Budapest Itinerary – the best things to do in Budapest in 1, 2, 3, and 5 days

Budapest is the pulsating capital of Hungary. The city experienced a rough time during World War II which undeniably set its mark on Budapest. But rising from the ruins is a transformed city with a wealth of stunning architecture, trendy restaurants and bars.

But what sets Budapest apart are all the city’s thermal baths and the nature walks in the hills on the Buda side. It truly allows you to balance fast-paced sightseeing with relaxing.

Below I’m sharing crafted itineraries and recommendations on the best things to do in Budapest in 1, 2, 3, and 5 days.

These itineraries include unmissable sights like the Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building as well as some non-touristy things to do in Budapest. I also made sure you get plenty of fun mixed with historical tours and local gastronomical experiences.

Budapest itinerary overview – the best of Budapest, Hungary

I’ve created these Budapest itineraries with a mixed bag of activities in mind so that you get a variety of experiences. You will explore Budapest must-dos from top sights to hidden gems, the famous baths, as well as hip places to eat, drink, and dance. 

To avoid repetition, I’ve listed the repeated activities in the shortest itineraries so that you easily can go back and look for more information when you need it.

How many days in Budapest?

1 or 2 days in Budapest is enough to see the main attractions. However, it will be tight, especially on a day trip. Spending 3 to 5 days in the city, allows you to peel off the layers and explore the different neighborhoods, foods, and attractions. 

Budapest is big and offers plenty of things to do and see in and around the city so even if you visit Budapest for a week, you’ll have no problems staying busy.

Where to stay in Budapest

I recommend staying as central as possible in Budapest to get around easily. Especially if you only have one or two days in Budapest, staying around the river in District 1 (Buda side) or District 5 (Pest side) is your best option.

Where to stay in Budapest in winter

Read next: Where to stay in Budapest

Budapest 5 day itinerary

Day 1 – Buda, Parliament, and the Danube

Buda Castle Garden Bazaar

Set below Buda Castle, the Neo-Renaissance garden was built in the 19th century. The Garden Bazaar is a beautiful park filled with elegant porticoes, colorful flower beds, and elaborate fountains offering breathtaking views over the city.

Originally, the plan was to make it a center for shopping and entertainment, but it never took off and the buildings fell apart. These days, the renovated event hall hosts exhibitions, concerts, and fashion shows among other cultural events.

Book your adventure:
Budapest guided tour with Parliament visit

Virgin Mary Statue

The 4-meter tall Virgin Mary Statue statue has only watched over the Danube River since 2013 but it has turned into an iconic photo spot. You’ll find it at the tip of the city outlook as you walk towards Buda Castle.

Buda Castle

Buda Castle was built in the 13th century and throughout the centuries it has served as a strategic defensive fortress, the residence of kings, and Hungary’s administrative center. 

Today it houses the Hungarian National Gallery where incredible masterpieces by Hungarian artists are exhibited and the Budapest History Museum where you can learn about the city’s history.

To reach Buda Castle, you can either walk or take the funicular from the Garden Bazar. The funicular is a fun and affordable way to get up to Buda Hill if you don’t feel like walking.

Fisherman’s Bastion

You might have seen pictures of the fairytale towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest. And trust me, it’s just as lovely in real life as it seems in the pictures. 

The viewpoint truly is a must-see Budapest attraction and while it might look like it served as a fortification once, it was built purely as a viewing platform.

Take a walk along the fortified walls between the towers to enjoy incredible views over the city. Don’t miss out on St Michael Chapel which hides under the ramparts of the Fisherman’s Bastion.

Book your adventure:
Budapest guided tour with Parliament visit

Matthias Church and Fountain

Already from the Bastion, you’ll notice the colorful roof of the 10th-century Matthias Church. For centuries, the church was used for the coronation of Hungarian kings but it was also transformed into a mosque when the Ottoman Turks took over Budapest. 

Today it houses a museum where you can see replicas of the Royal Crown and other royal jewels, as well as religious relics that were stored in Bratislava during the 150 years the church served as a mosque.

The Matthias Fountain, located in front of the church, is a magnificent Neo-Baroque fountain with impressive sculptures of a Hungarian King and his men from the 15th century.

Book your adventure:
Budapest guided tour with Parliament visit

Lunch

Grab lunch on the Buda side before crossing over to Pest. I highly recommend Port Beer & Food. The food is great and it is a beer lover’s paradise with a wide range of craft beers.

