Budapest Itinerary: A 3-Day Trip to Hungary’s Capital
Spring has well and truly arrived, and with the first touch of that crisp April sunshine on my skin, my thoughts are already drifting toward sunshine and sand. While it may be a tad too early for a red-hot beach getaway, this season is perfect for a beautiful city break - and there is no better place to explore than Budapest.
Last April, I took a three-day trip to the capital of Hungary - a city brimming with gorgeous architecture, stunning panoramic views, and historic landmarks. From visiting Budapest’s architectural marvels to taking a dip in the thermal baths and exploring vibrant ruin bars, this trip was packed with so many amazing experiences. Three days just wasn’t enough!
If you’ve ever fancied a trip to Budapest, then keep reading to find out what a 3-day itinerary could have in store for you.
Day 1: Travelling & Exploring
Transport from Budapest Airport
My friend and I took a very early flight from Edinburgh Airport to Budapest Airport, and since our flight landed at 9:30 am, this meant we had a whole day to explore the city.
The transport from the airport was super convenient, and we took the Bus line 100E Airport Express straight to the city centre. The journey takes around 40 minutes and costs around $4-5 per person.
Taxis and Ubers are also readily available, however this will take the cost up to around $30.
Where to stay in Budapest
Budapest is split into 23 districts across either side of the Danube River, each one with its own character and charm. Some districts are more touristy than others, housing iconic landmarks, amazing eateries, and offering prime central locations. For visitors, the best districts to stay are District I, V, VI, and VII.
We stayed in District VII (Erzsébetváros), the former Jewish Quarter, which is located in the centre of Pest and is known for its nightlife scene. This district is very popular among the younger demographic, as it is brimming with craft beer pubs, ruin bars, and street food vendors.
Despite being the liveliest district of them all, we stayed in this calm and quiet Airbnb located right in the heart of Pest. This apartment was close to all the main attractions and was just around the corner from the renowned ruin bars. It was also just a 4-minute walk from the Great Synagogue.
I’d highly recommend booking an Airbnb for a stay in Budapest as they are so affordable and well-located. For the two of us, a 3-night stay cost £160 - so about £80pp!
Sights to see in Budapest
After settling into our accommodation, we spent the day exploring our surroundings and walking the gorgeous streets of the city. Budapest is known for its impressive architecture, and the city is a rich tapestry of architectural styles, from Baroque and Neoclassical, to Gothic and Art Nouveau. When in Budapest, you are never too far from a grand architectural feat.
I highly recommend a wander down the banks of the Danube, as it’ll give you some beautiful views of Buda, and you’ll also find some iconic landmarks along the way. These are the sights I visited:
Hungarian Parliament Building
A landmark that you simply cannot miss is the Hungarian Parliament Building. It is a beautiful example of Budapest’s architectural grandeur, with its striking neo-Gothic design commanding attention along the banks of the Danube. Along its 271 metres of length, spires and turrets pierce the skyline while the central Renaissance Revival-style Dome looms over the river.
As the largest building in Hungary, and as the third largest parliament building in the world, Budapest’s Parliament Building is a must-see when you visit the city. The interior of the building is just as impressive as the exterior, and there is a 45-minute guided tour for those who want to explore the walls of this incredible monument.
I urge you to see the Parliament Building at night, when every architectural detail is beautifully illuminated in a soft, warm white glow. The best way to experience this breathtaking sight is on a river cruise, which I’ll explore in more detail later in this blog.
Pictured: The Hungarian Parliament Building looking grand in the sunshine. Here, you can also see some amazing views of Buda over on the west side of the Danube.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Just a stone’s throw from the Parliament Building lies an incredibly moving memorial along the riverbank. Here, we could see 60 pairs of shoes, cast in iron, scattered along the cobbled edge. These are the ‘Shoes on the Danube Bank’, a representation of the Jews who were forced to remove their shoes before being shot into the current of the river Danube during WW2.
This memorial, sculpted by Gyula Pauer, was erected in 2005 and remains a poignant reminder of the tragedy that was the Holocaust. The sculpture’s simple design holds the heavy weight of one of history’s darkest chapters, and although it bears an upsetting image, it makes for a meaningful visit.
