What to see and where to go in Budapest? Our list includes thermal baths, Hungarian opera, the historical metro, addresses of ruin pubs and much more. To complete the entire program you will need comfortable shoes, a swimsuit and an evening dress. Did you know that in Budapest one of the UNESCO historical heritage sites is located underground? Don't pass by!
For your first acquaintance with Budapest, it is beneficial to purchase a discount card Budapest card, which includes travel on public transport, free entry to 8 museums, 2 walking tours, the St. Lukas Bath, 10-50% discounts at 100 different establishments in Budapest.
Baths of Budapest
118 underground springs and artesian wells in Budapest contain mineral water with a temperature of 21-76 degrees. The world-famous baths are of not only therapeutic and preventive, but also historical interest. The baths and baths of Budapest were built at different times, in different styles: Roman, Greek, Turkish, and more modern Northern European.
Popular historical baths in Budapest:
- St. Luke's (Lukács)
- Rudas
- Kiraly
- Tsarskaya (Császár, original name Veli Bej)
We visited the thermal complex named after. St. Gellert and received wonderful impressions and sensations. The Gellért Baths are located in the same building as the Danubius Hotel Gellért, with views of the Danube, a renowned restaurant and special spa conditions.
Budapest Central Market (Központi Vásárcsarnok)
The market building is considered the most beautiful in Europe, but it's worth going inside. On the ground floor they sell sausages, cheeses, vegetables, spices; you can try and buy all of this in different quantities, sliced, in beautiful souvenir packaging. Hungary is famous for its sausages and paprika. There is a buffet on the second floor (balcony). Locals love to sit here with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Try the traditional Hungarian dish lángos. This is a flatbread fried in oil; sour cream, cheese and any ingredients of your choice are placed on top of the langos.
Souvenirs from Budapest are also worth buying at the Central Market - prices are inexpensive, there is a good selection, we bought a kitchen set with an embroidered towel and wooden spoons and a T-shirt with the image of the Parliament. There is a supermarket on the ground floor. The central market is open from 6 am to 6 pm, on Saturday until 14:00, closed on Sunday.
Historic metro (Millennium Underground)
This second oldest metro in the world was opened in 1896 and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2002. The yellow line M1 consists of 11 stations. At Deák Ferenc tér station there is a museum (Földalatti Vasút Múzeum). Entrance to the historical metro with a regular ticket. We got off at the first station, Vörösmarty tér, and drove to the penultimate one, Széchenyi fürdő, getting off at each station. This historical line and the trains running along it are very different from the type of metro we are used to. The Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph rode underground in his carriage.
Online tickets without queues
Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)
Opera lovers will appreciate the acoustics of one of the best opera buildings in the world, and those interested in architecture can take part in daytime excursions, taking place during the day at 15:00 and 16:00. Poster and tickets for the opera house on the website opera.hu. Prices at the Hungarian Opera, unlike the Bolshoi Theater, are affordable.
Városliget City Park
The largest park in Budapest, which includes a zoo, a circus, attractions, Vajdahunyad Castle and the historical Széchenyi Baths. If you are not planning to visit the baths, then you should go around this large, beautiful building in the Renaissance style and go inside to see the interior. Vajdahunyad Castle is surrounded by an artificial lake, where people go boating and catamarans in the summer, and ice skating in the winter. Now the building is occupied by an agricultural museum; in the courtyard there is a statue of the chronicler Anonymous (you need to make a wish and rub your pen).
The green park in the center of Budapest is a favorite vacation spot for residents and guests of the city. Margate has a musical fountain, a lap pool, a cafe, playgrounds, a jogging path around the island, and you can rent a bicycle or scooter. On Margaret Island they sunbathe, have picnics, and dance in the club. The Budapest Summer Festival takes place on an outdoor stage in the park. We reached the island by tram number 2, which stops in front of the Margit hid bridge.
Danube Cruise
Ships with panoramic glazing depart from the piers one after another according to a schedule. A river walk allows you to see Budapest from both banks of the Danube, take beautiful photos and listen to the guide's story. We chose an evening excursion on the Danube Legend, it lasts 1 hour, includes an audio guide in 30 languages and one drink. The screens installed in the cabin show photographs of the places the ship is passing by and the interiors of buildings. There are cruises on the Danube with dinner and live music. I celebrated my birthday on a boat on a cruise. Dinner by candlelight, they congratulated me with a dessert with candles (notify me when purchasing).
Ruin pubs (rom kocsma)
Ruin pubs have become very popular in Budapest in recent years. Ruin bars are located in dilapidated buildings, former garages, in courtyards, decorated with assorted furniture and interior items. A high concentration of bar ruins is observed in the Jewish quarter of Budapest. It's worth coming here for the atmosphere and performances by fashionable bands. Prices for drinks and food are reasonable, most establishments are open all year round, others from May to September. includes visiting 4-5 bars and a night walk around the city - interesting and safe.
Popular ruin bars in Budapest:
- Corvintető (Blaha Lujza tér 1-2)
- Kuplung (Király utca 46)
- Instant (Nagymező utca 38)
- Fogasház (Akácfa u. 51)
- Grandio Bar (Nagy Diófa utca 8)
The best thing about Budapest is its architecture - suspension bridges, palaces and cathedrals. Pedestrian routes and attractions of Budapest on the map.
This city is like a magical box of wonders - you can open it endlessly, each time finding new surprises, getting to know new places and new people. It’s worth coming to Budapest at all times of the year: in the summer - to walk along the green streets, ride along the Danube and be sure to go to the famous Sziget music festival, and in the winter - to try the fragrant kürteskalács and hot mulled wine on Vörösmarty Square during the Christmas market. the site tells about the most interesting places in Budapest, which cannot be missed while traveling to this city.
View from above
In order to get a better look at Budapest and take beautiful pictures, first of all, you should look at it from above. Several city buildings are ideal for this. The Hungarian National Gallery is located in Buda - it was here, on the territory of the Buda Castle, that the Hungarian kings once lived, and it was here that Franz Joseph was crowned in 1867. Therefore, now the gallery is interesting both as an architectural structure and as an excellent collection of Hungarian art. It is also worth keeping a close eye on the gallery's schedule - exhibitions are often held here, which will be a pleasant bonus for your trip to Budapest. For example, until October 2, the gallery is showing works by Modigliani. And for a beautiful view, you should definitely climb to the dome of the castle - an ideal panorama opens up from here.
And to see the city from above, but from the other side, it is best to climb to the dome of the largest city cathedral - St. Stephen's Basilica. It is located on St. Stephen's Square, where many tourists begin their acquaintance with Budapest.
An alternative to traditional buildings overlooking Budapest is a rooftop bar on Andrássy Avenue. The bar lives up to its name, since from any point the city is visible at a glance. The menu includes both classic cocktails and a dozen signature drinks, as well as food familiar to Europeans - salads, pasta and several types of quesadillas. The only thing worth remembering is that "360" is closed from October to April.
