Budget Bliss: The Ultimate 3-Day Budapest Guide

Explore Budapest: A budget-friendly European adventure.

21 June 2023

A budget trip to Budapest, Hungary offers plenty of opportunities to explore the city's rich history, culture, and nightlife without breaking the bank. You can enjoy the popular thermal baths, take a stroll around the charming streets of the historic castle district, and sample local cuisine at affordable prices. Overall, Budapest is a perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers seeking a memorable European experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discover the Heart of Budapest

  • Start with a stroll down Andrássy Avenue, a stunning boulevard lined with cultural gems
  • Visit St. Stephen's Basilica, a magnificent neoclassical cathedral and one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks
  • Grab lunch at Central Market Hall, a bustling food market that offers a wide selection of traditional Hungarian cuisine
  • Take a boat tour along the Danube River and admire the stunning views of Buda Castle and the Parliament Building
  • Cap off the day with a dip in one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, like Széchenyi or Gellért.
  • Hotel recommendation: Maverick City Lodge a budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Budapest's trendy Jewish Quarter.
Day 2

Explore Buda Castle and the Danube Promenade

  • Take a morning walk along the Danube Promenade, a scenic riverside path that offers breathtaking views of Budapest's skyline
  • Visit Buda Castle, a historic hilltop fortress that houses several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum
  • Take a funicular ride up to Fisherman's Bastion, a stunning lookout point that offers panoramic views of the city
  • Grab a late lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro, a charming restaurant serving traditional Hungarian fare with a modern twist
  • End the day with a drink at a rooftop bar, like 360 Bar or High Note SkyBar, and enjoy the stunning views of Budapest at night.
Day 3

Experience the Jewish Quarter and Ruin Bars

  • Start the day with a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history and culture
  • Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe and a beautiful example of Moorish Revival architecture
  • Explore the district's legendary ruin bars, like Szimpla Kert and Instant, which are housed in abandoned buildings and offer a unique, quirky atmosphere
  • Grab a bite at Karaván, a trendy street food market that offers a variety of international and Hungarian cuisine
  • End the trip with a visit to the House of Terror Museum, a powerful and sobering reminder of Hungary's turbulent history.
  • Hotel recommendation: Wombats City Hostel a chic and affordable hostel located in the heart of Budapest's lively party district.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Budapest by plane is by flying into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Many airlines fly directly to this airport from major cities around the world.

Car

One can drive to Budapest from neighboring countries like Austria, Slovakia, and Romania. The main highways into Budapest are the M1, M3, and M5. However, driving in Budapest city center can be difficult due to heavy traffic and limited parking.

Train

Travelers can reach Budapest by train from several European cities such as Zurich, Vienna, and Munich. The main railway station in Budapest is Keleti Station, which is well connected to the Budapest metro network.

Boat

Although Budapest is located on the river Danube, there are no regular boat services into the city. However, it is possible to arrive by river cruise boats that usually dock at the Vigadó tér or Jászai Mari tér ports, located on the Pest side of the city.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate services to Budapest from neighboring countries such as Austria, Croatia, and Slovakia. The main bus station in Budapest is Népliget, which is easily accessible by metro.

Destination

Budapest

Looking for a place to soak in hot thermal baths, eat goulash until you burst, and try your luck with a tricky language? Then you've hit the jackpot with this city!

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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