It can be overwhelming at times when planning a trip to Budapest. From culture and history to food and outdoor adventures, there are so many things to do! Here are 10 things you can't miss when visiting.
1. Parliament Building District
The most recognizable landmark in Budapest, the Parliament Building is longer than the Titanic, and took nearly two decades to complete. At night, golden lights give the building an ethereal look as it sits on the river. The tour walks you through the 1,000-year history of Hungary. Nearby, visit the monument to the Jews who were shot and thrown into the river during World War II. The "Shoes on the Danube" memorial will stop you in your tracks.
Another can't-miss stop is the Hall of the 1956 Revolution. The small museum underneath the Parliament Building does an excellent job at recapping the horrors that took place on November 4, 1956, when the Soviets opened fire on the peaceful protesters in the square in front of the Parliament Building. TIP: The Parliament Building tour should be the first thing you book, as tickets go fast! (On my family's first visit, they opted for the Spanish tour because the English one was sold out, and my bilingual sister was tasked with translating. Needless to say, it did not go well.)
2. Thermal Baths
A trip to Budapest wouldn't be complete without a trip to the legendary thermal baths! There are several options throughout the city, but we prefer the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. A few other options include the Rudas Baths and Lukacs Baths. Visiting the baths in the summer is ideal, but they are also open in the winter! Just be sure to do research on which ones are open.
3. Buda Castle District
Probably my favorite part of the city, the Buda Castle district is a sprawling area that goes from the Buda Castle up to the Fisherman's Bastion, which is a premier lookout spot that offers great views of the city and Danube River. Other must-sees include the Matthias Church, which has a beautiful interior! Grab a pastry or quick lunch at the famous Ruszwurm Confectionery, which has been family-owned for 200 years.
4. Goulash
Since moving to Europe, Goulash has become my new favorite thing. I could eat it for every meal. Unfortunately the German Goulash does not hold a candle to the Hungarian Goulash. It can be found in many popular eateries, but after much taste testing, I can confidently recommend it from Hadik (Buda side), Hunyadi Étterem (Buda side, right by Fisherman's Bastion) and New York Cafe (Pest side, also an iconic eatery).
5. Ruin Bars
The Ruin Bars are a Budapest treasure. During the Second World War, many of the buildings in the Jewish district were bombed and then abandoned. Years later, bars were built into the ruined buildings. The most popular ones are Szimpla Kert and Csendes Létterem, but there are several other fun spots to discover! The vibe draws an international crowd and you will find rooms with live music, DJs and fantastic people-watching.
6. House of Terror
Budapest was victim to not only horrors during the Second World War but also during the Cold War era. Nazis and Communists both set up their headquarters in the same building, which was converted into the House of Terror Museum in 2002. It has a great overview of how Hungarians were treated over the past 80 years and it should not be missed.
7. Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera House was first built in 1875 and is one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe (I've been to the one in Vienna and it doesn't even compare). There are tours in six languages every day, each of which conclude with a short opera song! Just down the tree-lined Andrássy Avenue is Heroes' Square, which has numerous statues about the illustrious history of Budapest! If you're hungry, stop by Bamba Marha Burger Bár.
8. Dohany Synagogue
Another must-see in the Jewish District is the Dohany Synagogue. The largest synagogue in Budapest, it definitely stands out on the Budapest landscape. There are many things on the property to see, but you have to book a tour. You will learn about the significance of the synagogue in the community as well as the role it played during WWII.
9. Rooftop Bar
With so many rooftop bars in Budapest, it's hard to just pick one! My favorite is the High Note, but a close second is the Duchess. If you're interested in food as well, Leo has an incredible menu. The gin basil smash, roasted potatoes and duck are sublime. Seeing the city from a new angle is always fun! TIP: Reservations at any rooftop bar in the city is highly recommended.
10. St. Stephen's Basilica
The incredible basilica sits in the middle of Budapest's busy tourist district. St. Stephen's Basilica was built to honor the first king of Hungary. More than 100 years old, the Basilica holds concerts and attracts hundreds of thousands tourists each year. It does cost to go inside, but the price of admission is well worth it to see the soaring dome ceiling and beautiful art.
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