Budapest in 3 Days

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a modern yet very scenic city spanning the Danube River. Did you know that Budapest was originally two cities? Buda is on the west side of the Danube, referred to as the ‘hilly side’, and Pest is on the east side, referred to as the ‘flat side’. The two sides are connected by a number of bridges, with the best known being the Chain Bridge, constructed in 1849. Several areas within Budapest have even been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Castle District, areas along the banks of the Danube River and portions of Andrassy Avenue.

We have been lucky enough to visit Budapest twice, most recently in July 2019. Both times we arrived in the city via a river cruise ship. Sailing into Budapest is truly spectacular. With its many cathedral spires on the skyline, beautiful bridges and imposing Parliament Building located right on the river, the opportunities for photos are endless.

Come along with us as we take you through some of the spectacular things to see and do in Budapest!

How to Get There

Budapest is a major river cruise destination, so you might be arriving or departing by ship. If so, try to spend a few extra days before or after your cruise in this wonderful city. If you are staying on your ship during your visit, you will find that many of the sites are close to and easily accessible from where your ship is docked.

If arriving by air, the Budapest Airport is about 30-45 minutes from the city center depending on time of day and mode of transportation. Taxis will always be the most expensive, so don’t just wave down a taxi and jump in unless you are willing to pay about 10 times the cost of a bus or train. Take a look at this website , to investigate the best alternative for you, but please know that the bus works very well.

Like any large city, when in crowded areas or using public transportation like a bus or subway, be mindful of your personal belongings. While most large cities in Europe, including Budapest, are very safe, pick-pockets preying on tourists in busy areas is always a concern.

TIP: As an English speaker, you do not need to worry much about any language barrier. Hungarians are super friendly and you will find that restaurants, hotels and tourist sites almost all have English speaking folks that will be happy to help you.

Where to Stay and Eat

While both sides of Budapest have many sights to see, the Pest side is where you will find more things to do. We stayed at the Hilton Budapest City, which is attached to the very large WestEnd shopping mall. It is also close to restaurants and tourist areas, including Andrassy Avenue, the major upscale shopping district in Budapest.

There are many other options for accommodations with packages and prices to meet all type of travelers and budgets. Simply decide which area of the city is most convenient to the things you want to do and you will find plenty of options.

Budapest has a wonderful selection of restaurants serving cuisines from around the globe. We particularly enjoyed the selection along Andrassy Avenue that includes everything from small cafés to full service restaurants. Many of them have some typical regional dishes on the menu. So while in Budapest, why not try something local. Here is a quick link to our favorites.

If you are looking for an adult beverage with a magnificent view, try the High Note Skybar.  It is a great stop for an afternoon or late night snack and libation. Located one block off Andrassy Avenue near the Budapest Eye and next to St. Stephen’s Basilica, you will have fantastic 360-degree views from their multi-level rooftop terrace. We were there on the 4th of July and they were actually having an Independence Day Party including hamburgers, hot dogs, Miller Beer, country music and red, white and blue decor. It was a very unique experience and be assured, very different from the atmosphere of the Skybar during the other days of the year!

You enter The High Note Skybar from within the Liszt restaurant on the first floor. Both the restaurant and the Skybar are part of the Aria Hotel. This 5-star hotel is truly an amazing place. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, a visit to the restaurant and Skybar will be a memorable experience indeed.

TIP: If you decide to go to the High Note Skybar or the Liszt restaurant, call for a reservation. They can get very busy.

Day 1

When you first arrive in Budapest, a general tour to see the city’s highlights is a great way to begin your visit and will allow you to get your bearings in the city. While you may be able to walk to some of the tourist sites, the main ones are spread out on both sides of the river, so a vehicle is ideal. A great option is to utilize one of the hop-on-hop-off bus tours. These tours will take you to all the top sites where you can spend as little or as much time as you would like at each stop. You can select packages that include multi-day bus passes and special tours such as an evening cruise on the Danube. Prices are reasonable and range from 23 – 36 Euros depending on the number of days and desired options. Here is just one of the companies that provide the hop-on-hop-off service.

Whether you are traveling by foot, hop-on-hop-off or private tour, there are several must-see stops along the way.

Matthias Church – This beautiful neo-Gothic style church sits on Castle Hill on the Buda side overlooking the Danube. Its spire and unusual colored tiled roof can be seen from all over the city, and morning views from the wall overlooking the river are particularly picturesque.  As beautiful as the architecture is on the outside, you really must see the interior to truly appreciate the uniqueness of this church. It was restored in the late 1800’s and incorporates aspects of its history as a Catholic church and as a mosque for the Ottoman Turks, all in an Art Nouveau style. Today it is an active Catholic church where masses, concerts and other events are held. Purchase your tickets to tour the church just across from its front entrance and take your time as you explore.

