Budapest a city of charm, history, and stunning architecture set along the mighty Danube River. Over the span of just three days, we explored grand castles, beautiful churches, lush islands, and vibrant market squares, all while soaking up Hungarian culture and cuisine. Here’s our three-day guide to discovering the best of Budapest – a city that left us absolutely WOW’d!
“Budapest the pearl of the Danube! A city that should be on everyone’s European wish list!”
– Manda
When is the Best Time to Visit Budapest?
Budapest is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are generally in the spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild, and the city isn’t as crowded as it is during the peak summer season. We visited in September and found it to be perfect for exploring – warm days and cool evenings, with all the city’s attractions fully open, and it not too busy.
Additionally, visiting in the Autumn would allow you to enjoy vibrant autumn colors in the parks and surrounding hills, creating a picturesque backdrop for your trip. Budapest also hosts numerous cultural festivals in spring and autumn, offering travelers a chance to experience local traditions. Summer can be quite hot, while winter brings a magical atmosphere with Christmas markets, though it can be chilly for outdoor activities.
- Yellow Star – Attractions we visited and recommend
- Purple Star – Attractions we didn’t make it to but recommend if you have the time
- Red Camera – Photo Spots / Lookout View Points
- Other – Where we ate, stayed and played!
Day 1: Exploring Historic Buda
Our first day focused on Budapest’s Buda side, where history and panoramic views await.
1. Citadel and Gellért Hill
We began our day at the Citadel on Gellért Hill, a high point in Buda that offers some of the best views over the entire city. The Citadel itself has a rich history, constructed in the 19th century by the Habsburgs as a fort. It’s a fantastic spot to start your day, as the view from here provides a sweeping look at the Danube and the architectural wonders of Pest. The Citadel was unfortunately fenced off when we visited but the walk up the steep hill was absolutely worth it for the views.
2. Buda Castle
After enjoying the views from the Citadel walk, we made our way to the Buda Castle. This castle complex dates back to the 13th century and was once home to Hungarian kings. Today, it houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Although we couldn’t go inside due to a special event, the Castle grounds and terraces offer beautiful sights and photo opportunities of the city below. You can either walk your way up along footpaths or catch the funicular.
3. Castle District and Fisherman’s Bastion
Next, we walked along the Castle District and arrived at the fairytale-like Fisherman’s Bastion. Built between 1895 and 1902, Fisherman’s Bastion’s Neo-Romanesque lookout towers offer gorgeous panoramic views of the city and the Parliament building across the Danube. It’s a popular attraction, and it’s easy to see why – the views are breathtaking! This was the busiest area so far in Budapest for us, but it is so worth the crowds. The entry is free to the main areas, however if you want to visit the private upper terrace there is an entry fee.
4. Matthias Church
Adjacent to Fisherman’s Bastion, we visited Matthias Church, one of the most beautiful churches in Budapest. Known for its colorful tiled roof and intricate Gothic architecture, this church dates back to the 14th century and has served as the coronation church for several Hungarian kings. Entry inside the Church involves an entrance fee if you are interested, but we just enjoyed the architecture from the outside.
5. Hungarian Parliament Building
We ended our day by heading down to the banks of the Danube to admire the Hungarian Parliament Building. Its Gothic Revival architecture is stunning up close, and we highly recommend taking a guided tour if you have time. Standing proudly on the banks of the Danube, it’s an iconic landmark of the city.
Day 2: Sights Along the Danube and Margaret Island
Our second day took us back to the Danube River to explore its famous bridges, memorials, and the natural charm of Margaret Island.
1. Erzsébet Bridge and Shoes on the Danube Memorial
We started our day taking a walk along the Danube to Erzsébet Bridge. This Bridge forms the connection between the Buda and Pest sides of the river, and symbolises unity between the two. From here, we walked along the river further aiming to visit the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial. This memorial commemorates Jewish citizens who were tragically executed along the riverbank during World War II. The empty shoes lining the bank are a powerful tribute to those lost lives. The weather was a scorcher at 36deg and we couldn’t walk any further in the sun and heat, so we didn’t quite make it to the memorial.
2. St. Stephen’s Basilica
We headed into the streets of Budapest to St. Stephen’s Basilica. This grand basilica, named after Hungary’s first king, houses his preserved right hand and offers a panoramic view of the city from its dome (for a fee). The interior of the basilica is beautifully decorated, with intricate frescoes and gold details. We just enjoyed the architecture from the outside and had lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking the basilica.
