Up until a few years ago, Budapest was a relatively unexplored European destination. I recently returned for the first time in 10 years and remembered just how magical the city is. Although Budapest is not necessarily a “hidden gem” anymore, it’s still worth a visit in my book! Whether you’re going for a quick weekend city break, or a longer stay there’s plenty to see and do in the Hungarian Capital. Keep reading for the top things to do in 3 days in Budapest.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. However, all opinions remain my own.
HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN BUDAPEST
WHERE TO STAY
For those visiting the Hungarian capital for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide where to stay. Depending on your budget and trip expectations these three areas are great base options for your Budapest city break.
District I – Castle District: District 1 is on the Buda side of the city, crossing the Danube River. It’s near the Buda Castle and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion. During the day, the area is quite busy, but this upscale neighborhood is calm in the evenings and a good option for a low-key weekend.
District V – Belvarós: District V or the downtown area of the city is within walking distance of most major sites, many restaurants, and cafes. You’ll find a range of accommodations, from high-end luxury hotels to more affordable Airbnbs. We stayed in this area, and it was perfect for a quick weekend getaway.
District 7: If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, craft beer, and hip coffee shops, then the Jewish District is the place to be. The neighborhood is home to several hostels making it a great option for those on a budget!
HOW TO GET AROUND
Budapest is a very walkable city! In fact, we walked mostly everywhere we went during our 3 days in Budapest, despite the colder weather. However, trams 2,4, and 6 and several metro lines connect the city center landmarks. If you’re in a hurry we also found that taxis and Ubers are quite affordable.
CURRENCY
Although in Europe, the euro doesn’t circulate in Hungary. Instead, the country uses the Hungarian forint. One euro is equivalent to about 390 HUF. Keep this in mind as you will need to either exchange cash or pay with a travel credit card that doesn’t have international exchange fees.
WHEN TO GO
Most blogs and articles will suggest visiting the city during the shoulder season (Spring and Autumn) for the best weather and travel deals. However, I am an adamant believer that Budapest is a perfect winter city break! Hearty food, warm thermal baths, and cozy cafes. Not to mention it tends to be more affordable in January and February after the holiday season. If you don’t mind a bit of cold, then I highly suggest taking the plunge and visiting this magical city in the winter!
WHAT TO DO IN BUDAPEST
Visit Buda Castle
Start your 3 days in Budapest on the other side of the Danube. Crossing the river, you’ll see the Buda Castle perched up on a hill. You can either take the funicular or walk up the stairs to the palace complex. The Royal Palace is one of the main symbols of the city and is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest Historical Museum.
Admire the View from Fisherman's Bastion
From the Buda Castle, continue on to Fisherman’s Bastion for one of the best views of Budapest. The famous Neo-Romanesque lookout terraces are one of the most visited attractions, and a must when visiting the city! For those hoping to avoid the crowds head to Fisherman’s Bastion as early as possible.
Coffee Break
Start your Budapest weekend with a coffee and local pastry at one of the many luxurious cafes in the city. Head to the famous New York Cafe for a classy breakfast in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. As this is one of the most popular cafes in Budapest, make sure to make a reservation well in advance, or be prepared to wait for over an hour for a table inside.
A lesser-known gem, that is also perfect for a coffee break and people watching, is the Parisi Passage. What used to be a high-end shopping arcade is now part of a luxury hotel. The arcade is open to the public whether or not you are a guest at the hotel!
Tour Parliament
The grandiose Parliament building is probably one of the most iconic buildings in the Hungarian capital and the third-largest parliament building in the world! You may not know, but it is actually possible to view the impressive building from the inside. The guided tours last approximately 45 minutes and are done in multiple languages throughout the day. Tickets start at 17 euros.
Get Warm at the Thermal Baths
Spending the day soaking at one of the many thermal baths is a must on any Budapest city break! There are multiple to choose from, but Széchenyi Baths and Gellért Baths are two of the most popular. Széchenyi is the largest with an outdoor heated pool area and multiple indoor pools and saunas. While Gellért Baths is smaller, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and a more peaceful atmosphere. Regardless of which thermal bath you choose, make sure to pack a towel, swimsuit and flip flops. I would also suggest a waterproof phone case and an extra towel or robe to keep warm!
There are various ticket options depending on the changing rooms you choose. Nonetheless, I highly recommend purchasing tickets online and planning your trip in the morning for fewer crowds.
Brunch at Twentysix
For tasty food and drinks and Instagram-worthy photos head to Twentysix. This trendy restaurant in the Budapest city center has an indoor courtyard and garden perfect for a weekend brunch or dinner and drinks. Although on the pricier side, the food was quite good and the overall atmosphere and decor were worth it. The restaurant has become quite popular, so prior reservations are a must!
Sail the Danube
There is no better way to see Budapest than from the water! After our first day of walking and exploring we boarded a sunset river cruise along the Danube. We sailed past the most important landmarks of the city while enjoying unlimited glasses of Prosecco! Apart from the incredible views, there was also audio commentary throughout the cruise, explaining the history and curiosities of the city. The entire 1.5-hour experience with the Prosecco included was around 25 euros per person.
Check out a Ruins Bar
Budapest nightlife has gained fame thanks to the unique ruins bars. These abandoned buildings that were once going to be destroyed have now been repurposed into a collection of eclectic bars with lots of graffiti, plants, and affordable drinks! There are several ruins bars in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, but the most famous is Szimpla Kert. Wander between the different rooms, try some local Hungarian beer or wine, and take in the lively atmosphere. These bars are truly unlike anything I’ve experienced before and even if you aren’t very interested in the bustling nightlife scene of the city, they are worth a quick visit!
If you’re looking for a weekend European city break, then 3 days in Budapest is the perfect solution!
Safe Travels,
Vips <3
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