If you’re planning your first trip to Budapest, 2–3 days is the perfect amount of time to soak up its stunning architecture, soak yourself in thermal baths, and experience both sides of this beautiful split city—Buda and Pest.
This itinerary is ideal for anyone who wants a little culture, a little history, a little wine (okay, maybe a lot), and a few bucket list experiences that make Budapest unforgettable.
Whether you’re just here for a quick stop or making Budapest the start of a longer Central Europe itinerary, I’ve mapped out exactly how to spend your time!
At the end of this post I also have my favorite restaurants and places to grab a drink in Budapest, as well as a few travel tips that helped.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!
Where to Stay in Budapest
Here are a few great hotel options to consider, including the boutique property we loved during our stay.
⭐ Callas House (my favorite)
- Vibe: Boutique hotel with Parisian charm across from the Opera House.
- Highlights: A/C, cozy rooms with private terraces, on-site café with breakfast included.
- Perfect for: Travelers who want central walkability with character and comfort.
- Book it here → Callas House
⭐ Hotel Moments Budapest
- Vibe: Stylish, modern, and close to everything.
- Highlights: Chic decor, A/C, fitness room, breakfast included.
- Perfect for: Couples or solo travelers who want sleek but inviting accommodations.
- Book it here → Hotel Moments Budapest
⭐ Aria Hotel Budapest
- Vibe: Luxury meets music-inspired design.
- Highlights: Rooftop views, incredible service, spa, and themed suites.
- Perfect for: A splurge stay or special occasion.
- Book it here → Aria Hotel
⭐ Hilton Budapest
- Vibe: Old romance, history, views and opulence!
- Highlights: the best views of Budapest from your room (you’ll see glowy Fisherman’s Bastion in the morning light and the Parliament building sparkle at night).
- Perfect for: a bucket-list hotel stay (this is my dream hotel)
- Book it here → Hilton Budapest Hotel
👉 p.s. want a printable, clean and ad-free version of my full Budapest to Prague itinerary? Download the 18-page PDF for easy planning → here
2–3 Day Budapest Itinerary
You can do this itinerary in 2 full days, or stretch it to 3 if you want a slower pace or to explore beyond the main city center.
Day 1: Walking Tour & Prosecco Cruise at Sunset
Start your trip by getting oriented with a Buda Castle District Walking Tour led by a historian.
This small-group tour dives into Budapest’s layered past—exploring the medieval castle complex, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion, with lots of interesting stories and stunning views along the way.
Book the Buda Castle District Walking Tour → details here
After some free time to grab lunch or relax, head toward the Danube for an evening Parliament Prosecco Cruise.
This is one of the most magical ways to see Budapest—especially as the city lights begin to reflect off the river.
You’ll float past iconic landmarks like the Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle while sipping unlimited bubbly.
🥂 Book the evening Prosecco Cruise → tickets here
Day 2: Thermal Baths, Ruin Bars & Hidden Gems
I recommend having breakfast either at your hotel or at TwentySix – a trendy greenhouse cafe.
And then head to the thermal baths. I suggest going in the morning before it gets too busy.
No trip to Budapest is complete without soaking in one of its world-famous thermal baths.
You can’t go wrong with either Széchenyi (iconic and grand) or Gellért (historic and Art Nouveau).
Both offer indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
👉 travel tip: Bring a towel, swimsuit, and flip-flops or slides.
Pro tip: you can visit the Széchenyi baths and do the beer spa there! → make a reservation here
After your soak, take it easy and wander through Liberty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
You’ll find cafes for a mid-day snack (we loved the Hungarian pastries) and beautiful architecture around every corner.
Speaking of food, I recommend joining a fun street food tour (this tour is full of local snacks, pastries and beer!)
I love taking food tours in new cities, because if you only have a couple of days, it’s hard to try everything.
A food tour is the perfect answer – you get to spend a few hours with a local guide and learn about the city through food, with samples of everything so you get to try it all.
This food tour gets you off the typical tourist streets where you’ll sample all kinds of traditional Hungarian specialities.
If you’re up for something quirky and truly Budapest, visit a ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter.
These bars are set in abandoned buildings, filled with mismatched furniture, local art, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s part dive bar, part time capsule.
Szimpla Kert is the most famous, and definitely worth a peek—even if you’re not staying late.
🍻 Check out a guided ruin bar tour → book here
Day 3 (Optional): Markets, Mosaics & Hidden Spots
If you have an extra day in Budapest, here are a few ways to fill it:
- Central Market Hall: Great for picking up paprika, local salami, souvenirs, or just browsing the colorful stalls.
- Memento Park: An open-air museum of Communist-era statues, about 30 minutes outside the city.
- Hospital in the Rock Museum: A fascinating and slightly eerie underground look into Budapest’s WWII and Cold War history.
- Secret Food Tour: If you haven’t yet tried Hungarian sausage, pickled vegetables, or goulash with local wine—this walking food tour is packed with tastings in local spots. Book this food tour here!
- Hidden Wine Villages: after 2 days in the city, take a short trip out to the hidden wine villages of Hungary (with plenty of wine tastings, of course)! Book this tour here.
- Day trip to Bratislava: Hop on a direct train and be in Slovakia’s charming capital in just over 2 hours—perfect for castles, cafes, and a stroll through the old town.
Budapest Restaurants & Drinks we liked:
- Pontoon – bar on the water overlooking the Chain Bridge, feels touristy but great location for drinks
- Rézkakas Bistro Easy Terasz – higher-end Bistro recommended to us by locals, traditional food
- Gerlóczy Kávéház – another spot recommended, where we had Chickken Paprikash!
- Retro Lángos – where we had Langos! Great spot and close to Parliament
- Retek Bistro – very cool spot, a little more ‘hip’ but serves down to earth traditional food, book ahead
- Frici Papa – very traditional Hungarian, nothing fancy but has all traditional foods to try
- Twentysix – greenhouse restaurant, Mediterranean food & cocktails
- Szimpla Kert – the original ‘ruin bar’ – don’t miss it! It’s only a 5-minute walk from hotel
- Róma Ételbár – on the Buda side, only open for lunch (have Goulash here)
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips for Budapest
Budapest is one of those cities that feels regal and gritty at the same time—in the best possible way.
I think 2 full days is enough time to spend to get a great feel and taste for Budapest.
If you have 3 days, you could slow it down a bit, try a little more food and enjoy all the sights without feeling rushed (or bored).
And if you’re planning a bigger trip around Central Europe, check out my 2-Week Central Europe Itinerary from Budapest to Prague with all the tours, hotels, and hidden gems we discovered along the way.
We walked most places, but taking the Metro is very easy and cheap. Just buy your metro tickets at the station (and don’t forget to validate them before you jump on.
We were able to use card (or Google Wallet/Apple Pay) absolutely everywhere – we didn’t need cash at all.
And we used our Wise card for international currency, which kept our fees really low. Sign up for a Wise account here (very easy to use)!