How to Spend 3 Days in Budapest: First Trip Travel Guide
London is cool, and at times – reminiscent of New York City.
Gran Via in Madrid, with its exploding ads left and right, is like a minuscule version of Times square in Manhattan.
Europe is home to a lot of incredible cities, but if there’s one that reminds me of the Big Apple the most…
… it’s Budapest.
People often overlook Budapest as being a strong contender for one of Europe’s most bustling cities.
Immediately hopping off the train, I knew that this city was nothing like I had imagined it.
The Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, Hungary; January 2018
Whenever I had mentioned to taxi drivers that my long winter European adventure was ending in Budapest, they would say things like,
“Budapest is nice. It’s very old, it’s very nice.”
“Ah, Budapest… yes, it’s very different to Vienna.”
I figured from their descriptions, that Budapest was going to be small, like Prague…
... but it wasn’t.
🇭🇺 Practical Information for Visiting Budapest 🇭🇺
| Category | Practical Information |
|---|---|
| 💰 Currency |
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Approximate exchange rates (2026): • 🇺🇸 1 USD ≈ 315 HUF • 🇪🇺 1 EUR ≈ 360 HUF • 🇬🇧 1 GBP ≈ 420 HUF |
| 💳 Card or Cash? | I actually used mostly cash while exploring Budapest, although cards are widely accepted throughout the city. Having a bit of cash on hand is still a good idea for smaller purchases. |
| 🛡️ Safety | Budapest felt extremely safe. I visited as a solo female traveler when I was just 19 years old and walked around at night without any problems. |
| 🗣️ Language | The official language is Hungarian, but I found English to be very commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. |
| 💸 Tipping | Tipping isn't necessary, but it's always appreciated if you feel the service was exceptional. |
Elizabeth’s Ferris Wheel lit up at night in Budapest; January 2018
Budapest is surprisingly massive. It’s grand not only in architecture in character, but in energy.
You Should Visit Budapest if You...
Love stunning, jaw-dropping beautiful architecture
Adore a fun and affordable city break
Thrive with amazing night life and shopping
Relaxing in thermal baths sounds like a dream
Need an easy weekend destination if you live in Europe
🇭🇺✨ IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR... ✨🇭🇺
| If You're Looking For... | Go Here |
|---|---|
| 🌇 The best views | Fisherman's Bastion |
| ♨️ The best thermal bath | Széchenyi Thermal Bath |
| 🍻 The best nightlife | The Jewish Quarter |
| 🏛️ The most impressive architecture | Hungarian Parliament Building |
| 🌅 The best sunset | Danube Promenade |
Budapest is, in my opinion, like Europe’s Manhattan.
Is Budapest worth visiting?
Yes, Budapest is absolutely worth visiting. Between it’s stunning architecture, food, shopping, and fun neighborhoods to explore – it’s truly one of the most underrated cities in Europe that should really be on your travel bucket list.
How many days do you need in Budapest?
I really think you need at least 3 days in Budapest, as this gives you enough time to explore the infamous Hungarian Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, and walk all of the iconic bridges without feeling rushed. Plus, you’ll have free time for relaxing bath and spa days with a little shopping and neighborhood exploring thrown in.
🇭🇺 Budapest at a Glance 🇭🇺
| 🏛️ Best For | Architecture, thermal baths, photography, and big-city energy |
| 📅 Ideal Trip | 3 days |
| 💶 Budget | €€ |
| 👟 Walkability | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5) |
| 🚇 Public Transport | Excellent |
| 🍂 Best Months | Fall and winter. I actually think Budapest is prettier outside of summer, with fewer crowds, snow-dusted architecture, and shorter daylight hours adding to the city's atmosphere. |
When is the Best Time to Visit Budapest?
This might be contradictory to most, but I actually am convinced that the best time of year to visit Budapest is in the winter. I found the baths to be more relaxing, the shopping to be more fun without the crowds, and walking the bridges with more hours of moonlight to be enchanting.
Plus, it’s one of the cheaper times of year to visit – making a trip to Budapest in the winter and shoulder season months the optimal choice for both budget and solo female travelers.
Is Budapest expensive?
No, I didn’t find Budapest to be absurdly expensive at all – essentially being on par or even a little cheaper than other major European cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona.
Not sure where to start in this gorgeous and electrifying city?
I’m going to share with you exactly how I spent my three days in Budapest that can serve as your ultimate guide to Budapest.
🇭🇺 Local Tips for Visiting Budapest 🇭🇺
🎫 Buy Your Metro Ticket Before Boarding
Budapest's metro stations can get busy, especially during rush hour. I recommend buying your transport tickets before boarding so you don't have to worry about finding a ticket machine while everyone else is trying to catch their train.
