Wonderful 3 days in Budapest- How to experience the pearl of East on a budget

02.10.2023.

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Budapest is a marvelous city, that truly deserves the title „pearl of the East“. Conveying the constant urge to explore its elegant atmosphere and relax in thermal baths, Budapest has a lot to offer. The charm of the Hungarian capital unveiled recently the popularity of this amazing city. In the map of the European spa towns, Budapest is your unmissable choice.

Being one of the most affordable cities in Europe, Budapest is a splendid short-break destination. The awesome river views and gorgeous architecture enrich the vibrant shine of Budapest. The historical treasure blends with the culinary delights to inspire you to visit Budapest again.

How to get around Budapest

As Budapest is quite large, walking is not the best option. This itinerary serves the best value of your time taking into account the geographical distances. Though you can see most of the sights on foot, public transport is usually the best solution.

In Budapest, you can either take metro, bus or tram. The best way to purchase a ticket is on ticket machines at metro stations for all types of transport. You can also buy the tickets at street kiosks or from bus drivers at a higher price.

To reach the city center from Budapest Airport most conveniently you should take the 100E shuttle bus. With a special ticket that costs 900 HUF, it’s available every 20 minutes. The private shuttle typically costs around 25€.

The best time to visit Budapest

Budapest is a perfect destination all year around. You should bear in mind that July and August represent the peak season. During this time you can expect more crowds and higher prices of accommodation. It’s a fun time to visit Budapest due to the many events around the city.

December is a popular time to choose Budapest as your next destination. The rich Christmas markets will fill all your senses turning the city into a fairy tale.

Wintertime (from November to February) is your chance to grab the lower prices and count on lesser crowds.

Where to stay in Budapest

Hostels:

Maverick Urban Lodge– is an awesome choice that includes cozy rooms, comfortable beds with curtains and a kitchen. Lovely gardens and vibrant rooftop enrich the atmosphere. It’s located just across the Gellert Bath, on the other side of the river.

Flow Spaces– is a comfortable and cheerful place near the Central Market Hall and across the Gellert Bath.

Island Hostel Budapest– enjoys the tranquil ambiance at Margaret Island. You can use the common kitchen and enjoy the lovely restaurant and bar within.

Budget Hotels:

Silver Hotel Budapest City Center– fantastic stay and rooftop terrace near Hunyadi Ter

Hotel Sissi Residence– near Blajha Lujza Square is a cute and nicely designed hotel

Fortuna Boat Hotel– awesome views and cabine rooms of different kind;

Mid-range hotels:

Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher– is a wonderful hotel offering elegant ambiance, located just near Hungarian State Opera;

Luxury Hotels:

New York Palace Hotel Budapest– hosting a famous caffeteria, this is a fabulous 5-star hotel near the Opera;

Corinthia Hotel Budapest– is an elegant 5-star hotel designed in the royal manner near the Opera;

3 days itinerary in Budapest

Day 1

Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is your ultimate choice if you decide to visit Budapest as your next destination. Bursting with incredible views of the Danube river and the Hungarian Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion is probably the dreamiest place in Budapest. Every archway and turret deserves a special photo session making a Fisherman’s Bastion Instagram-famous.

Built between 1895 and 1902, Fisherman’s Bastion served originally to provide stunning views of Budapest. It was designed in Neo-Romanesque style to celebrate the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian state.

The seven towers of the Bastion represent the seven Magyar leaders that shaped today’s Hungary in 895.

The name derives from the fisherman who ran the nearby fish market. Visiting the upper terraces is possible for a small fee.

Matthias Church

One of the oldest Budapest’s churches lies just across the Fisherman’s bastion as a pearl of its own. Its architect Frigyes Schulek is also responsible for the Fisherman’s Bastion. Its rich decor includes the awesome porcelain tiles within the Gothic structure.

Taking roots in 1015, Matthias Church is a masterpiece of art that hosted royal weddings and served as a mosque once.

Buda Castle

Try to include Buda Castle in your discovery of Castle Hill, which I didn’t. Bursting with stunning views, it hosts the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum inside today. Representing a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Baroque Palace dates back to 1749.

Gellert Baths- the second most popular baths in Budapest

After strolling down the majestic stairways from the Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll reach the metro station Batthyany Terr. It’s a fantastic crosspoint to many suburban lines. Just across Batthyany Terr, take a few stops with the tram to Gellert Baths.

Gellert Baths are a fantastic alternative to the popular Schechenyi Baths. Its elegant ambiance is so attractive and stunning tilework inspires on every corner. Dating back to 1910, you can enjoy 10 pools in this fabulous Art Nouveau-style building.

It’s an ideal place to relax after exploring Buda side of the city.

More than Gellert Bath, discover another viewpoint of Budapest that will simply delight you. Gellert Hill is home to Citadella, a stunning fortress from the 19th century. Offering fabulous sunsets, Gellert Hill will spice up your journey to Budapest.

On the way back visit the Cave Church from the 1920s that literally sits inside the cave.

