Budapest Three Day Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Budapest

Looking for a 3-day Budapest Itinerary? Here’s how to spend a beautiful three days exploring the capital of Budapest from someone who’s done it!

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I didn’t know much about Budapest, but a few days of strolls along the Danube River, exploring the cobblestoned streets of Pest and indulging in one too many Chimney Cakes is all you need to fall in love with the Hungarian capital.

In this three-day itinerary I’ll be sharing everything you need to know to have a lovely trip to Budapest including where to stay, what to see, and where to eat and drink. Shall we?

About the Author

Hi! I’m Candace, I moved to London at 18 from the US to study (without ever having visited) and have built my life in the UK ever since.

On this blog, I share the best London, UK and Europe travel tips & itineraries to help you experience destinations to the fullest. Happy you’re here 🌏🇬🇧

P.S. – For more London & travel adventures be sure to follow along on Youtube, Instagram or TikTok!

Budapest Three Day Itinerary

Why Visit Budapest?

Before you buy your flight, pack your bags and learn a word of Hungarian (don’t worry – a simple ‘Köszönöm’, thank you, will do!) you may be wondering what Budapest has to offer in the first place.

Originally a Celtic settlement, the first ‘Hungarians’ arrived in the 9th century.

The city itself was once two, ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’, divided by the Danube River.

Until they came together in 1837, making the Budapest we know today.

A visit to Budapest has everything you’d want out of a European holiday—an overflow of history, striking views, old castles, charming cobblestoned streets and Instagrammable architecture.

Not to mention its obvious beauty and easily accessible location to other European destinations like Paris or London.

How Long to Spend in Budapest (Is 3 Days in Budapest Enough?)

Once you’ve decided to make the trip to Budapest, you’ll want to know how long to stay.

‘Is 3 days in Budapest enough?‘

And the answer is—yes.

Three days in Budapest will give you enough time to see the highlights like the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, and the Castle District, all while getting to indulge in local gems like the Budapest cafe scene and maybe even a Hungarian jazz club, if you fancy.

In truth, if you really wanted to you could do Budapest in 2 days, but I highly recommend 3 days in Budapest to avoid feeling rushed on your trip.

Overview of Budapest + Quick Tips For Your Trip

✈️ Best Airport to Fly Into: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

The best airport to fly into for your trip is the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, followed by taking a taxi, Bolt or Uber, or the BKK public bus for a 40-minute journey to central Budapest.

🚂 Best Train to Budapest: Eurostar to Hungarian Sleeper Train

If you’re travelling from somewhere else in Europe you may be keen to reach Budapest by train. You can take the EuroNight from Zurich to Budapest, the Adria InterCity from Croatia, a Night train from Munich to Budapest or take the Eurostar to Brussels or Eurostar to Paris and a high-speed TGV train to Stuttgart, followed by a sleeper train to Budapest.

For each make sure you book your tickets well in advance, especially if you have connections!

🚍 Getting Around Budapest: Walking, Metro, Tram or Bus

Like many European cities, Budapest is extremely walkable, so you technically could go your whole trip without needing public transport.

With that said, the public transportation in Budapest is highly efficient if you’re not keen to spend all your time roaming Hungarian streets (as charming as they may be).

Metro – You can get around to most sites and attractions for your 3 days in Budapest via lines 4, 6 and 2. For ease, you pay via Pay-as-you-go with your Apple Pay or Google Pay. Otherwise buy your selected ticket in the station before your journey or the BudapestGO app.

Tram – Use the BudapestGO app or similarly, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Bus – Use the BudapestGO app, Apple Pay or Google Pay or the BKK ticket vending machines

I suggest using Citymapper to help you navigate directions and Bolt if you’d prefer to be driven. It’s very affordable in Budapest!

🏧 Currency in Budapest: Hungarian Forint

The currency in Budapest is Hungarian forint which you can get via your nearest ATM in the city, however the majority of places accept card.

With that said, to avoid unwanted transaction fees I suggest taking out some Hungarian forint for your trip, or using a free multi-currency account like Wise or Revolut to have a Hungarian forint debit card/Apple Pay/Google Pay for your trip.

🍂 Best Time to Visit Budapest: It Depends

In a city like Budapest there truly is no bad time to visit, only a different experience!

Summer in Budapest is the obvious choice and the most popular with temperatures reaching up to 32–35°C (89°F to 95°F), just bear it mind it will be busy!

Autumn in Budapest is great for lessened crowds and mild temperatures in the 20°Cs (60°F to 70°F).

