It is possible to enjoy everything in Budapest in just a few days. There is a variety of architecture from beautiful Baroque and Gothic buildings from earlier times to plain construction during the Soviet era. You can experience the quirky vibe that comes from the once-deserted buildings that are now counterculture ruin bars and serene, sparkling bathhouses that host weekend spa parties, or “sparties.” It is a multi-layered city.
With the Budapest itinerary travel guide 2025, I’ll show you how to see Budapest in a few days.
Budapest Itinerary 2025
You can experience a little bit of everything that makes Budapest so unique in just three days. Not only will I show you the city’s main attractions, but I’ll also let you know about some less well-known destinations that only locals are aware of.
Here is my recommended Budapest itinerary – a three-day stay in a city that is lively, historic, and incredibly fascinating.
Day 1: A Brief History Of Its Origins
Enjoy Central Market Hall While Eating
Start your day at Central Market Hall, or Nagy Vásárcsarnok in Hungarian, which is located at Pest’s southern end. It is a three-story market hall with brilliant tiles lining the top, constructed for the 1896 millennium celebration. This is the ideal location for foodies like you.
Go Across The Chain Bridge
Cross the pedestrianized Széchenyi Lánchíd Chain Bridge and head back toward the town center. This suspension bridge, which was constructed in the 1840s, is among the oldest and longest in the world. Make sure to look for the two lions that stand watch over each of the abutments.
Visit The Matthias Church
Matthias Church in Buda, which is rich and vibrant, is a must-see. Matthias is one of the most significant churches in Hungary, and it left an impression on travelers with its lavish Neo-Gothic spire, colorful interior, and majolica tiled surface.
Explore The Hungarian National Gallery And Buda Castle
Since Buda Castle served as the primary administrative center for the Hungarian kings in the past, it is frequently referred to as the Royal Palace or the Royal Castle. The two significant institutions it houses—the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery—are what make it most fascinating. Both present and showcase Hungarian history in a great way.
Look Around Fisherman’s Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion, also known as Halaszbastya in Hungarian, is situated in Trinity Square, next to Buda Castle. One of the most recognizable sights in Budapest is its terrace. The things to see are beyond breathtaking. Take lots of pictures from its terrace!
See The Ruined Bars In Budapest For A Beer Crawl To Round Off Your Day
The “ruin bars” in Budapest are a must-see destination. To sample their unique and reasonably priced cocktails, it is advised to go on a pub crawl to as many as you can. The ruin bars, which are quirky-cool drinking establishments in run-down, pre-war buildings, have strange interiors with different art and mismatched furniture.
Day 2: More Sightseeing Followed By Some Downtime
Go To Parliament Building
Return to the Danube to see the incredibly impressive Hungarian Parliament Building and start your second day in Budapest. The political center is situated on the east bank of the Danube River and has a cream tint. It is the highest building in Hungary and a magnificent pile that was modeled after the Houses of Parliament in London.
The facility opens early, at 8:00 a.m. Tickets should be purchased online and in advance. Perhaps it is recommended to have a guided tour for this particular monument.
Visit The Shoes On The Danube, A Holocaust Monument
60 pairs of 1940s iron shoes can be found near Parliament. These shoes serve as a tribute to the WWII victims of the Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest.
Trek Up Gellért Hill And Admire The Monuments There
Gellért Hill, named for the Venetian monk St. Gerard, is a great place to trek in Budapest for a breathtaking perspective. Even if climbing is difficult, the effort is worthwhile. You may reach the old fortress perched atop the hill by a system of pathways that wind through serene parkland.
Enjoy A Warm Bath
Budapest’s well-known thermal springs were one of the reasons the Romans settled there. Budapest gained notoriety as a spa town by the 1920s. Located in a historic building close to Heroes’ Square, the most elegant and complex thermal baths are Széchenyi.
Visitors can explore the vast hall for free, however there is a little cost for taking a dip. The baths are ideal for a post-hike dip and are situated beside the Danube at the base of Gellért Hill. They are only available until 7:00 p.m.
Day 3: A Great Deal Of Walking!
Stroll Down Andrassy Boulevard
One of Budapest’s most important cultural centers is the graceful and expansive Andrassy Avenue. Consider the Avenue as the Champs Elysees of Paris, home to a variety of museums, exhibition spaces, and exquisite Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance buildings.
Visit The Liszt Museum
The Liszt Museum is situated on the second floor of a yellow brick building along Andrassy Avenue. During the final years of his life, Liszt composed in this flat. Music lovers appreciate visiting this museum.
Check The Heroes Square
This is Andrassy Avenue’s big finale. Hungary has seen numerous political rallies and movements, particularly in this square. Its location presently combines elements of a modern and emerging edgy metropolis with a Communist neighborhood.
Admire The Jewish Quarter’s History
Learn about the Jewish district’s stormy history dating back to the late 1700s and discover Budapest’s Jewish legacy with an enthusiastic historian guide. Take this tour to see the inside of the Synagogue on Rumbach Street.
Experience The Danube River Cruise
To see some of the best attractions of Budapest from the luxury of a cruise, take a peaceful river tour on the Danube, which divides the hilly Buda from the more pedestrian Pest. See Margaret Island, the Buda Castle, Matthias Church, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, and the famous Hungarian Parliament Building, which was constructed in the traditional Gothic-Revival style.
Conclusion
You may discover and enjoy the culture of Budapest during the three-day Budapest itinerary, which includes seeing both the city’s major sites and its less commonly recognized beauties. Hungarian National Gallery, Fisherman’s Bastion, Hungarian Parliament Building, Holocaust Monument, Gellért Hill, Andrassy Boulevard, Liszt Museum, Heroes’ Square, Jewish Quarter, Central Market Hall, the Chain Bridge, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, and Danube River cruise are all open to travelers. The itinerary also includes a trek up Gellért Hill, a bar crawl, and an exploration of the history of the Jewish Quarter.
Though Budapest has a lot to offer, you can enjoy every moment of it with a guided Budapest itinerary.
