Budapest had been on our list for a city trip for quite some time. After spending several days in the city, we can honestly say that Budapest really surprised us. We explored many of the most famous places ourselves and also tried a few unique activities along the way. In this article, we share our personal highlights from our city trip to the Hungarian capital.
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Which Budapest Attractions Are Really Worth Visiting
The most important attractions in Budapest are located around the Danube and in the historic Castle District. We were especially impressed by St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament and Fisherman’s Bastion. Many of these places are easy to reach on foot.
At first glance Budapest feels like a large city, yet many highlights are located quite close to each other. As a result, you can visit several attractions in a single day while still exploring the city at a relaxed pace.
Our Hotel in Budapest – centrally located between the Old Town and Heroes’ Square
A centrally located hotel makes a city trip much more enjoyable. From our hotel we were able to reach many of Budapest’s attractions on foot.
Our experience at the Queens Court Hotel and Residence
We stayed at the Queens Court Hotel and Residence*. The hotel is located between the Old Town and Heroes’ Square and is an excellent starting point for exploring the city.
Budapest offers very good value for money when it comes to hotels. We had similar experiences in Dubai. Especially outside the main travel season you can often find surprisingly attractive hotel deals.
We visited Budapest at the beginning of February. During this time the city is much quieter and many hotels are noticeably cheaper than in summer. We also really liked the area around our hotel. There are many restaurants and bars nearby that you can easily reach on foot.
Hungarian Goulash and One of Budapest’s Famous Ruin Bars
On our first evening we wanted to try a traditional Hungarian dish. That is why we decided to order a classic goulash.
Hungarian Goulash with Nokedli
The goulash was served in a small clay pot and came with Nokedli. These small Hungarian dumplings are somewhat similar to gnocchi and absorb the rich sauce very well. The dish is hearty, flavorful and perfect for a cold winter evening. Hungarian goulash is one of the most famous dishes of the local cuisine and can be found on many restaurant menus across the city.
For us the comparison was particularly interesting. Just a few weeks earlier we had eaten goulash several times in Špindlerův Mlýn in the Czech Republic and were able to compare the two versions directly.
Szimpla Kert – the famous ruin bar in Budapest
After dinner we happened to walk past Szimpla Kert. Originally we had planned to visit this bar on our last evening, but we spontaneously changed our plans.
Szimpla Kert is one of the most famous ruin bars in Budapest. The bar is located inside an old residential building with several courtyards and different rooms. Inside you will find art installations, vintage furniture and several small bars. The atmosphere feels creative, lively and slightly alternative.
For us it was the perfect start to our first evening in Budapest.
Budapest Attractions in the City Center
Many of the most important attractions in Budapest are located in the city center. This makes it easy to combine several sights during a walk through the city.
St. Stephen’s Basilica with Panoramic Terrace
St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most impressive churches in the city. The interior already feels grand and full of architectural details. However, the real highlight is the panoramic terrace that runs around the dome and offers wide views across Budapest.
For us, the view from the terrace was one of the best viewpoints in Budapest. From here you can see the historic city center, the Danube and many well known landmarks. If you visit the basilica, we recommend buying a ticket that includes access to the panoramic terrace*.
Hungarian Parliament on the Danube
The Hungarian Parliament is one of the most famous buildings in Budapest. Its neo gothic architecture almost looks like a fairytale palace. The location directly along the Danube makes the building even more impressive. From many points along the river you have beautiful views of the parliament.
If you would like to explore the interior, you can book a guided tour with an audio guide*. During the tour you will see the grand staircase, the dome hall with the Hungarian crown and several historic chambers.
Walk Along the Danube
From the parliament you can easily continue walking along the Danube promenade. The riverside path offers many beautiful views of the bridges and the opposite bank of the city. Along the way you will also pass the Shoes on the Danube memorial. This monument commemorates victims of the Second World War and leaves a very moving impression.
Chain Bridge Budapest
The Chain Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Budapest. It connects the two districts of Buda and Pest and leads directly toward the Castle District. We walked across the bridge and enjoyed beautiful views of the Danube and the parliament. For us, crossing the Chain Bridge is one of the classic things to do in Budapest.
The Castle District – Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and Buda Castle
The Castle District is one of the most famous historic areas of Budapest. From here you can enjoy some of the best views across the city and the Danube.