The best place to come down to earth and continue exploring trendy bars is in the Jewish Quarter. In the 2000s, they decided that it was too expensive to rebuild or renovate dilapidated and abandoned buildings and began to use them as conceptual lofts and art spaces. Nowadays, in the 7th trendy hipster district, locals and tourists organize bar-surfing every evening. You can start in Anker"t: once there was a factory here, and now it’s a stylish, cozy open-air bar. It’s nice and easy to sit with friends here and have a hot dance - the space is ideal.
Anker"t bar
Ellato Kert serves Mexican drinks and food, hosts art shows and musicians, Fogas Ház, one of the first ruin bars in Budapest, which has now turned into a real art hub, is the place to go for noisy parties, and Mazel Tov for food. and color. There are dozens of similar hipster establishments here, so you can discover new places every evening.
Szimpla is the real starting point of the ruin bar movement, where, in fact, it all began. It opened in 2002 on the site of an abandoned factory as an alternative urban art space. Nowadays, under the Szimpla Kert brand there is a recording studio and a program for searching for young talents, this is a base for meetings of participants in urban movements and social activists. On weekends this p wine pub with eclectic kitschdecor turns into a trendy hipster market where farmers sell whatever their heart desires:honey, herbs, paprika, meat, vegetables and fruits.
After grabbing a bite to eat at a trendy spot in the Jewish Quarter, you can head anywhere in the city directly on the metro. If you don’t have any special goals, then it’s worth taking the yellow line and seeing the subway as it was 120 years ago. Line M1 is actually the very first metro in Europe, which has also retained its historical appearance. Very few people can fit in small vintage carriages, but passengers feel like they are in a real time machine. The stations along the entire route look no less interesting - the old wooden ticket offices remain here, and the walls are decorated with the names of the stations, tiled.
metro station in Budapest on line M1
Baths
By exploring the city's metro, you can very quickly get to one of the most pleasant places in Budapest, Szechenyi Furdo. The legendary Budapest baths are the dream of many residents of various cities, because they are a real open-air spa. Thanks to its geographical location, healing springs with warm water enriched with beneficial salts and minerals flow from underground throughout the city. There are 27 baths in Budapest - in some of them you can not only relax, get a massage or undergo treatment, but also attend a fashionable party right in the pool. But for the first time it is worth going to the Széchenyi Baths - this is the largest and, perhaps, the most beautiful thermal complex in all of Europe.
Grand Budapest Hotel
In the very center of the city there is an equally interesting and beautiful Gellert bathhouse. It was built at the hotel of the same name, which is worth special attention. Erected in 1918, it, or rather its old photos, became one of the references for director Wes Anderson and artist Adam Stockhausen when creating a hotel model for the most stylish and beautiful film of recent years -. You don’t have to live here, you just need to come here and look at a classic example of the Secession style that was fashionable at the beginning of the last century - carefully examine the entire building, the staircase inside, the mosaic stained glass windows on the windows and, of course, take a selfie in front of the grand hotel.
Danibus Hotel Gellert
old photo of the hotel
model of a hotel from the movie "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Hall of the Gellart Hotel
For contemporary art in Budapest, you should go to the Ludwig Museum. A large building of 10 thousand square meters is located in Pest, near the National Theater. Here at any time you can see a collection of American pop art with works by Warhol and Rauschenberg, but the main focus of the museum curators is on contemporary Eastern European artists. Until September 11, it explores art from Kosovo and Albania, as well as showcasing the acclaimed Women in Chanel collaboration between photographer Peter Farago and his wife, stylist Injela Klimetz-Farago. For this project, the duo exclusively photographed models from Poland and Central European countries. In October, the museum will present projects dedicated to the avant-garde art of Wroclaw and the new generation of Polish artists.
opening of the Women in Chanel exhibition in Budapest (photo: Ludwig Museum)
Women in Chanel exhibition (photo: Ludwig Museum)
Restaurants with Michelin stars
Budapest has a lot of coffee shops, large beautiful restaurants reminiscent of the imperial heritage and small establishments serving hearty Hungarian dishes. But there are also four restaurants awarded with prestigious Michelin stars. The most famous - Onyx - is located right in the city center on Vörösmarty Square - here, with the help of new cooking technologies, traditional local cuisine has been rethought. In 2016, his chef Tamas Sell was named the best chef in Europe, winning the Bocuse d'Or Europe ceremony, which is called the Nobel Prize in gastronomy.
Onyx restaurant interior
But the first Hungarian establishment to receive a Michelin star was the Costes restaurant. Modern minimalist design and European cuisine with the original inventions of the chef, the Portuguese Miguel Rocha Viera, who once worked at the legendary El Bulli, are its main advantages. A year ago, a new establishment, Costes Downtown, opened under the same banner in Budapest, with an open kitchen and separate offers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The chef’s skills and talent are obvious, because exactly one year later this restaurant received its Michelin star. Another establishment from the famous guide is WineKitchen (Borkonyha) - a family restaurant in the format of a French bistro and an excellent wine library, which is located right next to St. Stephen's Basilica. And the youngest of Budapest's Michelin Four is the stylish and very modern Tanti restaurant, which also offers a separate Sunday menu.
Another must-see in Budapest is that it was opened in 1982 by the Zydai family and is one of the most atmospheric places in the city. It is located in the castle part of the city, a short walk from Fisherman's Bastion, and its fans include actor Ryan Gosling and the entire Depeche Mode group. They come here for a modern interpretation of pre-revolutionary Hungarian cuisine - refined and authentic at the same time.
Film Factory
Another interesting place that Budapest offers its guests is the Korda Filmpark. This is not just a studio, “47 Ronin” with Keanu Reeves, “World War Z” with Brad Pitt, “Hellboy 2”, the TV series “The Borgias” and many more famous Hollywood films were filmed here. It’s worth coming here for the whole day, especially since the film park is located at the exit from the city, and by booking an excursion, see film decorations, learn how films are made, stunt tricks are developed, makeup is applied, and even take part in interactive programs. After this, it is ideal to go to the neighboring village of Etyek, which has actually turned into a kind of gastro-hub, where people come to taste craft food - local cheeses, ham and, of course, wine - the main pride of these places.
film studio Korda
scenery at the Korda film studio
Budapest is the capital of Hungary, formed in 1873 by the merger of three ancient cities - Buda, Obuda and Pest, located along the banks of the Danube. Buda and Óbuda, located on the western bank of the river, captivate with the atmosphere of ancient streets and an abundance of historical monuments. Pest, which occupies the eastern bank of the Danube, delights with the luxurious beauty of its architecture and the scope of its avenues. Budapest is the only metropolitan resort city in Europe with healing thermal springs. When planning to visit this stunning city, it is better to plan your route in advance. Our guide will tell you what to see in Budapest in 5 days on your own, so that your trip will be captured as a vivid event in the photo and in your memory.
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The route of the first day will be the longest and longest. It will take approximately 5-6 hours. It is better to combine walking with trips on public transport to periodically relax while enjoying the view of the city from the window of a bus or tram. Therefore, buy your travel tickets in advance. The start of the independent voyage is Erzsébet tér Square, the end point is Széchenyi Square. Let's talk about what you will see along the way.