Pictured: Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.
St. Stephen's Basilica
Next, after just a 15-minute walk from the Parliament Building, we visited Budapest’s biggest church, St. Stephen’s Basilica. This beautiful church is a blend of neo-classical and Renaissance design elements and stands tall at 96 metres - the same height as the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Guided tours are available to show you around the beautiful interior of the church. The interior of the basilica is filled with mosaics, statues, relics, and paintings, and you can even climb to the top of the dome which offers a 360-degree panorama of Budapest.
Pictured: St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest
A quick bite in Budapest
After a day full of sightseeing we had worked up quite an appetite, so we stopped for a recharge at the lovely Twentysix, located on Király utca in District VI.
Twentysix is a tropical dining oasis, set in a Mediterranean-style jungle that is always at a perfect temperature of 26 degrees. We went for a filled pasta dish and a chicken caesar salad, as well as some refreshing cocktails. The service was quick and friendly, and the food was lovely!
Pictured: Our lovely Mediterranean meal in the leafy jungle at Twentysix.
After a busy day of travel and exploration, we decided to relax and recharge for tomorrow's adventures, which would lead us to the Buda on the western side the Danube River.
Day 2: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, & a Prosecco Cruise
Our second day in Budapest was dedicated to seeing the beautiful sights in Buda’s District I. The First District is one of 5 districts within Buda, and runs along the west bank of the Danube. Here, you can find some of the most enchanting fairytale-esque castles and landmarks that also give you some amazing panoramic views of Pest.
If you’re up for a day full of sightseeing and lots of walking, then I’d highly recommend visiting Buda as it is well worth the views. Luckily, we were blessed with a glorious, sunny day for our adventure to District I.
What to see in Buda’s Castle District
After a well-needed breakfast pastry, we headed across the Elizabeth Bridge (or Erzsébet Bridge) towards Buda. Here, we already had pretty amazing views of the river, as well as of the St. Gerard Sagredo Statue that sits on Gellért Hill. You can also use the more northern Széchenyi Chain Bridge which takes you to the foot of the castle hill, where you can access the funicular which takes you straight to the top - this is the sweat-free route.
Pictured: The St. Gerard Sagredo Statue seen from the Elizabeth Bridge (left), and the Funicular which takes you to the top of Buda Hill from the Chain Bridge (right).
Once we had crossed the bridge, we then made our way over to the renowned part of Buda known as the Castle District. This beautiful area is perched on a hill that overlooks the Danube River and is filled with an array of stunning cultural landmarks, museums, and quaint cafés. It only made sense to start our Castle District visit at the icon of Budapest - Buda Castle.
Buda Castle
Buda Castle, formerly known as the Royal Palace, is one of the main symbols of Budapest and stands majestically on Várhegy Hill with sweeping views of the city. We made our way via the western part of the castle, where you can find the Castle Garden Bazaar, a neo-Renaissance complex of gardens, exhibition halls, theatres, and restaurants.
The Bazaar (or ornamental garden) is incredibly beautiful and regal, and it’s easy to imagine a princess wandering through its grounds. We made our way up its historical stairways to Buda Castle, and with the escalator out of order, we had even more steps to climb. If you're not a fan of tackling a lot of stairs, you might want to consider a different route!
Pictured: The beautiful Castle Garden Bazaar.
Pictured: My gorgeous friend and I after we made it to the top of the stairway, with an amazing panoramic view of Pest behind us.
After conquering the steep climb, we finally reached the main dome of Buda Castle. Here, we were able to see the stunning Baroque palace in all of its architectural detail, as well as marvel at the regal courtyards and trimmed greenery.
Not only is the castle a stunning piece of architecture, but it also houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Castle Museum. Inside you can learn about all things to do with Hungarian history, from 19th-century paintings to ancient architecture and exhibitions that delve into how the people of Budapest once lived.
