Budapest rewards the curious. Split by the Danube and stitched together by storied bridges, Hungary’s capital balances imperial grandeur with a bohemian soul. You’ll encounter gilded palaces and Art Nouveau façades by day, then sip Tokaji as the Parliament and Castle Hill glow across the water at night.

Founded from Buda, Pest, and Óbuda in 1873, the city’s roots go back to Roman Aquincum and medieval kings. Budapest is famed for its geothermal springs—Ottoman-era hammams and neo-Baroque bathhouses steam through winter—and for its revolutionary ruin bars, planted inside once-abandoned courtyards in the Jewish Quarter.

Expect hearty Hungarian cuisine (goulash, paprika-rich stews, flódni pastries), a sophisticated coffee scene, and easy transit (M1 is mainland Europe’s oldest metro). Currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF). Tipping is customary (10–12%). Pack a swimsuit and flip-flops for baths, and prebook Parliament or dinner cruises in peak season.

Budapest

Hungary’s vibrant capital is a feast of contrasts: royal Buda’s cobbles and bastions face lively Pest’s boulevards, cafés, and markets. Highlights include the neo-Gothic Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square, and the UNESCO-listed Banks of the Danube.

• Top sights: Parliament, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Great Market Hall, Heroes’ Square, City Park.
• Signature experiences: soak at Széchenyi or Rudas Baths; float past lit monuments on a Danube cruise; sample market-to-tavern Hungarian bites; explore ruin bars with locals.
• Where to eat and drink: classic Hungarian at Rosenstein and Paprika Vendéglő; stews at Gettó Gulyás; Levantine plates at Mazel Tov or Dobrumba; desserts at Ruszwurm and Gerbeaud; specialty coffee at Espresso Embassy, Fekete, and My Little Melbourne.

How to get here: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) has abundant connections. From elsewhere in Europe, flights are often 1–3 hours and $50–150; trains from Vienna take ~2h40 (~$15–35), Prague ~6–7h (~$25–60), Bratislava ~2h20 (~$12–25). Compare and book:

• Flights to/from Europe on Omio
• European trains on Omio and buses on Omio
• Long-haul options: Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights

Where to stay (handpicked): Search broadly on VRBO Budapest or Hotels.com Budapest, or consider these standouts:

• Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (Art Nouveau icon facing the Chain Bridge): Check availability
• Hilton Budapest (Buda Castle District, steps from Fisherman’s Bastion; Danube views): Check availability
• Aquaworld Resort Budapest (family-friendly waterpark resort; spa access): Check availability
• Maverick City Lodge (design-forward budget favorite in the Jewish Quarter): Check availability

Day 1: Arrival, Danube Promenade, and a Candlelit Cruise

Morning: Travel to Budapest. For intra-Europe flights, compare fares and times on Omio (Flights). From Vienna, the train is ~2h40; from Prague ~7h; check schedules and seats via Omio (Trains). From overseas, search competitive long-haul options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs along the Danube Promenade. Pause at the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial, then admire the neo-Gothic Parliament from Kossuth Square. Coffee time: try Espresso Embassy (precision brews, Hungarian roasters) or My Little Melbourne (pioneers of Budapest’s third-wave scene). Late lunch picks: KIOSK Budapest for modern Hungarian plates by the river, or Mazel Tov for leafy courtyard vibes with grilled meats and hummus.

Evening: Toast your first night on a romantic Danube dinner cruise—live music, city lights, and sweeping views of Buda Castle and the Parliament.

Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music (about 2.5 hours; from ~$75+ per person). Reserve ahead for window seats.

Nightcap options nearby: DiVino Basilica (Hungarian wines under the Basilica) or seasonal 360 Bar (rooftop views). If you prefer dessert, detour to Gerbeaud for Dobos torte and Esterházy slices in a storied café setting.

Day 2: Castle Hill, City Park & Széchenyi Baths, Ruin Bars

Morning: Cross to Buda for a leisurely Castle District walk. Start at Fisherman’s Bastion for postcard cityscapes, then step inside Matthias Church to admire its Zsolnay-tiled roof and painted nave. For a sweet, old-world breakfast, Ruszwurm Confectionery (since 1827) serves krémes (custard slice) and excellent coffee. Stroll cobbled streets to Buda Castle courtyards; the funicular is a classic, but the stairs offer great viewpoints.

