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Budapest: A Journey to One of Europe's Most Romantic Cities
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The moment you step into Budapest, it's as if the heart of Europe itself shifts slightly, moving to your rhythm. Buda and Pest, standing on opposite banks of the Danube, seem to evoke the duality within humanity: calm and motion, history and the present, heaviness and lightness. As you stroll through the city's streets, the elegance of the old empire and the free spirit of today walk side by side. The steam of the thermal springs, the lights of the bridges, and the whisper of history rising from every corner... Budapest offers you not only a journey, but a small mirror of your own inner journey.
Places to Visit in Budapest
1. Buda Castle (Budavári Palota)
Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a complex where Hungarian kings resided for centuries. The views of the Danube and the Parliament from the castle courtyard are breathtaking. Inside, you'll find the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Library. A visit here, especially at sunset, is an ideal way to connect with the city, experiencing both the tranquility of Buda and the liveliness of Pest.
2. Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)
With its fairytale-like towers, it's Budapest's most photographed spot. Built in the 19th century, it takes its name from the fishermen's guild that protected the area in the Middle Ages. Its terraces offer the best views of the Parliament Building. Going early in the morning will help you enjoy better lighting and fewer crowds.
3. Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom)
Located right next to Fisherman's Bastion, this church boasts a Gothic splendor with a roof covered in colorful Zsolnay tiles. Over its 700-year history, it has hosted both royal weddings and coronations. Its interior decorations are a unique blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque influences.
4. Parliament Building (Országház)
It's one of the world's most impressive parliament buildings. With its 691 rooms, 18 courtyards, and stunning Gothic Revival architecture, it's a symbol of the city. The Crown Jewels are displayed inside. Viewed from the banks of the Danube, the evening illuminations are especially captivating. Be sure to see it from outside, day or night, and you'll feel the difference.
5. Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)
Budapest's first permanent bridge and the most historic of the bridges connecting Buda and Pest. Opened in 1849, walking across it feels like passing between the spirits of the two cities. The bridge is famous for its lion statues and offers a particularly romantic atmosphere, perfect for a nighttime stroll.
Freedom Bridge
One of Budapest's most elegant bridges, the Liberty Bridge, connects the two banks of the Danube and truly embodies the city's spirit. Built for the 1896 Millennium celebrations, the bridge is a special monument dedicated to the 1000th anniversary of Hungary's founding. The bronze Turul birds, reminiscent of Turkish military tradition, add to the bridge's mystical and fairytale-like atmosphere.
7. St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István-basilica)
Dedicated to St. Stephen, Hungary's first king, the basilica, with its 96-meter-high dome, is a defining feature of the city's skyline. Inside, St. Stephen's preserved right hand is on display. Going up to the terrace offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Budapest.
8. Andrássy Avenue
The boulevard combines 19th-century aristocratic elegance with modern city life. It houses the Hungarian State Opera, luxury shops, cafes, and historic buildings. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of the street, you'll reach Heroes' Square.
9. Heroes' Square (Hősök tere)
A massive square filled with monuments that brings together the historical leaders of the Hungarian people. The central column features the Archangel Gabriel, surrounded by the seven founding tribes of Hungarian history. Behind the square is the Museum of Fine Arts.
10. Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Budapest's most popular thermal pool complex. A grand structure reminiscent of palace architecture, with more than 15 thermal pools, saunas, and spa areas. Soaking in the open-air hot water is a unique experience, especially in winter. Thermal culture is an essential part of daily life in Hungary.
11. Gellért Hill and the Statue of Liberty
This hill, a half-hour climb, offers the city's most expansive panorama. At its summit stands the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing victory over the Soviet occupation. Gellért Hill is also known for its thermal hotel and bathhouse; the mosaic-adorned Gellért Baths are considered an Art Nouveau masterpiece.
12. Big Market Market (Nagy Vásárcsarnok)
Budapest's largest and oldest indoor market. You'll find fresh produce downstairs, souvenirs, and Hungarian cuisine upstairs. Langos is the best street food to try here.
13. Jewish Quarter and Ruin Bars
It's a world-famous entertainment district, home to bars set up in formerly dilapidated buildings. The most famous is Szimpla Kert. If you visit during the day, you'll also discover street art, small cafes, vintage shops, and synagogues. In the evening, it takes on a completely different atmosphere.
One of Budapest's liveliest and most storied neighborhoods, the Jewish Quarter, combines the traces of a deep history with the city's modern, creative energy in the same streets. Used as the Budapest Ghetto during World War II, this area is now known for its street art, cafes, small designer shops, and as the birthplace of the global ruin bar culture.
Rising at the heart of the neighborhood, the Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Its monuments, gardens, and museum reflect the area's melancholic history. The streets surrounding the synagogue offer a unique atmosphere: colorful graffiti, outdoor artwork, and venues like Szimpla Kert, the city's most famous bar, keep the area vibrant.
