What to See in Budapest: The Best Attractions Not to Miss in 3 Days

What is there to see in Budapest? The capital of Hungary is an elegant parlor set on the Danube. That's why it deserves a visit.

A three-day trip to Budapest will allow you to discover the city's main attractions at a leisurely pace.

The first day begins by exploring the historic Buda Hill, visiting the majestic Buda Castle, the Fisherman's Bastion, and the beautiful Matthias Church, with its colorful tiles and unique Gothic style. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Hungarian Parliament.

On the second day, cross the Chain Bridge to discover Pest: visit St. Stephen's Basilica, with its impressive dome, and the Parliament building, one of the largest in the world.

Conclude the day at the famous Széchenyi Baths, relaxing in its thermal pools. What to see in Budapest on the third day?

Dedicate yourself to discovering more authentic places: stroll through Margaret Island, explore the vibrant Central Market, and visit the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe, for a deep dive into the city's Jewish history.

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Buda Castle is an architectural marvel that combines different styles: medieval, baroque, and modernist. Its construction began in the 13th century and has since undergone numerous modifications.

It is the starting point for getting to know the ancient history of the city and offers a fabulous panoramic view of Pest. The Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses the Hungarian National Gallery with many works by local artists.

If you are looking for a fairytale place, just head to the Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda side.

It's a viewpoint that offers stunning panoramas of the Danube, towards the Hungarian Parliament and Pest. Built in 1902, in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style, it is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.

Matthias Church is one of the oldest buildings in Budapest and is located right across from the Fisherman's Bastion, on Buda Hill.

It was constructed in Late Gothic style and features Ottoman influences that blend beautifully with the architecture of the stunning church. Adding to the beauty of the church's view is the roof covered with Zsolnay ceramic tiles. Inside the church, you will find the Museum of Sacred Art.

It is the main basilica of the city, a treasure trove of treasures, mosaics, stained glass, and fine marbles. Together with the Hungarian Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica claims the title of the tallest building in Budapest, at 96 meters.

The construction of the neoclassical basilica was completed in 1905. There is a fee to visit the interior; it is truly worth it!

Located on the historic Andrássy Avenue, the Budapest Opera House is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

The building has hosted significant operas as well as ballets and concerts. You can visit the opera's rooms every day and add a "mini-concert" to your visit.

The building of the Hungarian Parliament, completed in 1902, is the third largest in the world. It is located on the banks of the Danube, in Pest, and is a picturesque palace built in a neo-Gothic style.

It is the island in the middle of the Danube River, the green lung of Budapest to reach for a well-deserved relaxing break: a true natural paradise.

The island is connected to the mainland by two bridges. Among the must-see places are the thermal pools of the Palatinus Baths surrounded by a rose garden and an outdoor theater.

The Gellert Baths are one of the largest thermal centers in the city, which includes an outdoor pool, a Finnish sauna, and a variety of other pools.

They are located inside a wonderful Art Nouveau building that dates back to between 1912 and 1918.

Spread over three floors, the Central Market of Budapest hosts stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, paprika, salami, and the best of traditional Hungarian dishes.

The market opened in 1897. On the first floor, you will find groceries, spices, wines, and meat; while the upper floor is dedicated to traditional Hungarian dishes, while in the basement, fresh meat and fish are sold.

Today it is one of the most popular places in Budapest, but at the time of its construction, it was simply part of the Millennial Exhibition of 1896.

The castle, originally built of paper and wood, featured replicas of buildings throughout the Kingdom of Hungary. It was transformed into stone in the early 1900s and houses the Hungarian Agricultural Museum. It is located inside Városliget park.

The Széchenyi Baths are among the most beautiful thermal facilities in Budapest. Imagine a large thermal beach where people swim, have fun with board games, play ping pong, and relax in the sun.

The thermal complex consists of a mix of indoor and outdoor thermal pools and has 18 pools with temperatures up to 40°. The baths are located within Városliget park and have been active since 1881. Very often, the baths become a large outdoor disco with events and DJ sets; it's the perfect place for an alternative New Year's Eve in the city.

If you have more than a few days, don't miss a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, which welcomes you with numerous sections dedicated to Greek antiquities, the Egyptian collection, ancient and contemporary artists.

You will find works by Giotto, Tiepolo, Raphael, Monet, Manet, Delacroix, Gauguin, Cezanne, and Picasso, among many others.

The Budapest Great Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe (and the second largest in the world). It was built in Moorish style in 1859, but during World War II, it suffered considerable damage. Only in the 1990s was it restored to its former glory.

Inside the synagogue complex, you can visit the Jewish Cemetery and the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, dedicated to the Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of people from persecution.

It is the first bridge built to connect Buda and Pest; it is the most famous and one of the most beautiful. A pedestrian walkway will allow you to cross the suspension bridge while enjoying spectacular views of the Danube.

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From the ruins of the Soviet city in Budapest, some very interesting spaces have emerged: the Ruin Bars, literally pubs in the ruins, born from the ashes of old buildings recovered with recycled materials, art, and creativity. It is undoubtedly one of the things to see in Budapest.

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What's the weather like in Budapest? What is the best time to visit? The city enjoys a continental climate characterized by cold winters with very low temperatures and frequent snowfall, and summers with mild temperatures and scattered rain.

The best time to visit Budapest is in spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and pleasant. If you love low temperatures, you can visit Budapest during the Christmas season to admire the beautiful Christmas markets.

If you have a few more days available, it's worth exploring the surroundings of Budapest, which offer fascinating destinations easily reachable from the capital.

One of the most popular spots is Szentendre, a picturesque village along the Danube, famous for its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and numerous art galleries.

Another interesting option is Visegrád, a small town situated on a hill with a spectacular view of the Danube. Here you can visit the ruins of the medieval castle and the Royal Palace, besides hiking in the nearby woods. The view from the Visegrád lookout is one of the most beautiful in the region.

If you love religious history and impressive architecture, Esztergom is the ideal destination. This town hosts the largest basilica in Hungary, a true architectural masterpiece that dominates the surrounding landscape. Its dome offers a spectacular view of the Danube and the hills of Slovakia.

Finally, for those seeking a relaxing summer destination, Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, is a must-visit. Here you will find beaches, water activities, and enchanting landscapes, perfect for a relaxing break in nature.

Budapest offers spectacular views that leave you breathless. Among the most iconic viewpoints is Gellért Hill, where you can enjoy a complete panorama of the Danube and the bridges connecting Buda and Pest.

Another must-see place is the Fisherman's Bastion, with its terraces offering fairy-tale views of the Parliament and the river.

For a unique perspective, climb to the dome of St. Stephen's Basilica, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. Finally, the Citadel, once a strategic fortress, is ideal for admiring Budapest at sunset when the city lights up with magical lights.

Getting around Budapest is easy thanks to a well-organized and efficient public transportation network. The city has four metro lines, trams, and buses that cover all major areas.

Line M1, known as the oldest metro line in continental Europe, is a must-see attraction for its historical charm.

For those who prefer a more scenic experience, the boats that cross the Danube offer a unique view of the city and are a pleasant option, especially in spring and summer. We recommend purchasing a daily or weekly pass to travel economically and stress-free.

For quicker or evening transportation, taxis are available, but it is advisable to use apps like Bolt to ensure transparent and reliable rates.