A Local’s 3-day Budapest Itinerary
Budapest is my home and it’s a city that I dearly love, so I’m excited to help you plan a fantastic 3 days here!
In this itinerary, I’ve tried to provide a really comprehensive plan that I think is idea for any first-time visitor, meaning that I’ve covered all of the city’s most famous sites, monuments, and areas. These are the places that make Budapest so iconic, and no visit would be complete without them.
But being a local, I’ve also included lots of my own favorite places, and have made sure to mix in a nice array of less well-known things to see and do, as I think it’s important that you get a feel for the city’s essence and go beyond the typical touristic points of tourist.
Read on for more!
More Budapest Travel info:
Table of contents
Overview of the city
Where to stay
How to get around
3-day itinerary
Day 1 - Exploring historic Buda
Day 2 - Hit the sights in bustling Pest
Day 3 - More sightseeing in Pest (a bit further afield)
Bonus 4th day - Budapest off the beaten path
See Budapest like a local, with a local!
Explore Budapest on a guided tour with veteran local guide Attila!
Attila has been showing visitors around his city for the past 8 years and his goal is always to introduce his guests to real local life.
If you’re looking to get away from tourist traps and overcrowded places, take a walk with Attila!
Quick intro to Budapest
Now, prior to delving into the itinerary, the first thing you absolutely have to understand is that Budapest is a city divided in two - bisected by the mighty Danube River. On one side is Buda, and on the other is Pest (to complicate things further, up until around 150 years ago, it was not only two, but rather three cities that melded into this metropolis, when Buda, Pest, and Óbuda - an old part of the city in the northern part of today's Buda - came together to form the conglomeration that we know today).
The two halves of the city each have their own distinct character: Buda is more residential, with its rolling tree-covered hills and historic castle district, while Pest buzzes with energy and has an eclectic mix of stately apartment blocks, busy downtown streets, and a bohemian spirit that pervades its renowned ruin bars.
The city has many iconic sights (I’m sure you’ve already seen countless photos of the Parliament building and hilltop castle), but Budapest has a lot more to offer than just beautiful architecture. It's a busy, innovative capital city of almost 2,000,000 people, and it’s the center of Hungarian politics, economic activity, culture, and cuisine.
The arts scene here is especially significant, and you’ll find ornate opera houses, concert halls, grand museums, and avant-garde galleries all over the city. In the summer, international stars headline at the city's famous Sziget music festival, but no matter when you come, there will always be events to attend.
Ok, with my “Budapest overview” out of the way, let’s dig in.
Where to stay
If it’s your first time in Budapest, I’d definitely suggest staying in downtown Pest, especially if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and convenient access to the main sights. Pest is the busier side of the city, and most of the main sights are there, so it just makes sense from a sightseeing perspective.
Buda, on the other side of the Danube River, is definitely charming, but it’s a lot quieter, especially the areas around Castle Hill and the River (which are the closest to the attractions in Pest). These areas die down so much in the evening that even many of the restaurants close surprisingly early.
In Pest, if you want to be right in the action, the Jewish Quarter in the VII District is where you’ll find all the nightlife, tons of other tourists, and a lot of sights as well. It’s definitely fun, but if you’re past your 20’s, some areas might be a bit much, so make sure to choose a quieter part of the neighborhood.
Still in Pest, the V and VI Districts are better if you want to be close to everything but still have a more laid-back feel, with good restaurants, bars, and a bit more charm (still very touristy though). If you're after something a little artsier and a lot more local, the VIII District near József körút has a cool, bohemian vibe.
Now, going back to Buda: I don’t want to give you the impression that this entire side of the city is basically dead, as that’s not at all true (it’s really just the touristic areas around the Castle area). The XI district anywhere along Bartók Bela Boulevard is an absolute blast, as it’s a hip spot with locals and there are tons of good restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries etc. Much more affordable than more touristy areas too.
II District can also be quite nice, with a very local vibe that’s a bit older (lots of families) and more upscale. If you stay here, just try to stick somewhat close to the riverfront (but away from Castle Hill), so that you’ll have good access to public transit.