You can reach the Castle District in several ways. You can walk uphill, take the funicular near the Chain Bridge or use the small shuttle buses. These buses run regularly through the district and stop at several attractions. We decided to take the bus, which was a welcome break after many kilometers of walking.
Our tip: If you have already explored a lot of the city on foot, the shuttle bus is a convenient way to reach the Castle District and save some energy for the viewpoints.
Fisherman’s Bastion with Views of the Parliament
Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most popular photo spots in Budapest. The white towers almost look like a scene from a fantasy film. From the terrace you have a direct view of the parliament and the Danube. For us, this was one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Budapest.
Matthias Church in the Castle District
Right next to Fisherman’s Bastion stands Matthias Church. Its colorful tiled roof with decorative patterns makes it especially striking. The church is one of the most important historic buildings in the Castle District.
Buda Castle Budapest
Another important landmark in the Castle District is Buda Castle. During our visit parts of the complex were under renovation. Nevertheless, walking through the district is well worth it. The squares, streets and viewpoints make this area one of the most beautiful parts of Budapest.
Attractions and Activities in Budapest City Park
Besides the classic landmarks, Budapest also offers some special activities. We were especially impressed by Széchenyi Thermal Bath and the ice rink in City Park. These two experiences made our city trip even more varied and memorable.
The starting point for both activities is Heroes’ Square. This large square is one of the best known sights in the city and sits right at the entrance to City Park. From here, you can reach both the ice rink and Széchenyi Thermal Bath within just a few minutes.
Heroes’ Square Budapest
Heroes’ Square is one of the largest and most famous squares in Budapest. In the center stands the Millennium Monument with its tall columns and statues of Hungarian rulers. The square feels very spacious and creates an impressive entrance to City Park. For us, Heroes’ Square was a great first stop in this part of the city. From here, you can quickly reach the ice rink and Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Ice Skating at the Large Ice Rink in City Park
From Heroes’ Square, you can reach Budapest City Park in just a few minutes. One of the largest outdoor ice rinks in Europe is located here.
Historic buildings and Vajdahunyad Castle surround the rink, which makes the whole setting especially impressive. We love ice skating and always enjoy taking opportunities like this when we travel. On previous trips we even visited an ice rink in Dubai.
What impressed us most in Budapest was the atmosphere of the ice rink. The large skating area and the historic surroundings make it a truly memorable experience.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest
Just a few minutes from the ice rink, you will find Széchenyi Thermal Bath. It is one of the most famous thermal baths in Europe and also one of the most popular bath complexes in Budapest.
The historic bath complex includes several indoor and outdoor pools. The large outdoor pool with its warm thermal water is especially impressive. We visited the baths in winter, and while the air outside was cold, we sat in the pleasantly warm water and looked at the yellow historic buildings around us. For us, this contrast was particularly striking. Széchenyi Thermal Bath is clearly one of the best things to do in Budapest.
Our tip: It is best to book your ticket online in advance and choose the cabin option*. That way, you can change in privacy and store your valuables safely.
Shopping in Budapest
Budapest also offers plenty of opportunities for shopping. Especially around the city center, you will find several well known shopping streets as well as large shopping malls.
Andrássy Avenue and Fashion Street
Andrássy Avenue is one of the best known streets in the city. Along this wide boulevard you will find many shops, cafés and historic buildings. Fashion Street is also located in the center of Budapest and offers a mix of international brands and smaller stores.
Westend Shopping Center
If you prefer shopping in a mall, Westend is worth a visit. This large shopping center is located near Nyugati Railway Station. We spent some time there and enjoyed browsing through the different stores.
Budapest at Night – Danube Boat Cruise
A boat cruise on the Danube is one of the best evening experiences in Budapest. At night, many of the city’s most important buildings are beautifully illuminated. From the water you can see the parliament, the castle and several of Budapest’s bridges. The illuminated parliament looks especially impressive from the river.
For us, this boat cruise was the perfect ending to our city trip. If you would like to do a similar tour, it is best to book your tickets online in advance*.
Is a City Trip to Budapest Worth It
Budapest combines impressive architecture, historic landmarks and special activities within a relatively compact area. At the same time, the city offers a wide variety of attractions while still feeling relaxed and easy to explore. For us, this city trip was absolutely worth it. Budapest is clearly one of the most exciting cities in Europe.
I’m Marie, and I write about our excursions and travel destinations. I love discovering new places and sharing my experiences and practical tips with you. My goal is to inspire you for your next adventure and help you find the best activities and must-see sights.
