Hungary’s capital city of Budapest, aka the Pearl of the Danube, is bursting with history, revivalist architecture, and one of Europe’s most active nightlife scenes. From the picturesque paths of Buda Castle, to indulgent thermal baths and the Pest district’s iconic ruin pubs, we’ve got your ultimate short list of what to visit in Budapest in 3 days! Be sure to read until the end for our custom selection of Budapest travel guides to help you make the most of your experience, from budget to bougie and beyond!
Budapest: 3-Day Itinerary
With its colorful culture, killer eats, and centuries-old architecture, Budapest is one of those cities that has a little something for everyone. Though it’s no secret why you should visit Budapest, the sights most worth seeing and when you should see them can feel less cut-and-dry. Fret not, dear traveler! Our Budapest 3-day itinerary (with map!) hits all the must-see marks – and a few extras! – so you can be sure you won’t miss a thing.
Day 1:
- Arrive at Budapest Airport and transfer to the city by private car
- Discover the defining culture and architecture of the Central Pest neighborhood
- Take an Evening Cruise on the Danube
Day 2:
- Explore the Hidden Gems and Highlights of the city with a Best of Budapest Walking Tour
- Visit Budapest Castle and Castle Hill
- Relax in the traditional Gellert and Rudas Baths beneath Gellert Hill
Day 3:
- Tour Budapest’s historic Jewish Quarter and Dohany Street Synagogue
- Shopping on Vaci Street and Central Market
- Private transfer to Budapest Airport for departure
Ready to book your tickets? Read on for a detailed guide to visiting Budapest in 3 days!
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3 Perfect Days in Budapest
Day 1: Arrive in Budapest
Your Budapest adventure begins before you even leave the airport, where you and your party will be picked up by a private driver for hotel transport.
Explore Central Pest
After a stop to drop off your bags – and maybe a quick pick-me-up at a traditional Hungarian coffeehouse, like Cafe Gerbeaud, for an espresso and a Dobos torte – you’ll spend your first afternoon in Budapest meandering around the city’s core in Central Pest.
It’s here in the heart of the city that you’ll catch your first glimpses of Budapest’s historical highlights, including the iconic pillars of St. Stephen’s Basilica; Szechenyi Chain Bridge, whose 19th-century arches connect the city’s two halves via the mighty Danube (photo bonus – it lights up at night!); and dozens of picturesque streets lined with buildings in Budapest’s signature Art Nouveau style.
Evening Cruise on the Danube
Cap off the evening with a twilight cruise across the Danube River, which divides this “pearl” of a city into its distinctive Buda and Pest districts; the former of which is known for its rolling hills and historical import, while the latter is a cultural hub and bursting with urban activity. Soak in the city life on both sides, count off the major connecting bridges (there are eight!), and enjoy dinner and a drink as the clubs and restaurants twinkle to life after dark.
Day 2: Best of Budapest Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Finds
Your Budapest itinerary continues on day two with a guided walking tour of the city’s most famous landmarks – and more than a few surprise discoveries!
Strap on your walking shoes, and wake up with a picturesque stroll around the Hungarian Parliament Building, then visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest (whose gilded interior is also said to be home to St. Stephen’s mummified hand!). Top off your visit by climbing the church’s 364 steps, or riding the elevator, to bask in 360-degree panoramic views of the city, before crossing the Szechenyi Chain Bridge to explore the glittering Baroque-style landmarks of the Castle District.
Explore Budapest Castle & Castle Hill
Snap a few colonnaded photos, and maybe duck into a local storefront for a coffee and traditional pastry, before jumping back in time with an exploration of Castle Hill. Hike to the top, take the convenient bus line #16, or take the funicular (don’t miss the cityscape as you climb!), before emerging at the magnificent base of Buda Castle. The historical home of Hungarian kings, the palace’s quintessential Baroque-style architecture is a pillar of the palace complex. It’s also home to the Hungarian National Gallery, a treasure trove of Hungarian art that spans centuries.
Take a stroll around the palace’s manicured courtyards, before making your way to the district’s other landmarks; like the gorgeously gothic Matthias Church and the adjacent Fisherman’s Bastion, whose stone towers represent the seven chieftains who once led their tribes into modern-day Hungary.
Unwind in the Gellert and Rudas Baths on Gellert Hill
After racking up all those steps, an evening of spa-style pampering is just the ticket! Go for a vigorous climb up to the top of Gellert Hill for a bird’s eye view of Buda Castle, and while you’re there, marvel at the majestic Liberty Monument and Citadella [note: the latter is currently under construction, with completion scheduled for 2026]. ,. Before turning in for the night, treat yourself to an evening of relaxation at the traditional Gellert Thermal Baths. This Secession-style spa is connected to the luxe Gellert Hotel, which features an iconic stained-glass roof and a colonnaded swimming pool; while the Rudas Baths were built by the Turks and are more than 500 years old!
For even more waterworks, make your way to the Pest side and dedicate an afternoon to the Szechenyi Thermal Baths, whose neo-Baroque style construction attracts locals and tourists all year-round! It’s the largest medicinal bath in Europe, and offers scores of different pools, steam rooms, cabins, and specialty baths. Say ahh!
If you do visit Szechenyi Baths, don’t miss the nearby Heroes’ Square on Andrassy Avenue, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Day 3: Visit the Jewish Quarter
Your last day in Budapest begins with an early morning visit to the Jewish Quarter: the former site of Europe’s largest Jewish community and home to a thriving cultural stronghold. Start at the Dohany Street Synagogue, the second largest synagogue in the world, and enjoy its stunning Moorish Revival architecture- Spend a quiet moment at the adjacent “Tree of Life” Holocaust memorial. (Note: this landmark is only accessible via guided tour and wait times here can be lengthy, so be sure to book your time in advance!). Also worth a visit is the Holocaust Memorial Center in Budapest’s 9th district, which now serves as a documentation center and museum dedicated to Hungarian Jews killed in WWII.
