3 Days in Budapest (Itinerary, Spending Money + BUDGET Planning)

Planning a 3-day trip to Budapest and want to know what are the best things to see and do on your break? Well, keep reading! Budapest in Hungary is by no means an expensive country to travel in.

But a lot of people visit whilst travelling around Europe therefore even if you’re spending 3 days in Budapest you might be on a tight budget.

Here are your Budapest must-see attractions and things to do, including spending costs so you can decide how much spending money to take to Budapest.

3 days in Budapest (your typical long-weekend break)

This itinerary is based on 3 days in Budapest (your typical long-weekend break).

But you can also use for a 2-day itinerary too. If you are staying longer than 3 days in Budapest you might want to read my post What to see in Budapest for some more ideas.

Budapest Travel Costs

How much were my flights from the UK to Budapest?

I visited Budapest as a cheap city break. After searching via the Explore option on Skyscanner I found some return flights from my local UK airport (East Midlands) for £35 return with RyanAir (bargain!).

Travel in the City – Budapest City Card

***Please note I love walking when I explore a city. I will include details for public transport if you don’t want to walk as much as me on your Budapest 3-day break!***

You can buy the Budapest City Card which includes public transport plus other discounts to help you plan your trip in advance.

• Save and buy your Budapest City Card before you go, check out prices here.

Day 1 – (3 days in Budapest)

Many people will plan an itinerary in Budapest by spending time on either the Pest or Buda side on a particular day.

But when you arrive in Budapest, you’ll realise that the Buda and Pest areas are literally only across the river so they are easy to visit both areas in a day.

Free Budapest Walking Tour (PEST)

• Vörösmarty Square
• St Stephen’s Basilica
• Budapest Houses of Parliament
• Memorial on the River Danube
• Plus more stops in Budapest

If you are travelling on a budget then try one of the FREE walking tours in Budapest. I opted for the Original Budapest Tour. This is a great way to orientate yourself around the city. And learn a few things too.

There are a few companies that offer these tours, all taking slightly different routes around the city.

My favourite tour company was ‘Trip to Budapest’. The idea is you join the tour and if you have a good experience you leave a tip.

Meeting point is Vörösmarty tér, a square in the centre of Budapest at 10.30 (afternoon tour at 14.30).

The walking tour ends 13.00/13.30. So it’s likely you will be hungry by now (every time I thought about being hungry in Hungary it made me smile!!)

The tour will take you around all the top tourist spots, including Budapest Houses of Parliament, St Stephen’s Basilica and many more awesome Budapest places.

Top Budapest tip

• Take HUF in cash for your tip on the Walking Tour.

Check out tour reviews with Trip Advisor

Castle Hill area (BUDA)

Walk or catch the bus cross the Chain Bridge (Buda side), you have two options to the top. Catch the traditional Funicular, originally opened in 1870, then reopened again after damage in World War II in 1986.

The Funicular is now a major part of the landscape by UNESCO World Heritage Site.

They run every 5-10 minutes and don’t take long to reach the top. Or alternatively, you can walk and enjoy the views on the 10-minute walk up.

The Hungarian National Gallery is here, along with a café and toilets. (If you don’t have a museum ticket you have to pay 200 HUF for the toilets!)

Film geeks? – Check out this film tour of Budapest!

St Matthias Church (Buda)

St Matthias Church is beautiful and a must-see place on your 3-day Budapest trip.

If you’re visiting in the summer months then you’ll have the treat of seeing the stunning church roof (in winter it was covered in snow!) Another thing you can see in Budapest for free!

Depending on how much you’ve already walked around Budapest (it’s only day 1 of 3 days!), you may wish to jump on a bus number 16 back to Pest. I opted to explore the stunning St Matthias Church, only a 10-15 minute walk.

In winter the light was fading but I was in for a treat as the church was lit up and looked stunning.

Fisherman’s Bastion (Buda)

Since you’re close by, next explore the Fisherman’s Bastion which is right next to St Matthias Church on your 3-day itinerary.

From here you have amazing night views of the city. There’s one section that you need to pay extra for (this is the best view of all). But on reflection it’s not essential, the views from lower are just as stunning.

