Budapest completely won us over. It’s a place where you can go from sipping cocktails on a rooftop with Basilica views…to sliding into 500-year-old thermal baths…to dancing in a graffiti-covered ruin bar — all in the same day.
It’s one of Europe’s most walkable and surprisingly affordable cities. The food scene is strong, the wine is seriously underrated, and the public transportation? So good. You can get to nearly every major attraction by hopping on the tram, metro, or even a scooter.
Whether you’re here for spa days, ruin bars, or riverside strolls, Budapest brings the vibes — effortlessly.
Buda vs. Pest: Know the Vibe
The Danube River slices Budapest into two distinct sides:
- Buda is old-world and regal. Think castles, cobblestones, panoramic lookouts, and leafy neighborhoods.
- Pest is lively and youthful. Home to ruin bars, shopping streets, coffee shops, and rooftop bars.
They’re connected by iconic bridges and have totally different energy — and that’s what makes the city work.
When to Go
May–June or September–October is the sweet spot: warm weather, fewer crowds, and better prices than summer.
If you’re okay with chilly nights, December brings festive markets and spa-steam rising from the baths.
Where to Stay
The Pest side is where the action is — home to the Jewish Quarter, ruin bars, nightlife, restaurants, and loads of pretty architecture.
For something quieter and more historic, stay on the Buda side, which is hilly and scenic with panoramic views and fewer crowds.
Our Picks:
- Aria Hotel Budapest (District V) – Chic, central, and music-themed with a rooftop bar.
- Hotel Rum (District V) – Boutique charm + wild views from Solid, the rooftop restaurant.
- Brody House (Palace District) – Artsy, cool, and budget-friendly.
- Cortile Hotel (District VI) – Adults-only, rooftop pool, excellent location.
Things to Do in Budapest
- Chain Bridge – The city’s most iconic bridge and the first to connect Buda and Pest. Look for the famous lion sculptures. A golden hour stroll here is a must.
- Gellért Hill & Citadel – A short but steep uphill walk (about 20–30 minutes) rewards you with sweeping views over the Danube and both sides of the city. Quieter than the Castle District and beautiful at sunset.
- Buda Castle & Fisherman’s Bastion – Side-by-side landmarks that offer some of the most stunning views in the city. Fisherman’s Bastion has fairytale towers and arches, while the Castle houses museums and galleries.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica – A neoclassical masterpiece. You can climb the dome for panoramic views, or just enjoy Basilica Square with a gelato.
- Parliament Building – One of the most beautiful government buildings in Europe. Gothic Revival architecture and best viewed from across the Danube on the Buda side, especially at sunset.
- Margaret Island – A car-free island park in the middle of the Danube. Great for a morning run, biking, or a laid-back picnic.
- Danube Promenade – Walk from Elizabeth Bridge to the Parliament along the riverfront. Don’t miss the “Shoes on the Danube” memorial — a moving tribute to victims of WWII.
- Hungarian State Opera House – Even if you don’t see a show, the interior is absolutely stunning. Guided tours are short and often include a mini performance.
Thermal Baths (Must-Do!)
Budapest sits on top of more than 100 thermal springs — and spa culture here isn’t just a tourist thing, it’s part of everyday life.
- Széchenyi Baths – The biggest and most famous. Grand yellow buildings, massive pools, and a social energy. You’ll see people playing chess in the water.
- Rudas Baths (our pick) – Built in the 1500s, this Turkish-style bath has moody lighting, an old stone dome, and a rooftop hot tub with insane Danube views. Co-ed during certain hours (check ahead).
- Gellért Baths – Art Nouveau-style and inside a beautiful old hotel. A great pick for beautiful interiors and a more relaxed vibe.
What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and sunscreen. Swim caps are sometimes required for lap pools. Most places offer rentals and lockers.
Pro tip: Friday and Saturday night sessions at Rudas are open late — worth it for the views.
Where to Eat & Drink
Breakfast & Cafés
- Lumen Café – Local favorite with great coffee, small plates, and a mellow courtyard.
- Artizán Bakery – Excellent sourdough and pastries. Come early.
- Nor/ma Grand – Bright and Scandi-chic with open-faced sandwiches and incredible cinnamon rolls.
Lunch
- Törökméz – Modern, light fare with a beautiful terrace.
- Lulu Budapest – Plant-based bowls and fresh juices in a cozy space.
- Babka Deli – Middle Eastern-inspired brunch on the Buda side. Try the shakshuka and tahini brownie.
Dinner
- Goli Restaurant – Our #1 pick. Middle Eastern flavors, excellent wine list, and effortlessly cool vibes. Michelin Bib. We’d go back just for this meal.
- Mazel Tov – Dreamy courtyard space with string lights and a strong cocktail menu. Don’t miss the mezze platter or lamb kofta.
- Flava Kitchen & More – Stylish, modern Hungarian flavors in a rooftop setting. A mix of local and international dishes, Michelin-listed.
- Stand25 Bistro – Elevated Hungarian comfort food in a relaxed setting. Try the goulash soup and somlói galuska for dessert.
Sweets & Snacks
- Gelarto Rosa – Rose-shaped gelato near St. Stephen’s Basilica. Pistachio + raspberry is our favorite combo.
- Daubner Cukrászda – Local bakery with old-school cakes and Hungarian sweets.
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cakes) – Cinnamon-sugar-coated dough baked on a spit. Get one warm from a street cart.
Where to drink
Ruin Bars – These are a Budapest original: abandoned buildings and courtyards transformed into eclectic bars. Mismatched furniture, antique bathtubs, neon lights — chaotic in the best way.
- Szimpla Kert – The original and still the best. Go before 9 PM to explore before it gets clubby.
- Instant-Fogas – Huge, themed rooms, all-night party vibe.
- Csendes Vintage Bar – Cozy and artsy with a quieter energy.
Getting Around
Budapest has one of the best public transit systems in Europe. Trams, buses, and metros are clean, fast, and cheap. You’ll also see scooters and rentable bikes all over the city.
We mostly walked, took the tram, and rented scooters when we wanted to cruise the Danube paths — easy, fun, and the best way to explore.
Tip: Get a 24- or 72-hour transit pass if you’re planning to move around a lot. You can buy at most metro stations or online.
Final Thoughts
Budapest surprised us in all the best ways. It’s regal but never stuffy, full of history without feeling like a museum, and cool without trying too hard.
Whether you’re soaking in an ancient bathhouse, sipping wine at a Michelin spot, or wandering across the Danube at sunset — this is a city that sticks with you.
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