📸 Visit Fisherman's Bastion Early
I visited Fisherman's Bastion early on a snowy January morning and had the entire place almost to myself. It was absolutely worth waking up early for the peaceful atmosphere and gorgeous crowd-free photos.
🌇 See Parliament at Dusk
In my opinion, the Hungarian Parliament Building looks its best just after sunset. I loved watching the city transition from day to night as Budapest lit up—it was easily one of the prettiest moments of my trip.
Liberty Bridge in Budapest; January 2018.
How to Spend 3 Days in Budapest
Let me be of service as I break down my 3-day itinerary to you:
🇭🇺 Day 1 in Budapest 🇭🇺
📍 Arrival, Hero’s Square & the Danube
I stayed right next to Hero’s Square, just a two-minute walk from the metro, which made it an easy and convenient home base for a first-time visit to Budapest.
After dropping off my things, I walked over to Hero’s Square and watched the guards marching around the monument.
Take the metro toward Liberty Bridge before crossing from the Pest side of the city over to Buda.
Walk across the bridge and take in the views of Budapest lit up at night along the Danube.
Vegan Love is a good option when you want an affordable and filling meal after a long day of traveling.
Day 1:
I arrived at around three o’clock in the afternoon from Vienna. Last time I was there in January of 2018, there was no Uber [update; as of 2025 – there is Uber in Budapest, it just operates under a different provider similar to Greece] …meaning, I needed to take a taxi from the train station to my hotel.
Be prepared, as in any big city, for the taxi drivers to rip you off.
For a five-minute drive to my hotel, the taxi man (who took advantage of nineteen-year-old-me-and-my-apparent-American-identity) charged me 7,000 forints… at the time, that was around $27 USD for a 5 minute taxi ride.
If it happens, it happens – and you shouldn’t dwell on the fact that you got ripped off… you should marvel in the fact that one way or another: you got here, and you made it to Budapest.
Where Should I Stay in Budapest?
I stayed right next to Hero’s Square. It was a two-minute walk away from a metro station; it made it for the most perfect, easy-to-understand home base for a first-time traveler in Budapest.
🇭🇺 Where to Stay in Budapest 🇭🇺
| Stay Here If... | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| 🗺️ It’s your first visit to Budapest | District V |
| 🍸 You want the best nightlife | Jewish Quarter |
| ✨ You’re looking for a luxury stay | Castle District or New York Palace |
| 💶 You’re traveling on a budget | District VII |
| 🚇 You want a central base with easy public transport | Hero’s Square |
After dropping off my things, I walked over to the square and saw guards marching and doing all sorts of London Buckingham-Palace-like-things.
Hero’s Square in Budapest; January 2018
Being in Europe in January, it was getting to be dark by four in the afternoon – and after a day of traveling: I was ready for a sit-down meal.
I took a train to Liberty bridge and walked across to the “Buda” side of the city.
Why is There a “Buda” side and a “Pest” Side in Budapest?
If you didn’t already know: Budapest is split between the river. The reason why the city itself is so huge, is because the city was once built for Austro-Hungarian Empire – meaning Hungary was originally built for three countries.
Today, people refer to the Parliament, hilly, residential side of town as the “Buda” side, and the side with Hero’s Square and copious opportunities to shop as the “Pest” side.
You simply cross the sides whenever you walk across the bridges or take a tram.
After taking in these views of Budapest lit up at night…
View of Budapest from the Liberty Bridge at night in Budapest; January 2018
… I made my way to, “Vegan Love”.
Smoke barbecue tofu burger from Vegan Love in Budapest.
It’s good if you’re traveling and want some real food on a budget, and sure hits the spot – but nothing groundbreaking.
🇭🇺 Day 2 in Budapest 🇭🇺
📍 Budapest’s Major Highlights
A driving tour is one of the easiest ways to cover Budapest’s major sights, especially because the city is much larger than it first appears.
Stop inside Gellért Baths to admire the beautiful stained-glass windows and historic interior.
Gellért Hill offers one of the most stunning views in Budapest, and unlike many viewpoints around the world, it is completely free.
Drive or walk through the Castle District and admire the astonishing architecture of the Buda side.
Fisherman’s Bastion has one of the best free views in Budapest, along with little shops and bakeries to explore nearby.
Step inside New York Café to see one of the most lavish and beautiful interiors in Budapest.
The inside of the Hungarian Parliament is absolutely stunning, with ornate rooms and ceilings decorated with real gold.
Stop for lunch nearby before continuing through the center of the city.
Skip the souvenir shops and buy paprika from a local grocery store, where it will be much cheaper.
Give yourself time to explore the jewelry stores, clothing shops, streets, and illuminated architecture without following a strict route.
Day 2:
I was on a guided vacation tour, and they had organized a driving tour of the city for me for the first few hours of the day…
… and because I was intrepid enough to be traveling in the middle of January (in the freezing cold when no one wants to be traveling) I ended up having my own personal, private tour of Budapest.