14. Danube River Bank & Shoes Monument
There are walks, boat tours, and photo opportunities along the river. The "Shoes" Monument on the shore is a poignant work of art commemorating the Jews killed in World War II.
The Hungarian State Opera House is an opera house in Budapest, notable for its Neo-Renaissance architecture. Opened in 1884, the building was designed by Miklós Ybl and is considered one of the opera houses with the best acoustics in Europe.
Where to Eat in Budapest?
Budapest cuisine combines the overpowering aroma of red pepper, the heartiness of Central European cuisine, and the warmth of street food. Because the city is divided into two sides, the food and drink scene flows at two distinct rhythms: Buda is calmer and more local, while Pest is more vibrant and diverse.
Buda Side: More Local, More Calm, More Traditional
1. Pest-Buda Bistro (Castle Area)
What to eat?
A true Hungarian ghoul
Chicken paprikash
Somlói Galuska (famous dessert)
Why should he go?
One of the restaurants that best combines the castle's historic atmosphere with traditional Hungarian flavors. Touristy yet high-quality.
2. 21 Magyar Vendéglő (Castle District)
What to eat?
Beef goulash
Duck legs
Homemade meals with dumplings
Feature:
It offers classic Hungarian dishes in high quality, without "modernizing" them.
3. Ruszwurm Cukrászda (Historical Patisserie)
What to eat?
Kremschnitt (a dessert like a Napoleon slice)
Homemade strudel
Feature:
Open since 1827, Budapest's oldest pastry shop. A fairytale-like atmosphere.
4. Gellért Hill Surroundings
There are few restaurants here, but:
What to do?
After descending the hill, you should have dessert and coffee at Gellért Hotel Patisserie😍.....
A cold lemonade or a traditional Hungarian butter bun also goes well after leaving the thermal baths.
Pest Collar: Lively, Modern, Colorful and Diverse
1. Paprika Étterem
What to eat?
The city's most famous goulash
Chicken paprikash
Lángos (fried raw dough)
Feature:
It's full of tourists, but the flavors are prepared properly and the portions are large.
2. Borkonyha (Michelin Star) – Basilica District
What to eat?
Modern Hungarian cuisine
Menus with wine pairings
Duck, foie gras, special sauces
Feature:
A perfect experience combining Hungarian wine culture and gastronomy.
3. Hungarikum Bisztró
What to eat?
One of the best traditional menus
Rántott sajt (fried cheese)
Homemade soup
Tokaji wines
Feature:
A friendly, traditional and much-loved family business.
4. Central Market Hall
What to eat?
Lángos (with garlic, cheese, sour cream)
Kolbász (Hungarian sausage)
Pickle varieties
Homemade paprika products
Feature:
It's both affordable and ideal for trying local flavors.
5. Karavan Street Food Park (Jewish Quarter)
What to eat?
Modern langos
Chimney cake (Trdelnik)
Vegetarian bowls
Hamburgers, pasta, street food
Feature:
A colourful, lively, youthful atmosphere – a nice stop for the evening.
6. New York Café (The experience that graced the list)
What to eat?
Souffle
Coffee
Chocolate desserts
Feature:
Known as "the world's most beautiful cafe," it's touristy, but you go for the atmosphere.
7. Ruin Bar Area – Drinks and Snacks
Where are they?
Szimpla Kert
Instant
Fogasház
What to eat?
Usually snack style: potatoes, sandwiches, Hungarian sausages, craft beer.
Feature:
Creative bars built into old buildings are a symbol of the Budapest experience.
Must-Try Hungarian Delicacies (Wherever You Are):
Goulash – Paprika Étterem, Pest-Buda Bistro
Lángos – Central Market Hall, Karavan Street Food
Fish soup (Halászlé) – Traditional restaurants
Dbos torta – New York Café, Ruszwurm
Somlói galuska – Pest-Buda or 21 Magyar Vendéglő
Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) – Karavan Street Food
Töltött káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage) – Hungarikum
Where to Stay in Budapest (Quick Guide + Prices)
The first thing you need to know when choosing accommodation in Budapest is this:
Buddha = calm and historical,
Pest = lively and central.
Regions
⭐ (Belváros – Lipótváros)
The city center, the Parliament and the bridges are here.
Price: 3* €90–150, 4* €160–250
Who is it suitable for? First-timers.
⭐ (Terézváros)
Opera, Andrássy Avenue, cafes.
Price: 3* €70–120, 4* €130–200
Who's it for: Art lovers and young travelers.
⭐ (Erzsébetváros – Ruin Bar District)
Nightlife center.
Price: Hostel 15–30 €, hotel 70–150 €
Who is it suitable for? Fun lovers.
⭐ Buda Castle Area
Historical streets, scenery, tranquility.
Price: 120–200 €
Who is it suitable for? Couples and those seeking peace.
