Strolls in Buda and Pest against the backdrop of the calm waters of the Danube, iconic landmarks, historic cafes and famed baths. A guide to the best that Budapest has to offer.
It doesnt take much to fall in love with this city. Embracing the mighty Danube, with the hills of Buda to the west and Pest to the east, Budapestis undoubtedly one of Europes most enchanting capitals. Come once and youll surely want to return.
Every season wins the favor of millions of tourists who visit and leave filled with experiences and beautiful images. The striking architecture with Baroque, Neoclassical, and modern elements, the romantic atmosphere, the picturesque bridges, and the famed spas are just a few of the things that make the capital of Hungary one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. Weve crafted a concise travel guide with everything you should see and do on a trip to Budapest.
Explore the Castle District
Cross the impressive Chain Bridge (the first to unite the citys two sides, Buda and Pest) and climb on foot or take the picturesque funicularup to the Castle District in Buda, rich in sights (UNESCO-protected). Visit the Royal Palace, which houses, among others, the Hungarian National Gallery, the neo-Gothic Matthias Church with exquisite stained glass and frescoes, as well as the Fishermans Bastion with its seven turrets, from where youll enjoy a spellbinding view over Pest.
For coffee and cake, dont miss Ruszwurm, the café-patisserie that has been an integral part of the districts history since 1827. Leaving Castle Hill, head south toward Gellert Hill for panoramic views of the Danube and the entire city.
The iconic building of the Hungarian Parliament
The neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament on the banks of Pestis a landmark symbol of the city. The largest building in Hungary is inspired by the Palace of Westminster and stretches for 250 meters along the river. The best time to see the Parliament up close is at sunset, when its lights come on and reflect on the Danubes waters - one of Budapests most classic postcard scenes.
St. Stephens Basilica
The ornate St. Stephens Basilica, just steps from Deák Square, is the citys largest church. The sanctuary holds important religious relics, including the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, king of Hungary. Climb the 193 steps (or take the elevator) up to the dome to savor incredible views over Budapest.
Relax at the baths
Budapest, with more than 100 natural thermal springs, is one of Europes most famous spa cities.One of the experiences you shouldnt miss is swimming in the healing waters of the Szechenyi Baths.The Széchenyi Baths are among the largest in Europe and have been operating since 1913. With a striking setting of 18 pools (15 indoor and 3 outdoor), the Szechenyi Baths are housed in a Neo-Baroque complex you could easily mistake for a museum!
Equally renowned are the Gellért Baths, at the famous Hotel Gellért, which impress with their architecture and grandeur. The «Palace of the Baths», as locals often call it, was founded in 1918 and a visit here is a unique experience of relaxation and wellbeing with 10 pools of various sizes and temperatures.
Stroll along Andrássy Avenue and City Park
Brimming with glitzy shops, cafés and splendid buildings, the tree-lined Andrássy is the «Champs-Élysées» of Budapest. The avenue begins behind the basilica and stretches to Heroes Square, one of the citys most famous monuments. Along your stroll youll see the State Opera and the House of Terror, the former headquarters of the secret police of the Nazi and later the Communist regime where thousands of Hungarians were tortured. Where the avenue ends, City Park begins. The largest park in Pest is home to a huge artificial lake, which turns into an ice rink in winter, the fairytale Vajdahunyad Castle and the Széchenyi Baths.
See the city by tram and by boat
Take a ride on tram 2along the banks of the Danube, between Margaret Bridge and southern Pest. This line passes nearly everything worth seeing in the city center and the ride will cost you the price of a regular ticket. Alternatively, for a more distinctive tour, book a boat trip. An evening boat ride on the Danube, with views of the citys illuminated bridges and Budas hills, is perhaps the most romantic experience you can have in Budapest.
The historic cafés
The historiccafés of Budapest are attractions in their own right. The most important is the New York Café, once voted the most beautiful café in the world. The impressive Baroque decor will transport you to another era. The Gerbeaud Caféand Centrál are equally good choices for a trip back in time.
Drinks at the ruin bars
The ruin bars, housed in Budapests abandoned buildings, have played a central role in the citys life for years. They feature vintage decor with antiques and are a great choice for a drink. Szimpla Kert, brimming with graffiti, art and quirky objects, is an attraction for travelers and a landmark, as it was the first ruin bar to open in Budapest, creating a new trend in the citys nightlife.
Goulash and lángos
You cant leave Budapest without trying the famousgoulash (youll find it in many versions, from traditional to reinvented). Its essentially a dish somewhere between a soup and a stew with beef. Another famous dish served everywhere is chicken with paprika (a hallmark of the local cuisine is the love for paprika). Nagycsarnok, the Great Market Hall, built in 1897, is the ideal place for local delicacies. For your strolls, grab a lángos to go, a delicious cross between a doughnut and a pancake, a favorite Hungarian street food.
On Margaret Island
Margaret Island is Budapests largest green oasis. The entire island is a vast park in the middle of the Danube. Across its 2.5 km youll encounter various attractions - from the octagonal water tower with a balcony offering panoramic views, remnants of monasteries and the Centennial Monument to a «musical» fountain and a complex with pools and hot thermal waters.
