Hi everyone,
Vicki, Ekagi Founder, here to share some tips about my favourite things to do in Budapest. I had high hopes for this stunning city in Central Europe and even those were exceeded, so I'm sure if you're travelling here, you're going to have a great time!
Budapest ticked all the boxes for me, great people and culture, amazing food, a vibrant art scene and stunning architecture from a rich history. It was hard to choose a top 5 things that included food too, so naturally, I'll be writing a separate post about the food in Budapest. It really was exceptional and deserves it's own post!
Before I drive right into my guide on Budapest, I wanted to share where we (I travelled with my partner) stayed as it was lovely. It's a place called the T62 Hotel and it had this really interesting Frieda Kahlo vibe, with interesting art. We had a nice buffet breakfast included and the room and service was great, especially for the price. We did go out of season (March), so prices in general around Budapest, but I was really happy with what I paid for this. Location-wise, it is pretty central although if (read; when!), I go back to Budapest, I'd most likely stay closer to the Jewish quarter as I love the artsy vibe there and spent the most time there out of anywhere.
Interesting artwork at the T62 Hotel, Budapest
#1 Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building
This building is really stunning! I mean seriously beautiful! Plus, like many of the sights in Budapest, it's free to take a look around the grounds and if you're an EU citizen, you can arrange a free guided tour too (I think the price is about 3 500 Ft if you're non-EU, equivalent of about US$11).
This architectural wonder is huge and completed in 1904, so relatively new but was created in the Gothic Revival style, hence why it looks a lot older. You can walk pretty much all the way around the building and take a seat in the park, or alongside the Danube river and enjoy this stunning building.
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#2 Take the Funicular to Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion
The funicular itself is very short, but a fast and interesting way to make the ascent up to the Buda Castle. While you're up there, you can take in some fantastic views of the city and wander along the old cobble stone roads to the equally stunning Fisherman's Bastion, one of my favourite parts of the trip. This fairytale like fortress with the inner church is so beautiful and I couldn't stop looking at the colourful tiled roof! Plus, you have a lovely view over the Danube river from here and the Parliament building.
This is also free for the most part (some of the walkways are paid entry, but we didn't feel the need to do that). Do keep in mind that it gets super popular, so try and head out early if you can!
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#3 Visit the Jewish Quarter
Not only does the Jewish quarter have vibrant culture and a beautiful synagogue that's the largest in Europe, but it also has an eclectic art scene and wonderful array of markets, street food and restaurants too. If you're vegan, you'll be really happy with the options here, I came across multiple options without needing to look! I'll go into eating in my second Budapest post, coming soon.
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#4 Take a Dip in the Thermal Baths
There's so many to choose from, I went with Széchenyi Thermal Baths and wasn't disappointed. Entry was a little pricy compared to other things in Budapest which are very affordable, or often free, but I felt it was worth it. They had a large area with multiple pools, both indoor and outdoor pools with varying temperatures. Plus, the building itself was lovely and felt like you're stepping back in time!
I think this is probably down to persoal preference, but I can't imagine going here on a hot day. In March, the weather was pretty mild and it was nice to be warmed up in the thermal baths. But some of them were 36c - which I can't imagine being nice if it's hot outside too!
#5 Climb up to the Citadella
It is a bit of a climb, but well worth it! You can make your way up through the woods and get increasingly better views of the city. When you make it to the top, you can sit and enjoy a drink - hopefully with some sunshine as it gets pretty cold with the wind - and make your way around the fortress and courtyard. You can take a close look at the Liberty statue too while you're up there.
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I hope you've enjoyed reading these Budapest travel tips! If you're sold and heading to Budapest, make sure you keep an eye out for the second part in my Budapest city guide, which covers the very important topic of food - there are so many great options that I can't wait to share with you!
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