If a long weekend in Budapest is on your agenda, you're in for a treat! Dive into our guide to discover how to make the most out of three days in the Hungarian capital. From exploring World Heritage Sites and unwinding in panorama jacuzzis to savouring Hungarian-Jewish dishes and hopping on the historic Millennium Underground, here's the perfect itinerary for your Budapest trip.
Day 1
Breakfast at Törökméz
Get your caffeine fix at Törökméz, a lovely breakfast spot on the Buda side of the Margaret Bridge. It's a true gem, with friendly vibes and a shakshuka that will leave you in awe. You can't go wrong with anything from the brunch offer, and we would also leave space for a slice of cake. Book a table in advance to be safe!
See the Tomb of Gül Baba, then stroll on the riverbank
Törökméz is only a few steps away from a very special and secret spot, the Tomb of Gül Baba. Standing next to the statue of the Ottoman-era poet and philosopher, you can catch a breathtaking view of Pest and the Danube. Once, you had your fair share of the panorama, descend on the steepest street of the city (Gül Baba utca), and keep walking on the riverbank until you reach the Chain Bridge.
Get lost in the Buda Castle
Buda Castle, though little remains of the former royal residence, is a World Heritage Site. To get here, hop on the funicular - a funny vehicle that has been serving citizens since 1870. The northern part of the Castle District is made up of narrow streets and colourful houses dating back to the 18th century – wandering around here really takes you back in time. Also, you can spot the first Hilton that opened behind the Iron Curtain, while Fisherman's Bastion offers stunning views, and the Matthias Church is also a must.
Lunch at Pierrot
If a reinvented Hungarian speciality at a small, romantic spot sounds like your kind of lunchtime, head to Pierrot! It's elegant yet friendly, giving big classics a modern twist. Try Hungarian fish soup with prawn and mussels, or opt for Chicken paprikash served with truffle spaetzle. In the summer, settle down in its gorgeous garden.
Indulge in art at the Hungarian National Gallery
Culture is calling and you don't have to go far to answer it. On the other side of the Castle, one of Budapest's finest galleries awaits. The Hungarian National Gallery, housed in the Royal Palace, is the largest public collection documenting and presenting the rise and development of the fine arts in Hungary. Get to know Hungarian artists at its permanent exhibition, or explore its temporary collections.
Soak in thermal water at the Rudas Baths
Plunging into thermal water is such an essential to-do in Budapest as eating pizza in Rome. Rudas Baths is special because it not only offers healing water but also cherishes a Turkish heritage (built at the time of the Ottoman occupation). So after descending from the Buda Castle, walk towards Gellért Hill, and enter the world of therapeutic swimming pools, saunas, and a panorama jacuzzi. To enjoy all the facilities, you will need a combined ticket, and also check the opening times, as the Turkish bath is not always co-ed.
Dinner at the Párisi Passage Café & Brasserie
If you don't mind dining under breathtaking golden arcades, cross the river, and step into the glamorous world of the Párisi Passage Café & Brasserie. Here, you can relive the ambience of a fin-de-siècle coffeehouse while treating yourself to impeccable Hungarian and international dishes.
Day 2
Breakfast at Kuglóf Bisztró
Kuglóf is a charming little breakfast place with an idyllic setting (stretching under an arcade) good coffee, and incredibly delicious Eggs Benedict and pistachio croissants. It is located steps away from Március 15. tér and the Danube, so burning those calories afterwards won't be much of a sacrifice.
With the city's most stunning landmarks lining the Danube, the best way to marvel at it all is by hopping on a boat. So head to Dock 7, and step aboard the Duna Bella, which will take you on a 70-minute sightseeing cruise. You'll sail past the Parliament, the Buda Castle and Margaret Island – and you can even hop off to explore the latter. A drink is on the house and an audio guide in 30 languages is also available.
Stroll on Váci utca and Vörösmarty tér
Váci utca, Budapest's official shopping street, and Vörösmarty tér, the city’s focal square, are both fairly touristy yet unmissable locations. They are decked out in Christmas lights for the holidays, and the latter hosts one of the famous Christmas markets. Go for a stroll and soak in the international buzz and the excitement of Christmas shopping.
Walk on a World Heritage Site
Andrássy út is Budapest’s own Champs-Élysées, with Europe's first underground line running below it. Walking here makes one feel worldly, and its elegance is only enhanced by the sight of the Opera House and the W Hotel facing one another.
Lunch at Két Szerecsen Bisztró & Kávéház
At the gateway to the Jewish Quarter, Két Szerecsen Bisztró is a reliable spot for a delightful lunch. Step into an inviting atmosphere that serves up both creamy risotto and hearty chicken paprika. You can enjoy your meal and a glass of wine wrapped in a cosy and warm feel.