If you fancy something light, Panoramia Cafe & Bar is a cute place located right next to the Fisherman’s Bastion with splendid city views.

Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Cross the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to get to the Pest side of the Danube River. This bridge is the first permanent bridge connecting the Buda and Pest side and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. 

The Chain Bridge was finished in 1849 and has been a symbol of a united Budapest ever since. Walking across is a must whether you visit Budapest for a day or stay for the entire 5-day Budapest itinerary.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

On your way from Chain Bridge towards the Parliament, you’ll come across one of the most heartbreaking monuments in Budapest, the Shoes on the Danube Bank. 

This is a memorial to the Jews who were shot on the banks of the Danube in 1944-1945 and whose bodies were thrown in the river. 60 real-size iron shoes are spread along the river bank as if people have just left them behind. It’s a chilling sight and an important part of history that should not be forgotten.

Book your adventure:
Budapest guided tour with Parliament visit

Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament building is one of the main places to see in Budapest. You already got the best views from the other side of the river but now it’s time to visit its opulent interior.

A red carpet takes you up the wide stairs, and intricate sculptures, marble columns, and frescoes decorating the ceilings are surrounded by ornate golden decorations.      

You can only tour a few of the 691 rooms (luckily, or you’d walk around there for days!) You must book a tour of the Parliament to be able to visit. 

I highly recommend joining this city tour. It covers Buda Hill and a guided tour of the Parliament which is a similar route as this itinerary. However, going with a local guide gives you so much more insight into the places you visit. 

Book your adventure:
Budapest guided tour with Parliament visit
Parliament Building tour with audio guide

Evening River Cruise with dinner

Round up the evening with a cruise and dinner on the Danube River and join this evening River Cruise for an unforgettable experience. 

Not only do they serve traditional Hungarian dinner and drinks, but also have folklore dance and live music on board. With the sun setting over the city, there’s no better way to end your first day in Budapest.

Book your adventure:
Danube River Cruise with dinner

Day 2 – Thermal baths and small-town tour

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

What better way to start the day than with a couple of hours of relaxing in the most iconic bath in Budapest? The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a must-do in Budapest. It’s the most famous bath in Hungary and one of Europe’s biggest natural thermal baths.

Make sure you get tickets for Széchenyi Thermal Bath in advance to avoid waiting in line. It’s mandatory to wear slippers so I recommend bringing your own flip-flops, towel, and robe, or you can rent them at the spa. For a unique experience get the beer spa package!

Book your relaxation:
Széchenyi Thermal Baths admission tickets
Széchenyi Thermal Baths & beer spa package

Stroll through the City Park 

After the baths, take a stroll through the City Park with its duck pond and relaxing green spaces. Don’t miss out on Vajdahunyad Castle. It’s worth visiting its courtyard, which is free of charge. 

Heroes Square

Crossing the park, you’ll reach Heroes Square, a Budapest must-see. It is famous for the Millennium Monument with statues of several Hungarian leaders and the Memorial Stone of Heroes.

Lunch

There are plenty of restaurants and snack bars around the City Park where you can grab something to eat. I highly recommend Pántlika Bistro as they have great food and a lovely, laid-back atmosphere.

Tour to Szentendre

In the afternoon, join a half day tour to Szentendre, a charming little town just outside Budapest. 

Meander the cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings, browse art galleries, try Palacsinta (a Hungarian pancake-like treat), and take a stroll along the banks of the Danube for the perfect trip out of town. 

You can swap around with the baths if the tour runs in the morning or skip it completely if you want a full day of relaxation in the thermal baths.

Book your tour:

Half day trip to Szentendre

Day 3 – Jewish Ghetto & Wine Tasting

Brunch at New York Café

New York Café is one of the most beautiful cafés in Budapest. It is set in a Renaissance Palace together with a 5-star hotel. When you enter, you’re welcomed by 19th-century luxury, making this one of Budapest’s best places to go for an upscale brunch.

Budapest Synagogue and Jewish Ghetto Tour

Join this Synagogue & Jewish Ghetto Tour to learn about the deep Jewish heritage in Budapest. You’ll visit the Dohany Great Synagogue and the Jewish Quarter to learn about the Jewish history in Budapest and the Holocaust. 

During World War II, the Nazis forced the Jews to relocate into a walled area of the city. While the neighborhood has several memorials and museums in memory of those days, the Jewish Quarter has grown into one of the hippest areas in Budapest with great nightlife, street food, and cool street art.  

