What to see in Budapest in 3 days
Start your Budapest adventure with a free walking tour, the perfect way to discover the architectural beauty and rich history of the city. The Hungarian capital, home to nearly 2 million inhabitants, is one of Europe's most stunning destinations, offering incredible sights all year round, whether it's Christmas, spring or summer. Whether you've chosen this vibrant city for a weekend getaway or a short vacation, here's an itinerary with the most fascinating places to visit in Budapest in just a few days.
Budapest is known as "the Pearl of the Danube" and its picturesque Parliament, with unparalleled views of the river, is the most representative icon of the city. Walking along the Danube promenade you will find one of the oldest legislative buildings in Europe, inaugurated in 1896.
Weather permitting, do not hesitate to take a day or night cruise excursion along the river and admire its most famous bridges. A cheaper alternative is the streetcar No. 2, where you can enjoy one of the best panoramic public transport rides at a bargain price.
The Buda Castle, which we recommend to climb by funicular, was built in 1265 as the residence of the kings of Hungary and was visited by leading royal figures from around the world until 1944. It was later restored to its former glory after the ravages of World War II. The castle hides an interesting labyrinth formed by caves, cells and springs, and also houses the National Gallery, the Szechenyi National Library and the Museum of History of Budapest.
The Fishermen's Bastion is a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque lookout, a must-see for art and photography lovers. The work of Hungarian architect Frigyes Schulek, it was completed in 1902 and its name comes from the fishermen who protected those lands during the Middle Ages. The Bastion tower offers incredible panoramic views of the Pest side and the Danube River.
The Chain Bridge, built over the Danube River, was first opened in 1849 and permanently connected Buda and Pest, the two parts into which the city was divided during the time of the Hungarian revolution. It is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated, and from there you can enjoy incredible views of the city. Designed by British architect William Tierney Clark, is a great tribute to Budapest and the history of the country.
This long boulevard is full of history and preserves beautiful houses, Renaissance palaces and ancient alleys in which it is worth losing a couple of hours. In Andrássy Avenue is the Heroes' Square, the most important of Budapest. Its architectural ensemble, whose statues commemorate the founding tribes of the country, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In addition, in the surroundings are the Museum of Fine Arts and the emblematic Budapest Opera House.
Located in the urban core of Budapest, Váci Utca is the busiest shopping street in Budapest and one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets. Here you can admire its artistic facades, go shopping and explore the wide variety of fashion, vintage and souvenir stores. If you like wine, we advise you to visit the CultiVini Wine Gallery, which offers tastings of the best wines from the 22 wine regions of Hungary.
This square hosts big events throughout the year, especially at Christmas and Easter (between March and April). It is a very busy place for both locals and visitors, as it is easily accessible from almost all tourist points of the city. The famous Váci Utca street starts in this square and in its surroundings there are many stores, restaurants and well-known cafes, such as the Hard Rock Café.
If you are in Budapest between November and January, this is the perfect time to visit Vörösmarty Square, as it hosts one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe.
The market is filled with exquisitely decorated wooden stalls, where you can find a wide range of souvenirs and collectibles from 120 Hungarian artisans. From colorful Christmas ornaments to high-quality woodwork, ceramics, jewelry and other accessories. The market also becomes a stage for concerts, dance performances and interesting exhibitions.
In this square you can also taste the delights of Hungarian gastronomy, including goulash soup, stews with paprika, lángos and grilled sausages. To warm up, you can have a good wine, pálinka punch or other hot local drinks with a touch of alcohol.
St. Stephen's Basilica, one of the most important churches in the country, was completed in 1905 and became the tallest building in Budapest (96 m). The interior is designed in neoclassical style and the facade has a Greek cross and two bell towers on each side. In addition to visiting the basilica, you can climb 364 steps up to the bell tower to get an excellent panoramic view of the city and take good pictures.
These are the largest medicinal thermal baths in Europe and the most famous in Budapest. With more than 100 years old, they stand out for their neo-baroque style and their enormous spa of thermal waters, considered as the most therapeutic. It has 18 pools between covered spaces and outdoor jacuzzis, whose main source are the local springs. It also has free lockers, a brewery and cafeteria.
If you want to get into the Hungarian culture and explore this wonderful city with little money, join a free tour in Budapest accompanied by local guides, you will love it!
