Is Budapest worth visiting
Budapest is Hungary’s capital and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Is Budapest worth visiting? Definitely yes. I loved this city and, like me, most visitors consider Budapest the most beautiful city in Europe.
With its stunning landscape and rich architectural and historical heritage, Budapest offers a unique combination of diverse cultural backgrounds, fine cuisine, and various relaxing activities.
The majestic Danube River divides the city into two parts: Buda, with its green hills, quiet and classy neighborhoods, and romantic atmosphere on one side, and the flat, wide-spreading Pest on the other, now a dynamic cultural center, but still reflecting the city’s working class and industrial roots.
Why visit Budapest
As one of Europe’s most underrated capital cities, every corner of Budapest oozes history, charm, and beauty.
The city’s architecture is unrivaled, and the museums are fascinating. The food culture is epic – from the classic street food and traditional markets to the Michelin-starred restaurants to the ruin pubs and nearby wine regions.
Views of the Danube River, lined with the most impressive historical sites and architectural marvels, are positively dazzling. There are so many amazing things to see and do, you’ll never get bored in this fantastic city.
Add Budapest to your bucket list, as it is definitely worth the visit!
Is Budapest worth visiting
10 Reasons to visit Budapest
With its diverse dining scene, beautiful architecture, and unique spa culture, Budapest is one of Central Europe’s best places for a city break.
There is no leaving Budapest without having a glimpse of its many signature sites, including Castle Hill, Matthias Church, the Chain Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian parliament building, Heroes’ Square, and the old thermal spas.
Still, there is much more worth seeing in today’s bustling, vibrant Budapest than what is usually showcased in postcards and tourist magazines.
Here are some of the reasons you should visit Budapest, too, including some of the best things to do in Budapest!
Enjoy the architecture
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe, with impressive architecture. Budapest’s long history can be seen in its breathtaking buildings’ architectural styles.
The Baroque style can be seen in many facades, especially in the beautiful churches with imposing domes and extravagant interiors. It is one of the most widely spread forms of architecture in Budapest, and the most outstanding example is the Royal Palace, which is a must-visit for anyone.
One of the most famous Budapest attractions is the House of Parliament. Sitting on the river’s shore, it was built from 1885 to 1904. This Neo-Gothic and Baroque building has a high red dome and almost 700 rooms.
See a blend of cultures and styles
As you explore Budapest, you will come across a blend of Eastern and Western styles.
Parts of the city are frozen in the past, displaying layers of history. This includes a literal “iron curtain” on the main boulevard, Andrassy Street, to symbolize that era. Around every corner is some attractive building or artwork; some are great Budapest tourist attractions.
Admire the Danube River
Budapest was once two separate cities, Buda and Pest, with the Danube River flowing between them. They united to become Budapest.
The beauty of the Danube graces both sides of its banks. Take views above the river from Buda’s Castle Hill and enjoy walks along the water in Pest.
The bridges across the Danube destroyed in World War II have since been rebuilt. The most well-known is the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
The Chain Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in Budapest and is the Danube’s most renowned. The bridge’s real name is Széchenyi, in memory of Count István Széchenyi, who helped build it but it is commonly known as the Chain Bridge. When you travel to Budapest, you can stroll across this bridge to get a feel for the heart of the city.
If you want a breathtaking view of both sides of the river, book a cruise on the Danube after dark.
Explore Castle Hill
Venture up the steep hill above the river on the Buda side to visit the vast area known as Castle Hill. You can walk up the hill, climb steps, or ride a funicular to castle level.
This district of Budapest dates back more than 700 years. The Baroque Royal Palace here today, built in its present form in 1769, stands guard at the entrance to the grounds. You’ll also find medieval streets, quaint shops, and cafes.
Dominating Castle Hill is the imposing neo-Gothic Matthias Church, with an impressive mosaic tiled roof. Next to the church is my favorite of all Budapest sights, Fisherman’s Bastion – one of Budapest’s best places to visit. This is a surviving part of the medieval wall once maintained by the Fisherman’s Guild. You will feel transported into a fairy tale with its columns, little nooks, and stairways.
For an unusual experience, tour the Hospital in the Rock, a hospital built into the rock under the hill. Functioning during World War II and the Cold War, the Red Cross ran this bunker hospital and treated wounded from all sides of the conflict. The tour takes you through the tunnels, and you learn about the soldiers who passed through here.
As you leave Castle Hill, you will pass Sandor Palace, the residence of the president of the Republic. The guards here rival those of Buckingham Palace, complete with a changing of the guards’ ceremony. And as you descend the hill, admire the view down to the Danube.
Pay respects at the Shoes on the Danube
Continue your Budapest sightseeing on the Pest side of the river, where you’ll find the moving memorial to the Jewish people of Budapest killed here during World War II.
You see 60 pairs of rusted shoes in the styles of the 1940s, cast out of iron.
Relax in the thermal baths
The thermal baths are a reason enough to visit this city!
Budapest is renowned for its natural mineral water springs. Hungary has more than 1,000 natural springs, several in Budapest.
It’s part of a Budapest experience and a perfect way to relax after you are done with everything you can see in Budapest.
The Szechenyi Baths in Pest are the most popular. One of the largest medicinal baths in Europe, the Szechenyi Baths, includes 21 pools in and around a Neo-Classical, sunny yellow building with an ornate dome. Two thermal wells supply the warm water.
Buy an entrance ticket, and you can then move from pool to pool. Test out the different water temps and enjoy the decor in the various rooms. Some of the pools are cooled, and others are saunas.
Ride Tram No. 2
The cheery yellow Tram No. 2 plies back and forth along the Danube in Pest. You can hop on the tram, blend with the locals, and ride along the river bank.
