-Europe.Hungary.Budapest-
Hungary is a neighbouring country to Austria, it is somehow categorically filed away in my mind that its close by and I could visit it at any time. Years have gone by and finally we got the brilliant idea to for a spa trip in Budapest. Combing a Spa trip with a leisure city visit is the best thing one could do. We practically walked around in a haze of relaxation and I was glad to have done my research beforehand.
Getting to Budapest
From the Airport to the City Center:
As usual taxis are the most convenient but more expensive way – if you have more people in your party and luggages, then it is probably worth considering , as the taxi brings you directly to the hotel. All the taxis in Budapest is yellow and is metered. The fare is approximately 8045 HUF (26 Euros) for a 4-person taxi to bring you from the airport to the city center.
Besides the taxis there are also available airport transfers , also catering for groups of more than 4 – you can check out the prices from this link.
Here is a picture of the yellow metered taxis with the blue bus in the background.
The cheapest way is with the public Bus no. 100E which departs at 30-minute intervals costing appr 900HUF (3 Euros) per person. You find the bus stop at the arrivals level between the two terminals. The bus brings to the city center stop of Deák Ferenc tér central metro station. Here you will find the bus stop.
Getting Around Budapest
Budapest is a big city – even though some distances may be walkable, it is still highly advisable to get a transport ticket for when the legs are tired and to get from one point to another faster. We bought a 72-hour ticket for 4150 HUF or around 14 Euros very cheap by European standards. You get those from a ticket vending machine available at all metro stations. One of the very first things we did at the hotel was to get smaller denominations of the Hungarian Forint (HUF) for buying transport tickets.
The public transport is frequent and covers a big area of the city. There are many options for the tickets as you will find out when using the ticket vending machine. Simplified I would just go for the 24-hour card to have peace of mind instead of the 10-block single tickets, where you are bounded by some rules and time constraints. *Money saving Tips: If you are in a group of up to 5 people , there is the 24-hour group travel card which gives substantial savings. Detailed ticket and prices information go here.
Exploring Budapest
#1 Arrange and do a free walking tour.
For first-time visitors to Budapest with a lack of time and planning , this is a great way to see Budapest. The guides are knowledgeable and give a lot of information during the tour. I have read on recommendations and Generation Tours came off high on the list. Its a 3 hour walking tour from either 10:30am or 2:30pm and the meeting point is at St Stephens Basilica in the city center. For Bookings and more information go here. The way free walking tours work is even if it has the word free , it is prudent to give a tip to the guide what you feel the tour was worth to you.
#2 Take a leisure boat cruise on the Danube
This was one of the highlights of our trip – we got two included free tickets for the boat cruise. All we needed to do was to be at the ticket office on the promenade and make a reservation. We got the one at sunset and were privy to the impressive sights on both the Buda and the Pest sides as the sun left behind pretty hues of orange-pink in the sky and the lights turn on in Budapest. Although the boat cruise we took was another one , I have read the Legenda cruises offer a good one in terms of open tops where you would get much more views. *Money saving Tip: If you are on a budget , it is also possible to take the Public boat transport to Margaret Island, this ride brings you along the same sights for a third of the price plus the option to spend some time on the Island too.
#3 Walk across the famous SZÉCHENYI CHAIN BRIDGE
You would probably have covered that if you took the walking tour. There are an astounding total of 8 bridges connecting Buda and Pest. The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is the oldest one. It is a suspension bridge and of course the most instagrammed as it is indeed a beautiful bridge. Its strategic placement is also the reason so many people walk across it – as you arrive by the Furnicular station to Castle Hill on the Buda side. From the bridge, is a good place to take awesome photos of both the Buda Castle as well as the Parliament.
On the BUDA Side
#4 Explore Castle Hill
You can walk up the Hill, its not too strenuous. Besides walking, there is also the Furnicular option as well as a Hop on and off small vehicle brings you up for the same price. We went with the small Vehicle which costs 8 Euros but we quickly found out that there are many people waiting for it and you have to wait quite a while before you can get on because of the space constraint. Eventually we realized it would have been way cheaper because the *Money Saving Tip: Public bus #16 goes up that way as well.
#5 Visit the Buda Castle / Royal Palace
We did not enter the Castle but walked on the grounds. It was interesting to see some archaelogical digs outside the Castle. National Gallery and Budapest History Museum is now housed in the Buda Castle. Opening hours and ticket information you can find here.
#6 Take in the views of and from Fisherman's Bastion
Everything is lovely here from the Matthias Church to the Fisherman’s Bastion turrets and the views of the Pest side from here. This is obviously one of the highlights to do in Budapest. It is free except for a charge (800 HUF) for visiting the higher level of the turret areas. The views are the same but pay the fee if you want to contribute to the maintenance of this beauty.