Erzsebet Square
Erzsebet Square is one of the most beautiful squares in the center with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that can compete in beauty with palaces. The square will surprise you with a memorial to Michael Jackson and a fountain with a transparent bottom. Looking into the park with the Ferris wheel towering above it, you will see the Danube fountain with female figures representing the tributaries of the Danube: the Tisu, Drava and Sava rivers, crowned with a statue of Neptune. Then, take bus number 16 and go to Széll Kálmán tér square (final stop), where you get on tram number 59 or 61 from the Danube.
Get off at stop 3 Városmajor, looking towards the round building of the Budapest Hotel, where you need to cross the tram tracks to get to the rack railway. From there, take train number 60 and proceed to the final station Gyermekvasút. This is an ancient road built through the picturesque hills in 1874. After leaving the train, go to the children's railway, from where you will go to the Jánoshegy stop, seeing the Elizabeth Lookout hill.
Elizabeth Observation Tower
Following the Erzsebet Kilato sign, you climb up the mountain to a multi-tiered observation tower that looks like a cake. Each tier, where you climb the spiral staircase, has its own observation deck. From its highest point, located at an altitude of 527 meters, there is a breathtaking view of the Buda Hills, the green valley and the delightful Parliament, which can be enjoyed for free from 8.00 to 20.00. After descending from the tower, head towards the cable car.
Libego cable car
The cable car stretches for 1040 meters with a height difference of 262 meters. It consists of open suspended cradles moving at a speed of 4 km per hour. To use it, you need to buy a ticket for 1000 HUF. You have to get into and out of the cradle on the go with the help of the staff serving them. The descent is smooth, admiring the beautiful views, floating over the roofs of houses, courtyards and between trees. It takes no more than 15 minutes.
The cable car starts operating at any time of the year from 10.00, in summer until 19.00, in winter until 16.00, in autumn and spring until 17.00. Having gone down, go to the stop of bus No. 291, which you travel five stops, getting off at Budagyöngye, where you change to tram No. 61, heading towards the round Budapest Hotel. Get off at Széll Kálmán, the second stop after the hotel, and head to Buda Castle on foot.
Buda Castle
A narrow medieval street leads to the 14th-century Catholic Church of St. Matthias, built in the pompous late Gothic style. This is a large three-nave temple, part of the Buda Castle complex, with the main entrance facing the Holy Trinity Square. On the northern side of the main façade, the church is bordered by the Tower of King Bel, and on the opposite side is the Fisherman's Bastion. The Church of St. Matthias is distinguished by multiple side chapels with openwork decoration of the facades and an 80-meter bell tower.
You can enter the territory of the fortress, which has become an open-air museum, for free. The wards charge a fee, which should be confirmed on site. View the interior from 9.00 to 17.00, on weekdays, on Saturdays until 13.00, and on Sundays from 13.00 to 17.00.
During the reconstruction of the 19th century, fragments of ancient Roman buildings that were included in Aquincum were discovered on the territory of the fortress. The most significant attraction of the fortress is Buda Castle, which is one of the sites under UNESCO protection. The castle-fortress was built in the 13th century and served as the residence of the Hungarian kings for many years. On Castle Hill, don't miss the Royal Palace.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace became a decoration of the right bank of the Danube. The building, built at the beginning of the 20th century, appears in the elegance of the Baroque style. It is impossible not to admire the baroque dome, the ornamental gate with the mythical Turul bird, clutching a sword in its claws, which conquered the homeland for the Hungarians. The palace decor is impressive with sculptural compositions and luxurious fountains.
Covered with the legend of the love of King Matthias and the girl Ilonke, the fountain in the courtyard depicting their figures brings happiness to lovers. Today the Royal Palace is a cultural center, including an art gallery, the national library and the Museum of the History of Budapest. You can view it from October to March every day, except Mondays, from 10.00 to 18.00, and in the summer until 19.30 for 42 €.
Funicular
From the Royal Palace we go to the site with the Szyklo funicular, built on the initiative of the son of Count Szechenyi in 1870 and reconstructed at the end of the last century. It is open from 7.30 to 22.00. Having bought a ticket for 1200 HUF, get into a 19th-century stylized trailer with three different-level cabins. There are a total of 2 personalized cars on the funicular - Gellert and Margaret.
The funicular covers a distance of 95 meters in 90 seconds, and you find yourself at the bottom station - Adam Clarke Square with the Kilometer Zero monument. There are stairs next to the funicular for those who want to walk this route.
Szechenyi Bridge
Coming out of the funicular we will find ourselves next to the Széchenyi chain suspension bridge, which in 1849 connected Buda with Pest - Adam Clark Square with Roosevelt Square. The bridge was built thanks to the famous politician Count Szechenyi, who invested a lot of effort and money in the construction, and is therefore named after him. It is called chain bridge because of the large number of thick chains supporting the bridge deck, which stretches for 375 meters.
The picturesque suspension bridge has become the hallmark of Budapest, adorning all its tourist guides. On both sides, the bridge towers are decorated with the coats of arms of Hungary and sculptures of smiling lions. The historical bridge is covered in legends, according to which, if you make a wish, cross it to the other side or sail under it on a boat, your wish will come true. Come to the bridge at dusk, when the bridge is mesmerizingly illuminated by numerous lights on chains and spotlights on bridge supports.
Széchenyi Square
After crossing the bridge, you will come out onto Széchenyi Square, where a luxurious building in the Art Nouveau style - Gresham Palace - will catch your eye. The architecture is amazing, combining fancy towers with spiers, graceful bay windows, columns and arches into one whole. The hand reaches out to capture the facade with floral patterns and numerous sculptures on the pediment and the entrance forged gate with walking peacocks.
Today the palace houses the luxurious rooms of the Four Seasons Hotel Budapest. On the square, two monuments are of interest - the Hungarian thinker Ferenc Deak in the southern part and the politician Istvan Széchenyi in the northern part.
Day 2
We suggest starting the excursion of the second day in Pest from the Szent István tér square, and ending with a walk through the historical quarter of Lipótváros. We will present the main attractions of the route in the order of visiting them.
St. Stephen's Basilica
On Szent István tér Square, the building of St. Stephen's Basilica, the largest cathedral in the Hungarian capital, will attract attention. Built in the shape of a Latin cross in the neoclassical style, the temple rises 96 meters above the city. You can view it inside on Monday-Friday from 9.00 to 17.00, on Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00, Sunday from 13.00 to 17.00.
It is worth visiting the basilica for at least a few minutes to enjoy the beauty of the interior with elaborate mosaics and marble columns. Here you can go up to the dome, where there is an observation deck, and take in the whole of Pest from a bird's eye view with your eyes and camera lens. You can climb to the site from 10.00 to 16.30 in winter and until 18.30 in summer for 1.7 €. Buildings higher than the temple in the center of the capital are not allowed.
Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue, nicknamed Budapest's Champs Elysees for its scope and picturesqueness, begins from St. Stephen's Square. It makes an enthusiastic impression with buildings and mansions built by outstanding architects in the guise of a pseudo-historical style. Walking along the avenue, you will enjoy the view of the opera City Park Varosligeto Theater, built in the neo-Renaissance style with Baroque details and 16 statues of famous composers on the facade; the French Renaissance of the Drechsler Palace, which housed the ballet institute.
