Title Picture by Eszter
Budapest was once divided into two single cities, namely Buda and Pest which are separated by the Danube River. Although they make one city now, people still distinguish between the two areas. If you’re in the city for at least two days, you can use each day to discover both parts of the city. We introduce you to some famous sights but also hidden gems that are less touristy so you can get the best of both worlds.
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge across the Danube River and is one of links between Buda and Pest and already worth walking across to get a first glimpse at the beautiful views in the city (Unfortunately, it is currently closed until 2023 due to construction so keep this in mind).
Chain Bridge captured by @peterseljan
Best Spots in Buda:
Once you are in Buda, you should walk around the Old town area where the Buda Castle is located on top of a hill. In this area, you will find lots of Medieval, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture and important monuments. It is also a good spot to get some gorgeous views of Budapest and snap some lovely pictures.
Buda Castle captured by @peterseljan
Located near the historical palace which today gives home to the Hungarain National Gallery, you will find the Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) - one of the top attractions in Budapest. The original walls were built in the 1700s and were protected by the guild of fishermen (hence the name) during the Middle Ages. The lookout towers you can still see today were built in the 19th century and offer the best panoramic views over the city. There is even a café on the terrace of the Fisherman’s Bastion so you can enjoy the view with a nice cup of coffee. You will surely get the best view of the Parliament building from the Bastion! Nearby the Bastion you will also come across the Matthias Church which was the second largest church of medieval Buda and used as a coronation church by Hungarian kings. While it has been reconstructed over the years, it is still a majestic sight and offers a breathtaking interior full of warm lights and colors.
Fisherman's Bastion captured by Eszter
Another wonderful bridge to cross is the Margaret bridge which was recently renovated and offers another beautiful view of the city. The bridge leads to the Margaret Island with plenty of nice green areas to walk through and relax. You will also find a Japanese Garden and a petting zoo on the Island! A walk between the Chain and Margaret bridge is also recommended, as you can walk along the Danube River.
On the Buda side, you will find an old boat café called A38. Especially at evenings it is well worth a visit as they often offer live concerts and it’s a well visited spot by people who live in the area. Perfect to have a chat with locals!
If you fancy a nice hike, you should walk up the Gellert Hill. Nowadays, it’s a residential area with beautiful villas and monuments all around. On top of the hill, you will find the remains of the Citadel, a fortress that was built after the Revolution and War of Independence in 1848-49. In front of the Citadel stands the Statue of Liberty which commemorates Hungary’s liberation from the Nazi rule and has become an important symbol of the city. Of course, you will also be rewarded with an amazing panoramic view of Budapest. Make sure to pack enough water or even a little snack to enjoy a little picnic on top of the hill.
View from Gellert Hill captured by @budapestimages Krisztian Bodis
After a long day of walking around, you might want to take a break in one of the popular baths around town! We recommend the Gellert Bath close to the Gellert Hill, as its interior is the most beautiful of all of the baths!
Gellert Bath captured by @budapestimages Krisztian Bodis
Best Spots in Pest:
On the other side of the city – being on the Pest side - you can enjoy a nice long walk next to the river, too. At the Duna Corso quay between the Chain and Elizabeth Bridge you will find lots of boat cafés and restaurants. You should try to get there at night, as the buildings, boats and bridges will look even more beautiful with the lights turned on!
Duna Corso Quay captured by @budapestimages Krisztian Bodis
When you’re in the quay front, you will most likely see the Parliament building which is already an impressive building by itself but also surrounded by a pretty area with more beautiful houses. It’s another good spot for a nice walk and pretty pictures.
Parliament Building captured by @budapestimages Krisztian Bodis
Getting closer to the inner city, don’t miss Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út)! It’s one of Budapest’s main shopping streets with fine cafés and restaurants and old buildings. Make sure not to miss the Opera as it was just recently renovated and looks magnificent! From Andrássy Avenue you can also reach the Liszt Ferenc square where you can find some rest at a lovely café. Finally, at the end of the Andrássy avenue, you will reach the Heroes Square (Hösök tere) and the Kunsthalle (Hall of Art) that is also worth a visit.
Hero's Square captured by @peterseljan
When you’re at the Heroes Square, you have reached another wonderful park called Varosliget (City Park). It houses a zoological and botanical garden and a medicinal bath as well as a lot of pretty greenery to walk around at.
City Park captured by @peterseljan
Pest also houses a huge Market Hall (Vásárcsarnok) in an very old impressive-looking building! It was recently renovated but was originally built in an Historicism style. When you go inside, you will find lots of food stands and you can get local groceries and snacks.
Market Hall captured by @peterseljan
Another historic and cultural spot is the Jewish District. You will find a beautiful and Europe’s largest (and the second-largest world-wide!) Synagouge on Dohány street. It’s definitely one of the best parts of the city to walk around as you will find many beautiful buildings and cafés. A personal recommendation is the Gozsdu Udvar – a courtyard in the area with lots of restaurants.
General things to do in Budapest:
When you’re in Budapest, you shouldn’t miss the chance to ride the underground yellow metro line (M1) for a fun and unique experience. It is one of the oldest metro lines in Europe and just brings this specific atmosphere. Hungarians call it “Földalatti” which translates literally into underground.
Finally, if you end up in Budapest in August, you will most likely hear of the so-called Sziget Festival. It’s a huge music festival happening every year since 1993 where many famous musicians will perform on up to 60 stages. It was even rated twice as the best European festival – so make sure to check it out if you happen to be there!
We hope you enjoyed our little tour around Budapest! If you ever end up in one of the spots, make sure to take some pictures and share them with us on Instagram!
