Budapest had been on my travel list long before the term "bucket list" was even invented! There was just something that intrigued me about the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire with all its glitz, glamour, and history. In addition, I was also fascinated by the fact that this city--and all of Eastern Europe for that matter--had basically been off-limits to Americans during the Cold War. It was this essence of the forbidden that caused all of Eastern Europe to rise quickly to the top of my travel bucket list!
"There is a charm about the forbidden that makes it unspeakably desirable." -- Mark Twain
So, if Budapest is also on your list of places to visit in Europe, you won't want to miss out on my list of the top 10 sites to see in the city. Read from the top of the list to bottom, or feel free to use the Table of Contents to jump to specific sections if you desire!
1. Explore the Buda Castle District
You may or may not realize that Budapest is actually two cities combined into one. There is Buda on one side of the Danube River and Pest on the opposite side. Today, the city is one big city with the Danube River cutting it in half! The Buda side of the city is the old city. It's more hilly (and therefore more difficult to navigate on foot) and is where the fortressed castle is located. The Pest side is more flat and more modern and cosmopolitan--it's where most of the restaurants, hotels, bars, and clubs are located.
The primo spot in Buda is the Buda Castle Hill. Behind the heavy stone walls and gates at the top of this hill, lies a number of important historical buildings including the 13th century Buda Castle, the 14th century Matthias Church, and the 19th century Fisherman's Bastion. The latter is shown in the photo below and provides terrific views of the river and the Pest side of the city (including the famous Parliament building). This makes it a coveted spot for instagrammers and influencers (and wannabe influencers) who want to get their portraits taken with an iconic backdrop. Get there early in the morning to avoid any nonsense from the crowds.
I arrived in the late afternoon and spent several hours just walking around the complex, checking out the Matthias church (fee required) and the Castle (fee also required), and attempting to get photos at the Bastion (see below). It was a wonderful visit and a sparkling beautiful day.
For more information about visiting the Buda Castle including current hours, prices, and the like, check out the official site.
2. Soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath
I was first introduced to the Széchenyi baths on top of the Eiffel Tower when a fellow solo traveler showed me pictures of his visit there. I immediately logged this place on my internal travel wish list and knew that any trip to Budapest would definitely need to include this famous locale.
My maiden voyage to Széchenyi baths occurred on an evening in mid-October and fortunately for me, the weather was absolutely perfect. Let me just tell you that honestly, this place is even more spectacular than any photo can capture. The banana yellow Neo-Baroque bathhouse is flanked by delicately designed pools filled with naturally heated water. The place is clean, cozy, and perfectly Hungarian!
When I visited, I was lucky enough to have a friend to hang out with--a guy I met at a restaurant the night before also wanted to go, so we went together! We enjoyed hopping from pool to pool, chatting, relaxing, and taking way too many photos.
For more detailed information about the baths, read another one of my blog posts where I tell all about my experience.
Szechenyi Baths Budapest: A Guide to Visiting the Most Famous Thermal Baths
3. Savor Hungarian Cuisine
Before you embark on a trip to Hungary, you really need to prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure because Hungarian cuisine will absolutely surprise and delight you. Some of my favorites during my visit were the goulash and the chicken paprikash. So delicious!! I also really grooved on the pear lemonade that I had at one restaurant, but I don't really think that was traditional Hungarian!
One of the dishes that I tried that was just so-so was the langos. I think I might have just been expecting something totally different, or maybe the place I bought it wasn't super great. It might have also dampened the experience because the guy behind the counter totally ripped me off. Essentially, a langos is like a Utah scone. If you have never heard of that, google it. It's essentially fry bread that is often topped with either honey butter or a variety of other toppings. This is exactly what a langos and I would have truthfully preferred something else for my last lunch in Hungary.
I will also point out that one of the places you'll likely be recommended to visit in Budapest by other travel bloggers or guidebook authors is the Great Market Hall. I found this to be just "okay" and would actually not bother going there again upon a return trip to the city. I'm not really into souvenirs and I didn't have any need for fresh vegetables, spices, and meats at the present moment--so the effort to get here wasn't worth it to me. If you are looking for these types of items, though, you may want to check it out!
