21 Amazing Activities For A Budapest 3 Day Itinerary With Kids

June 7, 2025

Planning a trip to Budapest and wondering how to make the most of your Budapest 3 day itinerary? This city offers worldschooling families a perfect mix of history, adventure, food, and fun. From soaking in steamy thermal baths to strolling cobblestone streets lined with vibrant street art and cozy cafés, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler. 

Visiting Parliament during our Budapest itinerary (photo by Astrid Vinje)

We spent a week in Budapest as part of a Worldschooling Pop-Up Hub event organized by the Carlson family. While we were in Budapest, we did as much as we could to learn about Hungarian culture and experience local life.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up 21 must-do activities to help you build the ultimate Budapest itinerary—one full of culture, charm, and moments you’ll be talking about long after you’ve returned home.

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Top 5 Budapest 3 day itinerary activities

If your time in Budapest is limited, check out these top 5 must-do activities to include in your Budapest 3 day itinerary

  1. Enjoy a Danube river cruise
  2. Spend the day at Széchenyi Baths
  3. Do a Castle Hill walking tour
  4. Take a tour of the Jewish quarter 
  5. Ride on the hop on hop off bus

Plus, don't go to Budapest without bringing along the DK Budapest Travel Guide!

Where to stay during a Budapest 3 day itinerary

There are plenty of great neighborhoods in Budapest for families to choose from. But if you’re wanting to find a location that’s close to most of the attractions in the city, you’ll want to look for places in Districts V, VI, or VII. During our time in Budapest, we stayed at a lovely and cozy Airbnb in District V.

Enjoying our time in Budapest (photo by Astrid Vinje)

When planning your Budapest 3 day itinerary, choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve handpicked three centrally located, family-friendly options that offer comfort, convenience, and amenities suited to traveling with kids. 

Whether you’re looking for apartment-style living or a more traditional hotel experience, each of these stays provide easy access to public transportation and popular sights. That makes it simple to explore the city without hassle.

Hotel Rumor

Hotel Rumor is a family-friendly hotel option for your Budapest 3 day itinerary. Located in the same building as the Airbnb we stayed at during our time in Budapest, the hotel offers a convenient location for families. It’s within walking distance to three metro lines, making it an excellent base for exploring the city with kids or navigating to key attractions.

While the hotel offers one studio suite that can comfortably accommodate a family of four, the rest of the accommodations are double rooms. This means larger families or those needing extra space may need to book two rooms. Despite this, the prime location and comfortable setup make it a strong contender for families visiting Budapest.

Maverick Apartments

Maverick Apartments is also a great choice for families seeking a comfortable and homey atmosphere during their Budapest 3 day itinerary. Located in District V near the Astoria metro station, the aparthotel offers easy access to the city's main attractions while providing a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.

The apartments come in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts. They accommodate anywhere from four to eight people—making them ideal for both small and large families. 

Each unit includes a kitchen, heating, TV, and WiFi. This allows families to cook meals and relax with modern conveniences in a cozy, apartment-style setting.

The Magazine Hotel and Apartments

For a stylish option during your Budapest 3 day itinerary, consider the Magazine Hotel and Apartments. This hotel is a convenient option for families as it’s located in District V, just steps from St. Stephen’s Basilica. 

This central location puts families in the heart of the city, close to major attractions, shops, and restaurants, making it easy to explore Budapest on foot or by public transit. The hotel offers modern, well-equipped apartments that can accommodate families of 3 to 5 people. 

Each unit features a kitchen, TV, and WiFi, providing the comforts of home with the added bonus of sweeping city views. The contemporary design and practical amenities make it an appealing choice for families looking for both style and functionality during their stay.

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Activities on the Pest side for a Budapest 3 day itinerary

Budapest is a fascinating city divided by the Danube River into two distinct halves: Buda, with its hills and historic castles, and Pest, the flat and lively center of modern city life. Most of the city's iconic attractions, shops, and cultural sites are found on the Pest side. 

