Budapest: A Travel Guide

As the summer months have descended and Britain has, uncharacteristically, provided us with constant glorious weather, the holiday hype has well and truly begun. There is something about the sun being out that automatically makes you wish that you were enjoying it sat by the pool in some other foreign country- with a drink in hand for good measure.

Although I am extremely excited for my holiday to Barcelona in August, I must admit that having to wait until the final month of summer to escape the UK is somewhat unbearable! Watching other people jetting off all over the world has me stuck in the paradox of wanting time to fly by so that I can get on that plane…whilst also wanting my summer to last forever.

So, instead of wishing time away in the run up to my next holiday, I thought I would spend some time reminiscing on last years excursion: to the wonderful city of Budapest. Without a doubt this was one of the best holidays I have ever had and so, with no apologies whatsoever for the following pun: here are some of the BudaBEST things to do in Hungary’s capital city.

See the famous Liberty Bridge

I’ve seen a few bridges in my time, and let me tell you, this was by far one of the most beautiful. Stretching from Buda to Pest, this green giant connects the two sides of the city over the the River Danube. Whether you walk, drive, cycle, segway or skateboard over it, this is a piece of architecture that you don’t want to miss.

Watch the sun set at Citadel

For panoramic views of the city, there’s no better place than the Citadel Viewpoint. Built high up on Gellért Hill, this monument is situated in the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the city. Take a cab or a cable car up the hill and I promise you that the view will not disappoint. With the orange skies and the bright lights of the city, you are sure to leave this spot with an Instagram-worthy picture!

Take a dip in the Gellert Baths: by day

If you have planned to go to Budapest and haven’t been living under a rock, then there’s a good chance you’ve heard of its famous baths. This is one of those ‘must do’ activities that you simply can’t leave Budapest without doing. With beautiful architecture and multiple different thermal and non-thermal baths to choose from, it was one of my favourite things that we visited. Be prepared to queue in peak times, but the wait is definitely worth it!

Take a dip in the Szechenyi Baths: by night

The only thing better than relaxing in these glorious spas in the day, is partying in them at night. Here I present to you: the Sparty. Completely unique to Budapest, with music, lights and drinks galore, it is the ultimate night-time pool party, and was definitely one of my favourite nights out in the city!

Go for drinks at Szimpla Kert

An equally essential part of your Budapest itinerary is a visit to the famous ruin bars. Szimpla Kert is a huge complex decorated head to toe in quirky bric a brac, lights and graffiti. Being one of the most well-known bars in the city, you are sure to meet loads of other tourists on a night out there. This bar had one of the best atmospheres I have ever experienced, do NOT leave Budapest without going there!

Visit the houses of Parliament

In general, Budapest is a very beautiful city. And the elegant architecture is never more abundant than the area surrounding the houses of parliament. It’s definitely worth spending a day walking round the city to see all of its amazing buildings and this region makes for particularly aesthetic viewing.

Watch over the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion

To gaze over the city in the day time, one of the best places to visit is Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. This is the perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream as you explore the turrets of the castle, with archways and viewpoints that show a perfect panorama of the city.

Enjoy some food, food and more food

My friends and I could not believe how cheap and amazing all the food was in Budapest. We enjoyed pastas, salads, tapas, you name it. All delicious and wonderfully affordable. If you don’t visit Budapest for any of the other reasons I have mentioned, at least go there for its cuisine.

I would recommend Budapest to anyone looking for a city break. I had such an amazing time there and definitely want to go back one day! I hope this guide is helpful for anyone who is planning a trip to Budapest and that it can give you a few ideas of how to spend your time in this amazing city!