For more comprehensive introduction to my favorite neighborhoods, check out my guide on Where to Stay in Budapest.
How to get around
Before we get into the itinerary, let's take a quick look at how I suggest getting around the city during your visit: thanks to its excellent public transportation system, navigating Budapest is relatively straightforward, as the city has an extensive network of trams, buses, and metro lines that crisscross the entire city.
Here’s some more info on each of those:
Metro, trams, and buses
Budapest's metro system, one of the oldest in Europe, is clean, reliable, and covers the most significant sights. Four lines (M1, M2, M3, and M4) intersect at key points, making transfers easy. The M1, also known as the Millennium Underground, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, whisking you between historic landmarks in style.
Trams are a fantastic way to see the city. The iconic tram lines 4 and 6 run along the Great Boulevard and offer a scenic journey through the heart of Budapest.
Buses fill in the gaps where the metro and trams don't reach, providing comprehensive coverage. Routes are well-marked, and timetables are generally reliable.
Getting public transit tickets/passes
Single tickets are affordable and can be used on all forms of public transport. For convenience, consider a travel card (24-hour, 72-hour, or weekly) that allows unlimited travel on all public transit.
You can buy tickets at metro stations, kiosks on the street, and from dedicated ticket machines, or you can download the BudapestGO app and get your tickets electronically.
One final option is the Budapest Card, which includes your public transport and free or discounted entry to many of Budapest's main sites.
Cycling
Budapest is increasingly bike-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and rental options. Companies like MOL Bubi offer bike-sharing services with stations scattered across the city, perfect for short trips and sightseeing.
Taxis and rideshares
Taxis in Budapest are reasonably priced compared to many European cities. To avoid overcharging, use reputable companies like Főtaxi or City Taxi. Always use the meter or agree on a fare before starting your journey.
Apps like Bolt and Uber (the latter was banned in Hungary but is making a comeback shortly) are popular and convenient for getting around, especially late at night or when public transport is less frequent.
General tips for getting around
Validate your tickets: Always validate your public transport ticket before you start your journey. Ticket inspectors are frequent, and fines for non-validated tickets can be steep. You can also buy your ticket on the BudapestGO app; just ensure you validate by scanning the QR code on the doors before getting on the bus or tram.
Plan your route: Use apps like Google Maps or BudapestGO to access real-time public transport information and plan your journey efficiently.
Stay safe: Like any major city, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Theft isn’t especially common though, so just be reasonably alert and you’ll be fine.
Day 1 - Exploring historic Buda
Let's kickstart your day on the western side of the river on the Buda side. This part of Budapest is rich in history, with winding cobbled streets and curiosities around each corner. You'll begin the day on Castle Hill, the oldest part of the city, with narrow cobbled streets, medieval relics, and pastel-colored Baroque houses.
But not everything is as it seems, as the entire hill is hollow like Swiss cheese–that's why large tour buses are not allowed up here, as there's a risk they can make the hill cave in–but today you'll take in the more mainstream sites above ground. Put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and go exploring.
Historic buildings on Castle Hill, leading up to Matthias Church
Morning
See the sights on Castle Hill
Your first day in Budapest should unquestionably start with a morning spent touring the impressive array of sights and monuments on Castle Hill.
The best way to get to the top of the hill is by walking up along the beautiful street of Hunyadi János út, which I think resembles Montmartre (in Paris) with all its romantic staircases and historic houses.
At the top of one such lovely staircase is the Fisherman's Bastion, one of the best and most famous viewpoints in Budapest, providing panoramic views of the city and the Danube. The bastion looks like a fairy-tale castle with its intricate arches and turrets. It’s always crowded, so plan to get here early if you want to see it with fewer people around.
Matthias Church, right next to the Fisherman's Bastion, is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture with colorful roof tiles and intricate spires. It has been built over the centuries with various wings and architectural elements added. The interior is really lovely as well, and you can explore a couple of different levels of the church.
It opens at 9 am, and you'll need to buy a ticket from the kiosk opposite the church if you want to visit. I think you’d be disappointed if you don’t see the inside, as it’s very pretty and has a wonderfully serene atmosphere..
