What to see in Budapest in 1 - 3 days?
Budapest, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it is not for less, the pearl of the Danube is also known as the Paris of the East, since it is a fairy tale destination where you can let your imagination run wild and fall in love with its charm.
The Hungarian capital has a colossal mix of modern architecture, with many interesting places from a tourist point of view. Furthermore, the city is in the top 10 cities with the highest quality of life worldwide.
It is a huge city with a wide range of possibilities for the visitor; fashion, history, parties, art... everything you want and more, you will find it in Budapest. Note that 1/5 of the Hungarian population lives in Budapest, making it the most populous city in Eastern Europe.
In this guide we will tell you everything you need to know before planning your trip to Budapest.
How to plan my visit to Budapest?
At Yoorney we have local tour guides who offer you the best selection of guided tours, free tours and excursions in Budapest and in other cities around the world.
The best way to discover a city!
Perhaps you don't know where to start creating your travel itinerary to Budapest. It is normal, since you still do not know the city. Because going with a professional guide is not the same as doing it on your own, that's why Yoorney's tours will make you feel like one more local.
Why visit Budapest?
If you have in mind visiting the Hungarian capital, what do you know about its origin? This city houses a rich, varied and extensive history.
- City made up of two cities: Buda (on the left bank of the Danube) and Pest (on the right bank)
- Its history began with Aquincum (an ancient Celtic settlement that became the Roman capital of Pannonia)
- Nation founded by the seven great Magyar tribes
- Great power after the birth of Austro-Hungary (19th century)
- Very punished after the two great world wars, without forgetting the later years under the Soviet mandate.
- Great social, economic and political growth after the fall of the wall and the Soviet yoke (1989)
Budapest is contrast, it is gastronomy, it is culture shock, it is history, it is art, it is everything one can imagine.
These are the essential places to see and visit in Budapest in 3 days (or a weekend getaway). Take note!
12 essential places to see and do in Budapest
1. Buddha Castle
Buda Castle is one of the indisputable symbols of the city. Situated on top of the Várhegy hill it offers one of the most spectacular views of the Hungarian capital.
Hungarian kings, Ottoman emperors and Austrian emperors have passed through these parts. Today the castle, also called Royal Palace, houses two museums: the National Gallery and the Budapest Historical Museum. It is a 13th century fortification. After the Mongol conquest, King Bela IV ordered the erection of defenses, which today do not exist.
It was not until the Renaissance period that the castle was reformed to make it more attractive to its tenants. After the Turkish invasion (1541-1686) the castle was demolished, and it was not until the arrival of the Habsburgs (1714-1723) that it was ordered to be built again in the Baroque style. Times were not easy, since the building witnessed the revolts against the crown (1849), and especially the 2nd World War, in which it was practically wiped off the map. It is not until 1950 that it is ordered to be reconstructed.
To access it, you usually enter through St. George's Square (North), where the funicular connects the hill with the Chain Bridge (Pest).
Yoorney Tips! Learn about the curiosities of the place with a local guide in Spanish. In addition, they will solve any doubts you have.
2. Budapest Parliament
The Parliament is located on the banks of the Danube, on the Pest side, and is considered the most important symbol of the city. The structure has various architectural styles: Neo-Gothic, Neo-Baroque and Neo-Romantic. It is 123 meters wide by 96 meters high, like the Church of San Esteban. These measures respect the balance between the civil and religious part of the city.
This building was built in the 19th century as a palace representing Hungarian independence after the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They were inspired by the London Parliament, in the Westminster neighborhood.
Inside is the library and documentation center of the European Council, while in the central part, where the dome is, the Sacred Hungarian Crown and elements such as the sword, the scepter and the Orb that belonged to the hungarian kings.
The residence of the Prime Minister is located in the north wing of the building, in the north-east the offices of the President of the Chamber and in the south the residence of the President of the Republic.
3. Szechenyi Spa
Considered the best spa in Hungary and the oldest in Pest. The Széchenyi began to be built in 1909 over the second deepest thermal well in Budapest. It is a neoclassical spa very rich in decoration, which is made up of 18 swimming pools, 10 saunas, several steam rooms, massage rooms and facial treatment.