4. Cross the Széchenyi Lánchíd, the Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge, also known as Széchenyi Chain Bridge, holds a special place in Budapest's history and skyline. Completed in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to connect the two sides of the city: Buda and Pest. This engineering marvel not only facilitated easier movement and trade between the previously separate parts of the city but also symbolized the unification of Buda and Pest into the modern city of Budapest. The bridge's design features elegant cast iron and stone elements and were revolutionary for the time period. Its now an architectural icon in the city and a popular place for tourists (and locals alike) to catch the sunset or to watch the city light up at nightfall.
Unfortunately, when I visited Budapest, the Chain Bridge was under construction so I wasn't able to cross it. So, it looks like there's at least one more reason that I need to schedule a return trip to the Hungarian capital! From what I've read and watched on YouTube, the Chain Bridge is particularly beautiful place to catch the sunset or to watch the city light up at nightfall.
5. Discover the Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is a pinnacle of Neo-Gothic architecture and is one of the most iconic and impressive landmarks in Budapest. That being said, it's absolutely a must visit on a trip to Hungary's capital city. Don't just visit from the outside, either. Be sure to make reservations to go on one of the guided tours inside the building. They're offered in multiple languages and cost about $28 per person.
You can get your tickets from a variety of retailers, but I highly recommend to just go straight to the official website first to see if they have availability. Here's the link.
6. Take a Danube River Cruise at Night
Taking a Danube River cruise at night in Budapest is a magical experience that offers a unique perspective on the city's beauty, and simply should not be missed. I personally enjoyed this so much that I actually wouldn't hesitate to go again on my next trip to Budapest.
My friend and I booked our tickets immediately after we went to the Széchenyi baths. There was about an hour to spare before we had to get to the dock along the river. Now, I would say that you most likely would not be able to book such a last minute fare if you were visiting Budapest in the summertime. But this worked for us on this beautiful October evening.
Some tips: Bring along a jacket or coat and even a scarf and hat. The breeze off the river at night can be quite chilly. I can't speak for summer temperatures, so use your best judgement on this, because I was here in the fall.
Also, they do offer cocktails on the cruise I went on, which seemed to be pretty standard fare. This was a welcome drink that was offered upon boarding. They do also have non-alcoholic options if that's more your style.
Try to be one of the first people on the boat. Then, immediately go up to the top and out by the railing. This will ensure you'll have an unobstructed view of the illuminated skyline. I sat on the starboard side, but I noticed that the people who opted for the seats along the bow had a better view of both sides.
Here's the cruise I went on: Viator's Budapest Evening Sightseeing Tour. Note that other cruises offer live music and dancing and some even offer dinner. Mine was super inexpensive at $11 per person and I was very happy with what it.
7. Stroll Along the Danube Promenade
It's often said by locals that Budapest's heart beats along the Danube River. The Danube Promenade is a picturesque waterfront pathway that offers panoramic views of some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building and the Buda Castle. As day turns to night, the illuminated cityscape reflects on the tranquil waters of the Danube River and creates a mesmerizing spectacle. One way to see the beautiful skyline is on a river cruise (see #6 in this list), or just by walking along the Promenade.
During the day, a stroll along the Promenade offers travelers a captivating blend of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and historical significance. The promenade's vibrant atmosphere is heightened by street performers, cozy cafes, and the opportunity to embark on leisurely boat cruises, day or night.
On my first day in Budapest, I strolled along the Promenade after taking a tour of the Parliament Building. It was relaxing, carefree, and crowd-free since I chose to visit on a weekday in October. I imagine on weekends and during the summer months, the area is likely much more of a bustling place.
One of the places I highly recommend visiting along the Promenade is the "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial. This is a somber tribute to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust who were murdered here in Budapest. Read more about this memorial in #8 in this list.
8. Visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial
When walking along the Danube Promenade, it's difficult to imagine the horror that took place here during the winter of 1944-1945 when thousands of Jewish men, women, and children were shot here on the banks of the Danube so that their bodies could easily be carried away by the river's current downstream. Before they were shot, they were often told to take off their shoes since shoes were a valuable commodity in war-torn Europe.
This monument, called the Shoes on the Danube, is made up of a total of 60 shoes crafted out of rusted iron and set into the concrete. All are styles of shoes that the victims would have worn in the 1940s. There are men's shoes, women's shoes, children's shoes placed in such a way that they literally look like the owners just recently kicked them off in a hurry and left them behind. The Holocaust hit Hungary particularly gruesomely. In a matter of eight weeks, some 424,000 Jews were deported. Many were sent to Auschwitz where they immediately selected for the gas chambers. It's estimated that by the end of the war, some 565,000 Hungarian Jews were killed.
