3 Days in Budapest Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat

Spending 3 days in Budapest? From castle strolls and paprika-laced stews to century-old thermal spas and cozy wine cellars, I’ll be your guide!

This Budapest itinerary covers the best things to do (and eat!) in Europe’s most underrated capital city.

Ready to step inside gilded basilicas and bike down tree-lined boulevards? To uncover Hungary’s gripping history? Drink beer in eclectic ruin pubs? Wander the artsy Jewish Quarter? And cruise the Danube as Parliament lights up the night sky? Good.

Now, let’s talk about traditional Hungarian food. You’ll snack on strudel and lángos in the streets. Savor goulash and stuffed cabbage at market stalls. Try Hungarian crêpes and catfish paprikash at modern bistros. Sip Tokaji wine on rooftops. And shoot homemade pálinka, if you’re lucky. So come hungry.

I’ve visited Budapest many times, and couldn’t love this city more… So, I created the ultimate guide, just for you – whether you’re visiting in the summer or freezing-cold winter, for your first time or fifth.

Read on for can’t-miss museums and must-see landmarks, my favorite guided tours, Budapest’s best restaurants, top hotels, and expert tips…

3 Days in Budapest: A Quick Summary

Short on time? Here’s a quick breakdown of my 3-day Budapest itinerary – which pairs perfectly with my 3-day Prague itinerary, by the way! Read on for all the details.

Day 1 in Budapest:

• Go on this fun Budapest Highlights Bike Tour to see Pest’s iconic sites 
• Enjoy traditional lunch at Café Kör – a true locals’ favorite!
• Stop by St. Stephen's Basilica and climb up to the panoramic terrace
• Stroll along luxe Andrássy út and see the Hungarian State Opera
• Visit the House of Terror Museum (closed on Mondays)
• Savor elevated Hungarian cuisine at Hoppá! Bistro
• Sip cocktails at Blue Fox The Bar or High Note SkyBar

Day 2 in Budapest:

• Soak at Széchenyi Thermal Bath – go first thing in the morning!
• Go on this epic Budapest Walking Food Tour – I’ve done a few; this one’s the best! 
• Cross the Chain Bridge to explore Buda’s historic Castle District
• Visit Buda Castle, the Church of Our Lady, Fisherman’s Bastion, and more
• Enjoy a cozy, upscale dinner in Buda at Stand25
• Hop aboard this Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise

Day 3 in Budapest:

• Go on this half-day Etyek Countryside Wine Tour – includes traditional lunch! 
• Explore the Great Market Hall
• Visit the Hungarian National Museum (closed on Mondays)
• Wander the quirky and vibrant Jewish Quarter
• Visit the Dohány Synagogue (closed on Saturdays)
• Go for the best goulash at Gettó Gulyás
• Discover a ruin bar like Szimpla Kert or go for local craft beer at Beer Brothers

Where to Stay in Budapest: 

• Hotel Rum Budapest ($$)  
• BoHo Hotel Budapest ($$) – most popular! 
• Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa ($$$)
• Aria Hotel Budapest ($$$$) – my all-time favorite hotel!

Budapest Map:

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Ready for an action-packed day in Pest? Today, we’re blending Hungarian history, culture, and architecture with some of the best food and cocktails in town – in true Maddy’s Avenue style.

Between biking to iconic landmarks, summiting St. Stephen’s Basilica, visiting the Terror House, and dining at cozy Hungarian restaurants, your 3-day Budapest itinerary is off to an epic start.

See Pest’s Top Attractions on a Bike Tour

This Budapest Highlights Bike Tour is the perfect intro to the city! 

Our tour kicked off at 10:30 AM with our passionate guide, László, and a small group of fellow travelers.

Over 2.5 hours, we biked to many of Pest’s iconic monuments and historic sites, while covering thousands of years of Hungarian history – from the Huns and Magyars to the Ottomans, Habsburgs, and Soviets. It was fun, perfectly paced, and super interesting!

Must-See Sites in Pest

During our Budapest bike tour, we covered the most important places in Pest, including:

• City Park (Városliget): A lush park with botanical gardens, thermal springs, and grand monuments.
• Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere): A dramatic plaza, built in 1896, to honor the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin.
• Vajdahunyad Castle: A whimsical castle that blends Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Randomly, it now houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture…
• Liberty Square (Szabadság tér): This fascinating square hosts conflicting political monuments that nod to Hungary’s Nazi occupation, the Soviet “liberation” of Hungary, and American presidents and generals. Our bike tour guide surprised us with a scavenger hunt here; it was weird, fun, and very “on brand” for Budapest.

