Soak, Sail, and Explore: The Ultimate Budapest Travel Guide
Budapest, Hungary has a way of stealing your heart. It’s the perfect balance of history, architecture, vibrant nightlife, and incredible food, all wrapped up along the Danube River. Ever since my first trip in 2019, Budapest has held a special place in my travel list, and going back again only confirmed that it’s one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
If you’re planning a trip, here are the must-dos for your Budapest itinerary:
Relax at the Thermal Baths: One of the most iconic things to do in Budapest is visiting Széchenyi Thermal Bath. These historic thermal baths are fed by natural hot springs and are located in City Park. You can soak in outdoor pools year-round, even in winter, which makes for a uniquely Hungarian experience. Book tickets in advance and go early to avoid peak crowds.
Cruise the Danube at Night: A dinner cruise along the Danube River gives you front row views of Budapest’s most famous landmarks, including the Parliament Building and Buda Castle, all beautifully lit up at night. It’s one of the most romantic and scenic ways to see the city and a must for first-time visitors. HERE is a link to the exact tour we did.
Grab Drinks With a View: Head to High Note SkyBar for cocktails with panoramic views over St. Stephen’s Basilica and the city skyline. It’s the perfect sunset spot and a great way to slow down and soak in Budapest from above.
Explore Buda Castle: Walk across the Chain Bridge and explore Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched above the city. The Castle District is full of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and some of the best viewpoints in Budapest. Plan at least a few hours to wander.
Experience Budapest’s Famous Ruin Bars: Budapest’s ruin bars are unlike anything else in Europe. Built inside abandoned buildings and decorated with eclectic art and mismatched furniture, they define the city’s nightlife. Szimpla Kert is the original and most famous ruin bar and absolutely worth a visit.
Eat Somewhere Unexpected: For something fun and different, grab a burger at The Magic Budapest, a Harry Potter-themed restaurant with immersive decor and surprisingly great food. It’s a quirky stop that adds personality to your Budapest itinerary.
Budapest truly offers something for every type of traveler. You can relax in thermal baths by day, explore centuries-old castles in the afternoon, and party in ruin bars by night. It’s affordable, walkable, and packed with culture, making it one of the best European city break destinations.
If you’re short on time, HERE is a link to the exact tour we did that allowed us to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Ready to plan your trip? Shoot me an email at hello@chasingescapes.com and we can start planning today!
