The Best of Budapest: A Complete Guide
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is beloved by travelers because of its beauty, affordability, Art Nouveau architecture, and famed thermal baths.
Budapest is a big city that is easy to fall in love with. This (often underrated) city is steeped in great history but has a lively and energetic spirit. Budapest attracts a lot of young and budget travelers, but this city has plenty for everyone to enjoy!
The city is split into two parts: Buda and Pest (pronounced Buda-pesht). Divided by the River Danube, each side is unique in its own right. Buda is best for its hilly tranquility, sophistication, and famous Castle District. Alternatively, Pest is more action-packed and is busy with cafes, markets, and shops lining the streets.
Use this guide to plan your upcoming trip to Hungary’s beautiful capital city.
The Best of Budapest
Visit the Castle Hill Neighborhood
Budapest’s Castle District is a fairytale come true. This area offers sweeping panoramic views alongside a spectacular castle straight out of a movie and plenty of romantic side streets to explore. The Castle District is located in Buda and has so much to see and do. Here is everything you need to know to explore Budapest’s Castle District.
What to do in Castle Hill:
Funicular to Buda Castle
Funicular is the most epic way to travel up to Castle Hill. Give yourself a break and ride up in style using Budapest’s Funicular. This unique railway will take you from the Danube river bank in Adam Clark Square to Buda Castle in minutes.
Matthias Church
Located in the heart of the Castle Hill next to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church is truly spectacular and its beauty rivals other churches all across Europe. Both the exterior and interior are breathtaking and reflect Budapest’s unique architecture and whimsical characteristics.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is a towering monument with lookout points overseeing the city. The gothic turrets and towers built into the structure transport you back to medieval times. Neighboring the famous Matthias Church, this is a picture-perfect location to see fantastic city views. It gets very crowded during peak hours, so I recommend starting your day here as early as 8:00 am.
Buda Castle
Once the primary residence to Budapest’s royals, Buda Castle is a palace complex built in the gothic style. This is one of the city’s major attractions sitting atop Castle Hill. The Castle is no longer a royal residence and is now home to the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery.
Budapest River Cruise
Cruising down the Danube River is the best way to see some of Budapest’s biggest attractions. There is nothing better than sailing down Hungary’s most famous river while you soak in the city’s unique beauty. An evening cruise is especially fabulous, as the city shines bright under the moonlight. Seeing the House of Parliament at night is truly unforgettable.
Recommended Budapest River Cruises:
Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise & Unlimited Prosecco
Budapest Highlights Sightseeing Cruise
Leo Rooftop Bar
Rooftop drinks while on vacation are kind of a must, no? At Leo Rooftop, you get delicious bites and cocktails paired with gorgeous panoramic views— it’s really the best of both worlds. There’s no better place to unwind after a long day of exploring Budapest than in the sleek and elegant atmosphere at Leo Rooftop.
Central Market Hall
Central Market Hall is the largest indoor market in Budapest. Walking around and browsing each stall filled with fresh produce, goods, and Hungarian snacks is a great way to see an energetic side of the city. Come hungry, as there are tons of things to snack on. The stalls selling fresh lavender goods and paprika were some of my favorites!
Budapest’s Thermal Baths
Thermal baths and Budapest go hand-in-hand. I admit, at first, I was skeptical of the baths. I had never enjoyed such an experience before and the idea of bathing with strangers was… not pleasant to me. However, I will visit the thermal baths of Budapest time and time again. There’s a reason locals have used these thermal baths for thousands of years and why they are so popular with, well, everyone.
What to know about Budapest’s thermal baths:
- What to bring: A swimsuit, shoes, and a towel
- If you don’t bring your own, most thermal baths sell accessories like towels and shoes
- Many thermal baths offer treatments like massages for an additional price (on top of admission)
- Thermal Baths in Budapest are open late! This is a great late-night activity that’s totally unique to Budapest.
Budapest’s Thermal Baths:
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Széchenyi Thermal Baths are one of the largest and most popular in Budapest. Set in a magnificent building, this bath complex includes a huge outdoor pool and rooftop spa that you can completely unwind in. You can’t help but take photos of the beautiful, golden spa complex that makes up the Széchenyi Thermal Baths.
Gellért Baths
If you’re looking for ornate and decorative interiors, Gellért Baths might be the place for you. During my time in this 100-year-old spa, I was blown away by the sheer detail of this beautiful Art Nouveau building. Overall, Gellért Baths is a fantastic choice for your thermal bath experience in Budapest.
Rudas Bath
Rudas Bath is another popular thermal bath and spa among visitors. If you’re interested in panoramic city views, Rudas Bath is a great choice for you. Their modern rooftop pool rivals all others in the city!
New York Café
There’s a reason New York Café calls itself the “Most Beautiful Cafe in the World.” If you think you know what to expect from this coffeehouse dating back to the 1890s, think again. Dripping in crystal, marble archways, and gold fixtures, New York Café transcends your typical coffee shop. Spend an hour or two sipping on 24-carat gold cappuccinos and eating decadent desserts while feeling like absolute royalty.
Faust Wine Cellar
Drinking wine inside of a castle just hits different. Inside Buda Castle is a cavernous wine cellar that’s intimate, moody, and medieval. Faust Wine Cellar is an underground wine bar that offers a unique wine tasting experience. If you need a boozy detour from all your sightseeing, this is the perfect stop fit for a queen.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
A beautiful Roman Catholic Basilica, St Stephen’s Basilica is a monument you can’t miss in Budapest. Located in Pest, this is one of the most beautiful churches you’ll visit in Budapest.