Book your adventure:
Synagogue & Jewish Ghetto Tour

Wine Tasting Tour in Etyek Wine Country

End the day with this wine tasting tour in Etyek Wine Country. You’ll visit 2-3 family-run wine cellars where you’ll get a tour and learn more about the production and of course, taste their wines, followed by a 2-course dinner where you get served some lovely Hungarian dishes.

Book your adventure:
Etyek Wine Country wine tasting tour

Day 4 – City Center, Margaret Island and Palinka

Hungarian State Opera House

Visiting the Hungarian State Opera House is one of Budapest’s top things to do due to its impressive Neo-Renaissance architecture. The interior is absolutely breathtaking with marble columns, elegant arches, and golden ceilings. The Hungarian State Opera is considered one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.

The House of Terror Museum

The House of Terror Museum gives you an insight into the somber fascist and communist regimes of Hungary and their victims. It is in memory of the people who were tortured and killed in this house. Exploring the museum, you’ll feel the gruesome history of two of the most cruel systems of the 20th century.

I highly recommend this guided communist history walking tour which includes the House of Terror Museum as sheds light on the gruesome things that happened during the fascist regime.

Book your adventure:
Communist History Tour with House of Terror

Stroll through Andrássy Avenue

Andrássy Avenue is the most famous street in Hungary. Take a stroll through the boulevard where you’ll find several museums, restaurants, cafés, and exclusive stores.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in the Hungarian capital and most famously home to King St. Stephen’s mummified right hand.

The interior is breathtaking with colorful marble, gold, and frescoes. Don’t miss out on climbing to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city.

I highly recommend joining this guided tour of the basilica for added value.

Book your adventure:
St. Stephen Basilica tour

Lunch

Grab lunch at one of the restaurants near St. Stephen’s Basilica. I highly recommend Ez Az Bisztró and Gizi Gastro Bar.

Visit a fun museum

After lunch, it’s time for some more fun things to do in Budapest as you’ll head to one of the city’s quirky museums.    

The Museum of Sweets and Selfies offers different rooms where you can take fun selfies. Among other fun themes, you find a candy pool, a banana swing, and a room full of flamingoes.

Cat lovers will likely prefer a visit to the Cat Museum where you will enjoy the company of the resident cats as you make your way through the exhibitions dedicated to everything feline.

Book your tickets:
Museum of Sweets and Selfies
Cat Museum
Pinball Museum

Margaret Island

Next, cross Margaret Bridge to Margaret Island where you’ll find the ruins of a Dominican convent from the 13th century, a small zoo, a music fountain, and an endless park. Walk the footpaths and enjoy the little tranquil getaway amidst the city.

In the summer months, the park is very lively with food stalls and live music, and in the winter, you can enjoy the illuminated light installations.

And since you’re in the city’s old baths, bring your bathing suit and head to the thermal bath at Margaret Island for a relaxing hour or two.

Book your adventure:

Tthermal baths at Margaret Island

Visit a Hungarian pálinka distillery

Pálinka is a fruit spirit that originates in medieval times. So your Budapest trip won’t be complete without a Pálinka distillery tour and tasting tour! This is a great way to learn more about the history and production of Hungary’s national drink and of course, taste some good quality Pálinka.

Book your adventure:
Pálinka distillery tour and tasting tour

Day 5 – Gellért Hill, Baths and Ruin Bars

Hungary National Museum   

Hungary National Museum dates back to 1802 when the renowned aristocrat Count Ferenc Széchényi donated a vast, personal collection of books and antiques to the state. Over the years, the collection has grown significantly.

Now, you can explore over a million different artifacts from prehistoric times to newer eras both from Hungary and the regions that belonged to the country before its current borders, like Transylvania.

Szabó Ervin Library

Szabó Ervin Library is the largest library in Budapest and is set in a former 19th-century neo-baroque palace. It has been used as a filming set for several Hollywood movies like Phantom of the Opera, Red Sparrow, and Casanova. The rooms are absolutely stunning with intricate decors on walls and ceilings, large chandeliers, and elaborate staircases.

Gellért Thermal Baths

Head to Gellért Thermal Baths to relax in the healing pools for an hour or two. The stunning Art Noveau baths are somewhat cozier than Szechenyi Baths making it a completely different experience. There are several hot and cold water pools, but the main attraction is the blue-tiled thermal bath with an elaborate fountain pouring water into the pool.

