Budapest, commonly known for its prestigious thermal baths and the magical parliament that stands tall along the river that splits Pest and Buda, is a destination to add to your next trip to Europe.

A weekend trip to Budapest will do, and can fit all the must-see locations within that short amount of time! 

Looking for the ultimate 3-day itinerary for Budapest? I’ve got you! Click HERE for all the details.

Arrival

By Train: We use the app called Trainline to access affordable tickets and to find the best deals! 

• Train from Bratislava – Budapest: 2 and a half hours  
• Train from Vienna –  Budapest: 2 hour and 45 minutes

Flying: Fly into International Airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

• Several airlines fly into Budapest International, but affordable flights like RyanAir could be the better options (sometimes cheaper than a train!)

Accommodation

We stayed in Pest, in a cozy apartment conveniently located near Városháza Park. The area was central and well-connected, with a nearby tram stop that made getting around the city easy and efficient.

City Transportation

• Walking 
• Uber 
• Trams (can purchase tram day passes)

Must-eat in Budapest

1. Vietnamese Food – Surprisingly popular and delicious.
2. Chimney Cake – A sweet, must-try local treat.
3. Goulash – A Hungarian classic you can’t miss.

Things to do in Budapest:

• Museums
• River Cruises
• Thermal Baths
• Ferris Wheel
• Castle Hill

Budapest Travel Guide:

1. Musesums

Our first stop was the Retro Museum, an engaging interactive journey through Hungary’s past. Next, we visited the Szamos Chocolate Museum, which, while small, offered a delightful experience. The museum showcased intricate sculptures made entirely from chocolate, including buildings, scenes, and even a crown! We couldn’t resist grabbing some chocolates to take home.

One of our favorite stops was the Budapest Pinball Museum. Though more like an arcade than a traditional museum, it kept us entertained for hours with a wide array of vintage and modern games.

2. River Cruise

One of the highlights of our trip was a nighttime booze cruise along the Danube. The glowing Parliament building lit up the river, offering a spectacular view. We booked our tour through Get Your Guide, which has plenty of options to suit different preferences.

The cruise was an excellent way to see the city from a new perspective and capture stunning photos. The drinks were enjoyable, though if you’re a slow sipper, you might want to pick up the pace to make the most of it!

3. Szechenyi Spa Baths Budapest

Visiting the thermal baths was at the top of my Budapest bucket list. Pictures of the grand columns and stunning architecture framing the steamy outdoor baths had me hooked long before we arrived.

We spent about half a day at the baths, which was the perfect amount of time. Our tickets included access to both the indoor and outdoor pools. The indoor baths featured several pools at different temperatures, so you could find one to suit your preference.

Tip: If you bring a dry towel, start with the outdoor baths. Otherwise, your towel might freeze in the chilly air (especially if you’re visiting in January, like we did).

The outdoor bath was breathtaking, with cascading waterfalls and seats along the edges where you could relax in the warmth while escaping the brisk air. There was even a café on-site for snacks and drinks.

4. Ferris Wheel

On a whim, we decided to ride the Ferris Wheel of Budapest. The views from the top were stunning, and it was a fun, laid-back way to take in the city from above while chatting and enjoying the scenery.

5. Visit the Hungarian State Opera

We came across this opera house by accident, but wow was it marvelous. We checked to see if there were concerts hosted in the house, but results showed that concerts take place in St. Stephen’s Basilica which is also worth the visit.

6. Exploring Buda Across the River

Castle Hill

Crossing the river to Buda is a day trip in itself, with so much to explore, including Castle Hill.

We walked across Erzsébet Bridge, infamous for its design and access to walk across the river to Buda, and made our way to the steep path leading up to Castle Hill. For an easier ascent, there’s also an elevator that takes you to the top. Once there, you’re greeted by the magnificent Buda Castle, which offers incredible panoramic views of Pest.

Unfortunately, we visited during construction and didn’t get to explore the castle’s interior, but I highly recommend visiting the National Gallery or the Budapest History Museum inside the castle if you can.

Another must-see is Fisherman’s Bastion, a beautiful terrace with unique architecture and staircases that weave in and out of the structure. The iconic photo spot, where you can frame Parliament through one of the Bastion’s archways, is absolutely worth it.

Behind Fisherman’s Bastion stands Matthias Church, with its colorful roof and intricate design that set it apart from other churches I’ve seen.

7. The Labyrinth

Just below the grandeur of Castle Hill lies Budapest’s eerie yet fascinating Labyrinth. This underground maze offers a glimpse into the city’s history, with statues and structures scattered throughout.

We chose to wander on our own, but I wish we had taken a guided tour for more context. One section of the Labyrinth is completely pitch black, and though I didn’t dare to venture in, it’s said to be a place where you can feel the spirits—if you’re brave enough!

Overall:

Visiting Budapest within a short time did give us a true taste of the city’s culture, energy, and charm. While it was an exciting experience, I’m not rushing back just yet. However, if you’re nearby in Vienna or Bratislava, I highly recommend making a quick stop to soak in Budapest’s unique atmosphere!