Top 3 Itineraries in Budapest

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Budapest.

If you only have a few days, Budapest weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Budapest offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Budapest are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Budapest offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Hungary's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Budapest truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Budapest belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Budapest are just a quick search away.

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Discover the perfect Budapest itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Budapest for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Budapest without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Budapest!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Eger, Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, Budapest, and Esztergom is one of the best ways to experience Hungary. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Budapest can easily be combined with other top destinations in Hungary without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Eger, Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, Budapest, and Esztergom by public transport, renting a car in Hungary opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Debrecen

• Arrival city: Debrecen
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Debrecen, e.g., Outlet Hotel
• Sightseeing: Great Forest Park

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Debrecen. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Debrecen and Debrecen

• Destinations: Debrecen and Debrecen
• Driving distance: 91.35 km, approx. 1 hour and 56 minutes
• Accommodation: 1-star hotel in Nyíregyháza, e.g., Pangea Hotel
• Sightseeing: Déri Museum, Reformed Great Church of Debrecen, Hajdúság Landscape-protection Area, and Round Forest Adventure Park

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Déri Museum, Reformed Great Church of Debrecen, Hajdúság Landscape-protection Area, and Round Forest Adventure Park. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Debrecen and Debrecen, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Nyíregyháza.

Day 3: Discover Eger and Nyíregyháza

• Destinations: Eger and Nyíregyháza
• Driving distance: 290.19 km, approx. 3 hours and 42 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Vác, e.g., Lujza & Koriander
• Sightseeing: Nyíregyháza Animal Park, Sóstó Zoo, Szmrecsányi Lajos Kert, Castle of Eger, and Valley of the Beautiful Woman

Spend the day exploring Nyíregyháza Animal Park, Sóstó Zoo, Szmrecsányi Lajos Kert, Castle of Eger, and Valley of the Beautiful Woman. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Vác.

Day 4: Experience Esztergom, Bajna, Veszprém, and Dömös

• Destinations: Esztergom, Bajna, Veszprém, and Dömös
• Driving distance: 247.17 km, approx. 3 hours and 59 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Veszprém, e.g., The Houses of History Anno 1830
• Sightseeing: Duna-Ipoly Nemzeti Park, Sándor-Metternich Castle, Basilica of Esztergom, and Veszprém Zoo

Continue your journey through Esztergom, Bajna, Veszprém, and Dömös, where you can explore Duna-Ipoly Nemzeti Park, Sándor-Metternich Castle, Basilica of Esztergom, and Veszprém Zoo. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Veszprém.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Budapest

• Destinations: Budapest
• Driving distance: 127.42 km, approx. 2 hours and 19 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Budapest, e.g., T62 Hotel
• Sightseeing: Central Market Hall, Kopaszi-gát, Buda Castle, Tropicarium-Oceanarium Kft. , and Erzsébet Bridge
• Recommended tour: Welcome to Budapest Walking Tour

Drive through Budapest, stopping to visit Central Market Hall, Kopaszi-gát, Buda Castle, Tropicarium-Oceanarium Kft. , and Erzsébet Bridge. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Budapest.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Budapest

• Destinations: Budapest
• Driving distance: 14.93 km, approx. 55 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Budapest, e.g., T62 Hotel
• Sightseeing: Hungarian State Opera, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes' Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, and City Park
• Recommended tour: Budapest Private Walking Tour with Highlights and Hidden Sights

Spend time discovering Hungarian State Opera, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes' Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, and City Park, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Budapest

• Destinations: Budapest
• Driving distance: 9.37 km, approx. 51 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Budapest, e.g., T62 Hotel
• Sightseeing: The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle, Gellért Thermal Bath, Fisherman's Bastion, Citadella, and Castle District
• Recommended tour: Budapest Castle District Walking Tour

Explore The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle, Gellért Thermal Bath, Fisherman's Bastion, Citadella, and Castle District at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Budapest

• Destinations: Budapest
• Driving distance: 30.58 km, approx. 1 hour and 23 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Budapest, e.g., T62 Hotel
• Sightseeing: Shoes on the Danube Bank, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Hungarian Parliament Building, Bikás park, and Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
• Recommended tour: Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Walking Tour

Continue your road trip through Budapest, enjoying the flexibility to explore Shoes on the Danube Bank, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Hungarian Parliament Building, Bikás park, and Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Budapest

• Destinations: Budapest
• Driving distance: 232.17 km, approx. 2 hours and 53 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Debrecen, e.g., Outlet Hotel
• Sightseeing: Vörösmarty tér, Szimpla Kert, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Ferris Wheel of Budapest, and Dohány Street Synagogue

Visit Vörösmarty tér, Szimpla Kert, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Ferris Wheel of Budapest, and Dohány Street Synagogue as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Debrecen.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Debrecen

• Departure city: Debrecen
• Driving distance: 7.49 km, approx. 19 minutes
• Sightseeing: Ködszinház

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Debrecen. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1233 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Budapest.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Budapest for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 3-day city break in Budapest with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 3-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Budapest without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Budapest

Arrive in Budapest and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Antré Étterem is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Budapest's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Budapest by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes' Square, Fisherman's Bastion, City Park, and Castle District.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Budapest. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Budapest in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Savor Your Final Moments in Budapest

Spend your last few hours in Budapest soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Budapest in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Budapest, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Budapest travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Budapest offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Budapest itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Budapest weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Budapest

Arrive in Budapest around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Széchenyi Chain Bridge, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Budapest in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Budapest by night.

Day 2 - Discover Budapest’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Budapest with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit St. Stephen's Basilica early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Fisherman's Bastion, stopping by Heroes' Square for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Budapest and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Budapest

Make the most of your last few hours in Budapest before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Budapest in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Budapest.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Budapest. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Budapest itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Budapest, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Budapest for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Budapest. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Budapest in a way that feels truly unforgettable!