Budapest is a city rich with food, culture, architecture, and endless stunning attractions. Although it’s nicknamed the “City of Baths” for a reason, there’s so much more to do than soak in the famous thermals! We rushed around on our first visit in early July and explored as much as we could of Budapest in 3 days. However, with so much to see it was almost impossible to check everything off our Budapest itinerary. The Danube River runs straight through the middle of town and is surrounded by beautiful bridges and monuments that tell its story. Our ultimate Budapest travel guide will take you through the city as we breakdown everything from our favorite ruin bars to the best views, and can’t miss sights!

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Budapest Travel Guide General Information

Location: Budapest Hungary

Official Language: Hungarian

Currency: Hungarian Forint

How Long to Visit: 3 Days in Budapest or More

Airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) & Fall (September-October)

Honest First Impression: On our first visit we felt overwhelmed as we wanted to experience all of Budapest in 3 days. Yet after dropping off our bags and heading out to dinner we felt at once a youthful atmosphere with countless bars and restaurants filling the streets with life. All the Budapest attractions completely took us by surprise, and even had us day dreaming about moving there!

Visiting Budapest Cost Breakdown

Luxury Hotel: $200+

Budget Hotel: $80+

Hostel Bed: $15+

Local Meal: $4-7

Western Meal: $5-9

Big Beer: $3

Bike Rental: $5-10

River Boat Cruise: $10+

Arrive By… Flight Train or Bus

Flight: The Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is roughly 45 minutes from the city center. You can take a taxi, shared van, or public bus that will drop you off at your hotel. The bus is much cheaper and stops at three different points in the city near all the Budapest attractions.

Train: Budapest Keleti Railway Station is the main international train station in the city and just a quick metro ride away from the Jewish Quarter. Make sure you check your ticket because you could be arriving into Budapest-Déli Railway Terminal or Budapest-Nyugati as well.

Bus: There are different bus stations in Budapest depending on which company you use. The most popular is Budapest-Népliget Bus Station which serves both Euroline and FlixBus. Leave enough time to get there as Nepliget is just outside the city near the Groupama soccer stadium.

Stay… Near the Jewish Quarter or Széchenyi Chain Bridge

We fell in love with the Jewish Quarter and found it was the perfect place to stay. It’s within walking distance of everything downtown, has hundreds of bars and restaurants, and is close access to all public transportation.

When visiting Budapest we highly recommend staying in the Jewish Quarter or at any of the hotels between there and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. This is the heart of the city so you won’t have to waste too much time getting to all the best Budapest attractions. If you’re looking for hotels check out our recommendations at the bottom of this Budapest travel guide!

Eat… Your Way Through The City

In a massive city like Budapest there’s endless local and international options to pick from. We had the best Hungarian traditional dishes, ate piles of hummus, a few doner kebabs, and even gave into our guilty pleasure of Vietnamese food! If you’re visiting Budapest in 3 days, a week, or even squeezing everything into one day… We got you covered!

Check out our post A Food Lovers Day in Budapest for a breakdown of our ultimate eating day. With so many diverse restaurants you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a good meal while working your way through your Budapest itinerary!

Must Try Local Dishes: Goulash and Spaetzle, Lángos, Fruit or Cheese Soup, Stuffed Cabbage, Sausages, and Chimney Cakes.

Drink… Cherry & Local Beer

Traditionally Hungary is recognized for wine while its neighbors are known more for beer. However, in Budapest it felt like everyone was guzzling huge pints at every turn! While we love wine as much as the next traveler, you should know that it can be saved for smaller Hungarian towns.

Budapest is a beer city! It was here that we discovered something that was unlike any other beer we’ve every had. Just a few years ago Hungarian breweries started to make a Cherry beer, and it was such a hit that it’s become a staple in bars throughout the city. You can now get a beer with any fruit flavor while visiting Budapest, but the Cherry Meggy is the best!

Explore By… Walking Your Butt Off

For how large Budapest is it somehow still manages to be an extremely walkable city. When going between the major Budapest attractions you’ll cross over bridges, stop at funky cafes, and wind through countless beautiful backstreets. It was so impressive the way the old buildings blended so well with the modern architecture.

