Traveling with Tanya
14th April 2022
Best Places to Visit in Budapest
Budapest– also known as the Paris of the East is indeed one of the most enchanting European towns that we have ever seen. Although Budapest was on our bucket list for a very long time, we had been procrastinating for other European jewels like Venice, Prague, Malta. But in April 2022 we finally made it to BUDAPEST! It is a city that suits all ages, budget and styles. With enchanting cafes to the serene riverside to crazy nights at Ruin Pubs to stunning architecture, Budapest has so much to offer. So come with me and explore this city together.
How to Reach Budapest:
Since I live in Germany, the most convenient mode of travel was by Air. Although Deutsche Bahn also has train connections to the city, the journey time can range up to 7 hours. So, we decided to look for airline options to plan our travel. The leading German Airlines were costing up too high, so we finally went ahead with the very famous budget airlines RyanAir. And the tickets for me and my husband cost us 100 Euros, from Nuremberg to Budapest (including the check in baggage which was 23kg). The flight time was 50 minutes and the service was fine. And in no time we were in the Hungarian Skies, looking down from our window, I saw the Danube and the magnificent Hungarian Parliament.
We didn’t book our return journey with Ryan Air as we had plans of traveling back to Germany via Vienna, Austria, which we covered via Flix Bus and Deutsche Bahn.
If living in any of the neighbouring countries from Hungary, you also have the option to drive down to Budapest. Please check in advance with your hotel for Parking place options. Also, once you reach Budapest, most of the places can be reached by foot. The city has a robust bus, tram and metro line.
Before planning your trip, make sure you check for all the travel options or whatever suits you the most and fits your budget.
Where to Stay in Budapest:
For those who do not know, Budapest is divided into 2 parts. Buda- the Hilly area and Pest- the flat side of the town. The town is divided by the beautiful Danube river in between. From my experience, if you are looking for a more lively, vivid and a cool vibe try booking your stay towards the Pest side of the city. Also, it has a plethora of budget friendly stay options.
Budapest has 23 districts out of which Districts 1, 5, 6,7 and 8 are ideal if you are coming to Budapest for the first time. Out of these only District 1 is in Buda, remaining 4 are in Pest side.
The Airport is towards the far outskirts of the city. Depending upon your budget you can either take a private luxury hotel transfer taxi, or a cab or the most famous 100E bus that goes to the city center. Since Uber does not exist in Hungary, you can book a cab via a rideshare app which will take approximately 30 minutes to take you to the city center and charge somewhere around 25 – 30 Euros.
We took the 100 E bus and man the bus driver was cruising pretty smooth through the city traffic! Within 30 to 40 minutes we were in the heart of the city center and from there we walked down for 10 minutes to our Airbnb.
We stayed at. Which was just a 5 minute walk from St. Basilica
Places to Visit in Budapest
We started to explore the town from Buda since the hilly side of the city is brimming with architecture and magnificent classical facades.
Fisherman Bastion:
With its seven fairy tale-like turrets, fisherman bastion looks nothing less than a Disney Dream. It is perched on the castle hill and offers some of the most gorgeous views of the city. And the best part is that it is open 24 hours of the day except the towers which open at 9 AM.
TIP: Try visiting the fisherman’s bastion in the early hours before 9 Am to have the whole place to yourself and to avoid the tourists from the private tour buses. Also you can go up to the towers above without paying the entrance fees as the guards don’t come until 9 AM.
Fess for the upper Towers: Approx 3.4 euros PP
Matthias Church:
Just a few steps away from Fisherman Bastion is the magnificent Matthias Church, built back in the 11th Century. What makes it one of the most unique churches in Europe is the colourful roof tiles and the Gothic architecture. With cobbled streets, cute cafes and interesting shops around, this place is the best way to start your day in Budapest.
TIP: Get on to the towers of the Fisherman Bastion, to get some of the best photos with Matthias Church in the background. It counts for some of the best pinterest princess like photos.
adults: 800 HUF, students, retirees: 400 HUF, free for children under 6 years of age.
