How to Best Spend 72 Hours in Budapest
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with stunning architecture and a buzzing culture. So whether you're looking for breathtaking views, an insight into Hungarian history, or a taste of the local cuisine, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city.
If you're fortunate enough to have 72 hours in Budapest, book your vacation home rental and take this guide on the go to make the most of your time in the Pearl of the Danube.
Getting Around Budapest
Budapest is already a very walkable city, and while there is nothing like a stroll through this magnificent city if you are short on time, you’ll be happy to know that it's also quite well connected by public transport.
If it’s your first time, the 72-hour Travel Pass is the perfect way to see the city. This pass is relatively inexpensive for the value it offers and grants you unlimited access to Budapest's public metro, tram, bus, trolley, and even boats for 72 hours.
If you plan on walking most of the time, you can still purchase single tickets for when you want to hop around the city. Buy Budapest public transport tickets from the BudapestGO app or in person at the purple ticket kiosks next to most public transport junctions.
A Guide to Buda and Pest
Curious about the difference between Buda and Pest? Well, let's talk geography! Buda sits pretty on the west bank of the Danube River, while Pest claims the east bank. Luckily, 72 hours in Budapest is definitely enough to see some of the best of both!
These are the main differences between the two sides.
- Terrain: Experience the yin and yang of Budapest! While Buda boasts some seriously stunning hills with breathtaking views, Pest is flatter than a pancake.
- Different Sides, Different Vibes: Buda is known by locals for being calm and spacious, providing a welcome foil to the sometimes chaotic party-loving Pest. While Buda towers above with its hills and history, Pest buzzes with an electrifying energy and more walkable terrain.
- Local vs. Traveler: Where Buda is more laid back, and residential, Pest hosts more of the traveling crowd.
- What You’ll Find: Where Buda offers fairy-tale architecture, promenades, and an abundance of nature, Pest delivers plenty of trendy bars, cafés, and restaurants.
Our apartments are perfectly situated for you to discover the hidden gems of Budapest, where the stunning views from Buda's hills exude luxury and tranquility. Hike through the lush woods or indulge in a picturesque picnic with panoramic vistas.
Join the crowds and get swept up in the vibrant pulse of this dynamic city on a three-day itinerary!
Day 1 in Budapest
Morning
Castle Hill
Embark on your Buda adventure with a visit to the magnificent must-see Buda Castle, a medieval masterpiece that once housed Hungarian royalty.
Today, it's home to not one but two of Hungary’s world-class museums: the Hungarian National Gallery, showcasing the best of Hungarian art throughout history, and the Budapest History Museum, taking you on a journey through the city's rich past from the Roman Empire to modern times. Don't miss out on these cultural gems!
There are many gems clustered in the Castle District. Just a short walk from Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, with its twisting spires and fanciful turrets, is a fairytale come to life.
It is a terrace located on the Buda side of the Danube River, providing spectacular views of the river and Pest across it. One of Budapest's most popular tourist attractions, Fisherman's Bastion, was built in 1905 to commemorate Hungary's 1,000th birthday and is now one of the city's biggest tourist attractions.
Just behind it stands Matthias Church, with its colorful tiled roof and regular organ concerts. Of course, if you don't feel like making the climb up to the castle, you can always hop a ride on the historical Castle Hill Funicular for a ride back in time.
Afternoon
Explore Budapest Museums
Budapest is brimming with cultural wealth in the form of museums and galleries. From history to art and modern entertainment, there's something for everyone.
There is a trio of great cultural stops within 15 minutes of each other; the Hungarian National Gallery, the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Visit the Hungarian National Gallery to see works by famous painters such as Rippl-Rónai and Zichy or the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art for something more modern. The Museum of Fine Arts in Heroes Square is housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and regularly hosts high-profile traveling exhibitions.
