Budapest, capital of Hungary, is located in Central Eastern Europe, with the Danube River flowing through the city and dividing it into two parts - Buda on one bank and Pest on the other. Budapest is considered to be among the most beautiful cities in Europe, filled with architecture, decorative buildings, and healing thermal waters. Don't let its historic charm fool you, Budapest also has a thrilling nightlife that will leave you wanting more. The city's turbulent history only adds to its allure, making it a unique and fascinating place to visit. And, one of the biggest reasons that travelers love the city is its reputation as a budget-friendly destination. Many visitors still find it's cheaper than other European capitals.
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Where to Stay - We stayed at Novatel Budapest Centrum and it was truly an affordable, and overall pleasant stay.
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How to get around - Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, has a well-developed transportation system, which includes buses, trams, metro, and trains. Here are some ways to get around Budapest:
Public Transport: Budapest's public transport system, operated by BKK, includes buses, trams, and metros, and is both affordable and reliable.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable in Budapest, and can be ordered using apps like Bolt or Főtaxi.
Lime & Bike: Stroll around in a Scooter Lime (my personal favorite) which you can get through the Lime app. BUBI, Budapest's bike-sharing system, provides access to bikes throughout the city, and you can rent a bike using a BUBI card or mobile app.
Walking: Budapest is a walkable city, and walking is a great way to explore the city's streets and attractions, many of which are located close to each other.
River Cruise: The Danube river divides Budapest, and taking a river cruise is a great way to see the city from a different perspective, with several companies offering daytime and evening sightseeing cruises.
Food to try in Budapest:
Goulash: A hearty stew of meat, potatoes, onions, paprika, and spices, often served with bread or dumplings. SO good.
Langos: Kind of the equiavlent to a Canadian beaver tail dessert, it is crispy deep-fried dough topped with savory toppings like sour cream and grated cheese or sweet options like Nutella and banana, typically sold as street food. So good!!
Chimney cake: A sweet pastry with a caramelized crispy exterior and a soft fluffy interior, cooked over an open flame.
Strudel: A sweet pastry filled with fruit, nuts, or cheese, often served as a dessert in bakeries and cafes.
Paprika chicken: A savory dish of chicken cooked with paprika and served with dumplings or rice, perfect for colder weather.
Dobos cake: A decadent layered cake filled with chocolate cream and topped with caramel, a must-try dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth.
1. Castle Hill - Buda Castle
Castle Hill is located on the west bank of the Danube in Buda area. Here, you'll find many of Budapest's most significant historic sites and attractions. There are so many photo opportunities from this location, including panoramic views of the beautiful river and the design of Pest's striking buildings. Just make sure to pack some comfy sneakers since you’ll be walking around the whole area exploring its endless cobbled alleys on foot. And if you love history, you hit the jackpot.
The most prominent building on the hill is Buda Castle. Built in the 1200's, the first castle was located on the south ridge of Castle Hill to provide safety from raids lead by migrating tribes. The current Buda Castle is a vast 18th-century, Neo-Baroque-style construction with more than 200 rooms. During WWII the castle was heavily bombed, but much of the exterior has been fully restored. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site it can be discovered either on your own or as part of an educational tour.
2. St Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen's Basilica is an impressive Roman Catholic basilica that is steeped in history. Dedicated to Stephen, the first king of Hungary, this magnificent church houses a reliquary that contains his right hand (crazy right?). Construction of the basilica began in 1851 and was completed in 1905. It boasts a large capacity of 8,500 people and features a stunning 300-foot dome. The area surrounding the basilica is also beautiful and lively, with numerous delicious restaurants and coffee shops to explore.
3. Hungarian Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament Building is an unmissable landmark when visiting Budapest. Completed in 1904, it has been the largest building in Hungary ever since and truly stands out in the city's skyline. The building was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 as part of the Banks of the Danube, and was inspired in part by the Palace of Westminster. With its stunning architecture and prime location along the Danube River, the Parliament Building is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Budapest.
4. Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square is a famous landmark of the city that is often featured on postcards. It is also a beautiful gateway to Budapest’s City Park. The structure features a large semi-circular colonnade holding 14 statues of significant figures in Hungarian history. At the center is a 36-meter-tall column topped with a figure of Archangel Gabriel presenting a crown to Hungary's founding king.
Take a free history course and learn a lot about Hungary by taking a closer look at each of the metal sculptures. The figures and names listed are significant historical figures in Hungarian history. They include The Seven Chieftains, who were the leaders of the seven Hungarian tribes that founded Hungary in the 9th century, as well as kings and leaders from various periods of Hungarian history, such as Stephen I, Saint Ladislaus, Matthias Corvinus, and Louis Kossuth.
5. Dohány Street Synagogue
The Dohany Street Synagogue in Pest is not only the most notable synagogue in Hungary but also the largest in Europe and the second largest globally after New York. With its stunning interior, it is considered one of the top ten highlights of Budapest, accommodating 3000 seated and approximately 2000 standing people. It is highly recommended to take a guided tour that includes visiting the synagogue, Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, Heroes' Temple, and the graveyard.
6. For Some Adrenaline Sightseeing
A sightseeing cruise is a popular way to explore a city or scenic area while enjoying a relaxing boat ride. These cruises typically offer stunning views of the city's skyline, famous landmarks, and natural scenery. Passengers can sit back and take in the sights, while the knowledgeable tour guides provide fascinating information about the history and culture of the area. Sightseeing cruises are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to see a new place from a different perspective.
Now for the real fun, there are several companies that offer fast jet tours on the Danube in Budapest, including a company called RedJet. These tours provide a thrilling and unique perspective of the city's landmarks, as you speed along the river and take in the stunning views. They typically range from 20 minutes to an hour and can be a fun way to spice up your sightseeing in Budapest.
7. Stroll the Danube Promenade
The Danube Promenade, located on the left bank of the Danube River, between the Chain Bridge and the modern Erzsebet Bridge, offers breathtaking views of Budapest's iconic landmarks such as the Buda Castle, Taban church, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. The promenade features sculptures of renowned poets Attila Jozsef and Petofi Sandor, as well as a statue of Istvan Szechenyi, one of Hungary's most famous politicians.
Additionally, the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, consisting of sixty iron pairs of shoes, serves as a emotional reminder of the atrocities committed against Jews during World War II by Arrow Cross Militiamen.
8. Enjoy Thermal Baths
One of the things not to be missed in Budapest is its lovely spas for a perfect relaxing day. Make sure to pack your swimwear and head to Széchenyi Thermal Bath. With its stunning architecture and soothing thermal waters, this spa is the perfect place to recharge after a lot of walking and sightseeing .While it can get a bit busy at times, don't let that put you off. The inside of the building is gorgeous and if you are lucky and it’s a quiet day, the pool is great as well.
9. Stroll over the Szechenyi Chain Bridge
If you're looking for a bridge with some serious history, look no further than the Chain Bridge! It's the OG of bridges over the Danube River in Hungary and was built way back in the 1840s. It's named after a famous Hungarian reformer, István Széchenyi, and connects the districts of Buda and Pest. Trust me, taking the 15-minute stroll across this bridge is worth it for the stunning views alone - and the photo opportunities are breathtaking!
10. Tram route 2
I love trams. Especially old ones. If you're a fan of trams like me, you can't miss taking a ride on Tram #2! This historic ride has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 10 trolley rides in the world. For just around €1, you can enjoy the most amazing panoramic views of Budapest as you travel along the Danube shores from Margaret Bridge to south Pest. You will get to admire views of the Parliament Building, river and see all the stunning sites of old Budapest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Budapest is so beautiful, that you don't mind your feet hurting because you want to see more. From the stunning architecture and thermal baths, Budapest also has a vibrant nightlife that attracts a lot of young tourists. So if you're looking to party this is also the place for you. Along with the delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are interested in exploring the rich history and landmarks or looking to relax and unwind in one of the city's many spas, Budapest has it all. The welcoming locals, breathtaking views, and beautiful atmosphere will have you seeing Budapest as a true gem in the heart of Europe. A visit to this beautiful city is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Until next time, adios! <3
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