Budapest in 3 days: what to see & Széchenyi baths
By dani · 15 March 2026 · 8 min read · Updated: June 2026
In this guide:
- Day 1: Pest and the Parliament
- Day 2: Buda and the Széchenyi baths
- Day 3: Danube, market and ruin bars
- Practical tips
Budapest, split by the Danube between hilly Buda and flat Pest, mixes imposing monuments, unique nightlife and the famous thermal baths. Three days enjoy it calmly. Here's the plan.
Day 1: Pest and the Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament is the city's postcard; its interior guided tour sells out, so book ahead. Continue to St Stephen's Basilica (climb the viewpoint) and Andrássy Avenue. At night, a stroll along the floodlit Danube.
Day 2: Buda and the Széchenyi baths
Morning: up to Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion, with the best view over Pest. Afternoon: relax in the Széchenyi thermal baths, an iconic experience (open-air waters even in winter). Buy online to skip the queue: we cover it in the Budapest baths guide.
Day 3: Danube, market and ruin bars
Visit the Great Market Hall, cross the Chain Bridge and, if you fancy some atmosphere, discover the ruin bars in the Jewish quarter (Kazinczy Street), bars set in old buildings.
Practical tips
- Book the Parliament days ahead; guided slots sell out fast.
- For the baths: bring or rent a towel and flip-flops; the locker-and-wristband system is confusing at first.
- The city is cheap and very walkable, with a handy metro for longer distances.
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