• Shoes on the Danube: A powerful memorial honoring Jews who were shot in their tracks by Nazis during WWII. A somber, must-see site.
• Hungarian Parliament Building: One of Europe’s most impressive government buildings, with nearly 700 rooms, dozens of Gothic spires, and a dramatic Neo-Renaissance dome. It’s gorgeous – especially all lit up at night!

We also rode the whole way down Andrássy út – Budapest’s version of the Champs-Élysées – lined with elegant mansions, designer shops, and the Hungarian State Opera House.

Click here to book your Budapest Highlights Bike Tour.

Not into biking? You can cover a lot of ground on this private tuk-tuk tour or even this private highlights and hidden gems walking tour!

Have a Traditional Hungarian Lunch at Café Kör

After your Budapest bike tour, you’ll be ready for a classic (read: hearty, heavy) Hungarian lunch. And Café Kör is just the place.

This beloved Budapest institution is always filled with locals, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line out the door at lunchtime. (Yes, it’s worth the wait.)

Inside, expect warm service, old-world charm, and a daily menu full of traditional, no-frills Hungarian dishes made exactly right – as they have been for generations. 

We ordered the beef goulash with crispy-yet-pillowy potato croquettes and the green bean stew with meatballs. All I have to say is: yuuuuuum. 

Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica

As you roam Pest's Downtown district, make sure to stop by St. Stephen's Basilica. This massive Neo-Renaissance Roman Catholic church took more than 50 years to build – and it shows. 

Simply admire the impressive façade, or step inside to see the golden interior, soaring dome, and sacred relics – including the mummified right hand of Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen.

St. Stephen's Basilica is magnificent, though a little pricey for the full experience.

It costs 2,400 HUF (~$7 USD) to enter the church, or 6,200 HUF (~$18 USD) for the all-in-one ticket to the church, treasury, and the dome’s panoramic terrace.

Visit the House of Terror (Terror Háza)

The House of Terror is not an easy museum to visit, but it’s an essential one.

Step inside the former headquarters of the Nazi-affiliated Hungarian Arrow Cross Party and the Soviet secret police to confront Hungary’s darkest chapters.

This powerful museum recounts the fascist and communist occupations of the 20th century and honors the thousands who were interrogated, tortured, and killed in this very building.

Tickets cost 4,000 HUF (~$12 USD). Closed on Mondays.

MADDY’S TIP: Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, and prepare for heavy emotional impact. It’s worth paying the extra 2,000 HUF (~$6 USD) for the English audio guide.

Have Dinner at Hoppá! Bistro

Ready for dinner? You’re going to love Hoppá! Bistro.

Equal parts cozy and sophisticated, Hoppá! blends traditional Hungarian flavors with unmistakable French flair. Vibrant sauces, delicate greens, edible flowers, and herb-infused oils make every dish look as bold as it tastes.

We started with the French-style steak tartare, elevated with truffled squid ink mayonnaise, pickled radish, mustard seeds, and a perfectly placed quail egg. You should do the same!

The chef’s spin on catfish paprikash is a must-order, too. Paired with smoked-curd-stuffed pasta rolls, dill oil, dill pearls, a spoonful of sour cream, and a sprinkling of bacon, it’s completely over the top. In the best way possible.

But my favorite? The chef’s grandmother’s recipe for cottage cheese dumplings – poached in vanilla-infused water, topped with whipped lemon yogurt, and served over warm blueberry sauce. I’d go back for this dessert alone!

Make a reservation.

Go for After-Dinner Cocktails

Finish off your first day in Budapest with a nightcap!

In the colder months, make your way to sleek and stylish Blue Fox The Bar at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus – one of my favorite spots for craft cocktails. With towering windows overlooking Elizabeth Square and its glowing Ferris wheel, you’ll feel part of the buzz – while sinking into a plush, low-lit corner, perfectly crafted signature cocktail in hand.

If I were you, I’d go for the Run Rabbit (with dark rum, carrot, tonka, kiwi, and chili) or the Smooth Operator (with coconut-infused tequila, white cacao, Port, and cherry). 

And in summer? You can’t beat the High Note SkyBar – the rooftop bar at the music-inspired Aria Hotel. Unbeatable views of neighboring St. Stephen’s Basilica and the rooftops of Pest make the already-perfect cocktails taste even better…

The drinks are all named after musical icons. So, will it be the Frank Sinatra (with Aperol, white wine, cherry, amarena)? Or the Amy Winehouse (with white rum, banana, sage)? Pick your favorite, and sip away.

Soak at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

You can’t come to Budapest and not visit a thermal bath! This is the “City of Spas,” after all.

