{"id":7190,"date":"2020-03-14T11:50:32","date_gmt":"2020-03-14T11:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tiqets-blog-staging.local\/3-days-in-budapest\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T08:54:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T08:54:28","slug":"3-days-in-budapest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/3-days-in-budapest\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Days in Budapest: What to Do, See, Eat and More","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2013<\/em>\u00a0This post was written by Liam McGarry<\/em>\u00a0\u2013<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are few cities in Europe with as much to offer as Budapest. Whether you\u2019re an architecture aficionado, a history buff, a proud foodie or just a fan of walking around beautiful places, Hungary\u2019s first city has a charm all of its own. Three days in Budapest is more than enough time to sample a bit of everything. 

There is so much on offer, that nailing down exactly how you\u2019re going to make the most of the spas, bars, museums, markets and monuments is often the only chore.

What follows is your all-encompassing guide to the Pearl of the Danube. Where to stay, what to eat, what to do and where to go. You won\u2019t squeeze all of this into a three-day Budapest itinerary, unless you see sleep as an optional pastime. You will<\/em> come home safe in the knowledge that you really experienced one of the most charming cities in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Where to stay in Budapest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Photo by <\/strong>xandro Vandewalle<\/strong><\/a> on <\/strong>Unsplash<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Need some help figuring out where to stay in Budapest\u2019s 23 districts? We\u2019ve managed to narrow it down to the four most convenient, exciting, happening areas of the city.

District I <\/a>
Literally the number one area in Budapest. If you\u2019re planning on hitting some of Budapest\u2019s most popular sites like Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fisherman\u2019s Bastion, you\u2019ll be right in the thick of the historical action in the slightly upmarket ‘Castle District’.

District VI <\/a>
If you\u2019re one of those people who despises the rigmarole of getting to your hotel, District VI, aka Ter\u00e9zv\u00e1ros, could be for you. Home to Nyugati Railway Terminal, Ter\u00e9zv\u00e1ros is vibrant and eclectic: a great option for backpackers and comfort seekers alike. High-end fashion stores, gritty graffiti, and historic buildings all blend together to make for a lively part of town. 

District VII<\/a>
Looking for something hipster cool? District VII, the Jewish Quarter, is slowly becoming to Budapest what Williamsburg is to Brooklyn. There\u2019s plenty of coffee to go around, and your nighttime adventures are serviced by some of the city\u2019s famed Ruin Bars – more on those later.

District VIII<\/a>
Once off-limits to tourists, J\u00f3zsefv\u00e1ros is now one of the most popular areas in Budapest. That\u2019s gentrification, folks! Whether your pillow of choice is in a hotel, hostel or Airbnb, there are options for all budgets in this up-and-coming neighborhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budapest Itinerary Day 1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Delve into the darkest moments of Hungary\u2019s past at the <\/strong>House of Terror<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n
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Photo by <\/strong>Justin Sch\u00fcler<\/strong><\/a> on <\/strong>Unsplash<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t what you would call a cheerful attraction. But, it\u2019s certainly one of the most important, and undeniably one of the best museums in Budapest.

Terror Haza, aka House of Terror<\/a>, is a frightening but necessary reminder of the horrors faced by ordinary Hungarians during Fascist and Communist rule. 

Aside from emotive exhibits and memorials containing authentic items, the building\u2019s chillingly reconstructed cellars, where innocent Hungarians were held captive, tortured, and murdered, are also part of the tour. The audio guide is a must for a fully immersive experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat in Budapest #1<\/strong> \u2013 Langos Florian Square Underpass<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re right to question why we would send you to a non-descript underpass outside central Budapest. No, this isn\u2019t a drug deal, but you might get high on the intense flavor experience provided by traditional Hungarian langos.

The concept is simple: flat bread, deep-fried, with delicious toppings. Add smoked cheese, sour cream, meat stew, mushrooms, sausages, fried cabbage, and more. If you\u2019re craving something healthier, please enjoy this editor\u2019s note<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Taste a tipple from the Middle Ages at the <\/strong>P\u00e1linka Museum<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n
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You can\u2019t just buy a bathtub, ferment some fruit, give it a stir and call it P\u00e1linka. If it\u2019s not made in Hungary, it ain\u2019t P\u00e1linka.

For the most authentic introduction to Hungary\u2019s exclusive fruit brandy, a guided tour and tasting at Budapest\u2019s P\u00e1linka Museum<\/a> is a must. With an English-speaking guide for company, you\u2019ll learn its history, why the name is protected, and how to spot knock-offs from other countries.