Wander through the Castle District
Continue your morning with a stroll through the Castle District. This area is a maze of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and quaint squares. The architecture here ranges from medieval to Baroque, with many buildings carefully restored to their former glory.
If you skipped breakfast or need a snack, head over to Budavári Rétesvár, a hole-in-the-wall bakery specializing in strudel pastries that’s hidden under the arches of an old alleyway. Try their dill and cottage cheese strudel if you want something savory, but their sweet ones are also excellent.
Buda Castle and Hungarian National Gallery
Next, wander over to Buda Castle, a centerpiece of Hungarian history. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has been a royal residence and a fortress. It now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
As you walk through the courtyards and admire the castle's grand facades, take a moment to visit the Hungarian National Gallery (which is within the castle). Here, you can view an impressive collection of Hungarian art from medieval times to the present. When in the museum, take the chance to climb up to the castle's dome, which has panoramic views over the Danube and Pest.
Plan to allocate around 1-1.5 hours to explore the castle grounds and the museum.
Afternoon
Have lunch in the Castle District
For lunch, there's plenty on offer around the Castle District. For a romantic fusion of Hungarian and French cuisine, Pierrot, set in a medieval bakery, serves excellent food (try to get a table in the garden if the weather is good).
You can also try some updated Hungarian cuisine at Magyar 21 opposite.
Hike up Gellért Hill
After lunch, either walk or take the funicular down to the bottom of the hill, and then catch a tram over to Szent Gellért tér station. From here, it’s time to do a bit of hiking, making your way up the paths that run along Gellért Hill, which is topped by the city’s Citadel.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded by probably the best views in Budapest, and can also spend some time in the nice green park around the citadel, which is lovely year-round.
Expect to spend about an hour hiking up and 30 minutes heading back down. At the base of the hill, you can also visit the quirky Cave Church, which is a church built straight into the rocks of Gellért Hill.
Relax at the Rudas or Gellért Baths
Having walked quite a bit today, it’s now time for some relaxation. And in Budapest, “relaxing” is often synonymous with visiting the thermal baths.
Right nearby, you have two splendid options:
The Ottoman era Rudas Thermal Baths, where you can soak under the pinpricked cupola domes built by the Ottoman Turks. Just note that the baths aren’t co-ed accessible every day, so be sure to check the schedule before showing up)
Or you can head over to the Art Nouveau Gellért Baths, which are worth visiting just for the architecture along. or head back to the Art Nouveau Gellért Thermal Baths to soak away in the healing waters. With turquoise mosaic tiles and twisting columns, it resembles the set of a Wes Anderson Movie.
Plan to spend around 2-3 hours at the baths, regardless of which one you decide to visit.
View of Buda Castle and the Castle District from Gellért Hill. Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evening
Go for a night out on Bartók Béla Boulevard
Once you're done with the baths, it's time to explore a more vibrant part of Buda. Just behind the Gellért Baths is the lively Bartók Béla Boulevard, where you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants.
Szatyor and Hadik, which occupy an Art Nouveau building that was once home to an iconic literary café, are always good choices, but there are many others.
You can also find quirky, bohemian hangouts, like Gdansk, a tiny Polish bookstore and bar that serves incredible pierogies and beer, or Kelet, a café, restaurant, and bar packed with used books that guests can exchange for free.
There are also several independent art galleries and design shops here, and with Móricz Zsigmond körtér being a transport hub, it'll be easy for you to return to wherever you're staying whenever you’re ready to head back.
Get away from the crowds and spend a morning or afternoon exploring some of Budapest's alternative neighborhoods with our favorite local guide, Attila!
Day 2 - Bustling and lively Pest
Today, you'll explore downtown Pest, around the Hungarian Parliament, the Basilica, and Andrássy Avenue. Make sure you take in the details around you, particularly look up while walking around, as there are so many beautiful buildings in the area you won't want to miss.
Then, you'll spend the evening in the lively Jewish Quarter at some of the famous ruin bars.
