What to do in Budapest in 3 days
The Hungarian capital is one of the most fascinating cities in Eastern Europe. Rich in history, gastronomic traditions and characterized by a lively cultural and social life, Budapest attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
To discover the city, three days will not be enough, however to have an exhaustive idea of the beauties that distinguish it, a quick tour of a few days will be able to make you savor the romantic atmosphere of this city.
General informations
Budapest is a few hours’ flight from most European airports, approximately 2 hours by train from Vienna and Bratislava. Ferenc Liszt International Airport is approximately 20 km from the city centre. Transportation is convenient and ranges from buses (the 100E and 200E), private shuttles and taxis. In about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic, you will be in the heart of the Hungarian capital.
Another important question we ask ourselves when planning a trip is… when to leave? For Budapest there is no single answer. The climate of the city is continental, with rather harsh winters which nevertheless offer fascinating glimpses such as the city covered in snow or festively lit up for the Christmas holidays. Summer offers longer days and pleasant temperatures as does spring but even in autumn Budapest will fascinate you with the foliage and the thousand autumnal shades.
The Hungarian currency is the Hungarian forint. Personally, I have always paid by credit card so my advice is to avoid changing money, unless you want to have some change in cash. Everywhere, even at Christmas markets, they accept credit cards without problems.
To move within the city, in addition to relying on your legs, you can make use of the city’s efficient public transport system (download the official application – BudapestGo for tram, bus and metro tickets and timetables). Alternatively, download Bolt, the taxi application, with which you can, at low cost, get a taxi for easier and quicker transport.
What to see
The city of Budapest was born from the union of the cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube. In Buda you will find some of the city’s most iconic monuments such as the majestic Buda Castle and the Fishermen’s Bastions. From here you can enjoy a unique view of Pest, the Parliament, the Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Cathedral etc.
Crossing the Danube, especially in the evening, on the Chain Bridge is an unmissable experience. This iconic bridge united the two banks of the Danube in 1873, merging the two cities of Buda and Pest. From here you can also observe the numerous cruises that pass on the Danube. A boat trip on the Danube can be a very interesting option to discover the city from its river. Ideal at sunset or in the evening to admire the illuminated Hungarian capital.
Buda’s main attractions are within walking distance with a pleasant walk to the hilltops of Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastions. Here you will also find the fascinating Matyas Church. For art and history lovers, a visit to the numerous museums will be right for you. For the lazy ones you can reach the Castle via the funicular.
In the middle of the Danube you will find Margaret Island, a favorite place for the citizens of Budapest for Sunday walks.
The Pest district is the seat of social life and shopping. A walk along Fashion Street, Andrassy Utca and the countless streets of the center is unmissable. The hub of nightlife is the Jewish ghetto, around the Synagogue, the largest in Europe. Here you will find the famous ruin pubs and numerous restaurants.
The Palace of Parliament is the most famous building in the city. Majestic and monumental, at night, thanks to clever lighting, it takes on a unique charm.
Reaching Heroes’ Square, you will find other museums as well as within walking distance the delightful Vajdahunyad Castle, within walking distance, in the winter season, of the ice skating rink.
A few minutes away you will also find the largest spa in the city, Széchenyi. Speaking of spas, Budapest is known for its numerous thermal baths where thousands of citizens and tourists enjoy the properties of its waters to regenerate every day. This means you won’t be the only one! It is useful to book in advance and have patience and enjoy the experience without prejudice! For a VIP experience I recommend you book access to the Private SPA of Széchenyi Thermal baths where you will have a large private cabin complete with shower, chocolates, free soaps as well as a bottle of Prosecco, in addition to the rental of bathrobes and towels included. Other famous thermal baths are Gellert and Rudas.
Where to ear, sleep, etc.
Budapest offers a wide range of facilities for all price ranges. I opted for the famous Anantara New York Palace hotel. That’s right, the hotel where you find the famous New York Café, considered the most beautiful café in the world. Access to the café requires long waiting lines (which can be reduced by purchasing a 5 euro pass). For those staying in the structure, access is obviously guaranteed at any time, and the same breakfast is offered under the magnificent frescoes of the structure. The neo-Baroque style and the richness of the structure are still worth a visit, despite the rather high prices of its menu!
Hungarian gastronomy is full of exceptional dishes such as goulash, fisherman’s soup Halaszle (a spicy soup made with fish and paprika) and csirke paprikash (chicken cooked with paprika and sour cream sauce). My advice? The magnificent Spinoza Café and Restaurant (with live music), the Spiler Original, the Twenty-six and the Mazel tov. It goes without saying that booking is preferable given that these are the most popular addresses in the city.
Finally, a tour of the eclectic and Instagrammable Szimpla Kert is unmissable.