#7 Visit Matthias Church
Matthias Church with its colourful tiled roof is not easily missed , especially not when the beautiful Fisherman’s Bastion is surrounding it. This church I would recommend paying the entrance fee and going in to see as it is not the conventional religious church, it was used in its glory days as a coronation place for Kings.
#8 Visit the Citadel for sweeping panoramic views
Lots of photos in the Internet is taken from the Citadel. The leveraged higher point affords great shots of the Danube river and its glorious buildings on both sides of its bank. People often visit the Fisherman’s Bastion as it has the lovely architechtures to see as well. Its not in the case of the Citadel and so if you are on time constraint I think this could be missed. The citadel itself is a fort on Gellert Hill and in the surroundings is the Statue of Liberty which you can see from the Pest side. Apart from that there is the famous Gellert Baths with its mineral-packed spring waters housed in an Art Deco building. You can go up with Public Bus no. 27 or walk.
#9 Take a timeout at the Castle Bazaar and Royal Gardens
The Castle Bazaar houses little cafes and restaurants if you are thinking about having a little breather in between the wonderful sights at the Buda side. It has been restored very nicely indeed. There is a large garden where you can rent picnic blankets and food trucks provide the necessary nourishments. The Bazaar also has exhibition halls with special themes.
To get there by Public Transport –
Bus no. 16 or 105 (stop at Clark Adam Ter, the first stop after the Chain Bridge on Buda side)
Tram no. 2 (stop at the Chain Bridge on Pest side, walk across the chain bridge and go left after the bridge)
Boat no. 11 (stop at Várkert Bazár)
On the PEST Side
#10 Visit the Impressive Parliament Building
Tram no. 2 goes around the Parliament Building, easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in Budapest. If you want to go in , its best to book the tour in advance as it is limited in space. Here is the link for opening times and other information.
#11 Reflection time at the Shoes on the Danube Memorial
Holidaying is a fun time enjoying the views but I urge you to take time to stop by at the Shoes on the Danube memorial. It is not far from the Budapest Parliament along the Danube river promenade. This is one of the most moving memorials in open air. It is dedicated to the memory of the victims of war atrocities when the Jews were rounded up to face the river and shot at close range from behind to fall into the river and washed away. The memorial has 60 pairs of iron casted shoes of different types symbolizing all the different types of Jewish people (men, women, children, professionals, atheletes…) who were not spared this brutal fate.
#12 Walk along the Danube Promenade
Buda side is hilly and has grand buildings , there are lovely views as you stroll along the Promenade on the Pest side and look across the river. Also on the Pest side is the Houses of Parliament and the Shoes on the Danube. We made a stroll after a full satisfying meal at one of the many great restaurants around.
#13 Elizabeth Square Central with the Budapest Eye.
The square is located at a very central sight in Budapest and is a popular meeting point . Some of the free walking tours start here and it is also a stop for the Hop On – Hop Off buses. You won’t miss the square as it has the big Budapest Eye on it, normally with a long waiting queue. There is also a park here and so serves as a nice place to have a rest.
#14 Visit the Jewish Quarter and the Dohany Street Synagogue
This is the main synagogue , from the outside it already looks very impressive. I read the inside is very much worth looking in on. This is a popular attraction in Budapest. More information about opening hours and tickets see here. On the outside is a memorial park dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust victims. In the middle is a willow tree sculpture with the names of the victims inscribed on the leaves. I took the picture from outside the grounds. To see it up close, an entrance fee is needed.
#15 Chill in the Ruin Bars
In the evenings , it is worth checking out the Ruin Bars that are unique to Budapest. Located in the Jewish Quarter , these bars are open on ruins from World War Two. The first and most famous is Szimpla Kert. What makes the bars special is the atmosphere, each one has a different theme and is an attraction all on its own. I was surprised that it was not loud and was amidst even some residential areas.
#16 Find Street Food in an Alley
I know this sounds more like something you would find in Asia – but its a big alleyway with food trucks. Located a few doors away from Szimpla Kert on Kazinczy street. Plenty of options here although the food here is not that cheap. The area is lighted up and named Karavan.
#17 Check out Central Market Hall
A big market place selling fresh produce. You can find lots of the sweet pepper produce that is frequently used in Hungarian cooking such as goulash. Its a popular tourist place so I did not buy anything. Incidentally nearby there is a very big spice shop filled with all spices imaginable. The market hall is open on Monday from 6am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday from 6am to 6pm and Saturday from 6am to 3pm. It’s closed on Sundays and public holidays.
#18 Heroes Square
The largest square in Budapest. If there is enough time, visiting during the day and night is recommended. Around Heroes Square there is plenty to explore , the city park with its lake, Schenyzi Baths as well as the Vajdahunyad Castle
#19 Vajdahunyad castle
An interesting castle as it has a mix of styles from castles around Hungary. What is unique is that it was initially made from wood and plaster board. Due to its popularity , it was rebuilt into stone. Incidentally there is a statue of Bela Lugosi – the Hungarian actor who portrayed Count Dracula, on the grounds.
