This was a Budapest city guide.
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Budapest City Guide
I feel like Budapest has finally joined the “must see” list of cities to visit in Europe. It’s elegant and gritty at the same time and offers all kinds of entertainment from steamy thermal baths, ornate architecture, ruin bars and views that look straight out of a film. I remember quite a while back when I was an au pair in Germany and I met an American au pair who told me Budapest was like Paris but without the price tag (not the only time I heard that). Although he did also think backpacking was something only Americans did as well as asking me, a Brazilian, if I was sure Rio wasn’t the capital of our country… what can I say, meeting different nationalities is one of the best parts of travelling. It’s amazing to see how different some of us can be.
Anyway, I finally made it to Budapest and I’m not sure about it being like Paris. Not in a negative or positive way, it’s just… its own city?! With so much history, so much to do and its own brand of European charm. I booked it really last minute as I was looking for some October sunshine as well as budget-friendly destination. Budapest really came through with 23º sunny days! I was also travelling solo and wanted it to be a relaxing, healthy trip so I stayed at Hotel President which was right in the middle of the action, had a spa and pool for my downtime after exploring and delicious breakfast every morning! The breakfast room actually had an area just with healthy food so I spent a bit of time on that and a bit of time on the treats. It’s all about balance, after all, isn’t it?!
Whether you’re planning a weekend, a solo trip or just passing through for a day, this Budapest city guide covers everything you need to know: what to see, where to eat and how to make the most of your time in Hungary’s capital.
Quick Guide
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Language: Hungarian (but English is widely spoken)
Best time to visit: March to June or September to November for warm weather and fewer crowds
Getting around: The city is walkable, but trams and the metro are efficient and cheap
Where to stay: Hotel President for central location, great breakfast buffet and a spa for some relaxation in-between sightseeing; Maverick City Lodge for central budget stays
READ MORE: 13 Easy Tips for Travelling Europe on a Budget
BUDAPEST CITY GUIDE
Buda vs. Pest
Budapest is literally two cities joined by the Danube River. Buda, on the west side, is hilly, historic and offers panoramic views. Pest, on the east, is flat, lively and where most of the nightlife, restaurants and shopping happen. You’ll want to explore both sides. Start with Buda for history, end in Pest for fun.
As always, I strongly recommend you join a free walking tour. They’ll tell you all about Budapest’s history, explain why the 2-in-1 cities and guide you through all the main sights. I actually made a friend during mine! A lovely Russian who was there visiting her friend who was working during the day so she and I ended up hanging out together exploring the city.
Top Things to Do in Budapest
Explore Buda Castle and the Castle District
Start your trip on the Buda side at Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the skyline. You can walk up (it’s steep but scenic) or take the funicular from Clark Ádám Square. Once at the top, wander through cobbled streets lined with pastel buildings, visit Matthias Church and take in the views from Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s one of the best photo spots in the city, especially at sunrise when it’s almost empty. The view across the river to the Parliament building is unreal.
If you do join the free walking tour, it usually ends at Fisherman’s Bastion!
Walk Across the Chain Bridge
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge connects Buda and Pest and is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. Walk across it at sunset when the city lights start to glow and you’ll see why it’s so loved. It’s also the perfect bridge to photograph from either side, particularly with the castle or Parliament as your backdrop.
Relax in the Thermal Baths
Budapest is famous for its natural hot springs and no trip is complete without a soak. The most famous is Széchenyi Thermal Bath in City Park (also the one I went to). Think grand yellow buildings, steaming outdoor pools and locals playing chess in the water. Gellért Baths is another favourite with art nouveau architecture, mosaic tiles and indoor pools that feel like stepping into a Roman palace. For something more local and less crowded, try Rudas Baths, which also has a rooftop pool overlooking the Danube. Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops and a towel (rentals available).
If you’re worried about going on your own, I just wanted to let you know that I did and it was totally fine. It was early in the morning, midweek, so it wasn’t very busy and there were other solo women having a great time!
See the Parliament and Danube Promenade
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most beautiful in the world. Take a guided tour to see its grand interiors or admire it from the outside, especially across the river from Buda. Walk along the Danube Promenade, where you’ll find the moving Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial dedicated to victims of World War II, a quiet and powerful spot that’s worth your time.
Eat Your Way Through the Great Market Hall
For a crash course in Hungarian food, visit the Central Market Hall near Liberty Bridge. The ground floor sells paprika, sausages and pastries, while the upstairs level has food stalls serving goulash, lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese) and stuffed cabbage. It’s a great lunch stop and an easy place to pick up edible souvenirs.
I didn’t love lángos. I thought it was greasy and boring but I’ve got friends who love it. Give it a go! And, of course, have some chimney cake.
I must say, besides the Market Hall, you might’ve seen Budapest’s New York Cafe doing the rounds on the social as “the most beautiful cafe in the world”. It really is beautiful! But social media fame means it now has endless queues. So, if you don’t feel like waiting, try Parisi Passage Café instead!