Walking along the Danube River during a Budapest 3 day itinerary (photo by Astrid Vinje)

Check out these fun family-friendly activities, located on the Pest side, that make a perfect starting point for your Budapest 3 day itinerary.

1. Hungarian Parliament

A visit to the Hungarian Parliament is a must during any Budapest 3 day itinerary. Located along the banks of the Danube River, this iconic building serves as the center of government for Hungary. It stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. 

The grand staircase at the Hungarian Parliament during a Budapest 3 day itinerary
The grand staircase at Parliament (photo by Astrid Vinje)

The Hungarian Parliament was completed in 1902. Its grand design—featuring soaring spires, a central dome, and intricate detailing—reflects the architectural elegance of the era and gives the structure a truly majestic presence.

Families can explore the interior of the Parliament building through a 45-minute audio-guided tour, available in several languages. The tour offers insights into the building’s stunning design and shares fascinating stories about Hungary’s political past and the broader history of Budapest. 

You can book a tour by visiting the Hungarian Parliament website, or booking through my link below. Visiting the Hungarian Parliament is a worthwhile stop for worldschooling families who want to deepen their understanding of the country’s rich heritage.

2. Shoes on the Danube

The Shoes on the Danube is a powerful and haunting memorial in Budapest, and is a must see during your Budapest 3 day itinerary. Located along the banks of the Danube River near the Parliament building, the Shoes on the Danube was created by a filmmaker to honor the memory of Hungarian Jews who were brutally killed by members of the Arrow Cross (the Hungarian Nazi party) during World War II. The 60 pairs of cast-iron shoes left behind in the memorial serve as a stark reminder of the lives lost and the cruelty they experienced.

Shoes on the Danube art installation consisting of bronze shoes along the Danube River, one of the attractions to visit during a Budapest 3 day itinerary

Families can visit the Shoes on the Danube as a standalone stop or as part of a guided walking tour. These tours often include other nearby landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament, and Erzsébet Square, providing historical context and a deeper understanding of the city’s past. 

3. Central Market Hall

The Central Market Hall is the largest and most popular market in Budapest. It’s a great lunch stop during your Budapest 3 day itinerary that will give you a glimpse of the city’s local culture. We loved walking through the market, smelling the unique foods, and watching people do their shopping.

The Central Market in Budapest (photo by Astrid Vinje)

Built in 1897 as Budapest’s first covered market hall, the building itself is a stunning example of late 19th-century architecture. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the market is a bustling hub of activity, drawing both locals and visitors in search of fresh produce, meats, pastries, pickles, and Hungary’s famous spices like paprika.

In addition to food stalls, the market also features vendors selling traditional Hungarian dishes such as lángos (fried dough with toppings) and hearty bowls of goulash, making it a perfect spot for a casual and authentic meal. You’ll also find stalls offering handmade crafts and souvenirs, ideal for picking up gifts or keepsakes. 

While many visitors explore the market on their own, those looking for a deeper culinary experience can book a private tour led by a local chef. The tour offers insight into Hungarian ingredients and traditions.

4. Dohany Synagogue

For a dive into Jewish Budapest culture and history, spend an afternoon visiting the Dohány Street Synagogue during your Budapest 3 day itinerary. Located in the city’s Jewish Quarter, Dohany Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe. 

Visiting Dohany Synagogue (photo by Astrid Vinje)

Built in the Moorish Revival style, its intricate detailing and grand design reminded me of the Islamic architecture we saw during our road trip in Andalucía in Spain. Families can explore the main synagogue, a museum featuring objects from everyday Jewish life, and a cemetery that holds the remains of unnamed Jews who died in the ghetto during WWII. Behind the synagogue lies a memorial park, home to a haunting weeping willow sculpture, with each leaf inscribed with the name of a Hungarian Jew murdered by the Nazis. 

Entry tickets to Dohany Synagogue can be bought at the door or reserved online directly through the synagogue’s website, or through a third-party provider like Viator

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5. Jewish Quarter

If you’re planning to visit Dohany Synagogue during your Budapest 3 day itinerary, you’ll need to spend some time visiting the rest of the Jewish Quarter. Centered around three major synagogues—including the Dohány Street Synagogue—the Jewish Quarter served as the heart of Jewish life and culture. In fact, in the early 1900’s, Budapest was the second largest Jewish city in Europe. 