Budapest Parliament and Danube Promenade
Budapest is known as "the Pearl of the Danube" and its picturesque Parliament, with unparalleled views of the river, is the most representative icon of the city. Walking along the Danube promenade you will find one of the oldest legislative buildings in Europe, inaugurated in 1896.
Weather permitting, do not hesitate to take a day or night cruise excursion along the river and admire its most famous bridges. A cheaper alternative is the streetcar No. 2, where you can enjoy one of the best panoramic public transport rides at a bargain price.
Buda Castle
Photo: Wikimedia
The Buda Castle, which we recommend to climb by funicular, was built in 1265 as the residence of the kings of Hungary and was visited by leading royal figures from around the world until 1944. It was later restored to its former glory after the ravages of World War II. The castle hides an interesting labyrinth formed by caves, cells and springs, and also houses the National Gallery, the Szechenyi National Library and the Museum of History of Budapest.
Fishermen's Bastion
Selena N.B.H. via Flickr
The Fishermen's Bastion is a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque lookout, a must-see for art and photography lovers. The work of Hungarian architect Frigyes Schulek, it was completed in 1902 and its name comes from the fishermen who protected those lands during the Middle Ages. The Bastion tower offers incredible panoramic views of the Pest side and the Danube River.
Chain Bridge
Photo: Flickr | Pank Seelan
The Chain Bridge, built over the Danube River, was first opened in 1849 and permanently connected Buda and Pest, the two parts into which the city was divided during the time of the Hungarian revolution. It is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated, and from there you can enjoy incredible views of the city. Designed by British architect William Tierney Clark, is a great tribute to Budapest and the history of the country.
Andrássy Avenue
Photo: Flickr | babywalrus
This long boulevard is full of history and preserves beautiful houses, Renaissance palaces and ancient alleys in which it is worth losing a couple of hours. In Andrássy Avenue is the Heroes' Square, the most important of Budapest. Its architectural ensemble, whose statues commemorate the founding tribes of the country, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In addition, in the surroundings are the Museum of Fine Arts and the emblematic Budapest Opera House.
Váci Utca
Source: Wikimedia. Christo, Budapest, Váci út, CC BY-SA 4.0
Located in the urban core of Budapest, Váci Utca is the busiest shopping street in Budapest and one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets. Here you can admire its artistic facades, go shopping and explore the wide variety of fashion, vintage and souvenir stores. If you like wine, we advise you to visit the CultiVini Wine Gallery, which offers tastings of the best wines from the 22 wine regions of Hungary.
Vörösmarty Square
Photo: Flickr | TopBudapestOrg
This square hosts big events throughout the year, especially at Christmas and Easter (between March and April). It is a very busy place for both locals and visitors, as it is easily accessible from almost all tourist points of the city. The famous Váci Utca street starts in this square and in its surroundings there are many stores, restaurants and well-known cafes, such as the Hard Rock Café.
If you are in Budapest between November and January, this is the perfect time to visit Vörösmarty Square, as it hosts one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe.
The market is filled with exquisitely decorated wooden stalls, where you can find a wide range of souvenirs and collectibles from 120 Hungarian artisans. From colorful Christmas ornaments to high-quality woodwork, ceramics, jewelry and other accessories. The market also becomes a stage for concerts, dance performances and interesting exhibitions.
In this square you can also taste the delights of Hungarian gastronomy, including goulash soup, stews with paprika, lángos and grilled sausages. To warm up, you can have a good wine, pálinka punch or other hot local drinks with a touch of alcohol.
St. Stephen's Basilica
Pank Seelen via Flickr
St. Stephen's Basilica, one of the most important churches in the country, was completed in 1905 and became the tallest building in Budapest (96 m). The interior is designed in neoclassical style and the facade has a Greek cross and two bell towers on each side. In addition to visiting the basilica, you can climb 364 steps up to the bell tower to get an excellent panoramic view of the city and take good pictures.
Szechenyi Thermal Baths
Elin B via Flickr
These are the largest medicinal thermal baths in Europe and the most famous in Budapest. With more than 100 years old, they stand out for their neo-baroque style and their enormous spa of thermal waters, considered as the most therapeutic. It has 18 pools between covered spaces and outdoor jacuzzis, whose main source are the local springs. It also has free lockers, a brewery and cafeteria.
If you want to get into the Hungarian culture and explore this wonderful city with little money, join a free tour in Budapest accompanied by local guides, you will love it!
25
December,
2018
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