Budapest

Budapest is a global city brimming with history and stunning architecture. It is home to world-famous thermal pools, the Castle District, many stunning attractions, and an absolutely wild nightlife.

Overview Attractions / Activities Adventurous Activities Food Bars / Clubs Final Comments

Budapest—Hungary’s largest city and capital—is a global city specializing in commerce, finance, media, technology, and fashion, among others. And although it’s considered one city, it is essentially two wonderful and distinct cities combined into one—Buda and Pest.

Buda lies to the West of the bisecting Danube River and Pest lies to the East. The Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Liberty Statue are on the Buda side while Parliament is on the Pest side.

Follow this adventure guide to maximize your time here.

Recommended Duration of Visit

4 days (ideal), 3 days (doable), 2 days (difficult)

Click for some interesting facts about Budapest

Modern-day Budapest was formed by joining the 3 cities of Óbuda (Old Buda), Buda, and Pest.
Ernő Rubik, the inventor of the Rubik’s cube, was born in Budapest.
The Budapest Metro is one of the oldest metro systems in Europe.
Budapest may never have skyscrapers because no building can be over 96 meters (315 feet) tall. In fact, only the Parliament building and St. Stephen’s Basilica reach 96 meters. Parliament represents state and St. Stephen’s Basilica represents religion, and no other structures are allowed to be taller. Settlers first came to the area in 896, so 96 is an important historical number.
Budapest has one of the largest parliament buildings in the world.

Before You Go

Flights / Getting There: Since Budapest is a major city, you can simply fly into the Budapest Airport (BUD).

From the airport, you can take a bus to central Budapest. Just make sure to buy the airport ticket (the 100E ticket) from one of the kiosks.

Overview

Climate: Budapest has the standard humid continental climate with short warm (and often humid summers) and long cold winters. I went during October and the temperature was mild. However, later in the year, it tends to get cold.

Communication: Hungarian is the official language in Budapest. There are English speakers as well, but I would say it’s about half and half. Some people (mostly the younger generations) speak English very well, but some will barely understand you.

Navigation: Unfortunately, there is no Uber in Budapest. There is Bolt, essentially the Uber of Budapest.

Fortunately, there are Lime scooters scattered throughout Budapest. They are quite inexpensive and very fun to use when navigating the city.

There are even motorcycle tours (find more details in the Adventurous Activities section).

Lodging: Generally, lodging is quite inexpensive in Budapest. There are plenty of great Airbnb options as well, and I was able to book an inexpensive location near the center (on the Pest side).

Activities Planning: Budapest is quite inexpensive in general, so there is no need to book a packaged deal. However, the Budapest Card from the Budapest tourism website might make sense if you are planning to use free public transportation and prefer a straightforward way to visit attractions.

As an added bonus, many of the best attractions are free to visit. If you want to learn more, the official Budapest tourism website lists many of the city’s attractions.

Special Considerations

To further distinguish between Buda and Pest, remember that Buda is hilly while Pest is flat. Finally, Buda is essentially the calmer side with a more residential feel while Pest is the more festive side.
Many places in Budapest accept cash only.

General: Even though Hungary is in the European Union, it does not use the Euro. While the Euro (and sometimes even the United States Dollar) is often accepted, you are much better off using the official currency (shown below). Credit cards are accepted here, some places only accept cash.

Peak Seasons: Summer (June, July, and August) is the peak season. The thermal baths are ideal during the fall and winter. I believe fall (September, October, November) is the best time to go.

Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF). Currency Converter.

Things to Do: Attractions and Activities

Attractions are paired up based on similarity and/or proximity. All the names provided are easily searchable on Google Maps.

Buda (left of the Danube River) has history and natural sites while Pest (right of the Danube River) is full of festivities.

St. Stephen’s Basilica: This Neo-Classical Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament are the two tallest structures in Budapest. Both structures stand at exactly 96 meters (315 feet). As mentioned in the Interesting Facts section, Budapest may never have skyscrapers because no building can be over 96 meters (315 feet) tall. Parliament represents state and St. Stephen’s Basilica represents religion, and no other structures are allowed to be taller.

This basilica is one of the grandest attractions in Budapest due to its unique architecture and scale. As a bonus, the observation deck provides a centralized panoramic view of Budapest’s skyline.

The Roman Catholic Basilica was named in honor of Saint Stephen I, the first king of Hungary. Incredibly, the king’s “incorruptible” right hand is held in the reliquary. If you refer to my St. Stephen’s Basilica Guide, then you will see how truly amazing this place is.