Willow tree sculpture at Dohany Synagogue (photo by Astrid Vinje)

During World War II, however, this vibrant community faced devastating persecution under the Hungarian Nazis. Thousands were confined to a ghetto within the neighborhood, and many lost their lives during this dark period. It’s worth reading about the history of the Jewish Quarter before you make your visit.

In recent years, the Jewish Quarter has undergone a major revival. Today, it blends memory with modern energy—home to unique ruin bars, cozy coffee shops, and trendy boutiques. It’s now one of the liveliest and most fashionable areas in the city. 

Families can walk around the Jewish Quarter and experience the neighborhood on their own. But if you want to get more insight into Jewish history and culture, you should take a guided tour of the Jewish Quarter, preferably one with a historian.

6. Hungarian State Opera House

For fans of the performing arts, a visit to the Hungarian State Opera House is a must during your Budapest 3 day itinerary. The Hungarian State Opera House is a beautiful building built in the late 1800s in the Neo-Renaissance style. 

Staircase at the Hungarian Opera House (photo by Astrid Vinje)

It’s located on Andrássy Avenue and is home to the Hungarian State Opera and the Hungarian National Ballet. Families can buy tickets to see an opera or ballet performance, which is a great way to experience Hungarian culture together.

If you don’t want to see a full show, you can still visit the opera house by taking a 60-minute guided tour in English. The tour includes information about the building’s history and design, and it even features a short live opera performance.

Alternatively, visit the opera house as part of a bigger guided tour of Budapest.

7. Hop on hop off bus tour 

If you’re looking for a good intro to the city during your Budapest 3 day itinerary, take the hop on hop off bus tour through Big Bus Tour. This hop-on hop-off bus tour travels throughout Budapest, giving families a chance to see many of the city’s most famous sights while getting a feel for its layout. The tour is a convenient way to get oriented and decide which places you might want to come back to later.

The Hop On Hop Off Bus in Budapest (photo by Astrid Vinje)

The full route takes about 90 minutes to complete, and it passes major landmarks like the Dohány Synagogue, the Hungarian State Opera House, and Heroes’ Square. You can get off the bus at any of the designated stops to explore an area, then hop back on when you're ready to continue. It’s a flexible and family-friendly way to sightsee without too much walking. And it’s a fun option for getting around town while learning a bit about Budapest along the way.

Activities for a Budapest 3 day itinerary in Buda

While the Pest side of Budapest is where most of the activities happen, you don’t want to miss out on including some fun activities on the Buda side during your Budapest 3 day itinerary. 

Statue at Castle Hill (photo by Astrid Vinje)

The Buda side of Budapest offers a rich blend of history, architecture, and panoramic views. It’s a must-visit during your stay. From exploring the hilltop landmarks of Castle Hill to diving into centuries of art and history at Buda Castle’s museums, these activities provide a deeper understanding of Hungary’s royal past and cultural heritage.

Check out these five interesting activities to do in the Buda side of the city with your kids.

8. Danube River cruise

Taking a Danube River cruise is a relaxing and scenic way to experience Budapest from a different angle—right from the Danube River. This one-hour sightseeing cruise takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Parliament Building, Castle Hill, and Gellért Hill, offering beautiful views you can’t get from land. 

Purpleliner cruise boat on the Danube River (photo by Astrid Vinje)

While there are plenty of companies that offer Danube River cruises for your Budapest 3 day itinerary, we opted to go with Purpleliner due to its affordable prices. There are snacks available for purchase onboard, and you can download the Purpleline app to hear stories and information about each site as you float by.

We especially loved the cruise because it gave us a peaceful break from walking while still letting us take in the city’s beauty. Our cruise ended just before sunset, and the golden hour light made the buildings along the river glow—truly one of the most memorable moments of our trip. Sunset cruises are particularly popular, so it’s a good idea to book those in advance if you want to catch the city as it lights up for the evening.

