3 Days in Budapest; does this make sense?

The only thing that makes you plan difficult is the location of your apartment. Dinner for instance is a 30 minute walk. You can almost cut that in half if you use the 47/49 tramline. You will also need that tram to make all the other plans more accessible so get a Travel Card when you get into town.

I like Macesz Huzar a lot and it is near Kazinczy utca where the most well known ruin pubs are located. The walk through District VIII from your hotel will be amazing.

Thanks for the tips, James E. I really appreciate knowing which tramline to use.
Would it make more sense to go to the Great Synagogue and Market Hall while we're staying at the apartment? I originally came up with this plan before the apartment location plans were finalized. What about flipping Saturday plans with Monday? Would this make it more convenient?

Let me suggest this.

One day from the apartment do the Synagogue first, then the Market Hall and then lunch at Lugas http://lugas-etterem.com/ before going on to the Basilica. You can reach all of these using the 47/49 tram with a short walk to the Basilica.

Another day from the apartment is the Andrassy trip as you suggested. Again, take the 47/49 tram to its end and then walk the last 100m to Andrassy ut. One thing I would add would be a trip to the Hunyadi ter Market. Compare this market to the Great Market Hall. One is for tourists, one is for real. Go all the way up to Hero's Square, then the Bath House and the City Park. Try out the bath house. If you get tired of walking the long distance of Andrassy ut, remember the M1 Metro runs under it and you can hop on and hop off, but try and see a little of each stretch because it changes a lot from high end retail to mid range apartments to mansions and embassies. Remember all the museums and the House of Terror are closed on Monday's.

Once you have checked in to the boat, that is the day I would see the Parliament and the Shoes and the Danube embankment. I noticed today that the Viking boats were docked just above the Chain Bridge so that makes this very convenient.

Your last day, working out of the boat, I would walk across the Chain Bridge and see Buda.

A few posts down I think you will find my favorite restaurants if that helps any.

Late September and early October are prime dates to visit Budapest. You chose well.

The 72 Hour Travel Card is 4.150 forints and you can purchase it at the machines at most tram and metro stops and the ticket windows at most metro stations. Carry it with you and produce it if asked.

You mentioned flipping Monday and Saturday - but keep in mind that you cannot tour the inside of the Great Synagogue on Saturday.

I stayed at a hotel across from the Opera house. It was a short walk to St. Stephen's Basilica. So you could start your Andrassy Ut walk from the Basilica, then the Opera House, and so on. The Metro that runs under Andrassy is really easy to use. Skip parts of the walk by going one or two stops (for instance, you could go from the House of Terror to Hero's Square by Metro). We had a ticket good for three days of unlimited public transportation and it was well worth it! You can take the Tram (#16) up to (and down from) the castle district, saving a lot of walking.

renee, I think you meant the number 16 BUS. Here is some interesting suggestions for getting around on public transportation: http://www.bkv.hu/en/our_thematic_routes_with_/

Yes, you're right. It is BUS 16. We found the public transportation really easy to use.

Renee, Thanks so much for the heads-up on the Saturday Synagogue closing. Since we do have 3 days, and with the generous help of this forum, I believe we've found a plan that allows us to see those important sights as well as give us time for wandering and exploring. James E. , the Thematic Routes website is now printed and in my travel folder. How very handy! Just wondering if anyone can recommend
Spinoiza Cafe for dinner on Friday night; I see there's live music?

Ive done the Spinoza thing twice. Once out of curiosity and once because a guest insisted. I love the Klezmer music but the food is somewhat ... naaaaaaa..... It isn't "music with dinner", its an appetizer then you go to the theater room, then you come back and eat. If you are into music and you haven't heart Klezmer before then maybe. Otherwise there is better in town. Also, see if the Budapest Klezmer Band is playing while you are in town - not the same band as Spinoza. (google their name and find their schedule). This particular Klezmer band is worth seeing no matter what the price. If at the Operett "The Wedding Dance" is playing, then the Budapest Klezmer Band plays in that production as well.

Staying at Budapest, sounds like great trip to, I read your full plan, I wish I could join too, I heard about the place and searched about it http://www.triparbiter.com/hotel/12140/basilica-apartments-budapest-hungary Its sceneries made me interested.
Such a great place