In Budapest, the beautiful capital of Hungary, I found myself with my friend Dora (vacation girls only) for 5 days in August and we came back fascinated! We flew from Athens with Ryanair, for only 45 € round trip (with only one backpack) and in 2 hours we were there!
There are many reasons why you would want to visit this beautiful city. Budapest is located on the banks of the Danube River, which runs through the city and is an excellent destination for those who wish to discover the culture, history and cosmopolitan aura of Central Europe. Budapest has amazing architecture, rich history, thermal springs, is full of cultural events and exhibitions, delicious cuisine and has a vibrant nightlife.
Let’s see in more detail what you can do in 5 days in Budapest, Hungary!
The name Budapest
Budapest takes its name by merging two cities, Buda and Pest, which were located along the Danube River. Buda is the hill on which the palace of Buda was built and Pest is the flat area east of the river.
The Buddha
Starting from Buddha’s side, you are transported to the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The narrow streets, gothic churches and baroque buildings create an enchanting environment. In this area there are 2 hills: Gellert and the palace, which are worth visiting!
- Gellert Hill or Citandella: You can also get there by walking from the Freedom Bridge, if of course you enjoy hiking. You will need about 20 to 30 minutes. However, the route is enjoyable as you pass through beautiful parks and enjoy great views of the city along the way.
- The Palace Hill has key points: You can walk up to the Palace Hill. There are many paths, with steps, to walk up to the top of the hill. Along the route you will find many available spots for a break and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Otherwise, you can go up with the beautiful cable car, which will cost you 7€ per person. Pretty expensive I might say.
Sights of Buddha
• Buddha’s Castle or Buddha’s Palace:
It is worth taking an inside tour of the palace. But don’t forget to take a walk in its wonderful courtyards. Outside the palace gates, you can’t help but notice Budapest’s presidential residence.
• The church of Matthew:
Walking deeper into the hill district you reach the church of Matthew with the characteristic colorful tiles.
• Fishermen’s Bastion or the Tower of Fishermen:
Below you will find the Fishermen’s Bastion. This fortress was built in 1905 and is located near the church of Agios Matthaios. Many liken it to the castles from Disney fairy tales. The tower is famous for its amazing view of Pest with the parliament building literally stealing the show.
• The Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum:
From there you can descend back to the edges of the hill. It is worth taking some time for a walk up the hill, as you will come across many small cafes, galleries and museums. The top museum, worth visiting, is the underground museum, a WWII hospital and Cold War shelter. The visit can only be made with a guided tour. Find prices and more information here.
Pest
The center of Pest – Deak square
Deak Square is located in the heart of Pest, the most central and liveliest square of the city. It is worth staying as close to the square as possible, as you will find many cafes, restaurants and shops near it at very good prices. We had a drink in a neighborhood and not at all touristy bar for just 4€. Also, as the most central point of Budapest, you have easy access by public transport to all parts of the city.
Points of interest – Sights of Pest
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
Above and nearby the central Deak Square, you will find the Cathedral of Agios Stefanos. The temple is one of the most impressive and important architectural sights of the city. It is dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary and is well known for its exterior and interior architecture.
Andrassy Street
Close to the church begins the shining Andrássy Avenue, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Andrassy Street you will meet the Budapest Opera House, also known as the Hungarian National Opera House. It is one of the most important buildings in the city and is one of the most important monuments of Hungarian architecture and cultural heritage. Crossing Andrassy Street, you will discover luxurious shops and restaurants with an amazing atmosphere and you will end up at Heroes’ Square and all the attractions that follow below.
Heroes’ Square
Andrassy Street ends at Hero’s square. Heroes’ Square is an important symbol of the city. The impressive Heroes’ Monument, with the statues of the 7 warlords, attracts attention with its architectural beauty. Right in the center dominates the millennium column on top of which stands the statue of the Archangel Gabriel. The square is also a popular place for events and cultural celebrations organized in Budapest. Heroes’ Square is a remarkable destination that unites the past with the present and represents the cultural heritage and tradition of the city.
Varosliget Park
Varosliget park in Budapest is one of the most famous and popular destinations in the city. The gardens, lakes and walking paths will impress you and give you moments of tranquility in nature. In Varosliget park you will meet the impressive Vajdahunyad Castle.
Vajdahunyad Castle
Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the most impressive and charming sights of Varosliget Park in Budapest. This magnificent structure represents a collection of architectural styles from different eras and regions of Hungary. The castle’s architecture is a unique blend of various styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque. Here you can spend many hours, taking walks inside or relaxing around its artificial lake.
Baths of Széchenyi
Behind the Heroes’ Square is what you will most expect to experience in Budapest, a day of relaxation in the city’s thermal baths. Széchenyi baths are the largest thermal baths in Budapest and the largest outdoor baths in Europe. There, you will have the opportunity to relax from the days walking and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the thermal springs in this unique environment.
