Budapest is the capital of Hungary and the country’s main tourist destination. The Danube River, the second-largest river in Europe after the Volga, divides this beautiful city into two areas: Buda and Pest. Very different from each other, but both with an energy that attracts and conquers all its visitors. Buda is the western part of the capital, to the right of the Danube and Pest, the eastern part. Two ancient cities that did not unite until 1873 to create the wonderful city that today is the capital of Hungary and one of the most interesting destinations to travel to in Europe. If you want to find out more about Budapest and don’t want to miss out on what to do in this amazing place, read on!
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Places to see in Budapest, Hungary
Parliament, the most iconic thing to see in Budapest
On the banks of the Danube stands one of the most impressive buildings in Hungary, and certainly in Europe. We are talking about the Parliament of Budapest, a huge construction built between 1884 and 1902 and the largest of its time at 268 metres long and 118 metres wide. It is true that its neo-Gothic architecture is impressive from the outside. However, this monument deserves a stop to visit its interior and be dazzled by its richness. Guided tours can be booked that show and explain in detail the Main Staircase, the Dome Hall, where the crown of St. Stephen, first King of Hungary, is housed, and the Old Upper Chamber.
Prices: EU adults (€9.30), EU students (€5), Non-EU adults (17.80 €), Non-EU students (€9.30). Children under 6: free.
Chain Bridge
One of Budapest’s landmarks is undoubtedly the Chain Bridge. Not only for its beauty, but also because it is the oldest bridge linking the two parts of the city: Buda and Pest. The original bridge, from the 19th century, was demolished during the Second World War. The one we can see today is an identical copy that keeps the same grandeur of the previous one. The most beautiful way to see it is with a boat trip on the Danube. One of the best things to do on your trip to Budapest.
Széchenyi Thermae, a curious plan to do in Budapest
In one of the most beautiful and charming places in Budapest, Varosliget Park, you can make the most interesting and curious stop in Budapest, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. It is the largest medicinal thermal baths in Europe, with 21 pools whose water is supplied by two thermal springs at 37ºC. The opening was in 1913. They have been providing relaxation and wellness to their visitors ever since. You will come out of them as good as new.
Admission costs around €14 and opening hours are daily from 7:00 to 20:00.
Buda Castle
At the top of Buda Hill is another essential stop on your trip to Budapest. We’re talking about Buda Castle, a building that originally dates back to the 14th century, but which, like the Chain Bridge, was destroyed in World War II and later rebuilt. The original function of the castle was to serve as a residence for the Hungarian monarchy. But today it is a cultural space that houses several interesting museums. It can be climbed on foot. If you are not interested in climbing the steep hill, we recommend using the funicular. Funicular fare: 3.20 € per ride.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Near the castle is another of the most interesting and magical places to see in Budapest. This is the Fisherman’s Bastion. Besides being the best viewpoint in the city overlooking the Danube and the Parliament, it is one of the most striking buildings in the Hungarian capital.
This monument is made up of seven beautiful and impressive neo-Gothic towers, representing the seven founding tribes of the city. It looks like something out of a fairy tale.
The Fisherman’s Bastion and its wonderful views.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
When you travel to Budapest, you’ll realize that it’s a city noted for the grandeur of its monuments. And St Stephen’s Basilica is just one example. It is a huge neoclassical temple dedicated to the first king of Hungary, St. Stephen, whose right hand, the Holy Dexterous One, is kept as a relic. The basilica also offers one of the best views of the city from its dome.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-16:00, Saturday 9:00-13:00 and Sunday 13:00-16:00.
Ruin bars
A very peculiar thing about Budapest is its alternative “ruin bars” or “ruin pubs”. These are bars housed in derelict buildings, and their Berlin, underground feel makes them one of the most interesting places in the city. The atmosphere is lively and trendy, perfect for an after-dinner drink when the body doesn’t feel like going to bed yet. Some of the best known are Szimpla Kert (address: Kazinczy utca, 14) and Instant (address: Nagymez utca 38).
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Budapest
Lake Balaton, an awesome place to see near Budapest
The Lake Balaton, after Budapest, is the second most recommended place to see in Hungary. It is an 80 km long and 14 km wide lake that receives hundreds of tourists every year in search of sun and beach. In the surrounding area there are also numerous towns to see, the most famous of which are Balatonfüred, Zamárdi and Veszprém.
The most impressive, however, is the Tihany Peninsula and Lake Hérviz. The Tihany Peninsula is part of the Balaton Highlands National Park and just 5 km into the lake. At the tip there is an abbey from where the views are breathtaking, and you can also go for walks in the forest.
