If you’re wondering what to do in Budapest in 3 days, this guide has everything you need to guide you through it. I recently spent an unforgettable three days in Hungary’s capital ( Budapest), experiencing its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant café culture, and world-class dining. From watching an opera performance to soaking in thermal baths, here’s a carefully curated Budapest itinerary covering must-see landmarks, top restaurants, insider travel tips, and budget considerations to maximize your visit.
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How Many Days Are Enough for Budapest?
Three days in Budapest is the perfect amount of time to experience the city’s top landmarks, world-class dining, and famous thermal baths without feeling rushed.
• 1 day: Quick highlights, but you’ll miss a lot
• 2 days: Enough for sightseeing, but no time to relax
• 3 days: Perfect balance of history, food, and relaxation
• 4+ days: Great for day trips and in-depth exploration
Best Months to Visit Budapest
Budapest is stunning year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences.
Best Weather: Spring (April–June) & Fall (September–October)
Mild temperatures (15–25°C)
Fewer crowds than summer
Great for sightseeing & outdoor cafés
Peak Tourist Season: Summer (July–August)
Warm weather (25–35°C)
Festivals & open-air events
Crowded & more expensive
Winter (November–February): Christmas Markets & Thermal Baths
Magical holiday lights & Christmas markets
Perfect for thermal baths in cold weather
Cold (0–5°C), but fewer tourists
Is Budapest Expensive?
Compared to cities like Paris, London, or Milan, Budapest is much more affordable.
Budget Breakdown
• Public Transport: Cheap (€1.20 per ride, €6.50 for a 24-hour pass)
• Mid-Range Hotels: €80–€200 per night
• Fine Dining: Michelin-starred restaurants start at €80 per meal
• Thermal Baths: Entry fees around €10–€20
You can travel on a budget (~€50/day) or splurge on luxury (~€250+/day).
How to Get from Budapest Airport to the City Center
Public Transport (Budget Option)
• Bus 100E (direct to Deák Ferenc tér): €5.50, ~40 min
• Bus 200E + Metro M3: €4, ~50 min
Taxi (Most Convenient Option)
• Főtaxi (official airport taxi): €25–€30, ~35 min
Airport Shuttle (Shared Ride Option)
• miniBUD Airport Shuttle: €15 per person, ~40–60 min
Once in the city, getting around is easy with Budapest’s efficient public transport system.
Public Transportation in Budapest
Budapest’s transport network includes metro, trams, buses, trolleybuses, and boats.
Ticket Options
• Single Ticket: €1.20
• 24-Hour Pass: €6.50
• 72-Hour Pass: €14
• Budapest Card: Includes unlimited transport + free museum entry & discounts
You can buy tickets at metro stations, vending machines, and newsstands.
Where to Stay in Budapest
Deciding between Buda or Pest?
• Stay in Pest for a lively atmosphere, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Stay in Buda for stunning hilltop views and a peaceful vibe.
Best Neighborhoods & Hotels
Luxury (€200+ per night)
• Four Seasons Gresham Palace (5-star elegance)
• Aria Hotel Budapest (Music-themed luxury)
Mid-Range (€80–€200 per night)
• Hotel Clark Budapest (Views of Buda Castle)
• Prestige Hotel Budapest (Near St. Stephen’s Basilica)
Budget-Friendly (€40–€80 per night)
• Hotel Rum Budapest (Stylish boutique hotel)
• D8 Hotel (Great location, affordable)
Day 1: Exploring Budapest’s Historic Landmarks
Morning: Buda Castle & Matthias Church
Start your Budapest journey at Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning panoramic views.
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Child-Friendly? Yes
• Minimum Time Needed: 2–3 hours
Nearby, visit Matthias Church, known for its Gothic beauty and colorful tiled roof.
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Child-Friendly? Yes
• Minimum Time Needed: 1 hour
Midday: Fisherman’s Bastion
A short walk away, Fisherman’s Bastion is one of Budapest’s most photogenic spots.
• Opening Hours: 24/7 (free sections available)
• Child-Friendly? Yes
• Minimum Time Needed: 45 min – 1 hour
Afternoon: Lunch at Gundel Restaurant
Enjoy some of the best meals at Gundel, I tried their famous Gundel pancakes and they are truly delicious.
• Cost: €40–€80 per person
• Child-Friendly? Yes
Evening: Opera & Fine Dining at Onyx
Experience a world-class performance at the Hungarian State Opera House.
• Opening Hours: Based on performance schedule
• Cost: Cheapest tickets €15 while the most expensive are €92, please note that ticket prices vary depending on the performance and seat selection.
• Child-Friendly? Best for older children
• Minimum Time Needed: 2–3 hours
For dinner, indulge in a Michelin-starred fine dining experience at Onyx.
• Cost: €150+ per person
• Child-Friendly? No
Day 2: Relaxation & Cultural Landmarks
Morning: Hotel Gellért Thermal Spa
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, and I loved Gellért Thermal Spa’s Art Nouveau interiors. The warm water also have healing properties for people with arthritis or any body aches and pains.
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
• Child-Friendly? Not ideal for small kids
• Minimum Time Needed: 2–3 hours
Afternoon: Lunch at Costes Downtown
Dine at Costes Downtown, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Hungarian cuisine.
• Cost: €80–€120 per person
• Child-Friendly? No
Day 3: Café Culture, Shopping & Final Sightseeing
Morning: Breakfast at New York Café
Start your last day in Budapest with breakfast at the iconic New York Café, often called the “most beautiful café in the world” thanks to its beautiful chandeliers, ceilings, and grand architecture.
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 12 AM
• Child-Friendly? Yes, but expect long waits, luckily we waited for about 30 mins but the queue goes fast.
• Minimum Time Needed: 1 hour
• Average Cost: €15–€30 per person
Midday: Exploring Heroe’s Square
After breakfast, explore Andrássy Avenue, Budapest’s main shopping street, home to luxury boutiques, designer stores, and historic buildings.
Your next stop is Heroes’ Square, one of Budapest’s most significant landmarks, featuring statues of Hungary’s greatest historical figures.
• Opening Hours: Open 24/7
• Child-Friendly? Yes
• Minimum Time Needed: 30–45 min
Afternoon: Central Market Hall
If you want to grab Hungarian souvenirs, head to the Central Market Hall, Budapest’s largest indoor market, offering everything from paprika and Tokaji wine to handmade crafts. (we explored the market but didn’t buy anything)
• Opening Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM (Closed Sundays)
• Child-Friendly? Yes
• Minimum Time Needed: 1 hour
Evening: Farewell Dinner & Departure
End your Budapest trip with a memorable farewell dinner and then going home to relax before heading out the next day.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Budapest in 3 days, this itinerary covers the best landmarks, restaurants, and experiences to make your visit unforgettable. Whether you love history, fine dining, or relaxation, Budapest has something for everyone.
Looking for more food recommendations? Check out my upcoming blog post on The Best Restaurants to Try in Budapest!
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