I’m never going to forget when the driver looked at my thin black jacket in his rearview mirror and said,
“That little jacket? That’s all you have?”
“It’s all I have!”
“You’re tough!”
“I am tough!”
Why Is Budapest Special?
My tour guide explained to me that Budapest’s architecture was heavily inspired by Turkish influences. In this way, it’s aesthetics are unlike any other European city I have ever been to – making it something special.
🇭🇺❤️ If You Love... You'll Love Budapest ❤️🇭🇺
| If You Love... | You'll Love Budapest Because... |
|---|---|
| Paris | You'll find grand boulevards, elegant cafés, and beautiful architecture with a lively European atmosphere. |
| Prague | Both cities are filled with historic architecture, fairytale streets, and breathtaking viewpoints. |
| Vienna | Budapest shares Vienna's grand imperial buildings and elegant architecture, but with a livelier feel. |
| New York City | Budapest has a surprisingly energetic, big-city atmosphere with bustling streets, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. |
| ♨️ Thermal spas | Budapest is home to some of Europe's most famous thermal baths, making it one of the best wellness destinations on the continent. |
Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest; January 2018
Since I was only one person, and the driver a native to the city – it was easy to hop in and out of places, and I really got to see all the local recommended, off the radar places.
He took me into Gellert Baths to admire the stained-glass windows inside.
The windows inside Gellert Baths in Budapest; January 2018
Afterwards, I got a personal tour of the fancy neighborhoods in Buda – and he took me to a lookout point that I hadn’t even heard of.
The view from Gellért Hill in the midst of a snow covered Budapest; January 2018
Where Is The Best View of Budapest?
If you’re able to get there, either on a guided bus tour or via taxi – I strongly suggest Gellért Hill. It’s one of the most stunning views I’ve seen… and unlike many other places where I’ve had to pay around the world, it was completely free!
You just have to know that it exists, and now – you do.
I was then driven through the castle district, where I was taken aback… with the light dusting of snow sitting atop the astonishing architecture…
Buda Castle; January 2018
…the city continued to take me by surprise. It didn’t cease to amaze me with its unexpected beauty.
Then we were off to Fisherman’s Bastion; where I was yet again dumbfounded by the fantastic (and free!) view.
Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest; January 2018
The view from Fisherman’s Bastion is incredible!
There are little shops and bakeries that you can explore while you’re here, but my driver and I were on a roll and didn’t feel like stopping.
He drove me by Elizabeth’s Ferris Wheel…
Driving past Elizabeth’s Ferris Wheel in Budapest; January 2018
… the Hungarian Opera House…
Driving past the Hungarian Opera House; January 2018.
… the fanciest, most expensive shopping street in the city, all of the embassies, the largest ice skating rink in Europe, the zoo, the circus, their arena plaza and stadium, and some exquisite hotels.
Inside Boscolo Budapest Hotel; January 2018
He also took me inside New York Café, which I had also never even heard of until he told me about it.
We drove by another beautiful building I have never heard of… this time, a Basilica.
St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest; January 2018
Where is the Largest Synagogue in Europe?
I also discovered that Budapest was home to the largest synagogue in Europe – and that like everything else in Budapest… it was beautiful.
The largest synagogue in Europe resides in Hungary - who would’ve known!
Visiting the Hungarian Parliament
I was then dropped off at the Hungarian Parliament for an already paid for tour inside. I get very board very easily when perusing historical rooms and having to follow the footsteps of someone else – but even I enjoyed this.
The Hungarian Parliament in Budapest; January 2018
Some of the roofs and ceilings inside are made of literal, pure gold.
The ceilings inside the Hungarian Parliament are made of actual gold!
Gold walls inside the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest; January 2018
It’s quite stunning, inside – and I recommend you do it as well.
Inside the Hungarian Parliament; January 2018
Ceiling inside the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest; January 2018
After my tour, I was ready for some food. Great Bistro was a ten-minute walk away.
Eating at Great Bistro in Budapest; January 2018
It was alright. If I were to go back to Budapest, it wouldn’t be the first place on my list to eat.
I then hopped into a local grocery store to buy their paprika.
Paprika at a Hungrian Grocery Store in Budapest; January 2018
Where Should I Buy Paprika in Budapest?
Travel tip: never buy things like chocolate or spices from a souvenir shop. They’ll charge you triple the price, when you can get the same thing (if not, an even better version) of whatever you’re trying to take back home with you at a local supermarket.
I paid around ninety U.S. cents a packet instead of the fifteen U.S. dollars they were trying to charge me inside the Parliament building.
I suggest you do the same; and if you like paprika… you’re in for a treat.