9. Castle Hill

Castle Hill is one of the most historic and scenic areas in Budapest, located on the Buda side of the city. This elevated area is home to several of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church, which dates back to 1015. 

Matthias Church at Castle Hill (photo by Astrid Vinje)

The hill also features a large park, perfect for strolling and taking in sweeping views of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city during your Budapest 3 day itinerary. It's a great place to explore on your own or as part of a guided tour.

A guided tour of Castle Hill is especially helpful for families, as it brings the rich history of the area to life. You'll learn fascinating stories about the buildings, like how Matthias Church was once converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Turkish occupation in the 1500s, then restored as a church in the 1600s. 

Whether you're admiring the fairytale towers of Fisherman’s Bastion or walking through the quiet paths of the park, Castle Hill offers a mix of history, beauty, and a chance to see Budapest from a whole new perspective.

10. Visit the museums at Buda Castle

If you want to squeeze in some educational homeschooling on the road experiences during your Budapest 3 day itinerary, spend a day at the museums of Buda Castle. Perched atop Castle Hill on the Buda side of the city, Buda Castle has a long and storied history dating back to the 1200s. 

A view of Buda Castle from the Danube River (photo by Astrid Vinje)

Once the royal residence of Hungary’s kings, the castle has been rebuilt and expanded many times over the centuries. The grand Baroque-style palace that stands today was constructed in the 1700s and now serves as a cultural hub, housing two of Budapest’s most important museums.

Inside the palace, visitors can explore the Hungarian National Gallery, which spans three floors and showcases centuries of Hungarian art. The gallery also features a tower with an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city. 

Also within Buda Castle is the Budapest History Museum, where families can walk through exhibits that trace the city’s past from the medieval era through the Mongol and Ottoman invasions, World Wars I and II, and Soviet rule. Together, these museums offer a deep and fascinating look at Hungary’s cultural and historical journey.

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11. Labyrinth at Buda Castle

A quirky and unique experience to do while you’re at Castle Hill is to visit the Labyrinth at Buda Castle. The caves in Castle Hill were formed by the hot springs in the city. They were initially used as cellars for homes, but over time were connected into a system of caves.

Visiting the Labyrinth at Buda Castle

A visit to the Labyrinth at Buda Castle is a fun activity to include in your Budapest 3 day itinerary. But be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart! 

The labyrinth boasts itself as the place where Vlad The Impaler was imprisoned. And there’s a whole section of the labyrinth where you can choose to walk in total darkness. 

There are some parts of the labyrinth that can feel claustrophobic. And since you’re several meters underground, there’s not much fresh air. So if you or your kids tend to get scared or are not comfortable in enclosed spaces, this might not be the activity for you.

Our family, though, loved how different this experience was from the typical tourist experience. It’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary!

12. Ride the Funicular

There are multiple ways to get to Castle Hill. The main buses that service Castle Hill are the 16, 116, and 216. And of course you can also hail a taxi or Uber to get there. But a fun way to get to the top of Castle Hill is to ride the funicular.

View of Budapest from the Funicular (photo by Astrid Vinje)

The funicular is an elevator of sorts that takes passengers from the banks of the Danube up to the top of Castle Hill. Tickets are sold as round trip tickets, but you can opt to just ride it one way. We loved being able to see the views of the river while we were riding the funicular!

Low key activities for a Budapest 3 day itinerary

Something that we loved about Budapest is how many parks and thermal baths there are in the city. In fact, Budapest is known for its thermal baths! The baths remind us of the onsen we visited during our Kyoto itinerary.

Riding the escalator down to the metro in Budapest (photo by Astrid Vinje)

The other thing we love about Budapest is the food culture! There are so many amazing restaurants and coffee shops to visit in the city. And the ruin bars are another unique part of Budapest that you don’t want to miss. When we were in Budapest during the Worldschooling Pop-Up Hub, we spent much of our time doing these activities with the other families attending the pop-up.