Cost: The main hall usually requires a small donation. And it costs about 1,000 HUF to enter the observation deck (cash only). Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

Dohány Street Synagogue: The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe, capable of seating around 3,000 people. This beautiful synagogue is distinct in design, history, and size. It’s comprised of the Great Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, the Heroes’ Temple, and a graveyard.

The synagogue was also built where Theodor Herzl’s birth home once stood. He was essentially considered the “spiritual father of the Jewish State.” If you refer to my Dohány Street Synagogue Guide, then you will see how truly amazing this place is.

Cost: 4500 HUF. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

I recommend reaching the observation deck first before it gets crowded. The Basilica is also a short walk away from Liberty Square—a nice scenic park with walking paths and monuments (i.e. the Soviet War Memorial).

Men will need to wear a yarmulke to enter the main hall (they will provide it). If you desperately need cash, you can buy an extra ticket with a credit card, ask for a refund, and they’ll give you cash. I did this accidentally.

Hungarian Parliament Building: As one of the most easily-recognized, picturesque, and magnificent structures in Budapest, the parliament building is the largest building in Hungary and one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. It is recognized via its Gothic Revival architecture and towering dome.

Alongside St. Stephen’s Basilica, it is the most important building in Budapest and no other building is allowed to be taller. During the day, guards can be seen patrolling the flag near the front of the building. At night, the building lights up.

Cost: Although you can visit the building by being part of a tour group, I recommend passing on a tour if you are not in the city for very long. Seeing the outside is more than enough. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

Néprajzi Múzeum (Museum of Ethnography): The Musem of Ethnography is located directly across from the Hungarian Parliament building. It houses a large collection of Hungarian artifacts (art, textiles, pottery, boats, costumes, and furniture, etc.) from various periods throughout history. Some of these artifacts trace back over a thousand years of history.

Cost: For more information, refer to the official Néprajzi Múzeum website. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 minutes – 2 hours (if open).

To find the best vantage points for photography, try taking photos across the Danube River or while on any of the nearby bridges.

The museum might be closed for renovations. However, you can still admire many impressive monuments nearby.

Buda Castle: This palace complex was once the home of Hungarian kings of ages past. The castle now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Spanning 1.8 mi² (4.66 km²), it is simply massive and architecturally gorgeous. The scenic Castle Garden Bazaar is within a short walking distance as well.

The castle lies at the top of Castle Hill and is surrounded by incredible houses, monuments, and statues, among others. And since it’s situated at the top of a hill, the castle offers a panoramic view of the city and Danube River.

Cost: It is free to visit the compound, but the museum, national gallery, and library have a small entrance fee. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

Liberty Square: This public park, located north of St. Stephen’s Basilica, is one of the central hubs in Budapest. It offers a unique mix of restaurants, food stands, cafes, shops, and beautiful architecture.

The Soviet War Memorial, a Ronald Reagan statue, and the United States Embassy are located nearby as well. During the weekend, a lovely local food market opens up nearby.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 minutes – 2 hours (depending on activity).

The Budavári Sikló (Budapest Castle Hill Funicular) provides a roundtrip to the castle for 1,800 HUF.

The Danube River and Hungarian Parliament are within short walking distance from Liberty Square.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge: As one of the most widely-recognized and popular attractions in Budapest, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge spans the width of the Danube River, connecting Buda and Pest. It is named after István Széchenyi, one of the greatest statesmen in Hungary’s history (often considered the Greatest Hungarian). The bridge is also considered as an engineering wonder and a symbol of advancement, awakening, and the linkage between East and West.

Its significance in Hungary is comparable to the Golden Gate Bridge in California or the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.

Liberty Bridge: Enjoy a nice leisurely stroll along a bridge that connects Buda and Pest and enjoy an incredible view of the Danube River. The bridge features mythological sculptures, the country’s coat of arms on the side, and two public squares at each end. It is most recognized via the eagles toward the top of the towering totems.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.

Buda Castle lies on the Buda side of the chain bridge. As a bonus, slightly north of the bridge lies some of the most incredible attractions in Budapest: Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Another popular bridge, the Elizabeth Bridge, lies to the south of the chain bridge.

