My Top Six Things To Do In Budapest

When I was studying abroad in Krakow, Poland we were lucky enough to do a tour of some of central Europe’s prettiest cities, and one of the cities I’ll never forget was Budapest, Hungary. We spent three days in the city and I remember being utterly enchanted by the views, food, and people.

A lot of my friends on Instagram have been planning trips and Central Europe is becoming so popular. So I’ve gathered some of the key spots to visit and explore if you ever find yourself in the lovely city of Budapest. Read on below for the key thing to add to your Budapest travel itinerary.

Enjoy the view of Parliament

Parliament is probably the most famous and distinctive building in the city. The view of Parliament from the river is an incredible site to enjoy. The best place to enjoy the view is from the west side of the river Danube from the Fisherman’s Bastion. Get there by crossing the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Budapest is technically made up of two separate cities, Buda and Pest, which are connected by Széchenyi bridge which spans over the River Danube.

Visit Fisherman’s Bastion

Another iconic site the neighborhood and views surrounding Fisherman’s bridge are some of the loveliest in Budapest. Try to visit during sunset for the most stunning pictures.

Here’s baby me back in 2010! Look at those flip flops!

Indulge in Hungarian coffee culture

Like the great city of Vienna, Budapest is also home to gorgeous cafes. Think marble topped tables, ornate light fixtures, and colorful, ornate painted ceilings. In the early twentieth century, sites like Café Gerbeaud and New York Cafe were the favorite haunts of Hungary’s writers, poets, and artists. They are still open today for some delicious coffee and pastries.

Become a student of architecture

Budapest has examples of almost every architectural style the western world has seen. From old Roman ruins to the airy Art Nouveau style Budapest is a perfect place to discover the evolution of European architectural styles. The gothic style (both original and neo-gothic) were the most prevalent in the city to me, including the Parliament building itself and the Buda Castle Hill.

Try the paprika

Hungarian food is famous for its use of the paprika spice. It can be mild or spicy so pick your preference with famous dishes like goulash or chicken paprikash.

Take a day trip to Szentendre

To take a break from the city and discover the small Hungarian town of Szentendre that sits on the River Danube. It’s a popular spot for tourists and is just a short train ride away from Budapest. Its filled with small colorful buildings, restaurants, and galleries. It’s the perfect place to buy affordable souvenirs like hand painted dish-ware, paprika spices. My favorite memory from visiting there is running into a wedding and seeing the bride and groom being driven away in a horse drawn carriage – so pretty!