Budapest is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Budapest is one of those cities where every type of visitor can find something for themselves. The medieval buildings with fantastic architecture, the thermal baths that warm you, the colorful nightlife, the cuisine of many flavors, and the Danube River that you can’t stop gazing upon make Budapest one of the places you must visit. Compared to many other European cities, it is also very cheap.
Budapest is not only the capital but also the heart of Hungary. It is a striking city, created from the merger of the historic towns of Buda and Pest. Budapest should definitely be on your list of places to visit if you are looking for a different place to explore.
Places to Visit in Budapest
Life in Budapest dates back to the Stone Age. As the city is an ancient settlement, there are many places to visit. Budapest is a great city to see because it has been part of many great civilizations, from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire. Suppose you are looking for a quiet holiday away from the crowds. In that case, you can visit between late March and early May or late September and early November. However, if you prefer to mingle with the crowds and have fun in the packed nightclubs, the summer months are the ideal time to visit Budapest.
Varnegyed
Varnegyed is the castle quarter of the city. It is also the oldest part of Budapest. There are many magnificent buildings located here. Varnegyed is also the most visited region. You should visit Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle. Matthias Church is the most visited church in the country. It was built in the 11th century. Fisherman’s Bastion is a couple of minutes away from Matthias Church. It was built for fortification. The Bastion has a breathtaking Danube and Budapest view. You’ll be amazed by the architecture of the castle. It was built in the 13th century and is now home to one of the most prominent museums in the country. The Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery are inside Buda Castle.
Heroes’ Square
This is the most extensive landmark of the city. Millenary Monument is the main attraction of the Square. The monument was erected in 1896 for the celebration of the country’s 1000th anniversary. You’ll admire the statues of Archangel Gabrial and seven great Magyar leaders. Walking to the Museum of Fine Arts from here is also possible. If you want to escape a more tranquil place, you can visit the City Park after Heroes’ Square.
Danube River
The legendary Danube River, which stretches from Germany to Ukraine and from there to the Black Sea, is one of the most exciting places in Budapest, as you can imagine. The Danube is the largest river in Europe after the Volga in Russia. It is one of the aspects that adds to the beauty of Budapest. The Danube is a vast river that flows through 11 different countries and is home to more than 80 million people living in the cities on its banks. There are several river tours in the city. Especially if you take a tour at sunset, you can enjoy beautiful views of the river and the city.
Best Hotels to Stay in Budapest 🏨
There is a wide range of hotels in Budapest, so there is plenty of choice of accommodation. However, you should be more careful if you plan to visit the city during the summer when the number of tourists is high. At this time of year, there may be a problem with the availability of rooms in the hotel of your choice. In order to avoid this, it is essential that you make your reservation in advance. If you are looking for a hotel for your vacation, here are Budapest’s best hotels.
InterContinental Budapest, an IHG Hotel 🔗
The InterContinental Budapest is located right on the banks of the Danube River. It has a magnificent view of the city. As well as offering a complete holiday experience, the hotel is also situated in a very convenient location. Many parts of the city are within walking distance of the InterContinental. It is also one of the most luxurious hotels in Budapest. The hotel has an indoor hot water pool for visitors to enjoy. ARZ Lebanese, situated within the hotel, offers the finest tastes of Lebanese cooking. If you are looking for where to stay in Budapest, InterContinental is an excellent option.
Budapest Marriott Hotel 🔗
Budapest Marriott Hotel is one of the most magnificent hotels in the city. Guests can enjoy the boasting Danube River view from the hotel’s all 364 rooms. The hotel’s culinary services are simply superb. The DNB Budapest Modern Hungarian Wine Bar & Kitchen serves healthy meals daily using locally produced products. The restaurant also has an excellent selection of wines. Try The Liz & Chain, the hotel’s bar, for something different. Liz & Chain has a musical programmer. It serves a wide range of vodka and exceptional beers from local brewers. The bar is located on the 9th floor of the hotel. It has a beautiful view of the river. Another place that attracts the attention of visitors is the spa center. It would not be surprising to find a spa in a hotel in a famous city for its thermal waters. While enjoying a wonderful holiday at the Budapest Marriott Hotel, you can also rejuvenate yourself in the spa salon. Budapest Marriott Hotel is the best place to stay in Budapest by far.
