Budapest & Hungary
Budapest is the city that consistently surprises travelers who expected Prague Lite and instead find something entirely its own. The Danube splits the city in two: Buda on the hilly west bank with the castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and leafy residential neighborhoods, and Pest on the flat east bank with the Parliament, the ruin bars, the restaurant scene, and the energy. Connected by a series of bridges, including the iconic Chain Bridge, the two halves create a city that is beautiful, affordable, and deeply satisfying to explore.
What sets Budapest apart is the thermal bath culture. The city sits on over 120 natural hot springs, and bathing in ornate, centuries old thermal bath houses is a daily ritual for many Hungarians. Soaking in the outdoor pools of Szechenyi Baths while steam rises into the cool air is one of the most unique urban experiences in Europe.
Where to Go
The Hungarian Parliament Building is the third largest parliament building in the world and the most photographed landmark in Budapest. Its neo Gothic facade stretching along the Danube is spectacular from the water, and guided tours of the interior reveal stained glass, gold leaf, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.
The Buda Castle District, perched on the hill above the river, contains the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, and the Fisherman’s Bastion, a fairy tale terrace of white turrets offering the best panoramic views of Pest and the river. The labyrinth of caves beneath the castle adds a quirky underground dimension to the visit.
The Jewish Quarter in Pest is the neighborhood that gives Budapest its edge. The Dohany Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe, is a powerful and beautiful building. The streets surrounding it have been transformed into the ruin bar district, where abandoned courtyards and buildings have become bohemian bars, restaurants, and cultural spaces. Szimpla Kert, the pioneer of the concept, is a multi level maze of rooms, gardens, and bars decorated with everything from bathtubs to vintage cars.
The Central Market Hall on the Pest side of Liberty Bridge is the best food market in the city. The ground floor sells fresh produce, meats, spices, and Hungarian paprika. The upper level has food stalls serving langos (deep fried dough with sour cream and cheese), goulash, and other Hungarian specialties.
A Danube cruise, especially at night when the Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle are illuminated, is one of the most romantic experiences in European travel.
Where to Stay
The Aria Hotel Budapest, a music themed luxury property near St. Stephen’s Basilica, has a rooftop bar with cathedral views. The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace occupies a stunning Art Nouveau building at the Pest end of the Chain Bridge. Prestige Hotel Budapest is a well located four star option in the heart of the city. For budget travelers, Budapest has excellent apartment rentals and boutique hostels, especially in the Jewish Quarter.
Food and Drink
Hungarian food is built on paprika, the spice that defines the national cuisine. Goulash (gulyasleves), a rich beef and paprika soup, is the national dish. Chicken paprikash with nokedli (egg noodle dumplings) is pure comfort food. Langos from a street stall is addictive. Chimney cake (kurtoskalacs), a spiral pastry coated in sugar and roasted over coals, is the sweet snack you will see (and smell) everywhere.
Hungarian wine is underrated. Tokaji dessert wine from the northeast is world famous and has been prized for centuries. Egri Bikaver (Bull’s Blood from Eger) is a robust red blend. And the craft cocktail scene in the ruin bars has made Budapest a serious destination for drink enthusiasts.
Let Us Plan Your Budapest Trip
Budapest is one of the best value destinations in Europe and one of the most enjoyable. It pairs beautifully with Vienna and Prague for a Central European triangle. We will help you plan the thermal bath visits, book the best ruin bars and restaurants, and build an itinerary that captures both the grandeur and the grit of this remarkable city.
