Katie, from Postcards From, is a writer, photographer and content creator based in the Lake District. With a passion for finding everyday adventures and showing how travel can be accessible to everyone, Katie shares how to find adventures (and good coffee!) wherever in the world you're exploring. 

Here’s her ultimate travel itinerary for getting the most out of three days in Budapest...   

Budapest has all the ingredients for a perfect city break. Bold claim, I know, but I’ve got the facts to back it up! With incredible history, beautiful architecture, a varied (and delicious) food and drink scene, and stunning views wherever you look, there’s something for every kind of traveller in Budapest. And with an average flight time of three hours from the UK, you can log off from work on Friday, head straight to the airport and land in time for cocktails at one of the many rooftop bars.   

Why visit Budapest?  

One thing I didn’t realise about Budapest until I arrived was that it’s actually two cities, Buda and Pest. The two sides are split by the Danube, with some incredible bridges that cross it, creating a unique and iconic cityscape. If you ever forget what side you’re on, just remember the Buda side is hilly, and you can see the mountains behind the city, and the Pest side is flat.  

The city is easily walkable and also has a great public transport system. You can go on historical walking tours, relax in the thermal baths, visit the famous ruin bars, or hop onto public transport and head to the countryside for a hike.  

How to get around Budapest  

The public transport makes it super easy to travel around, with trams, buses and the iconic yellow M1 metro line, which is the oldest metro line on the European continent. Yep, there are plenty of ways to get from A to B.   

You can pick up single tickets, 24/48/72-hour travel passes, or the Budapest Card if you’re planning to do lots of sightseeing. And when your legs are tired after a long day exploring, taxis and Bolt are easy to use and reasonably priced too. 

Where to stay in Budapest for a three-day city break 

For this trip, we stayed on the Pest side at Hotel Vision Budapest! I’d stay here again in a heartbeat – it’s a very modern feeling hotel, where you’re made to feel welcome the moment you come in. Plus, the rooms are spacious and have everything you need. Don’t worry about forgetting a toothbrush or plug adapter, or even needing extra pillows, as you can easily request these from the comfort of your room! The location is perfect too, right on the Danube, with a tram stop across from the hotel as well, so you can easily explore all the sights and explore further afield.  

  The main reason I’ll keep recommending it though, is the breakfast! I was so impressed by the buffet breakfast (especially the fresh pancakes!), and the fact I could even get a decaf, oat milk flat white – essential to fuel me before a day exploring. 

The perfect three-day guide for first-time visitors to Budapest 

Day 1  

Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Danube views  

Buda is on the West Bank, and home to the Castle District. I’d really recommend doing a walking tour of Buda to get to know more about the history of the area – it's magnificent to walk around. What’s really interesting is that most of the area was destroyed in the Second World War and during the communism era. Since then, they’ve slowly been restoring and rebuilding the Castle District to its former glory. The whole Castle District is like stepping into a fairytale and is beautiful whatever time of day you head up there.  If you’re willing to be an early bird, get to Fisherman’s Bastion in time for sunrise, where you’ll get some incredible views over the city, without the crowds.     

When you’re exploring Buda Castle, make sure to visit the gardens. They’re free to wander around and whichever way you look, there’s an incredible view. Whether it’s of the bridges crossing the Danube, Castle Hill, beautiful ornate fountains and statues, or the satisfying symmetry of the gardens – beauty is always around in Budapest.

If you’re wanting to get more up close and personal with the Danube, make sure to take a trip on one of the river cruises. The best time of day to do this? Sunset, for sure. We boarded one of the prosecco and sunset river cruises and spent an hour taking in the views, including seeing the iconic Parliament building in the pink glow of sunset. But seriously, is there anything better than a glass of prosecco with your pals, sailing down the iconic Danube, under the hues of golden hour? 

Day 2 

Parliament, thermal baths and Pest landmarks  

If you think the views from the Danube of the Parliament building are incredible, make sure to go to the other side. Top tip – there’s a water feature in front of Parliament where you can get a brilliant reflection photo.  

There’s so much to see and do on the Pest side of the city, but if you’re looking for the best viewpoint across the whole city, you’ll want to head to St Stephen’s Basilica. It’s the largest church in Budapest and, when you head up to the top of the dome, you’ll bask in 360-degree views of the city. It was incredible to see the city from so far up, and perfect for getting some great photos as well.  

Another must-visit on your tour of Pest is Liberty Square, where you’ll find the monument to the Soviet liberation of Hungary in the Second World War, along with a Memorial for Victims of the German Occupation. There’s also a counter-monument that includes photos of Hungarians who were sent to Auschwitz. On a slightly grey Sunday morning, when the city is still waking up, there was something incredibly moving and sombre about standing in front of the counter-monument and reading the stories. There’s also the Shoes on the Danube Memorial which consists of 60 pairs of period-appropriate shoes made of iron, arranged as they would have been left by people before being forced to the river's edge.   

In the 7th district of Pest, you’ll find the Jewish Quarter – a vibrant part of the city, where old meets new. It’s filled with ruin bars, incredible street food restaurants and some of the best coffee shops in the city. You’ll also find The Great Synagogue, which is the largest synagogue in Europe. As well as being a place of worship, there’s also a memorial and Jewish museum here too. 

