Budapest Travel Itinerary - 3 Days with Time & Cost (2024)

Budapest Travel Itinerary: Explore the Paris of East With a 3-Day Itinerary

Budapest is not just the capital, but also one of the most populous cities in Hungary. This is a gorgeous city steeped in history, with fascinating architecture that contrasts beautifully with the modernity of Budapest. 

If you think 3 days will be too much for this communist capital, you’re wrong! 

This vibrant city is rich in culture and will take you by surprise! 

You can make as many itineraries as you want, but the best way to tour the city is through the Budapest hop-on hop-off tours. The bus will take you to all the major attractions, and you can take as much time as you want, to explore the attractions. 
 

Table of Contents:

Budapest Itinerary Day 1 Budapest Itinerary Day 2 Budapest Itinerary Day 3 Summing Up! FAQs

Budapest Itinerary Day 1

 

For the first day, I would recommend opting for a walking tour of the city. Acclimatize and familiarize yourself with the beautiful architecture and streets of Budapest; just don’t forget to take a local guide along with you, or you might end up just wandering on the streets. Although If you want Hassle-Free travel  always Prefer Hop on Hop off Bus Service.

 

The very first place you can explore is the Central Market Hall and buy souvenirs, fruits, meat, spices, and much more. 

While you’re in this fascinating market, why not grab a breakfast for yourself? The Hungarian Goulash or the very famous Töltött Káposzta at Fakanál Étterem, or Kobe Sausage.

You can explore the Danube Promenade and St. Stephen’s Basilica, venture along the Liberty Bridge, and glimpse at Europe's second-longest river—the Danube River. 

After the walking tour, you can end your day with a hearty dinner at Twentysix Budapest, and don’t miss out on the popular Goulash. 

Following that, you can head to explore the rest of the city. Budapest is divided into two parts. Buda is the old city, where you’ll notice cobblestone streets and commendable architecture. Pest is the new city, which has more developed infrastructure and a commercial center.

 

Here are the top 5 attractions of Budapest that you can visit: 

1. Hungarian Parliament Building

2. St. Stephen’s Basilica

3. Buda Castle

4. Fisherman’s Bastion

5. Matthias Church

Most of the walking tours end on the Buda side of the city; from there, you can move to the Budvári Palota and have dinner at the Leo Rooftop bar above the Clark Hotel. Check out their mini hamburgers, burgers, and fries.  

Budapest Itinerary Day 2 

Wake up early on the second day of your trip and set out to have breakfast. Although the breakfast place depends on where you’re currently staying, I would recommend Freyja—The Croissant Story and My Little Melbourne Coffee for the best breakfast in the city. 

1. Hungarian National Museum

If you’re on the Pest side, make your visit to the Hungarian National Museum and get a real historical context for the city's many monuments and fine architecture. 

• Timings 

• • Wednesday to Tuesday: 10 am to 6 pm 

  • Monday: Closed 

 

• Ticket price 

• • Adults: 2,900 Ft (US$ 8.20)

  • EU citizens (aged between 6–26 and from 62-70): 1,450 Ft (US$ 4.10)

  • Children less than 6 years old and seniors over 70 years old: free entry.

  • Budapest Card: Free entry.

2. Gellért Hill and Liberty Statue

Hike to Gellért Hill and grab the mesmerizing view of the Liberty Statue. Gellért Hill allows you to see the beautiful Danube River, and the cities on either side, Buda and Pest. I recommend taking the subway, Green Line, M4, and departing metro at Fővám tér.

• Timings 

• • Open 24 hours a day 

• Ticket price 

• • Free entry

I think this will be enough for the day, and we have a plus point as you can find some of the best places to eat near Gellért Hill. I recommend Ape Regina Italian Restaurant, VIRTU Restaurant, Grill Mania, and Gellért Garden Restaurant & Café. 

Budapest Itinerary Day 3 

You can sleep in today since the trek to Gellért Hill might be tiring. Grab a nice brunch and then head to the Parliament sightseeing.

 

1. Hungarian Parliament

The Hungarian Parliament on the Danube is the tallest structure in Budapest and the largest in the entire country. “Shoes on the Danube Bank,” is a sobering structure in the promenade. 

The parliament is so huge that most of it has become a tourist attraction, and only a few parts are used by the government. Take an educational tour of the Parliament and introduce yourself to the history of the city.

• Timings
  • 1st January to 31st March: Monday to Sunday – 8 am to 4 pm
  • 1st April to 31st October: Monday to Sunday – 8 am to 6 pm
  • 1st November to 31st December: Monday to Sunday – 8 am to 4 pm
  • Library of the Hungarian Parliament: Monday to Friday – 9 am to 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday – closed 
• Ticket prices

  • Ticket for EEA citizens: HUF 6,000

  • Ticket for non-EEA citizens: HUF 3000

  • Student ticket for non-EEA citizens (aged 6-24): HUF 9600

  • Family ticket for non-EEA citizens (2 adults max): HUF 4200

  • Family ticket for non-EEA citizens (3 students max) (aged 6-14): HUF 4800

 

 

2. Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

Also known as the Buda Tower, this place is a must-visit when you’re in the Buda Castle District. Grab a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from the top of the tower, but let me warn you there is no elevator to help you to the top; you’ll have to climb all 170 steps, but it’s definitely worth it!

 

• Timings
  • Every day from 10 am to 6 pm
• Ticket Prices
  • Adult: HUF 1,500
  • Student, groups: HUF 600

 

3. Castle Hill

Castles have a unique charm to them; the cobblestone streets, splendid vistas, and breathtaking architecture will take you back in time. This romantic setting will be the perfect backdrop for a candlelight dinner in the old city of Budapest.

 

In my opinion, Gerbeaud and Auguszt are probably the two most famous places for local Hungarian food, and if you’re looking for the best dessert corner, then Sarai and Daubner are the two most amazing places for a delicious cake. 

Summing Up! 

With dinner on the second day, the 3-day Budapest travel itinerary ends here! You can change the itinerary as you want it to, or you can also include the thermal baths, Margaret Island, and the Hungarian State Opera if you have a day extra to add to the itinerary. 

And this is all you need to know to plan an incredible weekend in one of the most beautiful European cities. 

 

FAQs 

 

1. How many days are enough for Budapest?

Spend at least 2 days in the city to tour all the main attractions, but if you really want to know the place from the inside out, you’ll need at least 4 days at your hand. 

 

2. What can you visit in 3 days in Budapest?

Discover Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Fishermen's Bastion, Chain Bridge, St. Stephen's Basilica, the Parliament, the Great Market Hall, Széchenyi and Gellért baths, and much more. 

 

3. What is the best way to tour Budapest?

The best way to tour the city efficiently without overtiring yourself is to opt for the Hop On Hop Off bus tours. 

 

4. What you Cannot miss in Budapest?

Parliament Buildings, Chain Bridge, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, Margaret Island, Castle Hill, Hungarian National Museum, and Gellért Hill are some places you can’t miss in Budapest. 

 

5. Dos and don'ts in Hungary?

Some dos and don’ts you need to remember while in Hungary are: 

• Avoid money exchange offices

• Watch for unregulated cabs

• Don't forget to tip