A place that has River Danube as a splinter ought to be high on aesthetics as the cultivation often happens around a river. Buda and Pest is quintessential places that one of the best places to visit in the world for not just historic reasons, but for anything under the sun.
From the Bachelor parties to the Hen parties, run pubs escape no one’s attention. The baths that are rare in other parts of the world are certain to please your senses making you want more of everything you have had in Budapest. With Art Nouveau, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings Budapest has maintained a wonderful charm that we only now hear in history. Rich in food such as Langosh, and other authentic Hungarian dishes you have opted for the finest of holidays. Find out why:
Best Things to do in Budapest
Walk across the Chain Bridge:
Literal to its name, the Chain Bridge links the west and east part of the city. The Bridge is a representation of national pride and economic improvement. Walking from one side of the bridge to the other is one of the favorite past times of the tourists.
Tramping with your family, or just treading your way towards the other ends with your partner, you will be completely taken aback with the beauty and the stellar construction of the bridge. Some iconic pictures can be taken at this breathtaking sight at night.
Best Time to visit:
Evening time is best as the lights enlighten the spirit and the bridge equally.
How to reach:
From the Budapest Airport, you may take Bus, Train, Taxi, Drive a cab or shuttle
Top Attraction:
The lights at the Bridge and cruise over the river over which it is built
Interesting Facts:
It was built-in 1849, and its official name is Istvan Szechenyi
Where To Stay:
Supreme City Center Apartment, Sunny Studio at the Castle, and NN Apartments are some of the beautiful places and you may choose according to your budget.
Things to do:
Strolling and clicking pictures is one of the favorite things of the tourists
Parliament Building:
The Epitome of a fine Gothic structure, this building in Hungary is worth a watch. The structure of this building and the area in which it is sprawled is simply awe-inspiring. Visit this place that is home to many parliament houses and enjoy the structure to the fullest. The best view of the building can be obtained when you are on the other side of the Danube. You will then feel the excellence of the structure and its magnificence.
Best Time to visit:
Some areas of the parliament building are open for visitors between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; however, during the National Assembly sessions, the building is closed for any visits.
How to reach:
A direct bus departing from Liszt Ferenc Airport 2 arrives at Deák Ferenc tér M. The services depart every 15 minutes, and operate every day, taking about 34 minutes.
Top Attraction:
Its view from the Danube as it showcases the house from one end to the other standing like a masterpiece of gothic structure
Interesting Facts:
The outline of the structure of the building was planned to face the river, and was obtained through an international competition among architects and designers
Where To Stay:
Prestige Hotel Budapest, Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest, and numerous others
Things to do:
Visit The Danube and enjoy the sights of the Parliament Building
Heroes Square:
An Iconic monument that features depictions of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars is a perfect place to go when in Budapest to enlighten yourself about Magyars who are believed to have led the Hungarian people from central Asia to the Carpathian Basin. When the Andrassy Avenue ends, the Heroes Square begins and is one of the largest square in Budapest.
Best Time to visit:
Winters is the best season to travel and sunset is the best time to be there as the lights focus the monuments perfectly
How to reach:
You can reach by Metro, Bus, Light Rail or Cable Car. These are the lines and routes that have stops nearby -Bus: Bus – 105, Bus – 20E, Bus – 30Metro: Metro – M1Cable Car: Cable Car – 72
Top Attraction:
Aerial view of the central pillar is the Archangel Gabriel, holding the Hungarian crown.
Interesting Facts:
It is a collection imposing statues.
Where To Stay:
Heroes Residence, Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest, Mintage Apartment and many other lovely places offer a comfortable stay.
Things to do:
Enjoy the art galleries on either side of the building.
Buda Castle:
A grandeur such as this is hard to find. Buda Castle has the most spectacular view and what is more fascinating is the way to the castle. This place is the easiest to show you what history was like in Budapest. The walls at the castle are full of historical evidence written all over and the rooms reflect the Renaissance, Ottoman, Habsburg and the Communist past.
Best Time to visit:
Best time to visit 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Best months are Mid-March, April and then from May to October
How to reach:
Either you walk the steep steps from Chain Bridge or the Buda Hills or alternatively Take the Buda Hill Funicular up to the Castle costing 1,200Ft
Top Attraction:
The neo-classical structure and the view of other iconic places in Budapest from this castle is absolutely rip-roaring.