To learn more about Hungary's turbulent history, the House of Terror is also in the same area (City Park) and details life under the Nazi and Communist regimes, while the Hospital in the Rock is a short ride from the Hungarian National Gallery and provides an inspirational recreation of wartime life in Buda's cave hospital.
If you're looking for more entertainment than a history lesson, the Pinball Museum or Light Art Museum (both on the Pest side) are lighter options.
Evening
Explore the Jewish District and Budapest's Ruin Bars
For your first evening out in Budapest, why not start with a leisurely stroll around the cobbled streets of the Jewish Quarter?
This area was once home to a thriving Jewish community and is now a vibrant part of Budapest's nightlife. You can wander past some of the city's oldest buildings, sample traditional Hungarian cuisine at one of its many restaurants, or find yourself in a lively bar in the heart of Budapest's vibrant nightlife.
As night falls, the atmosphere will only get more lively, and you'll soon see the party scene that puts Budapest on the nightlife map.
You absolutely must stop in for a drink at what's thought of as Budapest's first ruin bar, Szimpla Kert. The large complex is full of eclectic decorations and mismatched furniture--no two visits are the same!
For a truly unique experience, drop by one of the infamous ruin bars, such as Instant/Fogas or Doboz, and dance until the early hours.
Day 2
Morning
Gellért Hill
Start your second morning close to home by exploring Gellért Hill, named after Hungary's first Christian martyr. This historically significant hill offers breathtaking views of Buda and Pest, especially once you hike up to the famous Citadel that sits atop the hill.
Once a fortress for foreign military powers, the Citadel now hosts two iconic statues: the Liberty Statue of 1947 and The Citadella Monument. Take a deep breath of fresh air high above the city and soak in the panoramic views. What a way to start the day!
Afternoon
Margaret Island
This little island, located in the middle of the Danube River, is an excellent opportunity to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Budapest. With a map in hand, Margaret Island is the perfect place to take a self-guided tour.
You’ll see beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and attractions like the open-air theater, the iconic art nouveau water tower, and the Dominican Nunnery, where St. Margaret herself previously lived.
You can also rent tandem bikes to explore the island. So pack a picnic or grab a lángos from the buffets dotted throughout the island, and enjoy your time stretching your legs in this little oasis.
City Park
One of the largest green spaces in Budapest, City Park (Városliget), has recently undergone a major renovation and is dotted with bars, historical sites, and activities for relaxing outdoor leisure. There are many points of interest around the park, and here are some of the highlights.
Széchenyi Baths
With their iconic yellow arcade and Turkish architectural influences, the famous Széchenyi Baths are the perfect place to spend a relaxing day.
You can spend the afternoon soaking in 15 indoor baths and three grand outdoor pools, which are geothermally heated. In addition to bathing, you can enjoy a range of massages and use the facility's saunas at these famous thermal baths.
Vajdahunyad Castle
Vajdahunyad Castle is a neo-Gothic castle that was inspired by the architecture of Transylvania, Hungary, and Romania. What makes it so interesting to look at is the fact that it's actually an amalgam of different architectural styles throughout the ages.
Look closely, and you'll see medieval, renaissance, and neo-baroque influences, among others. The large lake behind the castle is primed for recreational activities as well, as you can rent paddle boats during the warmer months, and it's frozen over into Europe's largest outdoor ice skating rink in the winter.
House of Music Budapest
Recently opened, the House of Music was one of the most anticipated architectural masterpieces in Budapest. The unique building blurs the line between building and nature and makes you feel like you're in a forest clearing instead of a central city park.
The House of Music is an educational and interactive resource where visitors can learn about Hungarian music history and attend modern concerts. The Sound Dome provides a 360° experience of sound, and there are plenty of immersive experiences in and around this modern cultural site.
BalloonFly
For a unique sightseeing experience in Budapest, try one of City Park's newest attractions, BalloonFly. Launching from the center of the park, this 15-minute ride in a hot air balloon will take you 150 meters above the city for a complete panoramic view of the city!
