Budapest is a tale of two cities—Buda’s hills and royal quarter on one side, Pest’s boulevards and cafe culture on the other—united in 1873 and threaded by the blue ribbon of the Danube. Its skyline blends Neo-Gothic spires, Art Nouveau flourishes, and 19th-century bridges that glow at night like a string of pearls.

Romans and Ottomans once bathed in these thermal waters; you still can. Today, Budapest is famed for its thermal baths, hearty Hungarian cuisine (hello, goulash and paprika), and atmospheric “ruin bars” that repurpose crumbling courtyards into candlelit social hubs.

Practical notes: the Hungarian forint (HUF) is the currency, contactless cards are widely accepted, and public transport is easy to master with metro, trams, and buses. Tipping is customary (10–12%). For a budget of 39/100, aim for lunch specials, neighborhood eateries, and a balanced mix of free sights with one paid experience per day.

Budapest

Compact, walkable, and photogenic, Budapest shines with the Parliament Building’s riverside grandeur, Buda Castle’s cobbled lanes, and the café scene of Pest. The Danube Promenade is UNESCO-listed, and sunsets from Fisherman’s Bastion feel straight out of a postcard.

• Top sights: Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Heroes’ Square, City Park, Great Market Hall.
• Don’t miss: a soak at Széchenyi, a Danube night cruise, and a wander through the Jewish Quarter’s courtyards and murals.
• Local flavors to try: goulash soup, lángos (fried dough), chicken paprikash, chimney cake (kürtőskalács), Tokaji wine, and pálinka.

Where to stay (budget to splurge):

• Wallet-friendly: Maverick City Lodge (social, clean, great location in the Jewish Quarter). Book via Hotels.com.
• Midrange comfort: Hilton Budapest (quiet Castle District, Danube views). Book via Hotels.com.
• Resort vibe: Aquaworld Resort Budapest (pools and family-friendly fun). Book via Hotels.com.
• Iconic splurge: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (Art Nouveau landmark by the Chain Bridge). Book via Hotels.com.

• Browse more stays on VRBO Budapest or compare hotels on Hotels.com Budapest.

Getting there and around: Fly into Budapest (BUD) or arrive by train/bus from Vienna, Prague, Bratislava, or Munich. Typical times: Vienna–Budapest train ~2.5–3h; Bratislava–Budapest bus ~2.5–3h; Prague–Budapest train ~6.5–7.5h. Search and book Europe flights, trains, and buses on Omio (flights), Omio (trains), and Omio (buses). Within the city, grab a 24–72-hour travelcard for unlimited rides; trams 2 and 4/6 are scenic and frequent.

Day 1 — Arrival, Pest Promenade, and a Danube Night Cruise

Morning: Travel to Budapest. If you arrive early, refuel with specialty coffee and a pastry at Espresso Embassy (noted for single-origin brews) or Fekete (courtyard espresso bar) near Deák Ferenc tér.

Afternoon: Check in, then take an easy orientation walk: St. Stephen’s Basilica (step inside for mosaics), down to the Danube Promenade for vistas of Buda Castle and the Parliament Building. Stop by the poignant “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial nearby to reflect on 20th-century history. Budget lunch ideas: Belvárosi Disznótoros (standing-room Hungarian grill), Drum Café (home-style goulash and stews), or a lángos snack at the Great Market Hall.

Optional, especially if jet-lagged: cover more ground with the Big Bus Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off to see major sights without planning transit. Book here:
Big Bus Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Walking Tour

Evening: See Budapest light up from the river on a one-hour cruise, complete with an included drink (choose champagne, wine, beer, or a soft drink). The illuminated Parliament and bridges are unforgettable.
Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink

Post-cruise dinner: Gettó Gulyás (rich beef goulash and seasonal stews), Menza (retro-chic Hungarian classics on Liszt Ferenc tér), or Pizzica (Roman-style pizza by the slice—cheap and fast). Nightcap at Szimpla Kert, the original “ruin bar,” or Kőleves Kert for a more relaxed garden vibe.

Day 2 — Buda Castle, City Park, and Thermal Bath Time

Morning: Cross the river to the Castle District. Start at Fisherman’s Bastion for sweeping views; the early light is best for photos. Pop into Ruszwurm (since 1827) for a cream slice and coffee, then see Matthias Church’s colorful Zsolnay-tile roof and painted interior (small entry fee). Stroll down to the funicular or bus back to the riverfront, pausing at the rebuilt medieval walls and Bastion arcades.

Afternoon: Head to City Park for Budapest’s most iconic soak: the grand Neo-Baroque Széchenyi Baths. Bring flip-flops and a swimsuit; lockers and cabins are available. Afterward, wander to Heroes’ Square and, if time allows, the striking House of Music Hungary in the park.
Budapest Széchenyi Thermal Spa Ticket

Budget lunch near the park: Retro Lángos (generous portions with sour cream and cheese), or Pántlika for burgers and seasonal Hungarian plates in a mid-century pavilion.

Evening: Return to the Jewish Quarter for dinner and a taste of local nightlife. Picks: Mazel Tov (lively courtyard, Middle Eastern plates), Dobrumba (Levantine sharing dishes), or Kőleves Vendéglő (Hungarian-Jewish comfort food). For drinks, try the craft-beer haven Élesztőház or cocktails at Tuk Tuk Bar. If you skipped last night’s cruise, consider a later sailing tonight for different light and ambiance.

Day 3 — Parliament, Jewish Quarter Stories, and Departure

Morning: Start at Kossuth Lajos Square to admire the neo-Gothic Parliament (morning light glints off the dome). Then delve into culture and memory on a guided walk through the Jewish Quarter—synagogues, hidden courtyards, and resilient community history. This tour includes synagogue entry and brings context to neighborhood street art and cuisine.
Budapest Jewish Heritage Memorial Walking Tour & Synagogue Entry

Pre- or post-tour coffee and a sweet: Gerbeaud (classic Dobos torte) or Auguszt Cukrászda (old-school cakes). For a quick, budget lunch before you go, try Bamba Marha (burgers), Hummus Bar (reliable and cheap), or a plate of chicken paprikash at Paprika Vendéglő near City Park if you’re headed that way.

Afternoon: Departure day. If you have a spare hour, stroll Margaret Island’s gardens or the riverside promenade for final photos. Then make your way to the airport or train station—search same-day trains and buses on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses), or check flights on Omio (flights).

Optional/Swap-ins if you want more structure

If you prefer a guided overview of the city (with a sweet stop), this small-group walk covers Pest highlights and ends in the Castle District—great on Day 1 or Day 3 morning, as a substitute for the self-guided segments above:
Budapest All in One Small Group Walking Tour with Strudel Stop

Money-saving tips for this itinerary:

• Eat your big meal at lunch—many restaurants offer weekday menus at lower prices.
• Buy a 24–72-hour travelcard for unlimited metro/tram access.
• Mix paid highlights (bath, cruise) with free view spots (Fisherman’s Bastion terraces, Danube Promenade).
• Carry a light towel and flip-flops to avoid rental fees at baths.

With grand architecture, restorative spas, and lively courtyards, Budapest rewards both planners and wanderers. This 3-day plan balances essential sights with local flavor, leaving room for serendipity—and a final slice of cake.