Budapest, commonly known as the “Pearl of the Danube,” stands as Hungary’s capital and largest city. This bustling metropolis exudes vibrancy and captivation, boasting a profound historical legacy, awe-inspiring architecture, and a harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Throughout every season, Budapest plays host to an array of cultural affairs, festivals, and exhibitions, all of which pay homage to its rich traditions, artistic heritage, and the delectable wonders of Hungarian cuisine. Among the city’s renowned landmarks, one cannot overlook its thermal baths, a cherished facet of Hungarian culture dating back to ancient times.
Budapest
Hungary, a landlocked nation nestled in East-Central Europe, comprises a rich tapestry of regions, including its capital city and an array of nineteen individual counties, each contributing to the country’s diverse cultural and geographical makeup.
Weather
Hungary experiences a characteristic continental climate marked by scorching, dry summers, and relatively chilly, snowy winters.
The country transitions through four distinct seasons: winter (encompassing December, January, and February), spring (covering March, April, and May), summer (spanning June, July, and August), and fall (comprising September, October, and November).
Population
Budapest serves as the capital of Hungary, and as of 2023, the metropolitan area is home to a population of 1,778,000 residents.
Currency
The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
Useful Information
Dental Care
Hungary is a pioneer of dental tourism and popular with international patients seeking high-quality care administered by skillful and knowledgeable practitioners. Budapest, being the capital, attracts thousands of dental tourists each year.
Lake Balaton
A sweet retreat for families and wine lovers, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, and the area around it is one of Hungary’s most beloved wine regions. Located about an hour and a half southwest of Budapest, the lake features natural and man-made beaches and is a popular day-use area from June through August. Surrounding the lake are numerous wineries and resorts, perfect for romantic getaways and weekend trips. Trains travel daily to Lake Balaton from Budapest Déli Station.
Vineyards in Hungary
Cold winters and hot summers make the climate in Hungary perfect for wine-making, and wine enthusiasts flock to several regions to sample local brands and soak up the rich atmosphere. Five can’t-miss wine regions close to Budapest include Tokaj, Eger, Balatonfured, Miskolc and Pécs.
Taxation system in Hungary
The standard tax deduction for monthly salaries in Hungary is 33.5%. For employees under the age of 25 years old, the monthly tax deduction is 18.5%. This taxation includes Social Security Tax (health insurance). Gross salary to net amount can be calculated here: https://www.fizetesek.hu/en/calculator
About
BUDAPEST
About
Opera House
“Constructed in the late 19th century, the Hungarian State Opera House was designed by Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl. He was one of Europe’s leading architects and Hungary’s most influential architects during his career. Ybl designed multiple buildings in Budapest and other parts of the country, but his most famous structure is the opera house. On the interior of the building, visitors will marvel at the Grand Staircase, as well as the vaulted ceilings, marble pillars, magnificent statues and gold ornamentation. The Hungarian State Opera House is the main venue of the Hungarian State Opera, the official opera company in the country.”
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge opened in 1849 becoming the first permanent bridge in Hungary to connect both banks of the Danube. The bridge was designed by William Tierney Clark after Count István Széchenyi initiated its construction. At the time Scottish engineer Adam Clark supervised the bridge’s construction, the structure’s center span of 202 meters was one of the longest in the world. The Chain Bridge allows pedestrians and vehicles to go between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides Hungary’s capital. The bridge also provides easy access to some of the most popular attractions in the city, like Parliament and Buda Castle.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica named after Stephen, the first king of Hungary. Considered the most important church building in Hungary, St. Stephen’s Basilica also is a top tourist attraction and the third largest church building in Hungary. The basilica was designed in a Neo-Classical style with a Greek cross-ground plan and is laden with mosaics and fine art. Hungary’s biggest bell, weighing more than nine tons, also is housed inside the church.
Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament Building is the largest building in Hungary and one of the tallest buildings in Budapest. Translated from the Hungarian word Országház, the “House of the Country” is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. The historic landmark towers over the east bank of the Danube in Kossuth Lajos Square, a popular tourist destination. The Gothic Revival style building was designed by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl and stands 96 meters (315 feet) tall. The interior features 10 courtyards and nearly 700 rooms, along with numerous sculptures of historical Hungarian figures, stained glass and mosaics, frescoes and a central dome. The Hungarian Parliament Building opened in 1902, and the government still uses a small portion of it today.