Before you know it, you\u2019ll be shouting eg\u00e9szs\u00e9g\u00e9re <\/em>with Hungarian bartenders as you sink shots of the good stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat in Budapest #2 <\/strong>\u2013 Street Food Karavan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Street food markets are the modern foodie favourite. You walk around once, dismiss the expensive options, debate between what\u2019s left and end up, as always, going for tacos.

Karavan might tempt you outside of your Mexican comfort zone. You\u2019ll find Hungarian favorites, as well as popular options from around the world like burgers, wings, falafel, shawarma and dumplings. Yes, and tacos. Live a little!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evening<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Toast your trip at the infamous Budapest ruin bars<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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Photo by <\/strong>Liam McKay<\/strong><\/a> on <\/strong>Unsplash<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

For some, a sizable part of Budapest\u2019s appeal is the promise of seriously cheap drinks. An entire night out in Hungary can cost the same as a regular meal at McDonald’s in Paris. Now that\u2019s an unhappy<\/em> meal, if you ask us.

The highlights of the Budapest nightlife scene are the ruin bars. If you\u2019re unaware of the concept, they\u2019re exactly what the name suggests: pop-up bars in ramshackle old buildings, decorated in junk-yard chic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best ruin bars in Budapest 2020<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

#1 Szimpla Kert<\/a> \u2013 The original and most popular Budapest ruin pub

#2 Instant<\/a> \u2013 Part ruin bar, part sprawling night club. Another popular hangout. 

#3 Szatyor Bar<\/a> \u2013 The sophisticated choice for beer-swilling locals

#4 Doboz<\/a> \u2013 Young and hip with a fine selection of hot food. Eating is not <\/em>cheating. 

#5 Mazel Tov<\/a> \u2013 Chilled bar-restaurant in the heart of Budapest\u2019s Jewish Quarter

#6 Grandio<\/a> \u2013 Self-described party hostel-bar. Shortest distance between bar and bed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budapest Itinerary Day 2<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

See an army of Soviet-era statues at <\/strong>Memento Park<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n
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When Communism fell in 1989, the burning question on everybody\u2019s mind was: what do we do with all these massive communist statues?

Hungary\u2019s idea was rather novel. Instead of pulling them down, or putting underwear on Lenin\u2019s head, they saved the sculptures and moved them to an open-air statue park on the outskirts of Budapest. It was designed as a neutral space; the statues are simply reminders of what was.

A guided tour of Memento Park<\/a> is a fascinating retrospect behind the Iron Curtain. Lenin, Marx, Engels, Dimitrov, Captain Ostapenko, B\u00e9la Kun and other icons of the communist world are all here. So is a seven-meter-tall statue of an imposing Soviet soldier that once struck a Sauron-like figure atop Gell\u00e9rt Hill in central Budapest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat in Budapest #3 <\/strong>\u2013 Drum Cafe Budapest<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

How\u2019s your Hungarian? Because unless you fancy knocking on a door and asking for some of mama\u2019s homemade goulash, you really are better off heading back to the city for lunch. 

The guided tour drops you back in De\u00e1k Ferenc square, which is just a short walk from some of the best goulash in Budapest. Drum Cafe<\/a> is nothing if not authentic. Expect hearty Hungarian grub and no-frills service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sample Budapest\u2019s world-renowned <\/strong>spa culture<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n
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Budapest isn\u2019t known as the spa capital of Europe for nothing. A culture sponge such as yourself knows that already. There are 15 major public baths in Budapest. But where to start?

One of the steamiest options in the city can be found at the Gellert Hotel<\/a>, an Art Nouveau icon which has been soothing guests with its restorative waters for over a hundred years.

Mineral-filled spring water has been warming the muscles of Hungarians since at least the 15th century. Admire the gorgeous architecture as you soak in one of 13 pools, and enjoy a 20-minute aromatherapy massage to make the most of the experience. There\u2019s even an open-air wave pool!

Want to browse all the best spas in Budapest? Check out some more options<\/a> to put a spring in your step, including the largest medicinal baths in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat in Budapest #4 <\/strong>\u2013 Indigo Curry House<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Indigo is a favorite with Tiqets staff, i.e. the writer of this blog went once and maintains it was the best curry he ever had.

With friendly staff, digestible prices, and over 150+ flavorful menu options (meaty and otherwise) Indigo is one for the itinerary \u2013 a hidden gem in Budapest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evening<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Channel your inner Houdini with an escape room quest<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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If you\u2019ve never voluntarily locked yourself in a room just to see if you possess the smarts to get out again within an hour, have you even lived? 

