located), and it starts at 3:30 PM (on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday ) .

Alternatively, book one of these Jewish heritage tours .

The tour ends in Szimpla Kert, one of the most iconic ruin bars in Budapest. But what are ruin bars?

Essentially, these are old, abandoned buildings turned into quirky, budget-friendly drinking joints. Szimpla Kert is a pretty big one, and even though it has become touristy, it’s worth visiting. It also hosts a farmers’ market on Sundays.

HEROES’ SQUARE

Whether by foot or by metro (line number 1), head to Heroes’ Square.

This iconic square commemorates important Hungarian rulers, including the seven chieftains who founded the country (there’s actually a fascinating European legend about the birth of the Hungarian nation involving a magical stag).

You’ll also find the Museum of Fine Arts and the Műcsarnok (Hall of Art) on both sides of the square.

VAJDAHUNYAD CASTLE

Right behind Heroes’ Square, you’ll see the fairytale-like Vajdahunyad Castle. It is seriously dreamy, and sunset is ideal for visiting it and taking hundreds of pretty pictures from every possible angle.

It was originally built to celebrate Hungarian architecture, and it definitely looks like a celebration. Today, it houses the Museum of Agriculture, but the courtyards and surroundings are free to wander.

You can also take this walking tour to explore the square and castle with a guide.

A nearby Hungarian restaurant that will make you feel like stepping into a cozy wooden cabin with its unique decor is Paprika Vendéglő (Dózsa György 72 ) .

4 DAYS IN BUDAPEST – DAY 3 – PEST

Going back to the Jewish Quarter for breakfast, you can start your day at Stika (Dob 46/a) or Rézkígyó Coffee House (Paulay Ede 15 ) .

MUSEUM OF SWEETS & SELFIES

The Museum of Sweets and Selfies (Paulay Ede 43) is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally loved this hidden gem in Budapest (especially because it was a great addition to my girls’ trip )!

It’s a different kind of museum where the whole purpose is just to have fun like a kid (and take insta-worthy pictures). You’ll go through rooms like the sprinkles pool, banana swing, and neon room, which are all unique and colorful.

Opening hours:  Every day 10 AM – 6 PM.

Price:  2990 HUF or 10 Euros on weekdays and 3500 HUF or 11 Euros on weekends.

If you want to check it out, a second museum opened – the Museum of Sweets & Selfies BUBBLES (you can purchase a combined ticket for both museums).

ANDRASSY AVENUE AND THE BUDAPEST OPERA HOUSE

The museum is located only a minute away from the beautiful Andrassy Avenue. More specifically, from the spot where you’ll see two stunning buildings on both sides – the Hungarian State Opera House and the Drechsler Palace.

Stroll along the avenue towards Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Metro station, and turn right to get to St. Stephen’s Basilica.

ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA

Probably one of the most distinctive landmarks in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica is the third-largest church in Hungary, named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary. Admire its exterior architecture or go inside to have a look at its impressive interiors.

Skip the lines and get your ticket in advance or learn more about the basilica with this free tour of Budapest . The church also hosts classical music concerts, which you can book here .

You’ll find dozens of restaurants around the basilica of all kinds of cuisines.

FREE STREET ART WALKING TOUR

I’m obsessed with street art, and Budapest did not disappoint me. To learn more about the local scene, I took a free walking tour ( see this similar one ).

I highly recommend it to every street art lover because it adds more meaning to your visit and shows another side of the city. The meeting point is Elizabeth Square, and the tour ends in the Jewish Quarter.

HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT BUILDING

You can either walk alongside the Danube River or use the tram or metro to get from the Jewish Quarter to the Hungarian Parliament Building, which is one of the most stunning buildings in the city and a notable Hungarian landmark.

Take some time to take all that beauty in, and on the side that faces Kossuth Lajos Square (one of the prettiest squares in Europe ), go and see the guards circling the national flag. You can also learn more about the parliament on this free tour .

Tip:  If you decide to walk from the Jewish Quarter to the parliament, stop at the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a memorial that honors the Hungarian Jews who were shot into the river during WWII.

TRAM 2 AT SUNSET

To enjoy the sunset, get on the yellow Tram 2 at Kossuth Lajos Square tram station (right behind the Parliament).