Turning onto Nagymose Street, considered the local Broadway, you will see a gallery of unusual sculptures and traces of famous Hungarian artists on the asphalt. The street is literally dotted with stylish cafes, theaters and a nice piece of Paris - its Moulin Rouge. From here you can walk to the city park or take the Kodály körönd metro line 1 and after 2 stops, get off at Hősök tere station.
Városliget City Park
Coming out of the metro, you will find yourself on Heroes' Square with two semicircular colonnades dedicated to the heroes of Hungary, where between the columns are sculptures cast in bronze of the rulers of Hungary from the 9th-14th centuries from the Arpad dynasty. The towering column in the center is crowned with the figure of the Archangel Michael. Behind the colonnade begins the Városliget City Park, which is a huge complex with picturesque landscapes, attractions and attractions. Particularly popular among tourists are:
- Vaindahunyand castle complex, built for the 1000th anniversary of Hungary. It combines 21 fragments of Hungarian architectural masterpieces in a variety of styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Near the castle-pavilion you will see an interesting monument to the chronicler Anonymous
- Szechenyi Bath - a luxurious building of the 19th century and the largest bathing and health complex in Europe with thermal and regular pools filled with mineral water
- a zoo where 3 thousand different animals live in conditions close to their natural habitat and enclosures fenced with glass
- transport museum, created in 1896. It contains all examples of transport starting from the 19th century. It will be interesting to get acquainted with real train cars of past years, a collection of BMW models, and models of sailing ships and steamships of past centuries
- an eight-meter hourglass installed to commemorate the country's entry into the European Union
When leaving the park, go to trolleybus stop No. 70 and drive towards Parliament to the final stop.
Lipotváros
The historic quarter of Pest-Lipotváros is an incredibly beautiful area with a large number of monuments. Start your tour from Lajos Kossuth Square, where the neo-Gothic Parliament building, recognized as the largest and most beautiful in Europe, stands out. 40 million bricks and 40 kg of gold were used for its construction. On the parliamentary facade, 88 statues of Hungarian kings, famous political and military figures represent the entire history of the state.
In addition to the Parliament, the Ethnographic Museum on the square is of interest, open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00; there are many historical monuments. Next, go to Freedom Square - decorated with luxurious historical mansions, where the building of the Hungarian State Treasury will attract your attention. From here you return to Erzsébet tér Square and, after a short rest, continue along the Pest Embankment.
Pest waterfront
The central embankment of Budapest - Dunakorzo stretches in Pest between the Chain Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge. It looks like a wide paved street designed for walking: with cast-iron benches, trees and flowering flower beds. From here you can enjoy beautiful views of the Buda Castle, the two-towered Church of St. Anne and the Royal Palace. There are many monuments on the embankment, but one of them, representing 60 stone pairs of shoes, placed near the water's edge: belonging to people of different ages and professions, leaves no one indifferent.
This is a monument to Jews killed in World War II, who were taken off their shoes before death. Along the rest of the shore there are tram tracks with fencing. After walking along the embankment to the bridge, take tram No. 2, drive to Margaret Bridge, change to another tram No. 2 and get to the Fővám tér stop, which is practically located under the Freedom Bridge. From here you will walk across the bridge into Buda.
Mount Gellert
Mount Gellert, descending to the Danube, representing a pile of dolomite, 235 meters high, is one of the symbols of the city. It houses the famous baths, the St. Gelert Memorial, the Citadel and the Freedom Monument. In the picturesque area of the mountain you will find many sites for photographing views of Pest and bridges over the Danube. The mountain owes its name to the personality of the Catholic Saint Gerard, who died from imprisonment in a barrel thrown from the mountain.
You will see a monument to him on the mountainside. Having climbed to the top of the mountain with the 19th century Citadel, intended for observing the city, you can examine it from the inside for 3600HUF by visiting the Military Museum, located within its walls. It is open from 9.00 to 20.00 (1 May - 30 September) and from 9.00 to 17.00 (1 October - 30 April). Near the Citadel, the Freedom Monument rises 14 meters in the form of a woman’s figure with a palm branch in her raised hand and allegorical sculptures of the struggle between good and evil spirit at her feet. Go down the path to the Erzsebet Bridge and go to the stop for trams 19 and 41.
Buda embankment
Take a tram ride along the Buda promenade, admiring the beauty of the historical buildings located along its shore. The tram line, fenced with railings, is laid along the upper level of the two-level embankment. Below is a pedestrian part, paved with granite chips and not fenced off from the water. There are no monuments, cafes or shops on the Buda embankment, there are only benches for rest. Get off at the stop near Margaret Bridge.
Margaret Bridge
Margaret Bridge was built in 1876. Its peculiarity was the connection of two banks with a small Danube island, 0.5 km wide and 2.5 km long. A walk across the bridge and a visit to the island brings a lot of impressions. After crossing the first half of the bridge on the left side before the road to the island, cross the pedestrian crossing to the opposite side to admire the magnificent views of the Parliament and Buda Castle.
Continue along the path and you will come out onto St. Stephen's Boulevard, built at the end of the 19th century with beautiful houses in the Austro-Hungarian Art Nouveau style. After passing the Comedy Theater, the road will lead to the Western Station Square.
West station
The building of the western station - Nyugati, built in 1877 according to the design of the Eiffel company, is considered the most beautiful station in Europe. You will be convinced of this by walking around it from all sides. From the pedestrian green square Eiffel Nyugati with elegant facade decoration, huge windows, cascading lawns and fountains in front of the entrance. evokes an association with a palace. Its main façade, facing the Grand Boulevard, delights with imperial turrets surrounding the glass landing stage above the platforms on both sides.
Go inside the station to see the ancient interior of the ticket office and other halls, impressive with ancient frescoes and stained glass windows. In the south wing you will see the most beautiful McDonald's in the world. Today the station serves for the departure and arrival of commuter trains and the sale of tickets for international trains departing from Keleti East Station.
Day 3
On the third day in the Hungarian capital, we will continue our acquaintance with the sights of the left bank in Pest. The route runs from Vörösmarty Square to Vaci Street. Along the way, you will come across many interesting places that are worthy of attention and captured in photos and videos.
Vörösmarty Square
Start walking from Vörösmarty Square, surrounded by elegant old buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and beautiful new houses. The square is named after the famous poet Mihaly Vörösmarty, whose marble monument rises in its center. The figure of the poet, standing on a pedestal, is depicted reading his creation “The Appeal” to the people. On the square, a fountain with flowing streams of water from the mouths of lions and unusually beautiful lanterns attract attention.
Stop by the famous old patisserie to sample traditional Hungarian desserts in a pristine setting, with walls adorned with damask wallpaper, vintage paintings and elegant tables with wicker chairs. After viewing the beauty of Vörösmarty, you head to Deák Ferenc tér Square - a beautiful place and transport interchange.
