Top 12 Unmissable Experiences in Budapest

I truly believe that Budapest is one of the most underrated cities in Europe - everywhere you turn, there's something new to do, or a spectacular view. Split down the middle by the Danube River, the sides of Buda and Pest both offer plenty of beauty, excitement, and things to do. Here are twelve top experiences you must have when visiting this magical city.

1. Fisherman's Bastion

   First and foremost, the best sunrise view in all of Budapest, in my opinion, is from Fisherman's Bastion, or Halászbástya, high up on the hill in Buda. Built in the late 19th century, the building's unique towers and turrets are one of the most recognizable spots in the city's skyline.

   

   

   

2. Buda Castle

   The historic home of the Hungarian nobility in Budapest, Buda Castle is an architectural masterpiece, and is perfect for a day of exploring. It is now home to the Hungarian National Gallery art museum, and you can also book unique experiences at the castle, like a Buda Castle Cave Tour or Wine Tasting in the Buda Castle Cave.

1. Danube River Cruise

   Budapest is a port city, which makes seeing it from the water a unique and beautiful experience. You can book a whole variety of river cruises, but I loved the version that lasts an hour just at sunset, and includes a glass of bubbly with the ticket. You can book the exact cruise I did at the link here.

   

   

2. Try Hungarian Food

   I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to Hungarian food, especially being a pescatarian, but I was so pleasantly surprised by the dining options in Budapest! Some of my favorite foods to try were Langos (a traditional street food consisting of fried bread and various toppings), and Paprikash with their traditional dumplings. If you go anywhere to eat during your trip, make it Hungarikum Bizstro (but book ahead!)

   

3. Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library

   One of the most beautiful libraries in the world, The Ervin Szabo Library is a working library to this day, which means you wander around amidst students and locals studying and reading. The neo-baroque style building dates back to the 19th century, and is about £4.50 for a day pass.

   

4. Central Market Hall

   I love nothing more than visiting local markets when travelling abroad, and Budapest's is a great one. Wander the aisles in search of everything from fresh produce to local food vendors to souvenirs, and enjoy the beauty of the neo-gothic architecture of the building.

   

   

   
   

5. Liberty Bridge

   Budapest has about a million beautiful bridges in the city, but I love the Liberty Bridge the best, especially watching the famous local yellow trams crossing it. Trams come every 5-10 minutes during the day, so you only need to wait a short while in order to get a shot of what I think is one of the prettiest spots in the city!

   

6. Pop & Roll Art Toilet

   Budapest is known for its quirky art installations, and the Pop & Roll Art Toilet is a fantastic example of this. Each toilet is decorated in its own pop art style, and it's a complete and total sensory overload! I loved how creative and unique it was - definitely worth a visit!

   

7. Parliament Building

   The Hungarian Parliament Building is absolutely breathtaking, and one of the most intricate pieces of architecture I've ever seen. The building is open for both audioguide and professional tours, and is a must-visit for anybody visiting Budapest.

   

8. Shoes on the Danube

   Amidst all of the beauty and glamour of the city, it's so important to remember pieces of Budapest's dark past. The incredibly moving "Shoes on the Danube" memorial reminds us of the Jewish Citizens who were shot on the banks of the river in the winter of 1944-45, and is an incredibly powerful visual of the shoes they left behind on the banks. It's near to the Hungarian Parliament Building, so you can easily combine visiting these two landmarks together.

   

   
   

9. St. Stephen's Basilica

   This gorgeous domed church is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Buffer Zone, and boasts gorgeous views from across Budapest. It's also got incredibly detailed interiors, showcasing the neoclassical style of the late 1800s. Tickets are 4900 HUF (about £11, or $15).

   
   

10. Ruin Bars

    The Ruin Bars are definitely one of the more unique elements to Budapest, and I highly recommend a visit to them. The bars are a collection of abandoned buildings that have been turned into individual bar stalls, amidst a load of graffiti, art, plants, repurposed furniture, and bright neon lights. Szimpla Kert is likely the most famous of all of them, and located centrally, perfect for a nightcap.

    

11. New York Cafe

    New York Cafe makes the bold proclamation that it's the most beautiful cafe in the world, and the architecture alone could make me believe that it's true. Whilst there is quite a lot of debate about whether or not the cafe is overhyped and overly expensive (in my opinion: it is, a bit), I do think it's worth a visit for the experience. Just don't come too hungry - save your large meals for much more affordable (and tasty) options nearby.

    

12. Christmas Markets

    One of the main reasons to visit Budapest in the Winter is for its amazing Christmas markets. Budapest hosts several iconic markets, but my favorites are Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen's Basilica, both with various food stalls, crafts, and even a light show at the basilica!

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Budapest is a gorgeous city, well worth a visit, and one of my new favorite underrated gems of Europe. Going at Winter time is a fantastic choice, due to the Christmas markets and the city's decorations, but I suspect it's gorgeous at any time of year!

Make sure to follow along with my travels and get more tips, inspiration, and recommendations at @elise.abroad on Instagram!