Budapest, situated in the heart of Central Europe, is a city of contrasts. It has a laid back, relaxed ambiance, yet its elegance and edge will surprise you at every corner. It’s a city that wears its heart on its sleeve, with its history unapologetically on display. It’s not trying to impress you, but it’s going to anyway.

Nothing better demonstrates the city’s contrasts than the Danube River splitting it into two – Buda is historic and quiet, while Pest is energetic and vibrant. It’s perfect for budget travellers due to its affordable prices and it’s great for a weekend getaway, whether travelling solo, as a couple or a group. There is plenty to do in Budapest and you won’t run out of things to do or see, but it’s also a great destination for people who want a more relaxed visit and don’t want to feel pressured to see lots of sights.

Unmissable Things to Do in Budapest

Thermal Baths

Budapest is built on hot springs, so you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to picking a thermal bath to visit. Széchenyi is the most popular and the outdoor, mineral-rich thermal pools are the perfect place to relax. It’s a perfect activity for all year round, and if you’re not looking to relax, spa parties are held most Saturdays. 

Ruin Bars

Grabbing a drink in a ruin bar is a very unique experience. These bars have been set up inside abandoned or decaying buildings, and there are plenty to choose from around the city, mainly within the Jewish Quarter. People embraced the decay of these buildings, adding unique furniture, vintage decor and graffiti. Szimpla Kert is the original and most famous, with multiple bars and endless areas to explore. Mazel Tov is a lot more upscale, and serves delicious Middle Eastern food at a great price.

Street Food

The street food you can find in Budapest is wonderful, from Langos, to Goulash, to chimney cake. Great Market Hall is the ideal place to go to find local dishes, but Karavan Street Food is my personal favourite – it’s a courtyard full of food trucks serving delicious local and international dishes.

Buda Castle & Castle Hill

Castle Hill has a slow, calm vibe despite being home to a huge palace complex. Inside Buda Castle you’ll find the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Library. If museums aren’t your thing, just walking around the grounds to see the beautiful buildings is totally free, and you’ll get incredible views over the city. As well as seeing Buda Castle, you’ll get to see Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and the Castle District Streets.

Danube River Cruise

A cruise along the Danube River is the perfect way to experience Budapest’s beautiful architecture. You’ll see the city’s contrasting sides on each side of you, whether you choose a sightseeing cruise, a dinner cruise, or a wine/cocktail cruise. You can do a river cruise at any time of day, but the cruises at night are especially magical, with the glowing Parliament building on the banks of the river, and the shining castle on the hilltop.

Getting Around Budapest

Budapest is a very walkable city, but it’s easy to get around with its cheap and reliable public transportation. There are 4 metro lines, as well as trams and buses. You can buy tickets at stations or via the BudapestGO app (which is also really useful for helping you navigate the city). Single tickets cost around 450 HUF (approx. £0.94 GBP/$1.25 USD), but you can also buy tickets that are valid for 30 or 90 minutes, as well as 24 hour or 72 hour passes which will provide you with better value for money.

Planning a Trip to Budapest?

Budapest is a wonderful city to visit at any time of year, but the best times to visit are April-May, or September-October, as it’s warm, but not as crowded as it gets in Summer. The city experiences cold Winters, but if you’re looking for Christmas markets, it’s the perfect place.

I’m currently working on travel guides to give you everything you need to know about places like Budapest. Please subscribe to Trailverse to be notified when these are released. Let me know if you have any thoughts or feedback, and please share your experiences in Budapest. Thank you for reading!