What to see in Budapest in 3 days
Three days in Budapest can be a lot of fun at different levels, and all travellers will find something to enjoy. In this itinerary we have tried to include a variety of visits to satisfy those who love culture and history above all else, as well as those who prefer to indulge in more hedonistic pleasures.
The most important thing when organising the agenda for a three-day trip to Budapest is to do so with a map of the city in front of you, as the distances can be long and the time spent going from monument to monument can be time-consuming. Our recommendation is to focus on one area each day, i.e. if you want to visit Pest you should see the main monuments in the morning or early afternoon because they will be closed afterwards. When the sun goes down, you can always go shopping or go to viewpoints to see the city lit up. And the same goes for the day you go to the monumental Buda, as museums, palaces, etc. close early. Of course, you should leave some free time to enjoy at least two spas during your stay and also to enjoy the pleasure of tasting Hungarian cuisine.
Finally, some very obvious tips: comfortable shoes, some warm clothes for the night and during the cruise, and a lot of enjoyment.
Itinerary day 1
11.15-12.30
Parliament
With a façade of some 268 metres, it is the largest building in Hungary and a must-see in the country's capital. Its location on the opposite bank of the river to the castle was not by chance, but to show that the people's power rested on this bank. Inside there are more than 600 rooms, although the guided tour takes you into fewer... The most interesting things to see on a visit to the Parliament are: the monumental staircase, St. Stephen's Crown and the Congress Hall.
13.00-15.00
Lunch at Mercado Central
About ten minutes' walk from the Parliament is the Central Market, which is housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic building with a tiled roof. It is an ideal place to get to know the typical Hungarian products, sausages, peppers, paprika, wines, handicrafts... and to have lunch in one of the bars on the first floor. There you can try the typical goulash.
18.30-19.30
Andrássy Avenue
After lunch you can return to the centre of the capital for a stroll along Andrássy Avenue, an elegant 19th-century boulevard lined with neo-Renaissance residences and beautiful buildings. If you like walking, we encourage you to go as far as Heroes' Square, where there is a monumental ensemble commemorating the nation's heroes. A number of museums are also located around this space.
20.00 - 21.30
Budapest Opera
Funded in the late 19th century by Franz Joseph I, the Budapest Opera House (at 22 Andrássy Avenue) is one of the most beautiful neo-Renaissance buildings in the city. You can take a guided tour during the day, but our recommendation is to book tickets to see a ballet or opera performance, as you'll be able to admire it just as much and it's an unforgettable experience.
22.00 - 23.30
Dinner at Menza
We like everything about this restaurant: its warm interiors, its extensive menu with a good range of traditional and international dishes, and the friendliness of the service. Book in advance because it tends to be very busy. The kitchen closes at 11pm, so don't arrive too late (it's 400 metres from the Opera building).
Itinerary day 2
18.00 - 20.00
Géllert Baths
To relax you can go to this historic spa, which was built in the Secessionist style at the beginning of the 20th century and is one of the most elegant in the capital. The jewel in the crown is its monumental indoor pool, where a Danone advert was filmed, but it also has other outdoor pools. As well as swimming, you can get massages and other therapies.
14.00 - 16.00
Lunch at Halászbástya Étterem
This elegant restaurant is located in the Bastión de Pescadores and oozes history on all four sides. The menu is very select and balanced, so you can enjoy national recipes but with the chef's creative touch. It is well worth booking in advance.
16.30 - 17.30
Gellért hill and lookout point
After lunch we encourage you to go up to the Gellért lookout point on the hill of the same name, where the Statue of Liberty was erected to commemorate the Russian victory over the Germans. It is a natural setting where you can stroll and admire the panoramic view of the city at your feet. At sunset, it is common to go up to this place to watch the sun go down.
20.30 - 21.00
Chain Bridge
Next to the Gellért Spa there is a bridge over which you can cross to Pest, but we suggest you walk a few more minutes to go over the Chain Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in the city (mid-19th century). You won't be able to resist taking a photo next to the large lion sculptures. Legend has it that if the city is ever in danger, they will come to life to defend it.
Itinerary day 3
21.00 - 23.00
Dinner cruise
For the last evening we suggest a quiet and romantic experience: a boat trip on the Danube to admire the illuminated city. The Parliament and the Royal Palace look even more beautiful at this time of day. There are several companies that organise cruises during the day and also at night, with or without dinner, with live music? Come to the pier and choose the cruise you like best.