Why 3 Days in Budapest is Just Right
So, you’ve got three days in Budapest and want to see as much as possible, without feeling like you’re in a travel marathon.
Good news: three days is the perfect amount of time to fall in love with the city, hit the must-see spots, and still have time to sip wine by the river or soak in a steamy thermal bath like a local.
In this itinerary, I’ll walk you through how to spend your 3 days in Budapest like someone who actually lives here (hi, I’m Gabriella), not just someone racing from one TripAdvisor list to another.
You’ll cover:
- the best viewpoints,
- legendary landmarks (yes, including the Parliament),
- ruin bars that don’t feel like a cliché,
- Perfect opportunities to relax, unwind, and soak it all in.
Each day is split into:
- Morning (classic sightseeing)
- Afternoon (food, museums, or chill)
- Evening (viewpoints or nightlife, your call)
Bonus: I’ve added clickable maps (Google Maps) and book-ahead options to keep things hassle-free.
Ready? Here’s how to see Budapest in 3 days, with a little help from a local.
Day 1: Hills, History & Sunset Over the Danube
Morning, Step into Royal Budapest
Start your first day in Budapest on the Buda side, the quieter, more historic half of the city. It’s where castles, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views all come together. Take it slow, grab a coffee near Clark Ádám Square, and then…
Visit Buda Castle
You can reach the Castle Hill area by walking up (moderate incline) or by taking the Budapest Castle Funicular, it’s quick, scenic, and very old-school.
Tip: Book your funicular or walking tour in advance, check options here (affiliate link placeholder)
Inside the Castle complex, you’ll find:
- The Hungarian National Gallery
- The Budapest History Museum
- Beautiful terraces with river views
Even if you skip the museums, the courtyard and views are 100% worth it.
Explore Matthias Church & Fisherman’s Bastion
A few minutes’ walk away, you’ll find two of the most photographed places in Budapest:
- The colorful-tiled Matthias Church, full of legends
- The dreamy Fisherman’s Bastion, with its fairytale towers and epic Parliament views
Best photo spot: Stand at the top right corner of Fisherman’s Bastion facing across the river. And just like that, the Parliament Building glows in the sun.
Local tip: Most of Fisherman’s Bastion is free; only a small part is ticketed.
Lunch – Eat with a View
Stay in the area for lunch. You’ll find:
- Pest-Buda Bistro (traditional dishes, outdoor seating)
- Halászbástya Restaurant (panoramic terrace, $$, romantic)
- Street food kiosks near the funicular if you’re on the go
Order a gulyás soup or paprikás csirke for your first taste of real Hungarian comfort food.
Afternoon, Gellért Hill & a Well-Earned Break
Ready for more views? After lunch, make your way to Gellért Hillon foot or by bus.
While the Citadel itself is under renovation, the path and viewpoints are open and worth the climb.
- The kind of sweeping view that makes you pause, from Buda to Pest, all in one frame.
- This is where you slow down and let Budapest work its magic.
Best time: Go mid-afternoon to catch the golden hour light
Wear comfortable shoes, it’s a gentle uphill hike with benches along the way
Evening, Dinner & Drinks in Buda or Head to Pest
If you’re already tired, stay Buda-side.
Try:
- Pest-Buda Terrace or
- Baltazár Grill (local upscale)
If you’re not quite done yet, make your way back over the Chain Bridge and:
- Stroll along the Pest riverbank
- Grab a cocktail at a rooftop bar (like Aria Hotel’s High Note SkyBar)
- Or hop on a sunset Danube cruise, book here (affiliate link placeholder)
Nothing beats the Parliament and bridges glowing under sunset skies from the river.
End of Day 1 Summary:
| ✔️ | Highlights Covered |
| Buda Castle | Historic royal grounds |
| Fisherman’s Bastion | Best photo ops |
| Matthias Church | Cultural gem |
| Gellért Hill | Panoramic views |
| Dinner | With a view or rooftop option |
| Optional | Danube river cruise |
Day 2: Parliament Views, Grand Avenues & Ruin Bar Vibes
Morning, Parliament & Riverfront Highlights
There’s no better place to start the day than at Budapest’s crown jewel: the Parliament Building.
Take a Guided Tour of the Parliament
This architectural masterpiece is even more impressive inside than outside.
Tours are available daily in English and take about 45 minutes.
Book your tickets online in advance, check tour availability
Best photos: Want that perfect Parliament photo? Try Batthyány Square across the river, or grab a window seat on Tram 2.
Shoes on the Danube Memorial
Just a 5-minute walk south of the Parliament, you’ll find one of the city’s most moving memorials, a tribute to Hungarian Jews executed along the river during WWII. It’s one of those places that speaks without words.
Late Morning – St. Stephen’s Basilica + Panorama View
Walk southeast to St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s largest church.
Go inside (it’s free, donations welcome), and if you’re up for a climb (or elevator ride), the dome lookout offers 360° views over the city.