TIP: Matthias Church is a very popular tourist stop, so it will get very crowded later in the morning. Starting your day here in the morning is a very good choice.

Fisherman’s Bastion – Once you have completed your exploration of the inside of the church, walk over to the wall of the Fisherman’s Bastion to see the most panoramic views of Budapest. Taking pictures from the wall is free, but there is a fee to go up in the turrets. The view is essentially the same from the wall, so you really do not need to be in the turrets to get the best pictures. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants around the Buda Castle area where you can enjoy a tasty treat or a morning coffee.

Chain Bridge – The Chain Bridge was originally completed on November 20, 1849 and was named for the iron chains from which the road bed hangs. At nearly 1250 feet long, it was at the time it was constructed the second longest suspension bridge in the world. The current bridge was rebuilt in the late 1940’s after being destroyed by retreating Germans at the conclusion of World War II. Today the bridge is a pedestrian favorite, and locals and tourists alike can be found there during the evening taking in the beautiful views of the lights of Budapest.  The picture below is the Chain Bridge with Buda Castle in the background.

Shoes on the Danube Bank – In front of the Parliament building, along the edge of the river you will see 60 pairs of men’s, women’s and children’s rusted shoes made of cast iron. These shoes memorialize the 3500 people, many members of Budapest’s Jewish community, who were executed on the banks of the Danube during World War II.

Hungarian Parliament Building – The Parliament building was completed in 1902 and is located directly on the Danube. You can’t miss it since it is the largest building in Hungary and is especially gorgeous at night. Tours are given daily and can be very crowded, so buy your tickets early.

Hungarian National Museum – There are many museums in the downtown area, but the Hungarian National Museum provides a good overview of Hungary’s history, art and archaeology. Constructed in 1802, the museum houses exhibits from prehistoric to modern times, with many of the exhibits in English. You can expect to spend 2 to 3 hours perusing all the museum has to offer.

Central Market Hall – Located just five minutes from the city center, the Central Market Hall is the largest and most beautiful of Budapest’s markets. Once you step within you will quickly understand why it is often called the ‘Great Hall’. It is simply amazing inside. Throughout the 3 floors of the market, shoppers will find all sorts of fresh produce, spices, wines, table linens, souvenirs and a huge assortment of meats and cheeses. You can grab a bite to eat from the restaurant on the second floor or maybe buy meats and cheeses (and some wine) to create your own picnic. The market is closed on Sundays and tends to be very busy during early morning hours on the other days of the week, since many locals shop there.

TIP: If you decide not to eat at the Central Market, just across the street from the entrance is a great outdoor restaurant where you can get a beer and a snack.  Anna Café at Fővám Square  also serves breakfast and lunch items, and has a full bar. So if you start your day in this part of town in the morning, or need a lunch break, the Anna Café is a great place to stop.

St. Stephen’s Basilica – The stunning, modern Roman Catholic basilica is the largest church in Budapest. Named after Hungary’s first king, Stephen, the basilica was consecrated in 1905. Entry to the church is free and it is definitely worth stopping by, as this is one of the prettiest churches you will see anywhere. For an additional nominal fee, you can climb the stairs (or take the elevator) to the dome’s observation deck or take a guided tour.

Day 2

Whenever we are in a big city, we always try to spend at least a half day touring outside of town. This allows us to see the countryside, meet some of the local residents and take a break from the rush of the city.

What you do outside the city depends on the activities you like, but we want to highlight some places around Budapest that will surely be memorable parts of your journey.

For a unique experience, take a tour of the Puszta region of Hungary. The Puszta is a vast area of treeless plains and marshlands stretching from the Danube to the eastern border of the country. Located near the town of Kecskemet, you can visit an equestrian park where you will be welcomed with some Hungarian brandy and a special bread that is commonly served in the country. A 40-minute show held in their arena, highlights the extraordinary talents of both the beautiful horses and their riders. Carriage rides, stable tours and samplings of Hungarian food are a few other activities available. This tour will take the entire day and can be booked through a number of companies. Here is one company that offers this tour.

If you are just interested in horsemanship or have some time constraints, you could opt for the Hungarian Horsemen Show located at the Lazar Equestrian Park, just 35km outside of Budapest. The show is similar to the one in the Puszta, but it’s a lot closer to Budapest and only about a half day is required.

If wine tasting is more your preference, the Etyek-Buda Wine Region is only 30km from Budapest. The countryside is gorgeous and the area produces some phenomenal wines. Here is a link to the tour we booked.