Deak Ferec Square
This largest square in Budapest is named after the 19th century politician Ferenc Dick. First of all, it is notable for the presence of an ancient Lutheran church, built on the foundations of the 17th century. The neoclassical building is decorated with a pair of Roman columns in front of the entrance, and the facades from the courtyard are decorated with bronze reliefs. A bell tower rises above the temple and next to it stands a chapel dating back to 1829. Right there on the square is the second neoclassical cathedral, consecrated in honor of St. Stephen.
Another historical building, the Anker Palace, 53 meters high, looks colorful in the eclectic style of architecture. A baroque building belonging to the Budapest government attracts attention. In its courtyard you can see an exhibition of medieval sculptures. Then it is convenient to walk to Servite Square.
Church of St. Anne
The decoration of Servite Square is the snow-white Church of St. Anne, built in 1732 in the Baroque style. Today it appears in the eclectic appearance of the façade, remodeled in 1878, which does not diminish its artistic value. The church was built by the Servite order, meaning servants of Mary. On its facade, the columns of Mary, statues located in niches, openwork rose windows and elements of skillful decor are of interest. An elegant bell tower rises above the temple. Its interior features elaborate altars with unique icons and a statue of Pope John XXIII.
Former Turkish Bank Building
Another attraction of Servite Square, distinguished by the luxury of Hungarian Art Nouveau, is the building of the former Turkish Bank, built in 1906. It will be remembered for the amazing mosaic fresco on the pediment, called “The Glory of Hungary,” decorated below with bas-reliefs of jellyfish. The mosaic depicts the Virgin Mary surrounded by two angels, towering over the people awaiting her blessing.
The facade also looks bright thanks to the large arched windows with balconies and bright mosaics on the portico. From here, walk past the yellow and red baroque City Council building to the Great Synagogue.
Great Synagogue
The main synagogue of Budapest, built in the mid-19th century, is a popular tourist attraction. It was designed in Byzantine style architecture with the addition of oriental motifs in the design of the facade and interior. The interior of the synagogue will resemble a Catholic church with rows of benches, stands on the sides and a pulpit used for reading sermons.
Leaving the Synagogue, look into its courtyard, which has become a memorial park for Jewish victims of the Holocaust. In memory of them, a metal weeping willow was erected, with the name of a murdered Hungarian Jew engraved on each leaf. You can visit the Synagogue from 10.00 to 18.00 for 2250 HUF, but if you have a Budapest tourist card - 2000 HUF.
Galleries "Paris Yard"
Moving from the Great Synagogue in the direction of Karoly Avenue, you will find yourself in a picturesque corner of Budapest - Ferenciek tere Square. It is decorated with the Franciscan Church and the arcade of shopping arcades, called the “Parisian Court”. You will see covered galleries that colorfully combine Venetian Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau style. If you look closely, you will see relief bees on the walls, which are considered a symbol of frugality in Hungary.
After wandering through the shopping arcades, open on weekdays from 10.00 to 21.00, then be guided by two Art Nouveau buildings with towers facing each other, walk to the Belváros parish church - the oldest in Budapest, then return to Károlyi Avenue and walk to Edyethem Square , where the university church stands.
University Church
The structure of the university church is a true example of classical baroque. The single-nave church was built by the monks of the Paulican Order in 1742, and 30 years later it was crowned with a tower. The church is distinguished by a high facade with columns, completed by a niche-tympanum. The niche is decorated with sculptural figures of Saints Anthony and Paul, separated by the emblem of the Paulician Order. The church vestibule captivates with its skillful wood carvings.
The walls of the hall are decorated with marble pilasters, the ceiling was painted in the 18th century by the famous Johann Bergl with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. Behind the main altar, ancient sculptures of saints deserve attention. Here it is interesting to see the ancient pulpit, the choir fencing and many items made by the monks of the order with their own hands. You can view the church interior from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 16.30.
Hungarian National Museum
Don't miss the Hungarian National Museum, which displays the history and art of Hungary from the founding of the state until the late 90s of the last century. You will reach it from the square to Museum Street. It is located in a beautiful historic building dating back to 1802. The basis of its exhibition was the collection donated to the city by Count Ferenc Czachenyi, which included coins, books and manuscripts of the politician.
Over the course of 2 centuries, the museum has been replenished with historical artifacts and objects of art. Having paid 1600 HUF for the entrance, you will be in awe of the sight of the clavichord, against which the ingenious hand of Mozart leaned, the harps of Marie Antoinette and the pianos at which Beethoven and Liszt worked. The portrait gallery will introduce you to portraits of kings and princes of the Arpad dynasty. The museum's ticket office is open from 10.00 to 17.00 every day, except Mondays, when the museum is closed.
Central Market
From the museum, proceed to the Central Market, located on Wofam Square. The market is worth a visit not only because of the abundance of fruits, vegetables, famous Hungarian meat delicacies, smoked bacon, sausages and paprika. The steel building of the central market, covered with a multi-colored roof, is a real architectural masterpiece of the late 19th century. You will receive great aesthetic pleasure from the view of the facade, completed with turrets and openwork windows.
The market opens at 6 a.m. and is open on Mondays until 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday until 6 p.m., and on Saturdays until 2 p.m. It may seem strange to you that the market has a day off on Sunday! Before shopping, to compare prices and assortment, go to the supermarket located on the ground floor of the market.
Vaci street
Leaving the Central Market, go straight to the pedestrian street Vaci, dotted on both sides with expensive restaurants and cafes, antique and souvenir shops, and fashion boutiques. While you are carried away by looking at the colorful shop windows, do not pass by the historical monument of the 19th century - Thonet House at No. 11, notable for its Art Nouveau architectural style. Its façade, decorated with bright mosaics, is delightful. We end the 3rd day of our tour of Budapest with a promenade along the picturesque Vaci Street.
4 day
This day can be devoted to relaxation from historical and cultural attractions. Nature lovers can visit unique caves and enjoy interacting with animals. For those who want to improve their health, the best European baths are open, of which there are many in Budapest. We hope that the information offered here will help you make the best choice on how to spend your fourth day in the Hungarian capital.
Palveldi Cave
In the thickness of the Buda Hills, the Palveldi stalagmite cave, discovered in 1904, stretches for almost 30 kilometers in a network of tunnels. You can go through its multi-level labyrinths from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 16.00. Formed millions of years ago by the action of thermal springs, the underground kingdom is permeated with healing air. Here you will see corridors replete with drip stones, the “Theater Hall” of the cave will surprise you with a hanging stalagmite in the shape of the “sword of Damocles”, according to legend, falling on unfaithful spouses.
There is an underground zoo with figures of elephants, crocodiles and exotic animals, and a hall of fairy tales with guessable characters. When going to the cave, keep in mind that the excursion is suitable for tourists in good physical shape and is not suitable for obese people due to narrow corridors in some places. A ticket to the cave costs 1400 HUF, the tour is guided and lasts up to 1 hour. You can get to the cave by bus No. 65, from Kolosy Square, getting off at stop 5.
Margaret Island
Margaret Island, stretching 2.5 km and up to 0.5 km wide on the Danube between the Arpad and Margaret bridges, is a protected area with a beautiful arboretum where mineral thermal springs flow. Two high-status hotels located within the island are part of a balneological complex with modern equipment. The wonderful landscapes of the park with a Japanese garden, colorful alpine slides, freshness of fountains, fragrance of rose gardens, Palantine beach - a wonderful place for relaxation.
