A Tale of Two Cities: Your Ultimate Guide to Budapest!
Budapest Bound:
Top Sights, Hidden Gems, Unforgettable Experiences
Welcome to Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary, where history, culture, and modernity blend seamlessly along the banks of the majestic Danube River. Known as the "Pearl of the Danube," Budapest captivates with its grand architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich heritage. Whether you're wandering through the historic Buda Castle District, soaking in the thermal baths, or enjoying a sunset cruise along the river, Budapest offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Currency and Payments: The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While credit cards are widely accepted, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases in case you visit places that don't accept cards. I recommend paying in the local currency rather than euros. Although euros are accepted in many places, due to the conversion rate, you will typically pay more than the set price in forints.
Many think Budapest is a cheap city, but it isn’t anymore. It is cheaper but it isn’t cheap by any means.
Public Transport: Budapest has an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and the metro. Purchase a travel pass for unlimited rides, and don't forget to validate your ticket before boarding. Having said that, I love exploring by foot so, I walked 18 km per day, and it was worth it!
Safety: Budapest is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal times to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be hot and busy, while winter offers a charming atmosphere with Christmas markets and thermal baths.
Local Cuisine: Hungarian cuisine is rich and flavorful. Be sure to try local dishes like goulash, lángos, and chimney cake.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Budapest and in most restaurants, 12% will be added to your bill. Make sure you check your total before adding your tip.
Budapest, where every corner reveals a piece of history and every moment creates a lasting memory!
Top Things To See And Do In Budapest
The Great Synagogue in Budapest
The Great Synagogue and the Jewish Quarter in Budapest- Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue, which is one of Budapest's most significant landmarks and the largest synagogue in Europe. Located in the heart of the historic Jewish Quarter, this magnificent building is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the rich Jewish heritage and culture that have flourished in Budapest for centuries.
The interior dazzles with ornate details, stunning stained glass windows, and a grandiose ark. The synagogue can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest in the world. Adjacent to the synagogue is the Jewish Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts, religious items, and exhibits that chronicle the history and traditions of Hungarian Jewry. The complex also includes the Heroes' Temple, a memorial to the Hungarian Jews who lost their lives in World War I, and the poignant Holocaust Memorial and Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, featuring the evocative Tree of Life; a metal sculpture resembling a weeping willow with the names of Holocaust victims inscribed on its leaves.
The Jewish Quarter, known as Erzsébetváros (District VII), is a vibrant and historically rich area that offers a fascinating blend of past and present. As you wander through its narrow streets and hidden courtyards, you'll encounter numerous synagogues, historical buildings, and commemorative plaques that tell the story of the community's enduring legacy.
I’ll be honest, the Thermal Baths were my main reasons for booking this trip. And it didn’t disappoint, it was amazing! Don't miss the chance to relax in one of Budapest's famous thermal baths. The Széchenyi Bath is among the most popular, offering a unique way to unwind and enjoy the city's historic spa culture.
I recommend you book your tickets online to avoid long lines. Add a cabin so you have a comfortable place to change and leave your valuables while you are enjoying one of the gorgeous pools and spa treatments.
The Széchenyi Bath in Budapest
The Széchenyi Bath in Budapest
Have lunch or dinner at Twenty-Six Degrees restaurant.
Walk along the river down to the Shoe Monument- This is one of the most powerful memorials in Budapest, located along the Pest side of the Danube River, near the Hungarian Parliament building. This installation serves as a haunting tribute to the thousands of Jews who were executed along the riverbank during World War II by the fascist Arrow Cross militia.
The Shoe Monument in Budapest
The monument consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes modeled after 1940s-style footwear, symbolizing the shoes left behind by the victims. Men, women, and children's shoes line the embankment, evoking the chilling moment when the victims were ordered to remove their shoes before being shot, their bodies falling into the river.