We always prefer walking because it gives us a chance to exercise while also feeling like we’re not missing out on anything. Yet with so many things to see on our Budapest itinerary we sometimes had to take the tram. Be warned though, if you’re trying to see Budapest in 3 days or less you may end up strolling for 10+ miles a day… So get your walking shoes ready!

City Tram: We recommend walking in our Budapest travel guide, but you should know that the trains are super convenient and inexpensive! For longer distances or to save time you can always jump on a train or bus.

Relax… In a Budapest Thermal Bath

Budapest holds the title as the “city of baths” and after our many visits we can tell you how deserving that is! There’s a huge range of different spas to choose with everything from famous baths like Gellért to smaller local spots hidden in the side streets. If you plan on including this in your Budapest itinerary you could easily hit more than one!

It’s impossible to think about this city without day dreaming of the warm mineral filled water in the many thermals. Make sure you get to one, especially if you’re traveling to Hungary in the cold winter months! You can read all about our experience at the most popular Budapest spa in our article below.

A Morning Visit to Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Skip the Line and Book Your Széchenyi Spa Full-Day Pass

Shop… At the Central Market Hall

The Central Market is your one stop shop for everything you could ever want when visiting Budapest! The massive building makes up the largest and oldest market in the city, first opening in 1897. Here you’ll find local fruits, vegetables, meats, and even clothing or souvenirs.

Still, the star of the show is undoubtedly the food stalls on the second floor. This is where you can sample all the best traditional Hungarian food the city has to offer. Have lunch here one day and be sure to add what’s also known as “The Great Market Hall” to your Budapest itinerary!

→ Central Market Location

Cross Over… The Many City Bridges

In total, there are eight bridges crossing over the Danube River! They’re no doubt Budapest attractions in themselves, with each one having it’s own unique features. The Chain Bridge is the oldest being completed in 1849, and was the first to connect the Buda and Pest sides of the city. Just a little bit further up the river you’ll find Margaret Bridge which hovers over the Danube to Margaret Island.

Out of all the bridges we mention in this Budapest travel guide our personal favorite is the Liberty Bridge! They actually shut it down to traffic on the weekends during summer, and it turns into a big party where everyone brings their own drinks and music. How unique and fun is that? If you’re trying to visit Budapest in 3 days you may not be able to cross the all the bridges, but you’ll be in awe of them at the very least!

See History… At the Buda Castle

It’s hard to find a place with more historical importance when visiting Budapest than the Buda Castle! First built in the 13th century by King Béla IV of Hungary, it was then captured and recaptured countless times by opposing forces. It sits beautifully above the river next to the Fisherman’s Bastion, and there’s much to explore inside.

In addition to its unique exterior, the Buda Castle holds a history museum and the impressive Hungarian National Gallery. Our advice would be to go early and see both the castle and Fisherman’s Bastion in the same day as they’re next to each other on the Buda side of the river. You can even add a funicular ride up to your Budapest itinerary if you’re not up for the short hike!

→ Buda Castle Location

Explore Nature… On Margaret Island

After visiting so many Budapest attractions you might need a breath of fresh air. Luckily you’ll find all that and more on Margaret Island! Known as the greenest part of the city, the 2.5 km long strip is filled with trees, flowers, and walking paths running along this small landmass in the center of the river.

It’s a great place to rent a bicycle and get some exercise while exploring a different side of Budapest. On a summer day in the city you’ll see many people here, but the area is big enough where it doesn’t ever feel crowded. There’s also swimming pools, an open air cinema, a small zoo, two musical fountains, and even medieval ruins on Margaret Island!

→ Margaret Island Location

Learn About Hungary… At The National Museum

Didn’t get enough history on the Buda side of the Danube River? Well, you’re in luck! The Hungarian National Museum is the best place to see art, history, and archaeology in our Budapest travel guide. It houses many exhibitions on different subjects as well as going through every era of history in this part of Europe. At the time of our visit entrance was 2,600 Huf ($9 USD), and it’s opened from 10am to 6pm every day except Monday.

