Alexander Meddings
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5(290)
22 Guests Max
3 hrs
Flexible TravelFor curious travellers looking for an authentic experience of central Europe, Budapest is simply brilliant. The Hungarian capital has it all: museums, galleries and even a castle; traditional baths; world-famous bar scene; and great beer.
What’s not to love!
We’ve written this guide for first-time travellers to Budapest in which we share our favourite things to do as tried and tested by us.
The River Danube is a constant presence in the Hungarian capital, cleaving historic Buda from the modern district of Pest. What better way to familiarize yourself with Budapest than by embarking on a scenic voyage down the Danube on a cruise.
Day cruises offer an extraordinary vantage point to witness the grandeur of Budapest, encapsulating a blend of nature and magnificent architectural structures. There are plenty of operators, but we recommend booking through Legenda Sightseeing Cruises, Mahart Passnave or, for a more premium experience, Silverline Cruises.
Budapest is home to a rich cultural scene, and its museums are a testament to this. Offering unique glimpses into various facets of art, history, and science, the city's special museums are a haven for curious minds.
Take your time to explore these three must-visit places:
Address: Andrássy út 60, 1062 Budapest
Going by the name, you’d be forgiven for thinking this museum is a house of horrors. And in a sense it is, only these horrors are not fictitious but were inflicted on the people of Budapest during the Soviet occupation.
Believe us when we say that the House of Terror Museum is a must-visit in Budapest. The way it narrates the city’s history will move and haunt you in equal measure, with its interactive exhibits offering a somber yet insightful window into Hungary's turbulent 20th-century past under fascism and communism respectively.
Opening Hours:
Every day except Monday: 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
We’d recommend dedicating at least a day to exploring the medieval district of Pest, on the other side of the River Danube, during which you should set aside a couple of hours for the collection at the Budapest Castle Museum.
Situated, as the name suggests, within a wing of Budapest Castle, the collection contains both a National History Museum and art collection. The permanent collection alone is well worth a visit, but international temporary exhibits also regularly grace the museum.
Our favourite to date was a Frida Kahlo exhibit back in 2018, but the competition is stiff.
Address: Múzeum krt. 14-16, 1088 Budapest
Engage with captivating exhibits that trace the history and culture of Hungary. It's a must-visit for history buffs keen to understand Hungary’s rich tapestry of history.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Budapest’s nightlife is famous, and rightly so.
For a start, the city is really reasonable by European standards, and so you can combine dinner and drinks throughout the night without breaking the bank. This is no secret among younger travellers and European interrailers, and having to cater to this crowd means that Budapest after-dark has a cool, vibrant feel.
Nothing expresses this better than Budapest’s ruin bars, and by far the best way to visit them is through a Tipsy Tour.
Meeting point: Budapest, Erzsébet tér 1051, 1051
Tipsy Tours are a fun, unique experiences that combines history, culture, socializing, and getting a real taste of a city’s nightlife.
The three-hour Budapest Tipsy Tour lets you meet like-minded travelers, sip tasty local drinks, and see the hidden gems of Budapest. What better way to try traditional Fröccs or Pálinka as well as at least two other traditional drinks and get your night started!
It’s for good reason that Budapest is otherwise known as the "City of Spas".
The tradition of thermal baths is rooted deep in the city's history, blending the Roman love for baths with the city’s later Turkish influence. Whatever time of year you’re visiting, we strongly recommend taking a day out of your itinerary to take a relaxing dip in Budapest’s thermal spas and hot springs. Here are our favourites.
Address: Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Budapest
Immerse yourself in the warmth of the thermal baths that have a rich history dating back to the 1880s. Its majestic architecture and various pools offer a rejuvenating experience.
You can purchase your tickets here.
Address: Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Budapest
Experience luxury and relaxation at the Gellért Spa, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture and a variety of thermal baths and swimming pools.
Get your tickets here.
Address: Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Budapest
Steeped in history, the Rudas Baths offer a blend of traditional Turkish and modern spa culture, making it a unique destination for relaxation and wellness.
See their ticket prices here.
Please note that tickets to Friday and Saturday night bathing are available only online.
Monuments and statues in Budapest are not just stone and metal structures; they narrate the rich and tumultuous history of a nation that has stood resilient through various epochs.
Address: Hősök tere, 1146 Budapest
Stand amidst the grandeur of this square which pays tribute to the Hungarian kings and national leaders. Its statues and artworks narrate Hungary's fascinating and often violent past, and are best unlocked with the expertise of a guide.
How to get there:
Hősök tere • 2 min walk
Állatkert • 4 min walk
Address: Id. Antall József rkp., 1054 Budapest
This poignant memorial honors the Jews who were killed during World War II. It's a somber yet essential visit, and bound to leave a lasting impression.
How to get there:
Kossuth Lajos tér • 3 min walk
Batthyány tér • 7 min walk
Address: Citadella setany, 1118 Budapest
Dominating the city’s skyline, the Liberty Statue stands as a testament to freedom and independence. It offers panoramic views of Budapest, so is great for photos.