Of course, Budapest has other thermal baths, such as Gellert Thermal Bath and Rudas. We chose Széchenyi as they are the biggest and because we wanted to combine it with our visit to Heroes’ Square, Varosliget Park and Vajdahunyad Castle.
The Parliament of Hungary
The Parliament of Hungary, with its impressive neo-Gothic architecture, is a sight not to be missed. Hungary’s Parliament has been voted the most beautiful in Europe, and it’s even more beautiful inside! Don’t miss visiting it from the outside at night. The spectacular sight of the illuminated Parliament will enchant you!
Vaci Street
Vaci Street is one of the famous and busiest streets of Budapest. Vaci Street is surrounded by beautiful buildings with classical architecture, while hosting a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and shops. On Vaci Street you will definitely enjoy a walk, enjoying the European atmosphere and discover unique pieces of local art and culture.
The arcade of Gozsdu
Gozsdu Udvar is a complex of buildings that form a large inner courtyard. The variety of shops, restaurants and bars housed make it one of the most popular parts of the city for locals and tourists alike. I would say that one passage through the gallery is enough.
The Central Hall Market
The Central Market Hall is one of the famous markets in Budapest and is a major attraction of the city. It is an ideal place to taste and enjoy the local cuisine, either in restaurants and cafes located inside the building, or in kiosks that offer traditional meals and delicacies, to enjoye during your walk.
Bridges
Like any European city that is crossed by a river, Budapest also has some bridges that deserve your attention, as they are the shinning diamonds of the city.
Some notable bridges of Budapest are:
- The Liberty Bridge is the chain-link suspension bridge that spans over the Danube River and connects Buda with Pest.
- The Chain Bridge: It was the first, permanent bridge that connected Buda with Pest, with 4 lions adorning and protecting its 4 corners. It is a symbol of the city and is worth seeing at night, as its lighting is magnificent
- The Margarita Bridge: It connects the island of Margarita with Buda and Pest and is the simplest of all the others. You will see it by combining it with a bike ride on Margaret Island or even having a picnic.
A travel tip that you will love is the ride on tram No 2. It runs along the river and is literally like taking a “cruise” on land as it passes all the major sights. It starts from Jasai Mari ter, near the Margarita Bridge and reaches Fovam ter. It ends at the green bridge and the large Central Market Hall.
How to get around the city
In general, prepare to walk, a lot. But since means of transport are lifesavers (and in Budapest the public transport is very frequent), it is worth getting the media card. Service is excellent with a perfect system! Avoid using a taxi. They can charge you a lot and the price varies. If for any reason you need a taxi, prefer only one from an application, such as Bolt. Download the application on your mobile, here.
What to try from Hungarian cuisine
Budapest, like all capitals, has options from all cuisines all over the world. As a true traveler, however, you must try the flavors of the local Hungarian cuisine. In Budapest you can try traditional foods such as goulash (stew), langos (fried bread) and kürtőskalács (sweet cylindrical cinnamon cake). In the bakeries of every neighborhood, you will find a wide variety of small round breads in various flavors. You will love them, especially the ones with tomato and oregano flavor.
3 special bars of Budapest
Szimpla Kert
Is a famous bar located at Kazinczy utza 14 in Pest. This bar is known for its eccentric and bohemian design. It is decorated with old, industrial furniture, has 2 floors and a wide variety of seats in its various rooms. There you will mainly listen to electronic music; it often hosts DJs and organizes live music performances. We were lucky, as on the floor that night, was a live performance by a wonderful voice who left us with a powerful pop-rock night. It is really worth visiting, enjoying its unique atmosphere.
Pontoon
Pontoon is a popular bar in Budapest, next to the Danube River. It is better known as a night club where music events are often organized, it has an amazing view of the Danube and very good prices on drinks.
Α38
A38 the most famous floating bar in the city! It has 2 music stages and hosts various types of music from rock, jazz, even electronic. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a famous DJ on the decks of A38, and a loud party.
Brunch and coffee
You will taste an incredible brunch at Cookie Beacon Brunch, a very beautiful place famous for its large cookies (you will see them all on the front glass) in various flavors and with vegan options. It’s usually crowded, so you might have to stop by, either very early in the morning, or get some takeaway cookies.
Also, a very good choice for quality coffee in Budapest are the Madal cafés, chain stores, which can be found almost everywhere in the center of Budapest. They offer you quality coffee in extremely warm places!
In Budapest I also tried Espresso Tonic for the first time. It’s a variation of Freddo espresso, but it’s more like an energy drink than coffee. I was hesitant at first, but I loved it. I asked and learned how to make it and I challenge you to try it too! See how to make delicious espresso tonic beautifully and quickly, here.
Budapest: a European city 2 hours away from Greece, rich in architecture, history, beauty, good prices for food, drink, shopping and intense nightlife. Is it possible not to add it to your travel list?