→ Budapest National Museum Location

Hike… To the Citadella

While there’s dozens of great hikes in and around the city, the best view of Budapest is at the Citadel. From the Pest side you can cross either the Liberty or St. Elisabeth bridges to start the hike up Gellért-Hill. On both ends you should see many paths up to the top, and the hike in total only takes 20-30 minutes. We went from the Liberty Bridge side which was moderately steep and filled with several viewpoints as you get closer to the top.

The day we hiked to this Budapest attraction was extremely humid, but we didn’t let that stop us from getting an unreal view! The Citadella is the fortress atop the hill built in 1851 by the Austrian Empire. It was not until the turn of the century when Hungary actually took control of it. On the front of the fortress you’ll also find the gigantic Liberty Statue which was built by the Soviets after World War II.

→ Gwllwet-Hill Viewpoint Location

Spend the Morning… At Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is something that should be at the top of every Budapest itinerary. It’s the cities most recognizable architecture after the Hungarian Parliament, and you’ll see that it certainly lives up to the hype. With its amazing towers and city views, Fisherman’s Bastion is the perfect compliment to the neighboring Buda Castle.

Each of the seven towers represents one of the legendary Magyar tribes that settled in this region in the 9th century. By the looks of it you may think the building is just as old as the rest of the historical structures in Budapest. Surprisingly Fisherman’s Bastion was only finished in 1902, and built to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian state. To enter the main building and viewpoint is free, and to visit the upper towers of this famous Budapest attraction is just 1,000 Huf ($3 USD).

→ Fisherman’s Bastion Location

Don’t Miss Out On… Matthias Church

Located directly behind Fisherman’s Bastion, it’d be a shame if you missed out on the incredible Matthias Church! Legend has it that Matthias was originally built in the year 1015 by the King of Hungary Saint Stephen. It was then destroyed by the Mongols during their conquest of Budapest in 1241. The current building was erected shortly after that in the 13th century, and still stands today. It may get lost in the luster of the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion if you only have 3 days in Budapest. Nonetheless, make sure you don’t miss out on this spectacular church!

Take in the View of… The Hungarian Parliament Building

Among the endless Budapest attractions the Hungarian Parliament reigns supreme! Its intricate designs are mesmerizing, and it’s one of the few buildings we’ve seen in Europe that literally made our jaws drop. So how do add the best view to your Budapest itinerary?

While you may think it would be directly across the Danube River we found many more ways to see this famous building. The Kossuth Lajos Square behind the Parliament is great for a close up, and anywhere around the Buda Castle is perfect for long range. Without a doubt though, the ultimate way to see it is to get out out on the water!

Book a 45-Minute Guided Tour of Parliament

Watch the Sunset… On a River Boat Cruise

It should come as no surprise that the best place to watch the sunset is also THE SPOT to see the Hungarian Parliament building. The sunset boat cruise was also one the most fun things we did during our time in the city! The river boats range from super low key budget to upscale dinner cruises, so it shouldn’t be a problem finding one that suits you.

We paid the equivalent of 9 Euros for a one hour boat cruise, and it even included a free drink. It was amazing being out on the water just as the sun set, and sliding underneath all the magnificent bridges. If you’re only on a short trip and seeing Budapest in 3 days, this is also a great way to see more sights quickly!

Book a Budapest Night Cruise with Parliament View and Champagne

Remember World War II…. With the Shoes at the Danube Bank

Hungary has long and storied Jewish traditions dating back thousands of years. Unfortunately, it all came to a crashing halt during World War II in Budapest. Using the same “racial purity” ideology as the Nazis did, the Hungarian Arrow Cross soldiers terrorized the city towards the end of the war. As many as 20,000 Jews were taken from the newly formed Budapest ghetto, murdered, and their bodies thrown in the Danube River. There are several other monuments around the Jewish Quarter dedicated to these atrocities, but this one really moved us the most while visiting Budapest.

→ Shoes on the Danube Bank Location

Visit During the Day and Night… St. Stephen’s Basilica

Honestly, we never had to add the St. Stephen’s Basilica to our Budapest itinerary because we ran into it almost every day. The former theatre turned church is the perfect centerpiece to the city, and will leave you speechless the first time you see it. The inside of St. Stephen’s is almost more breathtaking than the exterior as its beauty stretches from bell tower to bell tower. The way it shines during the day and lights up with the night sky clearly makes it one of the most noticeable Budapest attractions. One day you should plan to wake up early to take the tour and climb to the top of the dome.