It’s saltier and smokier than the kind I find at my local grocery store in the states. I’m still trying to savor the packets I have sitting in my kitchen cabinet, to this day…
Shopping in Budapest
Afterwards, I just started to explore. I walked into jewelry stores, clothing shops, took pictures of the city lighting up at night…
Wandering one of the many shopping streets in Budapest; January 2018
… if you’re a shopaholic, I advise you to be careful in this city. They have anything you could think of or want within steps of where you are.
On my way back to the hotel, I came across this golden painting brought to life.
Budapest lit up at night; January 2018
As I was fortunate to see it all from a car, observing the city from the inside-out: I realized that while my driver was right… Budapest was distinct in its Turkish influence…
…but that its city-scene was nearly lively like Manhattan, but with the magic and charm of Prague and the similar (but still, superior) architecture and purple skies of Vienna.
When in Budapest, make sure you give yourself some time to get lost. Like Barcelona, everywhere you turn is going to surprise you.
Walking the snowy streets of Budapest lit up at night; January 2018
🇭🇺 Day 3 in Budapest 🇭🇺
📍 Shopping, Markets, Bridges & Thermal Baths
Budapest is a fun city for affordable shopping, and I found a chocolate-brown bubble vest for the equivalent of just eight U.S. dollars.
Napfényes Étterem was the best place I ate during my trip to Budapest, and its beetroot coconut soup was superb.
Central Market Hall is easily one of the most impressive market halls I have ever visited.
Make the journey out to Petőfi Bridge for another look at the Danube and Budapest’s riverside skyline.
Continue toward Rákóczi Bridge for another view of Budapest’s modern waterfront.
Keep the rest of your afternoon open for Széchenyi Thermal Baths. They are easy to reach, centrally located, and very relaxing in retrospect.
Finish your final full day by walking through Hero’s Square as it lights up at night.
Day 3:
Given I had seen so much of Budapest by car the day before, today was my, “I’m going to do whatever I want” day.
I knew I wanted to go thrift shopping in this city, I still had highly rated places to go eat at, and I still hadn’t gone to one of the famous baths of Budapest.
I found a chocolate-brown bubble vest for the equivalent of eight U.S. dollars that I still wear all of the time. Like I said… if you like to shop: be careful in this city.
I could only shop for so many hours before food was the predominant thought on my mind.
Nefanyes Etteren is a highly-rated plant based restaurant in Budapest.
Yes, I ate dessert for lunch: and I wasn’t mad about it.
Is it good?
Yeah…
Is it one of the best places I’ve ever eaten at around the world?
Nah…
Still, it’s the best place I ate at when in Budapest – and if you’re plant-based and get a kick out of trying those high-end, white table cloth places: you should go check it out.
I will say that their beetroot coconut soup was superb.
The beetroot coconut at Napfenyes Restaurant is really good.
Central Market
I then explored Central Market… which is easily one of the best market halls I’ve ever seen.
Central Market Hall in Budapest; January 2018
Souvenirs at Central Market in Budapest; January 2018
Bridges of Budapest
I then made the journey out to Petőfi Bridge.
Petőfi Bridge in Budapest; Janaury 2018
I also got a shot of Rákóczi Bridge.
Rákóczi Bridge in Budapest; Janaury 2018
I was going to make the trip out to Arphid; but the bus would’ve taken a long time and I decided that I want plenty of time to enjoy the baths, instead. It’s not really the end of the world if you don’t see all eight bridges, but you should walk across at least on of them during your stay.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Budapest?
Honestly, the underground metro in Budapest is great… but even in the winter time, the trams were packed – and the buses were slow at times.
If you can, I really think that the best and most efficient way to see Budapest is by car.
Baths in Budapest
I kept it simple and chose the Széchenyi Thermal Baths – as they were within walking distance to my hotel.
The Széchenyi Thermal Baths are close to Hero’s Square.
While I was in them, I didn’t think much of it – but in retrospect… it was in fact very relaxing.
A rare sighting: Stephanie in a (semi) relaxed state of mind.
I passed through Hero’s Square, lit up at night, as I walked back to my hotel.
Hero’s Square lit up at night; January 2018.
Day 4:
I was up early that next morning to catch a flight to Tel Aviv. Budapest and I had an eye-awakening goodbye; I watched the sun rise over Hero’s Square that morning.
Watching the sun rise over Hero’s Square in Budapest; January 2018
I depressingly hopped into a taxi to the airport as my journey back to Israel began.
Have more questions about Budapest? Find the answers you need below.
🇭🇺✨ FAQs About Budapest ✨🇭🇺
In the Budapest Airport.
Take off as I return to Tel Aviv from Budapest.
I hope this gave you some ideas on what to do when you go to Budapest.
If you’re looking for things to do in other European cities, click here.
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Last updated: July 23, 2026