Buda Castle Funicular- an alternative way to get to Buda Castle

Buda Castle Funicular- an alternative way to get to Buda Castle

Close to the Szechenyi Chain Bridge lies the lower entrance to Buda Castle Funicular. Taking a ride in the historic funicular is an awesome experience. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy the views of Danube River and the Chain Bridge.

Lunch/Dinner

The Great Market is just across the bridge from the Gellert Bath, within 10 minutes by foot. It’s an awesome place to experience Hungarian cuisine, preferably for lunch (working hours mostly from 6-18). It’s the largest market in the city, though slightly more expensive than the rest of Budapest.

Day 2

NY Caffe- the most beautiful Caffe in Budapest

It’s a fabulous experience to stroll around the world’s most beautiful cafe, even if you don’t consume anything. The queues are always so long so rather come in the early morning. Located close to Blajha Lujza Square, the elegant ambiance will capture the simple invite.

Though a bit pricey, you can even try a Hungarian coffee with chili. Since 1894, New York Caffe gathers various panorama of poets, writers and artists. Now you can enjoy a fancy brunch while admiring the ornate ceilings, marble columns and stunning frescoes.

Szabo Ervin Library

If your quest for the royal interior isn’t satisfied, you should head up to another gem of Budapest. Not far from New York Caffe by foot, Szabo Ervin Library is a feast to the eyes. The fourth floor should be your choice, but don’t disturb the busy students.

Visiting the Parliament- the marvel of Budapest

The absolute highlight of Budapest is the majestic building of Parliament. Being the third largest Parliament in the world, this Neo-Gothic edifice exists from 1904.

Though visiting a stunning exterior is enough, do take the time to visit the gorgeous interior. It’s possible only with a guided tour, which you should book a few days in advance.

Shoes on the Danube River

This memorial to Jewish people who were murdered by Hungarian Fascists lies next to the Parliament building. The bronze shoes represent a heartbreaking memory and a value that needs not to be wasted.

Lunch/Dinner

Café Kör offers the traditional Hungarian delicacies at a short distance from the Parliament.

Vega City is a buffet-style restaurant near the Ervin Szabo library (around 7 minutes) where the choice is awesome.

Karavan offers fantastic street food in the Hungarian style, near Blajha Lujza Ter.

Day 3

Szechenyi Baths- the symbol of Budapest

The spa culture of Hungary is a fabulous reason to choose this country as your next vacation destination. The unmissable spot in Budapest is the Szechenyi Bath complex and one of the most famous thermal baths in the city.

Definitely, you’ll have the whole day to enjoy this marvel of Budapest. The location close to Vajdahunyad Park is what enriches the relaxing vibes.

Since 1913, the Neo-Baroque charm of the yellow building gives embrace to amazing relaxation. Szechenyi Baths consist of three outdoor pools, 15 indoor pools, 10 saunas, massage therapies and more.

Városliget (City Park) & Vajdahunyad Castle- relax in Budapest

Just across the Szechenyi Baths lies Budapest’s largest public park, so take a stroll before or after. The impressive Heroes Square leads to its main entrance.

City Park is home to numerous museums, lakes, a botanical garden and the fabulous Vajdahunyad Castle. It’s a fantastic retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying the cultural treasure.

Vajdahunyad Castle captures the romantic spell, lying near the lovely lake. Taking roots in 1896 to host the Millenium Expo exhibitions, Vajdahunyad Castle honours Hungary’s 1000 birthday celebration.

While in City Park, take a chance to enjoy the awesome views from the hot air baloon.

The museums you can visit inside are the Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Etnography. The House of Hungarian Music is also a fantastic building that blends with the nature.

Margarit Island

If you still have the time to absorb the parks of Budapest, head to Margarit Island. Stretching on the Danube River, this natural oasis is framed by the beautiful Margarit Bridge and Arpad Bridge.

The entire length includes 2,5 km of the refreshing parks, a sport complex and the Palatinus thermal baths. The highlights of Margarit Island are the Musical Fountain, the Japanese Garden, ruins of the Dominican Monastery.

If you have more than 3 days in Budapest

Your Hungarian adventure shouldn’t finish with Budapest so be ready to jump on a day trip nearby.

Szentendre is an artistic town that will simply delight you. It’s full of cute shops, street decor and amazing museum. Take a suburban line from Batthyanyi Square or Margit Hrid and in 40 minutes you’ll be in Szentendre.

Godollo Palace is your exquisite getaway from the city while you explore the world of the Austro-Hungarian princess Sissi. Lying a bit outside of Budapest, you should take a suburban train from Batthyanyi Square.

Final thoughts

Though 3 days might not be enough, with this itinerary you’ll have the freedom to see Budapest in its fullness. It’s a marvelous city that hides wonders behind the curtain. The Fisherman’s Bastion is a pure invitation and the spa culture of Budapest a reason to return.

The Pearl of Danube offers a captivating soul where history blends with art. It’s a city that unveils its elegant atmosphere slowly but deeply.