Floating on the waves of the Danube in a cruise ship or looking down from the heights of Gellert Hill as dusk falls, it’s easy to see why many travelers fall in love with Budapest’s unique view. Millions of people arrive every year in this charming destination and most leave with a burning desire to return. Each season and moment of the day reveals unique images and experiences of the city, starting with the panorama of the Danube winding through the elegant buildings that adorn the banks of the river, starting with the sumptuous Parliament. Two different but equally interesting and vibrant atmospheres can be found on either side of the Danube, from the heights of the Buda fortress to the elegant streets of Pest. Here you will find historical and architectural treasures, lavish shops and inspiring museums!
Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, with a population of approximately 1.8 million inhabitants and 3.3 million in the metropolitan area, a number that represents a third of the country’s population. It benefits from a wonderful location, on both banks of the Danube, Buda and Pest actually representing the two cities united over the ages. With a long history, Budapest has its roots in Celtic and Roman settlements long before the Hungarian tribes arrived in the area. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe and one of the most interesting holiday destinations in the world, Budapest impresses with its large number of attractions and sights.
The gorgeous panoramas of the Danube are included in the UNESCO heritage, and the city is also considered an exceptional spa destination, with an abundance of thermal springs and the largest thermal water cave system in the world. It’s hard to describe the beauty of Budapest in words, the impressive number of holiday experiences you can try in this unique destination. With a romantic atmosphere that rivals Paris in some places, with some of the understated elegance of Vienna and with unique aspects, the Budapest travel guide shows you everything you can do during a 3-day trip to Budapest.
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Transportation in Budapest?
Public transport in Budapest is quite well organized, being operated by BKV and having a lot of alternatives: buses, trolleybuses, trams, metro and trains. You must purchase tickets before boarding, except for night ground transportation. The ticket is valid for a single journey regardless of distance and there are many savings plans available. There is also a Budapest Card, a tourist card that offers free transportation in any vehicle in the city, among other benefits. Budapest’s metro is the oldest electrified underground system on the continent, with four main lines that can take you to just about all tourist areas of interest in the city. Budapest taxis have distinctive, pleasant yellow license plates and reasonable fares. For shorter city trips or to visit the main tourist attractions in the historic center, you can easily walk, as many streets are closed to traffic.
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3 Days in Budapest
An amazing journey where you will discover all the secrets and treasures of a unique city, a fascinating destination to be discovered step by step, look by look…feeling the charming atmosphere of this capital. The 3 days spent in Budapest represent an incredible travel experience, a foray into the past and present of a superb city.
DAY 1
Morning – Start your first day in Budapest with the Castle District, a complex and fascinating area with lots of tourist attractions, churches and museums, streets and squares, restaurants and shops with character. One of the symbols of Hungary is the Royal Palace, where numerous battles have taken place since the 13th century. Located at a considerable height from the rest of the city, this open fortress offers impressive panoramas over the Danube and the rest of the city.
After an acclimatization walk, you can enter to visit the Buda Castle, one of the oldest and most important monuments of the city. Dating back to the mid-14th century, originally built in Gothic style, the castle was occupied along with the city by the Turks for more than a century. Following the Christian siege of 1686, much of the castle and the Buda residential district was ruined, being rebuilt in the Baroque style. Over time, it was extended and widened, adding new wings and Art Nouveau elements. The castle suffered once again in World War II, being besieged by the Soviet Army, with reconstruction beginning in the 1950s.
Inside, it’s worth visiting the Budapest History Museum, where you’ll step into a journey through time, discovering exhibitions about the city’s past from ancient times to the present day. Also here you can visit the National Art Gallery, an impressive collection of Hungarian and international works of art. Spread over several wings of the castle, the museum presents thousands of paintings, sculptures, drawings and other interesting elements from the history of over 1 millennium of art in these lands.
Afternoon – After lunch, you can head to Matthias Square, but on the way you can stop by Houdini’s House, especially if you love the world of magic. Born in Hungary, Harry Houdini was and probably still is the most famous magician in the world, and this museum houses the largest collection of objects related to his name in Europe. With lots of interactive exhibits and live magic shows, it’s a real sensory experience for the whole family. One of the most delightful features of the castle district is that transport has been massively restricted, with only public transport and people living or working in the area being allowed.
This creates an extremely airy and charming space, which is especially visible in the square in front of the Matthias Church (Matyas Templom). This is the most beautiful and famous church in Budapest, dominating the panorama of the fortress seen from the other side of the Danube. Officially called the Church of the Holy Virgin, it is actually a royal cathedral developed in several stages (originally between the 13th and 15th centuries). The current Neo-Gothic style dates from the end of the century. 19, following reconstruction works. The frescoes and stained glass windows made by the greatest masters of the time are especially impressive. There are also other treasures inside the church, most of which can be admired.