Certain bridges are more optimal depending on activity. Across the Elizabeth Bridge (on the Buda side) is the Rudas Baths—one of the best thermal baths in Budapest. However, across the Liberty Bridge is the Gellért Thermal Bath—an even more popular thermal bath—and the Liberty Statue.

Danube River: The Danube River, an important source of hydropower and drinking water and Europe’s second-longest river, flows through 10 countries (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine).

At 1771 miles (2850 km), this international waterway is one of the most impressive and beautiful in the world. And only the Nile runs through more countries (11 countries).

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 20 minutes.

Gül Baba and Rosegarden: Gül Baba was an Ottoman poet. In Hungary, he is known as the “Father of Roses.” His tomb lies in a beautiful rose garden that overlooks the Danube River and Margaret Bridge. In addition to the exhibition spaces, shops, and cafes nearby, the rosegarden is a nice, quiet, and beautiful place away from the bustle of the city.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

One of the best views of the Danube River is from the Chain Bridge or the Margaret Bridge, (located north of the Chain Bridge). Naturally, there are options to cruise along the river as well.

Since the Rosegarden is elevated, it provides one of the best vantage points for photographing the Hungarian Parliament Building. The Rosegarden is also near the Lucaks Baths.

Fisherman’s Bastion: As perhaps the best-known attraction in Budapest, Fisherman’s Bastion is what remains of a turreted fortress of ages past. Due to its elevated position, it offers one of the best panoramic views of Budapest. Its 7 stone towers represent the 7 chieftains who founded Hungary.

Historians say that, during the Middle Ages, the castle walls were protected by a guild of fishermen who lived in nearby Fishtown. The current structure, however, is a 19th century recreation of the medieval structure.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.

Matthias Church: Within a very short walking distance from Fisherman’s Bastion is Matthias Church, often referred to as the Coronation Church (two kings were crowned within its walls).

Paintings, stained glass, and stone carvings dating back to the 1200s adorn the church walls and ceilings. The interior of this massive Roman Catholic church is striking, leaving one in awe of its unique and elaborate architectural design. As a bonus, the view from the tower is spectacular.

Cost: About 1200 HUF. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

If you visit Fisherman's Bastion at night, the entire structure will be bathed in light. Furthermore, almost every single tour will lead you to Fisherman’s Bastion.

Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion reside within the massive and festive Castle District. There are hotels, restaurants, and other wonderful attractions in the area worth visiting.

Liberty Statue: The Liberty Statue stands upon the hills of Buda and watches over the city below. Erected in 1947, the statue commemorates the Soviet liberation of Hungary during World War II which ended Nazi occupation. Throughout various parts of Budapest, travelers can often catch a glimpse of this historic monument in the distance.

And while the statue itself is impressive, the hill upon which it stands is a wonderful hike replete with splendid scenery and panoramic views.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.

Gellért Thermal Bath: Budapest is sometimes referred to as the “City of Baths.” With some of the best natural thermal baths in the world, Budapest thrives on spa culture. Here, the mineral-rich water is ideal for medicinal purposes and relaxation.

As the second-most-popular Thermal Bath in Budapest, the Gellért Thermal Bath complex offers several swimming pools, numerous smaller thermal baths, 2 main thermal baths (at 40 C and 36 C), and elegant architecture for those seeking a relaxing and fun time.

Cost: Variable depending on the package. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.

The Liberty Statue is right next to a giant fortress (Citadella) that features numerous shops and bars nearby (albeit at inflated prices). Depending on the time of year, the fortress might be open to visitors. At the edge of the hill (near Liberty Bridge) is the Gellért Hill Cave—a Catholic church within a cave. If you see a giant cross, then the cave is within short walking distance.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is actually the most popular thermal bath in Budapest. However, despite residing in a beautiful park, the bath is quite far from central Budapest. On the other hand, The Gellért Thermal Bath is conveniently located near many top attractions. Two other very popular baths are Lukacs Baths (near the Rosegarden) and Rudas Baths (near the Elisabeth Bridge).

Things to Do: Attractions and Activities

Attractions are paired up based on similarity and/or proximity. All the names provided are easily searchable on Google Maps.

Buda (left of the Danube River) has history and natural sites while Pest (right of the Danube River) is full of festivities.

This basilica is one of the grandest attractions in Budapest due to its unique architecture and scale. As a bonus, the observation deck provides a centralized panoramic view of Budapest’s skyline.

Cost: The main hall usually recommends a small donation. And it costs about 1,000 HUF to enter the observation deck (cash only). Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.