Here is the link to check the opening hours and cost to enter the castle which has the agricultural museum.
#20 Dip in A Hungarian Thermal Bath
It is well known that Budapest is the city of baths. Hot springs feed its thermal waters into the selection of baths in the city. Probably the 2 most famous are Széchenyi and Gellért. I must admit that I have not tried any of them – as we usually stay in Aquaworld with comfortable warm waters which is not thermal. Here is a link to help you choose the bath of your choice.
#21 St Stephen's Basilica
There are crazy many number of churches in Europe. The St Stephen’s Basilica is one of the beautiful ones that I have had the good fortune to see. Its at a central location in the city and is frequently the meeting point of walking tours. Do not miss going inside if you are in the vicinity.
Do check and attend a concert in St Stephen’s – they often host distinguished musicians and it is often held on Thursday evenings. Check here for the link of scheduled events.
On the side, you can pay 200 forint to get the relic to light up and you can see the Holy Right, the mummified right hand of St Stephen.
#22 Enjoy cake in the most beautiful cafes in the world
Budapest has grand cafes that invites you to admire its grand interior while sipping coffee and having cake. This was exactly what we did in Cafe Parisi which was housed in the very grand Lotz Hall, in Andrassy ut. It felt as if we stepped into another century and all that grandeur with frescoes by renowed artist Karoly Lotz, big mirrors that reflect the golden decor and chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. *Latest news in Oct 2020 is the cafe is closed – we can only hope that it reopens soon. In the meantime the other famous grand cafe which is on my to -visit list is New York Cafe. Here is the link for location, opening times and what they offer.
#23 Get foodie in Budapest
In a big city, there are plenty of food options. We went around the city in search of food and found plenty of small cafes and restaurants that serve delicious food. As I am always in search of Asian cuisine , I had great experiences in the small restaurants there.
#24 Eat a Chimney Cake
As we walked around in the streets of Budapest, the smell of cinnamon baking wafts to our noses and as we followed the smell we saw rounded bread being baked over open fire. Later you can choose the filling and topping of your own choice. Its yummalicious!
#25 Be surprised by the fast escalator speeds
It’s faster than any escalators I have been on. I must say I am really surprised people don’t lose their balance. I was tempted to stand there for some minutes to see the shocked faces on first time tourists.
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I was in neighboring Romania last year and I heard so many good things about Budapest, many of which you’ve listed here! I plan to return to eastern Europe and walk across the chain bridge, as I visit attractions in both Buda and Pest. Thanks for the helpful information!
I was in Budapest this summer and had a lovely time! I also embarked on a Danube boat tour — mine was a wine tour and would highly recommend. A great way to admire the Budapest skyline at sunset and sample some fantastic Hungarian wines. There are quite a few things on this list that I didn’t get a chance to see either. I would love to go back and visit some ruin bars.
I love how you describe the spa haze. So true. After a good blissful massage the world seems so lovely. Those Chimney Cakes look lovely too. I’d have to do a lot of walking to burn off those calories but there are lots of beautiful things to see.
Oh this is so high on our travel list. Do you think we could do all this in one week or two weeks? The transport card for 72 hours for 14 euros is definitely good value for European travel. I will bookmark this for future reference.
A week at least to enjoy Budapest I think. It really is one of the capital cities i would visit again and again.
There are so many things to do in Budapest. And you did all these after having a spa? Wow, thats great. The Szechenyi Chain Bridge looks really beautiful. And so are the Matthias Church and the Parliament Building. I would love to visit Budapest sometime soon.
we stayed at a spa hotel – and so we went everyday for spa either before or after visiting the city. so pretty much every day in spa zombie mode 😀
Check, check and check 😉 I was in Budapest in December 2018 and oh, what an experience that was! The lovely Christmas markets were up and the vibe was superb. I loved cruising the Danube and the Castle Hill was spectacular, especially Fisherman’s Bastion. The view of the Parliament Building at night is so breathtaking!
I visited Budapest last year and must say was surprised by how much it had in offer. It’s a beautiful city with brilliant architecture and food scene. I lived the bridges which form an integral part of the city and you can’t miss a boar trip along the river watching the sunset. There are some great places to see and yes a very good transport system. Thanks for bringing back memories of a beautiful city and a very helpful post.
Budapest has always fascinated me with its Buda and Pest part – each side having its own tale to tell. I always had Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion on my list. You added more with the Jewish Synagogue. I have heard of the open bath parties here – did you get to try one?
Well we stayed in a spa hotel and didnt need to go for the baths there. Perhaps next time!
