Three days in Budapest: an insider’s guide to the city’s most iconic sites
From fairytale castles and thermal baths to delicious delights and luxurious river cruises, these three-days in Budapest ensure that you experience the very best.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, Budapest attracts visitors from around the world with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From incredible architecture to unique cuisine, Hungary’s capital has everything you desire from a memorable city break.
Right in the centre of it all, Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, set in a grand 19th-century building on Erzsébet Körút and home to “the most beautiful cafe in the world,” offers luxurious stays that immerse guests in Budapest’s rich culture, with easy access to historic sites, vibrant dining and traditional Hungarian experiences.
With so much to see and do, planning a visit to Budapest can feel overwhelming, but fear not – the team of passionate locals at Anantara New York Palace have lovingly crafted a three-day itinerary of Budapest's top attractions, from historic spas to local culinary delights, to help you experience all its charms and elegance.
So, join us on an unforgettable three days in Budapest and fall in love.
Day 1 in Budapest: Thermal baths, historic wonders, and exquisite local cuisine
Start at Budapest's vast spa complex
Relaxation awaits at Széchenyi Spa, Budapest's largest and most elegant thermal bath. Located in City Park, only a 10-minute drive from the hotel, this magnificent neo-baroque structure houses thermal pools, saunas and wellness treatments, all surrounded by serene gardens. Begin your adventure with a warming soak at Széchenyi Spa and orientate yourself in Budapest amid architectural marvels.
Next: Hungarian history at the National Museum
As part of your itinerary for what to see in three days in Budapest, make sure to visit the Hungarian National Museum. Founded in 1802, this museum is a stunning neo-classical building showcasing Hungary's rich cultural and historical heritage. Continue your first day of discovery by exploring its collections of artefacts and documents from all over the Carpathian Basin. Trace the nation's history from ancient times to the present, stroll through the beautiful, landscaped gardens that surround the museum and enjoy a bite at the cafe.
Finish with dinner at The White Salon
After a day of immersion in Budapest, it’s time to savour its flavours. Treat your taste buds at The White Salon, where the menu takes inspiration from grand European brasseries. Led by Chef Zoltán Szücs, the team celebrates fine ingredients sourced locally and globally in traditional Hungarian and European dishes, from goulash soup to delectable desserts. Take your seat in the elegant dining room for an unforgettable dinner on the first day of your three days in Budapest.
Master the art of Hungarian cuisine
Anantara New York Palace’s signature Spice Spoons experience is more than a cooking class; it’s a chance to immerse in local culture as you explore traditional flavours. Start with a scenic walk along the Danube to a restaurant overlooking the Parliament Building. Here, Executive Chef Andras Wolf reveals the secrets to crafting lángos, Hungary’s beloved fried bread, and a unique homemade spicy sauce as you sip sparkling wine and learn about the country’s culinary history. Don’t forget to indulge in this culinary experience as one of your three days in Budapest.
Day 3 in Budapest: Islands, rivers and hills
Retreat to Margaret Island
Now that you’ve ticked off Budapest’s most famous attractions, it’s time to explore a little deeper. Begin your final day with a peaceful journey to Margaret Island, a verdant oasis in the middle of the Danube. Escape the city bustle as you explore the island’s beautifully landscaped gardens, historic ruins and picturesque pathways. Take a moment to pause next to the musical fountain and soak up the serenity.
Cruise the Danube
The second-longest river in Europe, the Danube separates Buda and Pest – the two halves of Hungary’s capital, and no visit to the city is complete without a boat trip on this iconic waterway. Anantara New York Palace offers aromantic Danube cruise on which you can sip bubbly as you sail under historic bridges past the Parliament Building, the Royal Castle and Gellért Hill.
Take a last look from Gellért Hill
With lush greenery and myriad walking trails, Gellért Hill attracts nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Explore the historic Citadella – a wartime fortress – and the iconic Liberty Statue – a symbol of freedom. Visit Gellért Thermal Baths, renowned for their healing waters or Gellért Hill Cave with its hidden church, and savour breathtaking views of the city and the river as your final day draws to a close.
There you have it – an unforgettable three-day discovery of Budapest, taking in wellness traditions, historic landmarks, culinary and cultural adventures, and architectural wonders to paint an indelible picture of Hungary’s enchanting capital.
We invite you to use our insiders’ tips as you plan your trip, or stay with us at Anantara New York Palace Budapest and let our local experts handle every detail for you for an unforgettable immersion in this singular city.
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