St. Stephen’s Basilica Website with Tour Hours and Information

People Watch… At the Pontoon Bar

By now you’ve probably figured out that almost everything in our Budapest travel guide is centered around the Danube River. Along with the many sights near the water there’s also a great assortment of bars and restaurants with amazing views. The most fun that we came across was the Pontoon Bar next to the Chain Bridge! Grab a drink and watch the boats pass by as you take in one of the coolest spots in Budapest.

→ Pontoon Bar Locaiton

Grab a Meal… At Karavan Food Street

Now that you’ve checked off so many items on your Budapest itinerary it’s time to eat! Karavan Food Street is in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, and features dozens of delicious food trucks. With its location next door to the most popular ruin bar in the city (Szimpla Kert) there’s no doubt you’ll end up here at some point. The only problem will be figuring out what to order!

Karavan has every type of food from American BBQ to tacos, and even burgers with fried dough as the buns. Nevertheless, the winner for us was the hummus truck. We went here on numerous occasions to get the tasty falafel pitas and our mouths are watering just thinking about them now. You’ll also find plenty of great Hungarian Beers and drinks here to wash down your food with. Cheers!

→ Karavan Food Street Location

Spend the Night… Ruin Bar Hopping

While we’re on the topic of drinks we might as well tell you about Budapest’s epic nightlife! The ruin bars have become a staple of the city, and a symbol of its great artistry and creativity. These once abandoned buildings have been uniquely remodeled and are now the hottest places to go out in the city. If you only have time for one ruin bar stop on your Budapest itinerary go to original one at Szimpla Kert. Do your best to get there early so you can take in every funky room display before the masses come to party the night away. If your visiting Budapest in 3 days or for a long weekend definitely hit some of our favorite ones below!

Our 5 Favorite Ruin Bars in Budapest

Watch Out For…. Stag and Hen Parties

We have one warning for you in our Budapest travel guide, and it’s not bad weather or pickpocketing. We were shocked at the amount of bachelor and bachelorette parties we saw stumbling around the city during the middle of the day. Specifically in the Jewish Quarter and nightlife areas, it’s common to see large groups of men visiting Budapest for one reason, and one reason only… To party!

Long weekends where groups visit Budapest in 3 days is very common, and easy flights are very cheap from other major cities. Another contributing factor is obviously the endless amount of bar options in between the many Budapest attractions. Either way, we saw everything from loud chanting to fist fights and many drinks spilt on strangers. Just something to be aware of while planning your Budapest itinerary.

Continue On… to Eger Hungary

We absolutely fell in love with this small town two hours east of Budapest. It may be quiet in Eger, but there’s so much to do and see! The Eger Castle, Turkish baths, and cute neighborhoods will be a nice switch up from the craziness of Budapest. Not to mention the over 40 wine cellars just outside of town that make up the “Valley of the Beautiful Women.”

Yes, that’s right! For around $1 per glass you can spend hours sampling all the best wines that Hungary has to offer. After reading our Budapest travel guide check out the amazing town of Eger below.

What was your favorite Budapest attraction? We want to know! Also, if you have any questions about our Budapest travel guide or your own Budapest itinerary tips please share in the comments below.

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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Where To Stay While Visiting Budapest Hungary

Ultra Luxury (High End) – The Ritz-Carlton – The Ritz-Carlton is the premier luxury hotel throughout the world, and that’s no different when visiting Budapest! Enjoy the most central location in the city with all the amenities you’d expect from the Ritz which is also close to many Budapest attractions.

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – D8 Hotel – Just steps from the chain bridge, this hotel is located in the heart of the city and the best area to explore for our visiting Budapest travel guide. Great value for your money, unique interior design, and a large breakfast.

Hostel Life (Budget) – Wombats City Hostel – Located in the center of the city close to popular cafes and bars. Daily buffet breakfast, shared kitchen, and large common room. Private rooms are perfect for travel couples, and this will be a great base for your Budapest itinerary.

For more places to stay while visiting Budapest in 3 days you can explore the latest prices here!

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