3. Margaret Island & Musical Fountain Show
Margaret Island is a must-see oasis in the middle of the Danube, complete with gardens, trails, and historic ruins. During the day, you can explore the island by foot or rent bikes. But the highlight for us was the Musical Fountain, which offers a fantastic show set to music and lights in the evening. We highly recommend visiting at night to experience this show – it’s free, and the atmosphere is magical.
Day 3: Discovering Budapest’s City Center and Markets
For our last day, we explored the bustling city center of Pest, enjoying its markets and gardens.
1. City Center & Váci Street
We started our day picking up a cheap grocery shop breakfast and eating in a cute city square. We then wandered more of the city center, wandering down Váci Street, a popular shopping street with a mix of local shops, cafes, and international brands. This area is full of energy and great for picking up souvenirs or just people-watching. We even caught up with one of our Aussie followers this morning for a coffee.
2. Central Market Hall
A visit to Budapest wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Central Market Hall. This historic market is housed over three levels in a stunning 19th-century building and offers a taste of traditional Hungarian culture. From fresh produce to local crafts, it’s a feast for the senses! It’s also a fantastic place to grab lunch or snacks for the rest of the day and even pick up some souvenirs. The best thing we liked was that the market was filled with both local residents and tourists, so you know that the products are genuine.
3. Károlyi Garden
We ended our last day with a bit of relaxation at Károlyi Garden. This tranquil garden is one of the oldest parks in Budapest and offers a peaceful break from the city’s hustle and bustle. Our daughter, Aria, loved the playground here, and it’s a great spot for families to relax and let kids have a little fun. The kids playing were so welcoming and included Aria in their play, even though she couldn’t speak the language.
Recommended Tours in Budapest
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Budapest
To wrap up, here are a few practical tips we found helpful for exploring Budapest:
E-SIMs and Staying Connected
- E-SIMs are convenient for travelers who want instant connectivity without the hassle of purchasing a physical SIM card. Services like MobiMatter offer affordable e-SIM packages for Hungary. Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, hotels, AirBnBs and many public spaces around Budapest, but having an e-SIM ensures connectivity wherever you go. We use our phone regularly for maps, google translate and public transport timetables and routes.
Public Transport and Getting Around
- Budapest’s public transport is extensive, with buses, trams, and metro lines. The Budapest Card offers unlimited travel and discounts on attractions, which is handy for a 3-day trip. We found the trams and trains particularly easy to navigate and took advantage of them to explore further afield. You can buy a 24hr, 72hr and even a week long travel card, so there is something to suit.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is essential, and plans that cover health, cancellations, and activities are ideal for an active city like Budapest. Always carry a digital copy of your policy. We use and recommend SafetyWing as their holistic policy has covered all of our needs, is on a month by month basis and can be started from anywhere in the world (not just before you leave home).
Cash vs. Card
- Budapest is largely card-friendly, but some cash (in Hungarian Forint) is helpful for small purchases or in areas that may not accept cards. ATMs are common and offer fair exchange rates; avoid airport currency exchange kiosks if possible and the airport as these tend to be more expensive. We use a WISE Card for some of our cash withdrawals (depends on the ATMs available to us at the time).
Accommodation Options
- Budapest has a wide range of accommodations. We recommend staying centrally, especially in the Jewish Quarter or Castle District, to maximize convenience and ease of exploring. We stayed on the edge of the Palace District which was also really convenient for attractions, transport and food.
Food and Drink
- Budapest is known for its food, from goulash to chimney cakes. Don’t miss the Great Market Hall for local flavors or Váci Street for trendy cafes and restaurants. Prices are affordable, making it easy to dine out without breaking the bank. Groceries are easy to find and stock a good range for those ready to eat or easy to prepare at home snacks and meals.
Budapest truly won us over with its charm, history, and vibrant atmosphere. From exploring grand castles to relaxing on Margaret Island, our 3-day journey in Hungary’s capital was unforgettable. If Budapest isn’t already on your Europe bucket list, it should be!
Planning a Trip to Budapest?
~ Hiring a car? We recommend getting a quote from DiscoverCars
~ Hiring a Motorhome? We recommend Motorhome Republic
~ Arranged your Travel Insurance? We recommend SafetyWing
~ Booked your accommodation? We use Expedia or Airbnb or TrustedHouseSitters (25% off code on our discounts page)
~ Need a house or Pet Sitter while you’re away? We recommend finding a Trusted House Sitter.
~ Got your E-Sim sorted? We use MobiMatter to stay in touch! ($5usd OFF code on our Discount page!)
~ Organised your spending money? We use WISE to get the best rate with the lowest fees!
~ Booked your flights? We use SkyScanner to find the best deals!
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