Hungary’s capital is a magical city, and while three days may not seem like much time to enjoy everything it has to offer, we’ll show you the essentials to experience this gem of Central Europe. Let’s dive into how to explore Budapest in 3 days.
How to Explore Budapest in 3 Days, Organized and Efficiently
With only 3 days to spare, it’s crucial to plan carefully to make the most of your time in the city. First, you’ll want to find a budget-friendly, centrally located hotel in Budapest to save travel time on each day’s itinerary.
Here’s our 3-day guide to Budapest:
Day 1 in Pest: What to See in Budapest
On the first day of our 3-day trip to Budapest, once you arrive from the city airport or step out from your hotel, we’ll explore much of Pest, though not all of it, as one day is just not enough.
It’s the most iconic and impressive building in the city, offering guided tours in multiple languages, including Spanish. The tour begins at 10:15 AM in Spanish. Though brief, it’s remarkably well-done. The accessible areas of the Parliament are both beautiful and grandiose.
You’ll get to watch the ceremonial changing of the guard in the crown hall and tour one of the parliamentary chambers. The site also has a section displaying photographs of the parliament square’s reconstruction and a model of the Parliament itself.
This is one of the must-see landmarks in Hungary.
To explore the Parliament, we took this two-hour Spanish-language guided tour, which covers the site’s history and significance for the city.
Next to the Parliament, you’ll find the Ethnographic Museum and the Ministry of Agriculture. Here, you can still see the iron balls from the 1956 uprising against the Soviet regime that ruled Hungary.
- Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial
A sculpture near the Danube, just meters from the Parliament. Created in 2005, it commemorates the atrocities suffered by the Jewish people during World War II in Budapest.
Jewish individuals were brought to this location, forced to remove their shoes, and then tragically shot, their bodies thrown into the river.
This emblematic bridge was the first to connect Buda with Pest. Built in the 19th century, what you see today is a reconstruction from 1949, as all the city’s bridges were destroyed during WWII.
It’s one of Budapest’s highlights.
- Elizabeth Bridge
Once the world’s largest suspension bridge, it was dedicated to Hungary’s most beloved queen. Rebuilt like the Chain Bridge, the reconstruction, unfortunately, differed from the original, so it has lost some of its charm.
- Budapest’s Twin Buildings
Walking from the Elizabeth Bridge into Pest, you’ll see two twin buildings that once housed a café and a casino.
- Paris Department Store
Beside one of the twin buildings, it now lies abandoned. This former hub of fashion in the 20th century awaits restoration due to a lack of city funding.
- Vaci Utca
One of Budapest’s most prominent streets, alongside Andrássy Avenue.
At the end of Vaci Utca, you’ll find the Central Market Hall right in front of you.
This vast market is both impressive and where locals purchase everyday items.
We went on a culinary tour inside the market, an experience we’d gladly repeat.
- Liberty Bridge
For many, this is the city’s most beautiful bridge. Another reconstruction, it captures the original’s charm with a distinct green color, making it a highlight for any three-day Budapest itinerary.
From the outside, the basilica is awe-inspiring due to its size and magnificent dome. The interior is equally impressive, housing the mummified hand of King Stephen I, who was canonized as a saint.
You can attend a classical music concert by booking through this link, a show well worth experiencing.
- Andrássy Avenue
One of the city’s longest avenues, showcasing spectacular buildings.
Day 2 in Buda: Things to Do in Budapest
First, let’s cover the three ways to reach the upper part of Buda:
- Walking: Challenging but doable if you’re in good shape.
- Elevator: Costs 800 Ft for both the ascent and descent.
- Bus: Take line 16 from Chain Bridge, which drops you off near Fisherman’s Bastion.
Built in the early 20th century to honor the seven tribes that founded Hungary, this site offers stunning views of the Danube and Parliament, as well as the equestrian statue of Stephen I of Hungary and the Matthias Church.
Matthias Church
The city’s most famous church, dating back to the 12th century, but significantly renovated in the 19th century.
This church has hosted royal coronations and weddings, and its beauty is remarkable inside and out.
Hospital in the Rock
A wartime hospital that saved many lives during WWII, also functioning as a full-fledged bunker. It’s well worth a visit, with communist-era artifacts and various souvenirs displayed at the entrance.
Known as the Royal Palace, it was a royal residence and now houses a library, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Budapest History Museum.
You can purchase discounted tickets here to explore the impressive caves inside. It’s not only a way to save money but also helps you skip the long entry lines.
One of the most must-see spots in Budapest.
The Citadel
The views here are breathtaking. To get there, take tram 7 to the Gellért Hotel, then a short walk brings you to the stunning vistas.
This is one of the top spots you need to visit in Budapest in three days.
Rock Church
Located opposite the famous Gellért Baths, this spectacular church is carved into the rock, modeled after the Lourdes sanctuary. It’s definitely worth a visit.
This completes our list of things to see in Budapest. There’s a lot to cover, so don’t worry if you miss something by the day’s end.
Day 3, Final Day of Your 3-Day Budapest Visit
The second largest in the world after Jerusalem’s synagogue, housing a Jewish cemetery and the Tree of Life memorial.
To visit the interior, you’ll need a ticket, and the best way to enter is by buying your ticket online to avoid the long queues.
House of Terror
This museum reflects Hungary’s dark times under fascism and communism. If you’re interested in history, it’s a fascinating, extensive museum where you can spend quite a bit of time exploring the exhibits.
Heroes’ Square
Located at the end of Andrássy Avenue, it’s characterized by its enormous obelisk—a must-see for your three-day trip to Budapest.
Vajdahunyad Castle
A replica of the castle of the same name in Transylvania (Romania), built in a different architectural style. Inside, it houses Europe’s largest agricultural museum.
Ice Rink
Open only in winter, it’s located on a lake next to Vajdahunyad Castle.
Built in the early 20th century, the baths are a must-visit and offer a relaxing way to conclude your Budapest trip.
To enjoy the thermal waters without hassle, purchase your ticket online here and skip the long lines (which can be quite extensive).
This is our suggestion for what you should see in Budapest in 3 days, allowing you to make the most of your visit. Enjoy Budapest!