Winter in Budapest can get very cold with temperatures from 1–4°C (33°F to 39 °F) to below 0°C (32°F), but you’ll still get heated thermal baths at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and of course, all the Budapest in Christmas decor.

Spring in Budapest will give you highs of around 25°C (77°F) and is the perfect compromise for warmer exploring with less crowds before the summer peak!

🌊 The Best Tours in Budapest: Széchenyi Thermal Bath & Danube River Cruise Tour

With a city as iconic as Budapest, there’s tons of worthwhile tours and experiences to have during your 3 days in the city — but my top two would be the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and taking a Danube River Cruise Tour.

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is perhaps the city’s biggest claim to fame, known as Europe’s largest medicinal bath and a fantastic place to spend a few hours sunbathing and enjoying Hungarian life.

In the evening during your 3 days in Budapest, I highly recommend taking a river cruise across the Danube River. This is a great way to see the city from a new perspective, and you can even get dinner and unlimited prosecco on your cruise too!

🇭🇺 Culture/People: A Friendly & Funny People

I can only speak from my own experience of Hungarian culture and people, but from the locals we interacted with Hungarians were extremely friendly, cool and funny (ex. – our Bolt driver’s exclamation when he realised I’m the first ‘Candace’ he’s ever met – proceeding to give us 30 minutes of fun travel advice for the rest of Hungary).

Budapest as a city is extremely open, modern and accepting, especially in comparison to the rest of the country.

🧍🏽‍♀️ Travelling Solo:

Like many European cities traveling to Budapest solo is safe if you exercise normal precautions (not telling strangers you’re traveling on your own, avoiding drinking too much, opting for Bolt over public transportation if very late etc.).

You may also want to consider staying in this Budapest hostel if you’re looking to make friends during your trip!

Where to Stay in Budapest for First Time Visitors

From experience, I recommend staying at the Novotel Budapest Centrum for your 3 days in the city.

It’s very centrally located, well-priced, with classic and simple rooms and a hearty buffet breakfast.

What to See in Budapest in 3 Days

Day 1 in Budapest

Morning:

Breakfast at the New York Café

Your first morning in Budapest (or anywhere) should start with breakfast, and what better place to have it than the New York Café.

As soon as you arrive you’ll easily see why it’s hailed as the most beautiful cafe in the world.

Drenched in gold-leaf marble, opulent chandeliers, and high ceilings you’ll instantly feel like you’ve entered a European fairytale. With a delicious Hungarian coffee to match.

Historically it’s also been a haven for famed poets, writers and authors of Hungary, as the Hungarian writer Sándor Márai put it:

“There is no literature without a Café”.

Whether it’s a new addition to your Instagram feed, a caffeine fix, or a slice of history you’re after, it’s well worth the visit.

And if you’re lucky, there’ll be live music too! The perfect start to your Budapest three day itinerary.

Practicals: Open 8am-12am daily, walk-ins only except for dinner reservations after 6pm — I suggest getting here for opening at 8am or close to for a chance at great seats.

Roam the Pest District

Like most European cities, one of the best things about being in Budapest is simply walking around and admiring the architecture, crooked streets, daily Hungarian life, and all the boutique shops that catch your eye.

Have a stroll down the centre of the Pest District and gawk at the St. Stephen’s Basilica, pop into local shops like Pesti Kornel and take up the first views of Budapest’s iconic yellow trams.

Afternoon: Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Exploring Pest by foot will eventually lead you up to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

It’s the official divide between Buda and Pest, and is Danube River’s first permanent bridge.

The views from here are incredible, and it’ll also get you nicely to your next stop on your 3 days in Budapest.

Take a Funicular Cable Car Up to Buda Castle Hill

If there’s one thing Budapest will give you, it’s a beautiful view.

On that note, it’s time to take a ride on the Funicular Cable Car Up to Buda Castle Hill.

The unique railway track runs 95-metres-long up to the charmed Buda Castle Hill, aka the former Royal Palace, now home to the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.

You’ll also be privy to picturesque cityscapes (including the Hungarian Parliament Building), monuments and al fresco dining ops from here.

I highly recommend not rushing your experience, and instead coming on the last day of your Budapest three day itinerary to explore more of the Castle District too.

Evening:

Sunset drinks along the Danube River

If there’s one thing I piqued from my time in Budapest, it’s that Hungarians know how to have a good time — luckily, that extends to their cocktail scene too.

Sprawled across the Danube river you’ll find boat bars and public tables, all ready to offer you sunset with a drink in hand.