It passes alongside the Danube River and overlooks the Buda side of the city, and sunset time is when everything looks soft and glowy. You can take the full route and then go back with it to the Parliament or get off wherever you want.

Alternatively, you can also book an evening Danube River sightseeing cruise with unlimited sparkling wine or an evening cruise with a candle-lit dinner and live music .

If you do go back to the parliament, there are quite a few bistros (and other restaurants) in the area.

4 DAYS IN BUDAPEST – DAY 4 – DAY TRIP

When you only have four days in Budapest, you can definitely spend another day exploring the city itself, visiting places like:

• Margaret Island
• Széchenyi Thermal Bath ( book your full-day spa package here )
• Great Market Hall
• Gellert Hill

Otherwise, you can take a day trip to see a bit more of Hungary’s cities , towns, and countryside.

If you like to take day trips on your own, a few easy ones reachable by public transport are the picturesque town of Szentendre,  Gödöllő and its famous royal palace, or the town of Visegrád.

If you prefer booking a guided day tour, here are some highly-rated ones:

• Half-day wine tour to Etyek.
• Full-day tour to the Danube Bend and Szentendre with lunch.
• Lake Balaton tour.
• Royal Palace of Gödöllő.

You might also like:

• 2 days in Madrid
• 4 days in Madrid
• 2 days in Lisbon
• 4 days in Vienna
• 2 days in Brussels
• 2 days in Berlin
• 3 days in Turin
• 2 days in Mostar
• 4 days in Milan
• Long weekend getaways in Spain

Has this itinerary helped you plan how to enjoy the best of Budapest in four days? Pin it for later using the share icon on the right bottom corner!

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

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Budapest hétvégén is várja a szórakozásra, kikapcsolódásra váró vendégeket. Számtalan kulturális és gasztronómiai program közül választhat a fővárosba érkező turista. Fesztiválok, koncertek, színházi előadások, filmvetítések, múzeumok, sportesemények, szabadtéri rendezvények, tematikus városnéző séták kavalkádja ígér színvonalas időtöltést Budapesten minden korosztálynak. Jegyeit a budapesti elérhető programokra online is megvásárolhatja!

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22 Rendezvényközpont és Boutique Hotel Budapest

• XXII. kerület

A Rendezvényközpont Budafok központi részén, a Törley Kastély és Törley Hungarikum Múzeum tőszomszédságában helyezkedik el. A rendezvényközpont négy teremből, azok kiszolgáló egységeiből, egy kültéri rendezvényhelyszínből és a 27 szobás Boutique Hotelből áll. Termeink minden típusú rendezvényhez ...

ARCadia Hotel Budapest****

Az ARCadia Hotel Budapest**** szállodának helyet adó történelmi épület a 20. század elején épült, az adott kor építészeti divatját, stílusirányzatát követve, mely vonzó választást jelenthet a fővárosba látogatók számára. 6 emeleten 113 szobával (economy, standard, superior, lakosztály) és egy kellemes ...

Adina Apartment Hotel Budapest

• XIII. kerület

A budapesti Adina Apartment Hotel pár percnyi távolságra található Budapest üzleti, szórakozó, bevásárló - és éttermi központjától.

Alice Hotel Budapest

A negyvenegy szobás Alice Hotel otthona az az 1800-as évek második felében épült Kallina Mór által megálmodott villa, amely eleganciájával tökéletesen illeszkedik az UNESCO által védett Andrássy út varázsához, miközben modern felszereltségének köszönhetően korunk minden elvárásának megfelel.

Alta Moda Fashion Hotel**** Budapest

Szállodánk a divatos elegancia képviselője, a közösségi terek letisztult stílusát élénk sárgák, visszafogott kékek, kényelmes bútorok jellemzik. A szállodai szolgáltatások között olyan újítások is megtalálhatók, mint az élő, kontaktus nélküli chat a recepcióval, vagy a vezeték nélküli készüléktöltés a ...

Budapest Jazz Club Bistro & Kávézó

Ha könnyed, mégis nívós zenei élményre vágyik, ha a jazz elkötelezett híve, vagy épp most barátkozik a műfajjal, látogasson el a főváros jazzéletének központjába, a Budapest Jazz Clubba! A különleges atmoszféra és kiváló hangminőség mellett, barátságos hangulatú jazzkávézóval és bisztró-fogásokat ...

