A metropolis break in Budapest seems like discovering a hidden gem that in some way everybody else already knew about. With grand boulevards, hilltop castles, steamy thermal baths, and extra layers of historical past than you may unpack in a single go to, this metropolis swept us off our toes in just some days – and it didn’t break the financial institution!
Hungarian Parliament View From Cruise © Simran Kabotra
Why Budapest?
My buddy and I selected Budapest as a result of it was inexpensive, extremely really helpful, and supplied the right mixture of magnificence, historical past, and a way of journey. With its walkable streets, vibrant neighbourhoods, and breathtaking views at each flip, it feels surprisingly intimate for a capital metropolis. Neither of us had travelled to Central or Japanese Europe earlier than, so this felt like a fantastic introduction – accessible, welcoming, and stuffed with nice surprises.
- Who went: 2 adults
- After we travelled: 2nd to fifth Might 2025
- The place we travelled from: London Stansted Airport
The place We Stayed in Budapest
We stayed at Vagabond Grand’Or, an condominium proper within the coronary heart of town. Simply minutes from Deák Ferenc tér – the primary sq. and transport hub. It was the right base for exploring each the buzzing Pest facet and the quieter, extra scenic Buda hills. The condominium itself was clear, trendy, and comfortable – splendid for recharging after lengthy days on our toes.
Matthias Church © Simran Kabotra
Issues To Do In Budapest
Gellért Thermal Baths
We began our journey with a go to to Gellért Baths, some of the well-known thermal spas within the metropolis. Arriving proper when it opened at 9am was a fantastic shout – the swimming pools have been quiet, the water was steaming, and the ambiance was dreamily tranquil. Soaking in artwork nouveau environment whereas steam curled round us felt like a scene from a classic movie.
Pest Strolling Tour
If it’s your first time in Budapest, a strolling tour is a should. Our information, István from GuruWalk, was extremely educated and stuffed with enjoyable details, providing an excellent overview of the Pest facet of town. From the tragic historical past of Hungary’s previous to the architectural kinds layered throughout centuries, he helped us join the dots behind what we have been seeing.
The Buda Aspect: Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church
Crossing the Chain Bridge to the Buda facet was a spotlight. It’s greener, quieter, and full of winding streets and grand views. Whereas we explored on our personal, I positively want we had taken a guided tour right here, too.Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church are completely magical – like strolling by a storybook. Strolling as much as Matthias Church, we each joked that it regarded like a set from The Truman Present – pristine, surreal, and nearly too excellent to be actual.
Home of Terror Museum
This museum isn’t light-hearted, nevertheless it’s important. Housed within the former headquarters of the Nazi and Communist regimes, the Home of Terror is a strong and chilling expertise that gives a sobering perception into Hungary’s Twentieth-century trauma. It left us shaken, considerate, and deeply moved.
Night River Cruise
Probably the most lovely experiences we had was a Danube river cruise at night time, booked through GetYourGuide. Because the solar set and town lit up, Budapest reworked into one thing straight out of a fairy story. The glowing Parliament constructing mirrored on the water is a sight that stays with you.
Wreck Bars
We couldn’t depart with out diving into Budapest’s well-known damage bar scene. These quirky bars, like the enduring Szimpla Kert, are stuffed with mismatched furnishings, wild décor (assume wires, keyboards, previous TVs, graffiti, and vegetation rising from bathtubs), and buzzing vitality. Enjoyable, chaotic, and completely distinctive – you may’t miss them.
Wreck Bar © Simran Kabotra
What We Ate In Budapest
Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
This candy, sugary deal with was a private favorite. The perfect one we discovered was right here – crispy exterior, delicate and heat inside, and extremely satisfying.
Bors Gastro Bar
Tiny, inventive, and stuffed with flavour. Their soups and sandwiches are creative and scrumptious, particularly the spicy tomato soup and the baguette-style subs. It’s road meals with severe fashion.
Pizzabar Pomodoro
Surprisingly, we discovered a number of the greatest pizza we’ve ever had right here. Heat, thin-crusted, and generously topped – it’s splendid in order for you a break from heavier native fare.
Fats Mama
Fats Mama served up the most effective brunches we had on the journey – scrumptious, satisfying, and stuffed with flavour. The ambiance was heat and alluring, with delicate music enjoying within the background that made the entire place really feel cosy. It was the right spot to loosen up and wait out the rain, and we ended up lingering longer than deliberate simply because it felt so calm and comfy.
Brunch at Fats Mama © Simran Kabotra
What to Love (And To not Love) About Budapest
What to like
Among the best issues about Budapest is its wealthy historical past and the placing distinction between the Buda and Pest sides, every providing a definite allure and character. The town can also be very walkable, making it simple to discover main sights both on foot or with a brief tram trip. There’s a beautiful number of experiences to get pleasure from – from grand thermal baths and thought-provoking museums to energetic nightlife and scenic river views.
What to not love
Nonetheless, not all the pieces was to our style. We discovered conventional Hungarian meals to be fairly heavy, significantly dishes like lángos (fried dough), which didn’t sit nicely with us. That mentioned, we’re open to attempting extra native delicacies on a future go to.
Would I Go To Budapest Once more?
Completely. Budapest seems like a metropolis you possibly can return to many times, peeling again one other layer every time. Subsequent time, I’d like to discover Margaret Island, attempt a special thermal tub, and do a strolling tour on the Buda facet to actually perceive that half of town. It’s romantic, advanced, and full of surprises – a metropolis that leaves you considering lengthy after you’ve returned residence.
Journey Author Bio
Simran Kabotra is a author, avid reader & crocheter who loves journey. She has travelled throughout Southeast Asia and is presently looking out excessive and low for brand new adventures, lovely landscapes and wealthy historical past.
© Simran Kabotra
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