From its majestic bridges spanning the Danube River to its grandiose castles to its historical thermal baths, Budapest captivates visitors with its rich heritage and vibrant energy. Regarded as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, this enchanting city seamlessly blends its medieval past with modern flair, offering a myriad of attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, a thriving culinary scene, and a pulsating nightlife.
Situated along the banks of the Danube River, Budapest’s origins trace back to the merging of two historic towns: Buda, which sits on the hilly west bank of the Danube, and Pest, located on the flat east bank.
The history of Budapest is marked by a series of invasions, occupations, and revolutions. From Roman settlements to Ottoman rule and Habsburg dominance, Budapest has seen its share of conquests and conflicts.
The city reached its peak during the 19th century when it emerged as a vibrant cultural hub of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, witnessing the construction of iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge.
However, the 20th century brought turmoil to Budapest with World Wars, communist rule, and the 1956 uprising against Soviet control. The fall of communism in 1989 marked a turning point, ushering in an era of democratic governance, economic reform, and cultural revival.
Today, Budapest stands as a testament to resilience and renewal, blending its rich past with modern innovation. Visitors flock to the city to explore its magnificent architecture, relax in its thermal baths, and savour its vibrant culinary scene. With its bustling markets, lively festivals, and thriving arts scene, Budapest continues to captivate travellers from around the world.
Budapest offers plenty of entertainment all year round: from green parks and soothing thermal baths to architectural gems and fascinating museums.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Hungarian Parliament Building
Castle District
Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise
St Stephen's Basilica
Heroes' Square
Dohány Street Synagogue (The Great Synagogue)
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Hungarian State Opera
Aquaworld Aquapark
Margaret Island (Margitsziget)
City Park (Városliget)
Museum of Fine Arts
Palace of Arts (Müpa Budapest)
Citadella
Hungarian National Museum
House of Terror
Tram Line 2
Elizabeth Lookout Tower
Memento Park
Thanks to the geological features of the Carpathian Basin, Hungary is extremely rich in thermal springs, and the area of Budapest is no exception: the capital stretches across over 100 springs, many of them accessible to the public in beautiful historical buildings.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Gellért Thermal Bath
Rudas Thermal Bath
Palatinus Strand Baths
Veli Bej Bath
Lukács Baths
Dandár Thermal Bath
Csillaghegyi Baths
Paskál Spa & Swimming Pool
Pünkösdfürdői Open-air Baths
A gastronomic revolution has taken over Hungary in the past few years. New restaurants, bistros, and street food places have been opening on almost every corner of its capital city. Whether they want to have a multi-course meal while tasting the best wines of the country or prefer to grab a bite in a more casual place, visitors to Hungary will definitely find something for themselves in the large selection of venues for dining. From exquisite wine bars to unique and creative cooking courses and gastronomy festivals, the country offers an exciting spectrum to everyone who loves to eat.
Onyx
Gundel
Déryné
Menza
Costes Downtown
Fakanál
Borkonyha
Spinoza Café & Restaurant
Retro Lángos
Kék Rózsa
Lecsó
Leves.
Al Dente
Fecske Presszó
From opulent, fin de siècle cafes to new-wave coffee houses, Budapest never fails to entice lovers of caffeine. Confectioneries too abound to offer you traditional Hungarian desserts — make sure to try a good strudel or kürtőskalács, a spit cake best had with a cinnamon coating (look in markets or Váci street). Winter favourites include walnut puree with whipped cream and flódni, a traditional Hungarian Jewish pastry, filled with layers of apple, walnuts, poppy seeds, and plum jam.
Gerbeaud
New York Café
Centrál Grand Cafe & Bar
Művész Kávéház
Ruszwurm Confectionery
Gerlóczy Kávéház
Callas Café
Szamos Gourmet Ház
Auguszt Cukrászda
Hadik Café
Lumen Café
Fekete
Artigiana Gelati
Cafe Frei
Cserpes Tejivó
Fruska Bisztró
Cat Café
Ruin pubs in Budapest are having their heyday, as old abandoned buildings are given a second chance by being creatively transformed into quirky eclectic bars, having earned the city the nickname Party Capital of Europe.
Head to Deák Ferenc tér or get off the tram anywhere along the Grand Boulevard, and take to the streets of the fifth and seventh districts, the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods where parties and shots of pálinka never seem to come to an end.
Szimpla Kert
Pontoon
Spoon
Gozsdu Court
Instant-Fogas
A38
Kisüzem
Morrison's 2
Macska
Grandio Jungle Bar
4es6os Wesselényi
Upscale shopping streets, unique antique shops, and a vast selection of Western brands at convenient Eastern European prices have made Budapest a popular shopping destination. The city is also abundant in world-famous treasures of Hungarian origin, as porcelain manufacturers Herend and Zsolnay both have a factory shop here.
Váci Street
Great Market Hall
Andrássy Avenue
Fashion Street
Retrock
Westend
Ecseri Flea Market
Best Time to Visit
Hungary has a mild continental climate with considerable differences in temperature between the summer and winter seasons. The warmest months are June to August with averages above 25°C, while they tend to drop below zero around December and January. Rainfall is to be expected all year round, but especially in May, June, and in the autumn season from September to November.
There is a plethora of activities to do in and around Budapest all year round. The Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square is noted amongst the most beautiful in Europe, while the Sziget Fesztivál held every August features a lineup that attracts visitors from all over the world year by year.
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Passport/Visa
Hungary can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend that you contact the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
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Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is situated 16 km southeast of the city. There are various transportation options to the city centre. Public transport, including bus lines 100E and 200E, provides convenient access from the airport to key locations like Deák Ferenc Square and Kőbánya-Kispest metro station. Tickets can be purchased and validated directly on the bus.
Additionally, travellers can utilize the train service from Ferihegy station to Nyugati railway station, with connections to Terminal 2 via bus 200E. The official airport shuttle service, miniBUD, offers comfortable transfers to and from Budapest's districts, while taxis and car rental options are also available for passengers' convenience.
Address: Budapest Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér
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Phone: +36 1 296 7000
Website: www.bud.hu/en
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Public Transport
Public transportation in Budapest is provided by BKK. Tickets and passes can be purchased from purple ticket machines near the stops or on board. A single ticket is only valid for a single journey excluding any changes (except within the same metro station), so it is worth buying a pass valid for a selected number of days.
Budapest has a very well-connected public transportation system, but apart from a few sights, it is easy to explore on foot. The four metro lines as well as trams 2, 4, and 6 can be used to the major sights of the city.
Budapest is served by four railway stations for regional transport: Keleti, Déli, Nyugati, and Kelenföld, whereas the national bus terminal is found at Népliget.
For information on timetables and tickets, visit BKK's website.
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Website: https://bkk.hu/en
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Taxi
Contact any of the operators below:
Budapest Taxi
+36 1 777 7777
Főtaxi
+36 1 222 2222
6x6 Taxi
+36 1 666 6666
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Post
Postal services in Hungary are provided by Magyar Posta. Most post offices in Budapest are open from 7 am or 8 am until 6 pm. Letterboxes in the country are in the colour red.
Address: Budapest 62 Nyugati postahivatal, Budapest, Teréz körút 51
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Phone: +36 1 312 1200
Website: www.posta.hu
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Telephone
Country code: +36
Area code: 1
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Electricity
230V/50 Hz. Type F plug.
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Pharmacy
One of the main pharmacy chains in Budapest is called Benu, boasting multiple locations across the city.
Address: Benu Pharmacy, Budapest, Irányi utca 15
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Phone: +36 1 266 2952
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