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The Ultimate Budapest Travel Guide: Top 12 Things To Do
Budapest is separated into two cities by the large winding Danube River. On the east side of the river is Pest which is known for a lively experience for tourists with bustling cafes and modern shops. Buda lies directly opposite of Pest and is home to the Buda Castle and Castle Hills. You may notice things are a little bit quieter and more relaxed here. I highly recommend visiting both sides, as they are just one mile apart with the famous Chain Bridge connecting the two.
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1. Castle Hill + Fisherman’s Bastion
Castle Hill is right next to the popular Matthias Church and is made of stunning white brick walls and towering turrets. To reach the top of Castle Hill, take the famous 1870 funicular or get your exercise by climbing the steep steps. There are numerous places to look out and enjoy the views of the Danube River. This is a great opportunity to shoot some photos and enjoy a drink at one of the nearby cafes. It is FREE to explore this area unless you want to access the top terrace for the ultimate views.
Fisherman’s Bastion is a quick walk from Castle Hill. This famous monument is stunning with its different layers and multiple white brick turrets.
2. Buda Castle
Buda Castle is an absolute must-see with its FREE entry there is no reason to miss this wonderful landmark. When you first arrive you will be in ah by the stunning gardens and cobblestone structures. Each area is gorgeous and offers views of the entire city including Gellert Hill. Buda Castle hosts two museums, the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery. There is a fee to enter the museums.
3. Szechenyi Chain Bridge
Connecting Buda and Pest lies a few bridges but the most notable and first permanent bridge is the Szechenyi Chain Bridge. This stunning bridge is one mile long and was built in 1849. The name comes from the large chains that hoist the road up off the water. Walk across this stunning bridge to enjoy its full beauty up close or view it from afar during the evening while it’s lit up and glowing.
4. St. Stephens Basillica
Named after the first King of Hungary, this stunning basilica is worth a visit. The large square in front is a gathering place for people to view the large building or meet with their pre-booked tour group. This catholic church is FREE to enter, but do come prepared and wear the correct clothing, no shorts or tank tops. Inside, you will find intricate gold designs with accents of red. St. Stephens Basilica should be on the top of your to-do list when visiting Budapest!
5. Brunch at À La Maison
À La Maison is a classy and elegant brunch and lunch spot in Budapest, Hungary. The menu at À La Maison is large and offers every brunch favorite you could think of. Their large plates are the way to go with eggs, fruits, choice of meat, juice, coffee, and something sweet. Personally, I like to have a little sweet and savory for breakfast. À La Maison Budapest is the perfect place to spend your Sunday morning with friends while enjoying your favorite brunch bites and mimosas.
Locations | Menu | What To Order: Bacon Benedict w/Avocado Hollandaise + Smoked Salmon
6. Matthias Church
Matthias Church is one of my most favorite buildings in Europe! The white stone is gorgeous with intricate details and a colorful roof. The roof is what makes this building my favorite! The warm gold, turquoise, black, and white chevron pattern catches your eye and pops against the blue sky and light grey stone. You can pay a small fee to climb the bell tower. Once you reach the top you will have a birds-eye view of the colorful roof and views of the city.
7. Váci Street
Váci Street is the most popular pedestrian walking street in Budapest. The street is lined with famous shops, delicious restaurants, street food, and more! Váci Street is located on the Pest side and is known as a very tourist area. The restaurants and shops here will be a bit more expensive than most places!
8. Gellert Hill
Gellert Hill is a 771-foot hill that overlooks the city and may be one of the best viewpoints in the city. The hill is named after the first missionary in Budapest, St. Gellert that was thrown off the hill during a rebellion. Atop the hill, you will find the Citadella, a tall statue.
There are a few different ways to reach the top. You can use public transportation lines 7 and 86 (this is the most economical way). There are taxis that will take you to the top or you can get a day pass for the hop on hop off bus to explore the many landmarks Budapest has to offer.
9. The Hungarian Parliment Building
Another stunning building to see is The Parliament. This building dates back to 1904 and is home to over 690 rooms. Its gothic revival architecture is unique and beautiful. There is so much detail to see! The gardens around the building are perfectly groomed and colorful. This is definitely one of the highlights of Budapest.
10. Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall is the largest indoor market in Budapest. You can find pretty much anything at this market from food stalls, souvenirs, fresh groceries, clothes, and more. The number one Hungarian souvenir is Hungarian paprika. If you like this warm spice be sure to stock up!
11. The Ruin Bars
If you have not been to Budapest you may be unaware of the Ruin Bars. Ruin bars were founded in 2001 by a group of men looking for a cheap place to enjoy a few drinks. These unique bars have flourished and expanded. Today, they are a great place to meet friends, enjoy the assortment of colorful art decor, and sip on a cheap drink (we are talking $1.00-$6.00 drinks). My favorite one to visit is Szimpla Kert located just outside the city center!
12. Thermal Baths
The last thing you cannot miss in Budapest is the thermal baths. Thermal baths are located throughout the city and are a traditional thing to do. We visited the Széchenyi Thermal Bath located near the Budapest Zoo and Vajdahunyad Castle. Thermal baths cost about $9.00 – $17.00. I would highly recommend the Széchenyi Thermal Baths if you are looking to get the full experience, plus they have numerous baths inside and outdoors!
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