The spa waters contain magnesium, calcium and bicarbonate, which makes them the ideal treatment for joint and trauma diseases.
4. The Flower Market
On the banks of the Singel canal, is one of the most important attractions of Amsterdam, the Flower Market or Bloemenmarkt.
This market dates back to 1883, when a large number of boats loaded with plants and flowers arrived every day to sell.
Today it is almost imperceptible that it is a floating market, because the flower stalls are located on very well fixed platforms, but even so, the walk through this market is just as magical as before, since the Dutch have great passion for the flowers and many come to buy them in this historic market.
At Bloemenmarkt you can buy tulips of a wide variety of colors, all kinds of garden tools and of course tulip seeds and bulbs to take away and plant at home. This place is a pleasure for the senses!
5. St. Stephen's Basilica
It is, for many Hungarians, the most important basilica in Budapest. It is a Catholic basilica, which could have been called Saint Leopold (patron saint of Austria), but was eventually named after the first king of Hungary. The interior is very worthwhile, it is all decorated with 50 types of marble, with statues of spectacular definition and quality.
Remember that this building is new, between quotes, it was created in the 18th century. On this land we would find a theater, but at the beginning of 1800 funds began to be collected to cover the costs of the work on the basilica.
It is a religious building, based on a Greek and neoclassical cross. The bells are rung on August 20 (consecration of the church) and December 31. Visitors can climb the bell tower, either on foot or in the elevator.
6. Jewish quarter
The Jewish quarter contrasts a view of the cruel and warlike past of Budapest with the glamor and luxury of its avenues and shops. Today the Jewish quarter is protected by UNESCO, and no wonder, since we are in one of the most important Jewish centers on the European scene.
Here we find the Status Quo Ante Synagogue, devastated during World War 2, and which today is used as a center for contemporary art. In addition, we will visit the Great Synagogue, the Garden of the Just, the Jewish museum and the most visited monument in the neighborhood, The Tree of Life, located in the Memorial Park, where we will find an emotional tribute to the angel of Budapest, who still Surprisingly, he was not Hungarian, but Spanish.
7. Erzsebet Park
It is the largest park in the city. It is a very popular place, but at the same time away from the crowd and the noise of the center, it is a great area to disconnect and get lost for a while. In this park the monthly fairs and summer festivals take place.
What to see in the Park?
- The Budapest Ferris Wheel
- Remains of the old fortress used to prevent attacks from the Danube.
- Today the Park is considered part of the complex that includes Esztergom Castle, the Basilica and the Kossuth Bridge.
8. Budapest opera
It is one of the most elegant places in the city, it is a neo-Renaissance palace from the 19th century located on Andrassy avenue. It is a spectacular building, from the outside, but especially from the inside. At the entrance we will find a statue dedicated to Erkel (author and composer of the Hungarian national anthem). This theater has been visited by illustrious people from history, such as the Empress Elizabeth (Sissi).
9. Fisherman's Bastion
Located on top of Buda, it is the most popular viewpoint in the city. Construction of 1902 which has 7 towers, in reference to the 7 Magyar tribes that founded the place, Óbuda (city that would be unified with Buda). Although it has the name "Bastion", its origin is merely ornamental as a complement to the Church of Matthias. It was named "pescadores" after a fishing village located here in the Middle Ages, whose mission was to defend that part of the wall.
If you ask me, where could I take a selfie with the best views of the entire city? I would say Fisherman's Bastion without hesitation.
10. Museums
Budapest with its parks, palaces, avenues, gardens, churches and monuments is a city brimming with beauty and culture. Its streets are full of stories and details to observe, along with all this is added a quite extensive cultural and museum offer. Without counting the galleries mentioned above, which are the most popular and curious museums in the city?:
- Museum of Fine Arts: It houses a collection of more than 100,000 pieces by international artists, such as works by Raphael, Picasso, El Greco, Tiepolo..., they also exhibit classical objects from Greece, Rome and Egypt. Many of his pieces are on display at the Hungarian National Gallery. It is in Heroes' Square, very close to the Mücsarnok Art Gallery (contemporary art museum).