Cap your time in the Jewish Quarter with a quick pit stop at Szempla Kert – Budapest’s very first pub in a dilapidated building, which features floors of repurposed seating, art installations, and quiet nooks! Established in the early 2000’s, the ruin bar concept’s quickly become a pillar of Budapest’s bustling club culture. Grab a drink midday when the crowds are thinner, pair it with a street-style snack from one of the nearby gourmet food trucks, and mingle with townies and tourists alike as you wander through the pub’s labyrinthine halls. Just be careful not to get lost!
Sample Local Fare at Central Market Hall on Vaci Street
Next, grab lunch on Vaci Street in the Central Market Hall, a 19th century mezzanine packed with shops and artisans, with goods ranging from fresh fruits and veggies, to meats and fish, flowers, and loads of locally-crafted goods. Grab a unique souvenir on the second floor of the market, and indulge in a kolbasz sausage link, or maybe a piled-high Langos flatbread, prior to hitting the road.
Depart Budapest
When it’s finally time to pack your bags, a private car service will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. You’ll head home with a new appreciation for this amazing city – and we bet you’ll already be planning your return trip!
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Alternate Budapest 3-Day Itinerary
Wondering what to do in Budapest with a partner or in the off-season? Check out our other Budapest itineraries and vacation packages to enjoy the best of this urban oasis all year long!
Budapest 3-Day Itinerary: Winter |
Budapest 3-Day Itinerary: for Couples |
Budapest 3-Day Itinerary: Summer |
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When’s the best time to visit Budapest?
Budapest has something to love in every season, so the best time to visit Hungary’s capital depends on what you’d like to experience. In the shoulder months [think: early spring and autumn], the city enjoys cooler average temperatures and fewer tourists. These are also the best times to get outside, as they intersect with many cultural activities, like the Budapest Spring Festival in April; the annual opening of the Art Market, and the Budapest Palinka and Sausage Festival, both of which take place in October.
Predictably, tourism peaks in the summer, which makes for more people and higher prices, but also comes with beach-worthy weather and a host of thrumming city-wide parties, like the Sziget Festival and Budapest Pride.
Alternatively, winter in Budapest is both the best time to avoid crowds and score a great deal on accommodation. Festive holiday markets spring up in December, while the city’s jam-packed concert season, museums, and lively nightlife offer plenty of heated indoor action (but beware that some of these activities are closed or have limited winter hours).
How many days in Budapest should you plan for?
As for the length of your Budapest stay? There really is no wrong answer here! You can power through Budapest’s highlights in as short as a 24-hour span, or leisurely explore the region with a visit that lasts a week or more; though, a longer romp also allows time for daytime excursions outside the city! To get your best Budapest bang for the buck, however, we think three days is just right for a solid introduction to Budapest, from can’t-miss sights to hidden gems. Check out Go Real Travel’s Custom Trip Planner to build the excursion that’s right for you!
Where to Stay in Budapest
With hundreds of hotel and accommodation options to choose from in Budapest, your choices – from location, to services, amenities and beyond – are quite extensive! Here are some of our go-to spots in the city to suit every style and budget:
5-Star:
- Aria Hotel Budapest
A prestigious Library Hotel Collection property, the boutique (and music-inspired!) Aria Hotel is the perfect choice for Budapest travelers who wish to blend culture with luxury. Its high-end facilities include top-notch rooms with complimentary breakfast, world-class spa services, and a rooftop garden; and its central location finds guests just steps from St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Danube.
- Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest
Tucked into the electric Pest district, the historic Parisi Udvar hotel is the very picture of urban oasis. Opened in the 19th century as Hungary’s very first shopping mall, the property was a monument for 50 years prior to its hotel transformation. Come for the elegant rooms and suites, but stay for the iconic stained glass windows, domed ceilings, and Art Nouveau design!
4-Star:
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Casati Hotel
Offering an adults-only experience, the award-winning Casati Hotel offers 25 rooms and four chic interiors to choose from. Onsite amenities include a buffet breakfast, personalized service, and wellness facilities, all at walking distance from Budapest’s historic Castle District. This one’s a great pick for small groups or couples!
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Prestige Hotel Budapest
Foodies, this one’s for you! Reconstructed from a former 19th century townhouse in neoclassical style, Prestige Hotel Budapest aims to combine bohemian opulence with urban buzz. 85 vintage-styled rooms and a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant onsite make for a truly one-of-a-kind stay for guests seeking a little, well, prestige.
3-Star:
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Fashion City Hotel
Nestled conveniently next to the Nyugati Railway Station in the Pest neighborhood, Fashion City Hotel combines haute design with streamlined comfort. The property dates back to the early 20th century, and since then, has expanded to include an exclusive fashion emporium. Other services include a coffee hall, breakfast, and 24-hour reception; and it’s appropriate for both kids and families.
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12 Revay Hotel
Located about halfway between St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian State Opera, 12 Revay Hotel offers a cozy respite tucked into the heart of the city! This boutique inn, an Accent Hotels property, packs 53 rooms and 3 apartments into its sleek confines, and puts guests within easy walking distance of countless can’t-miss landmarks. No nonsense sightseeing, here we come!
Conclusion: Plan a Trip to Budapest
Whatever your travel style or budget, Budapest’s iconic architecture, renowned traditions, and urban energy have something to offer for every visitor; from tranquil baths, to outdoor attractions, vibrant nightlife and beyond. If central Europe is one of your travel to-dos, we invite you to start by spending three days in Budapest – you’re bound to leave happy!