Learn more about the memorial on the Yad Vashem website here.
9. Tour the Jewish Quarter & the Dohány Street Synagogue
The Jewish Quarter in Budapest is a historically and culturally significant neighborhood that holds a rich and complex history. Located in the heart of the city, it was once the center of Jewish life in Budapest and is still a vital part of the city's fabric.
Before World War II, Budapest had one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in Europe. The Jewish Quarter was home to synagogues, schools, kosher restaurants, and a bustling cultural scene. However, during the Holocaust, the Jewish population of Budapest suffered greatly, and many were deported or killed. Hardly any of the original residents came back to reclaim the old Jewish quarter and it sat almost like a ghost town for decades.
Today, the Jewish Quarter has been revitalized and is one of the most lively and exciting sections of the city. It's known for its distinctive architecture, including the stunning Great Synagogue (also known as Dohány Street Synagogue, click here to learn more about it), which is the largest synagogue in Europe and a significant symbol of Jewish heritage. The area is also dotted with smaller synagogues, memorial sites, and museums that pay homage to the community's history.
The Jewish Quarter has also seen a resurgence in recent years as a hub of alternative culture, nightlife, and creativity. It's famous for its ruin pubs (see #10 in this list), where abandoned buildings have been transformed into lively entertainment spaces. These pubs contribute to the area's unique character and draw in both locals and tourists seeking a vibrant and unconventional atmosphere.
Exploring the Jewish Quarter offers a chance to learn about Budapest's Jewish history, pay respects to the past, and engage with the district's contemporary energy. The juxtaposition of historical sites, cultural revival, and artistic innovation makes the Jewish Quarter a fascinating and meaningful part of Budapest's identity.
I highly recommend touring this area with the walking tour in Rick Steves Budapest guidebook titled "Jewish Quarter Walk." It's excellent and will help you gain an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the various buildings and sites within the quarter.
10. Immerse Yourself in Ruin Pubs
First. . .A Little History
Ruin pubs in Budapest have a unique and fascinating history. They originated in the early 2000s, with the transformation of derelict, abandoned buildings in the old Jewish Quarter into vibrant, eclectic, and artistic spaces. The first of these ruin pubs, Szimpla Kert, opened its doors in 2001 and set the trend for repurposing neglected spaces into lively social hubs. These pubs combined elements of urban exploration, alternative culture, and creativity, featuring mismatched furniture, street art, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Ruin pubs quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike for several reasons. Firstly, they provided an affordable and welcoming setting for people to enjoy drinks, live music, and cultural events. Secondly, the contrast between the historical decay of the buildings and the vibrant, unconventional interior designs created a visually striking and immersive experience. Additionally, ruin pubs played a role in revitalizing neglected areas of the city, contributing to urban regeneration and community development.
The blend of creativity, history, and a bohemian atmosphere resonated with people seeking an alternative to traditional bars and clubs. The success of the ruin pub concept has turned them into integral elements of Budapest's nightlife and cultural scene, attracting visitors who are drawn to their offbeat charm, live entertainment, and the sense of authenticity they offer.
My Experience
Visiting a ruin pub was top on my list of things to do when I visited Budapest. I was a little nervous at first what I would find, since I didn't know if it would be a haven for drug use and that isn't my scene. But I was pleasantly surprised with what I found. Essentially, these spots are just chill places for people to hang out, mingle with friends, meet new people, dance, relax, and listen to music--all within a super cool environment. The ruin pubs honestly are the type of places that you just feel cool by simply entering. I enjoyed my time at the pub so much that I returned a second time with my friend I met at a restaurant the night before. This was my last activity in Budapest (caught in the photo above) and a great way to end my time in this fun city.
Check out this article by Nomadic Matt to find out his recommendations on the top ruin pubs to visit in 2023 and this video by some of my favorite YouTubers, Kara and Nate, will show you what the pubs actually look like inside!
The Wrap Up
Budapest is a symphony of history, culture, and beauty that is just sitting there in Central Europe waiting for you to explore it! Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking new experiences, this city will captivate you at every turn. Pack your curiosity and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
