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Budapest – 3-Day Itinerary and travel tips
Budapest, the stunning Hungarian capital, is a fascinating city full of history. I was lucky enough to spend three unforgettable days exploring its streets, monuments, and museums. In this article, I’ll share my experience, along with useful tips and information for anyone planning to visit this gem on the Danube—especially for solo travelers. 🙂
DAY 1
Once I arrived at Budapest Airport, the first thing to do was get the Budapest Card. I had purchased it online, but it still needed to be collected in person. You can buy it here: https://officialbudapestcard.com/ or via the Get Your Guide app at this link: click here.
Is it worth it? This is always a tough question to answer because it depends on how many museums you plan to visit. Do the math by adding up the individual ticket prices and comparing them to the pass to see if it’s a good deal for you! At €43 for 48 hours, this card includes access to all public transport, free or discounted entry to many museums, and discounts at some of the city’s most famous thermal baths. You can also buy it directly at the airport!
To reach the city center, I took bus line 200E, which dropped me off at the metro station, where I transferred to line 3 heading to Deák Ferenc Square. This option is included in the Budapest Card, whereas line 100E, which goes directly to the center, requires a separate ticket.
Once in the city center, I began my visit by passing Eötvös Loránd University and walking along the picturesque Váci utca. I stopped at the Central Market Hall, the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest, located on the Pest side, near Liberty Bridge.
The market was an idea of Budapest’s first mayor, Karl Kamermayer, and represents his most significant investment.
Right in front of the market, you’ll find Double Shot Coffee & Brunch, where I stopped for lunch!
To pass the time before my hotel check-in, I visited the Hungarian National Museum, where I immersed myself in Hungary’s history. The visit was very interesting, and some particularly sensitive areas cannot be photographed.
I then made a quick stop at my hotel to drop off my backpack. I stayed at Loft House Budapest—a bit noisy because it’s on a busy street right next to Szimpla Kert, but overall very convenient!
Here are some other hotels I considered for their great price/location ratio:
- Budapest Holidays Harmony: [Booking link]
- A22 Boutique Suites: [Booking link]
- Pal’s Hostel and Apartments: [Booking link]
- Andrassy Thai Hotel: [Booking link]
After leaving my backpack at the hotel, I took a walk along Fashion Street and quickly noticed that the classic Budapest souvenirs are paprika and/or chocolate-based. I stopped at Café Gerbeaud, a true city institution, and let myself be tempted by the street stalls selling kürtőskalács, the famous chimney cake. Though, I was recommended to try it at Molnár, where they say it’s the best!
Don’t miss St. Stephen’s Basilica, dedicated to Hungary’s first king and the keeper of his relics. This imposing neoclassical church is one of the largest in the country and offers a panoramic view of the city from its dome.
For dinner, I opted for some delicious takeaway falafel from Tahina Bite, a place specializing in vegan Middle Eastern cuisine.
DAY 2
I started the day with breakfast at Anyam Szerint and then headed to the Parliament to book the guided tour in Italian. I highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. You can buy them for around €10-11 (prices are in Hungarian forints) on the official website here: https://jegymester.hu/.
I know the website often has technical issues, so if that happens, you can always rely on Get Your Guide—here is the direct booking link: click here.
Next, I crossed the Vienna Gate to explore Buda, stopping at Trinity Square, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion, Sandor Palace, and Buda Castle. The night view of the castle is absolutely breathtaking and a must-see.
I then visited the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, both located inside Buda Castle. These museums provide a comprehensive insight into Hungarian history and art across the centuries.
Both museums are included in the Budapest Card, or you can purchase tickets on-site or online at the official website: https://en.mng.hu/tickets/.
After lunch at Best Bagel Basilica, where I had an amazing veggie bagel (highly recommended, friends!), I grabbed a coffee at Starbucks—believe it or not, it’s cheaper in Budapest!
Then, I finally took the guided tour of the Parliament, and it was absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend it—it’s a must-see!
The day ended with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts and a walk through nearby Városliget Park. For dinner, I opted for takeaway from Mazel Tov.
After exploring the island, I decided to visit a truly unique place: the Hospital in the Rock (Sziklakórház). Built during World War II as an air raid shelter, this underground hospital was used as a treatment center during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Today, it has been transformed into a museum that showcases how doctors and nurses worked in the hospital during the war and the revolution.
After this moving experience, I decided to have lunch at Retro Lángos, which serves a traditional Hungarian dish called Langos, a type of fried potato flatbread served with various toppings. I opted for the vegetarian version!
Next stop: the House of Terror (Terror Háza). This museum provides a unique perspective on 20th-century Hungarian history, focusing on the Nazi and Communist eras. It is housed in a building that once served as the headquarters for Hungarian Nazi and Communist organizations, offering an interactive and immersive experience through films, photographs, and historical artifacts. I highly recommend the audio guide, as without it, you might miss out on a lot of important details.
After visiting the museum, I headed to New York Café Budapest, a famous café (often called the most beautiful in the world) located inside a luxurious Budapest palace. Unfortunately, the line to get in was too long, so I decided to skip it and continue to the Ervin Szabó Library. The fourth floor of the library is known for its Baroque wing, which offers visitors a spectacular view of the city.
Here is my reel about it: instagram.com/angelaisai.
After visiting the library, I headed to the famous Szimpla Kert, an iconic spot in Budapest’s nightlife. It is a ruin bar, located in an abandoned building, where an eclectic and creative design meets a lively and informal atmosphere. It’s a fantastic place to grab a beer and soak in the unique vibe of the venue.
Other things to see and do in Budapest:
Thermal baths: Budapest is famous for its thermal baths and spas. Some of the most well-known are Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas. It’s best to book in advance. Update: I later visited Rudas Baths with Fabio. A bit “old style,” but really nice—I recommend them!
Danube River cruise: A nighttime cruise on the Danube River is a must-do, offering breathtaking views of the city’s main monuments illuminated at night. Update: I later did this with Fabio, and we loved it! We booked this one on Get Your Guide for just €10. There are many other options as well—you can find more here.
Jewish Quarter: This district is rich in history and culture. You can visit the Great Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, and the Jewish Cemetery.
Gellért Hill: This hill offers a panoramic view of the city and is home to the Liberty Statue.
You can also find a recap reel and highlight stories of these days on my Instagram profile: @angelaisai
Wishing you a fantastic trip to beautiful Budapest!