On the other hand, we have Lake Herviz, famous for its hot springs. It is a small lake located in the crater of an ancient volcano, where the water is kept at 22º all year round. In the surrounding area there is a lush forest, making it the best place to relax and unwind.
Lake Balaton, a natural sight to see 135 km from Budapest
Eger
If you’re travelling to Budapest and have enough time for sightseeing, Eger is one of the must-see cities on your itinerary. It is one of the most picturesque places to see near Budapest, about 145 km away, with its colourful buildings surrounded by nature. It is mainly known for the castle complex located on the hill guarding the city, but also for the numerous museums and exhibitions available to tourists.
Eger also boasts thermal water facilities and several wineries of its own. In fact, the town is a gastronomic hotspot famous for its wines. So a visit to the wineries, which include a wine tasting, is an almost obligatory activity.
How to get to Budapest
The Hungarian capital is well connected to other European cities by a number of airlines including low-cost Ryanair and Vueling. As a result, flights are available quite frequently and at prices ranging from around €20 to €120.
How to get to Budapest from the airport
Budapest Airport (Budapest Ferenc Lisz Airport) is located about 22 kilometres from the city centre and both points are very well-connected.
One of the most popular for price and convenience is to use the Shuttle Bus 100E. The journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs about €3. Tickets can be purchased either at the airport or online. The final stop is Deák Ferenc Tér, the heart of Budapest, but before that it makes two more stops in the modern part of the city. It departs every 20 minutes or so.
Where to eat in Budapest?
Hungarian cuisine is rich and elaborate, so if you’re interested in food tourism, Budapest is a fantastic destination for it. Some of the best Hungarian dishes include Goulash (a soup with meat and vegetables), Lángos (delicious fried bread with sides such as cheese, sour cream, tomato, ham…) and Palacsinta (Hungarian pancakes, delicious both sweet and savoury).
- Hungarikum Bisztro: One of the best restaurants to enjoy Hungarian cuisine. The customer service is outstanding and the taste absolutely authentic. Price range: €20-30
- Parisi 6: Another of the best places where, whatever you order, you can’t go wrong. In Parisi 6 you can taste typical Hungarian recipes prepared with taste and dedication for a very affordable price. Price range: €4-10.
Where to sleep in Budapest
Probably the best area to sleep in Budapest is the V district, which is the most central and closest to the tourist sites, as well as where most of the hotels and restaurants are located. This district, in turn, is divided into two parts: Belváros and Lipótváros. Belváros is the most central part of Pest, making it the most convenient area for visiting the city’s attractions, as well as being the most commercial and lively. Lipótváros is also a very lively and atmospheric area. It is the ideal place to stay for those who like to dine out and enjoy the nightlife. But this district is not the only one to recommend. Before travelling to Budapest, Hungary, be sure to consider the neighbourhoods of Budavár, where the main monuments are located, or Terézváros, the theatre district.
- Exe Carlton Hotel Budapest: A very good 4-star hotel in the Budavár area, located at the foot of the Fisherman’s Bastion, in the castle quarter and 100 metres from the famous Chain Bridge. Average price per night: €75
- Central 5 Guest House: In the Belváros district, 600 metres from the Great Market, is this fantastic guest house with comfortable and clean rooms with private bathrooms. Average price per night: €53.
Tips for your trip to Budapest
- The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (€1 = 379.08 HUF).
- We recommend that you exchange money before you set off on your trip, as this will make it cheaper for you.
- As European citizens, we don’t need a visa to enter the country either, just your ID card or passport is enough.
- The best time to travel to Budapest, Hungary is in spring and autumn, when there are fewer tourists and the temperatures are more pleasant than in winter or summer.
- Buy museum tickets in advance to avoid queues.
- The city is safe, but as with any tourist destination, it’s best to be careful with your belongings.
- Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
How to organize what to see in Budapest
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
- Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented in the post).
- Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make any modifications you need to make, and you’re all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Budapest, Hungary.
If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about Budapest, Hungary
The best time to travel to Budapest, Hungary, is in spring and autumn, when there are fewer tourists and the temperatures are more pleasant than in winter or summer.
3 days is enough time to see and experience Budapest, Hungary. Of course, if you have more days you won’t have enough time as the city has many attractions, as well as nearby places to visit.
The cheapest month to travel to Budapest is January because of the low temperatures that the city can reach, with highs of 3ºC and lows of -2ºC.
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