The ONLY difference is the views of Budapest Houses of Parliament are completely unobstructed, lower down a church is slightly in the way (if you are really fussy). And there’s a café with a few low power heaters (handy in winter months).

Day 1 Spending Costs in Budapest

Food costs
Breakfast pastry 260 HUF
Lunch (burger + chips) 1800 HUF & (small beer) 800 HUF
Dinner 1990 HUF & (small wine) 250 HUF
Bar (beer) 200 HUF

Tour + activity costs
Budapest walking tour tip 1,000 HUF
St Stephen’s Basilica (inside the church) 200 HUF
St Stephen’s Basilica (promenade view) 600 HUF
Fisherman’s Bastion 280 HUF

Total spend 7,380 HUF/ 24 EUR

Additional/optional costs

Funicular (single) 1,200 HUF or (return) 1,800 HUF
Hungarian National Gallery 1,800 HUF + 800 HUF (Audio guide)
Bus ticket (Pest to Buda) Single 350 HUF or Return 700 HUF

Additional spend (maximum) 5,100 HUF/ 16 EUR

Go back to Budapest 3-day itinerary contents

Further Reading on Budapest

• Caving Adventure in Budapest
• Best cocktails bars in Budapest
• Awesome things to see and do in Budapest

Day 2 – (3 days in Budapest)

Free Street Art and Urban Walking Tour (Pest)

Another one of the FREE walking tours with ‘Trip to Budapest’. This walking tour takes you around the Jewish Quarter in the Pest area.

It shows you a different part of Budapest. Again, at the end of the tour if you’ve enjoyed the experience then you leave a tip (be sure to include tips in your budget planning costs).

Same meeting point at Vörösmarty tér, in the centre of Budapest at 10.00 (1 Nov-31 Mar) and 15.30 (1 Apr-31 Oct).

This tour lasts 2-2.5 hours so the morning tour ends 12.00/12.30.

The great thing about this tour is that you finish in a local food market in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. And there’s a café serving traditional Hungarian food.

The local markets have great but also relatively cheap food, with big portions too!

Read next – Planning a sunshine getaway? Check out the beautiful island of Madeira (off the coast of Africa)

St Stephen’s Basilica (Pest)

On a clear day (i.e. not raining) go to St Stephen’s Basilica, you may have walked past this on the Free Budapest Walking Tour but now it’s time to go inside.

On a wet day in Budapest going inside would be a great idea! But you can also climb the 302 steps (or lift and steps) to the Panorama Tower so it’s great if it’s a clear day.

But you can also climb the 302 steps to the Panorama Tower

• The Panorama Tower is only open from 10.00 to 16.30

Budapest Caving Adventure (Buda)

40 minutes from the city centre (via bus no. 9 and 65) you can venture deep below ground to visit Budapest’s caves system. In winter, this is a great activity because it’s warmer in the caves than outside.

You’re underground for nearly 2 hours and it is the most amazing adventure.

This activity will take a good part of your day’s itinerary. Squeezing you through narrow passageways and tiny gaps in the rocks that you think are impossible to get through. But if you love a challenge then be sure to check this tour out.

More information here Viator Caving tours or you can read about my full Budapest Caving experience here.

Caving tours are at 10.15 and 15.30 each day.

Hit the Ruin Bars (Pest)

Try out the ruin bars, these are famous in Budapest, created from unused buildings. They are all decorated in different art forms and make for very interesting places to go as there’s always something to look at.

I visited Ellato Kert & Taqueria Budapest, a Mexican themed bar as well as the most popular Szimpla Kert (as cliche as it is, you must go here!)

• If you enjoy your cocktails, try out the top 5 cocktail bars in Budapest.