Bring coins or pay a small fee to access the dome
Amazing photos at sunset if you return here later
Lunch, Street Food, or Stylish Bistros
There are tons of great lunch spots within 10 minutes:
- Karaván Street Food Court (open-air, food truck vibes)
- Mazeltov (stylish Middle Eastern courtyard bistro)
- Trattoria Pomo D’Oro (if you want a European switch-up)
Hungarian must-try: Craving something local? Try lángos for the salty bite and chimney cake for the sweet finish.
Afternoon, Andrassy Avenue & Heroes’ Square
Time for a scenic walk down Budapest’s elegant Andrássy Avenue (UNESCO-listed).
Along the way:
- Hungarian State Opera House
- House of Terror Museum (WWII + communist history)
- Boutiques and cafés
Use metro line M1 (the oldest in mainland Europe!) to jump between spots
Arrive at Heroes’ Square and explore the nearby City Park (Városliget).
If you’re up for more:
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
- Or walk to the Vajdahunyad Castle inside the park
Evening – Ruin Bars, Craft Drinks & Urban Nightlife
Head back toward the Jewish Quarter, by now, it’s buzzing with energy.
Start at Szimpla Kert
Yes, it’s the most famous ruin bar, and yes, it’s worth it.
Filled with quirky furniture, art installations, and candlelit nooks, it’s part bar, part museum of weird.
If you want alternatives:
- Doboz – younger crowd, big courtyard
- Kőleves Kert – more relaxed
- Rácskert – food + drinks
Dinner in the Jewish Quarter
End your night with some Hungarian fusion or local fare:
- Mazel Tov (if not earlier)
- Gettó Gulyás trendy spot for classics
- Drum Café casual, tasty, quick
Before calling it a night, sip some Tokaji wine or go local with a chilled fröccs (wine spritzer).
End of Day 2 Summary:
| ✔️ | Highlights |
| Parliament Tour | Inside + outside views |
| Basilica & Dome | Panoramic views |
| Shoes Memorial | Cultural history |
| Andrássy Walk | Museums, Opera |
| Heroes’ Square | City park + photos |
| Ruin Bars | Szimpla Kert & beyond |
| Local Dinner | Jewish Quarter gems |
Day 3: Baths, Chill Spots & Hidden Budapest
Morning, Gellért Baths & Slow Start
Soak in the Gellért Thermal Baths
After two full days of sightseeing and ruin bar-hopping, you deserve some full-body recovery time.
Enter: the stunning Gellért Baths, famous for their gorgeous Art Nouveau interiors, stained glass windows, and indoor/outdoor pools.
Pro tip: Arrive right at opening for the most peaceful experience (usually 9:00 AM).
Book your ticket online to skip the queue, check here (affiliate link placeholder)
Inside, you’ll find:
- Hot thermal pools (36–40°C)
- Saunas + steam rooms
- Massages (book ahead if you want one)
- A sunlit swimming hall with classical columns
It’s a camera-worthy spot, but be respectful of spa vibes.
Late Morning – Coffee & Cake with a View
Right next to the baths, step into the historic Hotel Gellért’s café or walk across Liberty Bridge and grab a seat at:
- Café Csiga – cozy & local
- Ruszwurm Cukrászda (Old Buda side, classic Hungarian pastries)
Try a Dobos torta or flódni (Jewish-Hungarian pastry) with your coffee.
Afternoon – Margaret Island & Urban Nature
Hop on a tram or enjoy a scenic walk to Margaret Island (Margitsziget), a massive green escape in the middle of the Danube.
What to do:
- Watch the musical fountain (runs hourly, plays classical + pop)
- Grab a bringóhintó with friends and explore every corner of the island in a fun way (4-wheeled bike cart).
- Chill in the shade, read a book, nap on the grass
- Visit the small zoo or Japanese garden
Entry is free, and you’ll mostly see locals here on weekends
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and picnics alike
Evening – Hidden Gems & One Last View
On your last night, skip the crowds and check out some low-key favorites:
Explore Budapest’s Hidden Courtyards
Wander around the Palace District (around Mikszáth Kálmán tér).
Here you’ll find:
- Quiet cafés
- Antique bookshops
- Archways and ivy-covered buildings
Or if you’re in the mood for something more atmospheric:
Visit the Rumbach Street Synagogue
Recently restored, this lesser-known synagogue offers a stunning Moorish-style interior and is far less crowded than the Dohány Street one.
Open late on select evenings, check ahead
Dinner, Finish Strong
Wrap up your Budapest trip with a dinner that combines great food and ambience.
Top choices:
- Menza: Think nostalgic Hungarian flavors, but with a modern twist, that’s Menza.
- Déryné Bistro: Upscale but cozy, Déryné is one of those rare spots locals return to again and again.
- Kiosk Budapest: modern, right by the river
Dive into the local flavors: creamy túrós csusza or perfectly cooked duck breast with a tangy cherry twist.
End of Day 3 Summary:
| ✔️ | Highlights |
| Gellért Baths | Art Nouveau spa escape |
| Margaret Island | Green space + relaxation |
| Courtyards | Hidden urban charm |
| Rumbach Synagogue | Lesser-known historic site |
| Final Dinner | Local favorite restaurants |
Bonus Tip: Save this itinerary to your phone or Pinterest board — and check out the map below for all locations in one place.