Budapest spots

Sights you definitely don’t want to miss —(or, at least some of them)

Parliament – you can also tour the inside, but you have to book online. If you’re impressed with the building from the outside, you’ll likely be just as impressed from the beauty on the inside. If you have a bit of time, and don’t mind spending money, take the tour. I’d even do it again.

💎 Budapest hidden gem tip:If you take tram 2 which is on the Pest side (same side as the Parliament) and sit on the side of the river, you get beautiful views of the Buda side of the city. For instance you get on tram 2 at Margaret Bridge and take it near Central Market Hall (or vice versa)

Margaret bridge has a beautiful view of the parliament. Another Budapest 💎 hidden gem tip: If you walk half way down the bridge, keep your eye on the Parliament building, you have a perfect view and a good photo opp. Also along this bridge you can enter Margaret island which is a pretty little spot to walk around especially if you want to feel like you’re in need of a little greenery.

Castle + Fishermans Bastion area – nice walk and view of the city. If you enjoy museums keep in mind the castle has an art museum too. Make sure to keep an eye on the views up here, such great views from above of the Pest side of the city.

There are several spas or thermal baths in Budapest or Hungary as a whole. You’ll have a lot of choices. Two popular choices are:

Gellert– just walking in the lobby its incredible to look at. It’s actually the only one I visited in my few years living there. It was so relaxing and I told myself I’d go monthly to relax, I never did though.

Szechenyi – also in this same park you have Hero’s Square, a park with a little castle,  a nice art gallery on the left side. This is probably the most famous and picture perfect. If there’s one to visit and you want the experience but to take photos too, this might be the right choice.

Gellert Hill also has a beautiful view. It’s a little bit of a walk up hill, so keep that in mind. It is such a perfect view of Budapest. It’s worth the walk, if you can handle a short-ish walk uphill. According to Google Maps from Gellert Thermal Bath up the hill its about 20 minutes, depending where you want to walk too. (it’s an especially pretty walk in the fall) Great spot for sunset, and I suppose sunrise too.

Central Market Hall – a definite visit for any visit to Budapest. Gifts to bring back home or trinkets for yourself. There are also food stalls upstairs. This is a good spot to get langos, ! It’s a fun atmosphere to check out.

A lot of friends enjoy boat cruises, if you want to see the city from the water or just enjoy boat rides, they have boat cruises along the Danube. 

Budapest Coffee spots

Cafe Frei – there are several locations. It has a fun menu at reasonable prices and a fun interior. I always hoped to work my way through the whole menu, never made it.

Dorado Cafe – a fun spot for coffee and breakfast.

Marodi Cukraszda – If you want to try tasty cakes, this is a great spot for that, decent coffee as well.

Magvető Café – If you love books and coffee this coffee shop in a book store is worth it.

New York Cafe – is very beautiful and popular, but it’s expensive. It’s a fun tourist thing to do, people love the experience. If you just want take in the nice view, you can likely enter through the hotel.

Cafe Gerbeaud– also very beautiful, a little pricey too. Similar vibes maybe to the New York Cafe. These spots are worth it if you want to sit in a fancy feeling spot and enjoy coffee and cake. 

Molnár’s kürtőskalács– a place to try the famous chimney cakes. Delicious!

Budapest Food + Drinks Spots

Tüköry Etterem – typical Hungarian food in a kind of no frills feeling place. Still cute atmosphere and a good meal. I would order chicken paprika or goulash here.

Cafe Csiga on Vásár street – They have breakfast, lunch and dinners. One of my fave places to eat at, for any meal. It’s got a great vibe, good food and drink choices. If you’re a beer fan, this is a good spot to try draft local beer.

Drum Cafe – maybe a little touristy, but i loved the Hungarian food here. 

Mazel Tov – a really cool spot, but check the menu it’s not for everyone. It’s not typical Hungarian food. But, such a cool spot.

Két Szerecsen – serving Hungarian dishes and tapas style food. Really nice atmosphere and tasty food.

Szimpla – this is the most famous ruin pub. Has lots of different rooms to sit in, but worth looking around too. And they hv different little bars for wine, beer or cocktails.

Ráday street has some cool restaurants and bars along it too. Well worth checking out and finding a spot to settle in too.

Parisi Udvar – beautiful cafe in a hotel for coffee and/or drinks. Great classy spot for cocktails.

Blue Fox The Bar – really delicious cocktails. Serving maybe a perfect Margarita.

What to Try in Budapest

Hungarian Lemonade – most restaurants and cafes will have them. Unlike lemonade in other places I’ve come across so far.

Langos – a fried circular bread (similar to Indian fry bread in the US) served with different toppings, such as cheese and sour cream.

Goulash – typical stew like dish.

Chicken Paprika – a tasty dish often served with pasta.

All of the suggestions here are places I would suggest to any friends visiting Budapest. And, they’re places I would return to. And, things I would do, try, return to again and again after living there for nearly 4 years. Budapest has a ton of great spots, even wandering around, you’ll find a quiet spot to sit and think, wow i’m in Budapest!