Day 2 Budapest Spending Costs

Food Costs
Breakfast pastry 250 HUF
Lunch (Hungarian dish) 950 HUF
Cake from the bakery 200 HUF
Dinner 1190 HUF & (small wine) 390 HUF
Ruin Bar (small wine) 250 HUF

Tour + Activity Costs
Street Art & Urban walking tour tip 1,000 HUF
Cave Adventure 7,000 HUF

Transport Costs
Bus ticket x 2 (to Cave tour) 700 HUF
Bus ticket & tram ticket (from Cave tour) 700 HUF

Total spend 11,440 HUF/ 37 EUR

Additional/optional costs

Bus ticket (Buda to Pest) Single 350 HUF

Additional spend (maximum) 350 HUF/ 1 EUR

Go back to Budapest 3-day itinerary contents

Day 3 – (3 days in Budapest)

Heroes Square & Vajdahunyad Castle (Pest)

Located in City Park, you can enjoy your time walking around Vajdahunyad Castle grounds. And even try out the Ice Skating when the pond is frozen (November to March).

This area is probably further away from the city centre but worth including in your itinerary as the Castle is stunning.

Wrap up warm in the winter months in Budapest, it’s pretty cool! I love my warm down jacket, perfect for weekend trips as it packs really small.

It’s about an hour’s walk to the Central Food Market. Or you can jump on the Yellow Metro line to Deak Ferenc ter.

Central Food Market (Pest)

Pop into the Budapest Central Food Market, downstairs you’ll find a huge selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and meat. Then if you are feeling brave head upstairs. This is a serious tourist fest.

There are so many gift shops, all selling the traditional magnets, mugs and so many other gifts I can’t possibly name them all. But you can also grab some lunch here from one of the many food stalls.

Further Reading on Budapest

• When is the best time to visit Budapest
• Best thermal baths in Budapest
• Friends Hostel and Apartments

Rudas Baths (Buda)

The Rudas Baths are located on the Buda side of the city, close to Gellert Hill. If you are spending longer than 3 days in Budapest you might just want to visit the baths more than once as they are so relaxing (or try one of the many other baths in Budapest). Allow at least 2 hours in your itinerary.

Try an evening cruise on the Danube – Check out Trip Advisor reviews here

If you are spending longer than 3 days in Budapest you might just want to visit the baths more than once

Check out Trip Advisor reviews for Gellert Baths or Szechenyi Baths

Day 3 Budapest spending Costs

Food + Drink Costs
Breakfast pastry 250 HUF
Lunch (cake!) 200 HUF
Dinner + tip 2,290 HUF & (small beer) 420 HUF
Ruin bar – wine (Szimpla Kert) 250 HUF

Tour + Activity Costs
Budapest Thermal Baths (Rudas baths) 5,500 HUF

Other Costs
Public toilet 200 HUF

Total spend 9,110 HUF/ 29 EUR

Additional/optional costs

Ice Skating at Budapest Castle 1,500/2,000 HUF + 1,800 HUF (Skating hire)
Massage at Ruda Baths (Aroma massage – 20 minutes) from 4,400
Bus ticket (Buda to Pest) Single 350 HUF

Additional spend (maximum) 8,550 HUF/ 28 EUR

Go back to Budapest 3-day itinerary contents

More information about Budapest

What are the Transporation Options To/From the Airport?

Budapest Airport Bus

Catch the 100E bus straight outside the airport. This drops you off at Deak Ference ter (Deak Square) in the centre on the Pest side (very close to the Jewish District.

Use the purple ticket machine to buy a ticket (or at busy times they may have staff you can buy one directly from. It takes 35-40 minutes.

Top Tip – Remember to buy your return ticket from one of the machines (there isn’t one at the bus stop).

Cost – 900 HUF/ 3 EUR

Taxis in Budapest

Taxis are available directly outside the airport. Time to Budapest city is about 25-30 minutes.

Cost – 6,000-8,000 HUF/ 19-26 EUR

How to Travel around Budapest City?

Consider buying the Budapest Card if you want to travel on public transport and save some money! (24 or 72-hour options)

Walk – This is a great city to walk around. And with so many huge landmarks it’s difficult to get lost. Each day I walked between 20,000-25,000 steps (for those of you that have Fitbits!) A great way to exercise, enjoy the sites and create some space for all the delicious food and wine!

Bus/tram/metro (Single tickets) – You may wish to use public transport a few times whilst you are visiting. I even did once or twice and I love walking! Tickets are 350 per journey.