Interesting Facts:
The oldest building built around 700 years ago called the Red Hedgehog House is located in the Buda Castle
Where To Stay:
Carlton Hotel Budapest, Orion Hotel Castle Garden, Cute Apartment and various other places offering budgeted and luxurious stay
Things to do:
Visit the museums into which the place is divided now.
Szimpla Kert:
One of the most famous ‘Ruin Bars’ in Budapest is Szimpla Kert. Ruin bars are characteristic of Budapest with old furniture and are set up in deserted buildings. The crowd at this bar is often a lot. Have that tipsy night at one of the run bars and enjoy your Budapest tour to the fullest.
Best Time to visit:
Crowded and jammed as this place begins to get between 11:00 P.m. to 4:00 am. you may take a pick and choose to go early by 6:00 p.m. It all depends on what you like!
How to Reach:
Closest stations near this place are Uránia which is 3 min walk and Nagy Diófa Utca being 4-minute walk.
Top Attraction:
The pictures and tattered furniture is what people like and enjoy in this Ruin bar at Budapest
Interesting Facts:
The place does not close even once in the week and is mostly crowded
Where To Stay:
Avantgarde Apartments, Colors Apartments, and Heritage Home Apartment
Things to do:
Drink, make merry and dance to the live music.
Fishermen’s Bastion:
Hungarian’s celebrate their city and its evolution and one such Birthday of Hungary when it turned 1000 years old, this Fishermen’s Bastion was built. On the rooftop of Castel Hill, this spellbinding place was built as a scenic view across The Danube, Margaret Island the city of Pest. Although built in the 20th Century, the place gets its name from the Fishermen guild who were responsible for defending this part of the city.
Best Time to visit:
Sunset is the best time to enjoy the scenic view of the city as it becomes very dramatic and dreamy at the same time.
How to reach:
Reach this place in less than an hour by taking a direct bus from Budapest Airport. The bus drops you at Budapest Déli Pályaudvar station.
Top Attraction:
The view from the terrace is dynamic and galvanic
Interesting Facts:
It has seven towers that represent the seven Magyar tribes. These tribes helped to settle the Magyar people in the Carpathian Basin
Where To Stay:
Sunny Studio at the Castle, Castle Cottage and series of places according to your budget
Things to do:
Enjoy some great food from the 200-year-old Ruszwurm Confectionery when at the Castel Hill.
Szechenyi Spa Baths:
You could opt to be here on the last day of your tour to Budapest so you can go back rejuvenated. It is absolutely wonderful to soak up the sun when in this medicinal bath that gives relief for joint pain and other medical issues. The waters here in these baths are rich in various minerals and metals compensating for the ones that have degenerated in your body.
Best Time to visit:
The best time to visit would be 10:00 until noon. Although the baths are functional until sunset
How to reach:
Take M1 metro (underground) to easily get here in 15 minutes from the heart of the city, i.e. from the transit hub square called Deak Square (Deák tér).
Top Attraction:
The spa and massages are fantastic and are complete rejuvenation.
Interesting Facts:
The water at the baths have metals like sulfates, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and fluoride.
Where To Stay:
Ibis Budapest Heroes Square Hotel, Park & Art Boutique Suites along with a series of places.
Things to do:
Enjoy the baths and spas and the waters rejuvenating your body and mind.
Margaret Island:
A Japanese Garden, where you can sunbathe and enjoy the roses around, is a beautiful and quiet parkland. The island is 2.5 k.m. long and is on the Danube river cat walking over the Buda and Pest through the bridges. The island is amazingly green and a beautiful jogging spot which is about 5.5 km. allows people to get away from the city’s crowd.
Best Time to visit:
Spring season, April to May is the best.
How to reach:
You can take the tram and streetcar number 4 and 6. Either of these can drop you to the middle of Margaret Bridge. Getting off the tram, the island is 1-minute walk.
Top Attraction:
The musical fountain and the water oozing from it to a classical tune
Interesting Facts:
The island houses medieval ruins and aviaries catering to the injured water birds and wildfowl.
Where To Stay:
Apartment4you, Budapest, Birdnest Apartment and even hostel V61, offering budget and luxurious rooms.
Things to do:
Pedal carts, golf carts, and other self-powered vehicles can be rented for exploration of the island.
