Budapest Itinerary for 3 days with Jet 2 City Breaks
We’re excited to share our fantastic experience of exploring the beautiful city of Budapest with Jet2CityBreaks.
In this post, we’ll provide a detailed itinerary for a 3-day trip to Budapest, including all the must-see sights, activities, and places to eat. We’ll also share our experience of city breaks to Budapest with Jet2holidays.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to this beautiful city, we hope our Budapest itinerary for 3 days will help you plan an unforgettable trip!
About Budapest
Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, has stunning architecture, rich history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. It’s no wonder that Budapest has become a popular destination for city breaks in recent years.
The Danube River divides the city, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Buda is known for its hilly terrain and historic castle district, while Pest is the city’s bustling commercial centre with lively streets and trendy restaurants.
Budapest is an excellent place for a city break because of its rich cultural heritage and great museums, galleries, and historical landmarks. You can enjoy soaking in one of the many thermal baths, taking a stroll along the Danube River, exploring the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, or admiring the city’s stunning architecture.
Budapest is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, lively ruin bars and nightlife. It is also affordable compared to other European capitals, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travellers. With so much to see and do, Budapest is an excellent choice for a city break.
Flight Experience with Jet 2
We recently went on a city break to Budapest through Jet 2 City Breaks and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. Jet2 fly to Budapest from Leeds Bradford, Manchester, and Birmingham, and we went from Manchester Airport.
The Budapest flight with Jet 2 was particularly impressive. The plane was clean, comfortable and modern, and the staff were friendly and professional. We appreciated that they provided refreshments and snacks during the flight, making the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
In addition to the 10 kg of free hand baggage allowance, you can also have an incredible 22kg of checked baggage included in the package. Seeing a company that values its customers and provides such excellent benefits was terrific.
Overall, we had a wonderful experience on our flight and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to book a city break. The flight was comfortable and enjoyable, and the hotel was of a high standard. It is easily one of the best city breaks from Manchester Airport.
We will be booking with them again in the future.
Hotel Experience: Hotel Vision Budapest
We had a fantastic experience staying at Hotel Vision Budapest with Jet2CityBreaks. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed by the friendly staff and appreciated the attention to detail evident in every aspect of the hotel.
The beautifully designed rooms had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, including soft and luxurious linens for a great night’s sleep.
The hotel’s location was also perfect for exploring Budapest. It was situated in the city’s heart, making visiting all the significant attractions accessible. The hotel faces the Danube, and you can see the Liberty Statue on the hill.
We were also treated to various complimentary amenities that made our stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay. This included high-speed Wi-Fi internet.
The hotel also offered 24-hour access to complimentary coffee, tea, and mineral water in the Lounge Bar. This is the perfect spot to unwind and relax after a day exploring Budapest.
Our room was also equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, providing a daily selection of coffee and tea.
The hotel has an on-site sauna and fitness room for those who like to stay active.
Additionally, the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness was admirable and aligned with our values. They also had a handy leaflet with all the information you needed about the hotel in many different languages.
We highly recommend Hotel Vision Budapest to anyone visiting Budapest. We look forward to staying here again in the future. We appreciated that Jet 2 City Breaks had carefully selected the hotel, which gave us peace of mind knowing that we were staying in a quality establishment.
How to get to Budapest from the Airport
Getting to Budapest from the Airport is relatively easy and convenient. The Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is about 16 kilometres (10 miles) southeast of the city centre.
The most popular ways to get from the Airport to the city centre are by taking a taxi or a bus service, both of which are readily available at the Airport.
Taxis are typically metered, and the ride to the city centre takes around 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic. You can also catch a Bolt in the city centre, which costs roughly £30.
A direct airport bus service, the 100E, runs every 20 minutes during the day and stops at several locations in the city centre, including Deák Ferenc Square, Astoria and Kálvin tér. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes, and you can purchase the ticket from a machine at the airport bus stop.
How to get around Budapest
Once you have arrived in Budapest, there are several ways to get around the city. Budapest has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines.
You can purchase a ticket at ticket machines at each station or from ticket offices. It is worth buying a day ticket or a multi-day pass, which allows for unlimited travel on all forms of public transport in the city. There are many anecdotes of tourists getting fined for not paying for a ticket – so ensure you do!
Taxis are also available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. However, taxis in Budapest can be pretty expensive, so agreeing on a price before getting in the car is recommended.
You can also download and use Bolt in the city, and they usually give you a price range and then charge you as per the meter.
Additionally, Budapest is a beautiful city for walking, with many of the main tourist attractions in a relatively small area.
Top Travel Tips for Budapest Itinerary:
Language: Hungarian is the official language of Budapest, but many locals speak English.
Currency: The currency used in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). You can also withdraw money from ATMs, which are widely available throughout the city. However, we found that most places accepted cards, which was great.
Bring comfortable shoes: The city is also very walkable, so bring comfortable shoes and explore on foot.
Prepare for the rain: don’t let the weather get the best of you. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof or an umbrella in case the heavens open!
Uniqueness: try to experience at least one of Budapest’s thermal baths, a memorable and relaxing way to unwind in the city!