Remember to bring your bathing suit, towel, and slippers, and book your entrance ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Book your relaxation:
Gellert Baths admission ticket

Lunch

Refuel with lunch in one of the restaurants near Gellért Baths. I highly recommend Bartók – reggel.délben.este. for Hungarian food or Hummusbar for something light.

Garden of Philosophers

The Garden of Philosophers is a statue by the Hungarian artist Nándor Wagner that represents the mutual understanding between the world’s major religions. 

Statues of the founders of some of the world’s great religions surround a small orb that represents the similarities in these great beliefs. From the sideline, three great spiritual leaders observe them.

Prince of Buda and Princess of Pest Monument

Not far from the Garden of Philosophers, you’ll come across another iconic statue, the Prince of Buda and Princess of Pest Monument. It shows the city divided by the Danube and the prince and princess trying to reach across to each other. The monument is a beautiful symbol of the unification of Budapest as one city.

Gellért Hill Cave Church

Gellért Hill Cave Church is carved inside a cave, teeming with legends connected to it. Most famously, it’s said that a hermit monk lived inside the cave and used mud from the thermal water nearby to heal people.

But it also has a turbulent history and was closed down during the communist period while the Pauline Monks who lived there were either killed or sent to the camps.

Inside, the church is modest and you feel like you enter a natural cave with an altarpiece at the end making it a truly unusual experience.

Walk up Gellért Hill for the views

One of the cool things to do in Budapest is to walk to the top of Gellért Hill where you have the entire city at your feet. It is a bit of a strenuous uphill walk as you ascend the 140-meter high hill, but there are plenty of beautiful viewpoints on the way where you can catch your breath.

Liberty Monument

On top of Gellért Hill, the 14-meter tall Liberty Monument overlooks the city. It’s a beautiful reminder of the liberation from the Nazis at the end of World War II.

Citadella

The Citadella is the most prominent attraction on the top of Gellért Hill. It is a 200-meter-long fortress that the Austrians used to control the city of Budapest after the failed War of Independence.

Over the years, it has been used as a prison, accommodation for homeless people, and a German control base during World War II before it turned into a tourist attraction in the 60s.

The Citadella now houses the Museum of Wax Figures which is dedicated to World War II history.

Note! The Citadella is currently being renovated, thus closed to the public. It is expected to reopen in January 2026.

Street food for dinner

Budapest is famous for its street food and amazing food trucks are scattered around mainly the Jewish Quarter. Find anything from burgers and soups at Street Food Karavan to traditional Hungarian delights like waffles and Langos (fried bread dough) at Krumplis Langos. You can also find plant-based street food at the Vegan Garden or check one of these cheap eats in Budapest.

Check out the ruin bars

You haven’t seen the best of Budapest if you haven’t visited the city’s famous ruin bars. Opening bars in ruined buildings became popular in Budapest at the beginning of the 2000s to create affordable places to have a drink for locals.

This trend has boomed and visiting a ruin bar has turned into one of the most awesome things to do in Budapest. I highly recommend joining this tour that takes you to three different bars. It’s a great way to get an introduction to some of the hippest ruin bars in Budapest.

Book your adventure:

Budapest Ruin Bars tour with drinks

Head out to the nightclubs

Continue dancing the night away at one of the nightclubs on your last night. Start with drinks on the 1/A38 Boat, or for a local experience, head to Központ where you can experience both epic live music and DJ performances.

Next, you’ll want to hit the real nightclubs. The nights in Budapest last until early morning in clubs like Ötkert Club and Instant-Fogas so there’s no holding back!

Budapest 3 day itinerary

This Budapest 3-day itinerary gives you time to see most of the city’s attractions, but if you want to get out of the city on a half-day tour, I suggest skipping Gellért Baths and Margaret Island on the second day and booking either a half-day wine tasting tour in Etyek Wine Country near Budapest or a half day tour to Szentendre.

Day 1 – Buda sights, Parliament, and the Danube

Buda Castle Garden Bazaar

Virgin Mary Statue

Buda Castle

Matthias Church and Fountain

Fisherman’s Bastion

Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Parliament Building | Budapest: Grand City Tour with Parliament 

St. Stephen’s Basilica | Budapest: Saint Stephen’s Basilica Tour

Evening River Cruise with dinner | Budapest: Dinner & Cruise on the Danube with Folklore Dance Show & Live

Day 2 – Gellért Hill, Margaret Island, and Pálinka

Hungary National Museum and Library

Gellért Thermal Baths | Budapest Roman style Gellert Thermal Spa Full Day Entrance Ticket

