BUDAPEST

INTRODUCTION TO BUDAPEST

In recent years Hungary’s capital has experienced a renaissance, becoming an unmissable destination on the European map. First attracted by the city’s iconic Széchenyi baths, travellers find themselves falling in love with Budapest’s distinctive culture, flavoursome cuisine and deep-seeded culture. A typical day in Budapest might see one rising early for a coffee and toast with túró cheese, before ambling over the River Danube to take in the two sides of the city; Buda and Pest. A trip to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle will unveil the romance and history of the city’s fairytale monuments, while an evening sipping pálinka in the bohemian party district of the ruin bars, once an abandoned Jewish Ghetto, offers a window into the growing alternative culture. Home to a unique selection of festivals and cultural events that take the city’s atmosphere to new heights, timing a trip to Budapest with Sziget – known as the Woodstock of Europe – will ensure a long-lasting love affair with Hungary’s cultural heart. District V – the ‘Belváros’ or inner-city – is known as the financial, political, tourist, and commercial centre of Budapest, but be sure to explore as many corners of this city as your time permits. Perching yourself on a boat to cruise the Danube river will ensure you take in the city from all angles, best done as the sunsets when the sparkle of the skyline at night begins. The very best of Budapest awaits you, a city so surprising and magic you may never want to leave.

FAST FACTS
Language: Hungarian
Currency: Hungarian foint
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Hungary.
Dialing Code: +36
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)

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Explore the magic of Buda castle

One of Hungary’s most adored attractions, the fairy-tale Buda Castle sits atop Castle Hill and lights up the night sky with its warm glow for all to admire. A textbook example of baroque architecture, the expansive space now holds churches, galleries, festivals, and restaurants, including the Museum of Telephones, a chocolate festival, and a medieval vaulted fine-dining restaurant. If this isn’t part of your Budapest sightseeing adventure you are missing the soul of the city.
Relax in the Széchenyi baths

The Széchenyi baths; they’re a reason alone to book a Budapest holiday. And let us assure you they are why you’ll never want to leave. When that sunny yellow building meets those steaming thermal baths, even Iceland’s photogenic setting is given some competition. Usually open from 6am-10pm with variations for holidays and seasons, you’ll rarely be left wondering what to do in Budapest with these pretty springs in town.
Cruise the Danube river

Crossing through 10 European countries and ranking as the second largest river on the continent, cruising the mighty Danube is something of a bucket-list tick. Giving a brand-new panorama to the city and its two sides of Buda and Pest, you might take a boat cruise under the Széchenyi Lánchíd chain bridge, a symbol of the country’s national awakening, or just admire the incredible vistas of architecture on either side by foot. Take a visit at night to enjoy the reflection of the city’s lights dancing across the water.
Climb the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica

The building of the traditional Roman Catholic church, St. Stephen’s Basilica was named in honour of the first King of Hungary, Stephen. Which seems a little bizarre given his right hand is supposedly locked inside in its very own shrine. The building has a peculiar history for a religious site - amongst the oddities it was once a site for animal fights. Despite all this, visiting the unfathomably detailed monument is still one of the best things to do in Budapest. Its iconic dome and spiral staircases are sure to leave you quite enamoured.
Party at the Budapest Ruin bars

When historic sightseeing and partying morph themselves into one activity, you know you are in for a good time. Prior to WWII the Budapest region of VII District was a Jewish ghetto, left abandoned and dishevelled for the later part of the 20th Century. In 2002 a new era dawned with the appearance of a cafe, and a subsequent bar began curating the Ruin Bars space that we know and love today. Buzzing with bohemian spirit, partying in this recycled space puts a fresh spin on Budapest attractions.
Enjoy the views from the Fisherman’s Bastion viewpoint

A Walt Disney like gothic building perched on Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion is far more elegant than its name suggests. Views from the 7 towers stretch to Margaret Island and Gellért Hill, making this a great Budapest sightseeing activity for a clear sunny day. Waste an afternoon admiring Budapest from one of the Bastion’s stone benches, aiming to stick around until sunset when the white walls of the building turn a creamy yellow. Stop for a coffee at the terrace cafe within the Fisherman’s Bastion, and team your trip with a visit to the neighbouring Matthias Church.

