15 epic things to do in Budapest

15 epic things to do in Budapest

Budapest is an exquisite and breathtaking gem in Eastern Europe. The Hungarian capital is rich in history, has stunning architecture, fantastic food, and great nightlife. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this city. Budapest is also very affordable. The Hungarian Forint is 33 cents to the U.S. dollar (2019).
Budapest is made up of two distinct parts – Buda and Pest. Buda is the hilly side on the west bank of the Danube River that overlooks the pest side. Pest, on the east bank, is known more for restaurants and nightlife. Both equally beautiful and unique, each side developed independently and merged in 1873 to become the city that it is today.

1. Marvel at the beauty of St. Stephen’s Basilica

This beautiful Roman Catholic Basilica is named in honor of the first king of Hungary. The Basilica was completed in 1905 and one of the most important churches in Hungary. You can climb the staircase to the base of the dome for gorgeous photographs of the city. As a holy site, visitors are required to keep shoulders covered.

2. Cruise the Danube to get fantastic views of Parliament

There are many boat tour options in Budapest to cruise the Danube for an hour or more. You can do a simple boat tour, dinner cruise, night tour or party boat. Either way, it is an excellent way to see both sides of the Danube and get gorgeous views of the city’s architecture and capture some beautiful photographs.

3. Visit Heroe’s Square

Heroe’s Square is one of the most important landmarks in Budapest. It was built in 1896 to mark the thousandth anniversary of Hungary. It is surrounded by the Museum of Fine Arts and Kunsthalle (Hall of Art). The monument displays kings and other important figures in Hungarian history.

4. Wander the streets of the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is vibrant and youthful and has tons of character. It is fun to get lost in the streets, admire the street art, wander into funky and eclectic shops and enjoy the uniqueness of the ruin bars (more on ruin bars in my next section). However, this now lively neighborhood has a dark past, previously referred to as the Jewish Ghetto during WWII.

5. Bar hop Budapest’s ruin bars

The Jewish Quarter’s Ruin Bars came about in the early 2000s. The Jewish Quarter’s buildings were left dilapidated after WWII. The idea of these bars was to build a simple and inexpensive watering hole for Budapest’s artists and bohemian crowd. It has since taken off as a popular hot spot for tourists and locals alike. The bars have so much character, using vintage and random decor and artifacts – everything from mannequins to old phones and live plants. It’s impossible to be bored in an atmosphere like this! Try Hungary’s national drink – Palinka. This liquor is served straight up in a tulip-shaped shot glass. Or enjoy some of Hungary’s local craft beer or Hungarian wine.

6. Eat at Karavan Street Food Market

Perfectly situated near the nightlife of the Jewish Quarter, this is a must! There were so many options and a diverse mix of food options. I decided on Mediterranean and got a falafel pita which was delicious. There were so many high-quality choices, and it all smelled so good. I don’t think you could make a wrong choice here!

7. Explore Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion was built as a lookout tower to get the best panoramic views of the Danube. The views are indeed spectacular! Though the Romanesque fortress design makes it look much older than it is, it is modern, by European standards, built in the late 19th century. The Fisherman’s Bastion looks as if it were out of a fairytale. This is a spot in Budapest that absolutely can not be missed! It is a beautiful place to photograph. I would recommend getting there at sunrise to beat the crowds (which I did not). Though crowded, I can say the views are beautiful at sunset.

8. Walk across Chain Bridge

Walk across Budapest’s most famous bridge at sunset and get a photograph at this iconic spot. The Szechenyi Chain Bridge was Budapest’s first permanent bridge to cross the Danube. It was built in 1849 to connect Buda and Pest regions of Budapest.

9. Visit the thermal baths

Visiting thermal baths is a must in Budapest. The mineral-rich baths are thought to have medicinal effects. One of the most famous baths is Szechenyi, circa 1913 (the one I visited). This beautiful Baroque style facility has 15 indoor pools and three large outdoor pools with varying temperatures. The bath also features saunas and has spa services and massage. a few of the other famous baths are Gellert and Rudas. These three are perhaps the most famous due to their impressive architecture. All are unique in what they offer. If you can purchase your tickets ahead of time, do! This will save you time from waiting in long lines.

10. Sample Langos

Langos, pronounced lan-gosh, is a Hungarian specialty consisting of fried dough that is round and flat in shape. Traditional langos has sour cream and shredded cheese on top. However, you can find them with just about every topping combination. One of the best Langos I had was at a small food stall names Retro Langos Bufe. I’ve also discovered some great Langos at the Karavan Street Food Market (previously mentioned) and at Central Market Hall.

11. Visit Central Market Hall

Central Market Hall is a beautiful gothic style building featuring an expansive indoor market. The market has a large variety of food stalls and restaurants spanning three floors. Don’t go early to beat the crowds – the locals tend to get there early to do their shopping. To experience less of a crowd, go late morning or early afternoon. You’ll find everything here- fruits, vegetables, dairy meats, and fresh fish, pickled items, Hungarian Paprika as-well-as souvenirs, and food stalls to experience local cuisine. You can even do market tours, food, and wine tasting tours.

12. Try Hungarian Goulash

Do not leave Budapest without trying Goulash. This stew is such a delicious comfort food. It is a thick stew, consisting of meat and vegetables (usually potatoes, onion and carrots) and paprika and other spices. If you are vegetarian, no need to worry, a lot of restaurants in Budapest have a vegetarian version. You can find it almost anywhere in Budapest. One of the best bowls of Goulash I had was at 0,75 Bar and Bistro, located in the square at St. Stephen’s Basilica. They also have a great variety of wine while you’re there! You can also find a good selection of Goulash at Central Market Hall food stall

13. Visit the largest synagogue in Europe

Dohany Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue of Budapest is the largest synagogue in all of Europe, seating 3,000 people. It is located at the edge of the Jewish Quarter. The memorial garden at the north side of the synagogue has the Tree of Life Holocaust Memorial, designed in 1991. The memorial stands over mass graves of those murdered by Nazis in 1944-45. Family names are inscribed on the metal leaves of the tree.

14. City Park and Vajdahunyad Castle

City Park is located near Heroe’s Square and across from Szechenyi Thermal Bath. It is the perfect place to have a picnic in the summer or ice skate on the lake in the winter. In preparation for Hungary’s Millenium Celebration in 1896, massive development was made to the park. Vajdahunyad Castle was built for the Millenium Celebration in 1896. The castle is eclectic and encapsulates the designs of many castles and buildings throughout Hungary.

15. Hike up Gellert Hill for panoramic views

Making your way up Gellert Hill takes about 20 minutes on well maintained paved trails and stairs. The hill is steep but the views are worth it! The city looks magical in the evening, as you get the best panoramic views of the Castle, Danube, and Pest. At the top, there is a liberty statue to commemorate Hungary’s liberation from Nazi rule.

I hope you found this blog helpful. My list of 15 things is in no particular order. Please feel free to comment or reach out with any questions or comments!

Cheers, Angela