St. Stephen's Basilica
Morning
Tour the Hungarian Parliament Building
Begin your day with a coffee and a pastry at Espresso Embassy before walking over to the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, which is by far the most impressive sight in the city (and maybe all of Europe!).
The building is simply a magnificent structure, and while I know you’ll have already seen pictures of it, I’d be willing to bet you’ll still be a bit awestruck.
After gawking for a bit, head inside for a tour of the interiors of this stunning neo-Gothic building. Visits are organized and guided, and your guide will take you up a golden staircase to the crown jewels that once belonged to St Stephen, the first king of Hungary.
You’ll then continue along to the dome of the Parliament, and on to other gilded chambers and assembly rooms.
The tour will take around 2 hours. Make sure you book your tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly. If you try to reserve at the last minute, you will almost certainly be disappointed.
St Stephen’s Basilica
From the Parliament Building, make your way over to St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest’s grandest and finest church. Along the way, take the time to admire the beauty of the downtown area, as this part of town is filled with stately buildings and squares.
I suggest that you make sure to pass along Hold utca street, so that you can take a look at the Hungarian Postal Savings Bank, a beautiful Art Nouveau building designed by architect Ödön Lechner, and famed for its gorgeous green and yellow tiled roof.
Once you reach St. Stephen's Basicila (the only other building in downtown Budapest that's as tall as the Hungarian Parliament), take some time to wander around the pretty square its in, and then head inside.
This gorgeous building is replete with stunning interiors adorned with intricate mosaics, stained glass, monumental columns, and an important relic in the way of the mummified right hand of St Stephen.
Make sure you also get a ticket to go up to the dome, which gives you a 360-degree view of the city.
Expect to spend about 1 hour here.
Afternoon
You’ll surely be hungry by now, so grab a traditional Hungarian meal at Cafe Kör, which is right nearby to the Basilica.
Stroll along Andrássy Avenue
After lunch, make your way to Andrássy Avenue, the city’s most impressive boulevard. Dubbed Budapest’s Champs Elysees, the avenue stretches from St. Stephen's Basilica all the way to Heroes’ Square, and it’s lined with palatial buildings, designer boutiques, theaters, museums, and embassies.
It would take you a couple of hours to walk the entire length of the street, so just take a stroll along the beginning of it, making sure to stop by the Hungarian State Opera, a beautiful building that you can visit (on a guided tour) or just take a look at from the outside. You can also attend a performance, of course, and tickets are often quite affordable, so it’s worth popping inside to see if there’s a a show happening during your stay.
If you fancy a coffee or a sweet treat, you can sit down opposite the opera house at the excellent Művész Cafe.
Continue farther up Andrássy and you'll reach the House of Terror Museum, which documents the fascist and communist regimes that ruled Hungary in the 20th century. The museum is packed with installations and video screens where you can interact with first-hand video stories from survivors of the regimes, so it’s sure to leave an impression.
Andrássy Avenue. Photo: Random photos 1989, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evening
A night out in the Jewish Quarter’s Ruin Bars
Now it's time to explore the Jewish Quarter by night, which is when this vibrant neighborhood comes alive. For dinner, head over to Mazel Tov, a Middle Eastern restaurant set in an upscale ruin bar that’s built around an abandoned courtyard strung with fairy lights.
Once you've had dinner, round the corner and make your way to Szimpla Kert, Budapest's first and original ruin bar. Stepping in here is like stepping into a surreal wonderland, with a labyrinth of graffiti-covered rooms, unusual art, and repurposed furniture (including an old Trabant car converted into seating and a bathtub cut in half).
This is the most famous bar in Budapest, so it’s undeniably touristy, but it’s an institution and I think is worth visiting regardless. There are lots of other ruin bars in the area, so just look them up on Google Maps and head wherever strikes your fancy.
To keep the night going, continue on to Instant-Fogas, a super-club found in a former dental laboratory that arose from the merger of two unique ruin bars. You'll find numerous bars and sub-clubs within the space, each catering to different music genres.
