Here's Why Budapest Should Be Your Next European Destination (and the Top Things to Do When You're There!)
- Amy Leggett
- 19 minutes ago
- 7 min read
I was eagerly anticipating our stop in Budapest on my tour through Central Europe last fall. I had heard nothing but good things from people I knew who had visited Budapest and they did not lead me astray. Budapest was a magical city with surprises around every corner. It is grand but not pretentious, historic but still modern, and relaxed yet lively. And even better...it is more affordable compared to other European capital cities.
Now that I (hopefully) have convinced you to start planning your trip to Budapest, this blog will help you create your itinerary by highlighting a few must-see sights when you visit this gem of Central Europe. But first, a little primer on this amazing destination.
Buda vs. Pest: A Tale of Two Vibes
I didn't know this before my visit, but Budapest (pronounced "Budapesht") is actually two distinct cities that are separated by the Danube River. Buda sits on one side of the Danube and Pest is on the other. Budapest actually used to be three separate cities-Buda, Pest and Óbuda, until they were merged in 1873. Today only Buda and Pest still exist and each have a distinct vibe. The Buda side of the Danube is more hilly with old-world charm, castles and cathedrals. The Pest side is more flat and filled with stores, businesses and lively nightlife. The two sides are connected by eight separate bridges, including the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge which is definitely a must see and looks even more breathtaking at night! More on that below.
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and is the largest city in the country. It is famous for its historic landmarks, lively nightlife, delicious foods, and relaxing thermal baths. Budapest sits on over 100 thermal springs that attract visitors from all over the world. I didn't have a chance to indulge in this iconic Budapest experience, but when I return it will be on the top of my list!
Whether you are looking to dig into Budapest's deep history, enjoy the beautiful architecture and art scene, treat your taste buds to Hungarian cuisine or jump in to the energetic nightlife, Budapest has something for you. Here are some ideas to get you started on your magical adventure in this incredible city!
Top Things to Do in Budapest
Stroll the Streets and Cross the Bridges: I recommend that the first order of business is just to put on comfortable walking shoes and just wander around and take in the vibrant energy of Budapest. Enjoy the whimsical statues that delightfully appear as you stroll. Walk across the famous Chain Bridge and enjoy the views from the middle of the Danube. Let the city tell you where to go next!
Rub His Belly for Good Luck! 
Views from the Iconic Chain Bridge 
A Beautiful Place to Stroll Central Market Hall: The Central Market Hall is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. You can buy local food items on the ground floor, or go up to the first floor to shop for your Budapest souvenir. Paprika is a Hungarian spice and the Central Market Hall is a great place to grab some to take home. I also took the chance to indulge in a famous Hungarian Chimney Cake. I highly recommend!
Central Market Hall Hungarian Paprika...the Perfect Souvenir 
Famous Hungarian Chimney Cake Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial: This is a powerful Hungarian Holocaust memorial honoring the 60 victims shot by fascist militia men from 1944-45. It is located on the Pest side on the Danube Promenade between the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Chain Bridge. It features 60 iron sculpted, rust-colored pairs of shoes representing each victim ordered to remove their shoes before being executed into the river. It is a very moving tribute and is worth a stop and a moment of silence.
Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial Hungarian State Opera House: The architecture of the Hungarian State Opera House is stunning and the inside is just as breathtaking. The season runs from September to the end of June so perhaps you can take in a show at this amazing venue. Guided tours of the Opera House are provided almost every day in six different languages and after the tour a mini operatic performance is performed on the grand staircase. Click here for information on performances and tours.
Hungarian State Opera House 
St. Stephen's Basilica: I did not choose to join my tour group on a tour of St. Stephen's Basilica instead opting to stroll the streets of Budapest as mentioned above. However, St. Stephen's Basilica is a significant historical landmark and may be of interest if you are visiting. Visitors to the Basilica can climb 364 steps up to the top of the dome (or you can just take the elevator, haha) for a panoramic view of Budapest. If you don't want to explore the inside, it is still worth a stop as you are walking around the city as it is one of the most recognized tourist attractions in Budapest. TIP: If you walk straight away from the Basilica you will come upon the Fat Policeman statue pictured above (known as Uncle Karl) who is said to be keeping watch over the Basilica.