What a gorgeous city. I haven’t made it there yet but your photos speak for themselves. That Ruin Bar looks so unique and cozy, would love to spend the evening there.
Thanks for taking me back to Budapest! We did an organized tour for a few days and then stayed to explore on our own. We found public transit a great way to get around. The one time we used a taxi (with baggage) we got the long tour ride! We loved doing a river cruise at night. The city sights looked so amazing all lit up. It was certainly a city with a lot of history. We met a local man who provided us with a most personal view. The Shoes on the Danube was a stunning memorial about an awful event. But just one of many for this time. We definitely want to go back.
The transport costs are quite cheap! I’m surprised. The architectural grounds outside of the royal palace look super interesting, as well. That’s a lot of excavation work they’ve done. And the Chimney cake looks fantastic! Like a pastry ice cream. The ruin bars look so unique and wonky, I love it.
This fabulous city is still on my bucket list. So I like your recommendations, so much. I will use them when I go to Budapest. I would love to spend there 3-4 nights because I would like to take night pictures of the bridges and parliament too. I haven’t heard before about Dohany Street Synagogue, so I add it to my list. I also like this Ruin Bars you recommend.
I’ve been wanting to go to Budapest for awhile now. A spa trip to Budapest sounds lovely! The street food in the alley and the central market both sound great. I am all about the food! Of course I would have to have a chimney cake too. I had one once at a German Christmas market and it was delicious.
Spoken like a true foodie! 🙂
I am actually just starting to plan to trip to Budapest so this is was fun read. I love that you suggested taking a walking tour, that is one of my favorite ways to check out a new city and something I will totally do in Budapest. This was the first time I’d read about the Ruin bars so I will have to add that to my list. Your comment about the escalators at the end cracked me up. I would be that person falling off! haha!
Budapest is just great – do not miss the ruin bars , they have such a cool vibe, you have to experience it by yourself. Beware the escalators I was tempted to include that as an attraction!
Great guide for Budapest! I have a long love affair with this city and I can’t seem to get over it. We go there almost every year (my husband is Hungarian) and every time we have to leave, I do it with regret. I’m yet to try the Chimney Cake Specialty. When we go there, I stuff myself with Dobosh Torte, lol!
I missed Budapest during my Austria & Prague trip and now after reading your post, I am regretting on my decision to skip it. Budapest really looks huge, magnificent and beautiful city, I loved it architecture and especially Szechenyi Chain Bridge which is the oldest one. I love taking photos and therefore visiting the Citadel would be my first thing to do here for taking those panoramic view captures. Even the street food alleyway looks interesting and tempting to foodie like me.
Yum, can’t wait for a chimney cake. What perfect timing. We’re visiting Budapest soon, appreciate all the money saving tips like using the public bus from the airport to the city. We’ll have to try the boat to Margaret Island.
This is beautiful. It reminded me of our trip to Vienna and Danube splitting the city into two parts. Missed Budapest last year. Surely features in my plans. Love the beautiful pictures.
I am yearning to get back to Budapest now, reminded of my trip there! I missed visiting the citadel. Others were done. Those shoe sculptures were really sad to see. What a sad reminder of the past.
There’s so much to see in Budapest! I especially want to go to the bastion and the chain bridge, I missed those when I was there several years ago. I love how the river divides the city like that.
Great post! We travel quite often and we try to spread our budgets to be able to travel as often as possible. I like your Money saving Tips. I have been in Budapest several years back and your post remain me how nice the trip was. There are several things on your list that we have not done yet. We will do it next time, when we come back to Budapest.
What an inspiring list of attractions to visit! I especially love walking tours where I can go at my own pace and take plenty of pictures (oh, the architecture!); so that is high on my list for a visit to Budapest. And so are the chimney cakes—yum! I would want to pay homage to the Shoes on the Danube, as well. So tragic. I appreciate this well-rounded list of things to do in Budapest. You’ve added more than a few “must-sees” to my itinerary!
Great list!! I practically have done most of the things you mentioned and absolutely loved it. I guess Budapest is one of the few countries that has a little but of everything for everyone. I haven’t tried any Asian cuisine while traveling at Budapest but the local food were really scrumptious too.
This post is so helpful. A perfect resource for first-time visitors like me. I have never been to Budapest but I think it would be a wonderful place to visit. The view of the Buda Castle and the Bridge looks fascinating. I would also be nice to visit the Matthias Church.
Thank you for sharing this.
I definitely hope to visit Budapest someday. It looks so lovely through your photos! Thank you SO much for the budget tips – I like saving money when I can. And the views at Fisherman’s Bastion being the same, I may skip the extra fee. And that Chimney Cake looks so so yummy – a must try for sure!!
I had great time in Budapest! Is one of the best destinations to visit! Appreciate your post