Budapest Itinerary for 3 days
Day One
Start your first day with a visit to the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. As you explore the temple’s intricate architecture and rich cultural heritage, you’ll learn about the history of Budapest’s Jewish community and its struggles during World War II.
Good to know: it costs about 5000 HUF to enter ( roughly £12).
From there, walk through the historical Jewish Quarter, which offers a variety of cafes with traditional and less traditional food. We opted for Tel Aviv Cafe, where we had an amazing shakshuka. Next, visit St. Joseph’s Basilica, a magnificent Catholic church offering a stunning Baroque display.
After visiting St. Joseph’s Basilica, go to the House of Terror. This museum provides a chilling look at Hungary’s fascist and communist regimes and their effects on its citizens. As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll see firsthand the horrors of the Arrow Cross Party, the Soviet occupation, and the 1956 Revolution.
Around the building, you can see the Wall of Heroes, which has images of the victims of the regimes.
Afterwards, head to the famous ruin bars of Budapest, Instant-Fogas and Szimpla Kert. These unique bars are built in abandoned buildings and offer an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a drink or two and soak up the lively atmosphere. However, as they are one of the biggest attractions in Budapest, it is common to see queues outside and it does become very busy, so be prepared to wait or try to visit at a quieter time.
Good to know: Szimpla Kert turns into a market on a Sunday morning (9am – 2pm), where you can buy fresh produce, such as cheese!
Next door to Szimpla Kert, there is an outdoor foot court called Street Food Karavan Budapest which offers a variety of food and drinks, both local and international.For your evening meal, we can recommend Hachapuri which is opposite St Stephen’s Basilica. It is not Hungarian food, but it is traditional Georgian fine cuisine, where you can enjoy a wide selection of Georgian wine.
Day Two
Start your morning with a walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which spans the Danube River and offers stunning city views.
However, it is currently closed until Autumn 2023, so instead we walked over the Elisabeth Bridge (Erzsebet hid) which was conveniently close to Hotel Vision.
From here you can take the funicular (or walk) up to Buda Castle, where you can explore the grand fortress and enjoy panoramic city views from the Fisherman’s Bastion.
Good to know: a ticket to the top of Fisherman’s Bastion costs HUF 1000 (roughly £3.50).
The old town of Buda is beautiful to walk around, with plenty of cafes and restaurants.
If you want to relax, you can head to Rudas Thermal Bath, which is historical and more than 450 years old. With a full price ticket, you can access all different areas of the spa, including frozen buckets, Turkish baths and many saunas and a swimming pool (you must have a swimming cap to enter the pool) and a rooftop pool with amazing views of the city with a small bar where you can buy a drink!
For your evening meal, you can head to Paprika Vendeglo which is a traditional Hungarian restaurant, here we can recommend the goulash stew to try a local dish. This was recommended to us by some Hungarian friends that live in the city. Alternatively, if you fancy eating proper Hungarian food, Hungarikum Bisztro is always a great shout (it gets very busy).
Day Three
On your final day in Budapest, relax and rejuvenate at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. This beautiful bathhouse offers a range of spa treatments and thermal pools to help you unwind and recharge. One spa just isn’t enough in Budapest!
After your soak, head to Heroes’ Square, which features the famous Millennium Monument and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Stroll along the promenade and admire the iconic Shoes on the Danube Bank, a poignant tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.
You can also go on a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building, which is one of the must-see attractions in Budapest! This architecturally stunning building is not only a feast for the eyes but also has a rich history waiting to be discovered.
To fully appreciate the beauty and significance of this landmark, it is highly recommended to join one of the guided tours offered. You can easily book your tour online, but be sure to plan ahead as time slots during peak hours tend to fill up fast.
During your tour, you will learn about the history of the building and the city of Budapest. You’ll soon be fascinated by the architectural details and grandeur of the interior spaces, which have been carefully preserved and restored to their former glory.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this iconic landmark on your Budapest itinerary. We believe it is a truly memorable experience that will leave you in awe.
Finally, end your Budapest itinerary with a relaxing boat ride along the Danube River, which offers breathtaking views of the city’s beautiful architecture and landmarks.
For your final evening meal, we went to try Amici Miei pizzeria before heading back to the airport for a comfortable flight home with Jet 2.
Overall Thoughts
Our trip with Jet2Holidays to Budapest was an unforgettable experience. Everything was top-notch, from the smooth and hassle-free booking process to the comfortable and enjoyable flight.
During our 3-day Budapest itinerary, we explored the best of the city, including its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history. The vibrant culture and friendly locals made our stay more enjoyable.
We highly recommend Jet 2 City Breaks for anyone booking a city break to Budapest. Their attention to detail and commitment to providing excellent service made our trip truly special.
Overall, our experience with Jet 2 City Breaks exceeded our expectations, and we had so much fun exploring this beautiful city.
We can’t wait to book our next city break with them and discover more incredible European destinations.
Are you interested in more European city breaks? Read our guides to:
2 days in Lisbon – The Best 48 Hour Itinerary
2 Days in Bratislava – 14 Exciting Things to Do
Exciting 3 Days in Valencia Itinerary