Suggested Tour: Budapest’s Highlights by Bike with Goulash Meal
Danube River Walk:
The Danube in one of the most famous rivers in Europe is a fantastic experience. The stretch of the Danube river has two ends Elizabeth Bridge to the Chain Bridge. This walk in the pleasant weather will awaken the romance in you especially love towards nature.
Your spirits would feel uplifted and happier. What is more surprising that on the Buda and Pest side of the river, you get to see two different worlds.
Best Time to visit:
From May to September when the weather is pleasant.
How to reach:
Train, Bus, Taxi, and Drive on your own, all the options are available from the airport and takes approximately 2 hours.
Top Attraction:
Dinner Cruise and the gypsy folk show.
Interesting Facts:
The Buda side and Pest Side reflects two different features of the place, where the Buda sideshows Fishermen’s Bastion and Gellert Hill and the Buda Castle. Whereas the Pest side shows various sculptures.
Where To Stay:
Walter Ranch, Gunaras Resort Spa, Vass Villa Vendegnaz and a host of other places
Things to do:
Cruising, Dinner, Observing, Liberty Statue, Restaurant, Sculptures and a catalog of other things.
House of Terror:
With 20th-century rulers of Hungary being commemorated in this museum that spans over four floors, missing this place is a rare chance. Although, not very positive in the past as it served as torture home by the State Security Services of Hungary, the place is now transformed into a museum with lots of interactive walls depicting the survivor stories and other victims and their testimonials. Other than exhibiting the fascist and communists the place also holds other temporary exhibitions.
Best Time to visit:
It is open between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Any time of the year is perfect for this
How to reach:
Take a taxi which costs 6 500 Ft – 8 000 Ft and takes 21 min from the airport. Alternatively, a direct bus departing from Liszt Ferenc Airport 2 drops you at Astoria M.
Top Attraction:
Watch the blended installations with interactive screens that allow you to listen to first-hand accounts from survivors.
Interesting Facts:
Learn the stories of brutality committed by the fascists and communists in the 20th Century.
Where To Stay:
Budapest Royal Suites, Isabella good Karma, Deep Guesthouse, including a row of places which are budgeted and luxurious. You need to take your pick
Things to do:
Visit all the four floors and the basement to understand the victim stories
St. Stephen’s Basilica:
A church that reflects the spiritual side of the people from Budapest is a must-visit as it very beautifully structured. It has domes and if you wish you can even go to the base of the doom to enjoy the sight. The sight is said to display Budapest’s parts with a bird’s eye view. So if you want to get at close quarters to see the beauty, climb to the base of the dome.
Best Time to visit:
The church is open from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 P.m. On Saturdays and Sundays it is open for sometime between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. and 1:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. respectively.
How to reach:
Car and bus routes ply to reach here. If traveling by bus, take route number 105 from Clark Ádám tér to Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út M that takes about 5 min.
Top Attraction:
Its space is its biggest attraction as it can hold up to 8500 people and has one of the most archetypal structure.
Interesting Facts:
One needs to be conservatively dressed, especially covering their shoulders and legs below the knees.
Where To Stay:
The Magazine Hotel and Apartment, 7 seasons Apartments, and many superior places to chose from.
Things to do:
Enjoy the Organ concerts and the Classical Musical concerts inside the Basilica.
Hungarian State Opera House:
This was built in the 1884 and is earmarked by statues of Hungarian composers called Ferenc Erkel who had composed the Hungarian National Anthem and Ferenc Liszt, a Hungarian composer. The place is nothing short of entertainment zone and an Opera show with advanced tickets would be even more wonderful. The construction of the building was approved by France Joseph then ruler.
Best Time to visit:
The place is open from Monday to Saturday between 11.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m. or until the beginning of the show. Sunday remains a holiday.
How to reach:
A direct bus departing from Liszt Ferenc Airport 2 will drop you at Deák Ferenc tér M. Services depart every 30 minutes and operates every day. The journey takes approximately 29 min.
Top Attraction:
Opera Tours and the New Gothic structure is eye-catching.