Right behind the church is another symbolic monument of the city, the Fishermen’s Bastion. Built parallel to the Danube, it is approximately 140 meters long, with seven stone towers reminiscent of the Hungarian tribes that conquered the country in 896. Built on the site of the old fortified walls at the end of the 19th century, the name of the bastion recalls the fishermen’s guild that defended this area in the Middle Ages. However, the main attraction of this bastion is the incredible panoramas of the city below, with the Danube flowing past the Parliament and the new town across the river. Continue exploring this historic area admiring the streets on the northern side, which have not lost their medieval atmosphere. You will discover a multitude of historical and architectural monuments.
Evening – To end the day apotheotically, with perhaps the most gorgeous and famous panorama of Budapest, head to the Citadel on Gellert Hill. From the Buda Castle, following the Danube to the south and then a road that climbs sharply, you will reach the viewpoints in about 30 minutes. The hill that was cultivated with vines in the past was the perfect strategic point for the fortress built by the Habsburgs in 1854. From the top, you will be able to admire the sunset and the lights that come on along the Danube, with the bridges and the Parliament in the distance. It is certainly one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world, an experience that must be lived in Budapest.
DAY 2
Morning – Start the second day of this Budapest tour at Heroes’ Square, the city’s largest and most impressive square. In the middle of it is the Millennium Monument, with the archangel Michael at the top. It was built to mark the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of the Hungarian tribes. The pedestal is occupied by the equestrian statues of the seven leaders who led these tribes in the Pannonian plain in 896 AD. Behind the square is the City Park with its lake perfect for boating in the summer or skating in the winter.
It is one of the oldest parks in the world open to the public. In it you can admire a lot of attractions, the most impressive being the Vajdahunyad Castle, built together with the Heroes’ Square in 1896. The architecture is certainly reminiscent of the Huniaz Castle in Romania, and currently houses the largest agricultural museum in Europe. Other interesting monuments and sights in the park include the botanical garden and the zoo, the great municipal circus, the Petofi Hall, swimming pools and others.
As you exit the park towards the square, several buildings built in a superb neoclassical eclectic style will catch your eye. One of these is the Art Museum and it is worth visiting for its impressive collection of international art with over 100,000 exhibits. It contains the second largest collection of Spanish art in the world, as well as other treasures from around the world, including an impressive display of Egyptian art.
Afternoon – The connection between the park and the city center is made by Andrassy Boulevard, more than 2 km long and lined with buildings with uniform architecture. The entire boulevard, along with the Millennium underground train line and the Heroes’ Square, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. In addition to the gorgeous buildings, the statues and fountains, as well as the Budapest Opera House, stand out. After stopping at one of the restaurants on the boulevard for lunch, head to the nearby Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Named in memory of the first king of Hungary, it is the most important religious building in the country. With a height of 96 meters and a splendid neoclassical style, it is one of the symbols of the city.
Continue walking through the elegant streets of Pest and you will arrive at the banks of the Danube, near the sumptuous Parliament building. One of the most beautiful official buildings in the world, the Hungarian Parliament was built on the banks of the Danube between 1884 and 1904 in neo-Gothic style, serving as the permanent seat of the National Assembly. With nearly 700 rooms and a 96-meter-high dome, the Parliament complex also offers tours, with symbols of the Hungarian coronation on display inside. Continue the walk along the Danube embankment, passing the Chain Bridge, an exceptional monument, rebuilt in 1949 after being destroyed in the war. The views from any part of the bridge, both day and night, are truly memorable.
Evening – The perfect end to your second day in Budapest is a cruise on the Danube with dinner included. The city takes on a new color and new sensations are revealed with the insertion. Floating on the waves of the Danube past familiar daytime buildings, you’ll discover fascinating images of the castle and bastion, parliament and bridges, Gellert Hill and more.
DAY 3
Morning – For your last morning in Budapest, you can go back to Gellert Hill to admire the panorama of the city and in the sunrise. You will also have the chance to pass by the other attractions of this enchanting hill: the huge sculpture of Bishop Gellert, the church at the top and the Statue of Liberty. From the top, you have a full view of Budapest, with its entire cultural and historical heritage, most of it included in the UNESCO Heritage.