Fisherman’s Bastion Buda Castle
Overlooking the Danube, on the spot where the city’s fishermen’s guild built its defense walls in the Middle Ages, stands the impressive Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya). This exquisite collection of Neo-Romanesque towers, courtyards, colonnades, and walls was built between 1895 and 1902 and is one of the most popular points in the city for tourists, largely for its spectacular views over the city and the Danube.
Buda Castle
Buda Castle, known as Budavári Palota, is a massive 200-room palace that was built in the 13th-century as a stronghold to protect the city against Mongol and Tartar attacks. Most of the present structure, however, was built in the 18th century. While badly damaged in World War II, much of the exterior has been restored, along with sections of the interior, which now house several important museums. These include the Hungarian National Gallery in the main wing and the Budapest History Museum, which occupies four floors, in the south wing. Like much of the city, Buda Castle is spectacularly illuminated at night, and the castle courtyards remain open 24 hours a day. You can reach the castle on the restored historic Castle Funicular Railway, which departs from the Buda end of Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
Heroes’ Square
The impressive Heroes’ Square (Hosök Tere) was largely the work of architect Albert Schickedanz, who also was responsible for planning the huge Museum of Fine Arts that flanks this large open space. One of the highlights, which was unveiled in the late 19th century, is Millennium Monument, a 36-meter column crowned by a figure of the Archangel Gabriel. Seven mounted figures stand at the base of the column to represent the heroic Magyar chieftains who led the Hungarian people to the Carpathian basin. Among the figures is Árpád, renowned as the forefather of Hungarians.
Matthias Church (Church of Our Lady)
Matthias Church, also known as The Church of Our Lady, is a prominent landmark on Castle Hill. It was completed in 1269, and its magnificent south doorway with its relief depicting the Death of Mary was added in the 1300s. During the Turkish occupation from 1541 to 1699, the church was used as a mosque and was later renovated in the Baroque style. It has been the scene of several historic events, including the coronation of King Charles I of Hungary in 1309 and the coronation of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his consort Elisabeth (Sissy) as rulers of Hungary. It was for this event that Franz Liszt composed his coronation mass.
Central Market Hall
Located just across Liberty Bridge from the famous Gellért Thermal Bath is Budapest’s Central Market Hall. You can’t miss this landmark with the colorful roof made from Zsolnay tiles from the town of Pécs. Central Market Hall was built in 1897 and is the largest and oldest of Budapest’s many markets. The shopping plaza is as interesting to view from the inside as it is on the outside – particularly if you enjoy people-watching. The indoor marketplace encompasses an area of more than 10,000 square meters and is as popular with the locals as it is with tourists. Central Market Hall is the perfect place to shop for fresh produce, food, local products and souvenirs.
Transportation
Bus
Operating since 2011 and serving the whole of the city, BKK (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ) is Budapest’s public…
Bus
Operating since 2011 and serving the whole of the city, BKK (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ) is Budapest's public transportation provider. The BKK runs 313 bus, metro and tram routes with 4,572 bus stops. Some buses run 24/7. Prices for all transportation within BKK (bus, metro, tram): - Single ticket - HUF 350 - Monthly pass - HUF 9,500 Where to buy tickets: - BKK mobile app - Ticket vending machines.
Metro
Also, part of the BKK, the Budapest metro has four lines and is easy to use, as three of them cross Deák Ferenc tér station, the main…
Metro
Also, part of the BKK, the Budapest metro has four lines and is easy to use, as three of them cross Deák Ferenc tér station, the main transportation hub in the city. Schedule: Budapest Metro opens daily at 4:30 am and runs until 11 pm.
Trolley
Trolleybuses are a mix of buses and trams. In Budapest, the trolleybus network consists of 15 lines, numbered from 70 to 83…
Trolley
Trolleybuses are a mix of buses and trams. In Budapest, the trolleybus network consists of 15 lines, numbered from 70 to 83. Riding a trolleybus is slower than a taking a bus or tram but offers a laid-back way to see parts of the city.
Tram
Budapest has more than 40 tram lines that run throughout the historic center. Trams run from 4:30 am to 11 pm, except…
Tram
Budapest has more than 40 tram lines that run throughout the historic center. Trams run from 4:30 am to 11 pm, except the 4 and 6 lines, which go all night long. The most popular trams run every five to 10 minutes.