Buda Castle:
Built in the 13th Century, Buda Castle is just a 12-15 minute walk from Matthias Church. The Castle is so grand and majestic that it took me back in time and I couldn’t stop myself from marveling at the gargoyles and facades. If you love history then it’s just the right pace for you. Make sure to keep your camera ready as there are so many beautiful spots here that you won’t want to miss. Make sure you wear comfy shoes as the castle area is pretty big and requires a good amount of walking.
TIP: Don’t forget to visit the garden areas of the castle as it has some of the most beautiful views of the Danube and the Pest side. It also has cute cafes and pretty little fountains.
1 400 HUF, students/retirees: 1 000 HUF, free for children under 6 years of age.
The Hungarian Parliament:
After exploring the Buda side of the city, we started exploring the Pest Side of the town. Standing tall and grand on the banks of the river Danube is one of the most enchanting and beautiful Government buildings one can ever see. The Hungarian Parliament. The parliament is built in a classical neo-gothic style and is a treat to the eyes. Walk along to the banks of the river to view the stunning front side of the Parliament.
TIP: To get the best pictures with the Parliament in the background, go to the Buda side by the banks of the Danube during the golden hour. And trust me it was one of the most magical moments of the trip.
HUF 3,500 (10€) for EU Citizens. HUF 6,700 (20€) for non-EU Citizens. HUF 1,900 (5€) for students (6-24) who are EU Citizens.
Shoes on Danube:
Just a short walk from the Parliament, and you will arrive here. Shoes on Danube is a War memorial right on the banks of the river Danube with cast iron shoes that mark the atrocities that were placed on Jews by the Hungarian Nazi Party during the World War II. They were asked to remove their shoes before being shot into the Danube, as shoes were considered to be a valuable commodity during the war. It was heart wrenching to imagine that at a beautiful location like this, such horrific events took place.
Fees- Free of Cost
Szechenyi Bath:
Did you know that Budapest thrives on a spa culture with over a 1000 hot springs!! And it was the Romans who discovered that the waters here are rich in minerals. Two of the most famous thermal spas in Budapest are the Gellert Spa and the Szechenyi spa. While Gellert spa is more popular for its indoor baths, Szechenyi spa is the largest medicinal facility in entire Europe! It has 3 outdoor and over 15 indoor thermal pools. We thought that we would be at the thermal bath for a maximum of 3-4 hours, but instead we ended up spending the entire day there. Imagine taking a spa within the Neo-Baroque and Neo- Renaissance grand architecture. It definitely makes a bucket list experience when visiting the city.
TIP– The spa opens everyday at 8AM. I would strongly recommend reaching there in early hours to have the entire outdoor pool to yourself and just immerse yourself in the mineral rich thermal therapy. Also we chose a cloudy day for our spa experience rather than a bright sunny one to enjoy the hot waters of the spa.
Fees: Around HUF 7600
New York Cafe:
The cafe dates back to 125 years and is one of the most elegant venues to dine in. It also holds the rank of being one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. (No doubt there though!) After the world war despair, the cafe was renovated and reopened with the name of Hungaria in 1954. However, it was in 2006 that the cafe was renamed as New York Cafe. The cafe bathes with sparkling chandeliers, stunning frescoes and promises a feast for the eyes and the platter.
TIP- The New York cafe opens at 8 AM. If you really want to enjoy the vintage, calm and regal vibe of the cafe I would recommend you to be there for breakfast when it’s not very crowded and of course plan your trip there with a prior reservation.
Fees: Free, the breakfast menu has some budget friendly options
St. Stephen’s Basilica:
The largest church in Budapest, named after the first king of Hungary. There are some really interesting facts about the Church. The site of the church was earlier a theater where animal fights were conducted. It was in the late 1810’s that believers started fundraising for a church. Also, today the church houses one of the sacred treasures of Hungary i.e. the mummified right hand of St. Stephens, which is now adorned with gold leaves and pearl-ruby bracelets.
