Charismatic Budapest
We often hear from people, that they don’t have time of money for travelling. This is not a reason why not to visit Budapest. It is going to take you just few hours to get there and it’s totally worthy. Do you like historic Prague, vibrant Barcelona or calm Copenhagen? Budapest has it all, it’s historic, vibrant, calm, you can choose what do you want to explore from this city. Which places you shouldn’t miss? We bring you few tips, which we have personal experience with.
1. Cruise Danube River
Budapest is truly impressive and its beauty is exceptional especially when the sun disappears and all the important buildings in the city are illuminated by the reflectors. You can enjoy the beautiful view from the boat and here we have a tip for you, if you dont want to pay for a boat tour. All you need is a public transport ticket valid for at least 24 hours, with which you can use the ferries for free. These boats are usually not crowded, so you can enjoy the voyage at peace.
2. Have a drink at Kazinczy Street
This street is famous for its very cool bars and clubs. Even if you are not a party person you should go there to see some alternative bars in decaying buildings. We recommend Szimpla Kert or Deák Ferenc square nearby. During the warm evenings, the city park is the most popular spot for students.
3. Stroll the Jewish quarter
While in Budapest, you should definitely spend some time exploring Jewish Quarter, which became a walled ghetto during World War II. Visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest Synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Our tip is also to go to the garden behind the synagogue, which is definitelly worth visiting!
4. Relax in Gellért Baths and Spa
Budapest is famour for its amazing baths. One of the reasons the Romans first colonized the area immediately to the west of the River Danube is so that they could utilize and enjoy the thermal springs. Later in the history there were few beautiful thermal baths built. We chose Gellért Baths and we strongly reccomend it! We found out that these baths are less crowded and have better historical athmosphere. Don’t look for helter-skelter here!
5. Climb up the Gellért Mountain with Citadella
Do you prefer less crowded places with an amazing view? You shouldn’t miss Gellért Mountain. We decided to go there after visiting Gellért Baths. It is a pretty steep walk up there, but once you reach the top you will be rewarded with stunning view of Budapest. If you are a fan of history you can visit there the Citadella and also admire the Liberty Statue, which has been erected there after World War II.
Budapest is very elegant but also alternative city at the same time. We recommend you to stay there at least for three days. There are so many things to do and visit.
This is a list of our other recommendations:
- Halászbástya – Fisherman’s bastion
- Vajdahunyad Castle
- Margit Szihed – Margaret Island
- Erzsébet híd – Elizabeth Bridge
Have you ever visited Budapest? What is your favourite place there?
Hi Diana,
My Wife Cynthia, our daughter Chriselle and I visited Budapest last year, early in September. We drove down from Prague after spending 3 days there.
Looking at your pictures many awesome memories were triggered of Budapest. I’ve seen and enjoyed the Jewish quarter. We were driven around there from the city square in a replica of a vintage car. Nice driver. Spoke enough English to explain what we needed to know about.
We also had drink at on of the run down bars in Kazinczy Street. We had hired a guide who took us around Budapest and Kazinczy Street was one place he said we had to see. We had gone there at about 02:00pm in the afternoon.
We also visited the Budapest vineyards. It was so beautiful out there. It was cold but not uncomfortably so.
We had wine tasting at the vineyard. We tasted six different wines. These were shared by owners wife. She spoke fluent English and explained a bit of history about each wine bottle.
Budapest was a really nice place. Lots of great memories from there.
Thanks for an engaging blog post Diana.
Warmly,
Ivan Bayross
Okay, Budapest just made it a few notches higher on my bucket list. This trip looks amazing!
It is amazing! And also very cheap in comparison to the western Europe or so! Budapest is probably my favourite city!