The island is equipped with tennis courts, swimming pools, and children's paddling pools. There is something for everyone of any age. Tourists interested in history will be able to walk through the ruins of the 13th century monastery, get acquainted with the Chapel of St. Michael, the singing well of Bodor and monuments to famous people of Hungary. It is a great pleasure to take a boat ride from the island to the center of Budapest.
Zoo
Budapest Zoo is located in the picturesque city park of Városliget in the center of Budapest. It has become one of the most visited attractions in the capital. At the entrance to the zoo, you are given a map with a diagram of the location of animal species and their feeding times. In the landscapes of the zoo, where about 1,500 plant species grow, there are many beautiful buildings and sculptures created by Hungarian designers. Among this splendor, 3 thousand different species of animals are kept in glass enclosures and corners close to their natural habitat.
In specially designated contact areas, you can touch the animals and feed them; you will enjoy visiting the Butterfly House, the Palm Pavilion and the Oceanarium. In the summer, opening at 9.00, the zoo is open from Monday to Thursday until 18.00, from Friday to Sunday until 19.00. In winter until 16.00, in March until 17.00, in April and October until 17.30, in September until 18.00. A standard adult ticket costs 3,000 HUF.
Szechenyi Baths
The Széchenyi Baths, dating back to 1909, are considered the largest bath complex in Budapest and Europe. Externally, the bathhouse building is comparable to a luxurious palace. The interior of 11 internal baths with mineral water from +18⁰ C to +40⁰ C is not inferior to it in luxury - healing, soothing and bubbling. These are complemented by several indoor and outdoor swimming pools. One of them is a pool with a “surprise”. In it you will experience the effects of a vortex flow, water bubbles and a jet massage with healing water at +34⁰C.
In the Széchenyi Bath you can play a game of chess while sitting in the pool, take a steam bath in the light, aromatic and Finnish saunas, and undergo health and beauty sessions in the wellness center and SPA. Bath accessories are available for rent here. Along with the entrance ticket, which costs about 14 € on weekdays and 15 € on weekends, visitors are given a bracelet that also serves as a key to the locker. Changing rooms for men and women are located separately.
The Szechenyi Baths are open seven days a week from 6.00 to 22.00 - outdoor pools, until 19.00 - thermal pools, steam cabins and saunas. You can easily get there by metro (yellow line) or trolleybus No. 72 (station and stop Széchenyi fürdő).
Gelert Bath
The building of the Gellert medicinal bath, built in 1918, in Art Nouveau architecture looks like a luxurious palace, not a hydropathic clinic, and delights with the richness of its interior. Upon entering the hall, you are stunned by the beauty of the stained glass windows illustrating the scenes of the epic. The luxurious atmosphere is created by marble columns, bronze sculptures, leather sofas and pretty fountains exuding healing water. The Gelert Bathhouse has 13 swimming pools with mineral water of different temperatures, 10 of which are indoor.
Men and women swim separately in thermal pools, so you can be in them without a swimsuit. If you want to swim outdoors in the wave pool or do water aerobics, bring a swimsuit, and slippers and a towel can be rented. The Gelert complex, together with a luxury hotel, adorns the right bank of the Danube - Buda.
It is easy to get here by trams: No. 19, 47, 18 and 49 and by buses No. 7A, 7 and 86. Tourists staying at the hotel can visit the bathhouse free of charge. For other visitors, the price of a ticket with a cabin is from 5600 HUF to 5800 HUF for 3 hours of swimming. Feel the bliss of relaxation in thermal waters from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lukács Bath
The Lukács bathhouse has 5 pools heated from + 22⁰С to +40°C and one entertainment pool with water from +33⁰С to +35°C with geysers and a whirlpool. There is 1 swimming pool equipped with devices that stretch the spine and 2 outdoor swimming pools with a comfortable temperature of +26°C. The healing water in the pools is rich in calcium, fluorine, sodium, magnesium and various trace elements.
The sessions in the wellness department, carried out in the hammam, saunas, ice bath and salt room, give a pleasant lightness to the body. Romantic lighting turns on in the outdoor pools in the evenings, and incendiary discos are held on Saturdays. To soak in the thermal waters during the day with a cabin rental will cost from 3,500 HUF on weekdays and up to 3,700 HUF on weekends. Budapest Card holders have free use of the bath during the day. Massages and mud treatments are available for an additional fee.
Pool opening hours are from 6.00 to 22.00. Opening hours of the drinking pavilion are from 11.00 to 18.00. You can get to the Lukács baths by trams No. 4, 6, 17 and 19 and walk 5 minutes or by buses No. 91, 191, 291 to Margaret Island.
Rudas Bath
The Rudas Bath attracts attention with its architecture, expressed by an abundance of Turkish motifs. Its “highlight” is the octagonal pool, called the “green pillar bath,” after the color of one of the eight multi-colored columns supporting the 10-meter-high dome. In the drinking pavilion, experience the taste of water coming from the Juventus, Hungária and Attila mineral springs, from which you will take relaxing baths.
A visit to the Rudas Baths starts at 8.30 and ends 1 hour before closing at 20.00. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday only men swim. On Tuesday, the entire bathhouse was given over to women. On Saturdays and Sundays, women and men visit the bathhouse together.
A comprehensive ticket including wellness, swimming in the thermal pool and swimming pool will cost 5,000 HUF during the day, and 500 HUF more at night. A morning visit before 12.00 costs 2800 HUF, an afternoon visit with a thermal pool and a cabin costs 3500 HUF. Travel to the bathhouse by buses 7, 8E, 108E, 110, 112, 907 and 973 and by trams 17, 19, 41, 56 and 56A.
Kiraly Bath
The Royal Turkish Baths - Kiraly, built in the 16th century by the Turks, can be recognized by the appearance of their roofs, reminiscent of mushroom caps. Visitors note the fairy-tale atmosphere that reigns in the baths, given by the overhanging ceilings and intimate lighting. In a large hall with a round pool covered with a dome, there are usually not many people, so in an atmosphere of silence you can immerse yourself in a state of nirvana, lying in warm water with light steam emanating from it.
Thermal water in the royal baths comes from the springs of the Lukas baths through a water pipeline, so there is no difference in the composition of the mineral water. A ticket here costs 2600 HUF with a booth. There is no separation between women and men, except for the locker rooms; everyone bathes together. The baths are open from 9.00 to 21.00, and the ticket office closes at 20.00.
Getting here is not difficult: from the Batthyany ter metro station you need to go towards Margaret Island. After taking trams No. 4, 6, get off at the “Margit hit” stop and walk along Fő street towards the castle. By the way, they are named royal after the surname of one of the owners - Keninga, which translates as king.
Dangar Bath
The Dandar Bath was built in 1930 on a small street in the area near the Petofi Bridge. Dangar was built as a folk bath. This establishment remains to this day, given that the prices for services here are affordable. The cheapest ticket in the evening costs 1100 HUF, and the standard ticket costs 1450 HUF. A separate ticket is sold for each type of pool in the bathhouse.