The tram goes behind the massive Parliament building and otherwise follows the river. It’s fun, cheap, and lets you rest your feet while seeing Budapest highlights.
Visit the ruin bars
Budapest’s ruin bars are a unique concept that must be experienced. They are literally bars set up in old, abandoned buildings in the old Jewish quarter.
The ruin bars are charming and full of personality, where hip artists make their mark with funky, eye-catching decorations. Even the furniture is quirky, gathered from here and there to complete the bohemian feel of the place.
All the bars have their own style; depending on your time, it’s worth visiting a few to compare. However, if you need more time, have a drink in the original ruin bar, Szimpla Kert.
It is still one of the biggest and most famous ruin bars with themed rooms, a spacious courtyard, and even an old Trabant car.
The Jewish Heritage
Budapest has one of the largest Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. So, naturally, there is a wealth of religious, historical, and artistic heritage in the Jewish Quarter, which is situated in the City Center.
In recent years, this neighborhood has seen rapid change and modernization. However, there are still many things to be discovered that will give you a glimpse into the once-flourishing Jewish life.
You will find Europe’s largest synagogue within the Jewish Quarter, the Dohany Street Synagogue.
Another must-visit is the Holocaust Memorial Center, dedicated to the atrocities the Jewish community endured during World War II.
Visit the museums
Considering Hungary’s turbulent history, it’s no surprise that Budapest has almost 100 museums to help you better understand the country’s culture. There is something for everybody.
Art lovers should take advantage of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Hungarian National Gallery, or the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art. History buffs will enjoy the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Museum. Visitors interested in the Holocaust will find the Holocaust Memorial Center, the Dohany Street Synagogue, and the Hungarian Jewish Museum extremely fascinating.
Another interesting museum to visit is the Pinball Museum. It showcases the evolution of pinball from the 19th century to the present day.
Besides the all-year-round museum exhibits, there are interesting temporary exhibitions, so make sure to check those out.
The street art
Every major city in the world has street art, but Budapest takes it to a different level. Walking through District VII, you will find stunning and vibrant murals, often with socio-political messages.
Because the Seventh District has quite a few derelict buildings, the colorful street art, masterfully created by established and novice graffiti masters and artists, brings the whole neighborhood to life.
There are a few gorgeous murals, like The Refugee Girl, showing a Pakistani girl with a haunting gaze, the Rubik’s Cube, the famous toy was invented by a Hungarian architect, the Green Grocer, a lifelike depiction of the original façade of the building, or the Playground, another astonishingly realistic mural, and many more.
It’s like walking through an outdoor museum of modern art.
Shopping in Budapest
Budapest is one of the best shopping destinations in Europe, with its charming age-old streets overflowing with trendsetting boutiques and sprawling shopping malls. Whether you prefer to shop international labels or alluring vintage gems, the city has endless options. Plus, there’s always a charming restaurant or café nearby should you need a breather throughout the day.
Budapest’s most famous pedestrian shopping strip
Vaci Street is Budapest’s top pedestrian shopping street, with each side of this bustling destination featuring many restaurants, cafés, and retail stores. The path starts in central Budapest at the historic Vörösmarty Square, stretching over 1 km before reaching its end at Central Market Hall.
Along the way, there are plenty of souvenir stores where you can pick up something special to take home.
Dive into Budapest’s famous markets for an unforgettable experience
Budapest is well-known for its sprawling markets, which feature virtually everything from local fashion and design items to delicious farm-to-table produce. If it’s exquisite cuisine you seek, the city’s most renowned destination is Central Market Hall. Built in 1897, this massive indoor marketplace spans 3 floors and includes almost culinary delight imaginable.
The Ecseri Flea Market is a great stop when searching for something low-key. Here, you’ll discover a wealth of eclectic furniture, homewares, and antique treasures, with most things coming with a fascinating story. Finally, Vörösmarty Square hosts the celebrated Budapest Christmas Market, which offers endless cheer via 100 intriguing stalls.
Explore lavish stores along this glamorous shopping street
Fashion Street might seem small, but it’s bursting with upmarket clothing stores that take your style to the next level. Featuring a pedestrian-only design, you’re free to roam the pavement as you go about window shopping before choosing a boutique to explore inside.
Delve into this affluent shopping strip before roaming the museums
Andrássy Avenue is the place to be when looking for the world’s most recognizable fashion labels. It’s lined with trees and runs right through the middle of Budapest’s historic district. You can shop for high-end brands such as Gucci, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and The North Face, among many others.
While exploring this outstanding shopping destination, set aside some time to explore the cultural delights, ranging from the Museum of Fine Arts to the ultra-sleek Q Contemporary. Head to Andrássy Avenue and experience the best of Budapest’s charming lifestyle.
Diversity is Budapest’s most striking feature, apparent in its geography, culture, and world-famous Hungarian cuisine. Due to its location at the crossroads of overlapping cultural regions and power interests, Budapest bears the stamp of influences as diverse as Roman, Turkish, Slavic, Jewish, and Viennese.
Being a modern melting pot of varied subcultures and a city of stunning natural beauty, Budapest is an attractive destination for visitors of all ages, ages, and nationalities and is most definitely worth the visit.
So much rich history fills this city. Whatever your interests are, you will find something to enjoy in Budapest.
Budapest is definitely worth visiting! Are you ready to discover this enchanting city? I can’t wait for you to experience its beauty and richness. From gazing at the magnificent architecture to indulging in the local cuisine, Budapest offers a plethora of experiences that will leave you awe-inspired.
Have I convinced you that Budapest is worth visiting? Share your thoughts in the comments below and inspire others to embark on their adventure to this remarkable destination!
