Welcome to your holiday in Hungary’s capital city. As one of the largest cities in Europe, Budapest mixes the old with the new. It has a rich history of different cultures settling on its lands, including the Romans, the Ottomans and the Celts. As a result, the city is filled to the brim with beautiful architecture, incredible food and a bustling pace of life. Its social calendar is one of the busiest in Europe, and at any one time, you might be lucky enough to catch one of its many music festivals, concerts or city celebrations completely by accident. The city serves as a large meeting point for most of Europe’s younger generation and is a hotspot for city breakers, couples, backpackers, and even families.
Where Buda meets Pest
Tour information:
- Duration: 3 days
- Language: Hungarian
- Currency: Forint
- Local time: CET
Top Budapest districts
District I – Buda Castle
This area of the city is Budapest on the charm offensive. It’s widely considered the most beautiful of Budapest’s districts. Think cobbled streets and grand buildings, the famed thermal baths, the Danube, the Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, and oh so much more. This area is a moocher’s heaven.
District V – Belváros (Inner City)
This district used to be walled in, and to this day you can still spot segments of the old walls, which have now been incorporated into buildings within the district. There’s a pretty pedestrianised area with trees and benches to relax on, plus cafés and local restaurants galore. For sights to be seen, visit the Szabadság Square, and the Soviet War Memorial, and Budapest’s largest church; St Stephen’s Basilica.
District VII – Erzsébetváros (Former Jewish Quarter)
When on holiday in Budapest you simply have to come to the old Jewish Quarter. It’s cultural, it’s romantic, it’s beautiful. There are several synagogues to see – The Great Synagogue is the second largest in the entire world. This district is also one of the coolest destinations, with popular ruin bars, beer gardens and excellent street food on offer.
Things to do in Budapest City
Castle Hill Walking Tour
Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets of one of Budapest’s most eminent historical sites. Begin your walk by taking the funicular to the top of Castle Hill. From there, you can enjoy lush gardens, panoramic views of Budapest’s Castle District and the renowned Fisherman’s Bastion, the stunning while viewing platform that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Cruise along the Danube
One of the best ways to see Budapest is on a scenic cruise on the Danube River. Whether you fancy a quiet day of sightseeing in the sun or a romantic dinner beneath the stars, the cruise is a key part of your holiday in Budapest. Some of the tours offer wine tasting events and optional walks around the famous Margaret Island. If you have time, why not take a ride on the hydrofoils to the Danube Bend and Vienna (anyone for two holidays in one?).
Turkish Baths
Budapest isn’t known as the ‘City of Baths’ without good reason. It’s one of the few cities in Europe that’s preserved an authentic collection of Turkish Baths dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. If you really want to relax, take a dip in one of over 80 glorious thermal springs around the city – you won’t regret it.
Heroes Square
One of Budapest’s most beautiful historical sites, Heroes Square is only a short walk from the Baths and the city centre. Built in 1896 to mark the thousandth anniversary of Hungary, the square, with its towering pillar and accompanying monuments is one of the main reasons that Budapest is known as the ‘Paris of the East
Taste of Hungarian cuisine
Although Hungary’s local dishes are much richer and heavier than other European food, the flavours are second to none. For the real local experience, sample a little meat goulash, some fresh water fish, and ‘modra’ (strips of beef served in a creamy sauce with peppers). Once you’ve loosened your belt, sit back and enjoy a glug or two of some of the city’s local wines. Ones to look out for are Tokaji (a strong dessert wine), Bikavér (meaning ‘Bull’s Blood’) and Pálinka (a strong brandy that comes in apricot, plum, pear and cherry flavours).
Restaurants in Budapest
One of the most interesting parts of Budapest is its variety of places to eat and drink. Many of its restaurants, such as the Great Market Hall (a great place to pick up fresh vegetables and fruits) and the multiple Michelin star-awarded Borkonyha, are unique to the style of Budapest and its culture. It’s a place filled with warm, hearty food at all times. But no trip to this city is complete without visiting Borbiróság. This is the best place to sample affordable Hungarian cuisine and enjoy its low-key ‘wine court&
Europes best Nightlife
Bars and Pubs
This area of the city is Budapest on the charm offensive. It’s widely considered the most beautiful of Budapest’s districts. Think cobbled streets and grand buildings, the famed thermal baths, the Danube, the Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, and oh so much more. This area is a moocher’s heaven.
Clubbing
This district used to be walled in, and to this day you can still spot segments of the old walls, which have now been incorporated into buildings within the district. There’s a pretty pedestrianised area with trees and benches to relax on, plus cafés and local restaurants galore. For sights to be seen, visit the Szabadság Square, and the Soviet War Memorial, and Budapest’s largest church; St Stephen’s Basilica.