Budapest: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Budapest - the capital on two banks of the Danube

Budapest is an incredibly interesting European capital that was created by the unification of two independent settlements. A long time ago, the hilly bank of the Danube was home to a settlement called Buda, while Pest was located on the flat bank. Over time, Buda and Pest merged to become the magnificent city of Budapest.

Today, the Hungarian capital boasts a rich historical heritage and a variety of modern entertainments. When exploring the sights of Budapest, be sure to visit its impressive Parliament building. The castles and palaces from the Austro-Hungarian Empire era, ancient cathedrals, the Fisherman's Bastion, and fortresses also deserve attention. The value of the city's historical part is highlighted by the fact that many sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Apart from historical monuments, the city is famous for its numerous baths. Budapest has at least 120 thermal springs. People from different countries flock here to boost their health and treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and other bodily systems.

When to go?

In Budapest, there's no concept of high or low tourist season. The city welcomes guests all year round, and each season offers its own unique beauty. The climate in Budapest is moderate continental with warm summers and frosty winters.

If you want to see the festive capital, plan your trip for the end of November – early December. At this time, the city transforms for Christmas. Early spring or mid-autumn is better for tourists who prefer to experience the city during a more tranquil period.

What to buy?

Shopping in Budapest is both a pleasant and profitable pastime. The prices, the availability of seasonal sales, and the selection will please any dedicated shopaholic. The largest and most famous stores in Budapest can be found on Vaci Street. It's located between Vörösmarty Square and Fővám Square, where they hold festive fairs.

If you want to bring back something from Budapest that is beyond the usual fridge magnet, something truly unique and atmospheric, make sure to wander through the small central streets. There, you'll find shops offering local Hungarian wines, traditional sweets made from almond marzipan, and items made from Hungarian porcelain.

In addition, your edible shopping should include authentic local products – paprika paste for Hungarian goulash, Dobos torte, and the alcoholic beverage palinka. You can also bring back and adorn your home with tablecloths, curtains, and bedding featuring national Hungarian patterns.

What to try?

The main dish of not only Budapest but also of all Hungary is the hearty and aromatic goulash, a dish every visitor to the city must try. The traditional Hungarian goulash is a thick, spicy soup more akin to a stew, filled with a generous amount of meat, vegetables, and, of course, paprika.

Overall, Hungarian cuisine is based on meat dishes. In Budapest restaurants, meat is traditionally served with dumplings, mushrooms, sour cream, and mustard. Hungary is famous for its sausage products, so don’t forget to try the local salami.

Fish dishes are not widely spread in Hungary. In the menus of restaurants serving national cuisine, you might occasionally find a Christmas fish soup made from pike perch. For dessert, head to the local coffee houses. There, along with your hot drink, you will be served Esterhazy cake, layered pancakes, and various pastries.

Where to stay?

When planning a trip to Budapest, you'll be faced with a tough choice of accommodation, as the variety of lodging options for tourists here is simply astonishing. There are more than 2,500 options for an overnight stay: five-star hotels, budget hotels, hostels, apartments, villas, and sanatoriums. Therefore, we recommend determining your trip goals, budget, and personal preferences in advance – this way, you can find and book a hotel in Budapest much faster. There is accommodation for tourists in absolutely all districts of the Hungarian capital, including its outskirts.