Budapest makes for such a great city break no matter what time of year you visit- whether for the Christmas markets Nov-Jan or in Spring/ Autumn for a break. Or of course in Summer for the Sziget Music Festival.
The city is divided in two by the river and is actually made up of what used to be two cities: Buda and Pest! Choose which side to stay in based on the type of trip you’d like, and don’t worry they’re connected by multiple bridges and it’s easy to roam between the two!
Getting to Budapest
The first time I visited was during an Interrailing trip, the city is well-connected by train to much of Eastern and Western Europe.
Fly direct to Budapest with Ryanair, EasyJet, WizzAir, Aer Lingus and many others, full list is available here
What to see on the Buda side – Day 1
Fisherman’s bastion
Buda Castle
Citadel
Gellért hill & Gellért spa
What to see on the Pest side – Day 2
Hungarian Parliamentary buildings
Liberty Bridge
Central Market Hall
Shoes on the Danube
St Stephen’s Basilica (book online in advance and go up to the observation deck)
Giant ferris wheel, Elizabeth Square
Karavan Food Park – beside the ruin bars
Ruin bars- mostly in the Jewish quarter
What to see/ do on Day 3
Széchenyi baths (the baths turn into a party every Saturday night if you are interested)
Heroes Square
City Park
Vajdahunyad Castle
Zugliget Chairlift
Boat Cruise on the Danube
Best ways to see the city
Best walking tour All Around Budapest Tours (@allaroundbudapesttours)
🛴 Download Tier Mobility to use electric scooters to get around with ease
Tram 2 – One of top 10 most scenic trams in the world, starting at Margaret bridge (1hr round trip €1)
Metro Line M1- a UNESCO world heritage site, this is the oldest metro line in continental Europe
Cafes & bars
New York cafe – iconic cafe known as the most beautiful in the world (no longer take bookings after 6pm)
Best coffee- Madal cafe or Dorado
For brunch, head to Kiosk, Lumen, Cookie Beacon or Twenty Six Restaurant
Szimpla Kert is the most famous ruin bar, and well worth a visit (open from 2pm)
Unique rooftop bar- 360 bar: bubble domes on the roof, great sunset views, reserve a bubble in advance if you want one.
Street food- Karavan Budapest, food truck park right next to Szimpla Kert.
For dinner, try Bestia Budapest (book in advance), Mazel Tov (mediterranean, book in advance to avoid the queue), Retro Lángos Budapest (best and biggest variety of lángos) or Ligeti Langos (near Szchenyi baths), or Bamba Marha Bar (burgers).
For sunset views: White Raven Sky Bar (The Hilton Budapest)
Where to stay
Pest side for more shops, restaurants and nightlife (cheaper)
Buda side for a quieter getaway (posher)
Splurge for amazing views at Hilton Budapest (beside Fisherman’s Bastion) or Intercontinental Budapest (for views of the Parliament)
Tips
The currency is the HUF, we only used Revolut and didn’t need to take out cash, Christmas markets only took card/ contactless payments (€1=400HUF)
Christmas markets are located at St Stephen’s Basilica & Vörösmarty tér square,near Fashion Street.