At the southern base of the hill, you can find the Gellert Baths, housed in an Art Nouveau building that has been welcoming visitors since 1918. To truly experience what Budapest is all about, you must also step into one of the city’s thermal baths for which it is so famous. The Gellert baths are among the most elegant and representative, with an interior that rivals a real museum. You can spend the rest of the morning in complete relaxation in this magical atmosphere.
Afternoon – Crossing the bridge to the other side of the Danube, nearby you can enter Budapest’s Central Market, a huge indoor complex that includes a wide variety of shops and stands on 3 levels. Built in the late 19th century, special features include the renovated roof with multicolored Zolnay tiles. You can find anything you can imagine in this market, but don’t miss the langoustine stand, famous throughout the city.
In the same area, you can also find the Hungarian National Museum, housed in a superb building built in the mid-19th century in a classical style, similar to Greek temples. Visit the museum’s collections and exhibitions, covering the history of the Hungarian people from ancient times to the present, as well as a Roman lapidarium. One of the museum’s most valuable exhibits is the ceremonial cloak worn during the coronation of the kings of Hungary. The museum is open daily (except Mondays), between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Next, visit the Dohany Street Synagogue, the second largest in the world. It was built between 1854 and 1859, being made up of three lanes and having seats for over 3000 people. Due to its oriental style, the use of multicolored bricks and the iron structures inside, the synagogue is also considered a special architectural monument. During the Second World War, it constituted the border of the Jewish ghetto, a fact remembered by the Hungarian Jewish Martyrs Memorial, a work of the sculptor Imre Varga. Next to the synagogue you can also visit the Jewish Museum.
Evening – You can spend your last evening in Budapest in the most pleasant way possible with a trip to Margaret Island, the “green ship” of the city. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the island, except for a bus line and police cars. It is the main leisure destination for the residents of Budapest and you can spend some exciting hours in this charming place. The island, in addition to the fascinating natural setting, also contains a number of diverse attractions, including a thermal pool, a small zoo, the ruins of a 13th century Dominican building, a Japanese garden, a rose garden, restaurants and hotels. One of the most popular attractions is the Musical Fountain, which delights visitors every 30 minutes.
Accommodation Recommendations in Budapest
rating 8.7 from 741 reviews
Luxurious apartment complex offering excellent accommodation, with spacious rooms and kitchenette, sophisticated ambience and elegant design. It is located near transport stations.
rating 8.8 from 804 reviews
Located right at the base of the Fisherman’s Bastion in the castle district, this elegant hotel benefits from an excellent location for visiting the city as well as high-quality service.
rating 8.3 from 5.088 reviews
Offering all the services and conditions necessary for a trip to Budapest, including superior rooms, bar or Turkish bath, the hotel is located near the National Museum and other sights.
rating 8.5 from 9.484 reviews
The hotel is located in the new town, a short distance from Andrassy Boulevard and a metro station. Recently completely renovated, it offers excellent value for money and is a perfect destination.
rating 8.5 from 5.619 reviews
Located in the Jewish Quarter, just 1 kilometer from the National History Museum, this highly rated hotel offers accommodation in superior rooms and self-catering apartments.
rating 8.5 from 885 reviews
Friendly and comfortable hotel offering spacious rooms, quality restaurant and a convenient location close to the castle and citadel district as well as transport links.
Restaurant Recommendations in Budapest
- Baraka (Dorottya utca 6) – Among Budapest’s award-winning high-class restaurants, the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience.
- Costes Downtown (Vigyazo Ferenc utca 5) – Highly appreciated by guests, the restaurant offers exceptional gastronomic dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
- Hungarikum Bisztro (Steindl Imre utca 13) – With over 7,000 positive reviews, it’s probably the best destination if you want authentic cuisine.
- Paprika (Dozsa Gyoergy utca 72) – A family business for many years offering authentic dishes in a welcoming atmosphere at very reasonable prices.
- Kacsa Restaurant (Fo utca 75) – The name of the restaurant means duck and you should definitely try this dish, in addition to other traditional dishes.
- Comme Chez Moi (Aranykez utca 2) – Among the best rated restaurants in Budapest, it offers a delicious menu at great prices in a warm atmosphere.
- KonyvBar & Restaurant (Dob utca 45) – Restaurant that offers a themed menu based on books every week, as well as a delicious a la carte menu at decent prices.
- Meatology Budapest (Bajcsy-Zsilinsky utca 15) – If you like burgers and other meat dishes, this is the perfect restaurant, plus it offers prices to suit any budget.