If you’re planning a visit to Budapest with your family, be sure to incorporate some low key activities during your Budapest 3 day itinerary. These next activities are some of our favorites for chilling out, hanging out, and relaxing with your friends and family.

13. Margaret Island

Margaret Island is a peaceful escape in the heart of Budapest, located on the Danube River between the Buda and Pest sides. As the city’s largest park, it offers a relaxing change of pace for your Budapest 3 day itinerary, with its wide green spaces, walking paths, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. 

Walking through Margaret Island (photo by Astrid Vinje)

Kids will enjoy the small zoo, Japanese garden, and multiple playgrounds. Adults can take in sights like the Art Nouveau-style water tower and the popular music fountain, which plays light and water shows set to music. It's easy to spend an afternoon here, whether you're picnicking on the grass, wandering through the gardens, or exploring the island by renting a pedal-powered bike car. 

For those looking to stay longer, there are two hotels on the island—one of which features a thermal spa, perfect for a bit of relaxation. Margaret Island is a fun, low-key destination that feels worlds away from the busy city streets, yet is just a short ride from central Budapest.

14. Palatinus Baths

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, thanks to the more than 100 natural hot springs beneath the city. One of the most family-friendly options is Palatinus Baths, located right on Margaret Island. Originally built in 1919, this bath complex features a mix of indoor and outdoor thermal pools, offering a relaxing experience surrounded by nature.

Palatinus Baths in Budapest (photo by Astrid Vinje)

While kids under 14 aren’t allowed in the indoor mineral pools, they can still enjoy the outdoor thermal baths, which are warm and inviting. There’s also a sauna for adults looking to unwind, and a wave pool that adds a fun twist—though it was under repair when we visited. 

We spent an afternoon with several families at Palatinus Baths during the Worldschooling Pop-Up Hub. It was so nice to sit in the warm baths and chat with other families. Palatinus Baths is a great laid-back stop for families wanting to enjoy Budapest’s famous bath culture during their Budapest 3 day itinerary.

15. City Park (Varosliget Park)

City Park, locally known as Varosliget Park, is one of Budapest’s most popular green spaces. It’s a great place for families to spend an afternoon during a Budapest 3 day itinerary. Created in the 1800s, it’s one of the earliest public parks in the world and sits right in the heart of the city. 

Vandahunyad Castle at City Park (photo by Astrid Vinje)

The park is home to several major attractions, including the impressive Heroes’ Square, which often serves as a meeting point for visitors heading into the park. Families can visit the Budapest Zoo, catch a show at the circus, or explore the fairytale-like Vajdahunyad Castle. 

The park also houses world-class museums like the House of Music and the Museum of Ethnography. There’s also the famous Széchenyi Baths for those wanting to soak in the thermal waters. 

16. Széchenyi Baths

When we visited City Park, we spent most of our time enjoying the waters at Szechenyi Baths. Like Palatinus Baths, Szechenyi Baths is a public thermal bath. We enjoyed visiting Szechenyi Baths because of its beautiful palatial buildings. Families definitely need to include this place in their Budapest 3 day itinerary.

The baths at Szechenyi Baths (photo by Astrid Vinje)

Built in 1913, Széchenyi Bath is one of the most iconic and family-friendly thermal baths in Budapest. Located in City Park, it features three large outdoor pools open to all ages. The pools are perfect for swimming and relaxing in the warm water. Inside, you'll find multiple rooms of indoor pools for soaking, along with saunas available for adults seeking a deeper level of relaxation.

Similar to when we visited Palatinus Baths, we spent an afternoon at Szechenyi Baths with other families during the pop-up. Szechenyi Baths was a bit more crowded than Palatinus Baths, but the beautiful setting and the larger selections of baths made Szechenyi Baths worth a visit.

17. Ruin Pubs

Ruin bars are a unique part of Budapest’s nightlife. If you can, you should visit at least one during your Budapest 3 day itinerary. Originally created in the early 2000s to bring new life to abandoned buildings in the city’s Jewish Quarter, these bars have become a cultural attraction in their own right. The ruin bars are known for their quirky, mismatched decor and laid-back, dive bar vibe.

