I never thought that I could experience the beauty of two unique cities in one place. 48 hours in Budapest felt like Paris and Berlin at the same time. Majestic buildings like in Paris and hip pubs, vintage shops and street art like in Berlin are no rarity in Budapest. Honestly, some European capitals should beware of this modern Hungarian capital. The wide avenues, the coffee house culture and the wonderful Danube entices one to take a city trip!
I’ve compiled, just for you, the best tips when in Budapest:
– Visit Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is located in the older part of Budapest, also known as Buda. On one side of the Danube is Buda, and on the other side is Pest. The Fisherman’s Bastion, however, cannot be overlooked by the sights of Pest!
From the seven fabulous white towers, you can take a panoramic view of the whole city. This historical monument was my personal highlight of the trip, as the place is simply picturesque. For unique pictures, you should be there before the first tourist buses arrive at 9 am. Otherwise, you can visit Fisherman’s Bastion 24 hours except for the towers, which close at the 21st hour.
Many ways lead to the Fisherman’s Bastion, of course, but I recommend you to walk from the city to the castle hill if the weather is good.
– Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge
On the way to the Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll definitely cross the Chain Bridge. On foot, you have the opportunity to make several stops, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy the view over the Danube.
– Danube River Cruise
Another highlight was the evening cruise over the Danube. A boat trip there is best done in the evening after dusk. The illuminated panorama can be especially enjoyed with a romantic glass of wine or even beer.
Usually, the 48h ticket costs between 8€ and 10€ per person. So, you could also take a day trip the next day with the same ticket.
– Discover the Third Biggest Parliament Building in the World
The impressive parliament building in Budapest is definitely a must-watch. The gargantuan structure can be seen from far away. You can see it particularly well from the Fisherman’s Bastion or while on a tour of the Danube. Of course, you can also take a tour inside the third largest parliament in the world.
– On the Top of St. Stephen’s Basilica
From the highest church of Budapest, 96 meters above, you can get a scenic, bird’s-eye view of the city for just 200 HUF. The domes inside the St. Stephen’s Basilica reminded me a little bit of the Vatican City in Rome.
– Watch the Sunset at a Rooftop Bar
A very special and unique rooftop bar can be found on the luxurious shopping street, Andrássy út, in the middle of the city centre. From a transparent igloo, you can watch the sunset with a delicious drink in hand or Swiss cheese fondue.
The 360 Bar really offers a 360-degree view of Budapest.
– Vintage Shopping in Budapest
Almost everywhere in Budapest, you can find vintage design and second-hand shops. Many are located in the Jewish quarter. Be sure to check out Retrock and Szputnyik D20. Don’t forget (!) the shops are also open on Sundays.
– Explore the Jewish Quarter
Speaking of the Jewish quarter, don’t just explore the vintage shops, but also the street art, trendy cafes, and delicious restaurants. It’s the place to be in for hipsters! The restaurant Mazel Tov or Twenty Six is remarkably delectable.
– Eat Local Food
I still remember eating the mouth-watering goulash dishes with pleasure. The hearty Hungarian cuisine is a MUST during your time in Budapest. Langos with garlic cream and cheese can be found on almost every corner. For the sweet hunger, I recommend Kürtőskalács – a chimney cake made from sweet yeast and then spun around a truncated cone-shaped baking material.
– Stay at Radisson Blu in Budapest
Right in the middle of it all, you’ll be staying at the newly renovated and modern Radisson Blu Béke Hotel. The main train station is only 300m away, and only 500m away is the famous Boulevard Andrássy with all the famous shops!
In the spacious rooms, we could relax wonderfully after a long day in the city. The beds are super comfortable.
The Nespresso machine in the room and the extensive breakfast buffet are not the only things we can eat in the morning. My tip? An omelette with everything and cheese!
How to Get Around?
In Budapest, you can reach all the tourist hot spots on foot. So, you can see more, of course! If you need to go faster, I recommend the taxi app “Bolt” or the app “Lime” for the e-scooters.