Wander the Jewish Quarter and Ruin Bars
The Jewish Quarter in Pest is one of the most vibrant areas in the city. By day, you can visit the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe and learn about the community’s history. By night, the neighbourhood transforms into Budapest’s party hub. Don’t miss Szimpla Kert, the original ruin bar built inside an abandoned building and filled with mismatched furniture, art and lights. It’s a little gritty in the best way. I’ve been told to think Berlin energy with Hungarian prices but, I don’t know, Berlin is a lot! 😂 I’d say more Hamburg/Reeperbahn vibes…
Climb Gellért Hill for the Best View in Budapest
For a panoramic city view, hike up Gellért Hill to the Citadella. It’s steep but short and the view is unbeatable, especially at sunrise or sunset. Bring water, good shoes and your camera. It’s one of Budapest’s most rewarding free things to do.
Cruise the Danube at Night
One of the best ways to see Budapest is from the water. Take a Danube River cruise at night to watch the bridges and landmarks light up. Most cruises include a drink and you’ll float past the Parliament, Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge. It’s a treat! If you’re on a budget, hop on Tram 2 instead, which runs along the river and gives you a similar view for the price of a regular ticket.
Discover Budapest’s Hidden and Crazy Sides
If you want something beyond the usual, Budapest has plenty of quirks. Try a pinball museum, a Labyrinth under Buda Castle tour, or the Hospital in the Rock, a former WWII and Cold War bunker turned museum. For a strange yet fascinating stop, the Memento Park on the outskirts displays old communist statues. A surreal open-air museum of history! And if you love escape rooms, Budapest is where they were invented, so it makes sense to try an original!
Chill at Margaret Island
Right in the middle of the Danube lies Margaret Island, a peaceful green escape between Buda and Pest. Rent a bike or electric scooter and ride around, visit the musical fountain or just picnic under the trees. It’s perfect if you need a break from sightseeing. So peaceful! Especially on a sunny day… the Danube is extra pretty.
READ MORE: Backpacking Europe On a Budget: The Complete Insider’s Guide
Best Food and Drinks in Budapest
Hungarian cuisine is hearty, flavourful and perfect for cold evenings. Start with goulash soup, chicken paprikash and stuffed peppers. For street food, try lángos, chimney cake (kürtőskalács) and Hungarian sausages.
Where to eat:
- Menza (in Liszt Ferenc Square) for modern Hungarian dishes
- Paprika Vendéglő near City Park for a local, old-school vibe
- Gettó Gulyás, a trendy but traditional Hungarian restaurant serving elevated comfort food in a relaxed setting in the Jewish Quarter
- Borkonyha Winekitchen (Michelin-starred) if you’re feeling fancy
Where to drink:
- Szimpla Kert (ruin bar legend)
- 360 Bar for rooftop cocktails with Parliament views
- Doboz for a lively club atmosphere
- Try local wines, especially Tokaji dessert wine and Hungarian pálinka if you’re brave
Is Budapest Safe for Solo Travellers?
Yes. Budapest is pretty safe, even for solo female travellers (like me when I went!). Pickpocketing can happen on public transport, so use crossbody bags and keep your phone close. The nightlife is friendly and people are generally helpful. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use official taxis or Bolt if you need a ride other than public transport and you’ll be fine. It’s a popular solo travel destination for a reason: walkable, social, affordable and full of things to do both day and night.
Getting Around Budapest
Budapest is very walkable, especially the city centre, but public transport is great if you don’t want to walk everywhere. The metro system is one of the oldest in the world (the yellow Line 1 is adorable) and trams are perfect for scenic rides. Buy a 24-hour or 72-hour travel card if you plan to move around a lot. Bolt and taxis are cheap for late-night rides.
The airport is only a 32-min bus ride away from the city centre.
BUDAPEST CITY GUIDE
Photo Spots You Can’t Miss
- Fisherman’s Bastion (for sunrise)
- Chain Bridge (sunset)
- Parliament from across the river
- Gellért Hill (city panorama)
- Széchenyi Baths
- St. Stephen’s Basilica rooftop
Free Things to Do in Budapest
- Walk the Danube Promenade
- Watch the sunset from Gellért Hill
- Visit Margaret Island
- Stroll around City Park
- Explore Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad Castle
- Enjoy the street art in the Jewish Quarter
Planning Your Trip: How Many Days Do You Need?
Three days is ideal to experience both Buda and Pest without rushing.
– Day 1: Explore Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellért Hill.
– Day 2: Hit the baths, the Parliament and the Jewish Quarter.
– Day 3: Markets, Margaret Island and a Danube cruise at night.
If you only have one day, focus on Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge and Széchenyi Baths; you’ll still get the essence of the city.
Final Thoughts
Budapest is one of those cities where everything feels balanced: historic but fun, relaxing yet full of life. You can soak in thermal baths in the morning, eat your way through markets in the afternoon and dance in ruin bars by night. It’s affordable, safe and endlessly photogenic. Whether you come for 24 hours or a week, I hope this Budapest city guide helped you plan the best trip!
This was a Budapest city guide.
