Introduction

 I am very glad to introduce you to Budapest, one of the most lively and appealing cities in Europe. If you are in Budapest for three days, you can enjoy its past, local flavors and hands-on spa experiences. In this article, we’ll give you an itinerary that shows you both the famous landmarks and lesser-known places in Budapest. Trying this plan for the first time or revisiting Budapest will allow you to experience the city at a comfortable pace.

On the first day, you should see the historical districts of the town.

Spend your first day in the city by finding its historical districts, as they are rich in culture, examples of architecture and wonderful vistas. First, go to Buda Castle which is situated on the top of Castle Hill and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Besides giving a magnificent view over the city, this landmark houses cultural treasures. When inside the castle, visit the Hungarian National Gallery to admire the city’s art over the years and the Budapest History Museum to learn about its background.

The Fisherman’s Bastion is your next stop; its towers and terraces form a storybook-looking castle from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Danube and the other half of Budapest. The neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style of the bastion draws photographers. After that, walk through the Castle District on its lovely slick roads, enjoying the old world feel and history. Don’t miss Matthias Church which displays brilliant Gothic architecture along with beautiful frescoes inside.

Visit the Castle District first and after crossing the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest, you’ll see much activity in the Pest side and its centers. See Andrássy Avenue, a lovely street with high-end stores, enjoyable cafes and ancient buildings. Taking this route leads you to Heroes’ Square which is one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Here, you can see the Millennium Monument which honors the major moments and individuals from Hungary’s past. Relax and let the setting give you its best with pictures you can cherish later.

On Day 2: Try the Thermal Baths and Explore Jewish Heritage

Part of the reason for Budapest’s prominence is its great spas and guests should experience at least one. Commit the start of your second day to complete rejuvenation in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath of City Park. Since Széchenyi is the biggest thermal bath, it features a lot of warm pools, saunas and massage services. Soaking outside in the pools, even when it’s cold or enjoying a massage is the best way to unwind after your day.

During the afternoon, learn about Budapest’s Jewish past which tells a lively and moving story. See the Great Synagogue which is the largest synagogue in Europe and have a tour guide explain its background and architectural value. After that, visit the lively Jewish Quarter and enjoy the many ruin bars, street art and active restaurants. Taking a walk along Kazinczy Street lets you see what makes the district famous for its exciting night life and delicious foods.

Don’t forget to visit the Holocaust Memorial Center which gives you a moving and informative look at what occurred in World War II and the Holocaust in Hungary. Looking at the exhibits and memorials at the center brings about meaningful feelings. End the day by strolling along Dohány Street, surrounded by pretty cafes, shops and bakeries, great for getting a coffee or tasty snack while enjoying the area.

Day 3: Spend a Day Eyeing Art, Exploring Parks and Visiting Terminal Markets

On your third day, you can look at art, meet artists and visit the lovely gardens in Budapest. Start the day at the Hungarian State Opera House, an architecturally beautiful place. If you want to learn more about the opera house’s history, amazing design and the work that goes on, a tour is a great idea.

After that, go to the Museum of Fine Arts to see a wide range of European art classics. The museum displays works by Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh for anyone interested in art. People who appreciate contemporary art should definitely plan a visit to the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, where modern art by Hungarian and internationally-known artists is shown.

City Park is a great place to relax for a while in the afternoon. Renting a bike is a great idea, but so is just sitting on a bench surrounded by all the greenery. Take a walk through Vajdahunyad Castle which stands out by blending various architecture styles into its structure, making for a charming visit. Across the street is the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath which is another great spot to try Budapest’s famous hot springs.

Try to visit a market hall before leaving Budapest. The largest and most famous place is the Great Market Hall, with a wide variety of Hungarian traditional items. This market offers a wide range of goods from fresh foods to things hand-crafted which all appeal to the senses. You can also come here to sink your teeth into traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash, the beloved hearty stew and lángos is a popular deep-fried dough that you can enjoy covered in cheese or sour cream. Enjoy eating, strolling and being part of the festive environment before leaving.

Conclusion

There are many things to see and do in Budapest for people traveling there. With this guide, you can enjoy your three days in the city by looking at its history, visiting spas, discovering its Jewish traditions and savoring its cuisine. Every day brings a different overview of this special European city which joins historical sites, artistic culture, serenity and great meals. When you visit Budapest, you’ll definitely have memories to last a lifetime of a fun and attractive city.