Check out Trip Advisor reviews for the Hop-on Hop-off bus

Bus/tram/metro (10 tickets) – Same as above but for a discounted price you can buy 10 tickets for 3,000 HUF = 300 HUF per single journey. If you’re travelling with someone else this is definitely worth doing, you’ll easily use 5 single trips each.

Taxis – Don’t flag one down on the street. If you opt for a taxi in Budapest then ask your accommodation or restaurant to book one for you.

Buy the Budapest City Card which includes FREE public transport

What currency do you need in Budapest?

In Hungary, they use the Hungarian Forint (HUF). This is the national currency and as such be prepared to pay in HUF, even though some prices are quoted in euros.

There are a few places that accept euros, however, the exchange rate is normally lower (300 HUF to 1 EUR). Plus change will be given in HUF.

• The only exception was when I paid in euros at the airport for a bottle of water I received the change in euros.

How much money do you need for 3 days in Budapest?

Currency 300 HUF = 1 EUR

Want to know how much spending money to take to Budapest? For my 3 days in Budapest, I spent 29,730 HUF/ 96 EUR (See costs above + airport bus). So on average 10,000 HUF/33 EUR per day

Costs for meals over the 3 days

= 2000-3000 HUF per meal

Costs for Drinks

= Small beers 200-800 HUF (Large beers cost more!)

= Wine 250-400 HUF per glass (depending on how touristy the venue is!)

Cost for Tours + Activites in Budapest

Since I was travelling on a budget in Budapest I limited the tours that I did. These were the biggest costs on my trip.

= Budapest Caving Tour from 7,000 HUF

=Rudas Baths from 5,500 HUF

Where to stay in Budapest?

Generally, the Pest area of Budapest has more accommodation options, as well as a good choice of restaurants and bars. So if you’d like to be close to everything this is the best place to stay.

Over on the other side of the Danube this a more residential area but there are a few hotel options in Buda.

• Or check out Airbnb for alternative accommodation options in Budapest (£25 off your first stay at Airbnb)

On my Budapest trip, I stayed at Friends Hostel on the Pest side of the Danube. They also have private rooms and apartments so options for all travellers.

The location was in the city centre, close to the Jewish District and about 15-minute walk from where the airport bus dropped me off at Deak Ferenc ter.

You can read my full review of Friends Hostel Budapest here

More places to stay in Budapest here

(Check the prices now – especially in peak season)

Booking.com

Where to eat in Budapest?

There are so many great bakeries, cafes and restaurants in Budapest (not to mention the Street Markets too!) Start your day with a good breakfast.

Depending on where you are staying, either visit one of the many cafes in Budapest or pop into one of the bakeries (they have a huge selection of pastries to choose from).

I tried out a few different restaurants whilst I was in Budapest (these are all on the Pest side). Here are a few of my favourites:

• Koleves – A great selection of Hungarian meals including the famous goulash. They also have a good vegetarian choice too and a glass of Hungarian wine.
• Fancy something different, the Olive Tree does a gorgeous range of hummus dishes and have some great Hungarian wine to accompany your meal.
• Drum Cafe – A cute and friendly café that serves lots of traditional Hungarian food. As well as different flavoured beers – ginger, cranberry, elderberry and cherry beer.

Top tip – save money on your Budapest trip by carrying a cool water bottle with you. Saves buying plastic bottles!

What else to do in 3 days in Budapest (or longer)?

Budapest is one of those cities where there is so much to do and 3 days in Budapest will probably never be enough.

For more ideas and inspiration check out these Budapest tours with Viator or search via Trip Advisor for reviews and cool tours to do!

You can check out my latest post on What to see in Budapest including FREE things to do in Budapest.

More days in Budapest? Drive, take a train or bus from Budapest to Eger in North Hungary (about 2 hours). Check out Eger Hungary – a 2-day itinerary

Go back to Budapest 3-day itinerary contents

Are you planning your trip to Budapest?

Hopefully, my ‘3 days in Budapest’ itinerary will give you some ideas what to see and do on your visit and how much money to take but feel free to ask me any questions in the comments

Save me to your Budapest travel Pinterest boards

*Becky the Traveller participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliate programmes. If you make a purchase through these, I earn from the qualifying links. This is at no extra cost to you. Read more here.