3 Days in Budapest: where to go and what to know
Usually, I’m not a city girl. I’d much rather be knee deep in mud and leeches traversing through the wild rainforests of Borneo than wondering around an artificial jungle devoid of life. Cities are mostly predictable and lack the adrenaline-pumping thrill that jumping on the iron ore train in the baking heart of Mauritania can offer. Exploring on the edge of my comfort zone is my comfort zone. And I still haven’t found a city that meets those cravings for adventure - recommendations welcome.
Booking a three-day trip to Budapest may seem like a waste of time for me then. But I’m never one to turn down an opportunity to explore somewhere new. Everywhere has something to offer - even if it’s not quite for you.
So, should you add Budapest to your bucket list? The short answer is yes.
Budapest is an incredible city steeped in history. It exceeded all my expectations and proved my disapproving misjudgements about cities wrong. For anyone who loves intricate architecture, appreciates history or enjoys eating hearty food - Budapest is for you. The Hungarian capital is ideal for solo travellers, a romantic getaway or a trip with friends. Whatever your angle Budapest is worth a visit.
For your trip to Budapest in 2024 here is the perfect 3-day itinerary to get the most out of the city.
Day 1: Central Market Hall, Gellért Thermal Bath and Cruise on the Danube
Start the day by heading to Central Market Hall. Filled with fruits, meats, spices, cheese, fish and pickles, this hub for Hungarian produce is a feast on your senses. Why not grab breakfast here before getting stuck into the day? If eating fresh produce straight from the market isn’t for you, then Cirkusz Café is another good option.
Venture across the Liberty Bridge to take in your first glimpse of the Danube River - the second-longest river in Europe that stretches from the Black Forest of Germany to the Black Sea via the Danube Delta in Romania and Ukraine. Across the bridge walk up Gellért Hill to soak up sweeping views of the city and explore the citadel.
After a long day of exploring it’s time to do some more. Budapest is beautiful during the day but it’s equally enchanting when night falls. Easily the highlight of the trip, cruising on the Danube with unlimited prosecco in hand and the sites of Budapest illuminated along the river is one not to miss.
After that sweaty hike you’ll be in the mood for some rest and relaxation. You can’t visit Budapest without visiting one of their thermal baths. It’s like a right of passage. Compared with the more famous Széchenyi Baths (more on those later) the Gellért Thermal Baths were quieter and offered a more intimate experience - perfect for relaxing after a short hike. Remember to pack flip flops, a swimming costume and towel otherwise you’ll need to rent them at the baths.
Day 2: Buda Castle, Fishermen’s Bastion, Szimpla Kert
A new day is here! Kicking off the day with a ride on the hop-on hop-off bus allows you to get a good feel for the city and the lay of the land. Jump off at Buda Castle and take a ride up the UNESCO-listed Buda Castle Hill funicular. Before you do that don’t forget to wander down to the riverside and get up close to the famous Chain Suspension Bridge.
Once at the top enjoy more views across the Danube. Then stroll around the Buda Castle complex and soak up the royal atmosphere and imposing sculptures guarding the castle. If beer is your thing, don’t forget to pull up a chair and drink down a steiner of the local stuff before carrying on with your day’s adventure.
Continuing on along the meandering hill through a tranquil park you’ll stumble across many unique photo opportunities of the Danube (this trip is filled with them!). Once you arrive, Fishermen’s Bastion speaks for itself. Straight from a medieval fairytale, you’re going to want to spend a good amount of time here. The architecture is as breathtaking as the views it provides across the river of the Pest side of the city. Why not find some food and stick around for sunset?
Head back to your accommodation to freshen up before hitting the streets. Szimpla Kert is Budapest’s most famous ruin bar. Even if a night on the town isn’t your thing, it’s worth heading there for a drink (or more) to sample the uniquely mesmerising décor and get a flavour of its history. There are few experiences around the world like it so definitely don’t miss this one.
Day 3: St. Stephen’s Basilica, House of Terrors, Hero’s Square, Széchenyi Baths and Hungarian Parliament.
You may have a sore head after last night, but there’s a busy day of traveling around Budapest ahead! For breakfast with a view take your pick of one of the many cafés surrounding the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica. After a bite to eat wander past the Opera House before hopping back on the bus to the House of Terrors.
The House of Terrors is a must-see in Budapest. While in stark contrast to the other top sites in Budapest, visiting this museum is
vital to understanding the city’s past. Documenting the fascist and communist regimes in 20th century Hungary the exhibition serves as a memorial to the victims of the vicious regime. Remembering the past is crucial to navigating the future.
From here you can walk to Hero’s Square. Don’t worry, you won’t miss it! This iconic square is famed for its towering monument and accompanying statues. Once you’ve gazed up at the formidable artwork take your time walking through the park. Maybe stop by Vajdahunyad Castle - a romantic castle surrounded by a boating lake - on your way to another of Europe’s top destinations.
Take a dip in the most famous baths of them all - Széchenyi Baths. With their lemon-yellow walls and toasty pools, Széchenyi Baths serves as an ideal place to relax after your whirlwind trip around Budapest. After all, it is the largest medicinal bath in Europe.
If you have the energy, make your way own to the Hungarian Parliament for sunset. Built in the late 19th - early 20th century, the striking Gothic style of the building makes it a stronger contender for the most impressive building in Budapest. Watching the sunset over the Danube and the Hungarian Parliament is the perfect way to end this short trip, but sweet, trip to Budapest.
72 hours in Budapest is the ideal amount of time to squeeze everything the city has to offer at a leisurely pace. While it may not have stoked my adventurous soul in the same way as scuba diving with sharks, there’s no denying that Budapest has a magical aura about it.
Would I go back? Absolutely.
Is it the best city in Europe I’ve visited in 2023? Easily.
Budapest tips and tricks
Budapest is a walkable city, but if your legs are in need of a rest there are great public transport links and the network of electric scooters on offer is brilliant.
For accommodation there are plenty of options depending on your taste and budget. We stayed in an Air BnB situated in the Jewish Quarter - only a 10 minute walk away from the Danube and top must-see sites.
While Hungary is in the European Union, it doesn’t use the Euro as its currency. For money matters you’re going to need the Hungarian Forint.
Three days was the perfect amount of time to soak up the city at a leisurely pace and not feel too burnt out or miss any of the top sites