Winter is coming, so it’s about time to book that winter getaway! Don’t know where to go yet? How about one of my favorite cities; Budapest? Six years ago I went to the city for the first time. While I immediately loved the beautiful historic buildings and wonderful spa’s, there was still some work to be done to adapt the city to the demands of the modern-day traveler. Last year, for a friend’s birthday, I ended up back in Budapest and really was amazed by how much the city has changed. Before heading for the Hungarian capital, it’s important to know that Budapest used to be two cities. Buda, a quitter and more residential area on the westside of the Danube and Pest, a livelier and flatter part on the east. In 1873 the two became one. Budapest is not just beautiful historic buildings and spa’s, but there’s also so many great restaurants. Here are my tips for an amazing city trip.
Sightseeing
Wander around the grounds of Buda Castle
The most impressive building on the Buda-side of town is Buda Castle, which was completed in 1265. It was the home to the Hungarian royalty in the capital city of Budapest. The castle is a part of the Budapest World Heritage Site. Nowadays the Hungarian National Gallery is located inside the castle. As Buda Hill it quite a climb up, it’s fun to use the cable car.
Visit the colorful Matthias Church
The colorful Mathias Church was used as a coronation church by Hungarian kings. The vibrant ceramic roof is made of tiles from the renowned Zsolnay factory of Hungary.
Admire the gorgeous Fisherman’s Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion is absolutely the most beautiful place in Budapest! It was built in the late 1800s to celebrate the 1000-year anniversary of the founding of Hungary. From here out you’ll have some of the most spectacular views in all of Budapest. And you can take some great pictures from the Parliament from here.
Cross the Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is one of Budapest’s most well-known landmarks. It crosses the Danube River and connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city. It was the longest suspension bridge in Europe and the first permanent bridge to cross the Danube River in Hungary when it opened in 1849. Make sure to go there at night, the views from the bridge upon Buda Castle are amazing.
Shoes on the Danube Promenade Memorial
On your way to the parliament you will come across ‘The Shoes on the Danube Promenade Memorial’, which are a somber reminder of the horrors against the Jewish people during World War II.
Tour the Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament building, is the third largest parliament building in the world and is definitely worth seeing. Inside, you’ll see more gold than you could have imagined! A tour will take you into the Session Hall where the government meets.
Get that obligatory photo with the Little Princess Statue
One of the most eye-catching and cutest statues upon the Danube Promenade is the one of the Little Princess. It was created in 1989 by László Marton.
Stroll along Andrassy Avenue
If it’s shopping you’re after, Andrássy Avenue is where you need to be! This iconic boulevard dates back to 1872. It’s lined with luxury boutiques and old mansions. Also the Hungarian National Opera House is located along this avenue.
Wander around Hero Square
The most important square of Budapest! It was created in 1896 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest and foundation of the Hungarian state. Heroes square is dominated by the Millennium Monument. Behind that are two curved colonnades featuring statues of important people in Hungarian history.
Visit St-Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and can hold up to 8,500 people. The Classicist-style building houses Hungary’s most sacred relic: the Holy Right, which is the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, after whom the Basilica was named.
Relax at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath
You can’t go to the City of Baths without spending some time in one of the thermal spas. The Széchenyi really is my Budapest happy place! I’ve been there twice now, and every time it was amazing. In addition to the medicinal natural hot spring waters in the 18 pools, there are 10 saunas and steam cabins, several massage therapies, facial treatments and more.
Foodie Hotspots
When it comes to gastronomy, Budapest is underappreciated in my opinion. Although I have to admit that the traditional Hungarian cuisine can be quite heavy, the new generation of chefs took the classics to a whole new level.
New York Café – Back in 2011 I discovered the New York Café and immediately loved it. It’s located in the Boscolo Budapest Hotel, one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. At the turn of the 20th century the New York Café was the most beautiful, and most beloved coffee house in Budapest. Personally I like to go there to enjoy their fabulous breakfast and brunch selection. It’s served from 7am till noon. Totally perfect when you’re feeling that ‘easy like Sunday morning’ vibe!
Zona – A stylish restaurant and wine bar in the Buda side of Budapest. I was immediately wowed by the luxurious, yet inviting design of the restaurant. ZONA’s kitchen serves modern, bistro-styled dishes inspired by urban experiences and travels. The restaurant offers more than 200 kinds of the finest Hungarian and foreign wines.
Where to stay?
The Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel is one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. The 185 guest rooms combine precious antique furniture with contemporary designer details. When the hotel opened in 1894 it used to be called the New York Palace Hotel, this due to the fact that the European headquarters from the American insurance company ‘New York Life’ were situated in the building.
If you are looking for more budget friendly option, I can definitely recommend the spacious apartments at Gozsdu Court Budapest. Just a 1-minute walk from the Deák Ferenc Square in the center of Budapest.
Practical information Budapest
- As taxi’s are really cheap in Budapest, I suggest you save yourself the trouble of dragging luggage around, upon buses or metro’s and simply take a taxi. It’s a good idea to check with your hotel in advance, as they usually have special fees. We booked through our hotel and had a private chauffeur waiting for us at the arrivals hall. We paid € 25.
- Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)