St. Stephen's Basilica Hero's Square: Hero's Square is located on the outskirts of the city marking the end of Andrassy Avenue and the gateway to City Park. It is the largest square in Budapest and is decorated with statues and artwork depicting Hungary's history. Hero's Square is a World UNESCO Heritage Site and the location for many large scale events in Budapest. Click here for more information on Hero's Square and a map to get there.
Hero's Square 
Amazing Photo Ops at Hero's Square Dohány Street Synagogue: The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe, seating 3,000 people. The Synagogue complex includes the Great Synagogue, the hero's temple, a graveyard, the Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial and a Jewish museum. The Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial is a moving art installation that resembles a weeping willow tree with each delicate leaf bearing the name and tattoo number of the dead and disappeared members of the Budapest Jewish community. It is interesting to note that Doháney Street constituted a border of the Jewish Ghetto to which 70,000 jews had been relocated under the Nazi plan. While not normal to have a cemetery next to a synagogue, the makeshift cemetery at the Doháney Street Synagogue contains the bodies of 2,000 jews who died while living in the Jewish Ghetto. Burials were allowed only due to historical circumstances.
Entrance to Doháney Street Synagogue 
Tree of Life Holocaust Memorial 
Leaves Memorializing the Dead and Disappeared Jews Fisherman's Bastion: Located on the Buda side of the Danube River, near the Buda Castle, is the Fisherman's Bastion. It is one of the most best known historical monuments in Budapest as well as one of the best spots to grab a photograph while visiting Budapest. The view from the bottom highlights the breathtaking architecture. There is a small fee to climb up to the top of the Fisherman's Bastion, but it is well worth the charge for the views and the photos!
Fisherman's Bastion (View from Below) 
Statue of Stephen the I of Hungary in the Bastion Court 
Fisherman's Bastion (View from the Top) 
Great Spot to Grab a Selfie 
Look for this Dispenser to Buy Ticket to Go to the Top of Fisherman's Bastion 
Square in Front of the Fisherman's Bastion Matthias Church: Matthias Church, also known as the Church of the Assumption of Buda Castle, is located in Holy Trinity Square in front of the Fisherman's Bastion in the heart of the Buda Castle District. The Catholic church was built in 1015 and has a deep and interesting history. The interior of the church is breathtaking and if you are lucky (like I was) you will be treated to an organ concert with glorious sounds that echo off of the high ceilings. Tours are offered to give you more insight into the interesting history of this church and you can also combine it with a guided tour of the Fisherman's Bastion as well as Buda Castle which is nearby. Click here for more information about Matthias Church and available tours.
St. Matthias Church 
The Interior of St. Matthias Church Sunset Cruise on the Danube: If you do nothing else on this list, you MUST do a night cruise on the Danube. Sailing down the Danube at night is a once in a lifetime experience. There are a variety of options for cruises. You can hop on a party boat, a dinner cruise, or just a short sight seeing sail. We had dinner on our cruise and were treated to delicious Hungarian specialties. The highlight of the evening cruise is definitely the jaw-dropping views of the illuminated historical landmarks (especially the Hungarian Parliament Building) and the lit bridges (especially the iconic Chain Bridge).
Nighttime Cruising Down the Danube 
Illuminated Soccer Stadium 
Breathtaking Hungarian Parliament Building Honorable Mention: You can't always fit in everything you want to see when visiting a destination. Here are some other iconic Budapest experiences that I didn't get a chance to fit into my schedule that you may want to check out:
Buda Castle: The historical castle and palace complex of Hungarian Kings. Located on the Buda side close to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion so an easy add on if you are visiting those sites. As noted above, tours are available that combine all three sites.
Thermal Baths: As noted above, Budapest is situated over 100 natural thermal springs and many visitors make a trek to Budapest specifically to take a dip,
Ruin Bars: Ruin bars are a staple of Budapest night life. They pubs with an eclectic, bohemian vibe decorated with mismatched furniture and housed in derelict, pre-war buildings located in the Jewish Quarter. You. can find an artistic vibe with live music and and energetic crowds.
So hopefully I have convinced you that you need to book your trip to Budapest sooner rather than later! Give yourself time to truly savor your time here. I didn't have nearly enough time and am glad I left some experiences on the table to justify a return trip!
Hi Amy! I have never been to Budapest but Kate is considering a trip in June. I’ve forwarded your blog her way :). Really hope you are well.