Peek inside the Kazinczy utca Synagogue
Now you have arrived in Budapest's Jewish Quarter, which is coinciding with the party district, too. But before going all in for a ruin bar-filled night out, peek inside the synagogue on Kazinczy utca, built for Orthodox Jews in 1914 and let your jaw drop. The gigantic building dominates the narrow street, and stepping inside is even more exciting: the interior is decorated with ornate stonework.
Dinner and drinks
Whether it's first drinks then dinner or vice versa, is your call. For dinner, venture to one of the loveliest spots in the area, Kőleves, a Hungarian-Jewish restaurant that wraps you in a homely atmosphere. They simultaneously offer Goose Broth with Matzo Ball and Goulash soup, and you can't go wrong with either. For a bit of adventure, embark on a discreet pub crawl to discover unique bars like Fekete Kutya, Szimpla Kert, and Kisüzem – all offering one-of-a-kind spots for a drink or two.
Day 3
Breakfast at Artizán
Begin your day with a freshly baked sweet or savoury pastry and a strong coffee near Szabadság tér. Not to sound biased, but Artizán is one of the best bakeries in town, and you simply can't go wrong with their famous cardamom-vanilla custard-black forest bun. Sit down or have them for takeaway; the treats will be excellent companions for your morning.
Upon leaving Artizán, walk down Hold utca and look up. You will be eyeing up one of the most stunning Art Nouveau buildings in downtown Budapest, the Royal Postal Savings Bank (Postatakarékpénztár). The facade is adorned with charming details, including busy bees and flower motifs, and the roof tiles were crafted by the Zsolnay Factory. Then make your way to Szabadság tér, where majestic buildings surround you. Head towards St Stephen Basilica, either on Október 6. utca or Sas utca.
Admire the view from the top of the Basilica
Named after Hungary's first king, St Stephen's Basilica stands tall at 96 meters, just like the Parliament, on Szent István tér. It's Budapest's largest church, majestic both inside and out. Whether you enter with a ticket, participate in a service, or enjoy organ concerts, the magnificent interiors are sure to take your breath away. This is especially true for its dome, which you can also climb up to. Ascending 400 steps may sound like a fair price for the breathtaking view that awaits at the top.
Get a pint and lunch at the MADHOUSE
MADHOUSE Budapest Bistro & Craft Beer Bar, right in the heart of Budapest, is a must for all craft beer lovers. They serve up mind-blowing concoctions by the Hungarian brewery, Mad Scientist. At the bar, you can pair your pints with tasty bites, like vegan kimchi, fish soup, or Mangalitza bao.
Hop on the Millennium Underground
From Deák Ferenc tér, the Millenium Underground can take you to Heroes' Square in just 7 stops. Running under Andrássy Avenue since 1896, it offers a historical and nostalgic way to travel, where you can follow in the footsteps of those hurrying to the Millenium Exhibition set up at the City Park in the same year.
Discover the City Park
The buzz of the turn of the century has remained over the decades, and the City Park is as popular as ever. Top-notch museums, the House of Music Hungary, the Széchenyi Baths, Gundel Restaurant, and the Zoo are all nestled among its trees, spoiling you with things to do.
End the day with a steaming soup at Szaletly
Only a stone's throw away from the City Park, Szaletly restaurant greets you with warm and homely vibes and an array of traditional Hungarian dishes. Locals frequent the spot as well, clinking wine glasses over Sunday lunch favourites. Nibble on a plateful of Mangalitza ham and curd, then try goulash soup, layered potatoes, or stuffed cabbage of lamb, but also leave space for walnut dumplings and Rákóczi cottage cheese cake. An oh-so-perfect end to a 72-hour trip.
One of the most convenient and pocket-friendly ways to get from one place to the other in Budapest and explore attractions is by purchasing a Budapest City Card. With such a card (available online and offline), you can enjoy free transportation, sightseeing, and museum entries. You are also entitled to several discounts at varied attractions and restaurants. Find more details here.
A few places where discounts can be applied (see the full list here):
- Public transport: free
- Hungarian National Gallery: free entry (to permanent exhibitions)
- Rudas Baths: 20% discount
- Legenda City Cruises: 25% discount
- Kazinczy Street Synagogue: 10% discount
- St Stephen's Basilica: 20% discount (10% discount to organ concerts)
- MADHOUSE Budapest: 20% discount
SEE MORE. SAVE MORE.
The article was created in partnership with the Budapest Brand.
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