Budapest Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do in Hungary’s Charming Capital on a weekend trip
Budapest has always been on my bucket list. Three full days in the city from Saturday to Monday were enough to feel its’ rhythm and discover its allure. If you are planning a trip to Budapest and wondering what to do there, here is my complete Budapest itinerary with recommendations for everything you should not miss on a short trip to it.
1. Budapest Itinerary Day One: A Perfect Introduction to the City
Start Your Trip at the Budapest Ferris Wheel
We began our visit near the fountain next to the Budapest Eye, also known as the Budapest Ferris Wheel. This is a perfect spot in the heart of action in the city.
From there we walked to the impressive St Stephens Basilica, one of the most beautiful churches in Hungary. For panoramic city views, you can climb up to the top of the dome.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
Across the street from the Basilica, you can buy a unique rose-shaped delicious ice cream from Gelarto Rosa gelateria. A perfect photo opportunity for social media.
From there you can walk through the wide streets filled with vide variety of excellent restaurants toward the beautifully grand Iconic landmark, the Hungarian Parliament Building. On the way, be sure to take a picture with the “Fat Policeman” statue on the corner of November 6th Street. According to legend, rubbing his belly brings good luck and prevents weight gain. Once you arrive at the Parliament Building you can take a guided tour inside and see the crown jewels.
Worried you may be overwhelmed by navigating your way around on the first day? You can always make your first day easier by joining a short, guided tour to get an initial introduction to the city.
Shoes on the Danube Bank: A Must See Budapest Memorial
A walk along the Danube River brings you to the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial. It commemorates the thousand Jews of the city who were murdered by Hungarian fascists from the Arrow Cross Party in the winter of 1944. Victims were forced to remove their shoes, valuable items that could be later taken and sold, were executed at the river’s edge so their bodies would fall into the water and be swept away. The memorial symbolizes the footwear they left behind on the shore. It is a deeply emotional and important site for every Jewish and Israeli visitor.
Evening Cruise on the Danube: the Most Romantic Experience in Budapest
Seeing the beautiful views of Budapest illuminated at night from the Danube river is unforgettable. The Palace, the Parliament, the Bridges, and Fisherman’s Bastion glow magnificently. A night cruise on the Danube is one of the best things to do in Budapest and is highly recommended, especially, but not only, for couples. Most cruises include drinks, music, and explanations about the buildings along the river and the stories behind them.
2. Budapest Itinerary Day Two Exploring Buda, and the Jewish Quarter
Buda: touring the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Royal Palace
The Fisherman’s Bastion and the Royal Palace in Buda are a definite must-see when in Budapest. We joined a free English language tour in Buda, the western side of the city across the Danube. We began at the fairytale like Fisherman’s Bastion, that has a terrace which offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Afterwards we toured the gorgeous Matthias Church, and the enormous Royal Palace.
To get back to Pest, we walked down the hill across the Chain Bridge, a pleasant twenty-minute walk.
The Jewish Quarter Tour History, Culture, and Street Art
We then took a fascinating tour of the Jewish Quarter. The tour included explanations about the Dohány Street Great Synagogue, historical monuments, stories about Theodor Herzl who was born in the city, and colorful contemporary graffiti and murals. This neighborhood blends a painful past with a vibrant present. Historical monuments with hip bars and restaurant.
It may be tempting to skip the guided tour, but I truly recommend joining one. The Jewish history of Budapest is rich, complex, and intertwined with the city’s broader story.
3. Budapest Itinerary Day Three: Discovering the Danube Bend and Great Market Hall
Day Trip from Budapest to the Danube Bend
If you want to explore beyond the city, consider a trip to the Danube Bend. Here the urban scenery gives way to green landscapes and charming villages. Most tours include the Visegrád Fortress and the picturesque artists village of Szentendre.
Szentendre The Artists Village Near Budapest
Szentendre feels like a small Italian village with cobblestone streets, colorful baroque buildings, cute cafés, art galleries, and stalls selling souvenirs and local spices. The walk through the narrow alleys adds to the authentic experience. We tasted the local liqueur which is not for the faint-hearted and visited the Marzipan Museum.
The village is also home to a tiny Jewish synagogue known as the smallest synagogue in the world. Visiting it connected me to my own family history. My great great grandfather’s family, the Raab family later Ben Ezer, came from Hungary to settle in Israel and help establish Petah Tikva. I was moved to see documentation of the Jewish families who lived there before the world wars. In the courtyard we found a memorial plaque for the Raab family, possibly distant relatives.
More Things to Do in Budapest If You Have Extra Time
The Great Market Hall
A magnificent nineteenth century building where you will find everything from Hungarian paprika to sausages, cheeses, and local foods like lángos. The upper floor has excellent food stalls and is perfect for an delicious, authentic filling lunch.
Budapest City Park
Budapest has a huge city park with a music museum, a castle, historic buildings, and plenty of greenery. It is the perfect place to relax, paddle a boat on the lake, and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
Other recommended attractions include the Széchenyi thermal baths and Margaret Island.
Useful Information for Visiting Budapest
- Currency: Hungarian Forint HUF
- Weather: spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures. We experienced very heavy heat in late May and early June, a hat and sunscreen were essential.
- Airport transportation: we prebooked a taxi from Terminal B2 which was very convenient.
- Getting around Budapest: we used Uber and Bolt. Bolt was usually cheaper. For public transportation the BudapestGO app makes traveling around the city easy and affordable. Don’t forget to validate your card before each trip. The fines for not doing so can be hefty.
- Where to Stay in Budapest: We stayed at the KViHotel Budapest on Nyar Utca 32 in the Jewish Quarter. Pros: clean, modern, tasty breakfast, reasonable price. Cons: requires using apps to operate basics like the air conditioning and lights. The bathroom has a transparent glass wall which reduces privacy. The hotel is not in the city center, so transportation is needed. In hindsight we might have stayed in an Airbnb, apartments or a hotel within walking distance of the city center.
You may be interested in learning about more free useful apps to make your travels easier. - What to Eat in Budapest? Food and Restaurant Tips: Budapest has many excellent restaurants, and some require reservations during busy seasons. Try traditional dishes such as goulash, paprika soup, and kürtőskalács chimney cake. Budapest cafés offer classic Hungarian desserts like apple strudel and Dobos torte.
Budapest is a city that combines fascinating history, rich culture, stunning views, and excellent food. A long weekend is enough to get a taste of it, and if you stay longer there is still so much more to discover. This post aims to share with you the best things to see in Budapest over a 3 day itinerary, from my experience.If you have questions or more useful tips to share about Budapest, do let me know in the comments below.