We also passed the presidential Sándor Palace, where if you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guards ceremony. Held every hour, the ceremony showcases the troops performing their flawless choreography across the square. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to see the ceremony, but that didn’t take away from our gorgeous surroundings and mesmerising views.
Pictured: The beautiful Buda Castle and its grounds, as well as the Sándor Palace.
Pictured: The views from the castle give the most incredible panoramas of the Chain Bridge below.
Matthias Church (Church of our Lady)
A short walk north from the castle (about 15-20 minutes) leads you to Matthias Church, a beautiful Gothic-style structure that sits just behind the Fisherman’s Bastion in the heart of the Castle District. What immediately caught my eye was the intricately patterned roof - its colourful Zsolnay tiles are arranged in a way that reminded me of an Aztec design or a retro 60s pattern.
The inside of the church is also praised for its colourful Neo-Renaissance motifs and Art Nouveau designs that embellish its walls and ceilings. You can buy a ticket to have a look at its beautiful interior, as well as get a ticket to access the tower and see the breathtaking views of the Danube and beyond.
By the church, we visited a small bar where we grabbed a well-deserved refreshment. I went for a honey-infused lemonade, and after all the walking and climbing, it honestly felt like one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.
Pictured: Matthias Church looking ethereal behind the cherry blossom.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Our last stop in the Castle District (and possibly my favourite) was the Fisherman’s Bastion, which stands just in front of Matthias Church. This incredible white-stoned structure is a harmonious blend of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque architecture and is one of Budapest’s most recent additions to the city, having been completed in 1902.
This beautiful landmark is adorned with turrets, parapets, and grand stairways, and resembles something straight from a fairytale - just imagine Sleeping Beauty or Snow White’s castle. I absolutely loved this piece of architecture as it felt so ethereal, and the smooth white stone made every intricate detail look enchanting.
The Bastion was built as a viewing terrace, so you are guaranteed gorgeous panoramic views of Pest and the Parliament Building. It’s fair to say that the landscape did not disappoint!
Pictured: The fairytale charm of the Fisherman’s Bastion.
Pictured: The Fisherman’s Bastion is the perfect photography opportunity and also gives some amazing views of the Parliament Building.
Prosecco Cruise on the Danube
After our outing at the Castle District, we meandered back through the streets of Pest to grab some food and make our way back to refresh and recharge for our evening cruise.
If you’re really wanting to soak in the sights along the Danube, I’d highly recommend booking a cruise - even just to see the Parliament Building in all its glory. I’d also recommend booking your cruise for the evening time, as the parliament is lit up just after sunset, and that is not a sight that you want to miss.
Our trip was at around 9:00pm which meant we were able to see the parliament completely illuminated, awash with a golden glow that highlighted all of its architectural intricacies. Breaktaking.
As we went in April and we weren’t feeling that summer heat, I can say confirm that it was incredibly cold up on the top deck of the cruise (side note: do not wear sandals on a night cruise in April - you will regret this). However, you can nip in and outside as you wish so you don’t need to catch your death. I can imagine a warm summer evening would make this cruise even better!
Also, the staff were incredibly efficient at topping up your prosecco - let’s just say we got our money’s worth.
Pictured: An evening on the Danube!
Day 3: Széchenyi Baths, Chimney Cake, & Ruin Bars
Budapest thermal baths
Our last full day in Budapest - but certainly not the least. We started our day with a morning visit to the Széchenyi Baths, located in the beautiful City Park. We decided to walk the journey which took around 30-40 minutes, however, you can take the metro or even hire a scooter.
Széchenyi Baths is one of the largest spa baths in Europe, with 15 indoor baths and 3 outdoor pools, along with a choice of saunas and steam rooms. A ticket was around £25 for access to both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as for access to a locker. We paid for our ticket when we arrived, however, in the summer months it’s definitely recommended to book in advance as tickets do sell out. I assume prices also vary in the summer.
We spent most of our time in the outdoor pool, and its lovely warm water was a welcome relief from the cold April air. We went on an overcast day, and although there were some rain showers, this actually made for a very refreshing experience in the outdoor baths. I think I would struggle in the baths on a hot day!