The infrastructure of the health resort does not lag behind its more famous relatives. Inside there are spacious baths, showers and a comfortable sauna, steam bath and cold pool, two indoor and outdoor pools with a temperature of +36⁰С - +38⁰С.
The bathhouse has its own well with carbon dioxide, bicarbonate-calcium water with a high fluorine content. To get to the bathhouse you need to take tram number 2 to the Haller street stop and walk a little, focusing on the Zwack - Unicum plant, which produces the famous Hungarian liqueur. The bathhouse is open from Monday to Friday from 6.00 to 20.00, on Saturday and Sunday until 14.00.
Evening walk through the city center and its bars
As soon as dusk falls on Budapest, the doors of museums and churches close. Then the path opens to the world of mesmerizing beauty of night streets, bars with original interiors, intoxicating drinks and the atmosphere that reigns in them. When the stars light up in the sky, you can fully feel the spirit of Budapest. On an evening walk you will be imbued with the energy of St. Stephen's Cathedral, seen from a different perspective and light.
On the chain bridge, breathtakingly illuminated, you will learn a lot of interesting things about the historical districts of Buda and Pest, enjoy the panorama of the Danube, admire the glowing building of the most beautiful Parliament in the world and feel the aura of Freedom Square. We suggest finishing the excursion program with a tour of the ruin bars, which will appeal not only to alcohol lovers.
You will be surprised by the interiors and decorations of ruin bars with a disco ball replicating the shape of a pig, a bar counter in the shape of a shell and many cool details. By visiting 5 of these establishments, you will learn about the origins of the ruin bar culture, get acquainted with their architecture, courtyards, communicate with the local public and try signature cocktails. The excursion takes the form of an exciting walking tour for 1-10 people, costing 25 € per person. But you have to pay extra for drinks!
5 day
Having completed the mandatory program on your own, which is traditionally included in numerous tours of the sights of the Hungarian capital, you want to end your last day in Budapest with a bright finale. At the end of our voyage, we will offer several interesting places and entertainment so that you can choose what you like.
Eger and Miskolctapolca
A trip to the only unique bath in Europe, Miskolctapolca, located in the bosom of a cave surrounded by a beech forest, will be an unforgettable event in your life. After enjoying two hours of pleasure (from 11.00 to 13.00) in the thermal pool with beautifully illuminated water +30⁰C with hydromassage, then relaxing in the stalactite hall, you will go on a two-hour sightseeing tour to Eger.
In this picturesque city, permeated with a medieval atmosphere emanating from baroque buildings, you will see all the sights and admire the architecture of the ancient minaret. Next, the path will lead to the Valley of Beauties, where in an original Hungarian tavern, you will be treated to dishes of national cuisine, and in one of the wine cellars, enjoy a tasting of Eger wine, feel the taste of the famous “Bull's Blood”, made from 6 varieties of grapes.
An exciting group excursion lasts 12 hours and costs €78 per person.
Lake Balaton and thermal baths of Heviz
You will have the opportunity to go to Lake Balaton and visit the thermal baths of Heviz on a group excursion from Budapest, lasting 11 hours. In it you will visit ancient cities, admire lakes recognized as natural monuments, and improve your health in thermal and mineral springs. On the way to Lake Balaton, stop at Tihany Abbey - the burial place of King Andras I. Arriving in Balatonfüred, get acquainted with the largest resort on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, whose healing springs, which cure diseases of the internal organs, have been famous since the times of the Roman Empire.
From here the path will lead to the ancient city of Keszthely, where you will see one of the largest Hungarian estates - the Festetics Palace. At the end, you will swim in the greatest thermal lake of Heviz, which has a beneficial effect on joint diseases, osteochondrosis, blood circulation and potency. Don't forget to bring your swimwear. A swimming ticket costs 8 €. The excursion will cost 78 € per person. This price includes lunch with wine and entry to the abbey.
Trip to Vienna
From Budapest you can go on a group excursion to Vienna. The route of the excursion walk begins from the main boulevard of the Austrian capital - Ringstrasse, with the sights located on it: the Parliament, built in antique style, the city Hall, the world-famous Vienna Opera. After enjoying the architecture of secular buildings, you will go to the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral - an architectural masterpiece and symbol of Vienna.
After visiting the historical center, you will be invited to the Belvedere art complex, consisting of 2 parts: Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere. The 7 halls of the Upper Belvedere house an artistic collection of Austrian art, which can be viewed after the tour if desired. In the Lower Belvedere, you can admire the picturesque garden that previously surrounded the palace.
Next, you will see the imperial residence of the Hofburg with 19 palaces, a church with a chapel and the library of Charles IV, where you will focus on exploring the Hofburg treasury. At the end of the excursion, there will be free time to take a walk and visit the famous Viennese Café Sacher, famous for its chocolate desserts baked according to an ancient recipe. The price of the excursion is €78 per person and includes transport, a guide and dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Szentendre – Visegrad – Esztergom
A necklace of ancient towns is scattered along the bend of the Danube. They preserve fragments of the history of the times of domination of the Romans and Turks, castles of the Middle Ages, churches that crowned the tops of hills and mountains. The richest Hungarian history is concentrated in the cities of Szentendre, Visegrad and Esztergom, which are offered on an individual tour for 1-4 people.
You will be offered three options to choose from: only a trip to Szentendre (3-3.5 hours for 150 €); trip to Visegrad and Szentendre (4-4.5 hours for 180€) or 8 hour trip to Szentendre, Visegrad, Esztergom for 250€.
Pannonhalma Abbey
The second largest Abbey in the world, Pannochalma Abbey is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastic property occupies the top of St. Martin's Hill, 282 meters high. The establishment of the monastery on this site dates back to the distant year 996. During the car tour, you will be briefly told the history of the name of the hill, which, according to legend, became the birthplace of St. Martin of Tours. You will visit the basilica, the crypt, see the abbey library, and taste delicious wines - products of the monastery winery.
At the abbey you can buy chocolates, wine, lavender oil and soap made by the monks. At the end of the trip, you will have lunch at the panoramic restaurant “Viator”, offering views of the magnificent local landscapes. The car tour lasts 8 hours and is designed for 1-7 people. Regardless of the number of people, its price is 250 €, which includes: travel from a hotel in Budapest to Pannonhalma and back, accompanied by a Russian-speaking driver; payment for renting a business class car, toll roads and parking. In addition, you will have to pay 8 € for visiting the abbey, for wine tasting and lunch.
What and how you can save money
On any trip, it's nice to spend less money, leaving it for other needs and pleasures. We will recommend several options on how to save money in Budapest.
Using these tips, knowing the real prices and payment algorithm, you will not spend a lot of money without denying yourself anything.
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Talks about when is the best time to go to the city on the Danube, what to see if you only have two days, where the stunning panorama opens up, where you can find ice cream in the shape of a rose and much more interesting things for everyone who dreams of spending an unforgettable time in the capital of Hungary .
Why go to Budapest?