11. Andrassy Avenue
Andrassy Avenue, apart from being the main artery of the city, was named a World Heritage Site in 2002 for its history and rich modernist architecture. This avenue joins the Ezsébet square with the Heroes' Square, ending its route in the City Park.
Here we will find boutiques like Armani, Louis Vuitton, Dior..., so prepare your pocket if you want to stop here to eat. On the contrary, if you are looking for something more affordable, do not worry, we will give you some tips below. You can explore everything on foot or take the metro (line M1)
12. Margarita Island
Few cities can boast of having an island in the middle of the river, and Budapest is one of them. Margaret Island is more seeing considered a park located on the Danube, between Buda and Pest.
In it, apart from areas for walks, relaxation and gardens, we find the ruins of the Convent of Santa Margarita, a zoo and a swimming pool with water slides. In addition, we find a viewpoint, located in the water tank. If you want to tour the island you can do it by train (€2.20), rent a bike (€2.80 all day), electric car (€13.60 all day) or on foot, but the island is quite large and If you only have 3 days, you don't have to waste time.
Where to eat in Budapest?
11 places to eat in Budapest
- Goulash: It is a dish made from beef (as a rule), onion and paprika. It is a very cheap dish, but it cooks slowly, so it is advisable to order something else to eat while preparing the goulash. It is quite common that they put the goulash in a plate-pot made of bread, by this I mean that apart from eating the goulash you can eat the plate.
- Lángos: It is a kind of fried bread that has infinite variations both for the base of the dough and for the ingredients that are added on top (like a pizza). The base is a yeast dough and baked potato, and on top garlic sauces, or cheese, or spices are added.
- Sausages: We highlight the salami, which is a little spicier than Italian and is made by mixing beef and especially pork.
- Pörkölt: Pieces of meat with paprika, which are eaten with pasta. Very similar to Goulash but with less liquid.
- Hurka: Black pudding made from pork, very similar in taste to liverwurst.
- Töltött Káposzta: Cabbage leaf stuffed with minced meat, rice, paprika, which is usually served with a sauce very similar to sauerkraut and with sour milk to soften the flavor.
- Dobos Torta: Cake with layered chocolate cream.
- Trdelnik: It is a very popular sweet in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania among others. The data is more in favor of a Czech origin, but even so it is a highly consumed sweet in Hungary. In the center of Budapest we will find many street stalls of this sweet made in firewood.
- Mákos Rétes: A kind of strudel (puff pastry with poppy seeds).
- Kékfrankis and Kadarka: Wine of black grapes (red wine).
- Szürkebarát and Mór: White wine.
8 typical dishes of Budapest
- Belvarosi Diznotoros: One of the most popular places to eat in abundance and pay little. It is a chain of restaurants, which has a very extensive and varied menu, comparable to a free buffet but a Hungarian version.
- Bors Gazstrobar: The card is in Hungarian, so if you want to play Russian roulette and take a chance, this is your place. The only thing that appears translated into English are the sandwiches (like the Pans brand, but mixing disparate flavors), it is a very small place which follows the Ruinbar style.
- Hungarian Hell's Kitchen: Remarkable for the goulash in a bread roll for two.
- Drum Cafe: Cheap restaurant with abundant food, full of locals, highlighting goulash and langos.
- Menza: A trendy restaurant among young people, decorated as in the 70s. Quite cheap if you go with the change to the euro or hard currency.
- Remizremiz: Known place frequented by locals and tourists, it has a terrace.
- Gundel: Known hangout for locals. Restaurant open since the 19th century, traditional in its cuisine, but modern in terms of service and decoration. It is much more select than the others, requiring appropriate clothing among diners, it has a terrace.
- Vadarspark Etterem: Modern restaurant with a terrace and a Hungarian folk music or dance group that enlivens the evening.
Budapest with children
Walk along the danube
An essential activity in Budapest with an approximate duration of 1 hour, so there is no room for the child to get bored.
Walk through the Park and Erzsebet Square
An open space that concentrates a large number of terraces, shops, a large Ferris wheel where you can get on and contemplate the city from above and an outdoor pool to cool off in summer. If you visit the Varosliget Park there is a play area for children with attractions such as roller coasters and vintage merry-go-rounds.