If you only soak at one, choose Széchenyi! Built in 1913 inside a stunning Neo-Baroque palace, this is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. It’s my favorite, too. 

Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel, and relax.

MADDY’S TIP: I made the mistake of visiting around noon in the summer. It was chaos. Go right when it opens (7 AM on weekdays, 8 AM on weekends), soak for 1.5 to 2 hours, and move on. Plus, weekday “Good Morning” tickets are cheaper! Win, win.

Go on a Walking Food Tour

This Budapest Walking Food Tour is my all-time favorite experience in the city. Because, let's be real – the best way to dig into Hungarian culture and history is with a fork and knife… 

This epic food tour starts at 10 AM, so let’s call it brunch.

Over four delicious hours, we visited five local eateries and tried tasty traditional dishes like:

• Fresh-baked strudel in flavors like poppyseed, salted cabbage, sour cherry, and cottage cheese with apricot (the best I’ve ever had!) – plus specialty coffee
• Lángos – deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream, cheese, garlic sauce… and hot sauce, obviously
• Hortobágyi palacsinta – a savory crêpe stuffed with shredded chicken and smothered in creamy paprika sauce 
• Natural Hungarian wines paired with local cheeses and paprika-spiced sausages
• Hearty goulash stew (I went for the mushroom option!)
• Homemade pálinka – a traditional Hungarian spirit distilled from fruits like apricots and cherries (strong, fragrant, so delicious!)

To top it off, our guide Zoltán was hilarious, insightful, and full of wild stories and hot takes from Communist-era Hungary. (He used to smuggle Levi’s – one of the most-coveted Western goods back then!)

Click here to book this amazing Budapest Walking Food Tour.

Walk Across the Chain Bridge

Next, take a scenic stroll across the Chain Bridge toward Castle Hill.

Built in the 1840s and guarded by four huge lion statues, this iconic suspension bridge connects Pest to Buda – and offers gorgeous views the whole way.

Explore the Buda Castle District

Once you reach the Buda side of the Chain Bridge, meander up to Castle Hill (a 10-minute walk – this is what I’d do!) or hop on the Buda Castle Funicular for 5,000 HUF round-trip (~$15 USD).

Exploring the Buda Castle District is easily one of the top things to do in Budapest! Perched high above the Danube, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with centuries of fascinating history, grand architecture, and epic views.

I recommend joining a walking tour to get the most out of your visit. You can join this “free” (tip-based) walking tour of the Castle District, which runs daily at 3 PM. 

Or, for a more intimate experience (which includes entry to Matthias Church), book this small-group Budapest Castle District walking tour.

Whichever you choose, you’ll cover these three highlights:

• Buda Castle (Royal Palace): Once home to Hungarian kings, now home to two museums 
• Matthias Church: A striking Gothic masterpiece topped with colorful tiles
• Fisherman’s Bastion: The iconic castle-like lookout point – perfect for photo ops

Other places to see on Castle Hill

After your tour, stick around to explore more of the Castle District. You won’t have time for everything, so choose your favorites:

• Labyrinth of Buda Castle: This creepy underground maze system once imprisoned the real-life Count Dracula (A.K.A. Vlad the Impaler). Now, you can stumble your way through in complete darkness. Reviews are mixed, but I loved it when I visited (back in 2018).
• Hospital in the Rock: This WWII emergency hospital and Cold War nuclear bunker is now a war museum. Super interesting and worth a visit!
• Hungarian National Gallery: Housed in Buda Castle, this museum showcases Hungarian art from medieval times to modern day.
• Budapest History Museum: Also inside the Royal Palace, discover Budapest’s complex history, from Roman ruins to Ottoman rule to WWII.
• Gellért Hill & the Cave Church: Head here for panoramic views over the Danube and a peek into a chapel carved into the rock.

Have Dinner at Stand25

After wandering the Castle District, I have the perfect Buda dinner spot for you: Stand25.

A short stroll from the Chain Bridge, this stylish-yet-unpretentious bistro serves elevated Hungarian comfort food, crafted with only the best local ingredients. 

On a freezing December night, we leaned into ultra-cozy dishes – like rich, velvety duck foie gras with fruit chutney and soul-warming, creamy Jókai bean soup with smoked pork knuckle.

For mains? Perfectly slow-roasted duck leg with potatoes and cabbage-apple salad, and wild boar cheek stew with bold paprika sauce, buttery-soft noodles, spicy “gremolata,” and zingy beetroot salad (and the suggested Merlot pairing!). Every bite was delicious.

You’re going to love this place. Make a reservation.