We have all heard about how romantic Paris is, how majestic Rome is, how beautiful Barcelona is and how beautiful Amsterdam is. However, few people can say what Budapest is famous for. Only in the last couple of years have travelers begun to pay attention to one of the most beautiful cities in eastern Europe, and there are many reasons for this. Budapest is an original city that harmoniously combines past and present. This city's atmosphere is unlike any other. Budapest is a city on the banks of the Danube, a city of majestic bridges, a city that sinks into the soul once and for all.
What time of year is best to visit Budapest?
Budapest is beautiful at any time of the year. People come here to Christmas markets to drink mulled wine and ginger biscuits, in the fall they wrap up warm and climb Mount Gellert, in the summer they spend days on end in the famous baths, and in the spring... In the spring the city comes alive and becomes special. Therefore, to get to know the capital of Hungary, I recommend the second half of March and April.
Do you know why Budapest is special at this time? It is in the spring that the three most important holidays for Hungarians take place here. The first is the Spring Festival - the most vibrant cultural event not only in Hungary, but throughout Europe. Classical music, opera, jazz, pop, ethnic music, dance and theater performances, art installations - all this is staged right on the streets of the city. The second is the national Hungarian holiday: the whole country celebrates the beginning of the revolution and the war of independence. And finally, the third one is Easter. Thematic fairs are held in the city center, where you can taste national cuisine and buy original souvenirs.
But this is not the most important thing. While everyone at home is frantically updating the weather forecast, rejoicing at even a slight warming, in Budapest magnolias, almond trees, cherry trees, apple trees and even sakura are in full bloom! The air warms up to +20 degrees and the best thing you can do is take a bike and ride around the city from morning to evening, stopping for coffee in the morning and Tokaj wine in the evening. Arriving here in the spring, you yourself come to life along with the city.
What is the best way to get to the city from the airport?
The easiest and most inexpensive way is the 200E bus. If I'm not mistaken, this is the only bus that stops at the airport, so you definitely won't get confused and go the other way. The route goes to a metro station on the outskirts of the city, from where the journey to the center will take a maximum of 20 minutes. By the way, the fare for public transport is fixed - 350 forints per trip.
What's the best way to get around the city?
Budapest is divided into two parts: the hilly historical Buda and modern Pest. The most beautiful and convenient routes for tourists run along the banks of the Danube, along which the legendary yellow trams run. The tram in Budapest is not only the most convenient and common means of transportation, but also a great way to see the city. Moreover, Hungarians love trams so much that they even decorate before the Christmas holidays. Looks fabulous!
Which tourist places should you see and visit if you only have two days in the city?
Two days in Budapest is quite a bit, but it’s enough to fall in love with the Hungarian capital and someday return again. So, the minimum program:
Ride the old funicular to Fisherman's Bastion, enjoy the view of the city and try the main gastronomic pride of Hungary - marzipan. It is sold here at museum and so fresh that even those who don’t really like this sweetness will like it. Afterwards you can go down on foot and cross the Danube along Chain Bridge and walk along the embankment towards the building Hungarian Parliament- the main attraction of the country.
From Parliament you can travel a couple of stops towards the center by tram or walk to St. Stephen's Basilica- the main cathedral of Budapest. There is an observation deck at the top, but after the view from the Fisherman's Bastion it is unlikely to impress you, but there is something that definitely deserves attention - the famous ice cream Gelarto Rosa. It is served here in the form of a rose, the petals of which can be not only flavored with the classic strawberry and chocolate, but also with the flavor of olive oil, rosemary, pumpkin and even whiskey! This is a must taste.
Not far from the Basilica there is the main tourist street of the city - Vaci. Here you can buy souvenirs and eat delicious food. For example, in For Sale Pub. After the famous ruin pubs of Budapest, this pub is undoubtedly the most atmospheric. Traditional dishes are prepared deliciously here and have their own specialties: on the tables there are plates of peanuts, the husks of which can be thrown directly onto the floor, and the ceiling and walls are hung with checks, tickets, banknotes and even passports.
And finally, to the most interesting part. A boat trip on the Danube at night is a must, which I strongly advise against skipping. Words are unnecessary here. It's amazing.
What non-tourist places should you see to feel the atmosphere of the city?
The first thing that comes to mind is Margaret Island. It is located in the city center between the Margaret and Arpad bridges. Margate acts as a central park and is a favorite vacation spot for all city residents. They go jogging and cycling here, come with their families for picnics, play sports, meditate, and walk with dogs who happily chase Frisbees through the green meadows. If there is an idyll somewhere in Budapest, then it is here.
Another place is the famous Hungarian baths. There are a lot of them in Budapest, but, in my opinion, the most beautiful and atmospheric is Szechenyi. Locals buy passes and go to the baths all year round. In the morning tourists relax here, grandfathers play chess right on the water and residents simply relax, but in the evening Széchenyi changes radically and becomes a platform for stylish parties. Not every day, but quite often pool parties are held here, where students gather and have a blast.
Favorite “secret” places in Budapest?
Undoubtedly Mount Gellert. While all the tourists crowd on the Fisherman's Bastion, Gellert is quiet and beautiful. The reason is that tourists are too lazy to climb Gellert on foot. It's a mountain, after all, it takes about an hour to climb, but it's worth it. You'll be rewarded with stunning views of not only the Danube and Pest, but also views of another part of the city over the hill. This is the only place from which you can see absolutely the whole of Budapest.
Ruin Pub Szimpla Kert- It’s no secret for tourists, but this particular pub is the most atmospheric in the city. You won't have any trouble finding other creative bars in the area, for example Gozsdu Udvar , where I highly recommend visiting for bar-hopping. However, ruin pubs are a separate feature. Forget everything you saw before. Szimpla Kert is a designer’s flight of fancy, not without the image of a brothel, but very, very stylish. Thematic creative rooms are located on two floors, and juicy burgers are grilled in a cozy courtyard. Ruin pubs are the essence of Budapest: a bit of tasteful madness, hidden from prying eyes.
Tips:
- The Smart City application will build a public transport route to anywhere in the city and works offline, just like the excellent navigator for pedestrians maps.me.
- In addition to buses, trams and the metro, Budapest has water buses that run along a specific route and cost five times less than tourist boats. For example, a ticket from a promoter on the shore will cost 3500–4000 forints, and for one trip on a water bus - 750 forints. A great option to see the city. The best routes are D11 and D12.
- Entrance to the observation deck of the Fisherman's Bastion costs 700 forints. However, you can come before 9 am and enjoy the view for free without tourists and fuss. If you are not a morning person, then it is better to go up to the cafe in the north tower, buy a coffee and croissant and admire the panorama from there.
- If you decide to go up to the observation deck of St. Stephen's Basilica, there is one loophole: usually tourists buy a ticket and, without hesitation, go up the spiral staircase, but you can walk 20 meters to the left from the entrance and take the elevator.
What mistakes do many tourists make when coming to Budapest?
They walk exclusively along Vaci and go to attractions using a navigator. All the most authentic things are hidden from tourist routes. Take public transport, deviate from the guidebook routes more often, pay attention to details and get a feel for the city. Taking impressions with you is more important than magnets and postcards.
A couple of non-tourist restaurants and coffee shops for breakfast, lunch and dinner:
Delicious lunches with large portions, affordable prices and friendly service in
