Budapest: Hungary’s Vibrant Capital the Jewel of the Danube
Budapest: Hungary’s Vibrant Capital the Jewel of the Danube
Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary, is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Split by the Danube River into the historic Buda and bustling Pest, Budapest is renowned for its picturesque architecture, thermal baths, and lively atmosphere. Visitors are drawn to iconic landmarks such as the majestic Buda Castle, the grand Parliament Building, and the enchanting Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Known as the “Pearl of the Danube,” Budapest offers a unique blend of Eastern European charm and cosmopolitan energy, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both history and adventure.
Budapest is one of my favorite cities and if I could speak fluent Hungarian I would most likely have moved here already. It is a very international city however so you can get by with other languages as well! It has a ton of fun things to offer, a very active night life and a rich history to explore. Lets take a look at some of the things we will cover in this article:
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Quick Guide:
Language: Hungarian – it’s HARD. Many people in the city can speak some English, but it doesn’t they will
Currency: Forint – yep they have their own currency too
Dress code: you will see more casual than anything
ACCOMMODATION:
Budapest is split into two sides, Buda and Pest. This means first you need to decide which side you want to stay in. If you stay on the Buda side it is much more residential, quiet and often less expensive. If you want to be right down town and in the middle of the party, then I recommend you stay on the Pest side. There are so many options for accommodation in this city, here is a great place to start searching for the perfect one for you:
Hostels:
If you are more interested in parties, nightlife and having automatic meet ups then maybe a hostel is for you! Check out the options here.
SITES in Budapest:
Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital, offers an eclectic mix of activities that showcase its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture. With its combination of history, wellness, and entertainment, Budapest is a city full of unforgettable experiences. There are plenty of Free things to do in Budapest as well if you are on a budget.
Parliament:
The Parliament building in Budapest is probably the most beautiful government building I have ever seen. It is right on the water and is great to look at during the day or the night. I recommend taking a wine cruise and see it lit up during the night.
Fisherman Bastion
Fisherman Bastion is a beautiful castle like building atop a hill. It offers great views of the city and river below. I highly recommend coming here for sunrise so you ca have the place to yourself. They have a Starbucks in the courtyard so you can grab a coffee and people watch when it starts to get busy.
Other sites:
Train station
•Hero’s Square
•Market (great for quick eats)
•Jewish memorial along the river
THERMAL SPAS:
Budapest has no short supply of thermal spas. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular!
Budapest Thermal Spas: A Guide Through the Hungary’s Healing Waters
Széchenyi:
By far the most beautiful thermal spa is the széchenyi spa! I go every chance I visit Budapest. I recommend getting a cabin locker to share to change and store your belongings. The spa has countless indoor, outdoor heated and cold pools, as well as a range of massages and spa treatments.
Gellért:
This is the oldest and most “traditional” of the thermal spas. They have a special wine tub and you can stay onsite in their hotel.
Rudas:
Rudas is another cool spa with amazing views of the city from the rooftop tubs!
Restaurants:
Budapest has so many incredible food options and their restaurant scene is growing each year. You can find something for everyone and try new things for every meal if you want. You can check out some of our favorite places we have eaten here on our Hungarian Restaurant food page:
Hungarian Restaurant Reviews
Bars:
The 360 bar
The 360 Bar for views of the entire city. In winter they have these bubbles with heathers and blankets you can eat in. Szimpla kert is my favorite overall atmosphere and design. The Cool Tour has good drinks .
Szimpla Kert:
This is my favorite ruin bar in Budapest. I just love the vibe, the decor and the drinks here. It’s a pub built to embrace the chaos and the decor represents this perfectly. It’s full of mismatched items (including but certainly not limited to a Trabant car, a bath tub and a weird kangaroo figure), perfectly immersed throughout the countless rooms. They also have a market and garden area that overflows from the upstairs floor down into the main bar rooms. Drinks aren’t that expensive here , they also offer food if you get hungry. I’ve never once had a bad time in Szimpla and it’s my favorite place to take friends when they first visit the city.
Address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Hungary
Instant
Instant (has like 7 dance floors on multiple levels each with their own genre of music) oh and food stalls right inside !
Activities:
The Sweets and Selfie Museum
The sweets and selfie museum is defiantly a cool unique thing to visit. You can go into multiple rooms all with different themes.
Day Trips From Budapest:
Budapest, with its rich history and vibrant culture, serves as an ideal base for exploring the diverse landscapes and charming towns of Hungary. Whether you’re seeking historic castles, relaxing thermal baths, or scenic countryside, day trips from Budapest offer a perfect escape from the city’s bustling streets. From the picturesque Danube Bend towns of Szentendre, to the Visegrád castle, to the serene Lake Balaton, each destination provides a unique glimpse into Hungary’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. These easily accessible day trips allow travelers to experience more of Hungary’s hidden gems while returning to the comfort of Budapest by evening.
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Trip: We have visited all seasons and lived in the city throughout the years
Copyright Notice: All material on this travel blog site is the sole property of Travel Munchers. This includes blog posts, pages, design and all photos (whether watermarked or not). Any use of materials from this site without express written consent will be considered copyright infringement.
Thanks for confirming some of the things I mentioned in the article ! I appreciate your interest in the awesome city .