"My house in Budapest, my hidden treasure chest..." - when you hear people say "Budapest is the BudaBest", they're right, and let me tell you why...
The Hungarian Parliament Building
Budapest was an amazing place for me, for sure it is one of my favourite cities I've travelled to so far. I just loved the architecture, the things to do, the places to see, the food... In a lot of photos of Budapest, the most popular attractions seem to be the Hungarian Parliament Building and Fisherman's Bastion, so if you want to find out more then keep reading ;)
Dohany Synagogue:
The Dohany Street Synagogue and its complex is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. It is so important that it features on the European Union's list of European Heritage sites because of the significant role it has played in the history and culture of Europe. The Dohany Synagogue can hold up to a maximum capacity of 3,000 people!
Sunday-Thursday: 10:00-16:00
Friday: 10:00-14:00
Saturday: Closed
Tickets to enter cost approximately 5,000 HUF (€13) and can be bought at the entrance.
St Stephen's Basilica:
St. Stephen's Basilica is a Roman Catholic Basilica in Budapest and it is named after the first King of Hungary. Standing 96m (315ft) tall, it really is an impressive building and can be seen from all of Budapest. Entrance to the Basilica is free but if you fancy climbing up to the top it will just cost you 1,000 HUF (€3). As I said before, 96m is about 300 stairs that you need to climb, but I tell you now, when you get up to the top and you see the incredible views of the city, it is so worth it!
The Basilica is open Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00, Saturday: 09:00-13:00, and Sunday: 13:00-17:00.
The Houses of Parliament:
The Hungarian Parliament Building, also known as the Parliament of Budapest after its location, is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, a notable landmark of Hungary, and a popular tourist destination in Budapest. It is one of the most important Parliament buildings in the world so make sure you view this incredible piece of architecture from all sides! The Hungarian Parliament Building is located next to the Danube River; as you keep strolling, you will stumble across the 'Shoes on the Danube', which is a memorial commemorating the lives of Jews who were shot into the river during some of Hungary's darker times.
The Hungarian Parliament Building
Entrance inside the Houses of Parliament is only allowed with a guided tour since it is an official government building. Inside everything is gold plaited; you'll be shown all around and even get to enter into the House of Commons. The tour will also take you inside the 315ft (96m) dome, unfortunately no photography is allowed here, but you will find guards guarding the Crown Jewels.
You can book your tour by clicking the link below, and I recommend you do so in advance:
Inside the Houses of Parliament
Make sure you check out the Hungarian Parliament Building at night because it is magical! The best views can be seen from directly opposite, on the other side of the Danube River.
The Hungarian Parliament Building by night
Fisherman's Bastion:
It's fair to say that Fisherman's Bastion is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Budapest, if not in Europe. Fisherman's Bastion is one of the most important tourist attractions due to its unique panorama of Budapest from the Neo-Romanesque lookout terraces. To visit Fisherman's Bastion it is completely free but if you want to head to the top of the lookout points you have to pay 1,000 HUF (€3).
Fisherman's Bastion
Whilst you're over on this side of the river you may as well check out: the Citadella, Buda Castle, St Matthias Church and the Labyrinth. If you fancy a small hike then take the time to go up to the Citadella on Gellért Hil; this place will offer you some amazing views of the city and is probably one of the highest vantage points you will get. After heading back down continue along the Danube River until you come across Buda Castle. Buda Castle is a historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings of Budapest and was once known as the Royal Palace of Budapest. To visit the grounds of the castle is completely free but if you wish to enter the museums you will have to pay.