Visiting Simpla Kert during a Budapest 3 day itinerary (photo by Astrid Vinje)

Szimpla Kert, the first and most famous ruin bar, opened in 2002 and features several bars inside a massive, art-filled space. We visited Szimpla Kert a couple of times during our Budapest visit: first on a date night for my husband and me, and the second time as a late night outing with other parents during the pop-up. 

Families can visit during the day to take a look around, but in the evening it becomes an 18+ venue with DJs, dancing, and live music. For a quieter experience, Lampas, is an alternate ruin bar option that offers a more relaxed setting with low-key music and affordable drinks.

If you want to get the ruin bar experience, you can book a ruin bar tour through Budapest Urban Walks. These tours will give you a better understanding of what ruin bars are all about.

18. Street Food Karavan 

If you’re having trouble agreeing on one restaurant to eat during your Budapest 3 day itinerary, why not head to a food court. Street Food Karaván, located right next to Szimpla Kert in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, is an open-air food court offering a wide variety of international and local dishes. 

Hungarian goulash at Karavan (photo by Astrid Vinje)

It’s a great spot for families, with plenty of options to satisfy different tastes, from burgers and noodles to traditional Hungarian favorites. We especially enjoyed the goulash and chicken paprikash from one of the stalls—flavorful, hearty, and perfect for a casual meal in a fun, laid-back setting.

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19. Street art in District VII

Budapest is known for its vibrant street art scene, especially in District VII. There, colorful murals and creative works cover the walls of buildings throughout the neighborhood. It would be a miss not to include a walk through this area during your Budapest 3 day itinerary.

A mural in District V during a Budapest 3 day itinerary (photo by Astrid Vinje)

District VII is a hub for local artists, and exploring its street art is a great way to spend an afternoon while getting a feel for the city’s creative spirit. You can wander on your own using posts like this one containing a street art map, or join a guided tour that dives deeper into the stories behind the murals and how they reflect Budapest’s cultural and historical journey.

20. Coffee shops and chimney cake

Budapest is full of cozy coffee shops that make perfect spots for families to relax and enjoy a quiet break in the middle of the day. Many of these cafés are tucked into the Jewish Quarter, but you’ll find them scattered all across the city. They’re great places to try local desserts and sweets while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of Budapest’s café culture.

Enjoying a chimney cake during a Budapest 3 day itinerary (photo by Astrid Vinje)

One treat you won’t want to miss trying during your Budapest 3 day itinerary is chimney cake. It’s a Hungarian specialty made by wrapping sweet dough around a cylinder, then baking it until golden. 

You can enjoy chimney cakes plain, dusted with sugar or nuts, or filled with delicious extras like chocolate or ice cream. For an even more memorable experience, you can join a chimney cake workshop to learn how to make your own—fun for both kids and adults alike!

21. Budapest Eye

The Budapest Eye, a giant ferris wheel located in Elizabeth Square, is a fun and scenic way to take in the city from above. From the top, you’ll get sweeping panoramic views of the Danube River, Buda Castle, and the many beautiful churches scattered across the Pest side of the city. 

The Budapest Eye, a fun activity for a Budapest 3 day itinerary (photo by Astrid Vinje)

The ferris wheel’s enclosed cabins make it comfortable to ride in any season, whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter. There are also larger, accessible cabins available, making it easy for families with strollers or wheelchairs to join in. Whether you're enjoying a Budapest 3 day itinerary for the first time or revisiting favorite sights, the Budapest Eye is a memorable and relaxing way to enjoy the city skyline.

Bonus activity ideas for a Budapest 3 day itinerary

While three days in Budapest is enough time to get a feel for the city, you really need to spend more time to really get to the heart of Budapest. We spent a week in Budapest, but wished we could have stayed a month!

Checking out the city during a Budapest 3 day itinerary (photo by Astrid Vinje)

If you have more time to travel beyond just a short Budapest 3 day itinerary, here are some other activities we suggest doing.