Train
MAV, the national railway operator, operates nearly all trains in Hungary. Tickets can be bought on the MAV…
Train
MAV, the national railway operator, operates nearly all trains in Hungary. Tickets can be bought on the MAV website, mobile app or at ticket vending machines at any train station.
Taxi/Bolt
Bolt and City Taxi are the ridesharing services that serve Budapest. Either can be booked with mobile app…
Taxi/Bolt
Bolt and City Taxi are the ridesharing services that serve Budapest. Either can be booked with mobile app or by phone. Prices start at HUF 1,500.
Airport Direction
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Once known as Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, Budapest International Airport is sometimes still referred to as “Ferihegy.” The airport was renamed in 2011 in honor of Franz Liszt, Hungary’s most famous composer, and is often called just Budapest International Airport. The facility is the main airport of Hungary, serving more than 10 million passengers annually, and is located just a short ride (less than 30 minutes) southeast of Budapest. Bus number 200E connects passengers to city center as well as to Köbánya-Kispest (M3-blue) metro station. Tickets can be purchased on the bus, and one-day, three-day and seven-day passes are available at the airport. Taxis also are available at the airport.
Train Station Direction
Budapest contains three international railway stations – Budapest-Keleti (eastern ), Nyugati pu (western) and Budapest-Déli (southern) – which provide links to many areas in the city as well as more than 20 European capital cities. From Budapest, passengers can travel to Vienna, Austria, in less than three hours and see Zagreb, Croatia, in about six and a half hours. Trains run daily, often several times a day. Schedules, destinations and ticket prices can be viewed and booked at eurail.com. A network of InterCity trains also runs through Budapest for those who want to explore destinations in Hungary.
Keleti pályaudvar
Meaning east station, Keleti pályaudvar (Budapest-Keleti) is not only Budapest’s main train station but the whole of Hungary’s as well. The late-19th century landmark structure contains 18 platforms and is a stopping point for trains from Germany, Slovakia and several other countries across Europe.
Nyugati pályaudvar
The west station, near Eiffel Square, is considered the most grand appearance-wise of Budapest’s three main stations. With its stately facade and fountain, passersby might assume the station is a palace. Even if you’re not taking a train, the station is a super place for sightseeing. It’s also home to what has been called the “most elegant McDonald’s in the world.” For shoppers, Nyugati station’s access to WestEnd City Center mall is a bonus.
Déli pályaudvar
Budapest’s south station doesn’t have much going for it as a tourist attraction, but the 1862 building, which has even been labeled an eyesore, does serve its purpose. Plus, it has a fascinating history. Located on the Buda side, the station is just a 12-minute walk from Castle Hill, and Déli pályaudvar, the metro terminal for the M2 line, is just a 2-minute walk away.
Social Security & Healthcare
TAJ Card – Social Security Insurance
If you are a Hungarian citizen or foreign national with a valid permit to live and work in Hungary, your healthcare services are covered by health insurance companies. There are no costs for healthcare services in Hungary. If you are going to be employed in Hungary, you will be given a Taj Card (your social security insurance card). With that, you can access public health care, which is not limited to emergency or urgent care, in Hungary. Every public healthcare entity, including dental care facilities, provides services for free. The Taj card will be released to you along with your employment documents. You must have an active employment relationship to be eligible for public health support in Hungary. The Social Security rate (2023) for employees in Hungary is 18.5%, which is automatically deducted from your monthly salary.
Things to do in BUD
Thermal Baths
After a day of work or touring Budapest, there’s no better place to relax than at one of the city’s famous thermal baths. The mineral-rich water has been cherished for centuries, and each bath house in Budapest has unique qualities. Many are set in landmark buildings with amazing architecture and history, so the pools aren’t the only things to love about Budapest’s thermal baths!
5 must-visit thermal baths in Budapest:
– Rudas baths
– Széchenyi Thermal Bath
– Gellért Thermal Bath
– Lukacs Baths
– Irgalmasok Veli Bej Bath
Sziget Festival
One of the busiest and most popular times to visit Budapest is during August, when the annual Sziget Festival welcomes thousands of people to Óbuda Island. The award-winning music and cultural event is one of the biggest in Europe that has drawn more than a half a million people to its week-long festivities. Sziget Festival features some of the biggest names in music, alongside art programs and performances, inspiring speakers and even sporting matches. Beach venues offer festival-goers a break from all the action. Multi-day passes, Sziget Citypasses and daily tickets are available on the Sziget Festival official website.