Day 3 - A bit of culture and relaxation
Today, you'll start at the Central Market Hall and wander through the Palace District and the Jewish Quarter. Later in the afternoon, you'll head up to the area around Heroes Square and City Park to explore this green lung of the city.
Put on some comfy shoes today, as you'll do a lot of walking. Perhaps pack a picnic blanket and bring some bags to carry things with you. Although you'll take things easy, you'll be walking a lot.
The Central Market Hall
Morning
Do some shopping at the Central Market Hall
Start your day at the iconic Central Market Hall (just make sure it's not a Sunday!). A grand architectural wonder with enormous steel beams and cathedral-like proportions, the market is filled with vendors selling fresh local produce, meats, pastries, and an array of souvenirs.
The upper floor is particularly enticing, offering various traditional Hungarian crafts and food stands. Make sure to sample local delicacies like lángos, a fried dough with a choice of savory or sweet toppings, and chimney cake, a sweet pastry that is both crispy and tender.
If the weather is good, you might want to pick up some picnic supplies while you're here for the park later, like some cheese, salamis, pastries, or even some cherry tomatoes.
You can easily spend an hour to an hour and a half here.
Meander through the Palace District
From the market, take a scenic walk through the Palace District (VIII District), one of the most underrated neighborhoods in in the city. Make sure to savor the architecture here, as the area is filled with grand old buildings ranging frmo neoclassical to Baroque. Honestly, you could easily spend an entire day just admiring the palatial buildings here.
The ideal route will take you up Baross utca, past the gorgeous Szabó Ervin Library, which you should absolutely go inside of. This is still an active library, but if you’re not a resident, you need to pay a small entrance fee. A former palace built in the Baroque style, the interior has magnificent halls with crystal chandeliers, ornate mirrors, gold accents, and intricately designed wood-paneled reading rooms.
From the library, continue up to Mikszáth Kálmán tér, a lively square that resembles an Italian plaza.
Dohány Street Synagogue
Continuing through the Palace District, you’ll eventually reach the Dohány Street Synagogue (also called the Great Synagogue), which is the largest in Europe - and one of the biggest in the world.
Its grandeur is complemented by its profound significance to Budapest's Jewish history, and the Synagogue complex includes the Holocaust Memorial and Museum, which offers a moving and educational experience delving into the poignant history of Hungary's Jewish community.
The synagogue is open every day except for Saturdays, and a visit will usually take 1-2 hours.
Afternoon
Lunch at Bors GasztroBár
As afternoon rolls around, make your way to Kazinczy utca, where you’ll find Bors GasztroBár, a great lunch spot known for its inventive sandwiches and hearty soups. This casual eatery is a hit among both locals and tourists.
After lunch, your final destination for the afternoon is Heroes’ Square and the adjacent City Park, but you should first make your way over to the Art Nouveau Kazinczy Street synagogue for a quick look.
From there, continue on to Andrássy Avenue and then take the metro (from Opera) to Heroes’ Square. I’ve suggested the metro here because it’s the most convenient option, but I also want to point out that this is the oldest subway system in continental Europe, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Sight in its own right, so don’t let the historical aspect be lost on you!
Heroes’ Square
Get off the metro at Heroes' Square, one of Budapest's most significant landmarks, renowned for its impressive statues of Hungary's most important historical figures.
The square is also flanked by two of the city's top museums, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle (a contemporary art museum). Both are excellent and are well worth a visit, but the Museum of Fine Arts is especially lovely, as its architecture and grand halls are just as striking as the art.
City Park
From here you’ll head over to City Park, Budapest’s most famous park, which is home to the Budapest Zoo, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the House of Music, and the Ethnographic Museum. There’s plenty to do here and in the summer there’s a lake for boating, while in the winter, the lake is converted into an ice rink.
If you want to see the city from above, you can also catch a ride up in a tethered hot air balloon here.
One experience that you absolutely should not miss is a visit to the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle, a picturesque structure hosting various exhibitions and events throughout the year. With its mix of architectural styles, this fairy-tale-like castle is perfect for a stroll and some beautiful photo opportunities.
