A full planned out 3 days in budapest
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city that has captured the hearts of many travellers with its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a party-goer, Budapest has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the perfect 3 days in Budapest, with lots of details and recommendations to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Day 1 – Friday
10:00 AM – Start your 3 days in Budapest with a visit to the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest. This stunning neo-gothic building is located on the banks of the Danube River and is the largest building in Hungary. The guided tour takes approximately an hour and will take you through the grandiose halls and chambers of the Parliament, including the famous Dome Hall.
12:00 PM – After the tour, take a leisurely stroll along the Danube Promenade, which offers breath-taking views of the river and the city’s stunning bridges. Stop by the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, which pays tribute to the victims of the Holocaust who were shot and thrown into the river during World War II.
1:00 PM – For lunch, head to the Great Market Hall, which is the largest indoor market in Budapest. Here you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and traditional Hungarian dishes. Don’t miss out on trying langos, a deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and grated cheese, and goulash, a hearty beef stew.
3:00 PM – After lunch, take a short walk to St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the most beautiful churches in Budapest. Climb up to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city, and don’t forget to see the mummified hand of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary.
5:00 PM – For a unique experience, head to one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the largest and most popular of the city’s thermal baths, with a total of 18 pools, including indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Relax and soak in the warm waters while taking in the stunning architecture. – We recommend pre-booking your tickets using the official website for the best prices and avoid third party vendors. Click here for the official site!.
Theres lots of baths in Budapest and although Széchenyi is the most popular, that means its also the busiest. Check out our Ultimate Guide To The 12 Best Thermal Spas In Budapest Here!
8:00 PM – For dinner, head to the historic Jewish quarter, which is home to some of the best restaurants and bars in Budapest. Try the traditional Jewish dish of fried goose liver or the local favourite, chimney cake, a sweet pastry shaped like a chimney. For a more upscale dining experience, try the Michelin-starred restaurant Costes, which serves modern Hungarian cuisine with a twist.
10:00 PM – After dinner, head to one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars, which are located in the city’s abandoned buildings and courtyards. Szimpla Kert is one of the most popular ruin bars, with a laid-back vibe and eclectic decor. Order a local beer or a cocktail and enjoy the live music and lively atmosphere. That’s day 1 of your 3 days in Budapest and it’s likely you’ll realise, you may need a bit more that just 3 days in Budapest.
Day 2 – Saturday
9:00 AM – Start your second day of your 3 days in Budapest with a visit to Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits atop Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River. The castle complex includes the Royal Palace, the Matthias Church, and the Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
11:00 AM – After exploring the castle complex, take a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the Castle District. Stop by the Ruszwurm Confectionery, which has been serving delicious cakes and pastries since 1827, and enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of Dobos cake.
1:00 PM – For lunch, head to the trendy district of Újlipótváros, which is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes. Try the Hungarian-style pizza at Pomo D’Oro or the Vietnamese pho at Pho Garden.
3:00 PM – After lunch, take a walk along the famous Andrássy Avenue, which is lined with stunning architecture and high-end shops. Stop by the Hungarian State Opera House, which is considered one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.
5:00 PM – For a unique experience, take a sunset cruise along the Danube River. Admire the stunning views of the city’s landmarks, including the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge, while sipping on a glass of Hungarian wine.
7:00 PM – For dinner, head to the up-and-coming district of District VIII, which is home to some of the city’s most innovative restaurants. Try the Hungarian-Japanese fusion cuisine at Onyx or the contemporary Hungarian dishes at Borkonyha Winekitchen.
10:00 PM – End the first night of your perfect weekend in Budapest with a visit to one of Budapest’s famous ruin pubs. Instant is one of the largest ruin pubs, with multiple rooms and dance floors playing a variety of music. For a more intimate setting, head to Mazel Tov, which has a beautiful courtyard and serves delicious Israeli-inspired cuisine. Go easy with the incredibly cheap drinks available as your are now over half way through your 3 days in Budapest and likely already planning your 3 days in Budapest (or more).
Day 3 – Sunday
9:00 AM – Your last day of your 3 days in Budapest! Start your day with a visit to the Hungarian National Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into Hungary’s history and culture. The museum’s collection includes artefacts from the Roman period to the present day, including the crown jewels of Hungary.
11:00 AM – After the museum, take a walk through the trendy district of District VII, which is home to a variety of street art, cafes, and vintage shops. Stop by the Szimpla Sunday Farmers’ Market, which offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal products, and street food.
1:00 PM – For lunch, head to the historic district of Belváros, which is home to some of the city’s oldest and most traditional restaurants. Try the Hungarian-style schnitzel at Pest-Buda Bistro or the hearty beef stew at M Restaurant.
3:00 PM – After lunch, take a walk through the historic district of Belváros, which is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the St. Stephen’s Basilica.
5:00 PM – For a unique experience, take a dip in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Gellért Thermal Bath is one of the most beautiful and luxurious thermal baths in the city, with a stunning Art Nouveau interior and a wide variety of pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
8:00 PM – For dinner, head to the trendy district of District V, which is home to some of the city’s most innovative restaurants. Try the fusion cuisine at Mák Bistro or the contemporary Hungarian dishes at Babel Budapest.
10:00 PM – End your 3 days in Budapest with a visit to one of Budapest’s famous ruin pubs or bars. For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to the cosy Szatyor Bar, which serves a wide variety of local and international beers, wines, and cocktails.
The end of your 3 days in budapest
So there we have the perfect 3 days in Budapest fully planned out. Budapest is a city that offers a wide variety of experiences for every type of traveller. From stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage to delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, Budapest has something for everyone. We hope this 3 days in Budapest itinerary can help you experience the perfect weekend break away, but we recommend taking your time to explore the city further and discovering all of its hidden gems. If you would are spending more than 3 days in Budapest, check out our other post with 50 of the best things to do in Budapest – Here!
