3-Day Budapest Itinerary from London by Flight

Day 1: Arrival and City Introduction

Budapest, Hungary on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Flight from London to Budapest

Depart from London Heathrow or Gatwick for a direct flight to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Flight duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
GBP100, 2h30m

11:00am

Transfer to hotel and check-in

Take the airport shuttle or taxi to your hotel in central Budapest for convenience. Settle in and freshen up before starting sightseeing.
HUF5000 (approx.), 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Paprika Vendéglő

Enjoy a traditional Hungarian meal with goulash soup and stuffed cabbage at this well-regarded restaurant near the city centre, open daily 12:00–10:00pm.
HUF4000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore the Danube Promenade and Shoes on the Danube Bank

Walk along the scenic Danube riverbank, visiting the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial dedicated to victims of WWII. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit St. Stephen's Basilica

Tour the stunning St. Stephen's Basilica with panoramic views from the observation deck. Open 9:00am–5:00pm. Entry to the church is free, elevator to the dome costs approx. HUF1800.
HUF1800, 1h

5:00pm

Relax in a café at Váci Street

Unwind with coffee and cake at one of the charming cafés on Váci Street, a popular pedestrian shopping street.
HUF1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kispiac Bisztró

Enjoy a delicious dinner here, known for modern takes on Hungarian classics. Open 6:00pm–10:00pm.
HUF6000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Historic Buda Exploration

Budapest, Hungary on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Csiga

Start with a hearty breakfast at this cosy spot near the Buda side, open from 7:30am daily.
HUF2500, 1h

9:30am

Buda Castle and Castle Hill

Explore the historic Buda Castle, home to the Hungarian National Gallery, and enjoy panoramic views over the city. Open 10:00am–6:00pm. Entry approx. HUF3000.
HUF3000, 2h

11:30am

Visit Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion

Admire the ornate Matthias Church and take photos from Fisherman's Bastion, a terrace offering stunning views. Church open 9:00am–5:00pm, entry approx. HUF2000.
HUF2000, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Taste traditional dishes such as Hortobágyi palacsinta at this quaint bistro near Castle Hill, open 12:00pm–10:00pm.
HUF4500, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through the Labyrinth of Buda Castle

Discover the underground maze beneath Castle Hill, a cool and fascinating attraction open 10:00am–6:00pm. Entry approx. HUF1500.
HUF1500, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Gellért Hill and Citadel

Climb or take a bus to Gellért Hill for breathtaking views of the city and Danube. Open outdoor area, free access.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Déryné Bistro

Dine in this stylish bistro offering a wide range of Hungarian and international dishes. Open 6:00pm–11:00pm.
HUF6000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Pest Highlights and Relaxation

Budapest, Hungary on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gerbeaud Café

Enjoy a classic Hungarian breakfast and famous cakes at the historic Gerbeaud Café, open from 7:30am.
HUF3000, 1h

9:00am

Visit House of Parliament

Take a guided tour of the magnificent Parliament building, open 8:00am–6:00pm. Tickets cost approx. HUF3500 and should be booked in advance.
HUF3500, 1.5h

11:00am

Stroll through Heroes' Square and City Park

Explore this historic square with iconic statues followed by a gentle walk in the adjacent City Park.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Robinson Restaurant

Enjoy lakeside dining in City Park, open daily from 12:00pm, specialising in fish dishes and Hungarian cuisine.
HUF6500, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Spend your afternoon unwinding in one of Europe’s largest thermal bath complexes. Open daily 6:00am–10:00pm, entrance approx. HUF6500.
HUF6500, 3h

6:00pm

Evening walk and shopping at Andrássy Avenue

Stroll this elegant boulevard lined with shops, cafés and theatres for last-minute souvenir shopping.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Onyx Restaurant

Conclude your trip with a gourmet dinner at the 2-Michelin-star Onyx, serving modern Hungarian haute cuisine. Reservation recommended. Open 6:00pm–11:00pm.
HUF25000, 2h
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