Shopping at Central Market Hall
Some of the region’s freshest produce, local goods and unique souvenirs are available at Budapest’s most popular shopping spot, Central Market Hall. Also known as Great Market Hall, the shopping center opened in 1897 under the direction of Károly Kamermayer, the first mayor of Budapest. It remains the largest and oldest indoor market in the city. New visitors are encouraged to take tasting tours and plenty of photos!
Mihály Kolodko’s Mini Statues
Fans of guerrilla art – pop-up sculptures, street art, billboards found in obscure places – have a scavenger hunt awaiting in Budapest! Since 2010, the city has been garnished with tiny bronze sculptures shaped like everything from Kermit the Frog and Hungarian historical figures to a murdered squirrel. The mini sculptures of Mihály Kolodko, which are about the size of an orange, are well known across Hungary, and several websites give hints about where to find several of Kolodko’s art pieces.
River Cruise
Cruising down the Danube is a must-do activitiy in Budapest. Many cruises offer guided tours, which highlight the historical sites of the city. Daytime cruises last about one hour and include a welcome drink, and if you want to take the experience to a new level, check out the romantic dinner cruises and party boats! Cruises leave from the port at Belgrad Rakpart port. Tickets for all cruises can be booked online in advance.
Trips near BUD
One of the perks of staying in Budapest is that it is so well-connected to other European capitals, so you have ample opportunity to visit other countries, even for a short while.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Approx. 3hr
Bratislava Bratislava is the highly underrated capital city of Slovakia. The city features a medieval inner city with narrow, cobblestone streets, a hill-top castle perched on the bank of the Danube and many iconic churches and historical buildings to explore.
Vienna, Austria
Approx. 3hr
The Austrian capital is a huge metropolis with tons of entertainment. The city is known as “The Imperial City” due to its being the former home of the Habsburg Court and its multiple empires. Vienna’s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Novi Sad, Serbia
Approx. 3hr
While in Budapest, an international trip to Serbia should be added to your daytrips list. Novi Sad is a city in northern Serbia that is quite famous for its historic Old Town and Novi Sad Synagogue. Multiple museums throughout the city will leave a lasting impression about Serbian culture.
Brno, Czech Republic
Approx. 4hr
Situated between the South Moravian vineyards and the Moravian Karst, Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, offers awe-inspiring glimpses of the country’s natural environment. The city is best enjoyed in spring during seasonal blooms, but any time of year is great to appreciate the sites – and especially the smells of local bakeries – in Brno.
Housing
INFO
Neighborhoods
Types of Accommodation
Budapest has a variety of housing options that cater to all income levels. Prices can range from HUF 85,000 to over HUF 200,000 depending on a variety of factors, such as size, location, and accessibility to public transportation and facilities. Most condominium or apartment units will come furnished (with air conditioners, sofas, bed mattresses, cupboards, etc.).
Condominium
Condominiums normally are high-rise properties with modern designs and furnishings. Condos range in space from 750 to 1,400 square feet and normally contain three or four bedrooms, a living area, kitchen and bathrooms. Amenities at condominium complexes generall include a swimming pool, gym and round-the-clock security. Because of the modern design and bonus amenities, condos generally cost more than apartments.
Serviced Apartment
A serviced apartment complex consists of fully-furnished units with convenient amenities, like supermarkets, nearby. Serviced apartments are built on land registered for commercial use and operate more like hotels, providing regular cleaning services.
Studio
A studio apartment is a compact and self-sufficient single room property with areas designated for work, leisure, study and rest.
Apartment / Flat
Apartments or flats are high-rise property units that have three or four bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Facilities at apartment complexes are usually limited, a trade-off for lower rent.
Landed Housing
Landed properties are detached, semi-detached or terrace houses. Think bungalows and villas. This type of housing features fewer facilities, like swimming pools and gyms, but can provide more space and privacy compared to high-rise properties.
Rental Prices in BUD
Apartment / Flat (Whole Unit)
Apartments or flats are high-rise property units that have three or four bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Facilities at apartment complexes are usually limited, a trade-off for lower rent.
HUF 200,000+ monthly
Studio (Whole Unit)
A studio apartment is a compact and self-sufficient single room property with areas designated for work, leisure, study and rest.
HUF 130,000+ monthly
Shared flat (Room)
This type of accommodation is usually a large apartment with several bedrooms where roommates share a bathroom, kitchen, and living area.