Garden of Philosophers

Prince of Buda and Princess of Pest monument

Gellért Hill Cave Church

Walk up Gellért Hill to see the views

Liberty Monument

Citadella

Margaret Island

Visit a Hungarian pálinka distillery | Hungarian pálinka distillery visit and tasting

Day 3 – Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Jewish Quarter, and nightlife

Széchenyi Thermal Bath | Széchenyi Thermal Spa Full-Day Tickets

Stroll through the City Park and Heroes Square

Stroll through Andrássy Avenue

Hungarian State Opera House

Budapest Synagogue and Jewish Ghetto Tour | Budapest Dohany Great Synagogue & Jewish Ghetto Tour

Ruin Bars and street food for dinner | Budapest Ruin Bars: Evening Walking Tour with Drinks & Snacks

Head out to the nightclubs

Budapest 2 day itinerary

Day 1 – Buda sights, Parliament, and the Danube

Buda Castle Garden Bazaar

Virgin Mary Statue

Buda Castle

Matthias Church and Fountain

Fisherman’s Bastion

Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Parliament Building | Budapest: Grand City Tour with Parliament 

St. Stephen’s Basilica | Budapest: Saint Stephen’s Basilica Tour

Evening River Cruise with dinner | Budapest: Dinner & Cruise on the Danube with Folklore Dance Show & Live

Day 2 – Bath, Parks, Jewish Quarter, and nightlife

Széchenyi Thermal Bath | Széchenyi Thermal Spa Full-Day Tickets

Stroll through the City Park and Heroes Square

Walk down Andrássy Avenue

Hungarian State Opera House

Budapest Synagogue and Jewish Ghetto Tour | Budapest Dohany Great Synagogue & Jewish Ghetto Tour

Ruin Bars and street food for dinner | Budapest Ruin Bars: Evening Walking Tour with Drinks & Snacks

Head out to the nightclubs

1 day in Budapest itinerary

A 1 day Budapest itinerary will be pretty full-on trying to fit in as much as possible. I highly recommend getting the Budapest Card so you can get around easily with public transport to save time.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Buda Castle Garden Bazaar    

Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Parliament Building | Budapest: Grand City Tour with Parliament 

St. Stephen’s Basilica | Budapest: Saint Stephen’s Basilica Tour

Budapest Synagogue and Jewish Ghetto Tour | Budapest Dohany Great Synagogue & Jewish Ghetto Tour

Evening River Cruise with dinner | Budapest: Dinner & Cruise on the Danube with Folklore Dance Show & Live

Ruin Bars and street food for dinner | Budapest Ruin Bars: Evening Walking Tour with Drinks & Snacks

Getting to Budapest

Budapest is the main arrival point for anyone coming to Hungary and is well-connected to neighboring countries and the rest of Hungary by bus and train.

By air: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, often referred to as Ferihegy, is the biggest and most frequented international airport in Hungary. It has connections to a multitude of international and national destinations. It is only 30 minutes by shuttle from the airport to the city center.

By boat: The Danube River makes Budapest accessible by boat from neighboring countries on the Danube like Vienna and Bratislava besides other local destinations located on the riverbank.

By car: Located centrally in Hungary, Budapest is easily reached from all neighboring countries by car. It can be hard to find free parking in the city center, though, so booking a hotel with private parking is ideal.

By bus: Traveling by bus to Budapest is convenient and budget-friendly from other Hungarian destinations and neighboring countries like Slovakia and Austria. Some of the bus companies that frequently travel to Budapest are FlexiBus, RegioJet, and ArdaTur.

By train: Budapest Keleti station is the city’s main inter-city train station which daily connects with 25 European capital cities. The train station is 3 km from the city center but well connected with metro lines 2 and 4.

Getting around Budapest

Budapest is a walkable city, but there are many ways you can speed up between attractions. The trams are easy to use and one of the most iconic ways to get around and you can access free public transport with the Budapest Card.

Other ways to get around are hiring a bike for the day or joining an e-bike tour of the city. There are also e-scooters for rent on the street, all you need to do is download the app of the specific e-scooter company and pay to unlock it.

You can also jump on the hop-on-hop-off bus which will drop you off at the major tourist sites. It includes an audio guide, a walking tour, and a Danube River cruise.

Planning a trip to Budapest?

Budapest is a fantastic city with a rich blend of history, culture, picturesque views, a vibrant food scene, lively nightlife, and relaxing thermal baths. With so much to explore and experience, make sure to check out the articles below for my top recommendations when visiting Budapest!