ESSENTIAL BUDAPEST TRAVEL GUIDE

Budapest is one of the most captivating cities in Europe. Is one of those cities that sweeps you off your feet the moment you lay eyes on it. With various parks full of natural elegance, galleries that inspire and vibrant nightlife, the charm of this capital is recognised by numerous tourists. Almost 20 million per year, who visit this impressive city with some monuments more than 1000 years old. So here the essential guide to travel to Budapest.

Split in two by the mighty Danube, the city has Buda on the hilly western side and Pest (pronounced “Pesht”) stretching out flat on the east. Each side has its own personality. Buda is all about historic charm, cobbled streets, and the majestic fortress standing guard over the city. While Pest buzzes with cafés, ruin bars, and grand boulevards.

Buda Fortress and the Danube riverbank were registered in 1987 in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. And the beauty of these places is also a reason why Budapest is known as the Pearl of the Danube.

Getting to Budapest

One of the easiest ways to reach Budapest is by flying into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), which is about 16 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you’ve got a few options. Hop on the 100E airport shuttle bus that takes you directly into the heart of Pest. Or grab a taxi or rideshare. If you prefer a bit more comfort, arrange a private transfer in advance (especially handy if you’re arriving late at night).

If you’re already traveling through Europe, Budapest is also really well connected by train and bus. Trains roll into Keleti Station, the grand railway terminal that feels like stepping back in time.

Getting Around Budapest

Once you’ve made it into the city, getting around is actually a breeze. Budapest has one of the most charming and efficient public transport systems in Europe, and it’s super budget-friendly. 

You can choose the metro for longer distances, but keep in mind that Budapest is also very walkable. Crossing the Chain Bridge on foot is practically a rite of passage. And you’ll want to leave time for wandering the side streets of both Buda and Pest. Then there are the trams. You can’t leave without hopping on Tram 2, which glides along the Danube with picture-perfect views of Parliament and the Castle District.

And if you’re visiting in summer, the Danube river ferries are a fun way to see the city from the water.

Best things to visit in Budapest

Your essential Budapest travel guide must include some of the best known attractions in the city.

PALACE OF THE PARLIAMENT

When I say Budapest, I inevitably think of the Danube, which runs so superbly, from one end to the other of the city. And also to the building in which the Hungarian parliament works, a sumptuous palace situated on the Danube bank. This building is one of the oldest and third-largest in Europe. It is among the buildings where the parliamentary authority does its job, being, equally, an architectonic jewel.

BRIDGES OF BUDAPEST

There are nine bridges over the Danube, in total, Budapest being known as the Capital of the 9 Bridges. These are the Árpád Bridge, the Chain Bridge, the Elizabeth Bridge, the Freedom Bridge, the Margareta Bridge. There is also the Megyeri Bridge, the Petőfi Bridge, the Rákóczi Bridge, and the Northern Railway Bridge. If you do not have enough time to visit them all, although each has its charm, do not miss the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Chain Bridge), the Margareta Bridge and the Freedom Bridge. Of course, a great way to see them all would be to go on a Danube cruise, which doesn’t cost that much.

THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE

The Great Synagogue on Dohany Street is one of the most sought-after sights in the heart of Budapest. Being one of the greatest such constructions in the world, the Great Synagogue in Budapest serves for both a pilgrimage site for Jews universally, but also an architectural gem rich in historical events. The synagogue is located in the Jewish Quarter, the closest subway station being Astoria. The Great Synagogue, on the other hand, is declared the most beautiful synagogue in the world. And the second-largest in size, after that of New York.

SAINT STEPHEN’S BASILICA

St. Stephen’s Basilica is not just Budapest’s most famous church. It’s also one of the most important religious buildings in all of Hungary. Dedicated to King Stephen, the country’s first king and the founder of the Hungarian nation, the basilica holds a fascinating relic: the mummified right hand of the king, known as the Holy Right. You’ll find it preserved in a small chapel inside, a must-see if you’re curious about Hungary’s deep history and traditions.

While the basilica is beautiful any time of day, it has a special magic in the evening. As the sun sets, the square in front comes alive with street musicians, buzzing cafés, and seasonal markets. Especially around Christmas, when the whole place glitters with lights and stalls selling mulled wine and chimney cakes.

FISHERMAN’S BASTION

Fisherman’s Bastion is one of those spots in Budapest that feels like it’s been lifted straight out of a fairy tale. Located on the right bank of the Danube, in the Castle District, it shares the same side as Buda Castle—and honestly, the views from up here are some of the best you’ll find in the entire city. From its white stone terraces you can look across the river and see the Hungarian Parliament building standing proudly on the Pest side, with the Danube shimmering below. Sunrise or sunset here is pure magic.

The name “Fisherman’s Bastion” has an old-world charm to it too. Legend has it that during the Middle Ages, this section of the city walls was defended by the guild of fishermen who lived below in the riverside quarter. Today, the bastion looks far more like a dreamy lookout than a fortress. But its seven towers represent the seven Magyar groups that founded Hungary in the 9th century, so make sure to look for that.

At the heart of the area, you’ll also find the striking Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom), with its colorful tiled roof and Gothic details that are just begging to be admired up close

BUDA CASTLE

The castle of the kings of Hungary was finished in 1265. It was declared a historical monument and included in the UNESCO Patrimony in 1987. Nowadays is also one of the most well-known and visited tourist attractions in Budapest. You can comfortably spend a whole day walking around here, but also near you can find the funicular that takes you up to the top of the hill.

HEROES SQUARE

Heroes Square is a symbol and also one of the main tourist attractions in Budapest. The work of the architect Albert Schickedanz, the Heroes Square in Budapest incorporates an ensemble that includes the statuary complex of the Millennium Monument, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Arts.

The statues complex depicts the figures of the Hungarian leaders. It was started in 1896 to mark 1000 years since the founding of the Hungarian state. It also commemorates the conquest by the Hungarians of the Carpathian Basin. The 36-meter high column ends with the statue of the Archangel Gabriel.

CONCLUSION

Budapest has many more attractions, but these are the top 7 that I loved and recommend. I wrote this in an attempt to give you parts of the reasons why, annually, the capital of Hungary is visited by millions of tourists. I’ve left out Hungarian gastronomy, wineries, clubs and entertainment opportunities, which I will address on a separate article.

Want to find out more about BUDAPEST? Read here why Budapest is worth visiting!