Interesting Facts:
The ruler who approved construction had placed a condition that this Opera could not be bigger than the Vienna Opera House
Where To Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Budapest City Center, 12 Revay Hotel, and Opera Residence are some luxurious options to stay in the country
Things to do:
Enjoy the walking tour or the Hop on Hop off Budapest Bus tour
Faust Wine Cellars:
Your love for wine and wine tasting can be realized here at this cellar. Located below the Buda Castle, the place serves wine from 22 Hungarian regions to add on the variety.
Best Time to visit:
It is open from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
How to reach:
From the Parliament takes route no. 16 by bus to be here
Top Attraction:
The wine and the stairs that take you down which of the 13th Dominican style
Interesting Facts:
There is an escape route under in the Faust wine cellar and a maze-like structure which may freak you out
Where To Stay:
Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Hotel Castle garden, Castle Cottage and a lot more places to stay around this wine cellar
Things to do:
Enjoy the wine and then plunge to validate the wine consumption by traveling atop the Buda castle through the steep stairs.
Memento Park:
An open-air museum housing the communists from the era is a place of historical importance. You will see Vladimir Lenin and Karl Marx and statues of numerous Hungarian Communists here.
Best Time to visit:
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. is the best time.
How to reach:
Take a bus from Deak Ferenc Ter that leaves at 11:00 a.m. every day and charge €15. This includes a guided tour and the entry fee.
Top Attraction:
Replicated remains of Stalin’s boots, display of events from 1956 and changes until 1989. You might also be interested in a documentary film showing secret agents collecting information in subversives.
Interesting Facts:
The statues are built in 1989, so are not very old.
Where To Stay:
Hotel Pension Helios, Hotel Charles, and Ibis Styles Budapest are some of the luxuries and budgeted places
Things to do:
Rockhoppers Communist Budapest Tour, Budapest Card, Scenic flight above Budapest by a private plane
Great Market Hall:
When in Rome, be like Romans, is a saying that is not in vain. So if you want to know what the locals eat and the kind of products they have, visit this place and get to see the scrumptious vegetables and fruits the place has to offer. And if you are a meat lover, you will be proud to choose your won meat for lunch/dinner.
Best Time to visit:
The place is open on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday and each day the timings are different.
How to reach:
Use the Hop off and Hop on tour bus option to be here and enjoy the time here, else opt for the culinary tours. If you are traveling alone, then you can use line 2 tram.
Top Attraction:
Shopping arcade selling souvenirs, leather and a whole lot of other items.
Interesting Facts:
This was neo-gothic hall transformed into a market for the traders.
Where To Stay:
Boutique hotel Budapest, ibis Budapest Centrum, numerous others to make your stay pleasant
Things to do:
Shop Souvenirs, take a culinary tour and enjoy the local eateries around the place
City Park:
Spend your leisure hours at this very enchanting place and soak up some sun in the winters. The place offers lots of activities, as there is a river nearby and also house many botanical gardens and Budapest Municipal Zoo. The place attracts children and adults alike as it is activities galore and super fascinating.
Best Time to visit:
If you like skiing, then visiting in the winter months in January. Else, you may visit any time of the year
How to reach:
Take the M1 Millennium underground line and get off at Heroes’ Square or at Széchenyi Fürdő stations. The park lies behind the square.
Top Attraction:
Skiing in winters when the lake freezes to become an ice rink along with the one year sand timer.
Interesting Facts:
This use to be meadow and a hunting area for noblemen.
Where To Stay:
ibis Budapest Heroes Square Hotel, Benczur Hotel and many more are there for a great stay
Things to do:
Swimming, sports, boating, skiing during winters and simply sitting and enjoying the leisure time.
Flipper Muzeum:
It is an interactive museum that aims to keep the pinball culture alive. A number of people visit this place just to get introduced to the quirky side of it and enjoy looking at the machines from 1947. The place is an underground one, and certainly has an old-world to it. It is located under downtown residential building and is still a remarkable place
Best Time to visit:
Wednesday to Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 12: 00 a.m. Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
How to reach:
Metro, car or bus all means of transport are available to this part.
Top Attraction:
The uncanny location under the residential building and the machines with all the old world hues are simply awesome
Interesting Facts:
The machines still work, but are now a part of the museum so to keep up the culture alive through them.
Where To Stay:
Prestige Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel and number of other luxury and 3-star stays are available.
Things to do:
Enjoy the walk in the nearby area and Danube.