On the morning of our tour, our guide picked us up right on time from our hotel for the 4-hour tour. We first visited the Nadas Bormuhely winery where we met the owner and sampled six of his delicious wines. We also toured his winemaking facilities and learned about the history of wine in this region of the country. From there we traveled a short distance to the Buzal-Morocza Winery and Guesthourse, where we were treated to a delicious 3-course lunch served with plenty of the winery’s wonderful vintages. So if you are looking for a fun adventure that is a little more laid back and a chance to meet the local people, this wine country tour is a great excursion.

Day 3

A really great way to get to know any city is simply by just walking around. Budapest is big, but once you have seen the major tourist sites, spend some time focusing on the smaller neighborhoods with their many shops, restaurants and unique architectures.

For example, you really should not miss a stroll down Andrassy Avenue from Heroes’ Square to Elizabeth Square. The distance is about 2.8km and only takes about 30 minutes. However, you may want to take a little longer and stop at some of the special places along the way. Let’s talk about a few of the highlights that you will encounter along the route.

Heroes’ Square – This Square is one of the most visited sites in Budapest, so it is a good idea to start there in the morning, before the tour buses arrive. Heroes’ Square was opened in 1896 to commemorate the 1000-year-old history of the Magyars (which is another name for the native Hungarians). In the center of the square is a massive statue complex. At the top of the center pillar is Archangel Gabriel, holding the holy crown and the double cross of Christianity. On either side atop the colonnades are important figures from Hungarian history. The Museum of Fine Arts and Kunsthalle (Hall of Art) are on either side of Heroes’ Square. Although we did not go in, the facades of both buildings are quite impressive.

Leaving Heroes’ Square continue walking toward Bajza Utca, which is a cross street only about 5 minutes away. This section of the Andrassy includes the picturesque World Heritage site with its many elegant villas and palaces along the way.

TIP: If at any point during your walk you decide to skip a section of Andrassy Avenue, the Millennium Underground Railway, (Metro 1 or M1) runs beneath the Avenue. This is the oldest line of the Budapest Metro with plenty of stops en route.

Continuing down Andrassy for another 5 minutes or so, you will reach the Kodaly Korond roundabout, where there are statues of four of Hungary’s greatest heroes in each corner, along with beautifully painted old buildings surrounding them. Continuing for another 10 minutes you will reach Oktogon, so named for the octagonal shape of the intersection where Andrassy and the Grand Boulevard meet.

House of Terror – Just before you reach Oktogon, the House of Terror Museum will be on the right. This Museum commemorates the victims of both the Communist and the Nazi regimes in Hungary. The building served as the headquarters of the Nazi party, and its basement was used as a prison. During the Communist era the building was used by State Security. The Museum is open every day except Monday and the entry fee is approximately 9 Euros. Audio tours are available in English for an additional fee.

The last section of Andrassy, from Oktogon to Elizabeth Square, about a 15 minute walk, is the busiest section of the Avenue with a multitude of restaurants and shops. Stop at one of the many cafes to enjoy a coffee and a snack, or maybe some Hungarian food for lunch. Here are just a few of the many eateries from which you might choose:

• Menza Restaurant – Menza serves traditional Hungarian dishes with both indoor and patio seating.

• Langos Papa – Just down the street from Menza, right on Andrassy, you will find this very small restaurant, Langos Papa, which is known for its Langos. Langos is a Hungarian food specialty, a deep fried flat bread made of a dough with flour, yeast, salt and water.

• Művész Kávéház (Artist Café) – This is a great little café near the Opera House. Művész Kávéház is known for their cakes, so if you like cake, this is a must stop.

Opera House – The neo-Renaissance Hungarian State Opera House, originally known as the Hungarian Royal Opera House, first opened in 1884. It is renowned for both its grandeur and the quality of its acoustics. Opera performances are held from September through May and guided tours of the facility are conducted daily in 6 languages.

Elisabeth Square – This Square is the largest green space in Budapest’s inner city. It was named for Empress Elisabeth (nicknamed Sisi), the wife of Hapsburg Emperor Franz Joseph. In the center of the square is the lovely Danubius Fountain, symbolizing Hungary’s Danube, Tisza and Drava rivers. Also in Elizabeth Square is the Budapest Eye, which opened in 2017. The ‘eye’ is an enclosed Ferris wheel and at 215 feet high, you will be rewarded with some great views, especially at night. It’s a great ride if you don’t mind heights! There is a 10 Euro fee to ride and the wait is not typically long.

From here you can venture down toward the river, or continue walking through the nearby shops. With plenty of choices for drinks and dinner, you can find a great diversity of food options through this part of town.

We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 days in Budapest. As usual, we packed a lot into those 3 days. But we had a wonderful time learning about Hungarian culture through its warm, friendly people, delicious food and interesting history. Plan a trip to beautiful Budapest and you will not be disappointed!