Fun Fact- The height of the Hungarian Parliament equals that of St. Stephen’s Basilica to mark that the spiritual and the worldly thinking have the same importance. And no other building or construction in the city can exceed the height of these two buildings.
TIP- The St. Stephen square is flooded with pretty cafes and bistros. Make sure to grab a cup of coffee to soak in the splendid views that the church has to offer.
Fees- No fees to enter the Church, however a donation of HUF 200/1 Euro is accepted.
Danubius Fountain and Buda Eye:
The Danubius fountain is named after the river Danube, however it was earlier known as the “biggish water works” and is one of the most beautiful and ornamental fountains in Europe. It was also a popular meeting place until it was destroyed in World War II. Since then the fountain has undergone a comprehensive renovation. And behind it stands the mighty Buda Eye. Did you know that Buda eye is the largest Ferris wheel in Europe? We went up inside the wheel as the sun was starting to set down to get the most incredible views of the city.
Fess: Free, however, to take a ride of the Buddha Eye will cost 2400 HUF (about 8 euros) for adults and 1500 HUF (about 5 euros) for children between the ages 2 and 14.
Cruising on the Danube:
Cruising on the Danube river is one thing that should definitely be a part of your itinerary. There are night and day cruises.The cruises start at 9 Euros and go up to 88 Euros, giving you the most fascinating views of the city as you gently sail on the mighty Danube. There are also VIP cruises with fireworks, cruise dinner and drinks.
Make sure to keep your cameras ready. With the marvelous Fisherman bastion on one side and the magnificent Parliament on the other, the cruise is without a doubt the highlight of your Budapest trip.
TIP- We chose our cruise time at 7pm, and felt it to be one of the best times as the entire city was immersed in Golden hour of the sunset and was a magical experience. Please note that we traveled to Budapest in April in the summer.
Fees: The 1-hour basic sightseeing cruise on the Danube costs 2,751 Ft (€8), while a 4-course buffet dinner cruise on the Danube can cost anywhere from 15,000 Ft to 40,000 Ft (€40 to €110).
Liberty Bridge:
Since the city is divided into Buda and Pest by the waters of the Danube, it goes without saying that the city has a lot of bridges. Sadly when we visited Budapest, the most iconic Chain bridge was closed due to renovation. But nonetheless being on the Liberty bridge was also a charming experience. Fun fact- it is the shortest bridge in Budapest city center. But you can enjoy lovely views of the city from the bridge and also climb on the bridge to get some pictures for your insta feed. (although its prohibited & avoid doing it in broad daylight)
TIP- We went to the Liberty bridge at 7 AM to have our morning coffee and croissant. And it felt like the whole city was slowly waking up and cooking to its glory. We had spent 5 days in Budapest now and it felt like the locals of the city and no more the tourists.
Fees: Free of Cost
Heroes Square:
Just 700 m prior to the Szechenyi baths is the Heroes square. It is one of the most iconic and symbolic squares in the entire city. The city houses the Millennium Memorial which is a 36m high pillar. The square is also an important boulevard as it homes the 7 chieftains of the Magyar tribe who founded Hungary.
TIP– The square is usually bursting with tourists, so I would recommend trying to visit the place before the peak touristy hours begin.
Fees: Free of cost
Vajdahunyad Castle:
In the vicinity of the Hero’s square, is one of the most romantic castles of Budapest- the Vajdahunyad Castle. The castle was built in 1896 and showcases the architectural evolutions throughout centuries in Hungary- Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Interestingly the castle was first made from cardboard and wood but when it became so popular, it was then rebuilt with brick and mortar in 1904.
Fees: The courtyard of the castles can be entered for free of cost, all day and night.
Although we stayed in Budapest for 5 days, there were still a lot of places in the city we could see either because they were closed due to the easter holidays or we couldn’t take out the time. Some of there were, the famous Great Market Hall, House of Terror, street food gardens, Gellert bath, Jewish Quarter