You can’t come to Budapest and not visit one of the thermal baths. They’re an absolute must, especially if you’re craving a slow moment in the middle of a busy city break. There’s something so dreamy about stepping into warm, mineral-rich water while steam curls into the sky and the yellow façades of Széchenyi glow around you. It’s such an interesting place with people playing chess in the water, friends chatting on the steps, and that delicious contrast of chilly air and toasty pools. Whether you visit after a long day of exploring or roll up first thing in the morning, the baths give you this instant, all-over calm that feels unique to Budapest.  

Day 3 

Ruin bars, markets and City Park  

While the ruin bars look like they’ve been here for 100’s of years, they actually only came to fruition in the 2000’s and were built within the abandoned buildings that were partly destroyed during the Second World War. Szimpla Kert is often said to be the best ruin bar in Budapest and brings the vibes both in the day and at night. We went on a Sunday lunchtime, and it was filled with market stalls, coffee shops and friends meeting up. It has such a creative and fun atmosphere and it’s a must-visit for your trip!   

The Great Market Hall is also a real showstopper, with incredible ironwork and stalls piled high with paprika, fresh pastries, cured meats and colourful produce. It’s the perfect place to wander slowly, pick up a snack or simply soak up the chatter of locals doing their weekly shop. Beyond the big names, you’ll find smaller neighbourhood markets dotted around the city, each with its own charm. Think bakers setting out still-warm loaves, flower sellers with buckets of blooms and little coffee shops tucked into corners.  

One place you must visit on your first trip to Budapest is City Park. It’s filled with so many fun and exciting activities to do, from ice skating in winter to sailing on the boating lake in summer. One thing you need to go to is the play area next to the house of music, which is filled with interactive musical items for all ages to enjoy. 

Top things to do in Budapest for first-time visitors  

Soak in a thermal bath  

Let’s start with the classic – a slow dip in Széchenyi or Gellért. Go early or at golden hour for that evening magic.  

Eat your way around the Great Market Hall  

Pick up pastries, paprika, and anything that looks too good to walk past. It’s busy, but in a way that feels alive.  

Walk across the Chain Bridge 

Is it touristy? Sure, but the views are beautiful. Plus, it’s the easiest way to feel the rhythm of the city as you wander from Buda to Pest.  

Ride the funicular up to Castle Hill  

It’s a little nostalgic and very charming, and the views as you rise above the Danube are worth every second.  

Visit the Hungarian State Opera  

In the hour long OperaTour, you hear about the history of the Hungarian Opera, get to see the view from the Royal Box and go into the royal rooms, and finish the tour with a small concert from participants of young opera singers on the landing of the grand staircase.  

Hop on a tram along the Danube  

Tram 2 is a favourite as it glides right along the river, giving you postcard-perfect views for the price of a single ticket.  

Spend an evening in a ruin bar  

Think twinkly lights, mismatched furniture, and that easy-going Budapest vibe. Szimpla Kert is the classic, but there are plenty of quieter gems too.  

Explore Margaret Island  

A little green escape in the middle of the Danube, ideal for slow walking, cycling, or just sitting under a tree with an ice cream.  

Try Hungarian comfort food  

Chicken paprikash, goulash, lángos to just name a few. They’re all warm, hearty, and exactly what you want after a day of exploring.  

Get lost in the neighbourhoods  

Wander through places like Újlipótváros or the Jewish Quarter, stopping for coffee, pastries, and little unexpected moments. It’s in the side streets that Budapest really shines.  

Best places to eat and drink in Budapest  

Budapest is a foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re after a quick bite to eat, try local cuisine, or you fancy a fine dining experience, there’s something for everyone. 

Time Out Market Budapest  

Newly opened in September 2025, Time Out Market Budapest brings together local gems, up and coming chefs and award-winning establishments. You’ll find artisanal pizza, classic Hungarian dishes and everything in between. Some highlights for me were the sausage, potato and egg from Szaletly, the lamb kebab from Pingrumba and the polenta fries from LIRA by Essência. 

Gundel’s  

Opened 130 years ago, Gundel’s is one of the most famous Hungarian food establishments and anyone who is anyone has eaten here – from the Queen to Madonna! It’s believed that many of the traditional Hungarian dishes were first created in Gundel’s kitchens, and in the 1920’s it became synonymous with outstanding quality, exceptional hospitality and world-class Hungarian cuisine. The restaurant has gone back to its roots – no strict dress codes and high prices, just quality food.  

BIBO  

Eating at BIBO is a true experience. This rooftop restaurant brings together Spanish culinary traditions with incredible Hungarian produce, resulting in some incredibly flavoursome food. Every part of our evening was perfection, from service and food to the great location. 

When is the best time to visit Budapest?  

The best time to visit Budapest really depends on the kind of trip you’re craving, but spring and autumn are the sweet spots.  

April, May, September and October have that perfect balance of sunshine, with cooler evenings and a gentle buzz without the peak summer crowds. The city feels more relaxed, and wandering along the Danube or exploring the castle district is so much more enjoyable when you’re not melting under the summer heat!   

However, if you’re looking for some Christmas magic, Budapest also has some incredible Christmas markets that light up the city.