72 Hours In Budapest.

Make the most of your weekend in the heart of Hungary.

For the time conscious traveller, spending only 72 hours in a new place can be overwhelming, with so much to see with so little time to see it. City breaks have boomed in popularity for a weekend stay, with many seeing them as the ‘perfect sized location to explore in a short period of time.’ We took to the city of Budapest to test that theory, finding all the best places to eat, drink and see so you can maximise your stay and make every hour count. 

Capital city of Hungary, Budapest is a beautifully diverse and complex city, built on centuries of history reminiscent in its Roman-Gothic architecture. A beacon of creativity, the city is known for its music festivals, art scene and delicious cuisine, situated on the banks of the Danube river. From relaxing thermal baths to quirky ruin bars, we’ve compiled everything you need to prepare you for your weekend getaway. 

Exploring the city: 

You will not be short of things to do while in Budapest, with so much to see and experience across both sides of the river. 

Things to do:

  • Sightseeing Night Cruise: Start your weekend away with a cruise down the Danube river. Take in Budapest’s most distinctive architecture including the famous Parliament building and enjoy the illuminated beauty of the city at night.

  • Szechenyi Thermal Baths: Wind down and relax in the largest medicinal bath in Europe. With water sourced from thermal springs, 3 outdoor pools, 15 indoor pools, saunas and massage facilities, this Neo-Baroque spa complex is not one to miss. 

  • Buda Castle: Explore Budapest’s rich history at the Buda Castle district. Offering a mix of history, architecture, and panoramic views of the city, Buda Castle provides a host of opportunities for cultural exploration, including museums, galleries, and the unique Labyrinth.

  • Fisherman’s bastion: Part of the Buda Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the top historical monuments in Budapest. Whimsical design structures and stunning views of the city, Fisherman’s Bastion is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must see for visitors.

  • Central market hall: A hub for commerce and culture, the Central Market Hall is one of the largest indoor markets in Budapest, with multiple floors of grocers, souvenirs and the famous Chimney Cake.

  • Heroes’ square: Constructed in 1896, the Heroes’ Square is hard to miss with towering statues of Hungary’s heroes, including the Seven chieftains of the Magyars.

Food & Drink:

All that exploring got you feeling peckish? We’ve tracked down the best spots so you can wash down a day of sightseeing with the very best of the city’s food and drink locations. 

Restaurants: 

  • Unomas Tapas & Bar: Small plates with a hearty taste. Unomas Tapas & Bar is a cosy-chic restaurant nestled near the river, offering delicious bites and crafted cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to retreat after a trip on the sightseeing river cruise. 

  • Fat Mama: The restaurant of any hour. Fat Mama is Budapest's all-rounder restaurant, open from 8am-midnight, with live music, a one of a kind charcoal oven and great plates from dawn till dusk. 

  • Bp BARbq: Located in the Jewish Quarter, Bp BARbq is the smokehouse of the city, offering a friendly atmosphere, traditional barbeque street food and amazing cocktails.

Bars:

  • Szimpla Kert: The very first and one of the most popular ‘ruin bars’ in Budapest, Szimpla Kert hosts multiple bars scattered over two floors, great Kosher street food, an avant-garde art gallery, and an open-air theater. With daytime bustling flea markets and a night life to remember, you can find yourself losing track of time in this unique bar experience.

  • Jardin Cocktail Bar: Sipping sophistication. Jardin Cocktail Bar is home to master mixologists and cocktails for every occasion, housed in a beautifully decorated garden-inspired sanctuary.

  • High Note SkyBar: An aperitif with a view. High Note SkyBar serves Craft cocktails & small plates amongst a chic rooftop bar and piano lounge with panoramic views spanning the city.

To find our favourites and more, click to view what Budapest has to offer on GetYourGuide.

Read All Travel Stories.