Sára & Aran
Things To Do Around Budapest
Buda Castle & Castle Hill
Buda Castle, formerly also called the Royal Palace and the Royal Castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buda Castle has been home to Hungarian kings since the 13th century. Today, it houses the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum, but the real highlight is the sweeping view over the Danube and Pest. The castle complex includes several iconic buildings, including the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, and the Fisherman's Bastion.
Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)
The Fisherman’s Bastion is a monument + viewpoint, designed for beauty, symbolism, and tourism and is all within the Buda Castle complex. Beautiful lookout point to the entire Pest side, lots of photo opps!
Matthias Church aka The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle
One of Budapest’s most beautiful landmarks, Matthias Church has stood on Castle Hill for over 700 years. Famous for its colorful tiled roof and ornate Gothic architecture, it was the site of royal coronations, including King Franz Joseph and Queen Elisabeth (“Sisi”). Inside, you’ll find stunning frescoes and stained glass, giving it a fairy-tale atmosphere. Pre-booking tickets is strongly recommended!
Hungarian Parliament Building
Budapest’s most iconic landmark on the Danube, this Gothic-Revival masterpiece is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. With nearly 700 rooms and a spectacular riverside façade, it’s especially breathtaking when illuminated at night. Guided tours are available but very limited so ticket pre-purchase is highly recommended here: https://jegymester.hu/event-host/900/parlament
St. Stephen's Basilica
Named after Hungary’s first king, this is the largest church in Budapest. Inside you’ll find grand architecture and sacred relics. The dome terrace rewards you with one of the best 360° views of the city. Tickets to go inside are available here: https://bazilikabudapest.hu/en/
Heroes' Square & Vajdahunyad Castle
The Heroes' Square is one of the main squares in Budapest. It's located on Andrássy Avenue and its statues commemorate the leaders of the seven Hungarian tribes who founded the country and other important heads of state. Just behind it, inside City Park, sits Vajdahunyad Castle: a whimsical blend of architectural styles (Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque). Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the romantic castles in Budapest, Hungary, located in the City Park by the boating lake / skating rink. The castle, despite all appearances, was built in 1896, and is in fact a fantasy pastiche showcasing the architectural evolution through centuries and styles in Hungary. Tickets: https://vajdahunyadcastle.com/
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The first permanent bridge to connect Buda and Pest, the Chain Bridge (opened in 1849) is one of Budapest’s most beloved landmarks. Guarded by stone lions, it was a symbol of progress in its time and remains a favorite place for a scenic walk across the Danube. At night, the bridge glows with lights, offering postcard-perfect views of the Parliament and Buda Castle.
Danube Promenade
Walk along the Danube river and admire the city view! You can also take river cruises, there are loads in this area!
Shoes on the Danube Bank
The Shoes on the Danube Promenade are a memorial and a monument to the Hungarian Jews who, in the winter of 1944-1945, were shot on the banks of the Danube River by the members of the Arrow Cross Party. It was installed on the Pest bank of the Danube River in Budapest in 2005. At three separate places on the memorial, cast iron signs read in Hungarian, English and Hebrew: "To the memory of victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944-45."
House of Terror Museum
Housed in the former headquarters of the Nazi and Communist secret police, the House of Terror is one of Budapest’s most powerful museums. Inside, you’ll see original artifacts, propaganda, and reconstructed prison cells that reveal the realities of dictatorship and everyday life under oppression in 20th-century Hungary. A very sobering experience but important in Hungary's history (as well as many other post-communist countries).
Hungarian State Opera
Opened in 1884, this Neo-Renaissance masterpiece is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful opera houses. Its lavish interior is decorated with marble, gilding, and frescoes, while the acoustics are world-class. Of course you're welcome to attend a performance but if you can't, a guided tour is worth it for the stunning architecture alone.
Thermal Baths
Budapest is famously called the “City of Spas” because it sits on top of over 100 natural hot springs, more than almost any other capital city in the world. These mineral-rich waters have been used for healing and relaxation since Roman times, and later expanded by the Ottomans, who built many of the traditional bathhouses that still operate today. This unique geology and history is why thermal baths remain such an essential part of Budapest’s culture. Here are a few that are most liked by people: - Széchényi Baths - Lukács Thermal Bath - Gellért Thermal Bath
Ruin Pubs (Romkocsmák)
Ruin pubs got their name because they were created in abandoned/ruined buildings in Budapest’s old Jewish Quarter in the early 2000s. Instead of renovating these crumbling spaces, owners filled them with mismatched furniture, quirky decor and art, creating a casual, bohemian atmosphere. Today, romkocsmák are one of Budapest’s most unique nightlife experiences. This link lists some of the most popular ruinpubs, feel free to visit any: https://www.romkocsmak.hu/index.php?id=romkocsmak_lead Please note Szimplakert is the most well-known and touristy (I'd avoid...) Some more local ruinpubs in Buda (all close to each other): - Manyi at Budapest, Margit körút 16, 1027 - Dante at 1023 Budapest, Török utca 1. - BemMozi (old cinema but has a pub space) at Budapest, Margit körút 5, 1027 - Murok Cafe at Török utca 2, Budapest - Dugattyús at Margit körút 15-17., Budapest
Foods & Drinks to Try
- Lángos (Sara's favorite): fried dough topped with your topping choice but most common (and best) is sour cream, cheese, and garlic. - Gulyásleves = Goulash soup: Beef soup with paprika and vegetables. Fun fact: Gulya means "cattle herd" and "gulyás" is the herdsman. So "gulyásleves" translates to "herdsman's soup" and points to the dish's historical origin as a hearty meal cooked by cattlemen. - Kürtőskalács = Chimney Cake (Sara's favorite): sweet pastry crips on the outside and soft on the inside all rolled up. Outside is usually covered in sugar and your choice of topping like cinnamon, vanilla, coconut etc. - Paprikás Csirke or Csirkepörkölt (Chicken Paprikash/Stew): Chicken stew with small dumplings called "nokedli". Actually, all stews are great in Hungary but the best are usually beef or chicken. - Hungarian Wines: try Tokaji (sweet dessert white) or reds from the Villány wine region - Pálinka: traditional fruit brandy in various flavors (strong, usually 40-60%)