Things to do in Budapest

Floralia
Theatre & Dance

Step into medieval times – and costume! – at the Budapest festival of Floralia. A theatrical occasion in which gladiator shows and traditional Roman attire entertain the masses. Named after the goddess of flowers and spring, it collides with the change of season being held in May each year.
Danube Carnival
Dance

Nearly 400 performance artists come together for the yearly Danube Carnival, in a display of multicultural music and dance. From contemporary hip swings to Bollywood performances, this free event held at various spots across the city is sure to get your body moving.
Vajdahunyadvár Summer Festival
Culture

Forget techno and pop-rock, the best music festival in Budapest is the celebration of classical music, traditional Hungarian gypsy beats, instrumental klezmer and swing. The Vajdahunyadvár Summer Festival is held in the City Park and Vajdahunyad Castle on certain days throughout summer, adding a new element of joy to the romantic, ancient setting.
Sziget Festival
Music

A love revolution and music mania found on a tiny island in the heart of Budapest – what’s not to love? Held annually on Óbuda, Sziget has been growing in popularity since 1993, back in the days when it was a “Eurowoodstock,” drawing in acts from the original 1960’s New York festival. It’s now a 7-day amusement park music event, featuring various musical styles from electronica to world music.
Hungarian Castle Festivals
Culture

The Hungarian Castle Festivals are a series of events that add a new dimension of excitement to visiting Buda Castle. Visitors might attend the annual fireworks show; the 3-day book fair complete with food stalls and markets, or the authentic festival of crafts showcasing potters, wood carvers, weavers and more. And who could turn down the special events dedicated to wine and chocolate?

Top 5 Festivals in Budapest

From a theatrical affair set in gladiator times, to a celebration of chocolate in a fairytale castle, the Budapest festival calendar is one worth investigating. Most famous is the island love fest of Sziget, one of the many events held during the city's climax of the summer months.

Hungarian National Museum

The grand neoclassical building of the Hungarian National Museum is home to works and relics representing the country’s history, art and archaeology. 7 permanent exhibitions are held within the museum’s walls, covering linkages to other countries and various eras, most interestingly Hungary’s dealings in communism.
House of Terror

Stepping into the dark past of Hungary’s politics and regimented days in fascist and communist commands, the House of Terror reminds travellers how far this country has come. Highlighting connections to the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany and paying respect to those executed, tortured or imprisoned within the building, prepare to feel a little haunted by your visit to this museum.
Museum of Applied Arts

One of the oldest applied arts museums in the world, this Budapest attraction is housed in a graceful art nouveau building with a majestic central atrium. Adored for its intricate green roof and ornate gold staircase, with nods to Mughal architecture made famous by the Taj Mahal.
Holocaust Memorial Center

Over 500,000 victims of the Hungarian Holocaust are remembered at Budapest’s Holocaust Memorial Centre. Original documents and personal possessions tell their stories in painful detail, with the internal synagogue offering space to respect and reflect.
Ludwig Museum

A document archive, library and various exhibitions make the fresh and vibrant Ludwig Museum a Budapest must do. Featuring remarkable pop-art pieces and thought-provoking works, it showcases the country’s modern sensibilities and progressive nature.

Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Budapest

With a tumultuous history and progressive future ahead, visiting museums in Budapest can be a deeply moving experience or enlivening affair. Moving through majestic ancient buildings and learning of holocaust history or contemporary pop-art, it’s clear that a wealth of knowledge and inspiration can be found here.

Goulash
Nothing captures the taste of Hungarian food more than a hearty bowl of spicy gulyás. Made with paprika-drenched beef and vegetables, this moreish stew is a classic winter warmer, but a dish you won’t be able to resist even in the summer. It’s best enjoyed at Rose Restaurant whilst watching their live orchestra.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Rose Restaurant, Budapest, Akácfa u. 24}
Chimney Cake
Also known as Stove cake, the tall, cylindrical cinnamon and sugar dusted sweet has been labelled the oldest pastry in Hungary and even has its own festival. A popular local treat and the perfect complement to a mid-morning coffee, one of the best in the city is found at Molnar’s Kürtőskalács.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Molnar’s Kürtőskalács, Vaci Utca 31, Budapest}
Lángos
This delicious deep-fried flatbread is an iconic Budapest street food. Topped with cheese and sour cream, add ham, garlic and other ingredients to flavour. Think pizza but naughtier. Sampling at the Fény Street Market means you can combine the treat with people watching and some fresh fruit to balance things out.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Lángos Land, Fény Street Market, Budapest}
Hungarian sausages
Hungarian sausage is rightly famous, with the boiled hurka and smoked kolbász varieties among the must-try delicacies on offer. Faszalade has become famous for its simple tray up of traditional Hungarian sausage, served with half a loaf of crusty, gherkins and mayo, it's Budapest food at its finest.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Faszalade, Budapest, Október 6. u. 9}
Fisherman’s soup (Halászlé)
Halászlé is just as flavoursome as it looks, its deep red colour being owed to generous sprinkles of spicy paprika and tomato juice. Usually a boil up including white wine and carp fish, you’ll find yourself appreciating this fisherman’s tradition to no end at the charming pontoon side restaurant of Duna Garden.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Duna Garden, Vízisport utca 12-18}

Food in Budapest

Working up an appetite and ambling through the streets of Budapest will not lead you astray. From cinnamon coated pastries of a morning to rich stews served over orchestra at night, flavoursome Hungarian cuisine is found in every corner of the capital.

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