You can’t visit Eastern Europe without stopping in Budapest. The largest city and capital of Hungary, this destination has been dubbed the “Pearl of the Danube,” with millions of visitors each year. It’s a mix of old architectural beauty and modern conveniences, split into two distinct sides (Buda and Pest) by the river, with a rich history of iconic landmarks and a local culture that’s warm and welcoming.
What also makes it so great is its affordability. It has become a haven and a must-stop for solo and budget travelers as they make their way through the continent. Four days here gave me plenty of time to explore without breaking my set travel budget for Hungary. The only problem I found was that I wish I had more time! However, it was enough to see many of the city’s highlights without feeling rushed.
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Castle Hill (Buda Side)
This is the historical center of Budapest, perched above the Danube River. Located on the Buda side, you can find most of the city’s historical landmarks here. Cross the Széchenyi Lánchíd and take the funicular up (you will need to purchase a round-trip ticket) or hike up the circular road. From there, you can walk through the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each attraction offers fantastic panoramic views of the city, stunning architecture, and a cultural heritage that is almost unparalleled. Combine any of these, and you will have a full-day visit here.
Buda Castle
This former castle of Hungarian royalty has evolved into a cultural hub for Budapest, showcasing Hungarian art and history. It contains multitudes, having been damaged and restored throughout history, and it still stands today as a testament to national pride.
Purchase a ticket to enter the inside with a guided tour, which is even more impressive. The wings of this complex were separated into the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Széchényi Library. Or even go into the Labyrinth of underground caves and tunnels. If you prefer just to hang outside, simply walk the grounds to your heart’s content.
Fisherman’s Bastion
You can find some of the best panoramic views of the entire city from this terrace. Most consider it the number one attraction in Budapest. The white stone towers represent the seven Chieftains of the Hungarians who founded Hungary and will make you feel like you’re in a Disney castle.
Filled with visitors getting their classic photographs, it is another attraction that is extremely busy, so come early or later when the crowds disperse. There is a charge to take some of the stairs for a higher vantage point on the second floor, but it is entirely not necessary and a waste if you are on a budget.
Matthias Church
A lovely and iconic church is directly in the main square of the castle area. It has some beautiful architecture, with the always-appreciated Gothic style. And inside, even more so. Stained glass windows, painted walls and ceiling, and sacred crypts, oh boy! You can even climb up the spire to the bell tower if you so choose.
Széchenyi Lánchíd
This impressive bridge is a significant landmark and brings together the Buda and Pest parts of the city. It’s also the oldest bridge in the capital. It is easily accessible on foot, and walking across it offers excellent views of the Danube River. Along the water, you can find international and domestic cruise ships passing under the bridge and docks for the many sightseeing boat tours that operate day and night. When the evening comes, those sunsets and illuminated nighttime views are sublime.
Pest Side
Heroes’ Square
A millennium monument (similar to the below-mentioned Vajdahunyad Castle) was built in the early 1900s. These massive square and tall columns pay tribute to Hungary’s national heroes, from its original chieftains to its noblemen and kings. You can see them in the detailed statues presented at each of the two semi-circular colonnades. It’s a tangible symbol of Hungarian national pride and a gathering place for city events.
On either side of the square are the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art, where you can view other collections of Hungarian contemporary art, international art, and rotating exhibitions.
City Park
Once you walk past Heroes Square, you’ll enter the largest and most popular public park in the city. There is something for everyone. It even features a castle and a lake on one side, offering a picturesque stroll along the walking paths. On the other side are thermal baths, a zoo, and a botanical garden. However, there is only so much time in a day, and those places can get very crowded, so I decided to stick to the right side of the park, which is a shame, as I sadly missed out on the thermal baths and zoo (fingers crossed for next time).
Vajdahunyad Castle
It may seem like an ancient medieval castle, but it’s only over 120 years old. Built with temporary materials as part of an exhibition celebrating Hungary’s founding anniversary, it became such a popular attraction that it was decided to be rebuilt as a permanent feature in the city park area of the capital in the early 1900s.
This landmark attraction is a blend of architectural styles from various periods spanning the last several centuries. If you choose to go inside, you are entering the most extensive agricultural museum in Europe. That may be interesting to some, but it’s not necessary; you can enjoy the outdoors.
One of the more interesting parts is the captivating and shadowy statue known as the Anonymous Statue. Sitting on what could be considered a throne, this hooded figure, with no face and a pen in hand, represents itself as an honor to a chronicler of history but is meant to symbolize timeless artistry and faceless writers. It is even supposed to give you good luck if you rub the pen.
Hungarian National Museum
For an extensive collection depicting Hungary’s past, plan to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours visiting. Start in chronological order, beginning on the ground floor, and work your way up. You can easily get lost with so many connecting rooms.
There are numerous comprehensive exhibits spanning a timeline from the prehistoric Stone Age to the modern era. You will find medieval art, clothing fashions, sculptures, and depictions of historical figures and events. Fortunately, the written descriptions are available in both Hungarian and English.
This pairs well with a stop at the Central Market Hall before or after for food, as it is only a ten-minute walk away.
Where to Eat in Budapest
Central Market Hall
It is an excellent, large indoor market to visit and one of the highlights of a recommended Budapest food tour, even if you aren’t planning on buying anything. Its impressive Neo-Gothic architecture is one of the things that draws people in.
Consisting of two floors, the ground floor features food stalls with fresh produce and meats along the market edges. At the same time, the interior offers a variety of baked goods, spices, and specialty items, including different brands of paprika. The second floor features souvenir stands providing clothing and accessories, as well as small eateries serving ready-to-order food—a great place to try some traditional Hungarian cuisine.
This place has mixed reviews, though, especially if you’re going solo or trying to be budget-friendly during your stay here. Some people find the goods to be overpriced. It can get overcrowded during the day. You have to push your way through to get from one side to the other, but it is an overall decent experience.
Szazeves Restaurant
A treat for most, this is the oldest restaurant in all of Budapest. Opened in 1831, this special place has survived all that history and Europe have thrown at it, from natural disasters to World Wars. It is almost 200 years old, with its bicentennial slated for 2031. Yet you won’t find a long line waiting outside or filled with reservations when you call in.
This place exudes a familiar, cozy, and rustic ambiance, featuring classic artwork, candlelit evenings, and high-end wood furnishings. What you will enjoy aside from both traditional Hungarian cuisine and international selections is the live music of gypsy origins. You will have a trio or quartet performing soulful love ballads to hand-clapping party songs. It sets the mood for the whole restaurant.
Gozsdu Udvar
One of the best places to spend the nightlife here, with a dazzling display of lights and signs. This street of interconnected courtyards in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter has an electrifying atmosphere filled with energy. The district comprises a mix of bars, various culinary restaurants, and entertainment activities, including karaoke and an arcade. It has become popular among both locals and tourists of all ages. Even if you choose not to spend your entire evening here, it’s worth taking a walk-through.
Day Trips from Budapest
There are several excellent day trips you can take from Budapest that are all reachable in under 2-3 hours. A day trip to Esztergom gives you the extra opportunity to walk the bridge into the country of Slovakia. Go to Visegrád, and you can visit a medieval castle and palace ruins at the top of a hill, where you can get panoramic views. Szentendre, a riverside destination, boasts an excellent Old Town where you can unwind with some traditional Hungarian cuisine. Experience the whole essence of the Danube Bend by combining at least two of these locations.
Conclusion
No matter how long you decide to stay, Budapest will be an enriching experience, connecting you with locals, exploring the many walkable neighborhoods, and unwinding in the city’s historic squares. It’s all right there for you to have a grand adventure on this side of the world.