Dohany Street Synagogue:
In spite of fewer Jews in Budapest, this is one of the largest Synagogue in the world that is not in Israel. The synagogue is said to have seating arrangements for about 300 people. The Jewish wanted the synagogue to be retained and as a result, collected funds to restore the property after its destruction during World War II.
Best Time to visit:
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is closed n Saturdays.
How to reach:
A taxi and a bus route can be opted for. Taxi costs 6 500 Ft – 8 000 Ft and takes 21 min. A direct bus from Liszt Ferenc Airport 2 arrives at Astoria M.
Top Attraction:
The weeping willow with leaves bearing the names of the people who died during world war II. Another top attraction is the memorial of Swedish diplomat called Roual Wallenberg who saved a lot of Jews from the camps.
Interesting Facts:
While the Synagogue was under construction some Jews had paid to get a permanent seat which could be sold later.
Where To Stay:
Avantgarde Apartments, Arcadia Hotel Budapest or Budapest Royal Suites III are some lovely places to stay.
Things to do:
Enjoy the yummy European snacks and baked stuff at the Bake lit cafe. Alternatively, enjoy the Jewish Museum and a spa at the Lian Thai Massage post a beer session at Beer brothers.
Ecseri Flea Market:
The Outskirts of the city has this raging market where you can meander and aimlessly shop anything you want. The market has everything from clothes to baubles, mementos, and various ornaments to please your friends back home. Make sure you bargain your way and settle on a deal that would satisfy your pockets.
Best Time to visit:
The market is open on all days, however, the weekends are recommended. The usual market timings are from 8:00 a.m. to 4: 00 p.m. except weekends when it opens at 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
How to reach:
After you reach Bararos Ter, an underpass for busses, take the bus route number 54 or 55. keep looking on your left for the flag for the market.
Top Attraction:
You find antics belonging to the historical era, including some very beautiful furniture.
Interesting Facts:
The prizes are awfully high, and as tourists, your bargaining skills will have to succumb after a point.
Where To Stay:
Sarokhaz Panzhio, Hotel Chesscom, Tenisz Apartments and a lot more are there within a 10 km in radius.
Things to do:
Enjoy the stalls, and when done, stroll down to Budapest Park and Elizabeth square to know more of Budapest
Andrassy Avenue:
When you are here, you are at the world heritage site. Yes, Andrassy Avenue has declared a world heritage site in 2002, due to the worthy cultural sites. When you are here you can walk your way and enjoy looking at the National Opera House, neo-renaissance townhouses, and many national embassies too. This place would also allow you to have a look at the mansions in the city.
Best Time to visit:
Any time of the year and day is good.
How to reach:
Travel by taxi, Bus, or the car.
Top Attraction:
Numerous places can be visited when here, Buda Castel, Chain Bridge, Heroes Square are some of the popular places to visit
Interesting Facts:
This avenue was initially built to divert the traffic of the Kirley Street and to act as the link between the City center and the city park which gradually became the world heritage site owing to its beautiful structures
Where To Stay:
Hotel Moments, Budapest, Andrassy Thai Hotel, and Apartments Budapest Andrassy 2 are some lovely places for a comfortable stay.
Things to do:
Numerous monuments and places around, this square have lovely shops for the mega shopping that you are aiming at! Splurge!
Liberty Statue:
Even after the democracy changed, this communist statue could continue to have its place on Gellert Hill. The location of this statue is attributed to its presence as it overlooks the Danube city. Standing at the pedestal of the statue and looking at it awe-inspiringly, you will be urged to climb uphill and reach the apex.
Best Time to visit:
Any time of the day, but if you are enthusiastic about a great view, then sunset it is!
Interesting Facts:
Initially the statue was erected to commemorate the Soviet troops who lost their lives in saving the country, but later the inscription was dedicated to all those who lost their lives during the independence.
Where To Stay:
Hotel Rum Budapest, D8 Hotel, and Prestige Hotel are some of the popular places.
Things to do:
Visit the Gellert Hill Cave, and go for a food tour to the nearby places.
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Sightseeing and fun and frolic is your motto as a traveler you are certain to have been pleased by the number of places you can visit. The list is long and you must plan a trip offering no time bonds.
Your exploration in this place would make you yearn to know more about it, especially the historical buildings with gothic, Dominican and contemporary structures. Each and every nook in the city is safe and the presence of the bridges over the river gives it a wonderful and breathtaking aerial view.