Afternoon
Danube River Walk
One of the best ways to experience Budapest is to take a leisurely stroll along the Danube River. This scenic walk will provide you with breathtaking views of both Buda and Pest.
You'll pass the Hungarian Parliament Building (book ahead if you'd like to take a tour as it sells out quickly!), the Shoes on the Danube monument, and the majestic Chain Bridge. In addition, this waterfront walk will let you take in the sights of Gellért Hill, Castle Hill, Margaret Island, and more.
The Great Market Hall
Walking along the Pest side of the Danube means you'll eventually wind up at Budapest’s Great Market Hall. This is the largest indoor market in all of Hungary and a great place to spend an exploratory afternoon exploring.
The central market hall is located on the Pest side of the city, and it sells everything from fresh produce to Hungarian souvenirs. You can wander around and sample some traditional Hungarian dishes while people-watching. Make sure to bring cash (forint, not euro), as some small vendors still haven’t converted to card payments.
St. Stephen's Basilica
If you're craving another grand building, St. Stephen's Basilica is another afternoon stop to put on your list. The Basilica is a Neo-Classical Roman Catholic Church and one of the country’s most important sites for religious activity.
It is named after Saint Stephen, the first King of Hungary and patron saint of Hungary, who was also canonized as a saint in 1083 AD. If you'd like a bird's eye view of the city, you can climb all the way to the dome (don't worry, there are elevators as well!).
Evening
Try Traditional Hungarian Food
For dinner, indulge in some traditional Hungarian cuisine. Try goulash soup, stuffed cabbage, or langos (fried dough with garlic and cheese). Gettó Gulyás is consistently a favorite with visitors to the city.
Alternatively, head to Karavan, the open-air street food truck court next to Szimpla Kert, where you can try Hungarian food and other international bites.
Day 3
Morning
Indulge in Budapest's Cafe Culture
Start the day with something sweet! For those looking to get a taste of traditional Budapest, the city's old cafes are a must. These classic establishments are scattered throughout the city, offering visitors not just delicious food and drinks but also glimpses into Hungary’s past.
The first place to start is the iconic Gerbeaud Café. Located in the heart of Vörösmarty Square, it has been serving traditional Hungarian dishes for over 150 years. The café's beautiful terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a morning pastry and coffee before continuing your exploration of Budapest.
The New York Café should be at the top of your list. The café is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hungary and has been declared the “most beautiful café in the world” by many. It was originally opened in 1894 as a meeting place for writers and intellectuals and still carries on this spirit today.
Afternoon
Andrássy Avenue
In the afternoon, head over to Andrássy Avenue for some shopping and people-watching. Once the main grand boulevard of Budapest, there are plenty of designer stores and boutiques here, plus cafes and delicious restaurants if you need a break from all the hustle and bustle.
Budapest Opera House
Close to Andrássy Avenue, you’ll find this truly grandiose experience. Book a tour of the recently renovated Budapest Opera House and tread the sweeping marble staircases while wandering at the frescoed ceilings.
Evening
Take a River Cruise
Saying farewell to your 72 hours in Budapest with a Budapest river cruise is an ideal way to see the city.
By now, you'll have already seen the UNESCO World Heritage Sights, such as Castle Hill and the Parliament building, but this is a chance to see them from a different angle! From traditional sightseeing cruises to more modern experiences such as evening dinner cruises and music cruises, there is something to suit everyone.
The Danube River winds through the heart of Budapest, and taking a cruise offers a glimpse at some of the most stunning architecture and attractions this impressive city offers.
A Life-Changing Three Days in Budapest
Whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure, this majestic city has something for everyone. Budapest is the perfect destination to book a Budahome rental and take a short city break.
While it’s possible to have a rich travel experience with a 24-hour or 48-hour itinerary in Budapest, 72 hours is enough time to see the main sights of Budapest without missing anything on your must-see list.