Have you ever heard the saying that Budapest is the Paris of the East? After spending time in Paris I didn’t think this could possibly be true. After going to Budapest I can say this is 100% true! Budapest has a rich culture, a beautiful city center, delicious and sometimes underrated food and is completely affordable. With my guide to the Top Ten Attractions In Budapest, you will see just how wonderful this European gem truly is!
Budapest was the first stop on our European summer vacation where we also went to Positano and Rome. While we had an awesome trip planned, I was really pumped for the Positano portion of the trip and Budapest was just a city I was looking forward to seeing. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this city and I certainly wasn’t expecting to want to spend more time there. We spent four days, but easily could have stayed for five days, I fell in love with this city. Keep reading to see why I loved it so much.
Where to Stay
Before I show you the top ten attractions in Budapest, you first need to understand the city. There are two almost separate cities; there is the Buda side the Pest side. Picking which side you want to stay on will be your first decision. Each side has its own identity and offers something for everyone. We stayed on the Pest side and I would highly recommend that side. It offers a more lively environment and a plethora of restaurant and bar options.
The Buda side is located on the west side of the river and is situated on the hill. On this side sits the grand Hapsburg Palace and is full of rolling green hills. You can walk up the hill or take the funicular. I suggest taking the funicular up and walking down. This side of town moves at a slower pace and is quieter. I thought of it as the classic, historical side of the town.
Pest is the more modern side of the city and located on flat lands. It houses the main town square, with winding brick roads lined with tiny little boutiques. This side of the town comes alive at night and is lit by the lights of the bridges and Parliament.
We chose to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Budapest. I know its sounds fancy and expensive, but it was truly just fancy. We were able to get the hotel for under $225 a night including tax! That is unheard of in the U.S. for that brand. To accomplish this, we booked at least 9 months out and scoured multiple travel sites for a deal. We also found that just about everything is cheaper is Budapest. Your money goes a long way here, which is kind of unheard of for large European cities.
With the lay of the land set its now time to explore this amazing city. Here are my Top Ten Attractions To See In Budapest.
Top Ten Attractions In Budapest
Danube River Cruise
See both Buda and Pest from the river by taking a cruise. Seeing the city and the famous bridges from the water is unlike anything you will experience. I recommend a night time cruise as you start at dusk and finish up when it is fully dark. Seeing the city lights and the glowing parliament building will make you fall in love with this city.
Great Market Hall
The biggest and best market hall in all of Budapest, this hall houses everything from fresh fish to nesting dolls and everything in between. Arrive in the morning and look around at the local shops and stay for lunch. You can find some traditional Hungarian dishes here that will have your mouth watering.
Ruin Bars
These unique bars are located in the old Jewish Quarter in the ruins of abandoned buildings, stores and lots. On the outside they appear to be normal buildings, but on the inside they are bars and clubs designed from flea market finds and eclectic items. It’s like nothing you have every seen before, the environment is relaxed and carefree. We went to Szimpla during the day, but wished we went back at night for the excitement.
House of Terror
We read about the House of Terror Museum in travel guides before we left on our trip. It was on our list but it wasn’t a must-see or a top priority. We came across it while walking around town, and we are so glad we stumbled across it. The museum contains exhibits related to the fascists and communist regimes of 20th-century Hungary, and is a memorial to the victims who suffered under those regimes. Your tour takes you through rooms with displays and exhibits related to various types of oppression that Hungarians faced, from religious to political. Each exhibit has an eery soundtrack lightly playing and videos of interviews from actual victims is played throughout. It was probably one of the most unique, and interesting displayed, museums that I have ever been to.
Chain Bridge
The iconic Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects the Buda side and the Pest side. Originally erected in 1849 it was the first bridge in Hungary connecting the two sides. Made of cast iron, the structure is bold and radiates strength in the city. Walk along the bridge to the Buda side and take in the architecture of the bridge. I recommend seeing the bridge during day and night, the same bridge will look completely different.