As we were at the baths before noon, the pools weren’t too overcrowded and it was a really lovely experience. I would advise to go earlier to avoid peak times! If you want to take pictures, I’d also recommend buying a waterproof phone pouch which you can keep attached around your neck. I used mine and it worked so well for getting those cute snaps!
There are also other thermal spas available, such as the Gellért and the Rudas Thermal Bath, which are both located over the other side of the Danube in Buda.
Pictured: The stunning outdoor pool at Széchenyi Baths.
Heroes’ Square
After our morning dip, we headed back to the city centre. But before we did, we paid a visit to Heroes’ Square, which sits just a 7-minute walk away from Széchenyi Baths.
Heroes’ Square is the most symbolic square in Budapest: the Millennium Monument stands in the centre of the square, surrounded by statues of the seven Hungarian tribes who founded the country.
It’s an incredibly impressive landmark, so if you’re ever near the baths, it’s worth a visit!
Flea Market in District VII
After a coffee and a quick refresh, we headed back into the centre to spend the afternoon of our final day in Budapest. We found ourselves in the heart of the Jewish Quarter at Gozsdu Courtyard, which is a trendy bohemian space that offers anything from eateries and pubs to weekend flea markets.
Since it was a Saturday, we wandered through the flea market set up in the courtyards, filled with antiques, artwork, jewelry, and home décor. Naturally, I made a beeline for the jewellery - because let’s be honest, a girl can never have too many pairs of earrings. If you’re in the area on a weekend and love a good flea market, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
Pictured: The weekend market at Gozsdu Courtyard.
Chimney Cake
Of course, it wouldn’t be a visit to Budapest without trying the one-and-only Chimney Cake. I was thinking about trying one of these sugary masterpieces all weekend, (it’s impossible not to when there’s a chimney cake shop on almost every corner) and now was finally the time.
The Chimney Cake, also traditionally known as Kürtőskalács, is the official dessert of Hungary. It is essentially a hollow, cylindrical sweet bread made with a light and fluffy dough and coated with sugar. Just imagine a doughnut but chimney-shaped - and topped with lots of ice cream.
My friend and I both tried our very own from the Chimney Cake Shop, and I’d honestly say that one is enough for two people - they are biiiig. We went for the Twix and the Kinder Bueno Chimney Cake, which both come loaded with ice cream and chocolate toppings. As you’d expect, they were very yummy.
There are lots of Chimney Cake vendors around Budapest, some are franchises and some more authentic, so you are spoilt for choice for when you want to satisfy that sweet tooth!
Pictured: Me vs. my Kinder Bueno Chimney Cake.
Szimpla Kert, Ruin Bar
To wrap up our lovely little trip, there was only one last place to venture: the Ruin Bars in District VII.
True to their name, the Ruin Bars are built within the remains of old, abandoned ruins - giving them a gritty and eccentric charm that attracts locals and tourists alike. The bars are filled with mismatched furniture, fairy lights, and artsy graffiti, and stepping inside feels like you’ve stumbled into a hidden world.
We decided to visit Szimpla Kert - Budapest’s first and most popular Ruin Bar. Szimpla Kert - or quite literally, Simple Garden - was opened in 2002 and is a labyrinth of different rooms, nooks, and crannies filled with an eclectic mix of decor and themed decoration. You can even sip on your cocktail in a bathtub - because why not?
The centre of the building is a large, open-air garden, where a plethora of different plants crawl up the walls and dangle from overhead structures. Strings of fairy lights bring a warm glow to the courtyard and make it a charming place to have a drink underneath the stars. If you’re coming here in the winter to spring months, make sure to bring a coat!
We enjoyed a few cocktails here and I loved it - there was a buzzing atmosphere with people from all over the world in this unique and other-worldly space. It felt like a colourful tapestry of different cultures and conversations, all woven together under one roof. It was the perfect way to make a toast to a wonderful trip here in Budapest!
Pictured: The open-air garden at Szimpla Kert, filled with plants, pots, and disco balls.
Pictured: A lovely end to a short but sweet trip in Budapest!