Afternoon: Head to City Park for Budapest’s most iconic soak at Széchenyi Thermal Baths—steaming outdoor pools even in winter, dozens of indoor pools and saunas. Bring flip-flops; swimsuits are required; lockers or cabins available.

Budapest Széchenyi Thermal Spa Ticket (plan 2–3 hours; from ~$35–50; optional massages).

Before or after your soak, wander to Heroes’ Square and the fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle. For a hearty lunch near the park, Paprika Vendéglő is beloved for goulash soup, chicken paprikash with dumplings (nokedli), and generous portions; or duck into Arán Bakery back toward the center for glossy cardamom buns and sourdough sandwiches.

Evening: Taste Pest’s legendary nightlife on a guided ruin bar walk—quirky courtyards, eclectic interiors, and local drinks—so you get the stories behind the graffiti and neon.

Budapest Ruin Bars Evening Walking Tour with Drinks & Street Food (about 3 hours; from ~$35–55).

Pre-tour dinner ideas in the Jewish Quarter: Gettó Gulyás (homestyle stews and stuffed cabbage) or Dobrumba (Levantine-Mediterranean small plates). After hours, grab a late-night lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese) at Retro Lángos Büfé to cap the evening.

Day 3: Parliament, Basilica Views, Markets, and an E‑Scooter Spin

Morning: Cover lots in a fun, breezy way with a guided e‑scooter ride—Andrássy Avenue, riverfront panoramas, and hidden corners you’d miss on foot.

Budapest Small-Group Guided Tour on MonsteRoller e‑Scooter (90–150 minutes; from ~$49–69).

After the ride, fuel up with expert brews and a flaky pastry at Fekete (courtyard café with house-baked goods) or brunch at Cirkusz (BBQ Benedict, ricotta pancakes, seasonal specials). If time allows, step into St. Stephen’s Basilica for its ornate interior or ride up to the panoramic terrace.

Afternoon: Swing by the Hungarian Parliament area for photos; tours sell out, so prebook if you want to go inside (allow ~60 minutes; tickets priced by nationality, roughly $20–30). For last bites and souvenirs, explore the Great Market Hall: try lángos or sausages upstairs and pick up paprika, Tokaji, or goose liver pâté. Airport transfer tip: the 100E airport bus from Deák Ferenc tér runs frequently (about 35–45 minutes; special fare around 2,200 HUF). For outbound transport, compare options on Omio (Flights) and Omio (Trains); long-haul searches on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional swaps and add-ons (time permitting):

• Private city tour if you prefer door-to-door sightseeing: Budapest Private Luxury Sightseeing Tour with Guide and Transport (customizable).
• Alternate evening cruise with welcome drink if you want a shorter sail: Budapest: 1‑Hour Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink.

Where to eat—quick reference by vibe:

• Breakfast & coffee: Espresso Embassy (single-origin filters), Fekete (house pastries), My Little Melbourne (espresso lab), Cirkusz (creative brunch).
• Lunch: Gettó Gulyás (hearty stews), Menza (retro-chic classics at Liszt Ferenc tér), Paprika Vendéglő (near City Park), Arán Bakery (crafted sandwiches).
• Dinner: Rosenstein (Jewish–Hungarian institution; book ahead), Borkonyha Winekitchen (Michelin-star; seasonal market menus, 200+ wines), Dobrumba (sharing plates), KIOSK (modern comfort food by the Danube).
• Drinks: DiVino Basilica (Hungarian varietals), Szimpla Kert (the original ruin bar), Élesztőház (craft beer hall), High Note SkyBar (cocktails with Basilica views).

Three days in Budapest let you taste the city’s essentials: panoramic bastions and palaces, a restorative thermal soak, generous flavors, and shimmering Danube nights. It’s a destination that invites both aimless wandering and well-timed reservations. You’ll leave already plotting which season to return—spring festivals, sultry summer cruises, or a winter bath in the snow.