Cover photo by Eszter
Budapest was once divided into two separate cities - namely Buda and Pest - separated by the Danube. Although they are now part of the same city, residents still distinguish between the two areas. If you are in the city for at least two days, you could use one day each to explore both parts of the city. We will introduce you to some famous sights, but also real insider tips that are not usually visited by tourists.
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge over the Danube and is therefore one of the main connections between Buda and Pest. So if you are going from one part of the city to the other, you should definitely cross this bridge - if only for the beautiful view of the city (but remember that the bridge is unfortunately closed until 2023 due to construction work)!
Chain Bridge photographed by @peterseljan
The best spots in Buda:
When in Buda, you should definitely take a walk through the old town and visit the Buda Castle on the hill. In the area you will be surrounded by medieval, baroque and neoclassical architecture and important monuments. From here you can also enjoy a wonderful view of Budapest and take some nice photos of the city.
Budapest Castle Palace photographed by @peterseljan
Close to the historic palace that now houses the Hungarian National Gallery, you'll find the Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya) - one of the main attractions in Budapest. The original walls were built in the 1700s and were protected by the Fishermen's Guild in the Middle Ages (hence the name). The observation towers that can still be seen today were built in the 19th century and offer the best panoramic views of the city. There's even a café on the terrace of the Fisherman's Bastion where you can enjoy the beautiful view while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. The bastion also offers the best view of the gorgeous Parliament building! Also nearby is Matthias Church . This is the second largest church in medieval Buda and was used by Hungarian kings for coronations. Although it has been rebuilt over the years, it is still a majestic sight and offers a stunning interior full of warm lights and colors.
Fisherman's Bastion photographed by Eszter
Another beautiful bridge in the city is the Margareten Bridge , which was recently renovated and also offers a great view of the city. The bridge also leads to Margareten Island , where there are many beautiful green areas to stroll through and take a breather. There is even a small Japanese garden and a petting zoo! Otherwise, we also recommend a walk between the Chain Bridge and the Margareten Bridge, as it is particularly easy to escape along the river there.
Insider tip: On the Buda side is the old boat café A38 . It's especially worth visiting in the evening, as there are often live concerts and lots of local visitors from the area. The perfect place to get to know the locals!
If you fancy a little hiking, Gellért Hill is a great place to go! Nowadays it is a residential area with beautiful villas and monuments all around. At the top of the hill are the remains of a citadel, a fortress built after the revolution and the War of Independence in 1848-49. In front of the citadel stands the Statue of Liberty, which commemorates Hungary's liberation from Nazi rule and has become an important symbol of the city. Of course, you will also be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of Budapest. So bring enough water or even a small snack with you to have a little picnic on the hill.
View from Gellert Hill photographed by @budapestimages Krisztian Bodis
If you want to take a breather, it's worth visiting one of the city's most popular baths! The Gellert Baths are located near Gellért Hill and are by far the most beautiful of all the baths in Budapest. Even though the baths are very busy, they are definitely worth a visit!
Gellert Baths photographed by @budapestimages Krisztian Bodis
The best spots in Pest:
On the other side of the city - in Pest - you can of course just as easily stroll along the Danube. There are many boat cafés and restaurants to discover, especially on the quay between the Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge. It's best to visit in the evening, because then the buildings, boats and bridges light up and look even more beautiful!
Danube quay photographed by @budapestimages Krisztian Bodis
On the quay you will also most likely get to see the large parliament building up close. Of course the building itself is a great sight, but you will also be surrounded by beautiful houses. Another beautiful place to stroll and enjoy!
Parliament building photographed by @budapestimages Krisztian Bodis
If you want to go further into the city center, you should not miss Andrássy Street (Andrássy út). The street is one of the biggest shopping streets in Budapest and is home to many restaurants, cafes and beautiful old buildings. Be sure to check out the Hungarian State Opera House , as it was recently renovated and is truly a magnificent sight! From Andrássy Street you can also reach a courtyard called Liszt Ferenec tér and enjoy a delicious coffee. Finally, at the end of Andrássy Street is Heroes' Square (Hösök tere) and one of the best museums in the city: the Kunsthalle .
Heldenplatz photographed by @peterseljan
At Heldenplatz there is another beautiful park called Varosliget or City Forest. The park was created by a landscape gardener from Lübeck and, in addition to pretty green spaces, also houses a zoological and botanical garden and a medical bath. Another great spot for photos!
City Park photographed by @peterseljan
Pest is also home to a large market hall (Vásárcsarnok). The building looks impressive from the outside alone and inside it offers many food stalls and opportunities to buy food and other goodies!
Market hall photographed by @peterseljan
Finally, another cultural and historical place is the Jewish Quarter . In Dohány Street there is a beautiful synagogue, which is actually the second largest synagogue in Europe! The Jewish Quarter is definitely one of the best places to stroll and discover the beautiful architecture. There are also many great restaurants and cafés here for a small snack or drink in between. A personal recommendation is a courtyard called Gozsdu Udvar , where you can eat and enjoy very well!
General ideas of things to do in Budapest:
A very special experience in Budapest can also be riding the tram! When you are in the city, take the opportunity to ride the yellow subway (M1). It is one of the oldest metro lines in Europe and has a very special atmosphere, especially because it only runs underground. That is why the locals like to call the line "Földalatti", which means underground.
Last but not least: If you visit Budapest in August, don't be surprised if it's particularly busy. The so-called Sziget Festival takes place every year in August. This is a huge festival where famous musicians have performed on almost 60 stages every year since 1993. The festival has even been voted the best festival in Europe twice - so it's definitely worth a visit!
We hope you enjoyed our little tour of Budapest! If you are ever in the city and visit some of the places, please take a photo and share it with us on Instagram! We look forward to it!