Escape games were dreamed up in Japan, but Hungary was one of the first European nations to make the activity popular. Is it any wonder that Budapest, birthplace of Harry Houdini, is full of them?

A teasing option for novices and escape experts alike is E-Exit Escape Game Budapest<\/a>. Find yourself in the grips of an Orwellian nightmare in the 1984<\/em> room, and plot your route to the afterlife in Heaven&Hell. <\/em>The least difficult challenge is The Circus<\/em>. Unless you\u2019re petrified of clowns. In which case RUN, IT\u2019S NOT WORTH IT!

Another immersive option is Mission Enigma<\/a>, an entire house of brain-mangling fun. Work together in your team (2-6 players) and obtain the mysterious Enigma by solving dastardly riddles and puzzles at one of the top escape games in Budapest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budapest Itinerary Day 3 <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Explore the UNESCO-accredited Budapest Castle complex<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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Photo by <\/strong>Mih\u00e1ly K\u00f6les<\/strong><\/a> on <\/strong>Unsplash<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You\u2019ve been in Budapest long enough now to have noticed the whopping-great castle that sits atop the imaginatively named Castle Hill. If you think it looks nice all the way up there, just wait until you see the view looking down.

Journeying up to the castle is an unmissable Budapest highlight \u2013 just as a walk through Central Park is to New York, or wandering underground tunnels full of skeletons<\/a> is to Paris.

Some of the city\u2019s most important medieval monuments are located within the castle complex, as well as many of Budapest\u2019s best museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery<\/a>, Budapest History Museum<\/a> and House of Houdini<\/a>. 

There are so many routes you can take to explore the area. There\u2019s also a rustic funicular, which is the recommended choice if you\u2019re looking to save time while enjoying postcard-perfect views of the Danube.

If it\u2019s summertime and the weather is fine, then walking up is a breeze. Start from Sz\u00e9ll K\u00e1lm\u00e1n Square and make your way up to Vienna Gate. You can also take stairs, an elevator or an escalator from Castle Garden Bazaar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat in Budapest #5<\/strong> \u2013 Retek Bisztro<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If your stomach is craving more traditional flavors of Hungary, there\u2019s a great spot just a hop, skip and jump away from Sz\u00e9chenyi Chain Bridge. 

Retek Bisztro<\/strong> bills itself as the \u201ctaste of grandma\u2019s pantry\u201d, which is the kind of sentence you need to pronounce clearly to avoid embarrassment.

Chow down on the taste of Hungarian home cooking, with goulash galore, and other authentic dishes like deep-fried meatballs, veal stew and crispy duck confit. We\u2019re salivating just thinking about it. Excuse us as we take an early lunch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Search for vintage gems at Esceri Flea Market<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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If you\u2019re the sort of person who browses vintage and second-hand stores, rifling through bric-a-brac in the hope of unearthing something beautiful, then an afternoon at Esceri Flea Market is a must for your Budapest itinerary.

This isn\u2019t the sort of flea market that houses fast-fashion throwouts you could have found in H&M six months ago. The wares on offer at Esceri are as eclectic as their owners are eccentric. 

Gramophones sit silently beside retro television sets. Old analog cameras lie filmless next to treasure chests full of storied old war medals, and nameless black and white photos of baby-faced soldiers. 

When it comes to mementos and souvenirs, what would be more unique: a Budapest fridge magnet, or a giant mural of Lenin surfing a wave of hammer & sickle flags? The choice is clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat in Budapest #6 <\/strong>\u2013 Babel Budapest<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We didn\u2019t want to send you home without having recommended a fine dining option. If you\u2019re looking to don your smart garms at a more upmarket ($$$) establishment, look no further than Babel Budapest<\/strong>.

Babel mixes Hungarian and Transylvanian flavors, extracted from traditional dishes from the childhood table of Head Chef Istvan Veres. Pick from various tasting menus developed with all-natural ingredients \u2013 including a rare vegan option. Best to make a reservation for this one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evening<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have a flippin\u2019 good time at one of the best museums in Budapest<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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We know what you\u2019re thinking \u2013 is this a museum dedicated to dolphins? Or acrobats? No, the flippers we\u2019re referring to are inside the machines at the Budapest Pinball Museum<\/a>, aka Flipper Muzeum.

You might be surprised to learn that thrill-seekers of the 1800s got their kicks from playing pinball. You won\u2019t be shocked that the Pinball Museum, with its 150 rare and vintage machines, is one of the most popular museums in Budapest.

Launch yourself into the fun as you play antique tables, as well as the flashing neon tables you\u2019re used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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