Budapest consistently ranks among Europe's most rewarding city break destinations, and for good reason. Straddling the Danube River, Hungary's capital is actually two cities in one: hilly Buda on the western bank and flat, bustling Pest on the east. Together they create a metropolis rich in thermal springs, Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, world-class dining, and a nightlife scene that has put the city firmly on the global map.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to uncover hidden corners, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting around, what to see, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time in Budapest.
Top Attractions in Budapest
The Hungarian Parliament Building
Standing proud on the Pest bank of the Danube, the Parliament Building is one of Europe's largest and most striking legislative structures. Completed in 1904, its neo-Gothic facade stretches nearly 270 metres along the river, punctuated by 365 towers and topped by a 96-metre central dome. Guided tours of the interior are available daily and reveal ornate frescoes, gold leaf detailing, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.
For the best exterior views, head to the Buda side of the river. The terrace near Batthyany Square metro station offers a perfect vantage point, especially when the building is illuminated after dark. More information is available on the official Parliament website.
Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church
Perched atop Castle Hill, Fisherman's Bastion is a fairy-tale terrace of white stone turrets and arches built between 1895 and 1902. The seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that founded Hungary. From here, you get one of the most photographed panoramas in Budapest, sweeping across the Danube to the Parliament and beyond.
Right behind the bastion stands Matthias Church, whose colourful Zsolnay ceramic roof tiles make it one of the most distinctive churches in Central Europe. Both sites are free to wander around, though there is a small fee to access the upper turrets of the bastion.
Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Budapest is the only capital city in the world that sits on more than 120 natural hot springs, and thermal bathing has been part of local culture since at least the Roman period. The Szechenyi Thermal Bath in City Park is the largest medicinal bath complex in Europe, featuring 18 pools set within a grand Neo-Baroque building dating from 1913.
Locals visit the baths year-round, even on snowy winter mornings when steam rises dramatically from the outdoor pools. Arrive on a weekday morning for the most relaxed experience. The Szechenyi Bath official site lists current ticket prices and opening hours.
The Chain Bridge and the Danube
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent crossing between Buda and Pest when it opened in 1849. After a major renovation completed in 2023, the bridge has been partially pedestrianised, making it even more pleasant to walk across. A stroll from the Pest end leads directly up to the funicular that climbs Castle Hill, connecting two of Budapest's most iconic landmarks.
Budapest's greatest asset is the Danube itself. A river cruise at sunset, with both banks aglow, is one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave.
Food and Drink
Hungarian cuisine is hearty, flavourful, and built around paprika, sour cream, and slow-cooked meats. In Budapest you will find everything from high-end restaurants reinventing traditional dishes to market stalls serving quick, affordable meals.
- Goulash (Gulyas): A rich beef and paprika soup that is Hungary's national dish. Every restaurant serves its own version, but the best tend to come from smaller, family-run places rather than tourist-facing spots on Vaci Street.
- Langos: Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and grated cheese. Head to the Great Market Hall on the south end of Vaci Street for a reliable version, or try street vendors near thermal baths.
- Chimney Cake (Kurtoskalacs): A sweet pastry cooked on a rotating spit, coated in sugar and cinnamon. Found at bakeries and street stalls throughout the city centre.
- Ruin Bars: Budapest's ruin bar scene began in the early 2000s when abandoned buildings in the Jewish Quarter were transformed into eclectic drinking venues. Szimpla Kert remains the most famous, but the district now has dozens of similar spots to explore.
Getting Around Budapest
Budapest has an efficient public transport network operated by BKK. The system includes four metro lines, an extensive tram network, buses, and trolleybuses. Line M1, the yellow metro, is the oldest underground railway on the European continent, dating back to 1896, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right.
A 24-hour or 72-hour travel pass is the best value option for visitors, covering unlimited rides on all BKK services. Purchase passes from metro station ticket offices or the BKK mobile app. Taxis are also readily available, but always use officially licensed cabs or reputable ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
Best Time to Visit Budapest
Budapest is a year-round destination, but each season brings a different character:
- Spring (April to June): Mild temperatures, blooming parks, and outdoor cafe terraces reopening. The Budapest Spring Festival fills the city with music and art.
- Summer (July to August): The warmest months, ideal for river cruises, Margaret Island, and the Sziget Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals.
- Autumn (September to October): Fewer tourists, golden light, and the Budapest Wine Festival on Castle Hill.
- Winter (November to February): Christmas markets, thermal baths shrouded in steam, and a cosy atmosphere in the city's grand coffee houses.
Practical Tips
The currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While most restaurants and shops accept card payments, it is wise to carry some cash for smaller transactions, public transport tickets, and market purchases. ATMs are widely available in the city centre.
English is spoken in most tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Hungarians appreciate when visitors attempt a few local phrases. "Koszonom" means thank you, and "Egeszsegere" is the toast you will hear in every wine bar. Tipping is customary at restaurants, typically around 10 percent of the bill.
