Hungary’s roaring capital, Budapest holds the title of being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Made of the perfect concoction of Buda, Obuda and a part of Danube and Pest bring us the gorgeous Budapest. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage Site status around most parts of the city, there is a visual treat and delight for the eyes everywhere you look. Buzzing with history and mesmerizing architecture, modern-day romantics can sigh in love with the contemporary artistic nature that has evolved with a touch of manmade in this haven of beauty. From unforgettable delicacies to eat at one of the many eateries, taking a dip in the hot spring inspired thermal spas, museum tours and tons of fine wine, there is something here for everyone! So browse through below and find out the most iconic things to do in Budapest, Hungary!
Tip from tour guide
Another interesting thing about Budapest apart from its mesmerizing attractions is its naming practice. Hungarian names are regulated by the law. Yes, in Hungary, there is a naming law when it comes to choosing the name for the children! Names must come from a pre-approved list, and any deviations must be approved by application to the Research Institute for Linguistics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. No Norths or Brooklyns here.
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1. Underground caves
Kőboszorkány, a barlang legjellegzetesebb formája.
Posted by Szemlő-hegyi-barlang on Saturday, 1 September 2012
Budapest is home to so many fascinating and thrilling underground caves and it is regarded as the only capital city in the world that has underground caves of such massive sizes and length tucked away under buildings and streets. More than 200 caves have been discovered with ideal and unusual thermal developments that are water-based. Soak in the natural beauties with curated tours like Castle Cave, Labyrinth in Buda Castle, Pálvölgyi Cave and Szemlőhegyi Cave!
2. Danube River (from USD 76.0)
Postcard worthy scenic beauty awaits you along the Budapest cruise on the Danube River. Expect to marvel at landmarks like the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle, as you sip on your fine drinks. Onboard, you can pick and choose from a traditional Hungarian dinner meal in the buffet or choose from the other available options. With lovely live music and the breathtaking panorama of Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue, glide along with the gorgeous city in style.
Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music
Duration: 2 hours
3. Budapest Eye ferris wheel
Enjoy panoramic views of the city of Budapest from soaring heights when riding on the Budapest Eye, that offers closed and secure gondolas to make the most of your ride with no obstructions to keep you from the magic of the city. Even if you decide not to hop on, you can marvel at the LED lighting of the rotating wheel to take photographs of an experience that you will never forget. However, the best way to experience Budapest Eye is by riding it since this might just be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Budapest Eye
Address: Budapest, 1051 Hungary
Website: Budapest Eye
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 11pm; Wed, Thu & Sun: 10am - 12am; Fri & Sat: 10am - 1am
Price: From 5 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Ruin bars
Ruin bars are the go-to experience for everyone that is in and around Budapest. An artsy, hip and upbeat vibe, these bars are made in historically rich places that were left abandoned after World War ll, where there is vibrant nightlife thriving that looks nothing besides an ordinary home for the outside. But once you are inside, expect a relaxed atmosphere with socializing crowds but keeping the volumes of the party mellow! Check out bars like Szimpla Kert and Doboz to get your underground bar scene going!
Budapest Tour Guide
Tiberiu Condulescu
My name is Tiberiu(s), just like captain James Tiberius Kirk from Star Trek, or Tibi for short, and I am an IT Service Manager who found his passion in tour guiding over 5 years ago. Similarly to Captain Kirk, I will be your captain should you choose me as your guide.Every tour is a new experience for both of us, that’s why my aim is to make it both memorable and fun. I want to make memories fo... Read more
Tours by Tiberiu
Budapest Tour Guide
Ildiko Varga
I have been a certified guide for more than two decades now. I love my work, love to show my beloved city and country to my guests! I am interested of course in travelling, architecture, arts, cooking and reading.
Tours by Ildiko
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5. Thermal Baths
The best place to hide from the sun! https://budapestxplore.com/en/gellert-spa-skip-the-line-entrance-xpNWYNDUyYjR?affi=1017
Posted by Gellert Spa on Wednesday, 5 June 2019
Budapest is abundant with natural warm spring waters that turn into spa thermal baths and the most famous kind are the Turkish baths. Dating back to centuries, the modern-day version of these traditional thermal baths offers you jets in the pool for relaxing massages, soaking in of the naturally heated sauna, a playground to socialize with foreign cultures, dip into the whirlpool baths, indulge in fish pedicures and if you enjoy the vibe, maybe take part in a spa party!
