Exploring Budapest: Hungary’s Vibrant Capital

Beautiful view of Budapest

Budapest Seen by Travel Enthusiasts

On the way to India, Travel Enthusiasts from the blog Voyages à Deux are traveling through Europe by bus and sharing their tips, advice, and tricks through their articles!

Sixth stop: Budapest.

As of today, Budapest remains the highlight of our trip by Links12. We didn’t expect to literally fall in love with the Hungarian capital, but just four nights in its embrace, visiting its bars and discovering its stunning view from the Fisherman’s Bastion across the Danube, made us (almost) not want to leave. We are sharing our must-visit addresses so you don’t miss out on this beautiful city.

The Musical Fountain

Musical fountain in Budapest

Budapest is a musical city. At each restaurant, you can hear either a pianist or a violinist accompanying your dinner. But the most remarkable place in this regard is undoubtedly the beautiful musical fountain, which comes to life every hour to present an incredible show. The best time to visit? At 9 PM, when the magic of the night adds its touch. You’ll witness a stunning sound and light spectacle.

The Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert ruin bar

This is THE trendy meeting place in the city. To be honest, when we told our friends we were going to Budapest, everyone who had been there first advised us to visit this internationally renowned ruin bar. And we are doing the same today! Szimpla is a labyrinth of small rooms with a décor recovered from different places, completely mismatched, with walls splattered with tags of all kinds, all enhanced by dim lighting. You can choose a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a beer, smoke shisha or eat a burger, sit in the garden, or dance your heart out in the mini nightclub, all without feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. The place is spacious enough to always find a little corner of intimacy.

The Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion

This is the very beautiful columned monument that you can see from Pest when you stroll along the Danube. Just steps away from the beautiful St. Matthias Church, it offers, in the opposite direction, a breathtaking view of Pest.

The Gallery of Great Hungarian Painters

At the top of the Buda Hill, the gallery of great Hungarian painters allows you to learn more about the local cultural scene, spanning from the 18th century to today, all set in one of the wings of the Buda Castle, whose esplanade offers, like the Fisherman’s Bastion, an incredible view of the Danube and the city beyond.

Széchenyi Baths

Széchenyi Baths

Baths are abundant in Budapest. A true institution inherited from the Turks, not all have the same reputation. We recommend the large Széchenyi Baths, located in the north of the city, which offer an affordable taste of this Hungarian tradition. The huge outdoor baths allow you to enjoy relaxing thermal water and sunshine at the same time, both in summer and even in October! Inside, you can choose between baths at various temperatures, saunas, steam rooms, and lazy rivers… and on the upper floor, you can also get a massage by appointment. We spent an entire morning there, but we recommend a whole day to fully enjoy it… and why not play chess with the regulars?

The Heroes’ Square

After a good relaxation session at Széchenyi Baths, you can continue to unwind in the lovely municipal park until reaching the small Vajdahunyad Castle. On Sundays, it is a family gathering place, and you can find little stalls to taste Hungarian culinary specialties. At the bottom, the famous Heroes’ Square marks the end of the neighborhood. From there, you can walk down the large Avenue that connects to the city center, passing through Budapest’s upscale neighborhoods.

The Parliament

Hungarian Parliament

If the view of Buda from Pest with the Fisherman’s Bastion is very beautiful, it is not to be outdone by the reverse view of the stunning Parliament. You can only visit it on guided tours, which happen daily at 1 PM, but it’s primarily for its architecture that this beautiful building is worth the visit.

Strolling Along the Danube

It divides the city in half and remains one of our favorite places. We discovered it in Prague, it followed us to Bratislava, but it’s in Budapest that it is most enjoyable, especially at night when illuminated by the beautiful monuments surrounding it.

Market No. 1

To taste local specialties, nothing beats the covered Market No. 1. On the ground floor, stalls where you can sample typical Budapest delights. On the upper level, more touristy stalls where you can find all kinds of postcards, along with small eateries and a restaurant where you can grab a quick bite without breaking the bank.

The Eye of Sziget

Sziget Eye

To admire the view of Budapest, you can gain some height in one of the cabins of the big wheel located in the heart of the capital: the famous Sziget Eye that fans of the independent music festival of the same name know well.

Our Good Addresses

Where to Stay?

Marriott Hotel Budapest

We recommend the beautiful Marriott, where all rooms face the Danube and thus offer an unbeatable view. Climb up to the terrace on the top floor, accessible from the executive lounge, to enjoy a breathtaking panorama at night with a glass of wine. By saving on transportation with Links12, you can treat yourself to a high-end hotel whose rooms remain affordable (from €130) and very comfortable. A king-size bed as soft as a cloud, a fully equipped bathroom, a welcome snack to relax after getting off the bus, and the view of the Fisherman’s Bastion from the room’s bay window… A must!

Roombach Hotel Budapest

Another hotel with equally comfortable standards and affordable rates (95€ per night) is the new Roombach Hotel, which opened last April and is ideally located in the trendy Ruins Pubs neighborhood. Passing through the lovely little lounge of this very designer establishment, we adore the cozy rooms with colorful décor overlooking the former Orthodox synagogue.

Some Culinary Specialties

Hungarian culinary specialties

Hungary is the land of paprika. You can taste it in nearly every form. Another iconic “dish” is langos, perfect for a quick bite.

And to taste more typical dishes, don’t hesitate to try roast goose!

Practical Information

The Links12 station is located slightly outside the city center but is very easily accessible by metro (Nepliget stop), which arrives just below.

To visit Budapest, we recommend getting a Budapest Card, which grants unlimited access to public transport (trams, buses) and many discounts and free entries at museums and monuments in the city, as well as in some baths!

Reservations:

As Travel Enthusiasts head to Budapest:
>
Book your cheap trip to Budapest with Links12
> Reserve your accommodation in Budapest

Happy travels!

Beautiful Budapest
About Blogger Man 96 Articles
Nomadic Notepad : Nomadic Notepad is a passionate traveler and storyteller who finds joy in exploring the world’s hidden treasures and sharing them with fellow wanderlust enthusiasts. From uncovering the best-kept local secrets to reviewing futuristic accommodations, their blog offers a unique blend of travel guides, culinary adventures, and cultural insights. As a tech-savvy creator, Nomadic Notepad also dives into innovative travel trends, ensuring readers stay ahead of the curve while planning their next adventure. Every post is a window into a new journey, inspiring others to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.Whether it’s strolling through animal-themed streets in Helsinki or unraveling the mysteries of Balinese traditions, Nomadic Notepad combines personal experiences with practical advice to craft immersive narratives. Join them to embrace a world of wanderlust, and let every story spark your own path to adventure!

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*