Go on a Danube River Cruise

Budapest is even more stunning at night! So, if this is your first time in Budapest, a river cruise is a must-do.

After dinner, hop on this 1-hour Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise. With a glass of champagne (included!) in hand, watch the Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and Neo-Renaissance domes light up the skyline.

Night cruises run regularly until 10 PM, so this is the perfect after-dinner activity. 

Prefer to stay on land? A riverside stroll is also magical…

Day 3 in Budapest, Hungary

To start Day 3, you have three options. My top pick? Go on this half-day wine tour in Etyek! Otherwise, choose to visit Margaret Island (if it’s sunny) or soak at Gellért Baths (if it’s not).

In the afternoon, browse the Central Market Hall, check out the Hungarian National Museum, and get lost in the Jewish Quarter’s street art, synagogues, and ruin bars.

Discover Hungarian Wine Half-Day Trip to Etyek (Option 1)

Before I visited Budapest, I had no idea how seriously Hungarians take their wine – or how good it is!

Just 30 minutes from the city, the small wine region of Etyek is known for pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and a sparkling wine called Törley. And yes, it’s totally worth adding to your Budapest itinerary.

My husband and I went on this Countryside Half-Day Wine Tour near Budapest (with Meal and Pickup) and loved every minute!

Our first stop was Vizi Pincészet, a tiny, family-run winery. The grandfather winemaker once worked in a Soviet wine factory… But for the last 30 years, he’s been doing things his way: organic, low-intervention, natural wines.

There, we sampled four wines (the 2022 pinot gris was my favorite!) in the most warm and charming cellar.

Next, at Vertes Birtok, we tried four more delicious wines, including a 2021 pinot noir reserve aged in Hungarian oak and a crisp 2023 Etyek-Budai cuvée.

Lunch was simple but satisfying. Think hearty comfort food, just the way your Hungarian grandma would make it – if you had one…

This Etyek wine tour starts at 10 AM and wraps up by 2 PM, so you’ll be back in Budapest with plenty of time to explore more of the city.

Click here to book your Countryside Half-Day Wine Tour near Budapest (with Meal and Pickup).

Roam Margaret Island (Option 2)

Not into wine? If the weather’s nice, make your way to Margaret Island instead, via the Margaret Bridge.

During the warmer months, you’ll find quirky, lively vibes, fabulous views, gardens and fountains, historic monuments, cafés and bars, lots of greenery, and bike rentals!

It’s the perfect spot for a sunny morning. Stroll, rent a bike, grab a coffee, and take it slow.

Soak at Gellért Thermal Bath (Option 3)

If the weather’s poor, then go soak at the Art Nouveau-style Gellért Thermal Bath. But get there right at 9 AM – or don’t go at all. It gets crowded fast. And, honestly, it’s not worth it when it is!

Explore the Central Market Hall

Even though the Central Market Hall (A.K.A. the Great Market Hall) has become increasingly touristy over the years, it’s still worth visiting.

Inside this beautiful Neo-Gothic hall (built in 1897), you’ll find Hungarian food stalls, fresh produce, Tokaji wine bars, artisanal goods, and souvenirs. 

Not hungry after your Etyek wine tour? Fair enough… But if you are, my favorite spot to enjoy granny-style Hungarian food is Fakanál Étterem, on the second level. Order a stuffed cabbage to share! 

MADDY’S TIP: This is just one of many historical food markets in Budapest! If you're looking for a more authentic experience, then stop by Fény Street Market, Lehel Market, or Rákóczi Market Hall.

Visit the Hungarian National Museum

The Hungarian National Museum is my favorite museum in Budapest!

It traces Hungary’s story from prehistoric times and Roman-era Pannonia through the Magyar conquest, the rise of the Hungarian Kingdom, and into the modern era.

Highlights (for me, anyway!) include powerful exhibits on WWII and the Communist period, along with the Seuso Treasure, an extraordinary collection of late Roman silver discovered in Hungary.

You need about two hours to see it all. The museum closes at 6 PM, so plan to arrive by 4:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Wander the Jewish Quarter

Within District 7 (Erzsébetváros), the Jewish Quarter was once part of Pest's Jewish ghetto. 

On to better days, this fashionable, edgy neighborhood is Budapest’s main nightlife, arts, and culture hub!

Spend a few hours wandering notable streets like Király utca, Wesselényi utca, Dob utca, and Dohány utca. 

You’ll find various stunning synagogues, cool design shops and local boutiques, plenty of street art, the trendy Gozsdu food court, some of the city’s restaurants, and, of course, ruin bars.