Stifler Ház Music Klub & Sport Pub & Játékterem Budapest

A Stifler Ház egy igazi partyközpont, ahol 4 külön tánctérrel, ingyenes bulikkal és élő zenével várjuk a mulatni vágyókat minden egyes nap, egészen reggelig. A hatalmas, fedhető, fűthető és légkondicionálható kert tökéletes helyszín a felejthetetlen bulikhoz, koncertekhez és közös meccsnézésekhez ...

Stifler32 Bar & Club Budapest

A Stifler 32-ben rengeteg játék várja a vendégeket, péntekenként és szombatonként pedig hajnalig tartó bulik, karaoke estek, házibulik és retro partik szórakoztatják a közönséget. Kalandozz be az éjszaka rejtelmeibe, és légy részese egy felejthetetlen élménynek! 21 db TV, privát boxok, biliárd, ...

Cardoner Étterem Dobogókő

A Cardoner Étteremben, Küronya Márk executive chef irányításával harmóniát teremtünk a nemzetközi és a magyar konyha remek fogásai között, beillesztve vad jellegű ételek választékát is. Ez a gasztronómiai élmény garantálja az itt rendezett üzleti és családi találkozók sikerét.

Budapest Hotel Étterem

A Hotel Budapest étterme bőséges büféreggelivel és igény esetén vacsorával várja kedves vendégeit. A lobbyban található Budapest Presso egy ideális hely, hogy lazítson egy ital mellett.

ARAZ Étterem Budapest

Változatos, ízletes heti menüvel, sunday brunch ajánlattal, szezonális gasztronómiai különlegességekkel, egyedülálló borvacsorákkal és sok más érdekességgel várja vendégeit az ARAZ Étterem! Budapest bohémnegyedében olyan gasztronómiai kalandra hívja vendégeit, mely páratlan és intenzív, melyben a régi és az új ...

Galéria Kávézó Budapest - Continental Hotel

Szállodánk gasztronómiai kínálatának másik fontos láncszeme a korhűen helyreállított, a legkönnyebben a főbejárattól megközelíthető Galéria Kávézó. A századforduló polgári gasztronómiai kínálatának igen meghatározó jelentőségű szegmense volt a „Pesti Kávéházak” világa. A korabeli Continental Szálló egykori ...

Bártfai Vendéglő Budapest

• XI. kerület

Régi magyar ételek újragondolva Buda szívében, a Móricz Zsigmond körtérhez közel! A magyar konyha ízei a XXI. század igényeihez igazítva. A hét minden napján várunk Benneteket, ha ennétek valami igazán különlegeset! Lehet ebéd, vagy vacsora, nálunk biztos, hogy találtok kedvetekre valót!

Kemenes Cukrászda és Bisztró Vámház körút

• IX. kerület

Az otthon ízei. A Kálvin és a Fővám tér között félúton található a Kemenes legnagyobb és legimpozánsabb cukrászdája. Jelenleg több mint százharminc féle terméket kínálunk vásárlóinknak és partnereinknek, édes és sós változatban, saját receptúra alapján, kiváló minőségű természetes alapanyagokból. Egy ...

Scruton Belváros Közösségi tér és Kávézó Budapest

Scruton Belváros egy klasszikus találkozóhely a város szívében. A Scruton Belváros az V. kerületi Zoltán utcában, a Duna és a Szabadság tér gyönyörű környezetében található igazán különleges közösségi hely, mely a klasszicista miliő és a kortárs belsőépítészeti enteriőr tökéletes ötvözetét kínálja. Az ...

A SZERVEZŐK AZ IDŐPONT ÉS A PROGRAMVÁLTOZTATÁS JOGÁT FENNTARTJÁK!