The simplicity and rawness of the Shoes on the Danube Bank make it an incredibly moving site. Visitors often leave flowers, candles, and other tokens of remembrance in and around the shoes, creating a space of reflection and mourning. This memorial not only honors the memory of those who perished but also stands as a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of remembering history to prevent such atrocities in the future.
Enjoy an evening at Gozsdu Udvar Court- A dynamic center of food and drink where you are spoilt for choice. My favorite? Meshuga!
Visit Karavan food trucks. Colorful and delicious! Perfect for brunch.
Enjoy a rose-shaped ice cream at Gelarto Grande.
The iconic rose-shaped ice cream in Budapest
Hero’s Square- This is one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks. Situated at the end of Andrássy Avenue, this monumental plaza commemorates the country's millennium anniversary in 1896. The square is also home to the Memorial Stone of Heroes, honoring those who gave their lives for Hungary's freedom and independence.
Fisherman Bastion- Perched atop Buda Castle Hill, the Fisherman's Bastion offers panoramic views of Budapest, especially the iconic Parliament building and the Danube River. Built in the late 19th century, it features neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture, with turrets, colonnadecolonnades, and staircases. Named after the guild of fishermen responsible for defending this stretch of the city walls in the Middle Ages, it is a must-visit for its stunning vistas and historical ambiance.
Buda Castle- This majestic complex dominates the skyline of Budapest from its strategic location on Castle Hill. Originally constructed in the 13th century, it has been home to Hungarian kings, a site of numerous sieges, and a symbol of the nation's storied past.
Today, it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Széchényi Library. You can go up using the cable car, walking, or by tuk-tuk. The tuk-tuk works like the Hop-on Hop-off bus, stopping in key locations along the way before going down again. We chose the tuk-tuk experience which was great fun to explore the area.
Fisherman Bastion, Budapest
New York Cafe- The most beautiful café in the world by far, so luxurious and stylish with phenomenal art. This hotspot is a lavish spectacle of opulent design and historic charm. Opened in 1894, its interiors boast stunning frescoes, glittering chandeliers, and marble columns that transport patrons to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication. Renowned as a gathering place for writers, artists, and intellectuals, it continues to captivate visitors with its luxurious ambiance and exquisite culinary offerings. Enjoy their 24-carat coffees and desserts.
New York Cafe in Budapest
Leo Rooftop- Nestled atop the prestigious Hotel Clark, Leo Rooftop offers a chic and sophisticated atmosphere with unparalleled views of Budapest's skyline. The views are breathtaking! Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, and the shimmering Danube River...Enjoy all that while also sipping on crafted cocktails and tasting gourmet bites. The elegant décor, vibrant ambiance, and panoramic scenery make Leo Rooftop a perfect spot.
Central Market Hall- Visit this vibrant hub of local culture and cuisine, housed in a stunning neo-Gothic building. This bustling market, the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest, features an array of stalls selling fresh produce, Hungarian delicacies, and handcrafted souvenirs. It is a great place to explore the rich flavors of Hungarian cuisine, from savory sausages and aromatic paprika to traditional pastries.
Go up the Budapest Eye- Rising above Erzsébet Square, the Budapest Eye offers gorgeous views of the city and its landmarks from above. Whether you ride it during the day to see the city bathed in sunlight or at night when the skyline sparkles with lights, the Budapest Eye promises an unforgettable perspective of the Hungarian capital.
Take an evening cruise down the Danube River.
Saint Stefan Basilica- This is my favorite area of Budapest, day or night. Great vibes, beautiful architecture, and beautiful food make it perfect for taking a break during happy hour or having a meal. It is Budapest's most magnificent and revered landmark. Named in honor of Hungary's first king, St. Stephen, this grand basilica boasts a neoclassical façade and a richly decorated interior adorned with stunning frescoes, marble columns, and intricate mosaics. The basilica's dome, accessible by both stairs and an elevator, offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
Saint Stefan Basilica, Budapest
Saint Stefan Basilica, Budapest
Budapest by night