Visit the Aquaworld Water Park
Located 10 km from the center, from the water parks with the most slides in all of Hungary and Central-Europe.
Children's train
A train led by children; they sell the tickets, check and accommodate the passengers, notify them through the public address system and so on, the only thing they don't do is drive the train, an adult does it. It starts from the Szecheny station and passes through the Danube National Park. A unique and curious experience that had its reason for being under the Soviet mandate.
Visit the Zoo and Botanical Garden
Close to the Heroes Square. The Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest in the world and opened its doors in 1866. The little ones will love it.
Pet-friendly Budapest
Dog parks in Budapest
Sas Hill Nature Reserve
Feneketlen Lake
Accessible Budapest
Adapted tourism is not a pending issue in Budapest.
We were able to experience it first hand and here are some of our favorite adapted and accessible sites:
Adapted monuments:
- Szechenyil, Gellért, Rudas and Lukács Spa: Parliament
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Matthias Church
- Mupa cultural center
- Margarita Island
- Budapest zoo
- Botanical Garden
- Museums: National Gallery, National Museum, the Kunsthalle, Ludwig, History of Budapest, House of Terror...
- The Hungarian Grand Prix
- The summer festival of Isla Margarita
- Christmas stall in Vörösmarty square
Nocturnal Budapest
Enjoy the night life of Budapest. The city hides a multitude of corners with a special charm to have a good time in good company and where you can walk, have a drink and toast.
These are some of our favorite places to party in Budapest!
Beer lovers in Budapest
Spa Bars
An experience that you cannot miss, visit the Széchenyi baths, from June to September it is open, it is a disco in a sauna and hot springs.
Live music in Budapest
In Budapest you can find various places to enjoy live music. We recommend Gondozo, a ruinbar that has a cafeteria, bar and food court, where every night there are concerts of alternative music, mainly gypsy and Balkan folklore from the Magyar country. A3 cargo ship, it is a Ukrainian ship located in the port of the Danube river, where there is live music, mostly techno. If you visit Budapest in summer, go to Düker Kert, located in an abandoned university building, in which the classrooms serve as music rooms, in summer there are concerts every day.
Budapest nightclubs
Budapest has a number of venues where you can enjoy the best live music. These are some places that you will love to visit: Club Seven, dance and funky music disco, lots of people and expensive. Cökxpôn Ambient Society, an alternative nightclub, with live music from alternative groups (djs, jazz, funky...).
How to get to Budapest?
How to get to Budapest by plane
From Spain, the airports that operate direct flights to Budapest are: Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca and Malaga (mostly from Wizzair or Rynair). Ferenc Liszt airport is located just 20 km from the center, even if you want to walk, it is an option, but not the most comfortable.
How to get to Budapest by train
The most common arrival is through Vienna or Bratislava (consult TGV Europe).
How to get to Budapest by bus
Arrival from Vienna or Bratislava via the Danube River.
How to get around Budapest
- Taxi: Average price of 20 euros each way (Fötaxi brand), watch out for fake taxi drivers, they stand at the airport exit and offer affordable rates, but they are not legally authorized taxis.
- Shuttle: They load your bags for you, they leave you at the door of the hotel quickly and efficiently for less than €11/pax.
- Bus: for less than €3, as soon as you leave the terminal you will find an information kiosk where they sell BKK tickets. There you can buy the 100E bus for €3, it's like a shuttle. From there the bus takes about 40 minutes and they leave you in the center from where you can take the metro (M1, M2 or M3). Important to return to the airport the bus leaves from Déak Ferenc (the bus runs from 3:40 a.m. to 12:40 a.m.)
- Train: if you arrive at T2 you must take the 200E to the train station (Mav-start).
14 most beautiful towns to visit in Budapest
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Esztergom
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Szentendre
- Lillafüred
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Sopron
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Visegrád
- Koszeg
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Tokaj
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Eger
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Hollóko
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Zebegény
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Gödölló
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Herend
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Pecs
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Puszta
Budapest Overview
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