Introduction

Budapest is known for its mix of old history and exciting modern life. Thanks to its beautiful architecture, fascinating culture and happening nightlife, Budapest attracts many travelers. We’ve organized an itinerary that will show you the top sights in just three days.

Why Budapest?

The city stands out thanks to its affordable attractions (entry into museums 3,000 HUF around £6.25 and average meals at 2,000 HUF £4.17), UNESCO World Heritage sites and baths, all for less than Prague. May generally sees weather around 15–25 degrees which makes exploring this charming city a joy, says r/travel. This trip covers history, culture and some relaxation and is perfect if you have only a weekend visit.

On the first day, travelers should visit the Buda Castle District.

The best way to begin in Budapest is to stroll through the Buda Castle District. Stunning city views can be seen from this World Heritage site which is also home to several important attractions, like:

Look at Buda Castle, a centuries-old site that now contains the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery.

Take in the lovely Gothic design of Matthias Church, placed right in the center of Buda’s castle district.

At Fisherman’s Bastion, you can see the surrounding areas and sights from a fantastic terrace.

Buda Castle (at Szent György tér 2 in District I) has tickets for museums (3,000 HUF, £6.25) that exhibit pieces from the time of the Habsburg dynasty. Visitors should see the stained glass at Matthias Church (Szentháromság tér 2, entry costs 2,500 HUF, £5.21). Parliament can be seen from the Fisherman’s Bastion which has free entry to the lower zones and costs 1,000 HUF for the upper part (£2.08). Take funicular or bus 16 if you want to go. Travelers on TripAdvisor (4.7/5) are filled with “storybook views” here. You can have goulash at Pest-Buda Bistro in the Old Town (mains are 3,500 HUF or £7.29).

On Day 2, you’ll discover some of the main attractions in Pest.

Spend your second day in Pest, the livelier part of Budapest, with many famous attractions to see. Some highlights you won’t want to miss are:

Heroes’ Square: You can find statues of national heroes here and the well-known Millennium Monument.

Parliament Building: See one of Europe’s top parliamentary buildings and be amazed by its beautiful architecture.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a magnificent neoclassical cathedral; be sure to go up its towers for breathtaking sights of Budapest.

The statue group called Heroes’ Square (in District XIV, identified by M1 Hősök tere) is free to visit and features Árpád. Parliament on Kossuth tér 1–3 displays the Holy Crown (District V, tours are available from 10,000 HUF which equals £20.83 and you can book them at parlament.hu). St. Visitors can see the city from all sides at Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István tér 1, entry £4.17/€5 and to the dome, £3.13/€3.6). Found along Arany János utca, near M3. According to Viator, Parliament is famous for its “Gothic splendor.” Try out Hungarikum Bisztró (mains costing 3,000 HUF, £6.25) for the paprikash.

Today, concentrate on taking it easy and trying the thermal baths.

Once you’ve explored for two days, go and relax on a break at the famous thermal baths in Budapest. Let’s look at some of the top options available:

You’ll want to spend time at the grand Szechenyi Baths, especially since it is the biggest medicinal bath on the continent.

Visit the Gellért Baths and dive into the soothing Art Nouveau pools for a bubble relaxing time.

Rudas Baths: Try medieval Turkish bathing activities in this historic bath over 400 years old, featuring a lovely upper-level pool.

At Szechenyi (Állatkerti krt. 9–11, District XIV, entry 7,000 HUF, £14.58, M1 Széchenyi fürdő) you will find 15 pools. You’ll find mosaics at Gellért (4, Kelenhegyi út, District XI) and it costs 6,500 HUF, £13.54 (nearest tram 19). At Rudas (Döbrentei tér 9, District I, 4,000 HUF, £8.33, with tram 19), you’ll find the Danube views. One towel is sold for 1,000 HUF in the hotel (£2.08). Reddit’s r/budapest thinks Rudas’ “rooftop magic” is incredible. Eat your big meal at Kőleves after you have had a rest.

Useful Advice for May 2025

• Book time at Szechenyi using the platform spartybooking.com.
• Walking is essential at Buda Castle, so make sure your shoes are comfortable.
• The fastest way to reach tourist spots is with the Metro: M1/M3 (350 HUF, £0.73).
• It’s a good idea to carry some cash for your HUF-only transactions.
• Baths open at 6 AM and close at 10 PM; try to book your evening trip to avoid crowds.
• Keep your bags with you at Heroes’ Square.

What makes this plan special?

This plan covers many top tourist spots and the costs of going to the baths are lower in Budapest. The Budapest Wine Festival and other May festivals bring lots of energy to the city, according to budapestinfo.hu.

Evening Activities

District VII is where you’ll find ruin bars (pints cost around 800 HUF or £1.67) or you can sail along the Danube instead (tickets cost 7000 HUF, £14.58). Szimpla Kert or Legenda Cruises are great options located only a short walk from Day 2’s main spots.

Conclusion

Budapest has a history, architecture and energy that will draw you in as soon as you step foot there. After following this guide for 3 nights, you can visit famous landmarks, discover the city’s culture and enjoy its hot springs. Take a slow approach, enjoy the city’s food and appreciate what is special about Budapest. Happy travels!