What to See in Budapest in 3 Days

Budapest, the imperial capital of Hungary, is a city rich in history, blessed with thermal waters, and filled with stunning architecture against the backdrop of the Danube River.

The city is made up of three unified towns: Buda and Óbuda on the western bank of the Danube and Pest on the eastern shore. A significant portion of its area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Without further ado, discover the top 15 things to see and do in Budapest in three days.

Budapest Parliament, an Essential Sight

 

Completed in 1902, the Parliament of Budapest is an impressive neo-Gothic building that dominates the banks of the Danube. It’s a true postcard superstar. It boasts a staggering 691 rooms, more than 200 of which are offices, and houses the Holy Crown and other royal jewels.

The building looks fantastic from any angle, but to see its beauty in all its splendor, we recommend joining the guided tour of the Budapest Parliament.

You’ll be able to admire its luxurious interior that will leave you speechless. There, among other things, you’ll see the crown of Stephen I, the first king of Hungary, and the Old Upper House, a non-official space that illustrates the appearance of the former parliament.

Additionally, on your trip to Budapest, don’t miss one of the city’s most moving monuments: the Shoes on the Danube. Located just 500 meters from the parliament, it pays tribute to Holocaust victims who were killed there during World War II.

Crossing the Chain Bridge

 

The Chain Bridge, made of wrought iron and stone, was inaugurated in 1849 and is the oldest, most famous, and most photographed suspension bridge in Budapest. More than just a way to cross the Danube between Buda and Pest, it’s seen as a symbol of Hungarian resilience and innovation.

Originally built in the 19th century by English engineer William Tierney Clark, it was largely destroyed during World War II. Although it suffered severe damage, its original pillars remained intact, and it was rebuilt in the late 1940s.

It has two pedestrian lanes on each side, and it’s a lovely spot to visit in Budapest for a simple stroll at sunset, or at night when all the lights come on.

Relaxing at Széchenyi Thermal Baths

 

When wondering what to see in Budapest in 3 days, you can’t overlook the world-famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath. This ornate oasis of relaxation features thermal waters, rich in minerals that rise from the ground at around 40 degrees Celsius.

It boasts a total of 18 indoor and outdoor pools, dry and steam saunas, massage services, therapeutic treatments, and much more. If you visit in winter, you’ll especially love the contrast between the biting cold and the warm, comforting waters.

If you thought packing your swimsuit and flip-flops wasn’t necessary, think again—don’t forget them!

Strolling Through the Famous Ruin Bars

 

Among the most interesting spots in the city are Budapest’s “ruin bars,” located in abandoned buildings that have been repurposed for this unique experience. These are truly original and creative spaces, filled with quirky, slightly worn-out furniture.

For an authentic experience, have dinner or simply enjoy a beer in one of these places. Each bar has its own unique style, and if you want to visit some of the most popular and iconic ones, make sure to add Szimpla Kert, Fogas Ház, and Instant-Fogas to your itinerary.

Learn more about the “ruin bars” on the Budapest Night Free Tour.

Exploring Buda Castle

 

On your list of things to see in Budapest in 3 days, you can’t miss the iconic Buda Castle. A short funicular ride will take you to this ancient royal palace, built in the 13th century, which now houses the National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the Széchenyi Library.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has undergone numerous renovations over the past 800 years, so a guided tour to uncover the secrets hidden within its rooms and to take in the views is considered a must-do activity.

Get to know the castle district in depth by joining the Free Tour of Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion.

Admiring the View from Fisherman’s Bastion

 

Locals call it Halászbástya, tourists call it Fisherman’s Bastion, but after seeing it for yourself, you’ll understand why it’s considered the best view in Budapest!

Built between 1895 and 1902, this terrace consists of seven towers overlooking the river, each meant to represent one of the seven Hungarian tribes that founded the city. Its strategic position on Castle Hill offers dreamlike views you won’t want to miss.

Much of the area is free to access, so all you need is your camera to enjoy one of the best things to see in Budapest with kids.

Visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral

 

St. Stephen’s Basilica, in neoclassical style, is a must-see when it comes to what to see in Budapest in 3 days. Not only is it the largest and most iconic in the Hungarian capital, but it also houses one of the country’s most sacred treasures: a mummified hand of Stephen I, its first king.

In the square of the same name, the most important Christmas market in Budapest is held.

Inside, you’ll find beautiful works of art, and organ recitals take place every Monday. Besides being a religious site, it is one of the tallest buildings in Budapest, alongside the Parliament, so be sure to take the elevator to the terrace for that perfect shot for your social media.

