Budapest, Hungary 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Budapest

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty Hungarian breakfast at Gundel, a historic restaurant offering traditional dishes. (Address: Erzsébet körút 31, 1051)
    • Visit Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) and the surrounding City Park (Városliget). Don’t forget to check out the Millennium Monument!

  • Afternoon:

    • Take a stroll along Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its shops and historic buildings.
    • Visit the Opera House and consider attending an evening performance if your visit aligns.
    • Step back in time at the House of Terror Museum, which documents Hungary’s 20th-century totalitarian regimes.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Zeller Bistro for some modern Hungarian cuisine. (Address: Paulay Ede utca 35, 1061)
    • Cross the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd) and explore the Buda Castle district. Enjoy the beautiful view of Pest from Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya).

Day 2: Buda Castle and the Danube

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Buda Castle, home to several museums including the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery.
    • Explore the Matthias Church and the nearby Fisherman’s Bastion.

  • Afternoon:

    • Take a relaxing boat tour on the Danube River to see the Parliament Building, Castle Hill, and other iconic sights.
    • Visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial, a poignant tribute to the Holocaust victims.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Kispipa for some delicious Hungarian street food. (Address: Kiskumörői utca 14, 1052)
    • Spend your evening at a traditional Hungarian spa, such as the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

Day 3: Art, Ruins and Market

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, home to an impressive collection of European art.
    • Explore the Ruin Pubs in the Jewish Quarter (Józsefváros). Start with Szimpla Kert, the first and most famous one.

  • Afternoon:

    • Shop for local goods at the Great Market Hall (Nagycsarnok). Don’t forget to try some Langos, a deep-fried dough covered in sour cream and cheese.
    • Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe, and the Jewish Museum.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Bors Gourmet for some contemporary Hungarian cuisine. (Address: Wesselényi utca 13, 1075)
    • End your trip with a walk along the Danube promenade or a nightcap at one of the city’s vibrant bars.

Things to Know:

  • Hungarian currency is the Forint (HUF). Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but smaller businesses may only accept cash.
  • English is not as widely spoken as in other European capitals, so learning a few basic phrases can be helpful.
  • Budapest’s public transportation system is excellent and includes metro, trams, buses, and boats. A travel card offering unlimited travel for a set period is the most convenient option.
  • Hungary uses the 230V European standard for electrical outlets.
  • Tipping is customary in Hungary. A service charge is often added to restaurant bills, but it’s common to leave extra if you’re pleased with the service.

Transportation: Budapest has an extensive public transportation system, including metro, trams, buses, and boats. The most convenient way to get around is a travel card offering unlimited travel for a set period. Taxis are also widely available but can be expensive, so it’s best to use reputable companies.

Tips:

  • Budget some time to enjoy the thermal baths, a quintessential Budapest experience.
  • Try traditional Hungarian dishes like Goulash, Chicken Paprika, and Lecso throughout your stay.
  • Be respectful when visiting religious sites or memorials. Dress appropriately and follow any rules or guidelines.
  • Always validate your ticket on public transportation and avoid purchasing counterfeit tickets to avoid fines.

Enjoy your trip to Budapest!