3 Days in Budapest - A Travel Guide for a Winter Getaway

A curated travel guide to Hungary’s capital, blending culture, food, and hidden gems.

Here it is — my second travel guide on this platform. I genuinely enjoy putting these together because it lets me relive my experiences and share my best tips with you. If you’re planning a trip to one of the destinations I cover, my hope is to make your experience even better.

Inside each travel guide, you’ll find practical information and thoughtful details, including:

• Itineraries that balance culture, food, and exploration.

• Practical advice on where to stay, where to eat, what to avoid, what to do and of course, where to find the best coffee.

• Interactive Google Maps pins to simplify your navigation and enhance your trip.

I get that committing to a paid subscription can feel like a lot if you’re unsure about future guides. Feel free to subscribe for a month to access the guide you’re interested in, then unsubscribe—my goal is for you to get the most out of it!

Today’s guide covers a trip to Budapest we took at the start of 2024. Some of our dear friends live there, making the visit a no-brainer. Beyond catching up with them, the city itself charmed us with its unique vibe and rich history.

A City of Contrasts and Charm

Budapest is a place that feels both timeless and alive all at once. On one hand, you’ve got the history—stunning old buildings, winding streets, and a storied past. On the other, there’s the buzz of a modern city with its cafés, ruin bars, and vibrant culture. And in winter, there’s something extra special about it: crisp air, cozy spots to warm up, and twinkling lights reflecting off the Danube. It’s a city that draws you in, whether you’re into history, good food, or just soaking up the vibe.

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Day One - Arrival and Opera:

When booking our trip, we chose an afternoon flight from Berlin to Budapest. Ryanair offers affordable direct flights from many European cities, including Spain, the UK, France, and Italy. Booking about a month in advance, we paid just 80€ round trip per person.

Once you arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), I recommend taking a Bolt (a ride-hailing app similar to Uber) to downtown. The ride takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and costs around 30€ — unbeatable in my opinion.

From the airport, we headed straight to the Hungarian State Opera House for a ballet performance. Visiting the opera or ballet in Budapest is a must. The opera house itself is a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture. Our friends had the foresight to book a private box, which provided both comfort and a convenient spot to store our luggage. Surprisingly, it wasn’t much more expensive than regular tickets. We watched Onegin and paid 50€ per ticket.

After the ballet, we made our way to our friends’ home. It’s worth noting that the Danube River divides the city into two sides: Buda, with its medieval charm and hilly vistas, and Pest, home to most attractions and a bustling urban atmosphere. While we stayed with friends on the Buda side, here are three boutique hotels I’d recommend for a central, comfortable stay on the Pest side (80-120€ per night):