Discover more about the history of this cathedral and other prominent places in the city on the Essential Free Tour of Budapest.

The Matthias Church

 

This neo-Gothic Catholic church is one of the most unique in Europe. It was transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman occupation in 1541 and remained a place of Islamic worship until the Turkish expulsion nearly 150 years later, although it still retains the colors and designs from that time.

Inside, you’ll find enormous vaulted ceilings and ornate decorations. Don’t forget to visit the Ecclesiastical Art Collection and see the replicas of royal jewels and other religious artifacts, as well as the medieval crypt where King Béla III from the 10th century and his wife Agnes are buried.

Jewish Quarter and Budapest Synagogue

 

A 3-day getaway to Budapest must absolutely include a visit to the historic Jewish Quarter, located in District VII and marked by the Holocaust. Remember that a quarter of the population here was Jewish, and Jews played a key role in the development of the economy and the arts.

Your first stop will be to delve into its history, but the Jewish Quarter also houses the impressive Budapest Synagogue, the second largest in the world. Right next to it is the moving Tree of Life, a sculpture in memory of the Holocaust martyrs.

You’ll discover all the secrets and stories of this place and its synagogue by joining the Free Tour of the Jewish Quarter in Budapest. It’s an interesting 2.15-hour tour with a guide.

Strolling Váci Utca

 

An essential experience when visiting Budapest is to stroll along Váci Utca, the city’s most famous shopping street.

It’s the perfect spot for shopping in Budapest, with a diverse array of things to discover. In addition to the typical souvenir shops, you can expect to find folk art, charming flower shops, handmade shoes, cafés, restaurants, wine shops, and exclusive designer stores like Furla, Bershka, Zara, and Adidas.

Heroes’ Square and Andrássy Avenue

 

Filled with elegant shops, cafés, and magnificent buildings, the tree-lined Andrássy Avenue is Budapest’s version of the Champs-Élysées. This grand boulevard stretches 2.3 km, connecting the city center to Heroes’ Square (Hősök Tere), the largest square in Hungary, surrounded by various art galleries.

The focal point of this beautiful square is a 36-meter tall column topped by the Archangel Gabriel. It also features an iconic monument with statues of the seven chieftains of the Magyars, who are believed to have led the Hungarian people from Central Asia to the Carpathian Basin.

Learn more about the history of this iconic place, along with additional anecdotes, on the Free Legends and Mysteries of Budapest Tour.

Discovering the Central Market of Budapest

 

There’s no better way to get to know a new culture than by exploring a traditional market, especially when it’s an architectural masterpiece of significant heritage. The neo-Gothic structure, also known as “Budapest’s iron cathedral,” was inaugurated in 1897 and is the best way to observe the development of local life.

Here, you’ll find high-quality Hungarian delicacies such as pickles, spices (like Hungarian paprika), cold cuts, as well as traditional prepared dishes like goulash.

Taking a Boat Ride on the Danube

 

Whether on the open deck or behind the comfort of glass, sailing on one of Europe’s most famous rivers offers a truly unique perspective of the Hungarian capital.

During the day, you can enjoy a drink while taking in the sights and listening to the audio guide in Spanish; at night, choose between the same journey under the stars or joining a vibrant party on board. Whatever your style, add this to your list of things to do in Budapest in 3 days.

Following the Trail of Budapest’s Statues

 

Budapest is filled with statues everywhere. Southern Buda, for example, is home to around 50 statues, busts, and plaques of Lenin, Marx, and some of their allies, like Béla Kun. Memento Park also features various representations and memorials from the communist past.

Here are some of the most famous statues in Budapest and their locations:

• Columbo, near the National Comedy Theater.  See Map

• The Fat Policeman, not far from St. Stephen’s Basilica. See Map

• Ronald Reagan, in Szabadság Tér (Liberty Square). See Map

• The Little Princess, by the banks of the Danube. See Map

Budapest Opera House

 

Finally, we conclude with the Budapest Opera House, a true gem of neo-Renaissance architecture. It was inaugurated in 1884 at the behest of Emperor Franz Joseph and is known for its marble columns, golden vaulted ceilings, a massive bronze chandelier, and beautiful murals and frescoes.

The sumptuous interior has a capacity of over 1,200 seats and exceptional acoustics, so it’s worth taking a guided tour or, better yet, attending a show or concert. It’s no wonder that, for many, it’s the most beautiful sight to see in Budapest.