Steeped in rich history and set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery, the Hungarian capital of Budapest is easily one of the most captivating cities in Eastern Europe, so if you’ve yet to pay it a visit, then why not make 2024 the year you do?
Great for a short city break, you can see most of the major sights and sounds in just three days – although if you did want to stay longer then you’ll find no shortage of things to see and do.
Budapest is an excellent destination for luxury lovers and is home to a plethora of plush hotels, as well as being famous for its indulgent spa culture and iconic thermal baths. If you’re looking for somewhere you can indulge in some real rest and relaxation after a long day out and about exploring, then the city offers the perfect balance of the two. Here’s the perfect itinerary for a three-day trip, and it ticks all the boxes and more.
Day 1: History, culture and shopping until you drop
The Buda Castle District is the historic heartland of Budapest, and the ideal place to begin your exploration of this intriguing city. The impressive Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be found atop Castle Hill, offering spectacular views of the city down below – but you don’t just visit for the vistas, because the castle itself is really quite something. The grandeur of the Royal Palace is impossible not to feel in awe of, and well worth taking some time to admire, and the picturesque Castle Gardens are the perfect place to get lost in, no matter what time of year you’re visiting, as you take in all of its natural (but well-manicured!) beauty.
From here, you can head down towards the Chain Bridge, which connects Buda with Pest, on the other side of the Danube River. You can take in some more awe-inspiring views whilst making your way over, then it’s time to discover all that vibrant Pest has to offer.
If you’re into shopping and fancy a splurge, then make Váci Street your first port of call. There’s a whole host of designer boutiques and high-street shops to peruse, and once you’re done, you can pause to refuel at one of the numerous nearby restaurants and cafés, or simply do some people-watching from a pavement pitstop over a coffee.
To round off your day in style, take a sunset cruise along the Danube River. If the weather is on your side, then it’s a truly magical experience you won’t forget in a hurry, allowing you to take in all of Budapest’s major landmarks, which look even better when they’re illuminated at night.
Day 2: Rest, relaxation and Jewish heritage
After all that sightseeing and shopping on day one, you’re no doubt in dire need of some R&R. Exploring a city on foot can be surprisingly tiring, so today, treat yourself to an indulgent experience at one of Budapest’s famous thermal spas.
The Széchenyi Baths are undoubtedly the most popular, attracting over 1.7 million annual visitors with its 15 indoor pools and 3,000 square metres of baths, but it can get incredibly busy – particularly during high season. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels a little more exclusive, then check yourself into a luxury hotel that offers one. There are more than a dozen thermal baths in the city, including the Gellért Baths, set within the majestic Hotel Gellért, where you can soak away the stresses and strains of travel in its healing waters.
Refreshed and renewed, it’s time to make the most of the rest of your day in Budapest, so head over to the historic Jewish Quarter to immerse yourself in the city’s rich Jewish heritage. The immense Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest in Europe, and worth reserving an hour or two to explore. The Holocaust Memorial, meanwhile, is a humbling experience, and a must whilst you’re in this part of Budapest.
Budapest is known for its ‘ruin bars’, so if you’ve got any fuel left in the tank by the evening, then why not head out and experience them first-hand? Often set in abandoned buildings and courtyards, they’re not exactly what you’d call luxurious, but they’re a great way to get an authentic experience of the city at night. If all of that sounds a little too much though, then the city’s luxury hotels promise delectable dining and a relaxing and refined atmosphere. If you fancy eating out, then head to Michelin-starred eatery Babel Budapest, where celebrity chef Daniel Berlin’s eight and twelve-course tasting menus are served up in a small and intimate setting and promise to delight even the most discerning of palates.
Only a dozen tables, set with white linen and overlooking the neighbouring Gothic cathedral bathed in soft light (the Danube is just a stone’s throw away). Swedish celebrity chef Daniel Berlin has fine-tuned the menu while the day-to-day kitchen duties are carried out as usual.
Day 3: Art and culture
With just one day left in Budapest, you’ll want to spend it wisely, and exploring the city’s thriving arts and culture scene is a great way to go. There are numerous galleries and museums to visit, but you won’t get through them all, so to avoid getting worn out too quickly and having to turn in early for the night, pace yourself and opt for quality over quantity.
Start at the Hungarian National Museum, which is the ultimate showcase of Hungary’s rich history and cultural heritage, then make your way over to the Castle District to admire its unique sights, which include Hospital in the Rock – a nuclear bunker museum that dates back to the 1930s, when it was built in preparation for World War II – and the gothic architecture of the storied Matthias Church.
If you’re a music enthusiast, then after a leisurely lunch, head over to the Hungarian State Opera House and, if the time and day are right, take in a performance of classical music or ballet in the most captivating of surroundings.
On your final evening in Budapest, you won’t want to miss seeing the Millennium Monument at sunset. Paying tribute to Hungary’s national heroes, it’s a must-see before heading home, and with nearby sights like the Vajdahunyad Castle and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath (if you haven’t been already) located nearby in City Park, it’s the perfect place to wrap up a memorable few days in this magical city.
Travel tips for Budapest
Food and drink
While you’re in Budapest, it would be rude not to sample the local cuisine, and the good news is, you’re in for a treat. Hungarian goulash is a classic and the ideal winter warmer at this time of year, but along with paprikash, lángos and other traditional favourites, taste-to-die-for all year round.
Getting there
Be sure to plan well in advance to ensure you get the flights you want. Wizz Air flights run several times a day from London Gatwick and London Luton airports and will get you there in 2.5 hours.
Currency
The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), so be sure to take some with you for small purchases. Credit and debit cards, however, are widely accepted.