HUF 85,000+ monthly
*costs may not include common costs and utilities
Cost of Living Comparison
Housing rent price
1 bedroom apartment in city center
(1EURO ~ 390HUF)
€0
€300
€600
€900
€1200
€1500
Utilities:
Water & Electricity for 45sqm apartment
Internet (60mbps)
Transport:
Public transport Pass
One-way Public Transport pass
Monthly Public Transport pass
Taxi (start price)
(1EURO ~ 390HUF)
€0
€2
€4
€6
€8
€10
Food:
Inexpensive meal for 1 person
Mid-range meal for 2 people
Food and
CULTURE
Hungarian Words
Public Holiday
Jan
Feb
Mar
Revolution Day
Revolution Day (Mar)
Hungarians commemorate on this day the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 and the War of Independence against the Austrian-Hapsburg rule in 1848 and 1849.
Apr
Good Friday
Good Friday (Apr)
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary.
May
Whit Monday
Whit Monday (May)
Whit Monday or Pentecost Monday, also known as Monday of the Holy Spirit, is the holiday celebrated the day after Pentecost.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Saint Stephen's Day
Saint Stephen's Day (Aug)
On this day, Hungarians celebrate King Saint Stephen, who was known as the founder of the Hungarian state. The day also is known as Foundation Day and Constitution Day.
Sep
Oct
Republic Day
Republic Day (Oct)
Hungarian Republic Day is celebrated every year on October 23 with huge festivities. This day is honored in remembrance of Hungarians who stood up against the Soviet Union during the 1956 Revolution and the 1989 establishment of the Third Republic of Hungary.
Nov
All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day (Nov)
All Saints' Day is a global Christian holiday that honors saints of the church. Hungarians observe All Saints' Day with familiy gatherings and trips to the cemetery to decorate and clean loved ones' graves.
Dec
Religions, Places Of Worship
St. Stephen’s Basilica
While St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the country’s most well-known tourist attractions, it also is a working Catholic church. Mass is conducted several times throughout the week, and confession is conducted during mass and in the evenings every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those wanting to observe Catholic traditions – and attend church in an iconic attraction! – can visit bazilika.biz to know times and keep up to date with special events.
Dohány Street Synagogue
In the heart of the Jewish Ghetto in District VII stands the historic and stately Dohány Street Synagogue, which features several tourist attractions alongside traditional services. Tourists can visit the Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives, a cemetery and a Holocaust memorial on the synagogue grounds, and the Moorish-style landmark also hosts daily prayer times and programs for adults and children. Details about daily activities can be found at dohany-zsinagoga.hu.
Kazinczy Street Synagogue
Another working synagogue in historic District VII is Kazinczy Street Synagogue. With two cemeteries and two kosher restaurants, the synagogue invites tourists to discover what’s inside. The historic synagogue hosts Jewish prayer times and programs, which can be found online at maoih.hu.
Gul Baba’s Tomb
The only functioning Muslim pilgrimage destination in Christian Europe is located near Margaret Island on the Buda side of the city. Gül Baba’s Tomb also is the northernmost Islamic pilgrimage site in the world. The 16-century octagonal tomb built during the Ottoman empire and its surrounding grounds are a national monument. The tomb is free to enter by anyone of any faith and is has been visited by more than 10,000 people annually since its restoration in 2018.
Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church
With its Boroque architecture and large courtyard, Saint George Martyr Serbian Orthodox Church is worth a visit just to snap a few selfies, but those wanting to attend traditional service can do so as well. Services are conducted in Serbian, and the doors of the church are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to noon Sunday.
Hungarian Foods
Goulash (Gulyás)
This is the famed goulash soup. It’s a vegetable and meat soup with spicy paprika.
Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé)
This is a hot and spicy fish soup with hot paprika. It’s usually served for Christmas.
“Sour Cherry Soup (Hideg meggyleves)”
Something you should definitely try in the summer, Hideg Meggyleves is a sour cherry soup served chilled.
Triffle soup (Grízgaluska)
Grízgaluska is a Hungarian boiled semolina dumpling soup.
Chicken Paprikash (Csirke Paprikás)
Chicken paprikash is a stew with a lot of paprika added to it. It’s usually served with sour cream on top.
Vegetable stew (Főzelék)
This is a thick Hungarian stew made of vegetables.