How to get there:
Szent Gellért tér • 8 min walk
Fővám tér • 9 min walk
Budapest’s architecture stands as testimony to the city’s rich and diverse history.
Travellers are awestruck by the Gothic grandeur and intricate details that adorn the buildings of Buda and the Art Nouveau influence that infuses the district of Pest. Make sure to add these attractions to your list.
Address: Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Budapest
Designed in the wake of Budapest’s formation in the latter part of the 19th century, the Hungarian Parliament building is a true architectural marvel. Situated along the River Danube, it strikes an imposing figure of Gothic Revival-style architecture, and assumes pride of place as Hungary’s largest building.
You can visit the Parliament building either by purchasing tickets directly or as part of a guided tour.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 am – 6 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8 am – 4 pm
Address: Szentháromság tér, 1014 Budapest
Situated up on Castle Hill in the city’s Buda district, this fairy-tale-like structure offers a stunning view over the city. Make sure to climb up here while exploring the area, and come early in the morning or around sunset to snap the best photos.
Address: Andrássy út, 1062 Budapest
This historic avenue showcases an array of architectural styles, high-end boutiques, and cafes, making it a picturesque area to visit and great place for lunch or dinner.
The magnificent churches and cathedrals of Budapest are not just places of worship but also a testimony to the city's rich architectural heritage. Here are are three favourites.
Address: Szent István tér 1, 1051 Budapest
Situated on the east side of the Dabune in the Pest district, St. Stephen’s stands as a masterpiece of 19th-century neo-classical architecture. Its ornate interiors and panoramic views from the dome are not to be missed.
How to get there:
Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út • 2 min walk
Arany János utca • 4 min walk
Address: Sip utca 12, 1075 Budapest
As Europe’s largest synagogue, this site serves as a religious, cultural, and historical hub. Its Moorish Revival architecture and the adjoining Hungarian Jewish Museum offer deep insights into Jewish culture and history in Hungary.
How to get there:
Astoria • 4 min walk
Ferenciek tere • 8 min walk
Address: Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Budapest
Matthias Church is a historic site that blends religious reverence and architectural marvel. Its gothic style and intricately designed interior provide a tranquil yet awe-inspiring experience. Entrance will cost between 500 - 5900 HUF, but is worth it.
Looking to get the most authentic experience of Budapest and meet like-minded travellers? Get the best of bar crawling and touring on a fun-filled Tipsy Tour!
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Budapest? More like Foodapest Hungary’s capital is a haven of seductively succulent street food. But with so much choice, it can be hard to know where to start. On our Budapest Food Tour you’ll join a local guide and a group of fellow food-lovers to eat your way through the city and try authentic Hungarian street food and traditional dishes.
Since much of Hungarian cuisine is influenced by Jewish culture, we’ll meet at an old synagogue. Here you’ll learn a bit about the history of the food you’re going to try before heading into District 7, a former Jewish neighbourhood turned nightlife hub. Our route will show you two sides of Budapest: gritty and glamorous.
Eat like a local by sampling street food such as traditional soup and Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread. After soaking up the bohemian ambience we’ll get fancy at atmospheric eateries for a sit-down meal. Here you’ll try classics like nokedli dumplings and Flódni, a Jewish-Hungarian pastry.
Of course, food is always better when you’re a bit tipsy, so you’ll indulge in local drinks that have been perfectly paired with our dishes. Savour the fruity flavours of Pálinka and sweet wine from Tokaji, Hungary’s famed wine region.
Hung[a]ry for adventure? Our Budapest Food Tour has all of the necessary ingredients for a good time: food, culture, company, and a few drinks. What more could you ask for? Experience Budapest’s history and culture through its cuisine and make new friends along the way. Book now!
5(922)Ready to meet other travellers looking for a vibe? Our Budapest Tipsy Tour is the perfect way to meet like-minded travellers, sip tasty local drinks, and explore Budapest’s wild nightlife. Forget the bog-standard bar crawls in Budapest and live your best life on a drinking tour like no other.
We kick off with a tipsy toast of traditional fröccs before breaking the ice over Budapest’s most twisted but fascinating tales. Discover the scandalous lives of Hungary’s most famous names, and enjoy some naughty stories that you’ll never forget.
The adventure continues as we discover some of Budapest’s most vibrant bars and neighborhoods and try traditional shots including unicom, loved by Hungarians far and wide. Enjoy two long drinks (local Hungarian beer/fröccs) and four shots and discover the stories behind them and how they came to be. Throughout this Budapest Bar Crawl, your guide will show you the hidden gems of Budapest and reveal its secrets.
Your tour might be over, but the night is still young. Together we’ll laugh, drink and dance our way through the night at Budapest’s biggest hotspots.
Book your spot now on this unique Budapest Bar Crawl and ready your liver for your next adventure full of fun, memories, and new friends.
5(290)