(Left) Views from the Citadella, (Centre) Buda Castle, (Right) St Matthias Church
Next to Fisherman's Bastion you will not be able to miss St Matthias Church. St Matthias Church, located atop Buda Castle Hill is one of the finest churches in Budapest, and one of the most unique churches in Europe; it has been used many times to coronate the kings of Budapest. Tickets cost 1,800 HUF (€5) and grant you access to the galleries inside. You can also pay extra to go up the steeples - opening times are as followed:
Monday-Friday: 09:00-17:00
Saturday: 09:00-13:00
Sunday: 13:00-17:00
If you venture underneath Buda Hill you can find a series of Labyrinths. It is part of a huge network of underground caves and tunnels in the Buda Castle District in one of the oldest parts of Budapest city. The present maze with its reinforced concrete walls was originally created as cellars and bomb shelters. There is an area of the Labyrinth which is completely pitch black, you are supposed to follow a rope and be aware of your senses to make it to the other side - it's super creepy but a complete unique experience I didn't expect to do! It costs 2,500 HUF (€7) and is open everyday from 10:00-19:00 - go once it's dark if you dare!
Széchenyi Thermal Baths:
Head towards the City Park and make sure you enter from Heroes Square, a huge square with many statues lined around it (it's worth it to check it out both by day and by night). Whilst you're here visit Vajdahunyad Castle which can only be approached via a mock drawbridge over a shallow moat. However the main reason you're this side of the city is to check out and relax at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. In Budapest there are many outdoor thermal baths but I believe this one is the best, the most famous, and it's the one you see in everyone's Instagram.
The Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Entry to the spa will cost you 5,900 HUF (approximately €16), offering you access to all of the pools, saunas, aroma baths, and providing you with a locker to store your belongings. If you need to rent, borrow or buy a towel, flip flops, shorts, etc, that is also an option for an extra fee.
Swimming Pool: 26°C-28°C
Outdoor Thermal Pool: 38°C
Leisure & Whirl Pool: 30°C-34°C
Plunge Pool: 18°C & 40°C
Finnish, Vulkanic, Aroma & Light Saunas: 50°C-100°C
Wet Steam Room: 45°C-55°C
Salt Inhalation Room: 50°C-55°C
Thermal Cascade Hot Air Chamber: 40°C-50°C
The thermal baths are open daily from 07:00-19:00. I recommend coming here for sunset, so you can see and enjoy the spa in all kinds of lights; as the darkness creeps in, sit back and relax and enjoy the steam lift off from the water's surface. As it's 6°C outside, you'll be enjoying waters of up to 38°C!
For more information click on the link below: Széchenyi Thermal Bath - [Official website] (szechenyibath.hu)
Szimpla Kert:
Just around the corner from the Street Food Karavan (which, for delicious traditional street food you must try out!), is Szimpla Kert. Szimpla Kert is one of the best ruin bars in Budapest, and the oldest of them all, with a vibrant atmosphere and eclectic crowds on most nights. There are many pubs with old mismatched items, a disused Trabant car, music, food, a market and a garden. Have some cocktails, or try some of the local beer, have some shots of Palinka if you dare! Have any one of these drinks, and even sit on a dinosaur or in a bathtub, all this you can do at Szimpla Kert! It's a great place to just lose yourself - I hope the hangover is not too bad!
Fooooood!
I'm a big foodie to be honest. Whenever I go travelling I always write a list of things that I must try, and below I leave you some recommendations that you must try out!
(Left) Langos, (Centre Left) Hungarian sausages & Mangalitsa, (Centre) Palinka shots, (Centre Right) Bagel from Best Bagel Basilica, (Right) Traditional chimney cake
1) Street Food Karavan Budapest
Kazinczy u. 18, 1075, Budapest, Hungary
2) Belvárosi Disznótoros - Király Utca
Király u. 1d, 1075, Budapest, Hungary
3) Best Bagel Basilica
Zrínyi u. 16, 1051, Budapest, Hungary
4) Szimpla Kert
Kazinczy u. 14, 1075, Budapest, Hungary
5) Molnár's kürtőskalács
Váci u 31, 1052, Budapest, Hungary
I really hope you manage to get the chance to visit this place, it's incredible! If you do please let me know and I'll be more than happy to make some suggestions for you!
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