  • New York Cafe: this cafe touts itself as the most beautiful coffee shop in the world. The food is lackluster, but the ambiance is beautiful.
  • Hike up Gellért Hill: located south of Castle Hill, Gellert Hill offers a nice hike with picturesque views as the payoff
  • Gellert Baths: one of the oldest thermal baths in Budapest

Sample Budapest 3 day itinerary for families

Obviously you’re not going to be able to do everything on this list during your Budapest 3 day itinerary. I’m really just trying to offer as many options as possible for families to get to know the city of Budapest.

Memorial for Jews at Liberty Square (photo by Astrid Vinje)

We had such an amazing time during our short time in Budapest, and that’s what I’d want for any family visiting there. The city’s history and culture make Budapest such a perfect worldschooling city.

To help you narrow your list of activities, I’ve put together three sample Budapest 3 day itineraries for families to enjoy: one for history lovers, one for art and music lovers, and one that’s more focused on local immersion.

Budapest 3 day itinerary for history lovers

This Budapest 3 day itinerary is for families who love diving into history. It has museum visits and guided tours to help you learn as much as you can about the rich history of Budapest.

The entrance to the Budapest History Museum (photo by Astrid Vinje)
  • Day 1: Morning and afternoon walking tour at Castle Hill, visiting the Budapest History Museum, then end the day with a sunset cruise on the Danube. 
  • Day 2: Morning tour of Parliament, lunch picnic at City Park, then spend the rest of the day at Szechenyi Baths
  • Day 3: Morning at Central Market, afternoon visit to Dohany Synagogue

Budapest 3 day itinerary for art and music lovers

For families who love being surrounded by art, this Budapest 3 day itinerary focuses on the art and cultural aspects of Budapest. Take in the street art and monuments, and soak in the refinement of fine art and performing arts.

Coffee break during a Budapest 3 day itinerary (photo by Astrid Vinje)
  • Day 1: Morning coffee at a coffee shop, then a street art tour of District VII. End with dinner at Karavan and drinks at Szimpla Kert. 
  • Day 2: Morning tour of Parliament, with a visit to the Shoes on the Danube. Then an afternoon visit to Hungarian National Gallery and a concert at Matthias Church
  • Day 3: Morning visit to the Opera House, and an afternoon visit to Dohany Synagogue 

Local immersion Budapest 3 day itinerary

If you’re more into immersing yourself in local culture, then you’ll need to make sure you do the activities in this sample Budapest 3 day itinerary. They’re geared towards giving families a taste of what living in Budapest would be like.

Riding the tram during our Budapest 3 day itinerary (photo by Astrid Vinje)
  • Day 1: Hop on hop off tour to get the lay of the land in the morning, then head to Castle Hill to ride the funicular and visit the Labyrinth. Spend the evening around City Park.
  • Day 2: Morning at a coffee shop, then street art walking tour. End the day at Lampas ruin bar.
  • Day 3: Spend the day at Margaret Island, walking around the park, and relaxing at Palatinus Baths.

Making family memories with a Budapest 3 day itinerary

Spending quality time as a family during your Budapest 3 day itinerary is easy when the city offers such a rich mix of culture, history, relaxation, and fun. From exploring iconic landmarks like the Parliament and Buda Castle to soaking in thermal baths, tasting chimney cakes, and riding the Budapest Eye, each day brings something new for all ages to enjoy. 

We really loved our time in Budapest as it allowed us to connect with each other, and with other traveling families. But even if we were visiting Budapest on our own, we would have had a great time because the vibe and culture of the city are just so unique.

Whether you're wandering through the colorful streets of the Jewish Quarter, cruising the Danube, or simply relaxing in a city park, Budapest invites families to slow down, connect, and create unforgettable experiences together. So take this list and create the best Budapest itinerary ever for your family!

21 Amazing Activities for a Budapest 3 Day Itinerary | The Wandering Daughter | Pinterest image of a funicular in Budapest from above, with the Danube River and St. Istvan Cathedral in the background, with text overlay.

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