Some friends and I went to the Hungarian capital at the end of April for a girls’ weekend. Budapest is not only close to Vienna and easy to reach by train in only 2.5 hours, but also one of the cheaper destinations for a city trip within Europe. And while the city’s architecture might be similar to the Viennese one, it still has a different charm and a lot of things to do and see.
Since we stayed at an Airbnb close to the parliament, we walked most of the time and didn’t have to use public transport often. Yet, public transportation in Budapest is cheap, and at most of the stations, you can buy tickets at the vending machines. When traveling with a group, the best option is the Budapest 24-hour group travel card for about 10 €, with which up to five people can travel on public transport. Single tickets are available for around 1 €.
Despite the city’s many cultural attractions and landmarks, Budapest is also a paradise for food lovers. No matter, if breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you will find many hip restaurants and cafés all over the city. During our stay, we tried Amber’s French Bakery & Cafe, Fat Mama Eatery, Artizán Bakery, and Hummus Bar.
Things to do in Budapest
The Hungarian Parliament Building is among the most beautiful parliaments buildings worldwide and was declared a World Heritage site in 2011.
Buda Castle, the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest, today is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and The Budapest History Museum.
Fisherman’s Bastion, located on the Buda Castle Hill, offers amazing panoramic views over the city and can be reached either by foot or using an elevator.
The Hungarian State Opera, Miklós Ybl’s neo-renaissance palace, attracts admires of the opera and ballet for over 130 years and is considered one of the most impressive 19th-century national monuments in the city.
Named after the first king of Hungary and located in the city center, St. Stephen’s Basilica is the third-largest church building in Hungary and home to the largest bell in the whole city.
Founded in 1802, the Hungarian National Museum houses the most important collection of historical relics of Hungary and is the oldest museum in Budapest.
Located in the heart of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, Szimpla Kert is the first and one of the most popular “ruin bars” in the city and a popular place during the day and at night.
Make sure to check out the following places as well: Matthias Church, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gellért Baths, Hősök tere, Liberty Bridge, Chain Bridge, and many more.
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