Meat Stew (Székelykáposta)
This Hungarian food is a type of pork and sauerkraut stew usually spiced with paprika and served with sour cream.
Paprika stew(Paprikás krumpli)
This stew is spiced with paprika and served with spicy sausages and potatoes.
Stefánia szelet
Stefánia szelet is a Hungarian meatloaf with hard boiled eggs in the middle.
Palacsinta
Better known as crepes, they are served sweet and savory.
Dobosh Cake (Dobos Torta)
Dobos torta is a sponge cake layered with chocolate and glazed with caramel and nuts.
Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
The literal translation of Kürtőskalács is chimney cake because it is cooked over an open fire. This sweet, yeast dough treat is baked in layers on a cone-shaped baking spit then drizzled with butter and rolled in sugar before enjoying.
Recommended Restaurants
Budapest has made a name for itself in many aspects, including famous ruin bars in the Jewish Ghetto, out-of-this-world thermal spas and world-renowned architecture. But one thing visitors shouldn’t miss while in Budapest is the food!
Hungarian food is some of the most comforting cuisine in the world. If you get a kick out of dishes laced with paprika and lots of love, Hungarian food is the cuisine for you! From traditional gulyás to lángos, the delectable dishes of Hungary await at some of the best restaurants in town. And if you’re craving international cuisine, Budapest has those covered, too!
Local Cuisine:
Rosenstein
A perfect little Hungarian local restaurant, offering classic dishes bistro style.
Café Kor
Cafe Kor is a popular all-day spot with typical Hungarian dishes and cuisine.
Borkonyha
This Michelin-starred restaurant serves bistro-style dishes and offers more than 200 wines.
Borbirosag
Court of Wine would be the English name for this masterpiece restaurant which features Hungarian dishes and more than 100 wines.
Menza
The always full and stylish Menza comes with a modern menu and some unusual twists.
Vakvarju E’tterem
Foodies looking for modern dishes served in a sophisticated atmosphere will take note of this restaurant in the heart of the city.
International Cuisine:
Szeraj
Turkish, fresh and fast, this place offers cheap prices and big portions.
Dobrumba
A lively and trendy restaurant that has tastes to offer from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Dobrumba is a great place to dip and share.
Mazel Tov
A spacious glass-roof restaurant in the city center, Mazel Tov is well known for its kosher Israeli and Mediterranean food. The cocktails are locally famous as well.
Divin Porcello
Enjoy the ambience at this authentic Italian restaurant.
1 day itinerary in
BUDAPEST
Start your morning bright and early at Fisherman’s Bastion
Overlooking the Danube, on the spot where the city’s fishermen’s guild built their defence walls in the Middle Ages, stands the impressive Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya).
Go inside Matthias Church
Dating back to the 13th century, Matthias Church has played host to royal weddings and the coronations of two Habsburg kings. It also spent 150 years as a mosque. The church’s colorful rooftop was installed in the late 19th century when Fisherman’s Bastion was built.
Take the funicular down from Castle Hill
The fastest way to get from the top of Castle Hill down to Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge is to take the Castle Hill Funicular. The funicular ride is the key to seeing Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church but also is a top attraction in the city!
Stroll across Chain Bridge
A walk across Chain Bridge is more than just an adventure! It’s a great way to view Parliament, Margaret Island, Budapest’s famous lion sculptures and many other notable landmarks in the city.
Marvel at the Hungarian Parliament
As the most recognizable landmark in Hungary and one of the most aesthetically stunning government buildings in all of Europe, the Hungarian Parliament Building deserves some love and appreciation while in Budapest.
Make your way to St. Stephen’s Basilica
Named for the first King of Hungary, St. Stephen’s Basilica is known for its ornate interior and rooftop views, but visitors also will find some quirky artifacts – like St. Stephen’s mummified right hand!
Visit Central Market Hall
Arranged indoors on two levels, Central Market Hall is one of the city’s most beloved shopping spots. Visitors will find everything from local foods and spices to handmade souvenirs.
Relax at the Szechenyi Thermal Baths
Taking a thermal bath while in Budapest is something every visitor should do. Plan a day to one of the city’s most popular bath houses to experience the mineral-rich and healing healing pools and experience a bit of history and culture in the process.
Hit up the ruin pubs
The abandoned buildings known as ruin pubs are now trendy nightlife spots set in Budapest’s Jewish Ghetto. Each has a unique vibe, so pub crawling the ruin pubs is highly recommended!