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Óbuda University, Budapest

Graduate Programs, full-time, 4 semesters Study language: English

Tuition fee: €3,500 per semester

Tuition fee: €3,200 per semester

Budapest Business University, Budapest

Undergraduate Programs, full-time, 7 semesters Study language: English

Tuition fee: €2,750 per semester more information

University of Dunaújváros, Dunaújváros

Tuition fee: €1,975 per semester

John von Neumann University, Kecskemét

Tuition fee: €3,000 per semester

Tuition fee: €2,900 per semester

Tuition fee: €2,900 per semester more information

Undergraduate Programs, full-time, 6 semesters Study language: English

BIC, Budapest

University Foundation Programs, full-time, 1 semester Study language: English

Tuition fee: €4,200 per semester

Undergraduate Programs, full-time, 8 semesters Study language: English

Tuition fee: €2,200 per semester

John von Neumann University, Budapest

Tuition fee: €2,750 per semester

University Foundation Programs, full-time Study language: English

University Foundation Programs, full-time, 2 semesters Study language: English

Tuition fee: €2,500 per semester

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Joe Lycett shows us how to get the most out of some of the world's most popular mini-breaks

Richard and comedian Aisling Bea make a whirlwind tour of Hungary's fairytale capital, with selfies, goulash, cake, pubs, liquor, and a game of chess at the thermal baths

Jessica Fostekew and Joe enjoy volcanic vino and cactus croquettes on their Canarian caper

Adam Buxton and Joe explore Czech sights, eat sausages from skulls and hop into a beer spa

Desiree Burch joins Joe in Rovaniemi for aurorae-gazing and sleigh-riding shenanigans

Alan Davies and Joe traverse around Trieste and shoot the breeze at the Wind Museum

Joe and Asim Chaudhry visit an underwater museum and a world-famous skatepark

Joe and Roisin Conaty enjoy a culinary horse-carriage tour and a spot of musical cycling

Joe and comedian Mawaan Rizwan spend two days sightseeing, swimming and swigging stout

Sarah Millican joins Joe for hot air ballooning, cepelini dumplings and gira in Vilnius

96 Hours in Rio

Joe and Stephen Mangan visit Christ the Redeemer and cook Christmas dinner Brazilian-style

Joe and Katherine Parkinson sample local beers and explore Antwerp's subterranean tunnels

Joe and Mo Gilligan get hands-on with halloumi and sample a 24-carat gold ice lolly

Aisling Bea joins Joe for some Croatian cooking, paddleboarding and a visit to Froggyland

The Basque Country

Joe and James Acaster bask in Bilbao's art, kalimotxos and foodie capital San Sebastián

96 Hours in Iceland

New host Joe Lycett is off on his debut voyage to Iceland with comedian Bill Bailey

Richard and Ellie Taylor team up for a two-day meander rich in art, history and ham

Richard and Joe Wilkinson whizz round the historic Polish city, with art nouveau and vodka

Richard and Lou Sanders have a blast in Bergen, Norway

A Game of Thrones tour and a trip to a cursed island with Stephen Merchant

Richard Ayoade and Bob Mortimer go for a spin round cosmopolitan Hamburg

Richard and Alice Levine - DJ, broadcaster & podcaster - do Estonia's capital in 48 hours

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Visit the travel man webpage for detail on all locations and activities featured in the show travel man website, people also watched, series following intrepid expats as they chase a dream life in the sun and set up new businesses abroad. just how easy is it to start a new life, and is the grass really greener on the other side a new life in the sun, comedian chris mccausland visits the world's most stunning places. but he's blind, so he's brought some celebrity pals along to provide commentary. can they put these wonders into words wonders of the world i can't see, an exploration of the most amazing hotels, villas and island escapes on the planet the world's most luxurious holidays, sandi toksvig and some of the nation's most fascinating and funny women explore the delights of the uk's wildest, most remote and beautifully designed holiday hideaways extraordinary escapes with sandi toksvig, from underwater retreats to treetop cabins, this series explores the world's hidden hotels world's most secret hotels, ainsley harriott and grace dent explore some of the best seaside holiday destinations and mouth-watering dishes the british isles has to offer best of britain by the sea, johnny vegas, his assistant bev and a gang of vintage bus enthusiasts create the country's coolest glamping site out of old, repurposed vehicles johnny vegas: carry on glamping, comedian rosie jones takes celebrity friends on thrilling outings around britain, gorging on culture, learning local traditions and seeking excitement in unlikely places rosie jones' trip hazard.