3-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Budapest

Day 1: Exploring Buda

Budapest, Hungary

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Fekete

Start your day with a well-priced breakfast at Fekete, a cozy café famous for its homemade pastries and artisanal coffee.
Walk from your accommodation or use public transport to get here.
HUF 1200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Buda Castle

Head to the grand Buda Castle, offering stunning views of the Pest side and a taste of Hungary’s history.
Walk uphill to the castle; it's a scenic route with plenty of beautiful sights.
Free (grounds), HUF 2000 (museum entry), 2-3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Ráki Panzió

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Ráki Panzió, known for its hearty Hungarian comfort food.
Walk to the restaurant, approximately 15 minutes from Buda Castle.
HUF 2000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Stroll in the Fisherman's Bastion

Take a leisurely walk around the Fisherman's Bastion for breathtaking panoramic views of the Danube River.
It’s a short walk from Ráki Panzió.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Matthias Church

Visit the stunning Matthias Church next to the Bastion, which boasts intricate architecture and historical significance.
Just a stone's throw away from Fisherman’s Bastion.
HUF 1500, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Paprika

End your day with a delicious dinner at Paprika, famous for its goulash and other local dishes.
Head back down to your accommodation via public transport.
HUF 3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Budapest on the Danube

Budapest, Hungary

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Csiga

Enjoy an affordable breakfast at Café Csiga, where you can savor traditional Hungarian pastries and coffee.
Take public transport or walk to the café; it's conveniently located.
HUF 1200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Walk along the Danube Promenade

Stroll along the picturesque Danube Promenade, taking in the views of the Parliament and the Chain Bridge.
Access the promenade easily from the café; it’s a short walk.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Anker't

Grab a quick and cheap lunch at Anker't, a popular spot for eclectic bites and local flavors.
Walk to the location; it’s not far from the riverbank.
HUF 2000, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building

Tour the awe-inspiring Parliament building, soaking in the architecture and learning about Hungary's governance.
It’s a short walk from Anker't.
HUF 3500 (reservation needed), 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Relax in Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Unwind in the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, an affordable way to relax and rejuvenate.
Take public transport; the bath is well-signposted.
HUF 6500, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hummus Bar

Savor a budget-friendly Middle-Eastern meal at Hummus Bar, known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes.
Take public transport back from the bath to the restaurant.
HUF 2000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Budapest, Hungary

8:30 AM

Breakfast at Édesem

Start your final day with breakfast at Édesem, a charming pastry shop with a fantastic selection of baked goods.
Easily accessible via public transport.
HUF 1500, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit the Great Market Hall

Explore the vibrant Great Market Hall and shop for local snacks and souvenirs; it’s a true local experience.
Take a short tram ride or walk to get there.
Free (shopping optional), 1.5-2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Karaván Street Food

Enjoy lunch from various food trucks at Karaván Street Food, offering a range of international and Hungarian dishes.
Walk to the street food market; it's close by the market hall.
HUF 2000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Dohany Street Synagogue

Take time to learn about the rich Jewish heritage of Hungary by visiting home to one of the largest synagogues in the world.
It’s a 20-minute walk from Karaván.
HUF 3000, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Wander around the Jewish Quarter

Explore the trendy Jewish Quarter, which is full of ruin bars, street art, and eclectic shops.
Simply walk through the area to see its many sights.
Free, 1-2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Kiosk

Wrap up your trip with a delightful dinner at Kiosk, where you can enjoy contemporary Hungarian cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
It’s a short tram or walk from the Jewish Quarter.
HUF 3000, 1.5 hours
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