Other Activities in Budapest
Entertainment – Budapest is certainly one of the most active entertainment destinations in Central and Eastern Europe, with a multitude of incredible venues and experiences. With plenty of diverse shows and events, as well as a vibrant nightlife, Budapest certainly has something for everyone. The most active areas for parties and clubs are Liszt Ferenc Square, Raday Street, but also the area around St. Stephen’s Basilica. You can find unique experiences in the famous ruin pubs, bars and clubs located in buildings that seem ruined, but perfectly safe (Szimpla Kert, Octogon, Astoria). If you are not into nightlife, you can try one of the theaters or cinemas in the city. In addition, Budapest is also the scene of major outdoor festivals and events.
Gastronomy – In recent years, the city has become an exceptional culinary destination, certainly one of the most refined in Europe. You will discover in Budapest a perfect combination of traditional Hungarian gastronomy and high-class international cuisine. Budapest has an impressive number of restaurants, cafes, wineries and pubs with excellent food, and a visit to the city will give you the chance to try as many locations as possible. You must try the traditional goulash and the dishes richly seasoned with paprika!
Shopping – Budapest rivals other major European capitals in terms of shopping opportunities. Most of the important shops and shopping areas are located in the city center, the most famous street is certainly Vaci utca, with a large number of brand stores. Other luxury shops can be found on Andrassy Boulevard, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky and Rakoczi streets or in the city’s many malls. For traditional products and souvenirs, try the Central Market or the Memories of Hungary shop, but also the Castle District.
Spa & Wellness – Budapest is certainly one of the spa capitals of the world, with a tradition of hundreds of years and a multitude of features that make it the perfect destination for relaxation and recovery. With an impressive 118 thermal springs within the city limits (the largest in the world), Budapest has a large number of spa locations, swimming pools and baths, as well as hotels that include wellness services. Any visit to Budapest must include at least one experience at one of the city’s historic baths, a perfect example being the Gellert Baths Private Entrance with optional massage.
Budapest Caves – Another unique feature of Budapest is the extensive and complex system of caves beneath the city, some of which are set up for tourist exploration. The most famous caves are Palvolgyi, Szemlohegyi and Castle Cave, as well as others, and a visit to them will give you the chance to discover interesting cave formations, but you will also learn about the history and legends surrounding them. Among other things, you can try a 3-4 hour urban adventure on a Budapest Caving Tour.
Useful tourist information in Budapest
One of the best ideas for visiting the city, especially if you plan to visit many attractions and travel by public transport, is the Budapest Card, which offers a lot of advantages to travelers. This tourist card includes free transport on any public transport in the city, as well as free entry to a multitude of attractions, museums, tours and other discounts. There are tourist cards for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours, and the prices are extremely attractive. In general, Budapest is a very safe city for tourists, but it would be advisable to avoid side streets, areas near the Danube or train stations after dark. It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% in restaurants, cafes and for taxis.
Day Trips from Budapest
Lake Balaton – The Hungarian Sea, as the Hungarians fondly call it, Lake Balaton is the premier summer destination in a landlocked country. The yellow-green lake is the largest in Central Europe, being an excellent destination for a day of relaxation, its southern part being also excellent for children due to the shallow water depth. Located at a fairly short distance from Budapest, Lake Balaton benefits from a healthy climate, and the waters and mud also have therapeutic properties. There are several tourist resorts around the lake, with plenty of hotels and guesthouses if you want to extend your visit. Highlights include Siofok – the destination for entertainment and if you want lake cruises and Keszthely – the oldest settlement around the lake with a gorgeous castle. Also see Private Tour of Balaton!
Hungarian Steppe – The Hungarian Steppe (puszta) is a lowland region in the east of the country, around the Tisa River, offering an incredible natural and cultural landscape. Over vast expanses, endless treeless plains, sand dunes and swamps once dominated the landscape, now intensively cultivated. You can also get an impression of this unique region in the Hortobagy National Park, included in the UNESCO Heritage. Spreading over about 800 square km, this region has special characteristics, giving it a special tourist attraction. You will be able to admire the fascinating landscape and discover the related traditional culture. If you want to join an organized tour, try the Day Tour of the Puszta with Horse Show and Safari!
Tokai Wine Country – With its gorgeous landscapes and authentic culture, the Tokaj wine region has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the low hills covered with vines and through the valleys dotted with traditional villages, towns, but especially wineries and cellars, you will be able to discover one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Located at a distance of 240 km northeast of Budapest, this destination offers a lot of attractions and travel experiences. During a tour of the Tokaj region, you will certainly have the chance to learn more about the viticulture tradition, the winemaking industry, but above all you will be able to test several excellent varieties at the wineries of the region. Vezi și Day Tour to Eger with Wine Tasting!
