Budapest Destination Guide

Captivating history, stunning restaurants and a charming atmosphere make Budapest a fantastic option for tourists.

Exceptional scenery, sophisticated charm and cosmopolitan glamour make Budapest one of Europe’s most romantic destinations.

Split by the breathtaking Danube river, this location was previously two separate cities: Buda and Pest. These two eventually joined up in 1873, but they have managed to keep their same unique personalities that made them so popular centuries ago.

Buda features some of the city’s best architecture and landmarks. You can take a stroll around the eye-catching Castle Hill area and gain a great insight into the district’s decorated history, before relaxing in one of the many extraordinary restaurants.

On the other hand, Pest boasts a livelier atmosphere on the eastern side of the Danube. Full of excellent shops, restaurants and cafes, the region is a fantastic place to stay and puts you right in the centre of everything going on in the city.

What are the local customs?

Before venturing away to Budapest, there are a few things travellers should be aware of to get the most out of their trip.

Firstly, Hungarian is the native language in the city. Many of the people you will encounter are likely to speak English, but it could be useful to understand some of the key phrases to improve communication. As well as this, try to look people in the eye when talking to them as looking away can be perceived as being rude.

Tipping is expected in restaurants here, too. Generally, ten per cent of the bill should be provided for good service and up to 15 per cent is expected for outstanding treatment. Many eateries do already include a service charge in the bill, though. If this is the case, you will not need to offer a tip.

Getting Around

With many walking tours available in the city, it’s clear that Budapest is easy to wander around on foot. A leisurely stroll can provide tourists with amazing sights and sounds they would miss by being stuck in the traffic.

For those who want to get from A to B quickly, there is a fantastic public transport network operated by BKV, featuring buses, trams and trolleybuses. Services tend to run from every two minutes to every 15 minutes, providing reliable connections across Budapest’s many wonderful attractions. A highly efficient night bus is also available to help travellers get back to their hotel safely in the early hours.

What to see

The list of things to do in Budapest seems like it never ends. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful stroll along the river, do some clothes shopping or pick up food bargains at the market, you can do them all and more in the Hungarian capital.

We’ve touched on it before, but the River Danube will be arguably number one on most tourists’ lists. Perfect for an evening stroll or a daytime wander, there are many delights placed along the magnificent stretch of water. You will walk past the powerful Shoes on the Danube memorial, honouring the Jews killed in World War 2, while the Hungarian Parliament Building is definitely worth a visit for its Gothic Revival aesthetic.

Of course, the Chain Bridge that connects the two sides of the city is an attraction in itself, where you can take advantage of some majestic views. The Fisherman’s Bastion in the Castle Hill area is another must-see attraction, providing unforgettable views of the entire city that are fit for a postcard. The legendary Buda Castle is just a short walk away, too.

For shopping, Pest is the place to be. Vaci Street offers a range of high-street shops, restaurants and cafes and runs from Vorosmarty Square to Vamhaz Korut, which is just in front of the Central Market Hall where some delicious local food can be purchased.

Overall, the city has a very safe and welcoming atmosphere. Some of the best sights are found simply by grabbing a map, wandering the streets and gaining an insight into the Hungarian culture.

Where to eat and drink

Budapest is full of things to do in the evening, catering for all kinds of tourists whether they want to party the night away or relax with a delicious meal or drink.

Morrison’s 2 is one of the most popular clubs in the city and boasts five floors of dance music. The atmosphere here is absolutely electric and regular drink promotions make it friendly for those on a budget.

If you’re looking to splash your cash on a fancy meal or want a relaxing drink in somewhere oozing class, Baraka should be top of your list. Split into a gastro cocktail bar and a stylish restaurant, the eatery has an excellent range of delicacies. With menus focused on combining far-eastern recipes with European taste, the mouth-watering dishes here are truly unique.

However, if you’re working with a smaller budget, you still have plenty of choice in Budapest. Tuning Bar and burger is an excellent option for tourists who want something familiar at an affordable price. The burgers here are simply enormous and a great pick-me-up for those tired legs. The KonyvBar Restaurant is another excellent eatery, serving cheap and delectable meals and drinks in a library-themed room, it offers an experience like no other!