We personally enjoyed the terrace at the BOATanic Terrace & Bar. It was fab!

Day 2 in Budapest

Morning:

Budapest Café Scene

With a fabulous day 1 of Budapest behind you, it’s time to start your day 2 in an equally delicious way — with an obligatory bite into the Budapest café scene.

The city’s prideful Hungarian baking scene lives up to its reputation, with a dazzling array of tempting, yummy, and fluffy morning bites on nearly every corner.

On that note, make sure to give VAJ and Artizán Bakery a try on your Budapest trip, they’re fantastic!

Városliget (City Park)

Stuffed and caffeine satiated, it’s time to walk it off with beauty at the Városliget.

The free city park is home to flying hot air balloons, lush green space, occasional local markets, events and the romantic Vajdahunyad Castle.

Have a wander around and get your swimsuit ready for what’s next…

Afternoon:

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

If you mention Budapest to anyone, their first thought is probably ‘oh, the thermal baths!’, and rightfully so.

The Széchenyi Thermal Baths are one of the most iconic thermal baths in the world, and it should definitely be part of your Budapest three day itinerary.

Built in 1913 the thermal hotspot and Europe’s largest medicinal bath includes 18 pools, hot spring baths with soothing minerals, cafes, and a restaurant and bar to keep the spa party going all day if you wish!

On that note, I highly recommend booking your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. Pack a swimsuit for your trip and a towel from your hotel if available (they have a towel rental service if not).

Once you arrive with your ticket you’ll be given a wristband, locker and full-day access to the facilities.

Between lounging bath side, enjoying the water and having an al fresco drink or bite here, it’s truly a dream day in Budapest.

P.S. – The baths vary in temperatures, so can be enjoyed any time of the year you visit!

Evening:

High Note Sky Bar

Feeling lovely and jubbly from your spa day, if you’re up for it, have a freshen up and head to tapas and drinks at the High Note Sky Bar.

The swanky rooftop terrace and bar serves some of the best Budapest views alongside delectable light bites, dinner and music nights too.

It’s a bit pricey, but very worth the experience!

Day 3 in Budapest

Morning:

Castle District

Remember when I said we’d slowly but surely find our way back to the Castle District?

For your last magical morning in Budapest, you’ll explore more of this enchanted corner of the city with a gawk or visit to The Church of Our Lady Of Buda Castle (Budavári Nagyboldogasszony-templom), a 13th-century church with an eclectic art museum and a walk through the Fisherman’s Bastion — a 19th-century fortress with sweeping views of the city.

There’s also a terrace at the Fisherman’s Bastion, and local shops and cafes if you walk away from the crowds and deeper into the neighbourhood. Like Magyar Vendéglő!

P.S. – I suggest getting here as early AM as you can for the best *non-crowded* photos.

Afternoon:

Central Market Hall / Karaván

Back to the Budapest streets, you’ll be delighted by the grand Central Market Hall or the mouth-watering street food at Karaván.

The Central Market Hall (or Great Market Hall) is housed in an 1800s train station turned Budapest market, overflowing with Hungarian produce, fresh goods, local vendors and pretty much everything foodie under the sun.

It’s also great for people-watching as this is a true local Hungarian spot, too.

For something more modern, visit the hip and inviting Karaván for local and well-priced street food in a leafy pedestrian passage.

Or, why not both?

Evening:

Goulash Dinner in Pest

It’s become quite a foodie day hasn’t it? But I couldn’t let you leave Budapest without some Hungarian Goulash.

Hearty, flavourful and delightful, eating Goulash is like a really good hug you didn’t know you needed.

We had one at the family-owned Little Bell (not much of an online presence, but delicious!) or you can go to the well-known Gettó Gulyás or Gundel Cafe.

P.S. – New to the Goulash scene? It’s a stew made out of meat, vegetables, spices and lots of Hungarian paprika.

Sunset River Cruise Across the Danube River

It’s time to end your three day trip to Budapest with a beautiful bang.

Take a sunset river cruise to see the last sights of the city with the gorgeous Danube River as your backdrop.

Here’s the Budapest Sunset Cruise I recommend 🌅

Final Thoughts on Three Days in Budapest

Overall three days in Budapest is the perfect amount of time to soak in the highlights, and leave you wanting more.

I hope my itinerary has inspired your Budapest trip, and be sure to let me know how it goes!

Thanks for reading my Budapest Three-Day Itinerary. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!

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Happy travels,