Budapest is one of those cities in the world that evokes a certain fascination, and I haven’t met anybody, be it first-time or seasoned traveller, that doesn’t want to go back there. Next to Berlin and Prague, Budapest is on everybody’s bucket list that travels through Central Europe and for good reasons: the history, the museums, the food and the nightlife. For travellers that are also photo enthusiasts it offers plenty of opportunities for unique images. For me the city has a very special place in my heart as it was where I spent my Erasmus semester and that started my globetrotter career. Since then, I’ve been almost every year in Budapest and found new things every time I visited. I hope with this blog I can help you planning your next trip and make the best out of your stay in this magnificent Queen of the Danube.

Lance Hid and Buda castle — **Lanchid (Chain Bridge) and Buda castle in the background**

Travelling to Budapest

No matter if you’re a backpacker or sophisticated jetsetter, the best way to arrive in Budapest is by train. There are frequent fast and comfortable direct trains from Vienna, Berlin, Prague and Zurich. But also, slower and let’s call them nostalgic trains from Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia. Most international connections arrive at Keleti Railway Station, which is well-connected to the city via Metro lines M2 and M4, as well as buses and trams. Nyugati and Déli Railway Stations are the two other key stations with good connections via Metro and tram.

If you’re not already in any of the neighbouring countries, there’s a good chance you will fly in. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the only airport for Budapest, but also for the whole of Hungary. There are many regional and intercontinental connections with the big global airlines. The airport itself is quite out of the center and unfortunately not yet connected to the Metro. Your best option is the bus, in particular Airport Shuttle 100E that goes all the way to Deák Ferenc Square in the city centre (35 minutes). It makes few stops in town and runs 24/7. A cheaper alternative is going by bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest station, then transfer to the Metro line M3 (45-50 minutes to the city centre). As a student I did that quite a lot, but now I stick to bus 100E. The fastest way to the city though is by taxi or airport shuttle (30-40 minutes to the city centre).

What to do

**View from Gellért Hill over Budapest**

Even though the city was officially created in 1873 through the merger of Buda, Pest and Obuda it has plenty of history and cultural sights to offer. As the title says Budapest is defined by the Danube that runs through it. Almost all the significant landmarks are along the river. The most impressive is Buda Castle on Castle Hill. As the names indicates it’s on the Buda side of town. Next to the castle you also have Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion on the hilltop. From both, the castle and the Fisherman’s Bastions you have breathtaking views of the city. For the best views though go to the terrace around the Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy. There are different ways to get up the hill: by funicular from Clark Ádám Square, by bus number 16 or by foot. Walking up you have three options, all equally scenic: hike the Kings steps (Király lépcső), up the Water carrier stairs (Vízhordó-lépcső) or Schulek Staircase (Schulek Frigyes Lépcső for the Fisherman’s Bastion). In recent years the whole area behind the castle (coming from the river) was rebuild. The buildings were constructed based on historical blueprints and for me the nicest is the Royal Riding Hall. The gothic Matthias Church with its coloured roof-tiles was the coronation church for Hungarian kings for centuries and its interior is like no other in Europe, so well worth a visit.

To the south of Buda hill, you have Gellért Hill with the Citadel and the Liberty statue. Like Buda Hill it offers great panoramic views. While hiking up from Geller square make sure to stop by the Gellért Hill Cave a grotto chapel that functioned as monastery and a hospital in World War II. At the foot of the hill around the square you have the Technical University of Budapest (BME) and the Gellért Thermal Baths. Attached to the baths you also have hotel complex that is currently under construction. Budapest has plenty of thermal baths with the Gellért being one of the more popular ones (it has a wave pool as well). Make sure to reward yourself with a relaxing soak in the historic Thermal Baths. On the north side of the hill, you have the St. Gerard Sagredo Statue (Szent Gellért-szobor) with some incredible views on the Elizabeth bridge (Erzsébet híd).

Crossing the Freedom Bridge (Szabadság híd) on the other side of the river from Gellért square you will find the Central Market Hall (Nagycsarnok). It’s the largest and oldest indoor fresh market in Budapest, perfect for lunch and souvenir shopping. I frequented a lot the food stalls on the upper level on my way to the University. Next to the market hall you’ll find the Corvinus University of Budapest focusing on economics and social studies. On the bridge try to find King Franz Joseph mini statue by Kolodko (Kolodko: Liberty (Ferenc Jóska) miniszobor).

From the market hall take the tram along the ring road to Deák Ferenc Square and walk a bit north to St. Stephen’s Basilica. Visit Budapest’s largest church with an incredible interior and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Around there you also find plenty of restaurants and cafés for a quick break. Walk down Zínyí utca passed the iconic Four Seasons Hotel to the Pest side of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd). There you have some incredible views not only on the bridge but also on the Buda castle and the Matthias church. Perfect for a iconic image for your collection. Walking north along the river you will reach the Shoes on the Danube Bank. It’s a Holocaust memorial paying tribute to the victims from Hungary. Walking a bit further north you’ll get to the Parliament Building, one of the most renowned buildings in town. To be frank it’s more beautiful on the river side than the land side, so make sure to also go down to the riverbank. By metro you can get there with Metro line M2 to Kossuth Lajos tér station. Go one Metro stop further to Batthyány tér station to have the stunning view for photos on the Parliament.

Andrássy Avenue on the east from the St. Stephen’s Basilica is Budapest's elegant boulevard, lined with shops, cafés, and theatres, passing the Hungarian State Opera House, Octogon square and ending at Heroes’ Square. Stroll along and take in the views of the impressive turn-of-the-century buildings. Make sure to stop by the Opera house that looks as astonishing as the one in Paris, Dresden or Vienna. If you have time enjoy an opera to see the stunning interiors too. All the way along the boulevard runs the oldest metro line in Continental Europe: Metro 1 or the Small Underground. All the stations look like when the line was opened and it’s quite an interesting experience. Metro 1 runs all the way from Deák Ferenc Square to Heroes’ Square.

Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) is one of the most important squares in Budapest. Take the opportunity to take in the iconic Millennium Monument with statues featuring the Seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes. It’s the perfect photo opportunity. On the North side of the square, you have the Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum), next to Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) a must see and I highly recommend visiting either on a rainy day.

**Parliament in Budapest from Batthyány tér station**

Walking northeast passed the Heroes’ Square you will reach Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park. Explore the eclectic architecture of Vajdahunyad Castle which shows the evolution of Hungarian architecture in its elaborate design. Try to find the Statue of Anonymous (Anonymus Szobor) one of the first Hungarian historians and chronologist in medieval times. In the City Park as well you have another of the infamous thermal baths: Széchenyi Thermal Baths. It’s an open-air bath perfect for summer parties and in the winter watching the snow falling while sitting in the hot water.

Till today Budapest has one of the biggest and most active Jewish communities in Europe. Make sure to visit the Great Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter. The Great Synagogue is the largest in Europe and features a museum for Jewish life in Budapest, including the dark time during World War II. Around the synagogue you can explore the Jewish Quarter's history and vibrant culture. The area is as well home to some of the best restaurants and the famed courtyard bars.

If you have some more time and want to get away from the masses head over to Memento Park. It’s a unique historical experience and home to statues from Hungary’s Communist era. If you want to learn even more about Hungary’s history visit the Kerepesi Cemetery with its monuments and mausoleums of its national heroes. For some winding down and enjoying some green head to Margaret Island. To get there stroll or cycle over Margaret Bridge. The island is an oasis in the middle of the Danube, with parks, gardens, and fountains.

If you want to see the city from a different angle, make sure to join a Danube River Cruise. Especially at night experience the city illuminated along the Danube, passing under the Chain Bridge and Parliament.

These sights and places balance well Budapest’s famous landmarks with hidden gems, offering a rich and diverse experience for both first-time and returning visitors.

Where to stay

For first-time visitors I would recommend staying either int the I. or V. District. The I. District (Castle District) offers proximity to Buda Castle and stunning views over Pest. The V. District (Belváros) on the other hand is in the heart of Budapest, close to major attractions like the Parliament, the St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Danube Promenade.

If it’s not your first time and you’re a returning visitor I would suggest to looking for accommodation either in the VI. or VII. District. The VI. District (Terézváros) is near Andrássy Avenue and the Opera House, perfect for shopping and dining. The VII. District (Jewish Quarter) is a vibrant area with ruin pubs, street art, and a rich cultural history.

No matter where you stay, you will have fun.

Food & Drinks

There are plenty of traditional Hungarian dishes you should try while in Budapest, either for lunch or for dinner. Hungarian meals typically are made up of a soup for entry, a meat main dish and a dessert, so make sure you come hungry. Dishes that are a must try are Halászlé (Fisherman's Soup), Gulyás (Goulash), Lángos, and Pörkölt (Stew). For dessert don’t miss out on Dobos Torte and Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake).

Some of my favourite restaurants are in the Jewish Quarters, I can recommend Kék Rózsa Étterem (The Blue Rose Restaurant), Gettó Gulyás, Kőleves Vendéglő and Mazel Tov (mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in a stylish setting).

A bit further away closer to Budapest-Kelenföld try Négy Muskétás Étterem. You’ll find mainly locals enjoying great Hungarian traditional and contemporary food.

Another place with a unique concept and luckily closer to the centre (at Octagon square) is Menza Étterem és Kávéház. Try their Gulyás (Goulash) or Pörkölt (Stew).

For a more high-end experience head to Borkonyha Winekitchen, 21 - Magyar Vendéglő or Rosenstein Vendéglő. You won’t regret it.

More budget friendly, but also a bit more touristy are Paprika Jancsi Restaurant, Paprika Vendéglő or Hungarikum Bistro.

For a typical and delicious Lángos head to Retró Lángos Büfé. A must is the deep-fried dough snack, with sour cream, cheese, and garlic. Hungarians eat Lángos savoury, never ever sweet!

For the sweet delights like Dobos Torta or Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) and a traditional coffee, visit Centrál Grand Cafe & Bar, Gerbeaud Café, or one of the Madal Cafes.

If you like beers like me the Ruin Pubs are mandatory with their mix of local beers and funky ambient. Make sure to enjoy a night out in the infamous Szimpla Kert. For some craft beers close to Szimpla Kert you find Hops Beer Bar, with a huge selection of local and international craft beers.

**Anonymus close to Vajdahunyad Castle**

Travelling around Budapest

As any historical, big European city, Budapest is dense and the main sights are close to each other, so perfect for walking. If you don’t want to walk the four metro lines get you around quickly and efficiently. Another good option are the trams especially Line 4 and 6 on the big ring road. Line 47,48 and 49 on the small ring road and Line 2/2B along the Danube are useful and offer a scenic ride. The Line 4 and 6 as well as major bus lines run all night.

Best Photography Spots in Budapest

For me the most stunning spot to get great shots of the Pest side is from the terrace around the Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy in front of Buda castle. For magnificent views and the main landmarks of the Buda side make you way to the riverbank at Széchenyi István tér (Széchenyi István square) in front of the Four Seasons. For beautiful photos and views on the Parliament head to the riverbank at Batthyány tér station. Also don’t miss Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) and Vajdahunyad Castle.

I hope with all the above, I could help you planning your next trip to Budapest. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out if you need help with your travel planning.

Here a link to my Budapest site which hopefully gives you some ideas what to expect.

Budapest - Queen of the Danube