6. Hungarian wine
Visiting Hungarian wineries should be a must on your things to do whilst in the gorgeous city of Budapest. Experience an exquisite tasting of traditional wines with a personalized talk as you tour through several wineries indulging and learning about the details, histories and romances that come with them. The Tasting Table, Faust Wine Cellar and Wine Tasting Budapest are some of the top places to indulge in Hungarian wine.
7. Beef goulash
An age-old traditional form of meat, beef goulash is a popular and sought-after delicacy in Budapest. Goulash is a stew of meat and vegetables with paprika and other spices complementing the dish that originated from medieval Hungary. One of the national dishes of Hungary that is served in so many unique ways, you have to get your hands on some when you’re in Hungary so that your belly and taste buds can thank you later! Gulyás Étterem / Goulash restaurant is one of the many traditional Hungarian restaurants in Budapest that you absolutely have to visit!
8. Castle Hill
Take walks along the cobblestone streets and indulge in the lusciousness of the green promenades as you stroll through the breathtaking Castle Hill in Budapest. Beautiful baroque houses, cute cafes, museums and terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion boast unrealistic views that will leave you in awe.
9. Buda Castle
The magnificent and magnanimous Buda Castle is full of history, art, culture and symbolic architecture. A historical castle which was the palace building of Hungarian kings, it first stood in all it’s glory in 1265. Tons of tours will take you through the stories and narratives telling all about the walls of the castle or you can marvel at its beauty in the peace and quiet of your own thoughts.
Buda Castle
Address: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary
Website: Buda Castle
10. Remarkable architecture
Remarkable architecture is everywhere you look in Budapest but pay close heed to the famous Buda Castle, Budapest Opera House, St. Stephens Basilica, Veli Bej and so many more. Sign up for tours that take you from European to Roman to Neo-art Gothic and Renaissance & Neo-Renaissance architectural sites in Budapest. Just by strolling through the streets, you’ll notice the grandeur of the buildings and their historical significance which narrate stories of a rich history.
11. Hungarian National Museum
Contributed by Tour Guide, Tiberiu Condulescu
Designed by Mihaly Pollack and built in 1847, Hungarian National Museum is a must-visit in Budapest, especially for history and culture enthusiasts. It was the first public building to be constructed outside the old city of Pest. The museum showcases the peak of Hungarian Classicism and is exceptional by European standards as well.
Unravel the treasures of Budapest
Unravel the treasures of this charming capital city that is quaint, nostalgic, romantic and so much more. From museum tours to delicacies that will make your tummy rumble, to breathtaking architecture to remarkable views, glorious sunsets through the historic buildings and castles that will take you back to royal days, there is so much to do in Budapest so tick through the list above to ensure you have everything in this gorgeous city covered.
Tip from Content Creator
Here are some interesting facts about Budapest to intrigue you some more before your visit:
- Known as the "City of Spas" Budapest is the thermal bath capital of the world. Budapest is located on more than 100 hot springs that feed into thermal baths throughout the city. The oldest bath was built by Ottoman Turks back in the 16th century.
- Did you know that Budapest has the largest Synagogue in Europe (the world's third-largest)? It's called the Dohány Street Synagogue.
- Budapest Millennium Underground (metro) was the first underground metro in the European mainland and it's the world's second-oldest after the London Underground.
- The Parliament in Budapest (right behind me in the picture) is the third-largest in the world.
- Budapest was founded by the merger of three cities back in 1873, Buda, Pest, and Obuda.
Tip from Content Creator
Planning to discover the best of Budapest? Here are some tips:
- Climb Gellert Hill for the best views of the city
- Check out the amazing architecture of the Parliament building
- Be aware of fake police and scammers on the streets; I was chased by fake police for not giving them my passport and now I'm too scared to ever go back. However, we did get away and I loved the beautiful city otherwise.
History
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