If you picked up some picnic supplies from the market earlier, find a pretty spot to put down your blanket and enjoy a picnic during the golden hour.
The roof of the Ethnographic Museum in City Park
Evening
Lakeside dinner and an evening river cruise
There are a some very good options for dinner within the vicinity of City Park. For somewhere very atmospheric, Robinson Restaurant, located within the park, is a charming lakeside restaurant with a delightful setting and a menu featuring a variety of Hungarian and international dishes. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxing evening meal.
After dinner, hop back on the metro and head to the river for an evening river cruise on the Danube. A nighttime cruise provides a striking perspective of Budapest's illuminated landmarks as they cast a spellbinding glow over the city. Companies like Legenda and Silverline offer a range of cruise options, including those that feature dinner and wine tastings.
You can book tickets online or on the spot at the dock. The cruises typically last 1 to 2 hours.
Learn about some of the city's best street art as you walk between some of Budapest's best ruin pubs on this hybrid pub/art crawl, led by lifelong Budapest resident and local guide - Attila!
Bonus 4th day - beyond the main attractions
If you have an extra day to explore the city, you can go beyond the main tourist attractions. You can explore some of the city's greener parts, whether you go up to the Buda Hills or, if you're interested in Communist history, explore Memento Park.
Margaret Island. Photo: Civertan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Now that you’ve covered the city’s main sights, you can get creative with some less touristy sightseeing. Here are a few ideas on great things to do with an extra day in Budapest.
Margaret Island
Begin your day by exploring Margaret Island, a car-free island covered with parkland in the middle of the Danube. You can easily reach the island via Margaret Bridge or Árpád Bridge. Getting here is straightforward: walking, biking, or taking the tram to the bridge.
There's plenty to explore on the island, like the Musical Fountain, where water jets dance in time to classical and contemporary music. There are also medieval ruins, such as the remnants of a 13th-century Dominican convent.
Pay a visit to the charming Japanese Garden, a serene spot featuring ponds, bridges, and a waterfall that invites moments of quiet reflection. Enjoy the peaceful ambience and scenic places; you can plan to spend 2 to 3 hours here.
Once you're done, head across the river to Buda, Csalogány utca, and Róma Ételbár for some traditional Hungarian food in a restaurant loved by locals. You'll find all the Hungarian classics here, like gulyas soup, in a nostalgic setting.
The Children’s Railway
You've got a couple of options from here. Your first option is to take the tram 61 or 56 from Széll Kálmán ter to Hűvösvölgy and take the Children's Railway through the leafy Buda Hills. This single gauge train line was set up during the Communist era as the Pioneer Railway to teach Hungarian children about the merits of working.
Today, the tradition continues, with top students getting a day off school to work at the railway, where they don nostalgic uniforms, check tickets, and salute (the engineers and drivers are adults, rest assured), but without the Communist propaganda. It's a scenic and nostalgic way to explore the Buda Hills. The journey one way takes around 45 minutes.
Memento Park
For a less romantic relic from Hungary's communist past, you might want to head to the other side of Buda to Memento Park, an open-air museum dedicated to the statues and monuments from Hungary's Communist era. Located on the outskirts of Budapest, this park offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's recent past through its collection of statues, including those of Lenin, Marx, and Hungarian Communist leaders.
The park provides a thought-provoking perspective on Hungary's history. To get there, take a bus from Kelenföld train station, which takes about 30 minutes. Allocate 2 to 3 hours to explore the park, including travel time.
Catch a show at one of the city’s performance halls
As evening falls, delight in a memorable dining experience at Borkonyha Winekitchen, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its Hungarian cuisine paired with an extensive selection of fine wines.
After dinner, you'll want to take in a show, as Hungary is famous for its folk and classical music. You can attend shows or concerts in Vigadó, Liszt Ferenc Academy, or the Budapest Operetta Theatre. These performances are a perfect way to end your day on a high note.
Tickets can be booked online or directly at the venue, with most shows starting in the evening and lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. Plan for 2 to 3 hours for the performance, including travel to and from the venue.
Plan with Local Expert Attila!