Corinthia Budapest 🔗
If you want to stay in an Art Nouveau building built in the 1800s, then you should choose Corinthia Budapest. This jaw-dropping, massive building has a beautiful yet intimidating façade. The hotel is located in the V. district of the city, which is the best district to stay in Budapest. The best tourist attractions, like Buda Castle, Széchenyi Baths, and Heroes’ Square, are within walking distance. But you can also choose to relax in the thermal spa of Corinthia. The hotel has a magnificent spa in Art Nouveau style. Corinthia Budapest offers an unforgettable vacation experience. You will not want to leave the hotel as soon as you step in.
Places to Visit in Budapest for Couples
Budapest is one of the best holiday destinations for couples, with its rich culture, long history, and excellent urban structure. Suppose you like discovering new cultures and history rather than lying on a seaside beach. In that case, Budapest is the place for you. Although it is not the first destination of the newlyweds, it is one of the places that couples should not miss.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Széchenyi is a 375-meter-long bridge over the Danube, linking the old towns of Buda and Peste. It was stated to have been built in 1840 and was completed nine years later. It was heavily damaged during WWII. It was reconstructed again, and today it is an impressive place to visit. It is possible to see the original line statues on both sides of the entrance. Many couples take selfies over the bridge with the view of the Danube River. You can drive, cycle or walk across the bridge. You’ll be amazed by the breathtaking view if you visit the bridge during the golden hours. It is possible to see the Hungarian Parliament or Buda Castle from the bridge.
Thermal Baths
Budapest might be known as the Star of the Danube, but this isn’t the only motto for the city. It is also the City of Baths. They’re called “fürdok” in Hungarian. There are over a hundred thermal baths and springs around the city. Some believe the springs of Budapest have healing effects. Some of the baths turned into a nightclub after sunset. You can enjoy hot spring water while dancing to music and enjoying your cocktail. Széchenyi Baths are the most extensive thermal baths in Europe. If you want to enjoy it with hot water in an Art Nouveau architecture adorned with art deco details, you should visit Gellért Spa. It is a one-of-a-kind experience in the world. Visiting baths as a couple is one of the most fun things you can do in Budapest.
Gellért Hill
Gellért Hill has a breathtaking view of Budapest and the Danube. At the height of 235 meters, there are many places to visit on this hill. You can discover some of the world’s most special plants during a beautiful walk in the arboretum on the hill. You can also visit a church built in a cave over the hill. Liberty Statue is also erected over the hill. In the 1000’s it is believed that an Italian monk pushed St. Gerrard off the hill. It is one of the main tourist attractions of the city. There are also some other statues sprinkled over the hill. You can have an unforgettable time as a couple in Gellért Hill.
Best Hotels to Stay in Budapest for Couples 🏩
When you go on holiday to Budapest as a couple, there are many places to stay. Accommodation options range from adult-only hotels to the most luxurious hotels imaginable. Here are the best hotels for couples where to stay in Budapest.
Hotel Clark Budapest 🔗
The adults-only Hotel Clark Budapest is located in the best area to stay in Budapest. Since it is an adults-only hotel, Hotel Clark Budapest is one of the most popular hotels for couples. Famous sights such as St. Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle are all within walking distance. It also has a small bistro called Leo Bistro. But suppose you want to spend a romantic evening with unique cocktails overlooking the city. In that case, you can choose the terrace bar, Leo. The hotel also has a sauna. To get rid of the tiredness of the day and to relax, you can spend a couple of time in the sauna.
Hilton Budapest 🔗
Budapest has many breathtaking historic buildings, and one of them is a Dominican abbey. But the abbey is also Hilton Budapest. You can have a dream vacation in an ancient monastery. One of the hotel’s best features is that it is located in Varnegyed, the best location to stay in Budapest. When you wake up in the morning, you might be gazing out of your room at Matthias Church or the Fisherman’s Bastion. The city’s most spectacular views fill your hotel room thanks to the rooms’ vast windows. Hilton Budapest is also within walking distance of Pest, the more modern part of the city. If you want to enjoy the colorful nightlife of the town and party with the crowd, Hilton is a great place where to stay in Budapest for nightlife. You can enjoy the most delicious Hungarian cuisine at the on-site LANG Bistro & Grill or enjoy great wines at the Lobby Café & Bar. Hilton Budapest has a beautiful spa center. You can relax and rejuvenate while discovering new places during your holiday.
Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company 🔗
Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company is the most preferred hotel for couples. The Aurea Ana Palace is a hotel where you can simply pamper yourself during your visit to the city. The hotel’s spa and wellness center have a sauna, thermal bath, Turkish bath, gym, and bar. If you want to visit the city by car, you can use the hotel’s car rental service. However, thanks to the hotel’s central location, many of the city’s major attractions are within walking distance, such as St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament, and the Hungarian State Opera House. Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company is the best hotel in Budapest, Hungary, for couples.
Best Places to Visit in Budapest with Kids
At first, having a family vacation in Budapest might sound awkward, but the city is an excellent place for families. There are many great places in the city to visit with kids. You can enjoy in a zoo, explore the town’s rich history, visit great galleries, or have fun in a lush green park.
The Museum of Fine Arts is located in the City Park. It is possible to find early Hungarian art in the museum’s main exhibition. There are also Ancient Egypt antiquities and paintings from some of the most influential painters in Europe. You can run into one of the many temporary exhibitions during your vacation. Kids will be hypnotized inside the galleries of the museum.
Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
Any zoo is an exciting place for a kid. Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden will be the same. Budapest Zoo has several features that set it apart from other European zoos. Budapest Zoo is located in the center of the city. This makes it easy to get around. Another feature of the zoo is that it is one of the old buildings. Instead of demolishing the old building and replacing it with a more modern place, the structure of the city zoo was preserved and modernized. For this reason, it is possible to see some of the city’s most important Art Nouveau buildings in the zoo. Budapest Zoo is the oldest zoo in Hungary and one of the oldest in the world. Today there are more than 1000 species of animals in the zoo. There are also exotic creatures, such as Komodo dragons and tigers, which may interest kids.
Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament building is a fascinating place that young and old alike love to visit. It is the most famous landmark in Hungary. Its construction started in 1885 and took 19 years to complete. Located by the eastern bank of the Danube, it has a charming façade. The parliament building is also the largest in the country. The neo-Gothic style building is considered a symbol of the country. Today the building is still home to the country’s national assembly. You can also see the crown jewels of Hungary. You can be sure that the kids will be amazed at the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Best Hotels to Stay in Budapest with Kids 👨👩👧👧
If you visit Budapest with kids, accommodation is one of the most essential things during your vacation. Hotels with playgrounds or workshops for kids, well-lit massive rooms, and large beds to comfort the whole family are a plus. Here are the best hotels for families with kids in Budapest.
Radisson Blu Béke Hotel 🔗
Radisson Blu Béke located at the heart of the city. It is easy to walk many landmarks with kids. State Opera House or Andrassy Avenue is like just around the corner. It is the best place to stay in Budapest for first-time visitors thanks to its convenient location. The on-site restaurant offers exquisite tastes. You can enjoy the Hungarian kitchen during your vacation. Spacious and well-lit rooms are great for kids. You’ll have an unforgettable holiday at Radisson Blu Béke Hotel.
Stories Boutique Hotel 🔗
At first, a boutique hotel might not sound like an ideal place for kids. But Stories Boutique Hotel is different. The hotel has an indoor greenhouse in the lobby. The kids can’t take their eyes off the large green plants. The hotel is also located in one of the best neighborhoods in Budapest. It is to reach Hungarian State Opera, Dohany Street Synagogue, or Hungarian National Museum.
Queen’s Court Hotel & Residence 🔗
If you want to have a dream-like family vacation in a luxurious hotel in Budapest, you shouldn’t look for another place besides the Queen’s Court Hotel & Residence. Queens Court Hotel & Residence offers massive rooms for families. There is also an indoor pool, a neo-classical spa area, and a hot tub. Kids will enjoy in the hot water pool. On-site Chess Restaurant & Bar offers a wide range of meals and wines. Queen’s Court Hotel & Residence is in the heart of the city. It is easy to reach many tourist hot spots from the hotel.