Castle Hill Funicular
Take a funicular ride up to the top of castle hill. Located at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge, this funicular has been operating since 1870! I highly recommend taking the funicular up the hill and enjoying the stroll down the hill. It will save your legs on the steep incline!
Great Synagogue and St. Stephen’s Basilica
No matter what your religious preference is, you must see the Great Synagogue and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Both institutions are iconic historic relics in Budapest. The Great Synagogue in the largest synagogue in all of Europe and is absolutely beautiful. Be prepared to cover up though, women and men must cover their knees and shoulders. St. Stephen’s Basilica stands on a large square and houses the right hand of the first King of Hungary. Climb to the top of the top of the church and take in Budapest with a birds eye view.
Parliament
A must see from land and the river. The Parliament building is a spectacular sight. Walk around the building to see the massive structure. You can take a tour inside, however it is not that detailed and is short. Instead take in the building from the outside or better yet at night on a river cruise when it is lit up and glowing.
Heroe’s Square
This is the largest square in Budapest and plays host to political events. Located at the end of the road, its also the starting point for a picturesque walk to the zoo and Szechenyi Baths. The square is vast, yet intimate with the hand made statues soaring in the sky. The statues appear life-like and represent the rich Hungarian culture.
Szechenyi Baths
Built in 1913, Szechenyi is the largest bath in Europe consisting of 15 indoor baths and 3 outdoor baths. The baths are filled with thermal water from two springs that have average temperatures around 77 degrees. The outdoor bath is like a huge public pool with amazing architecture. The indoor baths are a little different and were a bit too far outside the box for us to partake in. My suggestion would be skip the indoor baths and spend the time outside. Go early to beat the crowds.
All the sightseeing will have you hungry! To help with that I’ve also include a list of places to eat while in Budapest.
Where to Eat
I’m going to make a blanket statement and say that I didn’t have a bad meal in Budapest. The food isn’t fancy, its actual simple, classic dishes that you may remember eating as skid at your grandma’s house. Some of the restaurants where we enjoyed delicious meals are below.
Riverfront Dining
Dunacorso
Located along the riverfront, this restaurant has an huge outdoor patio that looks directly at the Buda side of the town. Go at dusk and stay until it gets dark out so you can see the lights of the city come alive. The food is traditional, tasty and easy on the wallet. You will leave thinking that you got the best deal in town.
Panorama Terasz
Located along the riverfront, this restaurant serves up traditional Hungarian fare. The large patio is perfect for sipping wine and listening to the live music and taking in the atmosphere.
Deak St. Kitchen
A trendy restaurant serving a new age twist on classic Hungarian Dishes. The decor will remind of you the hottest restaurant in the US, but will have the tastes and smells of old work Budapest. Nestled in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, this spot serves an array of Hungarian beers and wine. Enjoy a meal while sitting out on the back deck, it’s a great spot!
Kupola Lounge
Located in the Ritz-Carlton, this spot serves the most delicious breakfast. We could have opted to have a breakfast buffet included in our hotel rate, but we chose not to and ended up eating here anyway. The a la carte menu was delicious. I suggest the Avocado Toast or Eggs Benedict.
Casual Cafes
Budapest has tons of tiny cafes around the city which are perfect for a light snack or afternoon pick me up. I had two favorites, which we visited frequently!
Mr. Funk
For an afternoon pick me up, stop by Mr. Funk. This donut shop offers a wide variety of unique donuts and the best lattes in town! In addition, they also have great colorful art around the cafe.
Anna Cafe
A casual spot that is perfect for an afternoon beer or a bite to eat. They have a ton of outdoor seating which is great to sit back and relax and live like a local. Order a Hungarian Beer for the full experience. We always drink the local beer when we travel, its’ the best way to experience the city your in.
Writing this post brings back such great memories of this hidden European gem. And I’ve got the urge to get back there soon!
Have you been to Budapest? What did you love about the city?
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