Stop by the Dohány Synagogue

While in the Jewish Quarter, don’t miss the Dohány Street Synagogue.

This is the largest synagogue in Europe, and one of the most architecturally stunning in the world. Built in 1859 in a Moorish style, it features dramatic twin towers, intricate brickwork, and space for 3,000 worshippers.

Entry is pricey (13,000 HUF), but inside you’ll also find the Hungarian Jewish Museum, an outdoor Holocaust memorial park, an exhibition on the ghetto, and a cemetery. If you book online, a guided tour is included. Dress conservatively. Closed on Saturdays.

At the very least, stop by to admire the synagogue’s beautiful façade. That’s my prerogative, anyway.

Have Dinner at Gettó Gulyás

For a fantastic final dinner in the Jewish Quarter, make your way over to Gettó Gulyás. This cozy restaurant is known for authentic Hungarian recipes – specifically, stews! 

Chicken paprikash with Hungarian egg noodles? Pork knuckle stew with potatoes? Venison stew with juniper, mushrooms, and bread dumplings? Trust me – you’re in for something special.

Oh, and make sure to order the hortobágyi palacsinta to start, okay? It’s a savory meat-stuffed crêpe that’s covered in creamy paprikash sauce… And it’s so delicious.

MADDY’S TIPS: This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Budapest – but I’m not the only one anymore! I recently showed up for lunch unannounced, but they were full for the next two days. Make a reservation! Need a Plan B? Check out TATI Farm to Table or Mazel Tov instead.

Visit a Ruin Bar

Ready for one of the most interesting, eclectic nightlife experiences in Europe? Then head over to Szimpla Kert, the mecca of all ruin bars.

But wait, hold on. “What’s a ruin bar?” you ask.

In the Jewish Quarter, Budapest locals have transformed old, abandoned buildings into bars filled with thrifted furniture, graffiti, and quirky décor. They’re chaotic. They’re awesome. And they offer a glimpse into Hungary’s fun, rebellious, counter-cultural side. 

Walking distance from Szimpla, other ruin bars include the huge Instant-Fogas bar complex and Csendes.

You can even join this Small-Group Budapest Ruin Bars Evening Walking Tour (from 6 to 9 PM) with a local guide – it includes drinks, street food, and stops at well-known and hidden ruin bars.

MADDY’S TIP: After stopping by Szimpla, check out a low-key local pub nearby called Beer Brothers. They have a wide variety of great local craft beers on tap!

Where to Stay in Budapest

Budapest is split by the sparkling Danube River. Buda, the quieter, more residential side, sits to the west, while Pest, where all the action happens, lies to the east.

I recommend staying in Downtown Pest (District V). This bustling neighborhood is home to the Hungarian Parliament, Shoes on the Danube, St. Stephen's Basilica, cafés and restaurants galore, luxe Andrássy Avenue, and some of Budapest’s best hotels. Nearly everything you’ll want to see is walkable – or just a quick metro ride away.

If you want something a little more local and lively, Terézváros (District VI) and Erzsébetváros (District VII) are also great picks – especially for nightlife and food!

Best Hotels in Downtown Budapest

Here are my top picks for the best hotels in (or a stone’s throw from) Districts V, VI, and VII.

Aria Hotel Budapest (My Favorite!)

If you want a hotel that truly wows, check into the five-star Aria Hotel Budapest. From the moment you arrive, you’ll waltz into a luxurious, music-inspired haven where every little detail sings. This is one of my favorite hotels in the world. 

I stayed here for four nights (before embarking on the Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour to discover German fairytale towns, Kinderdijk, and beyond!) and the experience was unmatched. Between my gorgeous room in the Jazz Wing, the rooftop SkyBar, the afternoon wine and cheese service, and the unbeatable location, everything was perfect.

Consistently ranked as one of the world's top luxury hotels by Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor, it's not just me who thinks the Aria is incredible!

Click here to book the Aria Hotel Budapest.

How to Get to Budapest

No Budapest itinerary is complete without a few logistics. Here’s what you need to know!

By Airplane

Flying into the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport? Here are the two best ways to reach District V: 

• Taxi: An official taxi or Bolt ride will cost around 11,000 HUF (~$32 USD).
• Bus 100E: For just 2,200 HUF (~$7 USD), this express bus will get you to Deák Ferenc Square in about 30 minutes.

By Train

Arriving by train from elsewhere in Europe? (After spending 3 days in Prague, maybe?) You'll likely get off at Nyugati station. From there, hop on the M3 metro line to Deák Ferenc Tér if you're staying in central Pest.

Budapest Itinerary FAQs